Almon Whiting Babbitt Sr. (1812 - 1856) Profile

Almon Whiting Babbitt (1812 - 1856) Profile

Individual

death-date-qualifier-death

Almon Whiting Babbitt, Sr.

birth-date-qualifier-birth

Andrew Jenson, "Babbitt, Almon W.," Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia

Andrew Jenson, "Babbitt, Almon W.," Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, Vol. 1.

Andrew Jenson, "Babbitt, Almon W.," Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia.

Journal History index, 1830-1972, Church History Library

Journal History index, 1830-1972, Church History Library.

Journal history of the Church, 1896-2001, Church History Library

Journal history of the Church, 1896-2001, Church History Library.

Entries found on 1 August 1833, 21 August 1834, 29 May 1835,

Transcript for Journal history of the Church, 1896-2001, Church History Library

Temple Records Index Bureau, comp., Nauvoo Temple endowment register

Temple Records Index Bureau, comp., Nauvoo Temple endowment register, December 10, 1845.

Birth 29 October 1813, Cheshire, Berkshire, Massachusetts; Endowment 7 January 1846; Spouse - Julia Ann.Alternate Birth date - 9 October 1812.

Transcript for Temple Records Index Bureau, comp., Nauvoo Temple endowment register: 10 December 1845 to 8 February 1846 (Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1974), 113, 118

Temple Records Index Bureau, comp., Nauvoo Temple endowment register.

Albert Jones notes, circa 1906

Albert Jones notes, circa 1906.

The Emigrants made hand Carts at Iowa Paul Gourley



Left Iowa Camp July 28th 20 days lost// here 
Two companies—one under Edward Martin[;] one under Jesse Haven



<s>18-4/7 miles per day to make the 1300 in 70 days</s>



Arrived at Florence 22nd August



<s>average travel 12 miles per day</s>



Companies consolidated in one Edward Martin &amp; Daniel Tyler Capts.



Left Florence August 25th 1856 for the 1000 miles journey



576 men[,] women and Children



<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">146 Hand Carts 
Wagons 
4 to the Cart—5 of us</center>



 



Two wagon Companies behind us 
Benjamin Hodgett 
John A[.] Hunt



Company provisioned for 60 days



100# flour being given to each Cart for transportation



Sep 2 Col Alma [Almon Whiting] Babbit[t]—Thomas Margetts &amp; Child—James Cowdy &amp; wife and others killed—Mrs. Margets carried away by Indians.



Isaac Brockbanks mother



The March



Bro Evans the fourth death[.] tin cup record[.] Mother on the lead



&lt;above&gt; Passed near the spot where A W Babbitt was killed 
Too many meetings for prayer &amp; preaching 
Moses Cluff and the Buffalo



Danl Tyler and the Mules



The girls and boys courting



The buffalo Chips—the dainty chins



John Watkins[,] Brother Compsan



The Hymn—Come come ye Saints



Oct 8th At Larimie. Over Coat 
Flour[,] Bacon[,] Apples &amp; Peaches



The Tennant Cattle driving and guarding



The people getting weary with the work— 
John Jacques [Jaques] night adventure



The Appetites—



The 20th October crossing the North Platte



The first snow storm—which reached West to the Wasatch range and the great gloom



Snowed three days



The Songs of Zion



The deaths increasing[,] McBride 
Old Scotch Man 
his toes out of snow



Our Tent—the death of Jackson



callous to death



Dug the grave of a young man while he walked by its side[,] 14 in this Grave[,] Red Butte



Stone and the Wolves—a foot in a shoe brought to Camp—



 



<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Juvenile #23 Jan -1-88</center>



 



John Watkins &amp; the Ox



Oct 28—Rescued:: Joseph A Young 
Daniel W Jones 
Abel Garr



The big blue &lt;Government over&gt; Coat



The scene in Camp at the Rescue



Young girls eating toasted raw hide—as girls do gum 
Bread Making—Bed making 
Tents[,] Cyrus H. Wheelock 
Snow 1½” 
&lt;Fry Pans&gt;: for shovels [-] 
Rescuers[:] David Garr 
George D Grant 
Robt J Burton 
Charles Decker 
W H Kimball 
Reddick N[ewton] Allred



