Asenath Slafter Janes

 

Asenath Slafter Janes

 

 

Asenath Slafter was born August 18, 1796 in Connecticut in the same county as her parents Eleazer and Eunice Slafter. Asenath was 36 years old when she met Josiah Janes. They married December 6, 1832.

 

On March 12, 1834 Asenath gave birth to twin boys, they named Elijah and Elisha. God called Elisha home the next day and Elijah followed five days later. A third child came on March 8, 1835, they named her Henrietta.

 

In 1839 some Mormon missionaries came to Mansfield County. Josiah became very interested. He asked the Elders if he could borrow a Book of Mormon. He didn't put the book down until he finished it completely. After reading it he asked to be baptised. Conversion didn't come as easy to Asenath. It took two years of discussion and even some debating until she became convinced. Two years later Asenath's mother and two younger sisters also joined the church.

 

The family did what most new members did at the time they headed to join the LDS church in Nauvoo. Henrietta was only 9 years old and remembered seeing the Prophet Joseph Smith on several occasions.

 

Josiah understood the doctorine of plural marriage and believed why Joseph Smith taught it, but did not have the courage to practice it. He stayed married to just Asenath.

 

After the Prophet Joseph Smith was killed it was very difficult for Josiah. He lost Mental control and committed suicide on September 6, 1844.

 

Asenath was left alone with her daughter Henrietta. Asenath married Samuel Bent the following year 1845 in the Nauvoo Temple. It was not a long marriage Samuel died August 16, 1846. Asenath also lost her sister Lucinda that same month. With in a year and a half she lost her mother Eunice, leaving her and her daughter Henrietta alone once again.

Henrietta Janes Cox- later in life

 

Mother and daughter found an opportunity to travel, leaving Council bluffs. 100 days later arrived in Salt Lake City, Utah. Henrietta, only 17 at the time, walked almost the whole way.

 

Both Asenath and Henrietta are strong, confidant, faithful women. I am thankful for the records I have of their lives and faith.