This Company was organised on
the 12th of June by Elder O. Hyde on the Camping ground 2
miles from the ferry above Bethlehem, Warren Foot, appointed
Captain of the hundred and Otis Lysander Terry Captn. of the
first division & William [Madison] Wall Captn. of the
Second division.
on the 17th our whole company
camped on a Creek about 3 miles from the ferry w[h]ere the
officers met and passed the following resolutions for the
intended benifit of the Company of the company while
Journeying to the Valley of the Salt Lake
1stSamuel Mulliner was chosen
Clerk for the Camp while jouneying
2ndResolved that the company
will arise in the morning when the horn shall blow at 4
o’clock and after the necessary preparation for starting the
horn shall blow for prayers at ½ past 8[.] also the horn
shall blow for prayer every evening at ½ past 8
3d Resolved that if any of
the company while on gaurd shall neglect his duty by sleep
or otherwise for the first offence he shall be reported from
the stand and if after ward found guilty of neglect he shall
be again reported and be subjected to extra duty in day time
herding Cattle
4th Resolved that any member
of this camp who is in the habit of profane swearing and
after being reproved by their Captain shall still persist
they shall be published from the stand
5th Resolved that if any
person practice unnessesary cruelty to their animals and
after being reproved shall persist in such cruelty they will
be brought before the Captains of the Camp who whall levy
such fine or punishment as they deem just.
On the 18th these resolutions
was presented to the first division and accepted unanimous.
the 2nd division was not in Camp owing to a birth which took
place in their Camp
Resolved that no fire arms
loaded and primed or Caped shall be allowed in Camp only by
the guard as in Case of necessity and when not about to be
used the Cap or priming to be instantly removed f[.] A
neglect of this law will incur the severest penalty of camp
regulations[.] At a meeting of the 1st Division on the
evening of the 18th it was motioned and carried unanimous
that each Captain of ten should present to the Captain of
the guard 3 men each for the night guard—
Captn. [John] Greaves
resigned his comand[.] Br. [John] McDonald was chosen[.] Br.
[Joseph L.] Lish was chosen Captn. and John Hill[,] Sergeant
of the night guard and Charles [Alphonzo] Terry Captain of
the day guard.
A motion for tying up dogs
while not travelling was passed[.] if found loose contrary
to this law liable to be shot
21st Motioned that no Cattle
shall be taken out of the Carrel till after prayer in the
morning[.]
Warren Foote Captn. of 100, 1
Waggon, 6 Persons, 7 Cattle
Otis L[ysander] Terry Captn.
of 1st Division, 1 Waggon, 6 Persons, 8 Cattle
Samuel Mulliner Captn. 1st
ten, 2 Waggons, 8 Persons, 13 Cattle
Otis Terry, 1 Waggon, 2
Persons, 4 Cattle
Charles A[lphonzo] Terry, 1
Waggon, 5 Persons, 6 Cattle
Alexr. H[amilton] Loveridge,
1 Waggon, 5 Persons, 6 Cattle
John Roylance, 1 Waggon, 8
Persons, 8 Cattle
Ann Madson [Madsen], 1
Waggon, 2 Persons, 6 Cattle
Jesse McCarroll, 1 Waggon, 5,
Persons, 10 Cattle
John Hill, 1 Waggon, 5
Persons, 4 Cattle
George [Washington] Rose
Captn. 2 ten, 1 Waggon, 6 Persons, 10 Cattle
Wesley Rose, 1 Waggon, 5
Persons, 9 Cattle
John Rose, 1 Waggon, 7
Persons, 8 Cattle
Jared Porter, 2 Waggons, 13
Persons, 12 Cattle
Henry W[eeks] Sanderson, 2
Waggons, 7 Persons, 10 Cattle
Susannah Ward, 1 Waggon, 8
Persons, 6 Cattle
John G Stocking, 2 Waggons, 6
Persons, 15 Cattle
[Total] 21 Waggons, 114
Persons, 142 Cattle
Silas G Simmons[,] Captn. 3
ten, 1 Waggon, 1 person, 9 Cattle
Robert W[illiams]. Bidwell, 2
Waggons, 6 Persons, 13 Cattle, 3 Sheep
John Mowers [Mower], 1
Waggon, 2 Persons, 6 Cattle
Simeon Cragan, 1 Waggon, 2
Persons, 5 Cattle
Robert Montgomery, 2 Waggons,
12 Persons, 14 Cattle, 1 Horses
John Fotheringham, 1 Waggon,
5 Persons, 7 Cattle
Washington L[afayette] Jolly,
1 Waggon, 8 Persons, 10 Cattle, 10 Sheep
Joseph L Lish Capt. 4 ten, 2
Waggons, 9 Persons, 14 Cattle, 1 Horse
William S[eely] Lish, 1
Waggon, 4 Persons, 6 Cattle
Samuel Glasgow, 1 Waggon, 3
Persons, 8 Cattle
Ira Casselman, 1 Waggon, 2
Persons, 8 Cattle
John Hamilton, 2 Waggons, 4
Persons, 16 Cattle, 3 Horses
John Mayer, 2 Waggons, 6
Persons, 11 Cattle
John Snalham, 1 Waggon, 2
Persons, 10 Cattle
William [Benjamin] Ralph[s],
1 Waggon, 4 Persons, 6 Cattle
Jane [Lavinia Littlewood]
Rigby, 1 Waggon, 8 Persons, 6 Cattle
[Total] 21 Waggons, 78
Persons, 149 Cattle, 5 Horses, 13 Sheep
John Greaves[,] Captn. 5 ten,
1 Waggon, 3 Persons, 12 Cattle, 1 Horse
David Amos [David Rowland
Eames], 1 Waggon, 2 Persons, 1 Horse
Robert Dixon [Dickson], 1
Waggon, 7 Persons, 7 Cattle
William Stones, 1 Waggon, 8
Persons, 6 Cattle
William Clemens, 1 Waggon, 5
Persons, 6 Cattle
John Proctor, 1 Waggon, 5
Persons, 5 Cattle
John McDonald, 2 Waggons, 5
persons, 10 Cattle, 3 Horses
Newman G[reenleaf].
