James Barlow was born on June 13, 1802. He is the son of John and Jane Barlow and was born in Whitefield, Prestwich, Lancashire, England. James learned the trade of weaving and later used this skill to support his family. On February 13, 1831, he married Ann Crompton in Prestwich who had an 18-month old son, Oswald. Oswald eventually settled in St. George, Utah. Together they had seven more children, John being the fourth child.
About the time of James and Ann’s marriage in England in 1831, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was restored to the earth in North America on April 6, 1830. The Prophet Joseph Smith sent Heber C. Kimball and four missionaries to England in October 1838. William Clayton and Elder Green taught James the gospel, and he recognized the truth through the power of the Holy Ghost. He was among the first to be converted in Prestwich and was the first in his immediate family to be baptized. Elder Green baptized James on November 17, 1839, and William Clayton confirmed him a member of the Church afterwards. Ann was baptized three months later on February 14, 1840.
Two years later James received his patriarchal blessing on November 9, 1841. He was given many promises. He was promised that he would speak the truth and that he would have access to the treasury of righteousness. He was blessed to preach the everlasting gospel and to know of the mysteries of the kingdom. James was promised wisdom and intelligence and that he would be a pillar in his house. He was also told that he would worship in the Temple before the Lord with prophets and apostles.
James and Ann along with their children were faithful members of the Church for the next eight years. In July of 1849, James was preaching at the Manchester Branch. Following his sermon, the Presiding Elder arose and said, “Brother Barlow, I, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, call you on a mission to the Spirit World.” This was a shock to everyone. James became ill within a few days and died three weeks later at the age of 47. Ann was a widow at the age of 44 and had to rear her children alone amidst the persecution of the saints.
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