Matilda Jane Downs Stewart

I am proud to claim Matilda Jane Downs Stewart as a prominent member of my family tree. She is the sister of my Great, Great, Grandfather James Downs, who is the grandfather of my Grandfather Demar McCracken.

Matilda was born in Crawford County, Indiana, October 20, 1820, the year of the Prophet Joseph Smith's first vision. 

Early members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Matilda's parents, Charlotte and Ezekiel, moved their family to Quincy, Illinois, and then to the beautiful city of Nauvoo on the banks of the Mississippi River. 

Just after they completed construction of their eight room home, persecution against the saints in Nauvoo escalated.

Homes burning in Nauvoo

A frenzied mob descended upon the town and Matilda and her family were taken out on the street and with their hands in agony pinned behind them were forced to watch their home burn to the ground before their eyes amid the cheers and curses of the mob. This trial did not sway Matilda's convictions, but served instead to strengthen her faith in her religion from which she never wavered.

Isaac Mitton Stewart

At the age of twenty-three Matilda became the first wife of Isaac Mitton Stewart, a man who shared her great faith. Isaac was well acquainted with the Prophet Joseph Smith and received his patriarchal blessing under the hand of Hyrum Smith, in which he was told that many blessing awaited him, but he would pass through many tribulations. This certainly was fulfilled, as Matilda's history states: 

"The times were trying, but their love for each other and their great faith helped them along their rugged path."

Some histories claim that Isaac was appointed bodyguard over the bodies of the martyred prophet and his brother, but this is as yet undocumented.

Isaac became a captain over a company on the pioneer trek to the Valley of the Great Salt Lake. Supportive Matilda was 'obliged' to drive their team of oxen as her husband 'looked after the long train of weary saints'. Upon arriving in the west, they were very disappointed in finding it so 'dreary and uninviting', as they drove their tired to oxen on to South Willow Creek, the area now known as Draper, Utah.

Matilda was very skilled at carding wool and spinning and weaving it into clothing for the family of two daughters and two sons. She also used flax and hemp for weaving. 

Isaac was sustained as the Bishop of the settlement, which calling he faithfully fulfilled for thirty-nine years, which was undoubtedly shared and supported by Matilda. He and Matilda enjoyed a close association with the Prophet Brigham Young.

Isaac Mitton Stewart home - Draper, Utah (historic photo)

Isaac and Matilda accepted the principle of polygamy and two other wives were sealed to the family. Isaac built a large sixteen room home where he and his three wives and many children lived together harmoniously.  The home still stands in Draper at 12464 South 7th East. Although it is a registered historic site, it is not open for tours.

Current picture of Isaac Mitton Stewart Home

The final tribute to Matilda in her history describes her as possessing jovial Irish wit that intrigued all who came in contact with her. This is the most telling phrase of all to me in the writings about Matilda. She suffered much tribulation in this life, but maintained a happy attitude that was enjoyed by and inspiring to others.