Blodget[t], 2 Waggons, 7 Persons, 32 Cattle, 140 Sheep
John Dart, 1 Waggon, 10
Persons, 8 Cattle
[Moses] Wade, 1 Waggon, 5
Persons, 8 Cattle
[Total]
12 Waggons, 57 Persons, 94 Cattle, 5 Horses, 140 Sheep
21 Waggons, 78 Persons, 149 Cattle, 5 Horses, 13 Sheep
21 Waggons, 114 Persons, 142
Cattle
54 Waggons, 249 Persons, 385 Cattle, 10 Horses, 153 Sheep
Guard Roll 1st Division
Gaurd [Guard] roll 1 ten, 11
Persons
Gaurd roll, 2 ten, 15 Persons
Gaurd roll 3 ten, 11 Persons
Gaurd roll 4 ten, 14 Persons
Gaurd roll, 5 ten, 12 Persons
total fit to guard, 63 Persons
June 29th Names of those
babtised into the church in our camp By Samuel Mulliner
John Dart[,] Age[,]
Birthplace
July 1st Franklin Cunningham
on the 14th July I Babtised
and rebabtised some 30 or 40 who were requested to leave
with me their names & ages but in our travels it has
been neglected[.] Some of those babtised[:]
James Montgomery, born April
1, 1831
John Montgomery, June 5, 1832
Isabella Montgomery, July 16, 1834
Robert Montgomery, May 8, 1837
Margret Motgomery, July 31[,] 1839
Nathaniel Montgomery, May 3[,] 1841
2nd Division
William [Madison] Wall[,]
Captn. 2nd Division,1 Waggon, 7 Persons, 8 Cattle
Ute Perkins[,] Captn. 1st
ten, 2 Waggons, 11 Persons, 14 Cattle
[Francis] Marion Haws, 1
Waggon, 3 Persons, 7 Cattle
Alva[h] Downey, 1 Waggon, 3
Persons, 6 Cattle
Wm. L[ouis] Perkins, 1
Waggon, 6 Persons, 6 Cattle
Peter Hofines [Hofheintz], 1
Waggon, 5 Persons, 6 Cattle
Charles [Caesar] Cowley, 2
Waggons, 10 Persons, 14 Cattle, 13 Sheep
William Watterson, 1 Waggon,
6 Persons, 8 Cattle, 4 Sheep
John K[nowles]. Crosby, 2
Waggons, 9 Persons, 20 Cattle, 1 Horse, 8 Sheep
Peter Maughan, Capn. 2 10, 2
Waggons, 9 Persons, 15 Cattle
Noah Packard, 1 Waggon, 5
Persons, 6 Cattle
John [Peacock] Wood, 1
Waggon, 7 Persons, 6 Cattle
John Eblie [Ebley], 1 Waggon,
3 Persons, 6 Cattle
Wilson Lunn [Lund], 1 Waggon,
5 Persons, 8 Cattle
Isaac Hunter, 1 Waggon, 3
Persons, 5 Cattle
Orrin [Orin] Packard, 1
Waggon 3 Persons, 4 Cattle
[Total] 20 Waggons, 95
Persons, 139 Cattle, 1 Horse, 25 Sheep
Chester Loveland[,] Captn.
3[rd] 10, 2 Waggons, 9 Persons, 10 Cattle
Wm. White, 1 Waggon, 6
Persons, 9 Cattle
James Downs, 1 Waggon, 4
Persons, 10 Cattle, 1 Horse
Henry Barney, 2 Waggons 10
Persons, 22 Cattle
Fornatus [Fortunastus]
Dustin, 1 Waggon, 4 Persons, 6 Cattle
Cyral [Cyril] Call, 1
Waggons, 4 Persons, 13 Cattle
Linsey [Lindsay Anderson]
Brady, 2 Waggons, 9 Persons, 12 Cattle 1 Horse, 15 Sheep
Charles Y[oung] Weeb [Webb],
1 Waggon, 6 Persons, 10 Cattle, 11 Sheep
A[braham]. Coon Captn. of 4th
10, 3 Waggons, 15 Persons, 23 Cattle, 2 Horses, 29 Sheep
Francis Taylor, 2 Waggons, 10
Persons, 12 Cattle, 9 Sheep
Matterson [Madison] Welch, 2
Persons, 2 Cattle
Thomas [Horace] Spafford, 2
Waggons, 11 Persons, 22 Cattle
Spinsor Crandall, 1 Waggon, 3
Persons, 5 Cattle
Daniel Crocks [Cox], 1
Cattle, 5 Persons, 10 Cattle
Gilbert Belnap Captn. 5[th]
10, 1 Waggon, 4 Persons, 4 Cattle
James Knight, 1 Waggon, 2
Persons, 4 Cattle
John [Peck] Chidester, 1
Waggon, 3 Persons, 4 Cattle
John McBride, 1 Waggon, 3
Persons, 6 Cattle
[Total] 24 Waggons, 116
Persons, 184 Cattle, 4 Horses, 64 Sheep
Alfard [Alfred] Brown, 1
Waggon, 9 Persons, 5 Cattle
John Titcomb [Tidcomb], 1
Waggon, 6 Persons, 6 Cattle, 7 Sheep
John Beal, 1 Waggon, 4
Persons, 12 Cattle, 5 Sheep
Henry Beal, 1 Waggon, 4
Persons
Lewis Neaby [Neeley], 3
Waggons, 9 Persons, 12 Cattle, 4 Horses, 19 Sheep
[Total]
7 Waggons, 32 Persons, 35
Cattle, 4 Horses, 31 Sheep
24 Waggons, 110 Persons, 184
Cattle, 4 Horses, 64 Sheep
20 Waggons, 95 Persons, 139
Cattle, 1 Horse, 25 Sheep
[Total] 51 Waggons, 237
People, 358 Cattle, 9 Horses, 120 Sheep
1850
Journal
June 17th Started from
Camping ground near the ferry w[h]ere our got together[.] as
they Crossed Br. [John] Roylance weels broke which caused us
to stop—about 3 miles first day
18th travelled about 16
miles. 1 Birth in Camp—Vs. we catched a young Coon. a boy
was run over by a waggon but not seriou[s]ly injured. a
delay having a Slough to cross w[h]ere many had to double
teams.
