Alexander and Eunice McRae, 2nd installment

She had been born February 7, 1818, in Newcastle, the daughter of Joseph Hawkins and Catherine Parkhurst Fitzgerald. {***missing indicated footnote reference here***} Her father had been born in Virginia and her mother in New Jersey. They had been living in Henry County since about 1800. Her father had been a soldier under General Anthony Wayne in the War of 1812. [Deseret Evening News, Dec. 11, 1906.]

Soon after their marriage, Alexander and Eunice moved across the Ohio River to Ripley County, Indiana, where Alexander established himself on a farm. [Preston Nibley, Stalwarts of Mormonism, pp. 100-102.] Their first child, John, was born there January 30, 1836. [Endowment House Sealings, Book E, p. 169, Book H, p. 112. The family has accepted Henry Co., Ky., as the place of his birth. These are original records made by John, himself.]

In 1837, they were visited on their farm by missionaries of the L.D.S. Church. [Preston Nibley, Stalwarts of Mormonism, pp. 100-102.] “Alexander was a Baptist, but upon hearing that the Mormons believed in baptism by immersion, he became interested.” [Rosa V. Black, Under Granger Skies, pp. 186-187.] They had to walk eight miles to hear the elders preach, and would make the return journey the same night on foot, carrying their young baby in their arms. [Deseret Evening News, Dec. 11, 1906.] Perhaps their conversion was a quick one, [History written by Regina McRae.] but it must have also represented a difficult choice, as Alexander’s parents would have nothing to do with him after he joined the Mormon Church. At any rate, Alexander and Eunice decided that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God [David F. McRae, “Sketch of the Life of Alexander McRae”.] and that they would be baptized into the Mormon Church. In June of 1837, they walked the sixteen miles to the place of baptism, carrying John in their arms all the way. When they arrived they found a mob of 200 men who had gathered to prevent any baptisms from taking place. The Mormon elders told Alexander and Eunice that they had better postpone the ceremony and wait for a more favorable time. Alexander asked if he was worthy of baptism. The elders told him that he was. “Then I demand baptism, and as for these men, I am not afraid of all the devils out of hell”, he replied. He and Eunice were baptized by Elisha P. Davis, [Eleventh Ward Record, Book B.] and none of the 200 moved to stop them. Then they walked the sixteen miles home. [History written by Regina McRae.]

Eunice later said: “Alexander was a very profane man, and was addicted to the use of tobacco, but he made a complete reversal of his life.” [History written by Regina McRae.]