Friday... Faces- mystery letter

Christopher Weaver was born  the son of  a shoemaker.  He was born on the brink of the Industrial revolution in England on December 23, 1842. Earlier that year his parents James and Elizabeth met Mormon Missionaries in the streets on High Street who preached the restored gospel led by a living prophet.  They accepted that truth the very day they heard it in March 1842. Their son, David was born two days before Christmas and his given name Christopher reflects his parents' love of the Savior and the gospel.

 Christopher joined the first generation to be born into the church. The Weaver family embarked upon their journey to join the Saints in Zion from the Liverpool Docks on April 29th 1865 boarding the ship, the Bell Wood.  Christopher was 23 years old and aboard the ship was 11 year old Ellen Jackson  who would one day become his wife. Christopher watched Ellen grow up leaving behind pigtails and pinafores. They were married on October 21, 1872 in Nebraska City. In 1874 the young couple made their home in Lost Creek for two years before joining their family in Layton, Utah on Easy Street.  Their children grew and married and had children of their own.  Christopher's many talents brought prosperity and growth to their family farm.  Ellen welcomed everyone with her beautiful flowers daffodils, lilacs and peonies in the spring and roses, pansies and hollyhocks in the summer.  Her  delicious cooking drew her family near.  Ellen and Christopher led exemplary lives with testimonies that continue to influence the lives of their posterity.  

(A mystery letter taped to a dusty chair- waiting for 20 years to be opened.) After Marjorie Weaver's husband (Dean Jeffs) passed away in 2013, the children and grandchildren were looking through Dean's basement. There was a chair in the corner with a dusty envelope taped to the seat. On the front of the letter in red handwriting was, "Grandfather Christopher Weaver". What was in this letter and who wrote it?! We couldn't wait to find out. This is what the letter contained:



In 1992 , Marjorie, Daughter of Ellen and Christopher penned this letter,

8 Aug. 1992  "Grandfather Christopher Weaver and Grandmother Ellen Jackson Weaver each had one of these chairs. They used them in a small room with a window on the North side of the home. Granddad built a small narrow but long table on the North side of the room and the coal shed & kindling shed were North of the home also. I had the responsibility of getting the kindling for Mother & Dad ?, Granddad Chris and Grandmother Ellen. Many, many times as I walked to the coal & kindling sheds I would see Grandad Chris & Grandmother Ellen sitting eating their evening meal - we called it supper, sitting on one of these chairs. As a child I worked hard but had rich experiences. Whoever takes this chair, love it and respect it. I am 75+ years old now. My time on earth is far spent. Let us all strive to be together in Eternity! With all my heart I love you all!!! Most sincerely Grandmother Marjorie Weaver J. The chair is now in the care of Clinton Bruce Jeffs in his home in Syracuse, UT. It's such a miracle this letter was left unread for over 20 years!"
  

Christopher Weaver 1842-1926 • Ellen Jackson 1854-1931 • Marjorie Weaver 1917-1998

A few years ago, I came across this quote by the prophet of my childhood, Ezra Taft Benson

"As parents and grandparents in Zion, it has been the shared hope of my wife and me that all of us will be together in the eternities—that all will be worthy, without a single empty chair."

SInce that time, I have been drawn to old chairs and now I have found my favorite- the chair of Christopher Weaver.  I am sure he would readily concur with President Benson , "No Empty Chairs."