* Abraham Coon’s wife [Mary
Elizabeth Wilson Coon] gave birth to a boy baby [Isaac
Coon].
19th travelled 6 miles. On
Starting one rocky stream to cross were we were detained
till after noon. this morning we had a severe Storm of wind
rain & which almost blasted our hopes of starting, along
in the afternoon we came to another bad stream to cross[.]
we, the 1st division crossed and camped on the ground were
we found there had been 5 or 6 of our folks had died 4 days
previous. this evening at prayer only a part of our Camp
were present when a vote was taken that we disaprove of the
abscence of our Brethren from prayers[.] Some suitable
remarks were made on the ocassion
20th we traveled 10 miles.
had 2 delays in crossing Creeks,— met a number of Gold
diggers returning home,—Saw 2 graves of our people, Several
cases of Cholera in camp to night, the case of Alfred Brown
serious,[.] one waggon tongue broke & replaced
21st Started and travelled 16
miles. Before leaving buried Br. Brown 2d Division. 2 Boys
died in 2 divn. this day, They are Camped on the east side
of Salt Creek, we on the west side. 1 girl had her leg broke
in 2 divin.,
22nd 2 more of Br. [Horace]
Spafford chidren dead in 2nd division. We Started and
travelled 17 miles,—encountred a Storm of wind & rain
which spared us in a great measure but was severe before and
behind us, delayed over one hour.
23d travelled 4 miles being
Sabbath. Very wet weather
24th Still wet. our 2
division near us, several more deaths in 2nd division.
Captain [Warren] Foot[e] called a meeting for prayer of the
whole company, also, a council of all the captains. there
was a good spirit manifested by all the Captains; but it
seems a good deal of murmuring in the 2nd division. We have
had a good time to day in our meeting & councel, and
hope the sickness will now be stayed.
25th travelled 15 miles.—met
a severe storm in the afternoon, another in the evening,
making every thing wet in camp pretty much. 1 waggon tongue
broke, the 2 division is along with us,—1 more death in it.
26 another death in 2nd
Divin. this . Showery till afternoon—travelled 15 miles. 2nd
divn about 5 miles behind. Our Camp, as usual, general good
health.
27th travilled about 15
miles.—Met Br. Clawson from the Valley[.] Soon as we got on
the platt[e] bottom and was happy to hear from the
Valley.—wrote an account of our travels and sent to Prest.
Hyde. Our Camp in good health
28th a Severe Storm of rain
& thunder in the night,—travelled 12 miles. a very bad
road, low wet bottom, or else sand bank, not much water for
Cattle, and a very hot Sun, and we had to keep the waggons
moving or they would sink to the axle’s. Some complaining of
sickness from the exposure to wet by day & night. a part
of our camp not able to come to the camping ground to
night[.] The 3 and 5 ten absent the absenters came up late
and for the first time we Saw the power of death in our
Camp. 1 Boy [William George Dart] had fallen in a few hours
and this morning <29th> a girl [Harriet Paulina Dart]
both the children of John Dart,—the family dont belong to
the Church. this day we trave[led] 3 Miles and camped on the
platt[e] were our folks washed & one young man nearly
drowned trying to cross to get wood. In the evening we had
the pleasure of a visit from Brs. Robert Campbell &
Crosby with the Vally mail,—this night another Severe storm
of thunder, wind & rain. I have Just Babtised John Dart
into the Church[.] his Wife is so weak as not to be able to
be babtised, but is willing with this exception. Our camp is
in good health.
30th this day we travd. 15
miles and camped 1 mile west of the Pawnee Village. Our camp
in reasonable health. the 2nd division not come up. we
touched the platt[e] at noon.
July 1st travelled 15 miles
to the point of the bluff,—fine cool day, a little showery,
this evening I Babtised Franklin Cunningham[.] Our camp all
well.
2nd traveled 16 miles,—a
pleasant day. 1 child died in Camp named [Adelia] Hart, this
day I observed on our way the graves of Br. Sargant &
son.
