Person:Frances Robinson (6)

Fanny Turple was one of the very earliest members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly called Mormons in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Halifax branch was organized on the 18th of March 1843, consisting of the members, Elder Dixon, chairman, Elder Cook, clerk. Fanny was baptized a member 16 November 1844 by Elder T. Gwatkins, the same day as her daughter Pamela. Other of her children that were early members of the Church of Jesus Christ were her son Horatio Nelson Turple (called Nelson) who may have been the first to join, as he is listed as a member on the day the branch was organized. Her eldest daughter Susan who emigrated to Utah in 1853, Amada who married John Gumb another early member and Stephen. Harriet wife to Stephen, who was also an early member of the Church.

The members of the Church in Halifax were few in numbers and new to the Church and the restored gospel. It was noted in the conference of the Church in Halifax, in May 1846 that Sister F. Turple had been "slack" in her attending meetings. She said she expressed regret for her non attendance and her determination to improve in the future.

Susan paid a "subscription" to help raise money for emigration to California. But during this time period apparent hard fellings were felt among some of the members of the branch. President Weir spoke in reference to "hardness of feelings existing between Bro. John Gumb and Sister Turple. Bro. Gumb said that he had nothing against her. Sister Turple went away and did not make any answer to Bro. Weirs enquires. Sister Turple was therefore suspended till Sunday morning meeting Augst 23, 1846, for to give her time to make acknowldgement to Bro. Gumb.

On August 20, Sister Turple paid subscription. Three days later on August 23rd 1846, Sister Fanny Turple did not appear to acknowledgment according to notice given, therefore it was moved and carried by majority that she should be cut off.

The Church was organized in New York in 1830. The Saints had been driven from their homes in New York, Ohio, and Missouri and the main body of the Church were in Nauvoo, Illinois. The branch in Halifax was very small with only 16 members when it was organized. Some of the members of the branch were emigrating west during this time period. Then in 1844, the prophet Joseph Smith along with his brother Hyrum were murdered. After the death of Jospeh Smith, the twelve apostles with Brigham Young as senior apostle became the leaders of the Church. Shortly after the death of the prophet others came forward making claims to the right to lead the Church. One such claim was from a recent convert named James J. Strang. In 1846 the Mormons were again driven from the homes. The largest group of Mormons followed President Brigham Young to Utah. Followers of James Strang went to Wisconsin where he was crowned "King of Beaver Island." Many believed Strang had a letter from Joseph Smith prior to Smith's death, directing Strang to lead the church after his death, including some of the leaders of the Church and family members of Joseph Smith.

In August 1851, Orson Hyde, president of the quorum of the twelve apostles "finding that the Branch (in Halifax) was divided into two parties, contrary to spirit ... of the gospel and after interview among the people professing the doctrine of the Church of Christ we collected as many as possible together on Sunday August 24th and delivered before them our mind as to the best mode accomplished by rebaptism of all persons now called Saints and this should be the test of fellowship, and further that we hold the presidency of the church here. This discison was agreed and a disposition manifested be forget the past and rew their covenants and sacred obligation."

On Sunday September 7th the Saints met at the house of John Gumb. David Candland president and John Gumb, clerk. After prary and singing the president expressed his desire to see things progress in Union and Peace and desired the vote of them present to uphold him and wished an acknowledge of him as president of the Church (of the Branch). Move by John Gumb seconded by W. Gumb that Thomas Gwatkins be president of the branch. Amended... Move that John Skerry, Hannah Skerry and McMeain and wife, Susan Brady, Fanny and Pamlia Turple be cut off from the Church for upholing James J. Strang. Carried.

Sunday Oct 5th 1851 Bro. Skerry appeared at the sacrament meeting of the branch and made confession for his error in upholding James J. Strang and asked forgiveness wherein he had injured the brethren and sisters individualy or as a branch. On motion of David Candland that Bro. John Skerry's confession be received and the he be received in the branch. Sister Permilia Turple arose and made simlar confession., and that she be received in the branch.

Pamilia Turpel was rebaptized 27 September 1851. In January 1852 Pamilia in "the midst of the meeting said she would lke to say a few words and prceeded to ask for an explanation on a passage in Book of Doctrine and Covanants, page 118 latter part of 4 paragraph." She was told the Elder that he was not prepared just then, and advised to to delay the matter till some other time... she wished to know now at once. P. Edler advised her to follow her duty as far as she knows it, and she would be made aquainted with the subjects then, in due time. She said she believed in the Doc & Cov. and that Mormonism was God's eternal truth, and could show that Brigham Young was wrong and Bro. Candland was a liar, and that she could not remain in such a branch, and said more agaisnt the Branch President. P. Edler requested her to leave as she could reamin after men talk. She left the room. Moved and carried that Sister Pamelia Turple be cut off. She was excommunicated, 25 January 1852.

Stephen was rebaptized 9 December 1851.  However charges were raised against him in January 1852 and summons were issued.  On 2 June 1852 The case of Bro. Stephen Turpel for varient reasons his case was delayed but duty required that he should be delt with accordingly.  He was called upon several times, could not be seen.  Bro. Jost called and found  him home... presented him with a notice to attend meeting to try his case which notice he refused nor recognized,declared having nothing to do with Mormonism... would not allow Mormonism to be talked of in his house and disclaimed having anything to do with them.  He proclaimed many things against the Church and against Bro. Brigham Young.  Bro. Wier called to see after and did not find him home.  She (Harriet) Bro. Stephens wife advised and begged him not to call again.  Stephen was  excommunicated 2 June 1852.  

Harriet Turpel, wife of Stephen was rebaptized 9 November 1851 but excommunicated 2 June 1852.

Susan (Turpel) baptized 13 October 1851. From all accounts, Susan was the only member of the extended family to remain faithful to the Church. When she declared that she was going to emigrate to Utah to be with the Saints, her family vowled to disown her. She did remove to the valley April 1853. And true to the family threats, her father metions every living child in his will, except Susan.

1.   Halifax Branch, Eastern States Mission Records 1843-1854. (Restricted film).

   see notes.