Spiritual manifestations were recorded among early members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Like Joseph Smith’s vision of an angel, my ancestor, William Henry Kelsey recorded spiritual manifestations that occurred to himself and others in his diary during his time as a young missionary in England. This is the third post in my series about my ancestors and church history following this year’s Come Follow Me curriculum. This week’s lesson is titled, “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers, Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65.”
William’s Diary
Several years ago, my mom searched for William’s original diaries, and found three volumes of a journal from his second mission (1858-1861) at the Brigham Young University Library’s Special Collections, MSS 783. As far as I know, the original images of the diary referenced below in this post, from his mission beginning in 1851, is not publicly viewable. A typescript is available on FamilySearch. To see William’s handwriting and journaling style, I’ve included an image of his later diary here.

William Henry Kelsey’s diary, excerpt from 18 September 1858; Brigham Young University, Special Collections
William Henry Kelsey’s Youth
My third-great-grandfather, William Henry Kelsey, was born 21 November 1830 in Dover, Kent County, England.[1] He was baptized in the St. Mary the Virgin Church in Dover on 30 January 1831, the son Edward Kelsey, a laborer, and Ann.[2] Edward and Ann were the parents of ten children, and only four lived to adulthood: Elizabeth, Mary Ann, William, and Matilda.[3] Edward and Ann struggled to provide for their children due to their limited financial circumstances.[4]
When William was a young boy, he desired to learn more about religion and had several experiences he described as spiritual manifestations:
- “When a lad of between 3 and 10 years of age I felt a strange influence often come over my mind in so much that I would often select a solitary place where I could pour forth my soul to the Almighty in prayer which was faint and very feeble. My mind would often run upon the coming of Jesus Christ and I felt an impression that I should behold the day that my mother, the main support of the family, would often make likewise.”[5]
- “At the age of ten years I was sent to a free school where I spent rather better than three years in learning the first rudiments of education. Often during that time I would feel a peculiar sensation grasp over my mind, beautiful and serene which would leave a lasting impression.[6]
William Kelsey, aged 11, was recorded in the 1841 Census of England as residing in St. Mary, Kent County.[7] He lived in the civil parish of St. Mary, within the town of Dover. His household included Ann Kelsey, 50; Mary Kelsey, 20; Matilda Kelsey, 9; and John Johnson, 20, a mariner, who Mary and Richard Bartholomew, age 52, a Laborer. Ann was the head of household, listed as a Laborer. William’s father, Edward Kelsey, was living apart from the family, probably due to his work, in Buckland, Kent County. The men near him on the census page were brickmakers and laborers.[8] Descendants of the Kelsey family remembered that Edward Kelsey was a brick layer.[9]
Later, as a teenager, William continued to desire more religious knowledge. He wrote, “I often would read the Bible and other books treating upon religious matters. Often would express a desire to behold an Apostle and to gaze upon such signs as the ancient saints realized, I considered would be the greatest I could obtain.”[10]
A biography of William mentions a unique experience seeing a stranger who he later thought might have been a heavenly visitor:
When [William] began to earn his living he worked in a green grocery establishment. He had studied the Bible and was searching for a religion. One day while in the store a stranger appeared. His clothes were beautiful, his hair long and white. He asked Mr. Kelsey how business was and commented on the beautiful fruit. Then he remarked, “You are seeking religion. Seek and you shall find.” He asked the stranger a few questions, then turned away to get him some fruit. The stranger disappeared. He was nowhere to be seen and no one saw him go. He always had the conviction that the stranger was one of the three Nephites.[11]
Latter Day Saints
In 1847, when he was seventeen years old, he heard about a new church. He wrote:
In the year 1847 there was much said concerning a body of people known by the name of Latter Day Saints. In my travels one day in the summer of the same year I was invited to go and hear what the people had to say. Being informed that a man by the name of Martin was expected to preach at their meeting room. The man who had cast out devils and saw angels and had seen the same signs displayed that had been spoken of in the scriptures. … Mr. Moses Martin arose and apologized through having a cold he would not be able to address the spirits and friends present. Consequently he called on Mr. Paul Harrison who arose and addressed the company. Still desiring to know more of this doctrine, I went again in the evening and much delighted with the discourse given by Moses Martin. From that time forward I attended the meetings of the Saints. Some months rolled away when the question was put to me whether I had a mind to be baptized for the remission of sins. I promised that I would obey that ordinance but not until I was 22 or 23 when I told them I should be more capable of taking a greater responsibility upon myself.[12]