3d this morning we had to
bury Br. [John] Snallham who was taken the evening before.
this day we travd. 12 miles,—had a hard time crossing the
Willow Slough but got all over,—One waggon tongue broke. our
2nd division in sight to night. we have not been together in
one week, nor learned any thing of them only by the help of
our telescope we see them in the distance.
4th We were reminded of the
day of the month by the report of cannon from fort Kearney.
we trav'd 16 miles to day,—2 cases of Cholera in Camp.
5th 1 man died in the night,
(a gold digger by the name of King, from Ill.) we travd. 14
miles, and are close by Fort Kearny to night,— plenty
Antelope around, hot weather, hard on cattle. this mor[n]ing
we had a Visit from Captn. [William Madison] Wall &
others of our 2nd division[.] they report well of their
travel for the last 8 days, their deaths 3 since we heard
from them before, they feel about right, to night[.] they
are 5 miles behind us camped for the night.
6th 1 woman died in the night
Mrs. [Lucy Ann Roberts] Dart. She requested babtism
yesterday and some one attended to it as we came along the
road. She has been very low some days back, We passed fort
Kearny this day, 10 o’clock, travd 12 miles. Our Camp
generally well. this evening a Mrs Hart very low.
7th this morning we had to
bury Mrs. Hart. This being Sabbath we would fain have
rested, but we had no wood nor water, so we traveled 13
miles, and have no wood nor water [.] have drove our
Cattle to the river over a mile and carry a little water
to cook, and our fuel for the first time is Buffalo Chips.
3 new cases of Cholera [diarrhea] this morning. The 2nd
ten has not arrived yet,—as the ten wished to tarry behind
this morning some time to attend to the sick.
8th our 2nd ten had not
arrived yet. this day we trav'd 12 miles. Our camp all in
good health. We catched a run away horse to day,—he was
soon claimed by 2 men who came from Captn. Bennets 50 of
Captn. Pace 100, they reported their Camp 15 miles on
west,—all in good health except 1 woman.,—they were
Buffalo huntig—had wounded 2, but got none.
9th we are camping on
plumb creek for the purpose of washing &c,—Our 2nd
division has passed on, all in moderate health. no serious
case in their Camp, Captn. [Peter] Maughan’s ten of their
division fell behind some days, but have come up and
camped by us to night. This Captn. was very dissatisfied
at the slow movement, as he called it, of our Camp but
some of his cattle has given out, and he cant keep up. So
much for go a head folks. Our <2nd> ten has just
come up. they have saved Father [Andrew] Rose from an
attack of the Cholera. he appeared as he will recover.
Sister [Ann Clark] Proctor is very bad.
10th This Morning we had
to bury this Sister. we travelled 12 miles to day,—had to
stop early to let those who had had death & sickness
wash up while we could get fire wood. Captn. Foot[e] is
rather these some days.
11th We had a severe storm
of rain & wind last night, but the Lord preserved us
all from danger, trav'd 16 miles to day. Camp in good
health. 1 violent attack of Cholera this morning, but
means promptly used, with the blessing of God it was an
instant cure[.] the medicine used was 2 doses of pain kill
in15 minutes. Many of our Cattle are afflicted with sore
feet & sore necks, on account of wet weather,—this day
we passed 25 graves mostly all Californians 3 or 4 were
out of our Camp’s.
12th this day we travelled
15 miles. About noon we came up to Captn. [Peter]
Maughan’s ten. they had stopped a few minutes before we
came up, in consequence of the Captn’s Son [Peter Weston
Maughan] about 4 years old being run over by his waggon.
he died an hour after the accident. this day we saw the
first Buffalo. some of our Boys went after him, and
finally vented their vengeance on a stray ram, which they
brought into camp[.] he eat pretty well instead of Buffalo
meat, our camp all in good health this evening.—looked the
most threatning I ever saw for a dreadfull storm. it was
expected but there was prayers & faith exercised by
some and the Lord regarded us and saved us for which I
Praise his name for it looked awfull all over the heavens,
this day we passed 15 graves[.] they were mostly
Californians[.] the first deaths seemed to be 3rd June to
the 10th[.] some reached to the 17th.
13th we travelled 8 miles
and stopped to bake and wash, for we will not have a
chance, a long distance again[.] Our Boys are getting some
Venison.
14th Sabbath morning. we
took a walk, some of us, to the road, crosing Ash Creek,
and met with Br. S[hadrach]. Roundy & company, in the
afternoon when our folks had got along with their cleaning
up we went to the river were I Babtised, and rebabtised,
some 30 or 40 of our camp. In the evening we had a good
meeting, several of our Brethren spoke well, a good spirit
prevailed, and we parted rejoicing. several of our Boys
brought in their Back loads of Buffalo meat, the first we
have got.—this night like every other night for some time
back the heavens gathered blackness most threatening but
as on other evenings before it could reach us it was
scattered for which I feel to thank the Lord for over
ruling the elements for our comfort.
15th this day we trav’d 19
miles. In the afternoon we Saw our Second division. We
also saw 3 Buffalo near us, some of our Boys went out and
killed some. Our camp all in good health except Father
Rose who seemes to be failing after his attack of Cholera.
this evening we came to gether, and as many were out of
meat, we thought best to stay over the next day and get a
supply of meat.
16th our Boys out hunting.
in the middle of the day we were visited by Elder O. Hyde
and escort.— they seemed in good Spirits. After refreshing
themselves and horses they pushed on west,
17th we had to bury Father
Rose this morning. we travelled 14 miles to day, passing
through large herds of Buffalo. we are pretty well
supplied with meat. Our Camps in good health.