The crossing of the Sweet Water



W[illiam] S Binder hauls my hand Cart through—



The axle broke 
Kimball carried me over—



S. S. went on



I remain &amp; get another Cart and took on our things



The Council at Devils Gate



Cyrus H Wheelock’s address



10 men stay at Devils Gate with the goods of Hand Cart—People and of the Wagon Companies



Rested at Martins Ravine 2 or 3 days



The accidental burning of John Jacques [Jaques] Record



 



<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">one third died</center>



 



[Edmund] El[l]sworth &amp; [Daniel D.] McArthur 497 Souls—100 Carts 5 Wagons 
Jas D [James G.] Willie &lt;66 died&gt; 500 Souls—120 Carts—6 Wagons 
[Edward] Martin &amp; [Daniel] Tyler, 576 Souls, 146 Cars—7 Wagons



1856 Five hand Cart Cos. 
[Edmund] Ellsworth—[Daniel D.] McArthur—[Edward] Bunker—Willie ([Edward] Martin &amp; [Daniel] Tyler)



Timing the People time of death 
S S Jones and Eph Hanks



The feet of the People frozen



[irrelevant data]



The life Guardsman [David] Blair buried at Quaken Asp hill



The survival of the fittest 
Martins Lot the toughest of all 
My Vow behind the Log fire



The American Axe:



Nov 28<s>28</s>th over the Big Mountain 7000 to 8000 Altitude[,] the Oxen [illegible] 8 ft Snow

Transcript for Albert Jones notes, circa 1906

Cantwell, James to S. S. Jones, Handcart Veterans Association, 28 Sep. 1906. Handcart Veterans Association, Scrapbook, 1906-1914f, fd 2

Cantwell, James to S. S. Jones, Handcart Veterans Association, 28 Sep. 1906. Handcart Veterans Association, Scrapbook, 1906-1914f, fd 2.

<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Smithfield Sep 28th 1906</center>



S.S. Jones



Dear Brother—



I have often wondered why it was that so little was ever mentioned about those who crossed the plains with the hand-carts in the year 1856. Of course I was more interested in that year, because with my Fathers family came in that fatal year. I was nearly fourteen years of age, and I never can forget what we passed through on that trip. I used to think I would like to forget that part of my history, but of later years I have taken quite an interest in clipping from the papers the testimony of those that have been placed in print. I also have my Father's record and it helps me in dates and names. I see by the Deseret News there will be a gathering of the hand-cart people and also those who came to the rescue. We have in our town men who took an active part in that work[.] there names are Peter Tidwell[,] Geo. G. Merrill &amp; E.R. Miles, we have also eleven who came in 1856. I will give you a short sketch of that history



The captain of our company was Ja[me]s G Willie and his assistants were Jesse Haven &amp; Millen Atwood.



We left Florence on the 17th of August. Our company was composed of 10 wagons and 76 hand-carts. 5 of the wagons belonged to the following men Andrew L Siler, John A. Jost William Wilford [Allen], Ja[me]s S. Cantwell &amp; W[illia]m H Kimball. The other five wagons were to haul the provisions, tents and extra baggage and when any were sick and could not walk, they were put in the wagons. We had traveled about 170 miles and had camped with the Pawnees, they being the only Indians on the plains that were friendly. They informed us that a few miles ahead the Cheyennes had killed 4 men &amp; a child and taken the Mother prisoner, the outfit belonged to Alma Babbitt. They were camped on a small stream waiting for us to come up so they could travel with us. The wolves were digging their bodies up so we throwed a mound of dirt on them.



Aug 31st Alma Babbitt overtook us. He swore he would kill the first Cheyennes he saw, he was carrying the mail, and had a man on guard by the name of Sutherland.



On Sep 2nd we came to where Mr Babbitt had been killed and the letters and papers scattered over the ground.



On the night of the 4th the buffalo got among our cattle and quite a number ran away with them. We did not find them and it left us in a weak condition for teams.



On the evening of the 5th Porter Rockwell came to our camp, having been with the Smoot camp five miles ahead. He tried to find our cattle but failed



Sep 17th my sister Ellen was bitten by a large rattle snake[.] it caught her by the two first fingers as she pointed at it, this was at a place called Scotts Bluff. They tied her arm about half way between the wrist and elbow, the flesh fell off the back of her hand and her life hung in the balance until long after we came to the valleys.



