John Rowe Moyle facts for kids
John Rowe Moyle (born February 22, 1808, in Wendron, England – died January 15, 1889, in Alpine, Utah Territory) was an important Mormon pioneer. Pioneers were early settlers who traveled to new lands. John Moyle helped settle the town of Alpine, Utah.
He was also a very skilled stonemason. A stonemason is someone who cuts and shapes stone for buildings. John Moyle worked on the famous Salt Lake Temple. He even carved the special words "Holiness to the Lord" on the temple's east side.
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John Moyle's Life Story
John Moyle was born in Cornwall, England. His parents were James and Elizabeth Rowe Moyle. When he was young, John worked in the tin mines of Cornwall.
Later, he learned how to be a stonemason from his father. In 1851, John and his family joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Journey to Utah
In 1856, John Moyle traveled to Utah Territory. He came with the first group of handcart pioneers. These pioneers pulled their belongings in handcarts across the country. Two years later, he settled in Alpine, Utah.
Working on the Temple
John Moyle was both a farmer and a stonemason. He often traveled to Salt Lake City to help build the Salt Lake Temple. He helped install the temple's round staircase. He also carved the words "Holiness to the Lord" on the temple's east side.
In 1863, John built a chapel in Alpine. He also built a fort from stone to protect his family. This was during a time when federal troops were coming to Salt Lake City.
Overcoming Challenges
John Moyle faced a big challenge when a cow kicked him. This caused a serious injury to his leg. His family and friends had to remove his leg.
Afterward, John carved a wooden leg for himself. He learned how to walk and use it. Even with his wooden leg, he continued to walk to Salt Lake City. He kept working on the temple.
His Family
John Moyle was married to Phillippa Beer, who was from England. His son, James Moyle, also became a skilled builder. James worked on the Temple Block and later became a superintendent for the temple.
John Moyle was also the grandfather of James Henry Moyle. James Henry became a well-known politician in Utah. He was also the great-grandfather of Henry D. Moyle, who was an apostle in the Church.
John Moyle's Legacy
John Moyle's face helped inspire a famous statue. Artist Torleif S. Knaphus used Moyle's likeness for the father's face on the Handcart Pioneer Monument. This statue is on Temple Square.
In 2008, a short film called Only a Stonecutter was made about John Moyle. It was directed by T. C. Christensen and starred Bruce Newbold.
