Benjamin Franklin Johnson (1818 - 1905) Profile

Individual

death-date-qualifier-death

Benjamin Franklin Johnson

birth-date-qualifier-birth

A Study of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Upper Canada, 1830-1850, Richard E Bennett, pgs. 32, 101: M277.1 B472s, Church History Library

A Study of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Upper Canada, 1830-1850, Richard E Bennett, pgs. 32, 101: M277.1 B472s, Church History Library.

Church Historian's Press. The Journal of George Q. Cannon. People

Church Historian's Press. The Journal of George Q. Cannon. People.

Hawaiian Honolulu Mission manuscript history and historical reports, 1850-1978

Hawaiian Honolulu Mission manuscript history and historical reports, 1850-1978, February 17, 1853.

Hawaiian Honolulu Mission manuscript history and historical reports, 1850-1978.

My Life's Review, Benjamin F Johnson: M270.1 J66j, Church History Library

My Life's Review, Benjamin F Johnson: M270.1 J66j, Church History Library.

Benjamin F. Johnson, My Life's Review (Independence: Zion's Printing & Publ. Co., 1947), 121-23

Benjamin F. Johnson, My Life's Review (Independence: Zion's Printing & Publ. Co., 1947), 121-23.

I now went with various articles of trade into Missouri to obtain supplies for our journey west. Of this trip I only remember that I was greatly blessed in obtaining whatever I desired, in flour, bacon, beans, seed, grain, etc., but on return, it being yet early spring, and stormy, I took a severe cold and at night camped out and found myself with a violent attack of pleurisy. For a time I feared I would die, but my resolution was good and I sat by the campfire all night bathing my side, taking medicine and exerting my will and faith to live and yet go to the valleys. My faith and determination prevailed, but it was a fearful attack.



We now all sought to get ready, and trust in the Lord for what we could not obtain. We soon learned my brother, Joel H., was on the road bringing us a good wagon and yoke of oxen from Brother Babbitt and my brother, Joseph E., also some groceries and other comforts for the family sent by my mother and sisters. So the way continued to open until the organization of President Willard Richards' company, which started July 4, 1848.



I now had two wagons, a yoke of large oxen for one, and two yoke of steers for the other; and as I could not manage both teams alone was obliged to take with us Brother Benjamin Baker and his daughter [Sarah Jane], which made eleven persons in the two wagons. Brother Baker had two cows and I had five others, to be put in the yoke if necessary.



On the first day we broke an axletree, and the delay, trouble, expense, etc., to get it repaired seemed a prelude to the weary, toilsome four months' journey that was before us, of which there were but few prominent incidents pertaining to my own history. I suffered much with chills and fever and stomach complaint, and although I was never required to do guard duty, I had more cares and labors upon the way than I was well able to endure. Among other things to annoy me, my wife, Clarinda, rebelled at my government of her child and left us upon the road, and associated with a family named Washburn, into which she afterwards married. Yet, the blessing of the Lord and His angel was ever with us. On one occasion, I think it was on Strawberry Creek, we had yoked some cows on the family wagon, which Brother Baker was driving. The wagons were stopped, on the bank of the crossing and he was talking, when the team started, turned and tipped the wagon bottom side up in a gully, with our three youngest children underneath. The wagonbox was filled with large flat trunks made just to fill the wagonbed crosswise and were filled with all family goods and our beds were spread upon the trunks. As the wagon turned over the trunks would naturally fall with their whole weight upon the children. Appearances were frightful and left us hardly a hope of escape for the children. Haste was made to rescue them, which seemed an age, when the two eldest were found between instead of under the trunks. Of the youngest we despaired, but at last removing the weight and unrolling the bed the little one was found nearly smothered, but otherwise uninjured. Again I could see plainly the Angel was there.



I started with five cows, and although we were greatly blessed in our teams, yet others had lost oxen and our cows were taken to replace them, until all but one heifer was dead.



