Jacob BAUM

                   NOTE:Agnes Nancy Harris was born 24 September, 1794, in Locklein, Scotland. She had an adopted brother, Haslop Harris, and the following brothers and sisters: Janet, John, Jane, Elizabeth, William, David, Robert and Rachel.
Her parents and the two girls came to America and settled in Brandywine, Pennsylvania. Her father was very wealthy and they lived in a 3 story brick home, with forest behind and a river and small lake in front. The house had a long porch which overlooked the lake. It was a very beautiful home but all that is left now is the foundation of the house. The forest is still there and the lake is now Marsh Lake which is part of the state park called Marsh Creek Park. (You can drive on Creek Road Hy 282 and turn on Lyndell Rd. to find the Park.)
The family was strong Presbyterians. Agnes Nancy married Jacob Baum, of German decent on 12 October 1826, in Brandywine Maner, Chester Co., Pennsylvania. He was also a well to do farmer, a professional weaver of material and beautiful bedspreads.
They had the following children all born in Brandywine, Pennsylvania:
Ellen was born 9 June 1829 and died the same day.Jacob was born 30 December 1830. (He only lived until August of 1833. A note in Jacob Baum's temple book indicate that he ate some poisonous berries that caused his death. Great sorrow filled the household because of his death.)Jane was born 2 July 1832.Elizabeth was born 27 January 1834.Jacob Harris was born 29 May 1836. (Jacob and Agnes felt this son was to help fill the void of their first sons loss. After careful consideration, they named him the same name except added Harris.)Janet Rachel was born 17 July 1837.
Jacob had to have his breakfast before daylight, then he would rest an hour before work. While the family was at breakfast he read a chapter from the Bible each morning. He then gave thanks and a blessing on the food before he ate. Only the Bible could be read on the Sabbath, as it was a sacred day.
Agnes was a fine flax spinner and weaver and she was expert with needle and crochet hook.
In 1839 Jacob joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Agnes was baptized into the church 12 February 1840. There was a lot of persecution against the Mormons as the members of this church were called. Jacob and Agnes decided to sell all they had, their home, farm, everything and go to Nauvoo to live with the Saints. They did this in 1841.
Her father was very upset with Agnes joining this new church and when he drew up his will on the 9th day of February 1842, disinheriting her with the following statement, "I give and bequeath to my daughter Agnes, wife of Jacob Baum, ten dollars, believing as I do that any greater sum would be squandered in maintaining what I consider a perfect delusion, for as such I consider the doctrines and practices of Mormonism." He bequeathed to his other children, grandchildren and wife his large estate and holdings. Agnes must have felt bad but she told her family, "I would rather have the truth and my testimony than all his wealth. (His will is at the Court House in West Chester, Pennsylvania, dated February 9, 1842 and proved March 6, 1847.
She knew the prophet Joseph Smith well, and Emma, his wife. When he was killed, Jacob and Agnes took their family with them to the Mansion House where Joseph's and Hyrum's bodies lay. They and their children wept at the bier of their beloved prophet. They were also at the meeting when Sidney Rigdon, a counselor to the prophet asked for the people to vote him as the new president of the church. Brigham Young rose to speak and as he spoke in humility his voice sounded like the prophets and some who were there said, "Joseph has come back again." Others saw the mantle of the prophet fall on Brigham Young and they knew he was the chosen one of God to lead his people. Joseph had already been taught by God that the twelve apostles would lead the church with the President of the twelve conducting until such time as a new president should be selected by them through prayer and revelation and then voted on by the people. The experience at the meeting confirmed to everyone that God had indeed chosen Brigham Young to lead the people.
Persecution followed. Houses and fields were burned, and finally an extermination order was given that all must leave Nauvoo. Once again, they packed their wagons, leaving many things behind that could not be taken and left for the unknown west, with a prayer in their hearts that God would lead them to Zion where they could live in peace and happiness.
On May 16, 1846, they went to Madison and crossed the Mississippi River and started on the trek through Iowa.
Jacob was chosen to establish the Garden Grove Land Mark and oversee the planting of crops and vegetables, building temporary homes, barns, fences, and seeing that food was sufficient. Agnes became ill and did not seem to improve. They finally left for Council Bluff, Iowa. She was not well on the journey and died 11 September 1846 at Council Bluff and is buried there.
This beautiful woman sacrificed everything she had to serve the Lord. Her family disinherited her, she left good homes to live in small cabins etc., she struggled to raise her children under hardships, she gave her life for the gospel of Jesus Christ. God blessed her husband and children, they were faithful and grew up to honor her name and also to live the gospel. May her name forever be blessed