Individual

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David Cannon Robison

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Armstrong, Isabella S., [Autobiography], in Emma Louise Armstrong, Notebook, 1917-1950, 168-71

Armstrong, Isabella S., [Autobiography], in Emma Louise Armstrong, Notebook, 1917-1950, 168-71.

My father, my two small brothers, Richard age 8 and Robert age 6, and myself being 10 years old, left Florence, now Omaha, in Daniel Robinsons [Robison] Hand-cart company for Salt Lake City.



The company was composed of 233 persons[,] 43 carts, 33 oxen and 10 tents.



The journey being longer than we expected, our clothing and provisions grew very scanty long before we reached our destination.



Our shoes were so badly worn that, at night, after a long days walk over the rough ground I would have to bathe the pebbles from my little brother’s torn and bleeding feet as well as my own.



Nearing Laramie[,] Wyoming our provisions were very low, so much so that each person was rationed to one half pound of flour a day.



At this point Sister Hannah Lapish, one of the members of our company had some jewelery that she brought from England which she exchanged at a trading post for seven &lt;hundred&gt; lbs. 700 of flour. This so greatly increased our food suply and lasted us until we were met by a relief party at Green River



The party was sent out by Brigham Young with 2500 lbs of flour and 500 lbs bacon, which was sufficient to satisfy our needs until we reach[ed] Salt Lake—



We had only one death during our entire jour[ne]y that of a very small child.

Transcript for Armstrong, Isabella S., [Autobiography], in Emma Louise Armstrong, Notebook, 1917-1950, 168-71

Armstrong, Isabella Siddoway, [Autobiographical sketch], in Andrew Jenson, comp., Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia: A Compilation of Biographical Sketches of Prominent Men and Women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Salt Lake City, Utah: Andrew Jenson History company, 1971

Armstrong, Isabella Siddoway, [Autobiographical sketch], in Andrew Jenson, comp., Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia: A Compilation of Biographical Sketches of Prominent Men and Women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Salt Lake City, Utah: Andrew Jenson History company, 1971, Vol. 2.

In the meantime Sister Siddoway (the mother or Isabella) died in Pennsylvania, and the father found it a difficult task indeed to cross the plains with his three motherless children (Isabella, ten years, Richard, eight years and Robert, six years old). They left Florence June 7, 1860, in Capt Daniel Robinson's handcart company, which arrived in Salt Lake City Sept. 27, 1860. Isabella, who walked nearly all the way across the plains, gives the following brief account of the journey and her early experience in Utah: "The journey being longer than we expected, our clothing, shoes and provisions grew very scanty long before we reached our destination. Our shoes were so badly worn that at night, after a long day's walk over the rough ground, I would have to pick the pebbles from my little brother's torn and bleeding feet, as well as my own. When we were near Laramie, Wyoming, our provisions grew very short, so much so that each person was rationed to one-half pound of flour a day. Sister Hannah Lapish, one of the members of our company, had some jewelry she had brought from England with her. She took it to a trading post, and exchanged it for seven hundred pounds of flour, which greatly relieved our want until we were met by a relief party at Green River, sent out by President Brigham Young, with 2500 pounds of flour and 500 pounds of bacon which lasted us until we reached the Valley. We were very fortunate in only having one death during our journey, and that being a little child. After arriving in Salt Lake Lake City, we looked upon then almost barren country, and compaired it to the green fields and comfortable homes we had left in old England.

Transcript for Armstrong, Isabella Siddoway, [Autobiographical sketch], in Andrew Jenson, comp., Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia: A Compilation of Biographical Sketches of Prominent Men and Women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Salt Lake City, Utah: Andrew Jenson History company, 1971), Vol 2:484

Armstrong, Isabella Siddoway, [Autobiographical sketch], in Andrew Jenson, comp., Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia: A Compilation of Biographical Sketches of Prominent Men and Women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Salt Lake City, Utah: Andrew Jenson History company, 1971.

"Arrival of Emigrants," The Mountaineer

"Arrival of Emigrants," The Mountaineer, September 1, 1860.

ARRIVAL OF EMIGRANTS.—The first hand-cart company from the States this season arrived in the city on Monday afternoon. There were two hundred thirty persons in the company; thirty-nine hand-carts, accompanied by six waggons, for the transportation of the heavy luggage and the general allowance of provisions. A large number of the citizens went out to meet them as they descended the bench and proceeded to the cattle ground. Capt. Ballo's brass band enlivened the scene by the performance of choice pieces of music. One death only reported—a child of two years of age. Two waggons of Capt. Franklin Brown's company came into the city very late on Tuesday evening. The greater portion of his company struck off for Ogden and other settlements when they arrived at the Weber. On Thursday at noon, Capt. Jesse Murphy's company arrived at the camping ground. The emigrants looked well, the cattle were in good condition, no sickness or deaths reported, two births, one of them shortly before they came in the city. In a few hours after the arrival of the company, nearly one half of the emigrants were dispersed in various directions among their friends. By the time there are few waggons and hand-carts left on the camping ground.

Transcript for "Arrival of Emigrants," The Mountaineer, 1 September 1860, Supplement 1

"Arrival of Emigrants," The Mountaineer.