We arrived in Salt Lake Valley October 22, 1848, feeling that the mercy and blessing of the Lord had been with us. I felt, on arriving in the valleys of the mountains to dedicate myself renewedly unto the Lord, to become more fully His servant. The last attack of chills and fever, which had stuck to me over a year and a half, I felt on the Little Mountain, in sight of Salt Lake Valley, since which it has never again afflicted me.

Transcript for Benjamin F. Johnson, My Life's Review (Independence: Zion's Printing & Publ. Co., 1947), 121-23

Camp of Israel schedules and reports, 1845-1849

Camp of Israel schedules and reports, 1845-1849. 1849 September 24. Page 1.

Camp of Israel schedules and reports, 1845-1849.

Johnson, Benjamin F., "My Life's Review," 192-96

Johnson, Benjamin F., "My Life's Review," 192-96.

[Left Hawaii 16 January 1855]   My stay in San Francisco was very pleasant. . . .



I met here my friend, Captain Hooper, on his way east.  He had come from Salt Lake by San Bernardino; had left his light wagon there to be taken back by young Knowlton, and advised our return home that way, kindly offering to instruct his teamster to assist me through by carrying me or my baggage as circumstances made it needful.



As a steamer that would touch at San Pedro on her way to Panama was soon to leave port, we arranged for our passage, and Brother James Lawson, who had just arrived from the Islands, arranged for passage with us. . . .



After a cold and perilous passage both by sea and land, we arrived at San Bernardino, and found that Captain Hooper’s team, with Captain Conger’s mail party would start for Utah in one week; which, for a long period, might be the only safe conduct through the hostile Indian country.  From Captain Conger I learned that two horses, with pack and riding outfit for each man, with blankets and provisions would be necessary; and with the money due President Young and others I bought my horses and outfit.  But one of my animals was pronounced unfit for the journey on the evening previous to our start; . . . I felt I must wait another opportunity.  But as usual I prayed that if now was the time for my return, that the way would open through some of those who came to visit our camp. . . . Brother Thomas Holladay said he had a colt that would carry me if I could ride him, and brought him to me. . . . I gave Holladay the $20 he asked as boot and took his colt. . . .



. . . Captain Hooper had written his teamster at San Bernardino to give me any needed assistance, and so, the first two days my pack was carried in his wagon, and I rode my pack animal and led my colt, talking kindly to him . . . On the third morning, as we neared the desert and the wagon load was to be lightened, I loaded my pack animal and waited to see if anyone would offer me a gentle horse in exchange. . . . but no one exchanging with me, and the company about to leave me alone, I saddled my colt. . . . one of the most vicious colts in Southern California became a faithful servant, friend and companion, gentle, obedient, and true; and proved the hardiest and most desirable saddle horse in the whole company; and on our last day’s journey I rode him from the Sevier Bridge to Payson, a distance of fifty miles, in almost as good condition as on leaving California. . . .



To return to our journey home.  In all the company of nine preferred brethren I had no friend except Brother Karren.  Riding one day in front with Dr. Peterson to drive the loose animals we came into the thick timber and brush of the Beaver Dams, and stopped for the teams to come up.  As I dismounted, an Indian jumped up with a whoop before me, at once repeated by Indians all around us.  We sprang upon our horses and hurriedly sought to drive the loose animals to the open plain, but the Indians gathered, and with bows and arrows in hand formed in single file on each side of us, apparently about a hundred in number.  As they both followed and kept in our front with bows ready, the situation was grave and fearful.  Peterson drew his revolver shouting, “Stay back, or I will shoot.”  I begged him to hold on, but with a blanched face and pistol cocked, he seemed about to fire, and when I commanded him, my hands upon my pistols, to hold on, which restrained him, and in a few moments those behind came up.



