I am the daughter of William Ginger and Jane Childs Ginger, and was born at King's Langley, Hertfordshire, England on September 17, 1853.  There were eight in the family - John Henry, Walter, Rosa Emmeline, Clarice, Elizabeth Jane, Katie Ada, and two stillborn babies.

My father, William Ginger, did not embrace the gospel.  He was an honest man, foreman of a farm.  He could not see the gospel as my mother did.  He died when I was six years old.

My mother, Jane Childs Ginger, was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ in 1850.  I was baptized into the Church when I was nearly nine years old at Watford, in the River Doe by Brother Smith; confirmed the same evening at meeting by Brother Alfred Smith (father and son).

I received a beautiful manifestation during my baptism.  The evening was dark and cold and Brother Smith had a long stick to sound the depths of the water.  While doing so a bright light appeared showing the brethren where to enter the water.  Afterwards, it still being so dark we could not find my clothing.  The same beautiful light appeared showing mother where they were.  This light was about as big as a washtub.  Also during my confirmation, great power was manifest to me.  I received the blessings promised me that evening and they have remained with me being a lamp to guide my path.

After mother's baptism in 1850 she gathered the means together by selling her household goods and with the help of friends emigrated herself and two children to Utah - Elizabeth Jane, age 15, and Katie Ada, age 10.  My oldest brother, John Miller, had emigrated four years before.  He was married and had two children and the family was living in Salt Lake City, Utah. [Elizabeth and her mother and sister were among many Saints who gathered to Zion at this time.]

". . . In 1868 a strong effort was made in Zion to gather means to assist the poor Saints who wished to emigrate, and large sums of money were sent to the British Islands to assist members of the Church to this end, especially faithful Saints of many years' standing." [Mormon Immigration Index, HSM, pp. 200-01]

 There was no husband or son to help and we were the only Mormons living in that town.  We left our home at King's Langley for Liverpool, two hundred miles distant, on June 3, 1868.  We embarked the next day June 4, on a sailing vessel, John Bright, with eight hundred passengers bound for Utah for their religion.  My brother Walter and sister, Rosa, came home to say good-bye.  Rose rode with us 100 miles to Rigby where she was working in a clergyman's family.  I cried all the way on the train feeling every station brought us nearer parting.  My blessed mother tried at times to quiet me but oh, what her poor heart suffered when the name Rigby was called.  While memory lasts I shall never forget the pain that pierced me.  I watched out of the window till every shadow of the town had passed.  She was and always had been a staff and stay to us.  Her life was made up of sweetness.  My brother Walter had also tried to discourage mother telling her of the hazardous journey across the water, he having crossed the sea.  He did not think mother could endure the journey.  Finally, with the depth of his soul, he entreated me to do all I could for our mother.  My oldest sister, Clarice, could not venture to go through the final parting, which it surely was as we were never permitted to see her dear face any more.  Her sufferings were great mentally.

Neither Clarice nor Walter came to America and both died in England without our seeing them again.  My sister, Rosa, came four years after we arrived in America.

"It was intended that the emigrants this year should have crossed the Atlantic by steamers, but on account of the high price demanded for steamship passage, the voyage had to be made by sailing vessels as in previous years, so that those of only limited means could be accomodated.  During the voyage there was very little sickness, and only an aged sister from England, who was sick when she went on board, died.  A Swedish couple were married during the voyage.  The captain was very kind and obliging towards the Saints." [Mormon Immigration Index, HSM, pp. 200-01]

"The packet ship John Bright sailed from this port for New York on Thursday, the 4th instant with a company of Saints numbering 722 souls, 619 ½ statute adults, of whom 176 were from Scandinavia, and the rest from the British Isled.  The Saints were in fine spirits, and were full of joy at being really on their way to Zion, an event for which they had long labored, and hoped, and prayed.  Most of them have been members of the Church for many years; some having been for thirty years in connection with it. 