18th we travelled 16 miles
to day. our camp in good health,a—feed very scanty. we
have passed a great many graves in the last few days
mostly buried from the 5th to 15th June and mostly from
Mo. [Missouri] and scarcely a grave but has been robbed of
its contents by the wolves.
19th we have travelled 15
mile to day. our camp in good health. We are near the
Crossing .
20th to day we travelled 9
miles, then crossed the South fork of the Platt[e]. We got
all over safe, and found our 2nd division on the Bank.
they crossed yesterday.
21st being Sabbath, we are
resting. Our Camp in good health,— feed is poor.
22nd We trave[le]d 20
miles to day and go to the platt[e] .
23 we are stopping to day
to repair waggons &c at ash Hollow.
24th we trav’d 13 miles to
day,—Very Sandy road. our Camp in good health. feed very
poor. our cattle look rather worse of wear.
25th we trav’d 12 miles to
day.—Very Sandy—all in good health except Sister Lish.
26th we travelled 16 miles
to day. nothing to be seen but Sand & dust,—no feed.
27th we started this
morning at day break to find Some feed, as they got none
last night. we soon found some, but coming on a rain storm
we were detained some hours, we travelled 13 miles this
day.—
28th to day we travelled
20 miles and camped opposite Chimney Rock. All well in our
camp. last night I had a fine cow die in a short time,
supposed to be poisioned from drinking bad water.
29th To day we trav’d 13
miles,— was overtaken by Livingston & Kincaid. Camp
all well,—feed poor
30th trav’d 20 miles,
passed Scotts bluff. all well,—had to appoint Br. [Robert
Williams] Bidwell Captn. over the 3 ten, owing to the
refractory course taken by Captn. Silas G Simmons.
31st this morning Simmons
left the camp alone and went on some hours before the camp
started. this day we travd 15 miles. In the evening Br.
[Chester] Loveland with his 3 ten of the 2nd division came
up, and camped with us. they had laid up 2½ days in
consequence of Sister Loveland being very sick. The feed
is poor,—our health is all good, any case of sicknes in
our Camp for Some time back is imeadately checked, but the
laying on of hands & prayer.
Augt 1st we travd 12 miles
to day. had to stop for an exeltree broke. A number of the
Sioux Indians about us,—they appear quiet[.] the small pox
is among them, we hope the Lord will preserve us from that
plague.
2nd this day we trav’d 20
miles, and camped on the river 2 miles from Fort
Larimie[.] all well—no feed.
3d. trav’d 11 miles. this
day we came up to our 2nd division. We was over hauled by
Major Sanderson in search of 2 deserters, who he said he
was informed was along with us in disguise, he ordered our
camp to halt till we would give up the men and those who
had given them Clothes, We halted and he and his escort
rode through our Camp and finding we had none of his men
he allowed us to proceed, he was positive in his demand
but when he had rode through our Camp he appeared to be
softened in his detemination[.] spoke kindly, and told us
to go on
4th we travd 14 miles and
camped on 2nd crossing of bitter Creek.—all well[.] here
we found good feed and restin[g]
5th resting our teams and
fixing our waggons.—&c [.] last evening the Captn. of
the 1st & 2nd divisions held a council and determined
to travel the old road over the Black hills.
6th still resting.—this
afternoon we were visited by Captn. Lovelands 10 of 2nd
Divn. who informed us that the main body of our 2nd Divn.
had taken the other road contrary to the decision of the
whole in councel. Our cattle feel well now.—2 days rest
and good feed has done them good. our camp all in good
health.
7th we started this
morning from ½ mile east of the Bend in the road near Dry
timber creek and as the first ten reached near the deep
ravine a stampede took place in the 5th 10—as they were
coming into line on the road. The teams that were running
were providentialy stopped, or who can tell the awfull
scene that would have taken place in that deep ravine, for
every waggon would have been found in the bottom of it.
Poor Br. [William] Clements lost his life in endeavoring
to stop the waggons. Wm. McDonald at the risk of his life,
and his horse’s rode in before the teams and stopped them
before they got far enough to scare the front teams[.] Br.
Clements was knocked down by the Oxen, trode on his body
and a heavy waggon passed over his bowels. he lived till
towards evening.
8th we travelled till
Horse creek 15 miles. all well this evening.—poor feed.
9th lost several head of
our cattle.
10th cattle not found.
11th cattle not found. We
started, and late in the evening got to Labont [La Bonte].
16½ miles.
12th Had to start this
morning to get some feed for our Cattle for they had none
last night. Came on 2 miles on the Labont river,—found
poor feed,—had to stop all day.
13th came to A. LaPrele
river <18 miles.> had to drive our Cattle about 3
miles down the river to get feed.
14th came to Fourche Boise
river 10 miles, drove 2 miles up the river to get feed.
Our Camp all in good health, a number of our cattle lame.
15th we came 14 miles and
camped on the platt[e] bottom. All well,—poor feed.
16th we came 14 miles[.]
found poor feed, but plenty company. Captn. Bennets 50
close by.—our 2nd division 2 miles back
17th we came 9 miles to
day. on our way we met 2 pilots from the Valley[.] Br.
Stratton &c the news we got from them by the Letter
was cheering, as also the remarks & council from Br.
Stratton. we felt to rejoice at Seeing our Brethren, and
hearing from the Valley. we are close at the ford of the
North Fork [.] poor feed for our Cattle.
18th this day we forded
the river in a heavy rain storm,—river rising fast[.] the
water up to eve[ry] box. Pace’s 100—& our 100 all
crossed this day. all over safe.
