J. C. Clapp, son of Benjamin L. Clapp, born in Far West, Caldwell County, Missouri, 24 August 1837
I will be very brief in speaking of my parentage. My father, Benjamin L. Clapp, who was of German extraction, was at an early day associated with the church, having received the message in Graves County, Kentucky, where he then lived, at the hands of Wilford Woodruff. At or near the same time he was ordained to the priesthod under the hands of David Patten. He was an industrious and quite an able defender of the word, and for many years was one of the seven presidents of seventy
My mother, whose name was Shults prior to marrying my father, was also of German extraction. Unto them were born nine children, five boys and four girls who are now all dead but myself and my youngest sister, who now lies in Walla Walla, Washington (1907).
Because of the spirit of persecution, my parents moved to Missouri and settled at Far West, where on August 24, 1837, I made my first apperance upon the stage of action. When I was a child I was blessed by the prophet Joseph Smith, and the prophet placed his own name and the name of his brother Carlos upon me, and made a prophecy to the effect that I should preach the gospel. Our family suffered and were driven from our home, and we settled in Commerce, now called Nauvoo, on the east side of the Mississippi River.
Obituary
Elder Joseph Carlos Clapp was born at Far West, Missouri, August 24, 1837, and was blessed by Joseph Smith the Prophet. At the time of the driving out of the Saints from Missouri he, with his parents, moved to Nauvoo, Illinois, and there witnessed the tragic scenes following the assassination of Joseph Smith the Prophet, and Hyrum Smith his brother. In the year 1846 the family moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa; later to Salt Lake Valley, where he remained until he became a young man. The influences surrounding his father were such as to lead him to accept the doctrine of polygamy in a practical way. This troubled the young man, because of the sorrow and grief he witnessed on his mother's part. It caused him to determine to take his mother and her children away and provide for them. He made his father acquainted with his determination, and when opportunity offered itself, went to California and carried out his purposes. It was while living in California that he became acquainted with the Reorganized Church, studied it, was convinced of its divinity and accepted it, being baptized June 6, 1863, and ordained an elder before the hands of the elders were removed from his head in the confirmation. He became an active missionary in the church, having charge of missions part of the time. He suffered considerably during his travels, yet was greatly blessed, and remarkable instances of divine favor were shown him, as will be seen by those who may be interested in reading his autobiography as published in Autumn Leaves, beginning in the latter part of the year 1907. He married Miss Serville Austin in the year 1878, January 24. To them were born three sons: Carl, Hollis, and George. He continued his missionary labors after his marriage, his wife accompanying him part of the time. Their mission was a difficult one, and attended with trial; however, not without many evidences of God's watchcare over them. Many were brought into the church by his efforts, and branches were organized in the field of his labor. He moved about considerably during the later years of his life, which at times he said was much against his will, and advised against that way of doing.
He came to Independence about six months ago for relief from his afflictions, and obtained such assistance as was thought best for him, but without favorable results. He departed this life in the evening of January 31, 1912, at the Independence Sanitarium, after a struggle with bronchial trouble. Assistance was rendered for his relief, but without avail. He was cheerful, patient, and courageous through all his afflictions.
His life was a remarkable one and is worthy of a careful review. There are evidences of courage, endurance, fidelity, and heroism, indicating a strong character, one worthy for the Master's kingdom, one calculated to inspire others to noble purposes and deeds. The funeral service was in charge of Elder W. H. Garrett; the sermon by Bishop E. L. Kelley. Flowers from the various auxiliary societies of the Independence Branch were brought for his grave. The remains were laid away in Mound Grove Cemetery, Independence. G. E. Harrington. [Herald, 59:207]
Autumn Leaves, 20 (November 1907):481-82.
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