At 11:30 a.m., a meeting of the passengers was called on deck.  President F. D. Richards addressed them upon their position and prospects, and the duties which they ought to perform on their journey.  Cleanliness, order, unity, good feeling to each other, kindness and assistance to the aged, sick, and infirm, and obedience to counsel, were topics principally dwelt upon.  Elder James McGaw was appointed and sustained as president of the company, with Elders C. O. Folkmann and Frederick C. Anderson as his counselors.  Elder C. Widerborg addressed the Danish Saints in their own language, and explained the remarks of President Richards and the organization of the company.  Elder C. W. Penrose made a few remarks and engaged in prayer, dedicating the vessel with all on board to the care and protection of Almighty God.  The hymn, 'Come, Com Ye Saints,' was sung, and three hearty cheers were given with a will.  About 4 o'clock p.m., the noble vessel, bearing her freight of thankful and happy Saints, sailed away upon her voyage to the West.  The weather was cheerful and pleasant, the sun shone brightly, the sky was clear, and everything seemed propitious.  May the blessings of God be upon the ship and upon his people, that they may have a swift, pleasant, and prosperous passage to the land of Zion." [Mormon Immigration Index, General Voyage Notes, MS, 30:24 - June 13, 1868, pp. 378-379]

 On the John Bright we were almost seven weeks crossing the ocean.  I suffered so much with seasickness that it almost cost me my life.  I did not know which way the boat was traveling for two weeks.  The doctor ordered me carried on deck each morning.  Our rations were poor and the water was restricted to one pint a day.  Dear mother braved the seasickness and she suffered but very little, as did my sister, Kate.  It was a hard journey for me.  The ship's doctor attended me twice daily and he ordered my beautiful head of ringlets cut off as I was so weak and low.

One morning as my mother was holding my hand and doing all she could for me, her heart seemed to fail her and I was impressed to speak these words to her: "They that put their trust in the Lord in the day of prosperity, He will never forsake them in the day of adversity."  It seemed to give her courage.

While we were on the ocean we were called to part with a dear, aged sister.  I was sick in my berth and mother tried to keep the sound from me but I heard that awful plunge as the body passed into its watery grave.  There was also a dear old lady who had some dried spearmint and she would make some tea and that helped us.

"We were allowed a certain amount of provisions each day.  We would fix it the best we could and take it up on deck to be cooked.  We had oatmeal, split peas, bacon out of brine, hard tack, which is great big, flat biscuits as big as saucers and as hard as iron, very few potatoes, brown sugar and a very small portion of flour.  The water was in large wooden kegs which got very stale before the end of the journey." [Mormon Immigration Index, Autobiographical Sketch of Mary Ann Williams Jenkins, a fellow aboard the John Bright]

The Autobiography of Mary Ann Chapple Warner recounts an incident in the fog on the voyage.  "One day when the air was dense with fog, another ship rammed into us and [cut] out a jagged hole in the side of our ship which immediately began to fill with water.  All hands were called to man the pumps.  The sailors dumped all excess baggage overboard . . . . Mormon emigrants, of which there about seventy-five sere kneeling in prayer and singing songs to keep up their courage.  It was with much rejoicing that the leak was repaired and the voyage continued." [Mormon Immigration Index]

We encountered a fierce storm and we were at the mercy of the waves.  We were fastened below deck to prevent the water from pouring in on us.  It was a terrible sight.  We were told the ship spun around like a top.

"The company arrived safely in New York July 13th, and on the following day was conveyed by railroad westward.  The emigrants traveled via Chicago and Omaha, and on the Union Pacific Railroad to Laramie City.  The fare from New York to Omaha was $14 and to the terminus on the plains $35, but those who would stop to labor on the Union Pacific Railroad were conveyed all the way for $14." [Mormon Immigration Index, HSM, pp. 200-201]

We came up the Hudson River, landing at Castle Gates (Ellis Island).  All passengers were examined by doctors and then "were put on the steamer again and taken to the harbor of New York.    We landed on the pier.  The pier was out over the water with no railing but a shed over it.  We were there overnight and slept on the ground as we had to have our own bedding."   [Mormon Immigration Index, Autobiographical Sketch of Mary Ann Williams Jenkins]
 We traveled the plains in Brother Master's company.  We traveled through Canada by rail in cattle cars.  We traveled 250 miles from Omaha to Laramie in box cars. 

