Isaac & Lucy Morley

Isaac & Lucy Gunn Morley

Kids: Philena, Lucy, Editha, Calista, Unnamed Daughter, Unnamed Son, Cordelia, Theresa, Isaac

Isaac Morley was known to the Prophet Joseph Smith as Father Morley. He was a faithful, wonderful member. I love his stories of leadership and repentance and never-ending faith. Following is a story that took place in Manti, Utah with the local Indian tribe (credit to Richard Henrie Morley for this work which was part of his thesis):

About March 1, 1850, Chief Walker accosted Morley with a merciless request, one few civilized white men could accept with dignity. Morley's plural wife, Hannah, had given birth to a son named Simeon Thomas. This child, who had large laughing brown eyes and curly brown hair, was a great source of joy in their home since he was born late in the couple's life. The weather was brisk when Walker arrived and whereas he had never threatened the colonists with open rebellion before, he did this day. He rode his white horse to within a few feet of Morley's cottage door and demanded that Morley give his "papoose" in exchange for the colony.

The motivation for this brutal request came from a whim of Walker's squaw, who coveted the infant. Walker might have employed this cunning method to test Morley's courage, as God had tested Abraham of old by asking him to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac, to see if he could be trusted. Father Morley was willing to give anything except his son, "Take bread or beef instead of my papoose," he pleaded, but Walker gestured no other prize would satisfy him.

When the Chief stepped forward, Sister Hannah Morley fainted and her husband asked that his own life be taken. The tall Indian refused, so Father Morley reasoned with those in his house: "It is better to lose our baby than the whole settlement and the boy too." He handed the one‑year‑old Simeon to Walker who wheeled his horse around and rode off with other tribesmen.

Brother Morley encouraged his wife to have faith that all would be well with Simeon. She had no faith in the crafty Indian chief, but together they prayed throughout the night for their son's safety. After daybreak, Walker returned Simeon who was very dirty, uninjured, and happy to see his parents

When asked to explain why the child was returned, Walker replied, "Your squaw feel bad, we bring him back." Walker's wife was quick to explain, "He laid in my arms all night and sleep tight." This experience seemed to weld a friendship between Morley and the Chief.

About two weeks after this incident, on March 13, 1850, Chief Walker came to Manti at President Morley's invitation and offered himself to be baptized for the remission of his sins. Considering the request a "distinct privilege," Morley baptized him in City Creek and confirmed him a member of the Church Three months later, on June 9, Walker was ordained an elder in the Melchizedek Priesthood, the first of his tribe to be so honored.