19th still in camp 1 mile
from the ford in a heavy cold rain storm, our cattle
suffering with cold & hunger
20th we travelled 10
miles to day over the worst road we have met in our
journey,—it has been a heavy rain for nearly 40 hours[.]
several of our Cattle gave out to day,—to night in good
feed on a creek near the platt[e]. Our 2nd division close
by in Camp, this day we saw the Sweet Water mountains
caped with snow.
21st this day we traveled
9 miles and camped up a hollow west of the Alkali Springs.
Our cattle eat to much of the grass having had little
chance so long for such fine feed and most of them was
sick all night. 1 cow died on the ground. Several gallons
of lard was used for them for fear they had been poisoned
by the water.
22nd many of our Cattle
very feeble this morning, but we have got them as far as
willow Springs 12 O’clock. Br. George Madson [Madsen] is
along with us and gave timely caution of the danger of the
Cattle hurting themselves but like many cautions given to
us as a people we are slow to see the results of delays in
obeying orders. having travelled 11 miles we camped. our
cattle get no feed to night, but they generally feel
better.
23rd Started at 5
o’clock[.] came on to grease Creek were we bated and took
breakfast. we found our 2nd division Starting as we came
up. We drove on to Sweet water 10 miles.
24th our company
resting,—Some gone to hunt, others Blacksmithing, and
repr. [repair]—waggons.
25th Sabbath,—our hunters
not returned,—our cattle are enjoying themselves with
plenty good grass & water
26th & 27th this
even’g 3 of our waggons returned from the hunt,—got no
meat. our 4th waggon not returned.
27th Still waiting for our
4th waggon. our Cattle doing well. our camp all in good
health. yesterday we killed one Buffalo near the Camp but
they seem as herds to have left this part of the country.
28th our 4th Waggon came
in, in the night bringing with them 3 buffalo they had
killed. we got started at 11 o’clock and came on 10 miles
to the Devils gate. all well.
29th this day we travelled
12 miles and camped on the river bank. Our camp all well.
30th this day we travelled
11 miles. in the even’g a meeting of the division was
called, as there seemed to be some disaffected in our 4th
& 5th tens[.] 5th Captn. [John] McDonald laid his
views before the meeting declaring that he had made up his
mind and it must be so, or else—4th Captn. Lish was of the
same mind, provided the Captn’s should fit to grant it.
Several of their men spoke positively of their having
their proposal granted, among them Wm. Lish who was
insolent, but that is common with him and the Captn. &
company have borne with his disorderly conduct[.] they
wanted the tens to have the liberty of travelling first in
turn day about. the 1st 2nd & 3d captns. viewed the
order of the camp good, and we had been prospered so
far—and also saw that to change was going to cause trouble
in their 10’s where there had been peace and union all the
way previous. so of two evils they choose not to let the 4th
& 5th tens over rule them, because there was some
trouble among them, and their Captns. frequently. The
Captn of the Company and the Captn. of the 50 was of the
same mind with the 1st 2nd & 3d so they lost motion
and many of them left the meeting abruptly & noisey
31st this morning our camp
was reduced some in numers by the result of our Captns.
dicision last night. Before and during the time of prayer
the undersigned members of our Camp drove off firing their
guns as they went
4th 10th absentees
William S. Lish
Ira Caselman
John Hamilton
John Mayer
Jane Rigby
5th 10 Captn. John
McDonald
we expect to feell or
enjoy more peace in our camp since some of those who left
were troublesome neighbors, we travelled 12 to day. all
well in our Camp, our cattle doing well as feed is a deal
better.
Septr 1st Sabbath. In the
afternoon we travelled 4 miles to the river,—all well.
2nd we traveled 19 miles
to the river,—all well.
3d we travelled 10 miles
to day, all well except SisterBlodgeitt [Elizabeth Ann
Garnet Reid Blodgett], who has been confined she had a
fine Boy [Greenleaf Blodgett]—doing well.
4th this moring we started
from the river and took a new road made as the finger
board informed us by a Captn. Andrus, it is a new road and
a rough one, but we save going over the rocky ridges. We
travelled 11 miles and found this a round about rough road
throughout.
5th this day we travelled
10 miles and came to the upper crossing of the river. Our
Cattle are failing fast many of them.
6th this day we travelled
14 miles and camped on Pasific [Pacific] Creek. Last
evening we had a thunder storm. We came through the South
Pass at noon to day. very pleasant and warm. we find a
number of dead cattle to day.
7th we travd 12 miles to
day and found good feed and water. Wm. Cragan [Simeon
Cragun] was about to be confined and several of our
company are behind in consequense, our pilot lost his
horse last night, he with some others were in search all
day[.] found him and got into camp at dusk.
8th our waggons have not
come up, so we are resting.
9th our waggons came up
last night, so this day we travld. 22 miles before we
could find water. we came to Big Sandy about 9 o’clock in
the night.
10th this day we travelled
15 miles and camped on Green river
11th this day we travd 18
miles and camped on green river.
12th we travelled 15
miles—was visited by Br. Stratton on his return to the
Valley.
13th we travelled 16 miles
to day
14th we travelled 19 miles
to day and camped on Blacks fork.
15th we trav’d 9 miles and
camped on a bend of a creek—good feed.
16th we trav’d 19 miles
and camped on a small creek 2 miles from Muddy creek.
17th We travd 13 miles on
the new road, and camped near the top of the dividing
ridge near Bear river.
