| 188 to inform you, that her husband, Elder James Burnham, is dead; and as you are acquinted [acquainted] with his history, she desires you would notice his death in your paper. I have this moment returned from a visit to see her, and found that deep affliction is her present lot. She gave me a letter from Brother Phineas Richards, (I think he is a brother to Dr. Richards of Nauvoo) which states, that Elder Burnham after leaving Illinois, visited his mother in the east part of the State of New York; thence traveling east, he visited some branches of the church, and built up new ones in Massachusetts, where his labors were very abundant which brought on indisposition that terminated in a quick consumption. He died after being confined six weeks and five days, without a struggle or a groan, at Richmond Massachusetts, 22nd of last March, in the 46th year of his age. The next day, he was removed to West Stockbridge in the same state, where he was intered [interred]. The letter goes on to state, that Brother Burnham had his right mind to the moment of his death, excepting a short time, about four days before, he was a little wandering; in which time, he clearly manifested what was foremost in his mind, for he was constantly preaching, and praying, or in some kind of devotion. He was perfectly resigned, during his illness, and longed for the time, (as he knew it must shortly be) when he should be present with the Lord.
Yours, Benjamin Andrews.
Macedonia, April, 23d 1843.
The above painful intelligence will be read with sorrow by a large circle of the deceased's friends. We have been personally acquainted with Brother Burnham upwards of three years. He went over to England about three years ago, and started from thence on a mission to Wales, where he was very successful in bringing many to the knowledge of the glorious principles of eternal truth. About twelve months ago he returned to this land rejoicing, bringing many of "his sheaves with him." We were not aware until we received this letter that after having been gone from his friends and home so long, that he had again forsook the bosom of his friends, entered the field, and performed so great a work as we are here informed of. We know that he shrunk not from toil, but hardly expected that he would have renewed his labors so soon; his form however could not sustain so great labor, and he has sunk under the burthen [burden]; he has died in the cause of God; and dying proclaimed the truth of the gospel, which he preached while living. He has left a faithful wife, and several amiable children to mourn his loss with whom we deeply sympathise [sympathize]. In this afflictive dispensation we must submit to the wise behest of Jehovah, and in taking leave of him until the resurrectisn [resurrection] morn, as a tribute of respect we must say, he slumbers with the dead, "peace be to his ashes."-ED.
March 27th, 1843.
To the Editor of the Times and Seasons.
Beloved Brother Taylor:-I write to inform you that we held a conference at Johnson's Creek, Hartland, Niagara county, New York yesterday, the 26th inst., at the house of Brother Brown, according to previous notice.
After the conference convened, Elder A Montgomery arose and stated the object of the meeting. On motion, Elder Montgomery was chosen to preside over the meeting, and John Bell chosen clerk.
Conference was opened by singing and prayer, by Elder Montgomery, and the fifeenth [fifteenth] chapter of John was read by the president.
After proper instructions had been given by the president, relative to the different ordinances, viz: confirmation, ordination, the sacrament of the Lord's supper, the blessing of children, the gathering, &c.; the president proceeded to confirm five members, which had previously been baptized.
Motioned by A. Montgomery, and seconded by Brother Brecken, that Brother Bell, Brother Stars, and Brother Brown, be ordained elders.
Motioned by A. Montgomery, and seconded by Brother Bell, that Brother Brecken be ordained priest.
Elder Montgomery then proceeded to ordain the above named persons.
Motioned by Elder Montgomery and seconded by Brother Bell, that this branch of the Church be called the 'Johnson Creek Branch,' of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
On a motion made by Elder Montgomery and seconded by Brother Bell, it was
Resolved, That minutes and proceedings of this conference be sent to Nauvoo, with a request that it be published in the Times and Seasons.
It gives me joy and pleasure to be able to inform you through the medium of this sheet, that there is a great door open in this section of country. The majority of the people are very anxious to hear. Most part of the time that Elder Montgomery has been laboring here, he has spoken every night, to crowded audiences, and we believe that a great work will be done in this place. We earnestly solicit travelling [traveling] elders to visit us.
A. Montgomery, Prest.
J. W. Bell, Cl'k.
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