The Prophet Joseph Smith was a friend, neighbor, and employer of Harley Mowrey, Charles' maternal Grandfather.
The following excerpt was taken from the Vernal Express, October 22, 1920, "DEATH OF AGED PIONEER THROWS GLOOM OVER VALLEY COMMUNITIES", Page 1:
"When seventeen years of age he came in contact with the Latter-Day-Saints; became a convert to their faith and was baptized in January 1839. A hole was cut in the ice for the purpose of baptizing him. Soon after this he went to Nauvoo. His parents [Barton Mowry and Ruth Walkup] did not become converts until years after, but were finally baptized and went around Cape Horn to San Francisco in the ship Brooklyn during the year 1846 [accompanied by two of Harley's three brothers - Origin, 20 and Rhanaldo, 18; his other brother, Sylvester was serving as a Lt. in the US Army] . During his residence at Nauvoo most of his time was spent working on the Nauvoo temple. He lived across the street from the residence of the Prophet Joseph Smith, was on the most intimate terms with the Prophet and his family, and was occasionally in their employ.
On one occasion Joseph Smith and Erastus Snow exhibited to him the Egyptian mummies as well as the rolls of papyrus and inscriptions of which a portion of the 'Pearl of Great Price' is a translation."
"When seventeen years of age he came in contact with the Latter-Day-Saints; became a convert to their faith and was baptized in January 1839. A hole was cut in the ice for the purpose of baptizing him. Soon after this he went to Nauvoo. His parents [Barton Mowry and Ruth Walkup] did not become converts until years after, but were finally baptized and went around Cape Horn to San Francisco in the ship Brooklyn during the year 1846 [accompanied by two of Harley's three brothers - Origin, 20 and Rhanaldo, 18; his other brother, Sylvester was serving as a Lt. in the US Army] . During his residence at Nauvoo most of his time was spent working on the Nauvoo temple. He lived across the street from the residence of the Prophet Joseph Smith, was on the most intimate terms with the Prophet and his family, and was occasionally in their employ.
On one occasion Joseph Smith and Erastus Snow exhibited to him the Egyptian mummies as well as the rolls of papyrus and inscriptions of which a portion of the 'Pearl of Great Price' is a translation."
As documented in the History of the Church, 2:235, July 6, 1835 - Michael H. Chandler arrives in Kirtland, Ohio, to display four Egyptian mummies and some scrolls of papyrus containing hieroglyphics. They are later purchased by the Prophet Joseph Smith, and by revelation he obtains the Book of Abraham from them. (History of the Church, 2:235). About this time, "some of the Saints at Kirtland purchased the mummies and papyrus" from Michael H. Chandler who had brought them on tour through Kirtland, Ohio. The papyrus would become instrumental in the Prophet Joseph's translation of the record of Abraham. Also, the Prophet Joseph Smith received a certificate from Mr. Chandler affirming that Joseph's translation of the Egyptian hieroglyphics was correct. (History of the Church, 2:235)
Martin Harris one of the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon was a 3rd cousin to Charles' mother Ruth Mowrey.
Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come: That we, through the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, have seen the plates which contain this record, which is a record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites, their brethren, and also of the people of Jared, who came from the tower of which hath been spoken. And we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us; wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true. And we also testify that we have seen the engravings which are upon the plates; and they have been shown unto us by the power of God, and not of man. And we declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we beheld and bear record that these things are true. And it is marvelous in our eyes. Nevertheless, the voice of the Lord commanded us that we should bear record of it; wherefore, to be obedient unto the commandments of God, we bear testimony of these things. And we know that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and be found spotless before the judgment-seat of Christ, and shall dwell with him eternally in the heavens. And the honor be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen.
Oliver Cowdery
David Whitmer
Martin Harris
Link to the Martin Harris Pageant:
Elder Charles C. Rich a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was a brother-in-law to Harley Mowrey, Charles' maternal Grandfather.
Elder Rich and Harley were married to sisters, Harriet and Martha Jane respectively. This being the case, there were occasions when Elder Rich was dispatched on assignments to various locations and Harley and Martha Mowrey accompanied them.
This is particularly true on as assignment during which a settlement was established at San Bernardino, California where Charles' mother Ruth Caroline was born, November 28, 1856. Subsequently, Ruth had five siblings born at Beaver City, Centerville, and Paris, Idaho.
Harley and Martha assisted with settling Bear Lake valley as well where Harley was called to serve on the first High Council in the valley.
This connection is of particular value to us because much has been written and recorded about the Apostle Elder Rich and his work and circumstances much of which could safely be assumed to have been shared by Charles' Grandparents Harley and Martha Mowrey.
