Shaffer Family History

Henry Coulam (1842-1916)

By /S/ Alice Coulam Richards

In presenting this sketch of my father’s life history, I not only fulfill the desires of my heart, but also of my brothers and our families. I am indeed grateful to my dear Uncle Joshua B. Bean who has proved my staunch and faithful friend and I want to express my thanks to him for he has aided and encouraged me in writing this biography.

Many years ago in the little town of Louth, Lincolnshire, England there lived a family by the name of Coulam. The father’s name was John Coulam and the Mother’s was Sarah Cordon Coulam, both natives of Great Britain.

When they were young married people, there came some ministers to their door announcing that they were advocating the religion of the Latter-day Saints. They told Brother and Sister Coulam of the revelation given to Joseph Smith declaring that he had received a revelation giving him authority to open up the dispensation of the fullness of time and the bringing forth of the Book of Mormon.

John Coulam and his wife were very devoted to their religion and although members of the Church of England they felt that the teachings of the Sectarian Church were not complete and were lacking in its fullness. Their minds were of such that when they heard the sound of the Gospel they recognized its Salutation and finally were baptized members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their whole soul was thrilled and they immediately prepared to gather to America.

They left England January 19, 1849, with their six children, John, Charles, Fanny, Henry, Sarah, and George, a baby, taking passage on the sailing vessel, Zetland. The company was in charge of Elder Orson Spencer. They traveled through the states by ox team, arriving in Utah, September 23, 1849, and settled in the Eleventh Ward.

Henry Coulam, subject of this biography, was born March 13, 1842 in Louth, Lincolnshire, England. He was the fourth child of John and Sarah Coulam

His childhood days were much in common of children his own age being in his eighth year when he left the land of his birth. The settlement of Great Salt Lake, known by that name, was only two years old and naturally he lived in the environment of pioneer days. He suffered many hardships, and had unfortunately lost his mother by the hand of death caused by an epidemic of cholera, which broke out on the steamboat on which they were passengers coming up the Missouri River. Fortunately, something went wrong with the boat and they were forced to land at Florence. This gave them the opportunity to bury their mother in a grave near some other emigrants who had been buried near a grove of trees. My father distinctly remembered seeing them carry his mother to her grave from the boat.

Henry Coulam was always active in public affairs, even when a young boy, he did his share hauling wood and stone, cultivating the soil and preparing for establishing a great empire.

He suffered much for the want of food and clothing as many others and although his father was a man of thrift and determined integrity he found it hard to provide for his family under such hard conditions.

In the winter months he attended the district school and at this time the facilities were not good but through diligence on his own part he acquired a fairly good education

When he was 24 years old he was married to Sarah Bean, who was also English and had emigrated in the usual way of pioneers. The marriage took place in the sacred building known as the Endowment House. Apostle Heber C. Kimball, on August 24th, 1867, married them. Their first home was on the corner of Eighth East and Second South in the 11th Ward. To this union were born eight children, four of whom are now living, Henry, William E., George, and Alice. The others, John, Joseph, Louisa, and Eliza died in their childhood

His church activities were many and important. He held the priesthood in all its degrees from Deacon to High Priest. He labored faithfully in the Church as block teacher and was a member of the School of Prophets, having confirmed upon him all the authority and power of the priesthood. He was a very important advisor to the authorities and members of the Sacred Council of the Church, as his integrity and faith was recognized which placed him in confidence with the leaders of the Church. He served particularly under the direction of Bishop Alex McCrae, Bishop Robert Morris and Bishop Wm. Armstrong. He was a very spiritual and strong- minded man, gifted with the power of healing, and hundreds of people were recipient’s of his blessings. Especially did he administer to children when sickness was raging and many times was called in the middle of the night and he was always glad to help

In the year 1894 he was called by the authorities of the Church to the Ministry abroad. He served in this capacity for two years in Great Britain. It gave him an opportunity to visit the home of his birth and become acquainted with the members of his parent’s family although remote in relationship. Here he gathered considerable information regarding ancestors, which in a way filled up a needed necessity in his life’s work. He labored with President Antoine Lund and Apostle Hyrum M. Smith. Through his integrity and the knowledge he had of the Gospel he was a means of bringing many to hear the truth.

He learned the carpenter and joiner trade with success and his work can be seen in many of the prominent buildings in the city. He helped build many of the L.D.S. Churches, the Tabernacle, Amelia Palace, City Hall, Salt lake Theatre, and many School Buildings and residences in Salt Lake.

His Civic activities reached a wide range of experiences. He was on the first Patrol Duty, doing night work. Every man and every boy was called to perform this duty, to protect the saints from all kinds of rough Characters that were on their way to the gold fields of California and in some instances the rage of the red man. While others slept in peace and safety, Henry Coulam and companions patrolled the streets of Salt Lake. He was a member of the Utah Militia and held the office of Lieutenant. When the Indians became restless and were on the verge of breaking out in war he went to fight them in captain Andrew Burts Company immediately under the orders of Captain Charles Crow, and Captain Charles Livingston. He endured many hardships in his line of duty to control the Indians in their ravages among the settlers. Many of these experiences were very hazardous, but when peace and quiet was restored he returned to his family unharmed. He served as volunteer fireman without compensation for many years. These men were the means of saving many homes from fire.

He was a friend to education and was always alert to take care and look out for the school children. He served as trustee of the school system for many years and his love for education was exemplified in his own life and the sacrifices he made for his children.

Henry Coulam had a kind mild loving disposition and was a man of good moral character. He taught his children by example as well as precept every principle of integrity, honesty, honor and virtue. Also, he taught them to venerate Father in Heaven and all the Authorities of the Church.

He died November 8th, 1916, at his home in the 11th Ward at the age of 74 years. His friends and acquaintances were numerous and all who knew him loved him.

P.S. I want to say that writing the biography all my time and labor has been one of love and duty although this is not perfect, I feel happy to have had the privilege to perform this sacrad trust.