We arrived at Laramie on Oct 1st. Owing to the condition of my sister and our teams very poor, those owning 4 of the independent wagons stayed there to recruit. Captain Willie's company went on and my brother Frank [Francis] went with them.



We stayed until the 17th and left with Captain Hodge[tt]s wagon and Captain Edward Martins hand-cart co.



On the 19th it started to rain, hail, &amp; snow, we made all haste and camped at a place called Buttes. We camped there about 8 days, it storming so we could not travel. It was there they commenced to die from hunger &amp; cold. It was deemed advisable to travel on but the cold &amp; snow made our traveling slow and I do not think there was a day we did not have to bury some[,] the greatest number at once being 14. I have an old spade that was used in covering them.



On the 4th of November we arrived at Devil's Gate &amp;



on the 5th Captain John Hunts Co came in[.] To give a just description of what we passed through there, would be too much of an undertaking for me for the weather was very severe, and the people almost lost all heart. Many of our remain[in]g cattle died &amp; the only thing left was to leave every thing we could leave, take some of the lightest wagons &amp; travel on.



We left on the 8th and arrived at Bridger on December the first. All of our cattle were dead and many of the peoples cattle.



On the afternoon of the 4th some teams arrived from the valleys, there were 7 or 8 and two span on a wagon. The snow was about 20 inches deep. I remember four of the mens names or they were all from Lehi, Wm Dawson Alonzo D Rhodes, John Skeen &amp; Geo G Merrill. Wm Dawson was acquainted with my Father and we rode in his wagon to S.L. City



We left Bridger on the 6th



and arrived in Salt Lake on the 14th of December. The snow was 18 to 20 ft deep on the big mountain.



We camped between the two mountains on the night of the 13th the road being kept open by men with shovels and ox teams from the valleys. The wind was blowing &amp; drifting the snow every day so they had to break the road through every few hours. I will also give you the names of those living here who came in that year with the hand-carts—James Meikle, &amp; John McDonald came in Daniel McCarthys Co, Euphemia Mitchell, wife of R.A. Bain &amp; Elizabeth Read came in Jas G Willie's Co. Jas. B. Shorten and Ellen Parkinson wife of Hyrum Covey came in Edward Martins Co. Annie Brighton wife of Rob[er]t Thomley [Thornley] came in Israel Evans Co and Ja[me]s Sheen in Ellsworths Co. I thought this would not be amiss in getting together the names and where-abouts of some who often speak of those dark days. Hoping you will accept this in the spirit given I remain Yours Sincerely



 



<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">JA[ME]S CANTWELL</center>

Transcript for Cantwell, James to S. S. Jones, Handcart Veterans Association, 28 Sep. 1906. Handcart Veterans Association, Scrapbook, 1906-1914f, fd 2

"Col. A. W. Babbitt," The Mormon

"Col. A. W. Babbitt," The Mormon, November 8, 1856.

Col. A. [Almon] W. Babbitt.
	AS no doubt the acquaintances, friends and relatives of the Secretary of Utah, or late Secretary as we fear it is, will look to us for information respecting the recent reports from the plains, we publish the following items which leave but little or no room for hope of the Colonel's safety. The N. Y. Herald's Omaha correspondent in his letter dated 9th ult., writing of a German that he had conversed with who was one of a party of Californians that had been attacked by the same Indians, about the same time that Colonel Babbitt is supposed to have been murdered, says:
	"He brings news, not only of the confirmation of the report of the attack and almost total massacre of a train bound for Salt Lake, in charge of Col. Babbitt, Secretary of Utah, but later, of the massacre of the next train, in which Col. B. himself travelled, and of the murder of Col. B."
	President Erastus Snow, writes us from St. Louis, Oct. 26th from which we make the following extract:
	"I have just seen Mr. Jno. M. Hockaday on his return from Washington—who informs me that the contract for carrying the Mail between Independence and Salt Lake City is given Hiram Kimball Esq., of Utah for $23,000. It is uncertain whether any mail will leave Independence the first of December. Mr. H. also informs me that news have been received in Washington from the Commander at Fort Kearney that some Treasury warrants and other papers, belonging to Col A. W. Babbitt, have been found on the North side of the Platte and brought to the Fort by Mr. Ashumbeaux from Green River, which confirms the previous supposition of the murder of himself and party.
	"Elder Geo. A. Smith, and myself expect to start to day up the Mississippi to visit the Saints at Alton and Keokuk. Col Smith is in fine health and spirits."
	We have expected to learn something reliable from the plains through the Council Bluffs Bugle, touching the murder of Mr. Babbitt as it is conducted by his relative Mr. Johnston, but have not seen the slightest allusion even to the report, perhaps we have not received a full file of that paper. The above extracts is all we have learned additional to what we have already published.
	Respecting the contract for the Utah Mail named in the above extract we consider it by far too small a sum for the work to be done. Magraw's contract was only $6,000 less in the begining but it had to be doubled and then the contract was not half executed. If Mr. Kimball can do the work at the above sum we shall be satisfied and considerably relieved from the obligation of stiring up the Utah mail contractor to diligence. We know Mr. K. to be an energetic man and in what he engages will do his utmost, and while this inspires us with hope that he will fulfil his contract we trust he may be no loser by it.