"The company arrived at Laramie, 573 miles from Omaha, July 23rd.  At that time, Laramie City was the western terminus of the Union Pacific Railroad, and also, temporarily, the outfitting place for the journey across the mountains.  Here the emigrants met the Church teams. . . ." [Mormon Immigration Index, HSM, pp. 200-01]

We took wagons at Laramie.  Fifty were in the company.  We enjoyed ourselves many times around the camp fires holding meetings.  My sister, Kate, played the concertina, helping out in our amusements.  We had to gather buffalo chips to cook with many times.  Oftentimes a cloud of dust would cover our food while we were cooking and eating it.

While we were traveling the plains, mother received news of my sister Clarice's great distress and mother, not wanting us to see her grief, took refuge in the core of a large water barrel, alone, sobbing like her heart strings would break.  Oh, my blessed mother!  Another evening we found mother in a secluded place sitting on a wagon tongue alone, grieving.  We put our arms around her and tried to comfort her.  The same clergical influence which had tried to keep mother from coming with her daughters also kept Clarice and Walter from coming with us.

We arrived with mule teams in Salt Lake City, August 20, 1868.  We stopped at the Eighth Ward Square.   As the wagon trains had entered the Eighth Ward Square there was a Brother Miller anxiously inquiring concerning the whereabouts of his son.  He suffered great grief when told that his son had been drowned. My brother, John H. Miller, met us and took us to his home where we met his wife, Serena, and their two children.  We had traveled three weeks by mule team across the plains.   As soon as we were rested, I engaged to help work in a family of five children.  There were no carpets on the floor, etc.  This sister doctored me up, as my health was not the best, but I did all I could.  For my pay I took homemade soup and dried fruit.

The year following our arrival in Utah, my mother was married to this Brother John Miller whose son was drowned.  He was a weaver and taught mother to weave carpets.  He was also a silk weaver.  He afterwards was a gardener for Bishop John Sharp, for whom he worked many years.

I later went to live with a family by the name of  Ringwood who had lost their mother.  They were renters of part of the house where my brother John lived.  It was while living there I first met John Durrant and his wife, Jemima.  They (the Durrants) were friends of my brother and generally stayed with them when at Salt Lake City.

The first time I saw Brother Durrant he was trudging up the hill to my brother's home.  I called to my sister-in-law, Serena Miller, to come and see this little man coming up the hill - white with dust and carrying a bundle of his bedding on his back.  There were no trains here then, he had traveled by wagon to the Eighth Ward Square.  Serena said that was Brother Durrant and I felt from that hour on an affinity for him that has never left me.

 I had other offers for my hand.  One was a young man, Heber Case, who had crossed the ocean on the same vessel with us but whom I never met there.  He and his brothers were fine workmen and made furniture.  He was gentlemanly toward me and desired my company.  I could find no fault in his conduct but my feelings were not drawn toward him, so I did not receive his attentions long.  He was not the one appointed for me.

Brother Durrant and his wife, Jemima, invited me to spend the evening with them at my brother's.  I felt I had known them before and had a desire to live with them.  They invited me to American Fork.  I traveled with Brother Ebenezer Hunter in his wagon and stayed two weeks.  I was married soon afterward on the 9th of August 1869 in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City.

My first born son arrived on October 30, 1870.  We have been blessed with 10 children - five daughters and five sons. [William Albert, John Edward, Lorenzo James, Mary Stewart M., Katie Jane Childs Miller, Joseph Smith, Lucy Hetty, Jemima Berry Henson, Rosa Emmeline and Hyrum Sterling, who died in infancy.]  One month before my first babe was born, Brother Durrant married his third wife, Sister Kezia Keys.  They had born to them six living children - two sons and four daughters and two stillborns.

Following is a blessing which was given by L.H. Hatch at American Fork April 4, 1875, upon the head of Elizabeth Jane Durrant:

Dear Sister Elizabeth, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, agreeable to my ordination and calling, I have laid my hands upon your head, to seal upon you a Patriarchal blessing, in accordance with your faith and agreeable to your integrity of heart.  Through your integrity of heart you have had power to pass through trials and afflictions.  You have been enabled to bring your mind to receive the celestial law of God, therefore, I say unto you that no good thing shall be withheld from thee.  Your prayers have been answered with blessings upon your head.  Your posterity shall be mighty and numerous.  If you desire with all your heart, you shall live to see the Son of Man come in his glory, when the wicked shall be consumed in His presence.

