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Show August 19/4 [he Broad Ax . Page 1] \ The Black Pioneer by Barbara Hankins Samuel Davidson Chambers many There have been many thousands of books, ; ‘documents and various articles written about Black people during their migration into Utah. Much of the information, which has always been deleted from Utah history books, is not readily available to people unless in-depth research is done. responsibilities for the following Latter-Day Saint “servants of God.” Chambers, born a slave in Alabama in 1831, been baptized and converted to Mormonism at the age of 13 after he had‘shown an interest and a desire to ‘’gather with the Saints.”” Chambers — came to Utah with his wife and son with high hopes of living a new life in Zion. At the same time, however, the fact that they were Black gave them cause to worry about what the future might hold for them in the strange land. - Settling down inthe First Ward area of the city, Chambers had great enthusiasm for the Church. Though never ordained into the priesthood, he was asked to assist deacons in their were produce became well-know. He became. an authority on the culture of grapes and small fruits, especially currants. He won prizes in various state fairs. By 1872, the Chambers family had settled in along with a third Black the Eighth Ward, family, that of Frank Perkins. Here, Samuel came to Utah on April 27, 1870. He had already who the care and cleaning of the ward meetinghouse. ‘74 issue of The New Era maga- church. seekers After 1878, the Chambers family farmed in southeast Salt Lake City and their quality zine, William G. Hartley writes about a: Black pioneer by the name of Samuel Davidson Chambers who came to Utah in the early days, settled in Zion valley and became a prosperous fruit grower and devout member of the Mormon office Deacons at that time had no part in the sacra_ ment service. Instead they were responsible for Samuel conscientiously cooperated, telling his brethren, “‘| have joy in cleaning up and whatever | am called to do.” In-the June the first time and. felt proud that he voted for four years. -Chambers i Chambers’ dedication to the Church was, for. the most part, complete devotion. His greatest service was expressing his testimony concerning he noted kingdom that, ‘’...we are called ‘| thank God. I’ve a standing in the Church and ~— kingdom of God.” leaders. Church impressed His dedication promised Smith John Patriarch Church Chambers that if he would remain faithful, he would live a long life. (Samuel, then 43, lived for another 55 years.) In 1874, Samuel voted for of that is from my calling. Without the “nothing.” By of God; we should respond to every duty. | have been 29 years in the Church, and have never been dissatisfied yet. | am one received his religious beliefs. Chambers’ faithfulness was when his leaders with great not only to the Gentiles but also to the Africans, . for to act in the of in mind as a religious Black man. “The gospel is began his successful career as a Utah farmer. expressed spoke respect and devotion, while also keeping himself © World War race. The God. knowledge It is a high and testimony of God |, Samuel owned and | holy we are farmed | about 30 acres of land in the southeast area of Salt Lake. City. Chambers was extremely active and dedicated to the Church during his declining years; including conferences, special Church meetings, social events, priest group meetings. and the ward’s high Backed by strong beliefs, Chambers developed reputation as defender of his faith. Unwilling to tolerate criticism of LDS leaders, he defended _ them verbally in private and public. |