As there was no possibility to escape them by fast driving, we halted for a parley, and so, drawing close together we sought to learn their purpose, which was difficult, as none could talk with them except a smattering by Pope.  I remember that Nephi—my nephew—had been among Piutes and spoke his name to them.  They at once turned to me, and we made them understand that he was my brother’s son; and so they knew we were Mormons, which was what they were trying to find out.   Had they learned otherwise we would have been doomed.  We gave them biscuits and tobacco and told them of a horse we had left behind they might have, so they hurried away to find it.  We hastened forward, feeling that we had been delivered from the jaws of death.



We were no sooner safe than Peterson turned upon me with threats and insults for having laid my command upon him, and I felt he had murder in his heart towards me.  I had to endure great abuse and threats from him on our journey, while I knew the course I had taken had saved his life as well as mine.  I have learned as a principle, that when a man has once shed human blood there is a spirit in him to shed more; and so I kept out of his company as much as possible.



That night before we arrived at Cedar, the first settlement, we camped on Pinto Creek.

Transcript for Johnson, Benjamin F., "My Life's Review," 192-96

Phinehas Richards, Diary

Phinehas Richards, Diary, April 1837.

Friday June 23d, 1848. I went over the River to look [for] a House for Margaret. as she was to wait another year. I found one and bought it



Saturday 24. Had a real blow up with the wife and learned of her, that she had suported me for 10 or 12 years. so I keep learning and for the future I will support myself as usual.



Sabbath 25th. labored all day for the first time, preparing to go to the Mountains.



Monday 26. went over the River on buisness. A.M. and P.M. carried shakes and punchean to the Ferry. for the House I bought East side.



Tuesday 27. I was busey most of the day. made a ladder for waggon, Brother Moss came over with his Family ready for a start. This day F[ranklin]. D. Richards was appointed Capt. of 50 for the journey.



Monday July 3d. left Winter Quarters and campted 3 miles out, for the night.



Tuesday 4. The President, Willard Richards, seeing the City cleand came up to the camp and took his place in the Corill. here near Night[,] William Adams a child had a ball shot through one [k]nee and lodged in the other. I took him across the carill [corral] to the waggon of Br. W[illar]d. who orderd the ball extracted. Dr. Johnson took my lancet, made the attempt but failed. Dr. Lemeroux [Lamoreaux] next tried. but gave it up. I took the lancet[.] laid the boy in his Fathers lap, and took the ball out in less than a minute. The wound healed in a short time, to the joy of his parents and friends.



Monday 10. Levi Willard a Child fell from the Waggon and broke his arm. I was sent for to see to. I fixed it as I thought best and left him comfortable, and quiet. I saw him next day quite comfortable. in a day he was out at play with other children.



Sabbath 23. two Buffaloes were brought into Camp. and a number of Antelopes.



Monday 24. staid in camp. to discuss the case of rebelion, which showed itself out verry plainly, which was ascertaind and the meetin desolved.



August 6th had the Tine set on one wheel of my Waggon.



Monday 7, Came to a Tribe of Sous [Sioux] Indians and had a Conference with them and also traded with em for Robes and Mackersons [Moccasins], lef[t] them quiet and peaceable.



Wednesday 9, good weather, and a good travel[.] here we were soluted with the fumes of a Pole-Cat, for the third time on the journey.



Thursday 10, some Indians came to the Camp before starting this morning[.] all quiet.



Friday 11 Bro. [John Solomon] Ful[l]mers child kicked and the arm broken, a shower of Rain 5 P.M. passed the first Bleffs [Bluffs] ruins, and Camped where the first Company left their fires.



Saturday 12, had a long travel this day. Archabal [Archibald] B. Moss fell from his Waggon[.] the wheels run over the boys brother[.] he turned black, arose and then fell[.] we administered to him and he recovered.



Sabbath 13, left Camp early to find water and Camped 1 mile west of the first Camp[.] spent the day and, had gentle showers 5 P.M. damp and chilly Night and Morning.