Transcript for "Col. A. W. Babbitt," The Mormon, 8 Nov. 1856, 2

"Col. A. W. Babbitt," The Mormon.

"Col. Babbitt," The Mormon

"Col. Babbitt," The Mormon, October 25, 1856.

Col. Babbitt.
	SERIOUS apprehensions, says the Washington Union, are entertained that Colonel [Almon W.] Babbitt, the Secretary of the Territory of Utah, who was formerly the delegate in Congress from that Territory, has been murdered on the plains by the Cheyenne Indians. We learn from W. M. F. Magraw, just arrived in this city, who left the frontier eight days since, that Colonel Babbitt, whose train had been captured this side of Fort Kearney, had gone on to Fort Kearney after the capture of his train, and had there obtained four government mules, and left on the 2d of September with one man, in a light carriage, with dispatches for Fort Laramie, which point he had not reached on the 14th September, when Magraw's party, with the United States mail, left Fort Laramie for Independence. The party could hear or learn nothing relative to him. His friends in Missouri and on the plains are of the opinion that he and his companion have been murdered.
	Colonel Babbitt should have got through to Fort Laramie in five or six days if not molested. One of the Sioux Indians, who had been pardoned by the President of the United States for the murder of Magraw's men two years ago, and was being escorted home to his tribe by Captain Stewart, of the army, got permission to go on in advance of the escort. This Indian knew that Colonel Babbitt had left Fort Kearney for Laramie, and followed the tracks of his mules up into the Bluffs, near Ash Hollow, until he found evidences that Babbitt's waggon had been destroyed; found a man's shirt and other marks going to satisfy him that Colonel Babbitt and his companion had been murdered. He turned, for his own safety, and crossed the north fork of Platte river and proceeded on that side to Laramie, where he reported what he had seen and his conclusion on the subject.

Transcript for "Col. Babbitt," The Mormon, 25 Oct. 1856, 2

"Col. Babbitt," The Mormon.

Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008

Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008, May 24, 1849.

Almon W. Babbitt left Kanesville with the mail for Great Salt Lake City. He had with him six men, 18 mules, and several horses.

Transcript for Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008, 24 May 1849, 1

Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008.

"Latest News from the Plains," The Mormon

"Latest News from the Plains," The Mormon, November 15, 1856.

Latest News from the Plains.
 
The Murder of Col. Babbitt Confirmed.
	THE arrival on Sunday eve of a train from Salt Lake under command of Capt. W. J. Hawley places beyond question the fact of the murder of Hon. A. [Almon] W. Babbitt, Secretary of Utah Territory. From Mr. Hawley we obtain the following information:
	Near the 'Sweet Water,' he met Messrs. Kimball and Ferguson. This is about 200 miles West of Fort Laramie, and 300 East of Salt Lake. He heard from them the rumor, and in order to get at the facts he remained with Mr. Trist, the Indian Agent, for several days. The Indians had come into the Fort and reported that 12 of them had attacked Col. Babbitt while one of his men was away, and after the Col. had fired his double-barrelled gun and his two revolvers, one of the Indians crept behind the wagon and tomahawked the Col. Frank Rowland and Sutherland were also killed.
	The Indians said the Col. fought like a grizzly bear.
	When at Fort Kearney Capt. Hawley learned that Maj. Wharton had in his possession the papers (including a draft of $8,000) and some of his hair. His watch was obtained by a Frenchman from the Indians. Altogether about 18 whites have been killed.
	The Capt. reports the crops in Utah as good. Wheat was selling at $1,00, oats and corn 75, potatoes 50, flour 3,50 per hund. He met the several Mormon hand-cart trains at Green river 170 miles East of Salt Lake City, at Big Sandy, at Pacific Springs, another 5 miles East of Fort Laramie, and one at Chimney Rock 76 miles East of Laramie, a wagon train at Scotts Bluffs, and several others. All and every one in good health and spirits.	
	Next week we shall have more space for particulars.
	Col. Babbitt was well known in our community, was on his return from Washington to resume his duties as Secretary, had with him a valuable collection of books, astronomical and other instruments, and was supposed to have a large amount of money.
	His loss is irreparable, and the Government should send at once a sufficient force to punish, yes, to exterminate this tribe who for the last three months have been murdering and plundering her emigrants.
	Mr. Jno. Campbell, Dustin Amy, and about twenty others came in train with Capt. Hawley.—[Council Bluffs Bugle.

