I have recently been reading a book about my Great-Great Grandfather William Jordan Flake. I have had this book since the year I was born. It was a Christmas gift from my Grandma Gerda Flake. I am kind of ashamed I've waited this long in my life to read it. It is a great, fun easy read. It reminded me of the book These is my Words. I have enjoyed it. I learned that William J., his wife and his children sacrificed much to build up not only Snowflake but several other towns in north Eastern Arizona--Concho, Nurtrioso, Springrville and Showlow. He was also called an apostate for a time.
There are a couple of cool stories I'd like to share from the book.
The first is of William J. being present in Salt Lake when crickets were threatening to devour their badly needed crops and how sea gulls came and ate the crickets, saving the crops. Here is the account:
"William, now eleven years old had to take the part of a man. He herded cows down on the Sandy, during the winter of 1849 and 1850. He well remembered the coming of the crickets. He, with most every one else, was out fighting them, to try and save the little crop they had. To lose the crop meant starvation. They fought until the people began to fall from exhaustion and the crickets came in ever increasing numbers. They saw it was a losing battle; then the Lord interceded in their behalf. Although it was a bright day, a shadow fell over the fields, and a noise of wings came nearer; they wondered if it was a new calamity. They looked up and the sky was full of gulls. For a moment they stood in wonder. Then the birds lit right at their feet, paid no attention to the people, but began picking up the crickets. The people stood in awe, and witnessed the salvation of the Lord.
"The gulls were so tame, that one could reach down and pick them up. You all know the story, how when they filled their craw, they flew to the stream, drank and disgorged and went back to their work, and never quit until the fields were cleaned. Then they flew away. That great manifestation from the Lord has not, nor will it be forgotten. On Temple Square in Salt Lake is the only monument ever to be built and dedicated to the memory of a bird" (William J. Flake Pioneer - Colonizer, p. 16). More about this miracle can be found HERE.
The other think I like to share is an account about how William J. and his sons were the first people to have work done in the Salt Lake Temple when it was dedicated.
"On April 8th at 7 A. M. all of the family that were in Salt Lake went to the Temple to do some work; Prudence to be Blessed for her health, and Father and Mother to have two sons, who were not born under the Covenant, sealed to them, James Madison and William Melvin. After President Joseph F. Smith performed the ceremony he said, 'Brother James your name will go down on the great record as the first work in this new Temple.' Then turning to Father, he said, "Isn't it nice, Brother Flake, your name will go down on the record as the first work done in this great Temple. That is a great credit to you, Brother Flake.' And it was not only a credit but an honor. Many L.D.S. people would have given much to have had that honor. To him it came unsolicited. His great colonization work was bearing fruit." (William J. Flake Pioneer - Colonizer, p. 131).
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