HERE COMES A NEPHITE

This story first appeared in a pamphlet entitled, "Fate", published in 1980.

Legendary stories have grown up around Christianity and also the Mormon Religion.  One such story centers on the Nephites.  Mormons believe that the Nephites were a  super race that once lived in America.  Three Nephites were set apart by Christ to "never taste death", but to work at saving souls.  These three Nephites were reported to be especially active during pioneering days of the Mormons.  Usually they work alone, often wearing white robes and impressive beards.  Their faces have a kind of glow.  A Nephite may ask for food and eat but the food miraculously remains unconsumed.  He appears most often in isolated areas, offering help.

Nearly 100 years after it happened, Ray J. Hutchenson of Salt Lake City, Utah told Louise Putcomp Jr. of the Associated Press, A Nephite aided his Grandmother, Emma Sanders Tidwell. 

Her husband had gone to bring a load of coal and she was alone on the farm with her children, one being ill.  An old man with flowing hair and a long beard appeared at her door.

"Someone is sick here in this house", he announced.  "I have been sent to minister to that child."  He touched the child's forehead with a finger dipped in consecrated oil and recited a special blessing.  Mrs. Tidwell invited him to sleep with the boys in the loft, but in the morning the stranger was gone.  Mrs. Tidwell was convinced that he was a Nephite, sent to her home in time of need.

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To the right, you will see  the "Peel Homestead" which is located a  short distance from where the "Tidwell Homestead" was once located.  Notice Horseshoe in the distance. The Tidwells, Nelsons, Peels, Brintons, Brothersons, Nielsens, and many others lived in "the Bottoms" near the banks of the Sanpitch River between Moroni and Mt. Pleasant. They, at one time had their own school in that vicinity.  Anyone having any stories about "the bottoms", please let us know.