A few months later, William regretted his decision to wait to be baptized. He wrote,
Soon the scene was altered…I had much cause to regret that I had not harkened to the voice of those men…and obey[ed] the mandates of heaven. I soon found myself cast upon a bed of affliction…I knew that I had rejected the simple ordinances of God and…neglected to obey the laws and commandments taught…by Jesus and his apostles. Day after day rolled away…the doctor attended time after time yet I did not…realize any benefit. Nearly a fortnight passed…At last the words flew across my mind, ‘Send for the Elders,’ which I [did]. Brother Allsworth administered to me…I found myself refreshed…The next morning…Elder C. Phelps…bid the disease depart at once, when I felt the fever leave my body and strength take its place. On Saturday I could scarcely walk…but on Sunday I…went to the meeting of the Saints. The first opportunity I had…I fulfilled the promise I made to my Heavenly Father…I would serve Him the remainder of my days. I went down to the seashore…on the 16th of February…Brother Field was baptized with me. Brother Allsworth officiated and confirmed me the next morning…by Elder Phelps.[13]
Missionary Travels

William Henry Kelsey
Soon after his baptism, William was ordained to the office of a Teacher, then Priest, then Elder. He said, “In the spring of 1850 I again began to labor in the business of the Lord. Then I was called and ordained Elder, by Elder Thomas Caffall. The first I visited was Hystorm, 6 miles distant from Dover accompanied by Brother Norphew Dungford.”[14] As a traveling Elder, he was expected to preach and travel like other early church missinoaries, often without money or means to support himself, relying on the people he visited for sustenance and lodging.[15]
At the time of the 1850 census, William was a 20-year-old lodger residing in Croydon, Surrey. He lived in the household of John Barrett, a 23-year-old head of the household, and Mary Barrett, his 21-year-old wife. Also residing in the household were Emma Briant, a 16-year-old sister of John, and fellow lodgers John Lask, aged 58, and Henry Buckfield, aged 24.[16]
Spiritual Manifestations
William’s spiritual experiences from a young age were not uncommon among early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Joseph Smith, the Church’s founder, shared that he saw an angel while praying at his home:
In consequence of these things I often felt condemned for my weakness and imperfections; when on the evening of the above mentioned twenty first of september, after I had retired to my bed for the night I betook myself to prayer and supplication to Almighty God for forgiveness of all my sins and follies… While I was thus in the act of calling upon God, I discovered a light appearing in the room which continued to increase untill the room was lighter than at noonday when immediately a personage appeared at my bedside standing in the air for his feet did not touch the floor. He had on a loose robe of most exquisite whiteness… His whole person was glorious beyond description, and his countenance truly like lightning… He called me by name and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me and that his name was Moroni… He said there was a book deposited written upon gold plates, giving an account of the former inhabitants of this continent and the source from whence they sprang. He also said that the fullness of the everlasting Gospel was contained in it as delivered by the Saviour to the ancient inhabitants…
He also quoted the second chapter of Joel from the twenty eighth to the last verse. He also said that this was not yet fulfilled but was soon to be… He quoted many other passages of scripture and offered many explanations which cannot be mentioned here.[17]
In the Bible, Joel chapter 2 verse 28-29 reads:
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.[18]
During his missionary travels in England, William recorded several spiritual manifestations, visions, and dreams — seeming to be a pouring out of the spirit that Joseph had been told. On 8 January 1852, William wrote:
Croydon – In my absence…the Lord had favored a sister with a vision or opened her eyes. As she was about to offer up her evening supplication, a personage stood before her…His countenance shone brilliantly…A light surrounded him…everything appeared illuminated equal to the noonday’s sun. She called upon her daughter, crying, ‘There is Brother Kelsey looking in the window.’ Terrified, they shuddered, fearing some calamity had befallen him, yet he stood with a smile upon his countenance. The mother opened the window, but darkness lay over the neighborhood. Closing it again, the personage remained. Overcome with fright, they entered the bedroom…for over half an hour. Strange to say, the daughter, though twenty-six years old, saw only darkness. I remember that at that time I was offering up my evening supplication, praying God to bless His people and pour out upon them manifestations of His spirit.[19]
In September, he recorded another vision of a church member:
