William Davenport — Spiritual Confirmation of the Dixie Call

In 1861, William Davenport had finally achieved a measure of prosperity and comfort in Richmond, Cache Valley, where he had built a home and a successful blacksmith shop. When he received the call to relocate to the 'Dixie' mission—a place known for its harsh heat and alkaline soil—he faced a significant internal struggle regarding the sacrifice of his family's stability. After retiring to a private place to pray for guidance, he received a powerful and audible spiritual confirmation that the call was the will of the Lord. This divine intervention changed his heart completely; he immediately sold his property at a significant loss and was among the first to arrive in the St. George valley to begin the mission.