Your posterity shall be mighty in their lineage in the Holy Priesthood, mighty in war, the wicked shall flee before them, for behold great destruction shall come upon the wicked.  The earth must be cleansed from all unrighteousness, the Lord your God hath spoken the word.  The nations of the earth are ripe in their iniquity.  The blood of Prophets and Apostles is crying for vengeance upon this ungodly generation.  Fear not, therefore, for as your day is so your grace shall be.  You shall be blessed in connection with your husband, and in connection with him you shall receive the fulness of the Holy Priesthood.

Thou art a daughter of Sarah through the loins of Ephraim.  Thou art entitled to all the blessings of Ephraim.  Thou art entitled to all the blessings of the new and everlasting covenant.   Thousands have desired to see the day in which you live, and have died without the sight.  Lift up your heart with thanksgiving.  Rejoice when you are reviled and persecuted for verily I say unto you the Lord will suffer Satan to try you.  If you will call upon the Lord with full purpose of heart you shall overcome.  Your name is written in the Lamb's book of life, and it shall never be blotted out.  Your guardian angel has charge concerning you, and by the whisperings of the Holy Spirit you shall be preserved.
 I seal you up to come forth in the morning of the first resurrection to enjoy a fullness of joy in the celestial kingdom, and you shall reign a queen in your father's house.

I seal all these blessings upon thee with all former blessings, even so, Amen.
Patriarchal blessing of Elizabeth Jane Durrant Record Book "A" Foe 60 & 
61.  No. 30.  H. Hatch Rec Clk 

I was rebaptized September 2, 1875, in American Fork, Utah, by Warren B. Smith, confirmed by the same brother. [Family records indicate the original baptism was 25 November 1860 - but if this were so, Elizabeth would have been only six years old.  cdt]

[I interject an explanation at this point in Elizabeth Jane Ginger Durrant's autobiography to insert an explanation of an action which occurred following the birth of her sixth child, Joseph Smith Durrant, on March 2, 1884.  These are E. J. Durrant's own words in which she tells how she came to allow Jemima, the first wife, to rear her little son..] 

 An Explanation.

Dear Auntie, the name the children called her, enjoyed the blessing of raising our son, Joseph Smith Durrant, until he was 19 years old when she passed away.

 American Fork, December 12, 1884

Last Friday morning the 12th, at about 9 o'clock while washing and dressing the baby, the spirit of God rested upon me and made it clear to my mind an item concerning the babe that I had not fully realized before.  This baby had been born into the world under peculiar circumstances, not knot knowing which of the two, Jemima or I, would be required to rear him.  This morning it was plainly shown me beyond a doubt, that Jemima was to take him as her own which she could have done at his birth as he was born to her.  I was so concerned that I felt to keep him longer would be doing wrong, keeping what did not belong to me.  So with the help of the Lord, I have done as His spirit directed me, Jemima feeling and knowing this is true, has taken the baby and is weaning him and felt when she first saw him at his birth that has now taken place, that he was for her.  The baby was 9 months and 10 days old.  My spirit is willing but my flesh is weak.
 Elizabeth Durrant 

Sister Jemima and I lived together all our married lives under the same roof in separate apartments, with never an angry work to each other.  We have endured many trials but through it all we have been blessed.  We never allowed our tongues to wound each other.  We tried to cherish faith and love in each other.  We nursed and administered to each other and through all our weakness our great desires were to live according to the sacred principle we had been privileged to enjoy.  Aunt Jemima passed away 20 August 1904.

My stepfather, John Miller, passed away in Salt Lake City and was buried in City Cemetery.  He was indeed a great blessing to us, provided a good home and always welcomed us there.  He was a good Latter day saint.