18th we trav’d 8 miles and
camped on Bear river
20th traveled to Echo
creek th to rest the teams)15 mil>
21st traveled 9 miles,
detained for a fine Ox that was not able to travail.
22nd travailed 13 miles to
Weber river.
23d travailed 11 miles to
Kanyon [Canyon] creek.
24th we traveled 11½ miles
to near the top of the high mountain, where we had to
chain up our worn out cattle without feed.
25th we trav’d 8¼ miles to
the last creek, foot of the last mountain.
26th we this day travelled
10 miles and arrived at our long wished for homes, the
City of the Great Salt Lake, making in all 101 days since
we started from the Missouri river opposite Bethlehem
See Last leaf in this
Book.
[This is text on last leaf
of book.] On the the 5th July we passed a grave dug up by
the wolves[.] the Body tore to peices with the wolves[.]
the name of the person S. Phelps,
on the the 7th we passed
another in a similiar situation[.] the name of the person
Martin G. or B. Clay from Vermont. The bodies in these
graves did not seem to be buried over a foot below the
Surface
8th we passed the grave of
Dr. Caples from Savannah[.] the grave badly tore up[.]
this man is a son in law of Mr. Abbott who was from the
same place last year and was babtised in the Valley on his
way to the Gold diggins. Nb I have since learned that it
was a brother of Abbott son in law.
Extracts from Captain
Warren Foote’s Private Journal. 1850.
As there are quite a
number of leaves left blank in this book I will make some
extracts from my private Journal in order to show my
situation in the Spring of 1850, and the dealings of the
Lord with me, in causing me to seriously consider the
advisability of going to Salt Lake Valley this year.
My nephew, Franklin Allen,
and myself had purchased the little Gristmill at
Kanesville of Jacob Myers, our fatherinlaw, and was
running it ourselves. There was a heavy emigration of
California Gold Diggers, (as they were called) and grain
was scarce and very dear. Corn $2.00 per bus[hel]. Wheat
$2.25. We made considerable money and made some payments
on the mill. About the first of May I took a severe cold,
and was not able to do anything. I hired a brother, who
had just come to Kanesville from Scotland, (a miller by
occupation;) to run the mill my half of the time. His name
is David Adamson.
My health being so poor, I
began to reflect upon my situation and about going to the
Valley of Salt Lake. I felt that my health would never be
much better here in this changeable climate. One day,
being greatly impressed by the Spirit, I repaired to the
top of the bluff north of the mill, not far from the
burying ground, and there earnestly poured forth my soul
in prayer to the Lord, asking Him to make known His will
to me,— What He would have me to do; and if it was his
will that I should move to the Valley this season to open
up the way, that I might sell my share of the Mill, and
obtain a fitout for that purpose. While I was thus engaged
in prayer, the Spirit of God rested upon me, and impressed
me by a still small voice which thrilled my whole body,
saying, “The way shall be opened before you, and
notwithstanding your ill health, inasmuch as you put your
Trust in me, I will preserve your life, and not one of
your family shall fall by the the way, but I will bring
you safely to the Valley of Salt Lake.” This filled my
soul with joy, and I returned to my house with a full
determination to set about preparing to go.
While the California
Emigrants were passing through, I had a light wagon at
Bro. Obanion’s shop, for which he was making a box. One of
the emigrants seeing it, wanted to trade a heavier one for
it. I told bro. Obanion to trade with him, I gave a little
chop feed to boot, and thus got a good strong new
wagon,—strong enough to haul 4000 lbs to the Valley. This
was before I had any idea of going to Salt Lake this year.
But I am satisfied that the Lord was then preparing the
way for me. About the last of May I sold my half of the
Mill back to father Myers, and obtained a comfortable
outfit.
Two weeks from the time I
sold out I was ready to start with one wagon two yoke of
oxen, and three cows. Two of the cows I worked between the
oxen. George Kent, whose brother is in the Valley is going
to drive my team for the privilege of going with me, and
board. I will say here that brother Otis L[ysander].
Terry, who had been following blacksmithing in Kanesville,
and with whom I had become intimately acquainted, was
preparing to go to the Valley this season. We agreed to go
together in the same Company.
On the 10th of June We
started from Kanesville in Company with brother Terry’s
father, and his brother Charles A[lphonzo]. Terry. The
Saints are crossing the Missouri river 18 miles below
Kanesville this year, and going up the south side of the
Platte river[.] We drove down to Musquito [Mosquito] Creek
bridge and camped.
12th We moved on down to
within a mile and an half of the Ferry and unhitched our
teams just in time to attend the meeting for organizing
the Company. Elder Hyde soon arrived and proceeded to
organize the hundred. There was quite a congregation
present but many who were going had not yet arrived.
Brother Hyde arose, and
after looking over the congregation, said, “I nominate bro
Warren Foote for captain of hundred. This was so
unexpected to me, I must confess that I was completely
dumfounded. It was voted unanimously. Then brother Hyde
nominated Otis L. Terry Captain of first fifty. Voted
unanimously. He was as much taken by surprise as I was.
Elder Hyde then asked for some one to nominate a Captain
of the second fifty, and some one nominated William
[Madison] Wall. It was voted unanimously. Elder Hyde then
said that the Captain of the hundred and the Captains of
fifties would organize the fifties into tens. This we
accomplished during the afternoon.
As has been stated,
brother Otis L. Terry and I had agreed to travel together
across the plains, but little did we think then that we
would be associated together as leaders of the Company.