Transcript for "Latest News from the Plains," The Mormon, 15 Nov. 1856, 3

"Latest News from the Plains," The Mormon.

Mary H. Snow journal

Mary H. Snow journal, March 1851.

Transcript for Mary H. Snow journal, 1851 March-June, 18-79

Mary H. Snow journal.

"Mormons En Route for Utah," The Mormon

"Mormons En Route for Utah," The Mormon, September 13, 1856.

Mormons En Route for Utah.
	IT may not be uninteresting, to some of your readers, to learn something of the movements of the emigration to Salt Lake Valley this season. A few days since, in company with Col. Babbitt, Secretary of Utah, and several citizens of this place, we visited Florence, N. T., and there found encamped about 500 of the "faithful," all in good health and spirits, intending to start in a day or two on their long journey. (They left on Monday, 18th inst.) From Capt. Willey [James G. Willie], and assistant Capts. McGaw and Levi Savage, we learned that the train had been but three weeks in coming from Iowa City, and that all were healthy, cheerful and contented.
	Having seen several hand-cart trains pass through this city, and cross the ferries at Elk Horn and Loup Fork, we could not help but remark the enthusiasm which animated all classes and ages. This train seemed to be better provided with camp equipage, and out fit of provisions, &amp;c., than those which preceded it.
	We saw the butcher dealing out a splendid beef to the crowd, and were informed that the allowance was one half pound each, one pound flour per day, and the usual quantities of molasses, sugar, &amp;c. Many, however, have private supplies, which enable them to live very comfortably.
	It may seem, to some, that these people endure great hardships in travelling hundreds of miles on foot, drawing carts behind them. This is a mistake, for many informed me that after the first three days travel, it requires little effort for two or three men or women to drag the light hand-cart with its moderate load of cooking utensils and baggage.
	It is also a fact, that they can travel farther in a day, and with less fatigue, than the ox-teams.
	These trains are composed of Swedes, Danes, Germans, Welch [Welsh], Scotch and English, and the best evidence of their sincerity is in the fact that they are willing to endure the fatigues and privations of a journey so lengthy.
	First, they have toiled wearily o'er the hundreds of miles which separated their native hills from the European sea-port from which they were to embark—then see them on crowded ships, braving the dangers of the broad Atlantic—afterwards, they travel patiently one thousand inland miles to Iowa City, thence to start on foot for a journey over hill, plain, desert, mountain, fourteen hundred miles to reach the "Happy Valley."
	This is enthusiasm—this is heroism indeed. Though we cannot coincide with them in their belief, it is impossible to restrain our admiration of their self-sacrificing devotion to the principles of their faith.
	But we have forgotten Florence, not destined, like its beautiful Tuscan prototype, to be universally worshipped as the most lovely of European capitols, rejoicing in her magnificent palaces, her glowing paintings and speaking statuary—but to be known in this our practical work-a-day world, as one of the most important towns in the Territory of Nebraska. Three months ago there were but five buildings, there are now about forty, and as fast as labor and material can be obtained they will continue to build. Before winter, probably 150 houses will have been erected.
	The steam saw mills are doing their best to supply lumber, but the water mill on Mill creek moves lazily for lack of "copious showers." Another steam mill will be put up this fall. There are two brick yards near at hand; a lime kiln, and a quarry of superior building stone. To James C. Mitchell, Esq., who has labored for nearly two years to make Florence a town in fact as well as name, is most of the credit of its improvement and growth to be attributed. We cordially wish it success and prosperity.
<center>								AILENROO.</center>
P. S.—Since the above was written we notice the following arrivals in this city en route for Salt Lake: 	On Monday, 18th inst., 56 hand-carts and 5 ox-teams; on the 20th, 80 ox-teams; and on the 21st, 60 hand-carts and several teams.
	About 400 have already left Florence; the above trains contained about 800 persons, and a large number are still expected, via St. Louis.
<center>			[Council Bluffs Bugle, Aug. 2</center>