 Our dear mother, Jane Childs Ginger, passed away June 8, 1895.  The great sorrow of the death of her youngest child, Katie Ada Romney, leaving eight children motherless, the oldest but 14 and a babe of three weeks, almost overwhelmed our grief-stricken mother and in two short years we mourned her loss.  I nursed her during her four month illness as I did my brother John and sister Rosa, doing all in my power to help and comfort them all.  I clothed my mother and also her two daughters, Rosa and Katie, in their temple robes.  Mother lived and died a saint of God being 80 years, five months and seventeen days old.  She was laid to rest in City Cemetery.  "Mother, how dear the name is to me, can memory reach further than this, the first, the only name I lisped when rocked in the cradle by thee.  A mother indeed has thou been to me, thy love as pure as gold, thy prayers have always ascended to me in this world so dreary and cold, as none but a mother's heart could plead."

My first active work in the Church commenced when I was about 15 yrs old as Treasurer in the Relief Society, anxiously gathering & paying fgor all suitable clean white rags, sending them into Salt Lake City to be manufactured into Paper, for our Deseret News   ...  (Illegible) 

I have enjoyed myself beyond measure working in the church of God.  It has been sweet unto me.  My first calling was as a teacher in the Sabbath School, Brother William Paxman being the superintendent.  I continued to work as long and as much as I could during the bringing forth and rearing of my children.

I have held positions in every organization, from the Kindergarten, up to the Parents Class, laboring as Secretary, Councilor & President for many years, faithfully performing my duties with love & devotion, as much as I possibly could - during the bringing forth & rearing of my large family.  This was all indeed a labour of sweetness & love.  I was privileged to be the first lady teacher in the Parents class in our Ward, also remaining these many years in the 1st Ward of American Fork

The East Primary was organized March 22, 1884 with Elizabeth J. Durrant serving as first counselor to Alice Taylor (Steele), president. . . . In the early days of the Primary, the activities were quite different from what they are today.  Weekly meetings were helt on Saturday afternoons, and the programs consisted largely of short recitations and songs by the individual members, together with talks and faith promoting stories by the officers of the Associations.  At the grain harvesting season, the children of the Primary along with the officers, went out in the fields and gleaned wheat which was threshed and the proceeds used to provide Primary funds.  (Early History of American Fork, p. 147)

In 1893 there were 119 members who enrolled in the Women's Relief Society and seven directors and three trustees were chosen.  Elizabeth Durrant was chosen as one of the directors.  (Early History of American Fork, p. 145.)

 I was also called to the treasureship of the Relief Society; helped at times with secretary work.  I also brought in rags for paper making.  I also worked as the first counselor in the Relief Society and also in the Primary, both in the East school house and the basement of the meeting house.  I was appointed President of the First Ward Relief Society Feb. 16, 1905, with sisters Charlotte Greenwood and Margaret Wright as counselors.  On October 27, 1911 was called to work on the Relief Society stake board as a missionary being set apart by Pres. S. L. Chipman at Pleasant Grove conference.  At the first organization of the Young Ladies Association I was appointed treasurer.

I have enjoyed many years of visiting with the sick, helping in the beautiful ordinance of washing and anointing and trying to soothe and comfort the afflicted and distressed. 

We lived in Provo during the fall of 1910.  My sister, Rosa Emmeline went with us and enjoyed the change and we did enjoy her sweet, beautiful nature for to know her was to love her. Her health failed her on the ocean trip to this land, causing her to live in a delicate condition the rest of her life.  Her sweet spirit left us on Wednesday morning at five o'clock on April 5, 1911.  She was laid away in Mt. Olivet cemetery in Salt Lake City.  The fall and winter of 1910 I enjoyed myself greatly in the BYU.  I paid my tuitioni and joined as a member though confining myself to theology in Brother George H. Brimhall's class.  It brushed me up, brightening my memory and strengthening my intellect.  It surely was another happy milestone in my life.  It had been forty-five years since I had been in school and I certainly enjoyed it and hope I also did some good to others.