"Arrival of the First Hand Cart Company," Deseret News

"Arrival of the First Hand Cart Company," Deseret News, August 29, 1860.

<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Arrival of the First Hand Cart Company.</center>



Captain Daniel Robinson brought into the city on Monday afternoon, between four and five o'clock, the first of the season's hand-cart companies, in good order and apparently in general good health.



The company was composed chiefly of British Saints with a few families from the Eastern States—in all about two hundred and thirty souls. They had six wagons, thirty-nine hand-carts and ten tents for their additional accommodation. They lost but one ox on the way. A child of two years of age, son of William Robinson [Robison], of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, died a week ago and was buried at Cache Cave.



There had been several cases of sickness on the way, but on arrival the entire company is reported in good health. They had drenching showers during the first two weeks of their journey out from Florence; but throughout the remainder of the journey they had excellent weather and, as far as we learn, have come along as well as any company that ever crossed the plains. Their appearance on entering the city was indeed of any thing more favorable than that of any previous hand-cart company.



As soon as they emerged from the kanyon [canyon] on to the bench and the citizens got a glimpse of them, the streets leading eastward presented a very animating appearance. Everybody seemed cheery and pleased to go out to meet the new arrivals. By the time the company reached the camping ground, opposite the Eighth Ward school house, there were thousands of citizens round them whose language or reception to the arrivals was evidently a hearty welcome.



The camp was soon formed by the wagons being placed in a line to the north, the tents to the west and the hand-carts to the south and east.



We noticed early on the ground, Bishop Hunter, his counselors, and the Bishops generally. As soon as possible, the Bishops had brought to the camp a general abundance of vegetables and other edibles to refresh the emigrants.



Capt. Ballaw, with a portion of his band, was early among them and enlivened the scene with excellent music, "Home, sweet home" must have caused a thrill of joy and gratitude in every bosom.



Altogether, the assemblage on the camp ground on Monday evening was decidedly cheering. The healthy appearance of the immigrants, the kind greeting of relatives and friends and the good feeling everywhere apparent was creditable to all.



From the captain we learned that, when the company camped about twenty-five miles east of Bridger, three fellows from that neighborhood rode up to them at dusk, evidently wishing to display their civilization. The first, who rode directly into the camp, was quickly marched out again, on which one of the other confederates drew his revolver, but fortunately for him and the others possibly, being only a braggart bully, he put it back again to the belt and, without much further ceremony, made tracks for more acceptable quarters.



We give no names in this instance, as we believe one of them expressed his regret at their conduct and requested that his name should not get into print. Let others take warning and behave themselves. It is always uncomfortable and frequently unsafe to meddle with travelers.

Transcript for "Arrival of the First Hand Cart Company," Deseret News, 29 August 1860, 204

"Arrival of the First Hand Cart Company," Deseret News.

"Arrival of the First Handcart Company," Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star

"Arrival of the First Handcart Company," Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star, October 20, 1860.

Arrival of the First Handcart Company.—Captain Daniel Robinson brought into the city on Monday afternoon, between four and five o'clock, the first of the season's handcart companies, in good order, and apparently in general good health.



The company was composed chiefly of British Saints, with a few families from the Eastern States; in all, about two hundred and thirty souls. They had six waggons, thirty-nine handcarts, and ten tents for their additional accommodation. They lost but one ox on the way. A child of two years of age, son of William Robinson, of Franklin Country, Pennsylvania, died a week ago, and was buried at Cache Cave.



There had been several cases of sickness on the way; but on arrival, the entire company is reported in good health. They had drenching showers during the first two weeks of their journey out from Florence; but throughout the remainder of the journey they had excellent weather, and, as far as we learn, have come along as well as any company that ever crossed the Plains. Their appearance on entering the city was indeed, if anything, more favourable than that of any previous handcart company.



As soon as they emerged from the kanyon [canyon] on the bench, and the citizens got a glimpse of them, the streets leading eastward presented a very animating appearance. Everybody seemed cheery and pleased to go out to meet the new arrivals. By the time the company reached the camping ground, opposite the Eighth Ward School-house, there were thousands of citizens round them, whose language and reception, to the arrivals, were evidently a hearty welcome.



The camp was soon formed by the waggons being placed in a line to the north, the tents to the west, and the handcarts to the south and east.



We noticed early on the ground, Bishop Hunter, his Counsellors, and the Bishops generally. As soon as possible, the Bishops had brought to the camp a general abundance of vegetables and other edibles to refresh the immigrants.



Captain Ballo, with a portion of his band, was early among them, and enlivened the scene with excellent music. "Home, sweet home" must have caused a thrill of joy and gratitude in every bosom.



Altogether, the assemblage on the camp ground on Monday evening was decidedly cheering. The healthy appearance of the immigrants, the kind greeting of relatives and friends, and the good feeling everywhere apparent were creditable to all.

Transcript for "Arrival of the First Handcart Company," Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star, 20 October 1860, 668-69

"Arrival of the First Handcart Company," Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star.