Transcript for "Mormons En Route for Utah," The Mormon, 13 Sept. 1856, 2

"Mormons En Route for Utah," The Mormon.

"Murder of Col. A. W. Babbitt, Secretary of Utah Territory," New York Daily Times

"Murder of Col. A. W. Babbitt, Secretary of Utah Territory," New York Daily Times, November 17, 1856.

Murder of Col. A. W. Babbitt, Secretary of Utah Territory.
 
From the Cleveland Herald, Nov. 6.
	Rumors reached the States, some weeks since, that Colonel BABBITT, a prominent Mormon, and Secretary of Utah Territory, had been murdered by the Indians. An arrival of a Salt-Lake train, on Sunday, Oct. 26, at Council Bluffs, confirms this report. Captain HAWLEY, who had charge of this train, got the facts at "Sweet Water," which is a station about 200 miles west of Fort Laramie.
	The Indians had come to the Fort, and reported that twelve of them had attacked Colonel BABBITT while one of his men was away, and after the Colonel had fired his double-barreled gun and his revolvers, one of the Indians crept stealthily behind the wagons and tomahawked the Colonel. The Indians said that the Colonel fought like a grizzly bear.
	When at Fort Kearney, Captain HAWLEY learned that Major WHARTON had in his possession the papers (including a draft of $8,000) and some of his hair. The watch was obtained by a Frenchman from the Indians. Altogether about 18 whites have been killed. Colonel BABBITT was on his return from Washington to resume his duties as Secretary, and had with him a valuable collection of books, astronomical instruments, and was supposed to have a large sum of money.	
	Colonel BABBITT was formerly a resident of Amherst, Lorain County. His father was a blacksmith in that town, and was one of its early settlers. The son was an untutored, active, smart boy—to use a familiar expression, was very "tonguey"—and when a young man became a convert to Mormon doctrines, through the influence of a protracted Mormon meeting held in Amherst. Mr. BABBITT became a Mormon preacher, having joined the sect at Kirkland, Lake County, and has followed the destiny of this strange people up to its present habitation at Salt Lake. Col. BABBITT, by his native talent, industry and perseverance, has risen to distinction in Utah, and was Secretary of the Territory.

Transcript for "Murder of Col. A. W. Babbitt, Secretary of Utah Territory," New York Daily Times, 17 Nov. 1856

"Murder of Col. A. W. Babbitt, Secretary of Utah Territory," New York Daily Times.

"News From the Plains," The Mormon

"News From the Plains," The Mormon, October 18, 1856.

News From the Plains.
	THROUGH the politeness of President Erastus Snow, we are favored with an extract from a letter addressed to him by Capt. A. [Abraham] O. Smoot, dated Platte River, 30 miles above Ash Hollow, Sept. 16th, by which we learn that there are fears entertained at Fort Laramie for the safety of Col. A. [Almon] W. Babbitt. He states that the Colonel met him a short distance from Fort Kearney, thirteen days previous, since which time he had not been heard of. He says:
	"We have no doubt that he is killed, likewise his driver and Bro. Thomas Sutherland. They left my Camp on the 3d instant, at 30 miles above Kearney, and crossed on the North side supposing it to be safer travelling among the emigration. They designed making Laramie in six days; but they have not been seen or heard of since, and it is the opinion of all that they are cut off by the Cheyennes.
	"There have been three Companies destroyed during the present month, including A. W. Babbitts. Among them was Thomas Margetts, from the Valley and a small party of six or eight persons with him, including his wife and children, and another small party from California, in which three were killed and two wounded, property all destroyed."
	Though no trace of Col. Babbitt or companions yet justify the abandonment of all hopes, we should not be at all surprised if the surmisings of Elder Smoot and the folks at Fort Laramie are too well founded. The Colonel has hitherto been a successful traveller on the plains, and if we mistake not, has crossed and re-crossed from Salt Lake to the States sixteen times, during which he never was subjected to any particular annoyance from the Indians. When he last passed through this city from Washington, on his way West, he spoke of his unlimited confidence in the honor of the Indians, and said he would sooner trust them before he would pale faces in a similar position. From past friendly relations between him and the Indians, his heart was confiding; and dreaming of no danger, with nonchalance he entered upon a dreary journey of a thousand miles with little or no protection. The cry on the frontiers is loud against the Cheyennes, by whom he is supposed to have fallen, and without doubt the government will soon take some steps to protect the lives of travellers in future.