Have aimed to work all I could in the temple and in the fall of 1915 my third son, Lorenzo James, gave me a bank account of $100 for temple work.  My gratitude was unbounded.  He and his wife, Agnes, built us a lovely brick home where we could be more comfortable in our last years.  Father lived to enjoy two years in this dear home, Paradise Cottage.  My husband, John Durrant, passed away May 6, 1914, after a well-spent life.  He was true to his religion, faithful in his tithes and offerings and honest with his fellowman, leaving a good posterity to his name numbering in total 97 - children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

I moved to Mesa to get located for the winter's work in the Mesa Temple.  I want also to enjoy the dedication of that beautiful temple tomorrow, October 22, 1927, this being the first temple built in Arizona.  The people have been making great preparations.  President Grant will offer the dedicatory prayer and services will be held for the four days following.  People are thronging by the thousands.  The grounds are wonderfully illuminated and there are myriads of flowers blooming.

 *****

The dedication is over.  Words are inadequate to express the grandeur during the last four days.  I was privileged to attend five sessions, also enjoying an evening session for the children.  The singing was rendered by the choirs and the wonderful Hosannas given will never be forgotten during the sacred waving of the handkerchiefs.  President Grant with ten of the apostles from Salt Lake were present and thousands thronged the building and grounds.  The glorious spirit and inspiration cannot be told.  It was a great spiritual feast never to be forgotten.  I rejoice daily in working for our departed ones.  My gratitude is unbounded and especially to my children, Lorenzo J. and Agnes, who have made it possible for me to enjoy this wonderful privilege and blessings.  The great spiritual blessings are manifold and the love and the fellowship of the beautiful company of brothers and sisters who are constantly laboring there is beyond price.  I have continued in this temple work until the closing of the temple in June.

 Elizabeth J. Durrant wrote: I have worked in the Arizona Temple at Mesa from November 1, 1927 to June 29, 1929; also January 2, 1929 to May 1929.  I have worked in the St. George Temple March 1925 to May 1925.  I have worked in the Salt Lake Temple many winters.  I have worked in the Logan Temple.  I have worked on four lines, primarily, Durrant's, Stewart's, Child's and Ginger's, for over 600 names of my kin.

I had a beautiful manifestation in the Mesa Temple.  I myself was permitted to behold a wonderful heavenly manifestation while sitting waiting in the creation room of this beautiful temple. 

I saw dimly a multitude of beings hovering over me.  They appeared to be anxiously looking for some one.  I ventured to turn my head to see if any one else saw them, but no one appeared to.  They seemed a great number and were enclosed in a beautiful soft gauze, in a crescent shape about halfway to the ceiling.  I was so impressed by their anxious movements.  They seemed to be wanting something or to see somebody.  I was almost overcome by the power that seemed to emanate from them.  I did not feel to be able to speak.  They came nearer to me and it was then I realized that they each one seemed anxious to see a glimpse of me, looking and struggling to see my face.  Their desire was too great to see me that I felt I must cry out and ask them what they wanted, but I did not have the power to do so, for the warmth of their love seemed to settle upon me.  They seemed to be about a yard above me.

I did not seem to realize, nor did I remember any of the services held in that room but as I regained myself a little, the tears were flowing down and off my face and I was afraid some present would think me unable to continue in the labors of the day.  I was not conscious of my feet on the floor.  And I could not stop the flow of tears.  But I was lovingly shielded and no one questioned me.  I did not fully recover myself for hours and the influence remains with me.  I am satisfied beyond a doubt, these are they, that I have been so wonderfully blessed to work for and to assist them in their great redemption.  I could not feel to give expression or to speak concerning this for some time afterward.
 

Two years before her death, Elizabeth Jane Ginger Durrant placed a letter in the jubilee box of the Relief Society in the Provo Tabernacle.
Editor's Note: In the compilation of this great lady's history, Elizabeth's own story has been used many times -  the events gathered and put into somewhat chronological order.  In this process, her final words and admonitions to her family have been arranged to avoid undue repetition.  The text of the letter placed in the Jubilee box in the Provo Tabernacle follows in its entirety.