Monday 14. had a great travel. (Pole-Cat.) Camped at Scot[t]s Bluffs [Bluff] North side of River



Tuesday 15. Last Night left a Cow and at Evening, Franklin D. Richards went back after her, and found her partly eaten by the Wolves. comfortable weather



Wednesday 16. came to the River, when the Company went over that was ahead, 15 miles from Larama [Laramie], a long drive this day.



Thursday 17, Crossed the River and went 1 mile up to Ash Grove, found wood and water, staid and washed, burnt Coal and repaired.



Friday 18 traveled late A.M. and went on to Fort Larama [Laramie] and Campt that night[.] all went well in spirits.



Saturday 19 Morning stopt at the Fort about one hour. then moved on to the Hot Springs.



Tuesday 22 we traveled 3 day and found no good feed which made it hard for Teems.



Mond[a]y 28 went to place where we stopt[.] about 12 M. staid that Night and the day following.



Br. Cuningham and his Company left and went on.



Wednesday 30, still in Camp, Br A[masa] Lyman Company passed through and Camped 1½ mile above us.



Thursday 31, Br. John Mercer had an ox die. killed 2 Buffaloes while here, shod Oxen and repaired Waggons. when through we went on our Journey, and continued our Journey day by day until the nineteenth of



September 19. when we saw snow on the mountins, probably 50 miles ahead. it look Cold. the weather however was mild and fair. the Camp generally well, and made progress in our journey



Saturday 23, came to the South Pass of the Rockey [Rocky] Mountains, near Night, a gentle rain with a mixture of snow, Camped 3 miles West of the Pass.



Sabbath 24. Traveled on till near Night. experienced a hard blow, with Hale, and rain followed near an hour, Camped at Little Sandy.



Monday 25, we went on our way, and prospered in our Journey.



Thursday Oct 19. we arived in the Valley[.] about 12 M. Corilled [Corralled] about ½ mile North of the Fort. and staid there untill [text missing]



Monday 23, when we dispersed to our Lots[.] turned our teams out to herd[.] I bought an old hors of an Indian, turned him out in the herd. kept him till Spring, and with him paid $25.00 of a house I bought of Br. Dimic Huntington.

Transcript for Phinehas Richards, Diary, 1837 April-1871 March, Phinehas Richards papers, 1837-1874 in Richards family collection, 1837-1961

Phinehas Richards, Diary.

Pioneer emigration list 1847-1848, 117, in Docket book

Pioneer emigration list 1847-1848, 117, in Docket book, February 1844.

Pioneer emigration list 1847-1848, 117, in Docket book.

Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days

Prophets of the Restoration

Global Histories

Revelations in Context

Women of Conviction

Joseph Smith Papers

Church Historian’s Press

More

Publications

Church History Museum

Historic Sites

Church History Library

Visit

Church History Catalog

Missionary Database

Pioneer Database

Treasures of the Collection

Pioneer Resources

Research

Church Historic Sites

Quick Links

Church History Biographical Database

/chd/landing

motherReferenceId

fatherReferenceId

Pomfret, Chautauqua, New York, United States

birthPlace

baptizedBy

baptizedByReferenceId

released

departed-from-home

missionQualifier

maritalStatusWhenCalled

missionaryActivityNotes

priesthoodOfficeWhenCalled

Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois, United States

residenceWhenCalled

missionOrganizationReferenceIdValue

locationServed

departed-from-field

associatedPeople

company-arrived

joined-company

with-pioneer-activity

Benjamin Franklin Johnson Jr.

Melissa Johnson

Melissa Bloomfield LeBaron

Mary Ann Hale

Julia Dedamia Johnson

Esther Melita Johnson

pioneerCompanyReferenceIdValue

arrived-in-field

called

Mesa, Maricopa, Arizona Territory, United States

deathPlace

Default List Title

Name

Presided Over

Sources

Title

Benjamin Franklin Johnson

Birth Date

Death Date

Gender

Sources