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

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At another time, John F. was threatened to be tarred and feathered, while laboring in the city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In those days in the South, strangers were not supposed to go to the house but as was the custom to stand at the gate and call out, "Hello," until someone would come out. But contrary to custom while out tracting, John F. went up the walk to the porch. Someone, however, warned him not to go to the house, but he paid no attention but kept going. Finally, three men came out and ordered him to the street calling him everything but a gentleman. One of them came close to John F. with clenched fists and threatened to tar and feather him that night and ride the other Elders on a rail out of town. In spite of the fact that these three men were very rough and insulting, John F. did not feel in the least afraid, because he knew they (the Elders) were in the service of the Lord and would be protected. The men finally left and the Elders sought for lodgings for the night but were refused at every place. Feeling insecure, John F.'s companion suggested that they go to a certain hotel there and pawn their luggage for a night's lodging, but John F. replied, "We have been asked to travel without purse and script." They knelt in prayer outside the city and spent the night in a partly constructed building.

The next morning they arose and continued their labors in the outskirts of the city. They had previously obtained permission from the city officers to labor in that vicinity, but after the tar and feather threat, the officers absolutely refused to render further protection and told the Elders that they were now on their own to take the risk of being molested. They took the risk all right, and remained in that city until they were ready to leave. They certainly were blessed with our Heavenly Father's protecting care.

Sometime later, President Elias Kimball received a letter asking if John F. and companion would visit a small colony of Indians in Mississippi, who had been taught the Gospel and were ready for baptism. They left at once, finding it necessary to cross the Pearl River in a canoe as the ferry boat was not in working order at the time. It was a hazardous crossing, but they reached their destination safely and met the Indians who treated them nicely. John F. had the privilege of blessing and naming one of their babies and baptizing two adults. Then they returned to Louisiana and their work there. John F. had been in the mission field about thirty months and the time was drawing near for his return.

During his absence, the folks at home enjoyed excellent health and were blessed by the Lord beyond expectation. For a time, his wife Lauretta and her two small children lived with her parents. She was full of faith and never complained. Her letters to her missionary husband were always encouraging. She never wrote of any troubles or trials that must have been hers. Nor did she write about being lonely, or suggest that it was time for her husband to come home. She desired that his mission should be completed and that he should receive an honorable release.

It was in April 1897 when John F. received his release. He bade President Swenson (of the Louisiana Conference) and the other Elders goodbye and left for New Orleans. From there, he proceeded to Mobile, Alabama, then to Kansas City, Missouri, and on to Salt Lake City, Utah. He spent the night with an uncle, Charles Astle. The next day he reported his release to the authorities of the Church and was ready to begin the last lap of his journey toward his home in Grover, Wyoming, where he arrived May 6, 1897. The roads from Montpelier to Grover were almost impassable at this time of the year, and the trip was a very tiring one; he was so anxious to see his loved ones again. It took one day and a night to make the fifty miles from the Church Headquarters. Arriving at Mother's house in Afton, Father came to meet him, driving the three miles from the ranch with one horse and cart. They then drove to John F.'s home. The first one to meet him was his little daughter, Klea, who was a tiny baby of one month when he left for his mission in the Southern States.

John Francis, Lauretta, Klea, and John Francis Jr. -Taken about 1897-

Klea was a blue-eyed blonde and very fairy-like. Upon seeing her daddy, she ran to the house as fast as her legs could carry her. She must have been frightened a bit to see a man dressed in a Prince Albert suit and a Derby hat coming with her grandfather. But it proved a happy reunion with wife and children.

John F., while on this mission, was blessed beyond measure. He enjoyed good health, impossibilities were overcome, and he slept out only seven nights. Numerous manifestations of the power of the Lord took place. The sick were healed instantly on many occasions. Other equally great events happened under the influence of the Holy Priesthood. Through faith and prayer, John F. had no fear of mobs, for he knew if he was in the service of the Lord, he would be protected, and he was. The mission proved a blessing not only spiritually, but financially as well.

When he arrived home, he came in time for the spring planting. The Prince Albert suit and Derby hat were put away to be replaced by everyday work clothes. The second day after his arrival, he began plowing. Not being accustomed to such work for more than two and a half years, he felt physically tired after that day's labor was completed, but he got used to it in time.

Lauretta and John F. Astle Family - 1904 Back Row: Lauretta Hepworth, Klea Lauretta, John Francis Jr., John Francis Astle Front Row: Evelyn Vilate (Lauretta's Arms), Arstanie Elvira, Clara Pearl, David Elmer, Vernon Lenox

Soon after his arrival home, John F. was appointed as Superintendent of the Grover Ward Sunday School. He held this position for eleven years until he was again called to take a mission, this time to the Eastern States. He left November 9, 1909. Having prospered in many ways, he now had ten children and a large farm. After being in the mission field for a few months, it became necessary for him to undergo a major operation. He recovered rapidly, and President Rich asked him if he would like to return home, but his answer was, "I would like to finish this mission." President Ben E. Rich then said, "I will give you as honorable a release as anyone who has ever filled a mission." After due consideration, it was decided that John F. should return home, as he was needed there. There was too much heavy outside work for his wife, the boys being too young to sense responsibilities, and also, their daughter Evelyn, was very sick. He was released July 17, 1910, returned home and resumed his labor on the ranch again getting affairs into systematic order, and everything progressed nicely.

He was set apart as second counselor to Bishop Ray S. Thurman, in March 1911. Evelyn, the little daughter seven years of age, passed away the 23rd of March 1911. To John F. this was a great trial.

Previous to this time, the first ranch was sold. He bought another one with more land and extended the acreage. They had a nice large home in town where they lived during the winter months while the children were attending school. The older children went to Afton to the high school and the younger children of school age, to the grade school in Grover.

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