For nearly three decades, members of the William and Ann Jewell Rowley family, friends, and those interested in Mormon pioneer history have thrilled to the inspiring accounts that comprise the Rowley Family Histories. More than 6,000 copies of the volume have been sold in both hardcover and softcover versions.
The history project began and was lovingly guided by Deane Johnson Cook and members of the Rowley family executive committee during the 1980s. Deane and other interested family members gathered two dozen short histories that had floated around among branches of the family beginning in the early 1900s. Copies of those short histories can be found in a special collection in the Church Historical Department Library in Salt Lake City.
Frank Richardson, a descendant of Thomas Rowley, compiled and edited those histories under direction of the family organization into a single narrative, adding historical context to the story of the couple's conversion to Mormonism, the exodus from England, and the handcart journey to the Valley of the Great Salt Lake as recorded in Part I. Additional historical detail was also added to clarify historical events in Part II, including the coming of Johnston's Army, settling of the Mormon colonies in Mexico, the Utah Indian Wars, establishment of the United Order, and plural marriage. A special section on plural marriage and a copy of the official Willie Handcart Company journal were lastly added to the appendix.
In 2004, a softcover version was introduced to make the book more easily affordable. Several illustrations were removed from the book to avoid copyright violations. Otherwise, the content has remained unchanged since first published in 1992.
Under direction of the family executive committee, copies of the book were distributed from 1992 until 2008 when the executive committee was disbanded. To ensure that the histories would continue in print as long as there is demand for the book, StoryWorks Publishers assumed the tasks of printing and distribution.
StoryWorks Publishers sells all copies of Rowley Family Histories at cost (hardcover $35 including mailing; softcover $25 including mailing). We hope you enjoy this inspiring family treasure. Order your copy from StoryWorks Publishers, 146 Archie Ave, Fruit Heights, UT 84037. A free electronic copy of the Rowley Family Histories (.pdf) is available for download at http://cl.ly/0A2r1W1m0c3Z.