Transcript for "News From the Plains," The Mormon, 18 Oct. 1856, 2

"News From the Plains," The Mormon.

Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude, vol. I

Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude, vol. I, Page 125-26.

Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude, vol. I.

Snow, Erastus, "Correspondence of President Erastus Snow," The Mormon, 27 Sep. 1856, 2-3

Snow, Erastus, "Correspondence of President Erastus Snow," The Mormon, 27 Sep. 1856, 2-3.

Correspondence of President Erastus Snow.
 
STEMER POLAR STAR, Missouri River,
 
Sept. 15, 1856.
	PREST. JOHN TAYLOR—Dear Bro:—I am now returning to St. Louis from Florence, N. T., whither I have been to take a farewell of Prest. F. D. Richards, and the other returning missionaries, and to assist in closing the emigration business of this season.
	The last company of emigrants with handcarts left Florence on the 26th ultimo, under the charge of Elder [Edward] Martin, and the last ox train of emigrants left same place Sept. 2d, under Capt. [John A.] Hunt. Elder William Walker's freight train of extra baggage was yet at Council Bluffs when I left on the 11th. I fear the emigrants who enter Salt Lake Valley this fall will not see their extra baggage before another year, although Bro. Walker is intending to push forward as far as he can. I accompanied the brethren of the "Swiftsure Train" beyond the Elkhorn River, where I parted from them on the 5th inst. It consisted of four carriages and three light wagons, hauled by four mules each.
	Notwithstanding the hurry and bustle of starting off the last companies and closing up the complicated business of the season, it was a joyful termination of the laborious summer work, and a happy meeting with those faithful men of God who after long years of separation from home and kindred dear, and faithful toil and labor in foreign lands, are now about to be released from their labors, and rest themselves while they journey across the plains.
	May the choice blessings of Israel's God whom they serve abide upon them, and speed them on their way to the embrace of their anxious and loving families and friends. May they ever live in the affections of the Saints of God, and the memory of their noble deeds never perish.
	So far as is yet known the experiment with hand-carts is likely to succeed quite as well as the most ardent advocate of the measure could have anticipated.
	At our latest advices the advance companies were in the region of Fort Laramie, and all were in excellent health and spirits moving on finely and far outstripping the ox train.
	A most melancholy and distressing affair was reported in my hearing at Florence on the 8th inst., by a party of Californians just arrived from the plains.
	[President Snow relates what we have written elsewhere of the massacre on the plains.] 
	The men who brought this information said they met Col. Babbitt (who left Florence with a mule team a week behind his train), on Wood River, a few days after the massacre.
	Florence is a flourishing town, alive with business, and houses rising all around as if by magic. 'Tis a beautiful place, and is withal an excellent outfitting point.
	I left Elder Andrew Cunningham to preside over the Saints there and in western Iowa. I organized a Branch at Florence, and near fifty had already renewed their covenants by baptism before I left them. He will start soon with a party of men to make claims on the western limits of the Omaha Purchase in the region of the Loup Fork.
	It is to be hoped that sufficient number of faithful energetic brethren will report themselves to him early in April, or before, to form companies for settlements between there and the mountains.
	Our Conference will come off on the 6th proximo in St. Louis. We should be happy to enjoy the benefit of your presence and wise counsel in our midst, if consistent with your other duties.	
	I remain your brother in Christ,
<center>				ERASTUS SNOW</center>

Transcript for Snow, Erastus, "Correspondence of President Erastus Snow," The Mormon, 27 Sep. 1856, 2-3

Almon Whiting Babbitt, Sr.

Alternate Names

Birth Date

Death Date

Gender

Sources