Elder Hyde asked if the
brethren were generally supplied with firearms. Upon
inquiry we found that there were several families who had
none. He said there were muskets belonging to the Nauvoo
Legion, stored at Kanesville and that we could have them
on conditions that we would deliver them to the
Authorities of the Church in Salt Lake City. It was
decided that I should return to Kanesville and get the
Muskets. Accordingly I returned on horseback and selected
15 that were in shooting order, and got a man who was
going down to the ferry to take them along. I returned to
camp the next day, (June 16th.)
The second fifty commenced
crossing on the 13th.
I had my family ferried
over the 14th and camped with the second fifty a short
distance from the river.
On the 16th the first
fifty were all ferried over, and all, camped by a creek
three miles from the Ferry. As brother Terry had agreed to
travel together I concluded to travel with the first Fifty
and was decided that my wagon should take the lead or head
of the Company which place I occupied throughout the
journey.
I have written the
foregoing as a kind of preliminary to bro [Samuel]
Mulliner’s Journal. The succeeding pages contains my
Review of the Journey.
A Review of the
Journey to Salt Lake.
I will briefly review our
Journey. As I have previously stated, my health my health
was not very good before I left Kanesville.
After starting from the
Missouri river I made it a practice towards camping time,
to get on a horse and ride ahead of the company and select
a camping place. After we had been traveling about a week
as I was about five miles ahead of the company looking for
a camping place there came up a thunder shower, and I was
completely drenched. I took a terrible cold which settled
on my lungs which caused the illness spoken of in the
Journal. I was not so but what I could get around a
little, but my lungs were so weak, that I could scarcely
speak above a whisper. When we were along about Plum
Creek, the atmosphere was so close and heavy, that it
seemed to me that I would have to give up breathing
altogather.
I remembered the promises
of the Lord that were made to me before I sold my share of
the mill; and humbly asked the Lord to fullfil the same. I
was impressed to be baptized for my health, and requested
brother Mulliner to perform the ordinance; which he did,
and was then administered to by the brethren. After this I
began to recover slowly. When we arrived at Scott’s Bluffs
I was able to walk short distances. From this place onward
the atmosphere became lighter and dryer, and my health
improved very fast; and I was able to again take a more
active part in the management of Company.
It was a very serious time
while the Cholera was raging in the company, but after it
abated, we enjoyed our travels, and as a general thing a
good spirit. In place’s where feed was very scarce, there
was some who murmured about our camping where there was so
little grass, but the next morning as we traveled along
they would acknowledge that our camping place was as good
or better than it was a “Little ahead.” They would say on
camping, that there was a better place a “little ahead.”
Although there was some
murmuring occasionly, yet I think that we crossed the
Plains with as little difficulty as any Company that has
crossed them. I am certain that a Journey through a desert
country of a thousand miles with five hundred souls will
try the patience of any man, or set of men who are
appointed to preside over them as leaders; especially so,
when the company consists of different Nationalities,
having different customs, and some without experience in
driving ox teams and taking care of them.
I am thankful to be able
to say that, the Lord blessed me with patience to such a
degree, that one Captain of ten said in one of our council
meetings that I was certainly one of the most patient men
that he ever saw. I do not think that he said this as a
compliment to me, but it was because I would not agree to
a tyranical proposition that he was proposing. I was
determined that every person in the Company should have
their rights respected, And I am pleased to say that
Captain O. L. Terry stood firmly by me, in fact we were
one in all our councils.
Bro. Mulliner has omitted
to state that at the foot of the last mountain, where we
camped for the time before we entered the Valley, the
first fifty were called together for the purpose of
settling all difficulties, if any existed, and ask each
other’s forgiveness; So that we could enter the Valley
free from any hard feelings towards any of our brothers or
sisters. A good spirit prevailed, and all expressed a
desire to forgive and be forgiven.
The second Fifty arrived
in the Valley a few days before the first Fifty. When we
stopped to rest a few days, and hunt, a little east of the
Devils Gate, the second fifty was Camped about a mile
ahead. Captain Wall came to see me, and get some
instructions. I told him that they had better push on to
the Valley as fast as their teams were able to travel, and
not wait for the first Fifty, as it was getting pretty
well along in the season. I also charged him in particular
to take the Muskets, (10 in number) belonging to the
Nauvoo Legion, that were in his fifty and deliver them to
the Authorities in Salt Lake and take their receipts for
them. This he never done[.] He did not even go to Salt
Lake City, but as soon as he got into the Valley he took a
road running South and went direct to Provo. As the second
fifty were all dispersed before we got to Salt Lake City,
I never recovered them. I got those that were in the first
fifty and delivered them to the President’s Clerk and took
his receipt. I spoke to him about those that were in the
second fifty. He said that they were all in the valley
anyway, and he seemed to think that it did not make much
difference whether they were delivered or not. In fact
they were not of much use to any one.
The first Fifty passed
through Salt Lake City in the afternoon of the 26th of
Sept and camped on the Jordan bottom west of the City.
Many of the brethren were anxious to get some counsel,
where they had better locate.
On the morning of the 27th
Captain Terry and I went up into the City and found Elder
Hide [Hyde] at Bro. H. C. Kimballs residence, and reported
our arrival, and told him that some of the brethren wanted
to know where would be the best place to locate. He said
that they had been up north looking for locations for the
Saints to settle, and among other places he mentioned
Ogden, and said that place would suit him best. On our
return to Camp we reported what bro. Hyde said to us, and
many of the brethren resolved to go north. Some located in
Salt Lake City, and a few went south to Little Cottonwood.
Warren
Foote,
Captain of One Hundred