Life Story of John Francis Astle Written by his sister, Sarah Astle Call

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Lauretta and John F. Astle with son, John Francis Jr.

Home life to this young couple was very pleasant indeed. John F. continued farming. On the 13th of July 1892, they were blessed by the birth of their first-born, a boy, and he was given the name of John Francis, Jr. Then on the 9th of September 1894 (their wedding anniversary), a little girl was born, and they gave her the name of Klea Lauretta. A few days after the birth of this child, a letter arrived from "Box B" Salt Lake City. This, as all old members of the Church recall, was always a call from the First Presidency of the Church containing a request for a mission - to go out into the world and preach the Gospel. The letter came as a great surprise to all, as no one had suspected that a mission was in the offing. The call made John F. and Lauretta very happy and yet sad, for coming at this particular time and under present conditions, they hardly knew how it were possible to respond in spite of the fact that they both were willing that this mission should be filled.

The call specified that John F. was to report to Salt Lake City within three weeks after receiving the letter and be prepared to leave at once for the Southern States Mission. Financially it seemed impossible, not only to go on this mission but to leave a young wife at home with two small babies to take care of. It was surely a trying time for the young couple. Stake President George Osmond, offered to write and tell President Woodruff that everything looked dark, but if possible, John F. would be in Salt Lake City at the appointed time. Through many prayers of faith to their Heavenly Father by John F. and his loyal wife, a way was opened up where he was able to fill this mission. In order to obtain necessary money, John F. sold hay, grain, and cows, reserving a young heifer and enough wheat for the family's bread. The milk cows were traded for fat cows and sold for cash. At this time, there was one of the worst depressions sweeping the country that the United States has ever known. It was during the Grover Cleveland administration. All people of that time will remember Cox's Army marching to Washington, D.C. It is well to note here that fat cows sold for very little money - the best for $16.00 and some at $14.00. John F.'s cows were good ones.

At the appointed time, John F. was in Salt Lake City to report. He was set apart by George Reynolds on the 9th of October 1894 and left there the same night to Chattanooga, Tennessee, in company with Henry Kennington of Afton, Wyoming. They were the first two missionaries sent out from Star Valley Stake.

John F. was appointed to labor in the Mississippi conference. His first missionary companion was Elder Heislet from Colorado. Headquarters of the Conference was at Jackson, Mississippi. John F. had a long walk to reach this destination, in Simpson County, about four miles from the Alabama line. Some of his best recollections of missionary experiences were here. The meetings were advertised with the result that they were well attended, especially the three meeting the first day. After one of these meetings, John F. and companion were invited to the home of a family by the name of Smith. They had fifteen children, all girls but four. The Elders spent the night with these fine people, who treated them to the best that they had, which was very good. The young men returned there many times and always received a warm welcome, never to be forgotten.

The Smith's were investigating our faith very thoroughly. In the meantime, John F. was sent to other parts to labor. However, he did baptize a few in the locality where the Smith's resided. He was transferred to Scotts County for a very short time, had many different companions, and worked in many different localities. His special assignment was breaking in new Elders. When he was set apart by Brother Reynolds, he was told that he would be sent "hither and thither" while laboring in the mission field.

As a Presiding Elder, John F. assisted by a companion, opened nine new fields in Mississippi and Louisiana. In Louisiana, they met the Cook family who really proved very friendly to the Elders. In fact, Mr. Cook remarked that the latch string was always out to them, and even when the Cook's were not at home. The Cook family was also investigators and often attended church. They helped with the music and the singing. In honor of one of the Cook girls, John F. gave the name Arstanie to one of his own daughters.

Many friends were made and some who were especially loyal. John F. tells about one of these friends, a man by the name of Dunk Crane, who befriended him at a time when a mob gathered around his home and threatened violence. Crane said they would have to "walk over his dead body" before harm could come to John F. Another interesting event took place at Howing Ridge out in the country. A conference and Priesthood meeting were being held, and Elias Kimball was speaking when a mob of fifty men assembled outside. Brother Kimball went out alone to meet them, the rest of the Elders remaining inside to carry on the meeting. Before leaving, Brother Kimball had requested to be remembered in their prayers, not only for his safe return but for the safety of all there at the meeting. In the meantime, Brother Kimball met the mob and was told that all of them were to be out of the county in 24 hours, but they finally agreed on a period of three days. The meeting continued, and at its close all were advised to leave as soon as possible; the incident passed without harm to anyone or further disturbance.

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