A vision seen by a lad of 13 years, the son of Elder Lashbrooke, appeared during the day. After his father chastised him for folly, the boy fell into deep thought, then into a deep sleep, becoming unconscious of his surroundings. His mother heard him mutter low groans and tried to wake him but could not. When he regained speech, he told his mother that two men of unpleasant countenance had visited him, insisting he go with them. Though reluctant, they promised to take him to his deceased brother. He wished his mother and sister goodbye but again refused. The men remained at the foot of his bed before leaving. His father found him in a bad condition and laid hands on his head. As the father prayed, the boy’s lips moved, and he was asked to say ‘amen’ when the prayer ended. At that moment, the boy saw a beautiful vision—two men in radiant garments stood by the bed, and the room filled with light. He asked, ‘Please sir, do you want me?’ They replied they had come to give instructions: to improve himself, stop playing with boys in the streets, and heed his parents’ advice. They promised him clothing for Sunday’s meeting and foretold that he would become a useful man, preach the gospel to other nations, and gain power to control himself. They also told him that the foundation of the temple had begun, that he would go to Zion, and do much good. After revealing all he was permitted to share, he kept certain things secret as instructed, to be made known at a future time.[20]
Marriage
Around this time, William’s diary mentions a “Sister Huggett,” who he baptized on November 27, 1851. He mentioned her again on 17 May 1852:
May 17 – After visiting the Saints at Ilumington, accompanied by Sister H. Hugget to a festival. It was held by the Saints of the above branch. I realized a blessing in being present and was kindly received by all present. A month has passed away since my last visit there. Meeting broke up about 11 pm. Returned with Sister Huggett. Weather very rough; thunder, lightening, and rain. Consequently I was prevailed to stay at above dwelling. I spent an hour or two in conversation with the master of the house and then prepared for bed. I was kindly provided at the inconvenience of others and they considered it an honor.[21]
A few months later, the couple got married. William Henry Kelsey, a bachelor of full age, married Harriet Huggett on September 27, 1852, at All Saints, Croydon, Surrey, England. William, whose occupation was listed as a traveler, resided in Croydon at the time of the marriage. His father, Edward Kelsey, was a laborer and was deceased at the time of the marriage. Harriet Huggett, also of full age, was the daughter of Thomas Huggett, a deceased cooper. The marriage was conducted according to the rites and ceremonies of the established church after banns by Edward Harden, with Henry Lashbrooke and Charles [Colel?] as witnesses. Both William and Harriet signed their names in their own hand.[22]
Marriage of William Henry Kelsey and Harriett Huggett, 1852
In 1861, William was the head of his household at the age of 30. He resided in Camberwell, Surrey, England, with his wife, Harriett Kelsey, who was 34 years old. Their family included their daughter Harriett, aged 7, another daughter Ellen, aged 6, and their son William, aged 4.[23]
Migration to Utah
By 1870, they migrated to Utah. William was 39 years old in 1870 and resided in Springville, Utah Territory. His personal estate was valued at $400, and his real estate was valued at $250. William lived with Harriet Kelsey, who was 43 years old, and their children: Harriet Kelsey, aged 17, Ellen Kelsey, aged 14, William Kelsey, aged 13, and Emma Kelsey.[24]
William was a farmer residing in Springville, Utah, in 1880. He was the head of the household, married to Harriett Kelsey, who was 55 years old. Their son, Wm H. Kelsey Jr., aged 21, worked as a lumberman. The household also included their 18-year-old daughter, Emma Kelsey. Additionally, Esther Kelsey, aged 56, and Laura Kelsey, aged 26, were listed as wives, with Esther Kelsey, aged 2, and Josephine Kelsey, aged 10 months, as daughters of Laura.[25]
Death
William passed away on August 5, 1895, at the age of 64 in Springville, Utah County, Utah, USA. He is buried in the Historic Springville Cemetery, located in Springville, Utah County, Utah, at plot Blk. 13 Lot 2 Pos. 1. His headstone bears an inscription inviting him to “the paradise of God, where no pain, or death is known,” and to “receive the victor’s crown.”[26]
Future Research Suggestions
More historical context could be discovered to illuminate the early days and mission of William Henry Kelsey.
- Locate the original of the 1851 diary of William Henry Kelsey
- Discover what a “free school” was during the 1840s in Kent County, England
- Research what the “festival” may have been that William and Harriett attended in May 1852
- Learn more about missionaries of various religious traveling without purse or scrip in the 1850s
Notes
[1] Find a Grave, database with images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/61996 : accessed 27 January 2025), memorial 61996, William Henry Kelsey Sr. (1830–1895), Historic Springville Cemetery, Springville, Utah County, Utah; gravestone photo by Denny Davis. See also
[2] “England, Kent, Canterbury Parish Registers, 1538-1986,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QGNJ-GB52 : accessed 27 January 2025), William Henry Kelsey, Baptism, 30 January 1831, Dover, Kent, England, United Kingdom.
[3] “Edward Kelsey & Ann Gibbons,” story contributed by user djpage7, FamilySearch Family Tree (https://www.familysearch.org/memories/memory/746169?cid=mem_copy : accessed 27 January 2025).
[4] William Henry Kelsey, diary, 1 May 1850 through 3 April 1853; typescript copy, contributed by Diana S. Elder, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/memories/memory/143338498 : accessed 27 January 2025), p. 1, life story, ca. 1850.