775 N. University Ave
Provo Utah Oct 19th 1930
Sunday

Today in the Provo Tabernacle, I Elizabeth Jane G. Durrant, daughter of William Ginger & Jane Childs Ginger, deposit this letter in the Relief Society Jubilee Box.  There to remain for 50 yrs; when the Box will be opened, & all letters distributed to relatives or Friends.  I was born at Kings Langley Hertfordshire England Sep 17th 1854.  My Father died when I was 6 yrs old.  I emigrated from England to America June 4th 1868, with my Mother & youngest Sister Kate Ada.  My Oldest Brother John Henry preceded us 4 yrs. & my oldest Sister, Rosa Emmeline, following us 4 yrs later.

I was married to John Durrant August 9th 1869 in the Endowment House, Salt Lake City, Utah.  We were blessed with 10 children, five sons & five daughters.  (Five of them have now passed on before.)
 I do hope some one of my large Posterity, which now numbers about 105, all belonging to my 10 Children, will receive a copy of this letter.  I sincerely feel this is a wonderful Posterity.

"A great Heritage given unto us; all well born, and developed" For which my Gratitude is unbounded and my language inadequate to express.  I have never heard any of them speak disrespectfully of this Glorious Gospel, under which they were born and reared; though they are not all diligent workers in this great cause.

Some have fulfilled missions.  Our third Son Lorenzo James, & 2 of his Children, Donna & Dean laboring in Ireland, Europe and Central and Eastern States.  Also our youngest daughter, Rosa Emmeline & husband Rulon Ostler in Southern States, & John H. Write, a Son in Law, in Central States.  There are others studying and preparing themselves for the same purpose.  Bringing us happiness & gratitude.  Some are beautifully gifted in music & song & in the pursuit of Aviation, Auto Mechanics, Bankers, Book keepers, Builders, Masons, Engineers, Shoe makers, Harness makers, Electrical Engineers, Mining, Carpenters, Farmerrs, Creameries, etc. School Teachers, Music Teachers, Nurses, Marshal. 

And now in closing, I desire to write you My Testimony.
I know that this is the work of God.
I know that my Redeemer lives. 
I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God.
And has gone to attain to his Exaltation.
I have listened to the teachings of every Prophet since his Martyrdom, & know for myself, they were prophets of the Living God. & have also gone to attain to their Exaltation.

And I know that I shall be judged, and rewarded according to my works in the flesh.
I have aimed to place myself under the guidance & instructions of my Great Creator.  He has marvelously blessed me, with an untold Heritage.  Untold, because it expands into Eternity; mainly the privilege of being united in the Celestial Order of Marriage & bringing forth my Posterity with one of His servants, my Husband, bearing the Holy Melchizedec Priesthood.  From whom we were called to part May 6th, 1914.

My desire is great for the welfare of my Children, and Children's Posterity.  May they live to be worthy to enjoy the unbounded wealth of advancements, in the knowledge of things Supernal; as a Legacy from Above, in behalf of your Birthright, in the Highest Law of Marriage.  I tried to be conscientious & honest in all my labours to the best of my ability.  And now for several years, my greatest work has been as I have stated, for the Redemption of our dear departed Dead, Whom I hope to meet & greet; Where parting brings no pain. 

May the blessings of Heaven continually surround you, in the earnest prayer of my heart.
Affectionately, Elizabeth Jane Ginger Durrant
Aged 77 yrs Sep 17th 1930
775 N. University Avenue.
Provo, Utah 
 Her granddaughter, Donna D. Sorensen, recounts the last year of her grandmother's life which she spent in the home of Ada Smith, Kezia, the third wife's child, in Salt Lake City in 1931 and 1932.  At her son, Ren's, request, Ada was hired to care for his mother.  Ada tenderly cared for her and Donna used to go with her father to visit Grandmother Durrant in Ada's home.   When the snow started to fall Grandmother became depressed and wanted to go to another clime.  However, she was so frail she had to have someone who could do things for her all the time.  She passed away at Ada Smith's home with a heart condition on February 18, 1932.

 * * * * *
 The Rose
 How fair is the Rose, what a beautiful flower,
 In the glory of April and May,
 When its leaves are all dead, & fine colours are lost,
 Still how sweet a perfume it will yield.

 Then I'll not be proud, of my Youth, nor my beauty,
 Since both of them wither and fade,
 But gain a good name, by well doing my duty,
 That will scent like a Rose when I'm dead.

  "Again be faithful even to the end." 
 Adieu.