Betsy Lucinda Baker Topham — Divine Protection During the Black Hawk War

During the mid-1860s, the Tophams were among the families attempting to maintain the settlement of Paragonah during the hostilities of the Black Hawk War. Because of the danger of raids, the settlers often had to retreat to the fort at Parowan. On one specific occasion, while traveling between the two locations, Betsy experienced a powerful spiritual impression—a manifestation of the Holy Ghost—warning her of immediate danger and prompting the family to hasten their pace. Shortly after they reached the safety of the Parowan fort, it was discovered that a raiding party had crossed the very path they had been on only minutes prior. The account, preserved in the DUP History Collection, cites this as a distinct instance of divine protection and guidance that saved the family from potential capture or death.