[5] William Henry Kelsey, diary, 1 May 1850 through 3 April 1853; typescript copy, contributed by Diana S. Elder, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/memories/memory/143338498 : accessed 27 January 2025), p. 1, life story, ca. 1850.
[6] Ibid.
[7] 1841 census of England, Kent, St. Mary, folio 46, p. 8, William Kelsey; database with images, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/8978/records/3245195 : accessed 27 January 2025).
[8] 1841 census of England, Kent, Buckland, folio 16, p. 25, Edward Kelsey; database with images, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/8978/records/2943536 : accessed 27 January 2025).
[9] “Edward Kelsey & Ann Gibbons,” story contributed by user djpage7, FamilySearch Family Tree (https://www.familysearch.org/memories/memory/746169?cid=mem_copy : accessed 27 January 2025).
[10] William Henry Kelsey, diary, 1 May 1850 through 3 April 1853; typescript copy, contributed by Diana S. Elder, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/memories/memory/143338498 : accessed 27 January 2025), p. 1, life story, ca. 1850.
[11] “William Henry Kelsey and His Wife Harriet Huggett Kelsey, by an unknown author,” contributed by user TERRY60, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/memories/memory/24267144 : accessed 27 January 2025).
[12] William Henry Kelsey, diary, 1 May 1850 through 3 April 1853; typescript copy, contributed by Diana S. Elder, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/memories/memory/143338498 : accessed 27 January 2025), p. 2, life story, ca. 1850.
[13] William Henry Kelsey, diary, 1 May 1850 through 3 April 1853; typescript copy, contributed by Diana S. Elder, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/memories/memory/143338498 : accessed 27 January 2025), p. 2, life story, ca. 1850.
[14] William Henry Kelsey, diary, 1 May 1850 through 3 April 1853; typescript copy, contributed by Diana S. Elder, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/memories/memory/143338498 : accessed 27 January 2025), p. 2, life story, ca. 1850.
[15] Jill Morgan, “Without purse or scrip: Orson F. Whitney’s experiences in Essex,” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (https://uk.churchofjesuschrist.org/without-purse-or-scrip-orson-f-whitneys-experiences-in-essex : accessed 27 January 2025).
[16] 1851 census of England, Surrey, Croydon, folio 212, p. 24, household 145, Willm Kelsey; database with images, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/1274049:8860 : accessed 27 January 2025).
[17] Joseph Smith, History, 1838–1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805–30 August 1834], p. 5-6, The Joseph Smith Papers (https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/history-1838-1856-volume-a-1-23-december-1805-30-august-1834/5 : accessed January 27, 2025).
[18] King James Bible, Joel 2:28; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/joel/2?lang=eng : accessed 27 January 2025).
[19] William Henry Kelsey, diary, 1 May 1850 through 3 April 1853; typescript copy, contributed by Diana S. Elder, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/memories/memory/143338498 : accessed 27 January 2025), p. 6, 8 January 1852.
[20] William Henry Kelsey, diary, 1 May 1850 through 3 April 1853; typescript copy, contributed by Diana S. Elder, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/memories/memory/143338498 : accessed 27 January 2025), p. 10, 10 September 1852.
[21] William Henry Kelsey, diary, 1 May 1850 through 3 April 1853; typescript copy, contributed by Diana S. Elder, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/memories/memory/143338498 : accessed 27 January 2025), p. 7, 17 May 1852.
[22] “Surrey, England, Church of England Marriages and Banns, 1754-1937,” database with images, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/2360109:4779 : 27 January 2025), William Henry Kelsey and Harriet Huggett, 27 September 1852, All Saints, Surrey, England.
[23] 1861 census of England, Surrey, Camberwell, Peckham, p. 20, no. 110, William H. Kelsey household; image, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/8767/images/sryrg9_380_384-0674 : accessed 27 Jan 2025).
[24] 1870 U.S. census, Utah County, Utah Territory, population schedule, Springville, p. 339A, dwelling 220, family 214, William H, Kelsey; database with images, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/7919085:7163 : accessed 27 January 2025); citing NARA microfilm publication M593, roll 1612.
[25] 1880 U.S. census, Utah County, Utah, population schedule, Springville, ED 82, p. 163c, dwelling 161, family 172, Wm H. Kelsey; database with images, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/43447327:6742 : accessed 27 January 2025); citing NARA microfilm publication T9, roll 1338.
[26] Find a Grave, database with images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/61996 : accessed 27 January 2025), memorial 61996, William Henry Kelsey Sr. (1830–1895), Historic Springville Cemetery, Springville, Utah County, Utah; gravestone photo by Denny Davis.
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Thanks for the note!