I, Sylvia C. Cutler, was born August 28, 1832, near Forestville, New York. My father was Thaddeus Cutler, son of Alpheus Cutler. From my earliest recollection my parents belonged to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

While I was quite young my parents came to Kirtland, Ohio. One of my earliest recollections was the dedication of the Temple. My father took us up on his lap and told us why we were going and what it meant to dedicate a house to God. And although so very young at that time, I clearly remember the occasion.

I can look back through the lapse of years and see as I saw then Joseph the Prophet, standing with his hands raised towards heaven, his face ashy pale, the tears running down his cheeks as he spoke on that memorable day. Almost all seemed to be in tears. The house was so crowded the children were mostly sitting on older people's laps; my sister sat on father's, I on my mother's lap. I can even remember the dresses we wore. My mind was too young at that time to grasp the full significance of it all, but as time passed it dawned more and more upon me, and I am very grateful that I was privileged to be there.