Lapish, Hannah Settle, [Autobiographical sketch], in Andrew Jenson, comp., Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia: A Compilation of Biographical Sketches of Prominent Men and Women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Salt Lake City: Utah: Andrew Jenson History Company, 1971

Lapish, Hannah Settle, [Autobiographical sketch], in Andrew Jenson, comp., Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia: A Compilation of Biographical Sketches of Prominent Men and Women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Salt Lake City: Utah: Andrew Jenson History Company, 1971, Vol. 2.

We took the council and joining a number of other saints at Philadelphia we traveled to Florence, Nebraska, where we joined Capt. Daniel Robinson's handcart company and started on our journey to Utah June 7, 1860, with our two children, aged respectively two and a half years and six months. On the journey there was considerable suffering, owing to the scarcity of provisions, and as I had some jewelry which I thought could be spared I went to a trading post on our route of travel and asked the proprietor of the store if he would trade me some flour for my jewelry; the price of flour at that time and place was $10 per hundred. I soon perceived that the store keeper was not inclined to make the trade, but I noticed a very tall man, perhaps a trapper or a miner, dressed in a beaded buckskin suit, standing in the store who turned to me and asked: "What do want for that thing" (meaning my jewelry). I answered him as if by inspiration, saying: "700 pounds of flour, Sir." He took my piece of jewelry and sent 700 pounds of flour to our camp. I gave it to the commissary of the hand cart company who dealt it out judiciously to the hungry travelers, the last measure, being half a pint to a person, being distributed on the day we crossed Green River. While we were being ferried across that stream a shout of joy went up from our company as the word was passed that a relief train sent by the Church authorities had just arrived with provisions for us. With this relief our main troubles were over, and we arrived safely in Salt Lake City Aug. 27, 1860. One birth and one death (that a baby) happened on our overland journey. The arrival of our company in Salt Lake City ended forever that most pathetic mode of traveling by the Latter-day Saints, namely, the crossing of the plains with hand carts.

Transcript for Lapish, Hannah Settle, [Autobiographical sketch], in Andrew Jenson, comp., Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia: A Compilation of Biographical Sketches of Prominent Men and Women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Salt Lake City: Utah: Andrew Jenson History Company, 1971, Vol. 2:526

Lapish, Hannah Settle, [Autobiographical sketch], in Andrew Jenson, comp., Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia: A Compilation of Biographical Sketches of Prominent Men and Women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Salt Lake City: Utah: Andrew Jenson History Company, 1971.

Mark H. Forscutt letter to Brigham Young

Mark H. Forscutt letter to Brigham Young, August 24, 1860.

<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Weber August 24th 1860</center>



 



President B Young



Dear Brot.



In perusing the list of names published in the "Deseret News" of the 15th Cult [ult.] I find several errors, and some omissions.



There is also an error in the aggregate.



Instead of 233 persons as reported—there are 262. We have also lost one by death during the past week—a son of Bro. Wm. Robisons Aged 2 years [David Cannon Robison.] 5 also have left us on the way, so that our total should be 268.



I have not time now to write out a copy of the list of names, or I would do so. I thought, however, it would be better to correct the error at once, feeling that it would be wrong not to do so, seeing I am in possession of a correct list of all who left Florence in the company and also those who have been born on the journey.



Seeing that Cap Smith forwarded a list of names of all in his Company, I have thought that I ought to have done the same; not being instructed however to do so I hope that any omission of duty in this respect will be overlooked seeing it resulted from ignorance on the part of your humble servant in the gospel



 



<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Mark H Forscutt 
Clerk of the Hand Cart Company</center>

Transcript for Mark H. Forscutt letter to Brigham Young, 24 August 1860

Mark H. Forscutt letter to Brigham Young.

Saunders, Hannah Barwell, autobiography, 1914

Saunders, Hannah Barwell, autobiography, 1914.

On March 30, 1860, our ocean and overland journey to Utah began. We sailed from Liverpool on board the sailing ship, Underwriter. There were seven hundred souls on board and a cooked meal could only be obtained one in three days as the galley was so small. We had a good but rough passage, and several deaths occured on board. We landed in Castle Garden, New York, May 1, 1860.



          We went by board and rail to St. Joseph and from there took a boat up the Missouri River to Florence, Nebraska. We stayed in Florence until June 6th, when we began our journey with handcarts over the plains to Utah. There were about two hundred souls in our company, with fifty handcarts and four wagons with ox teams to carry stores, tents, etc. Captain Daniel Robinson was in command.



          For two and one-half months, we toiled on, dragging the handcarts loaded with provisions, clothing and supplies through sand and fording may streams. It was a long, dreary journey and we travelled many miles each day till camp was reached. Tired and weary, we cooked supper and retired to rest, to gain strength to pursue our course the next day.



          The weather was warm and we suffered from heat, thirst and hunger. The provisions ran low until each person was drawing only one ounce of flour per day. This was mixed with water and a little salt and soda and baked in a skillet. Water was scarce and it was often necessary to travel long distances to find sufficient water to drink. We crossed many streams and as there were no bridges, we had to ford them. In some cases the men carried the women on their backs. At other times, they waded as the men did.



          When we reached Laramie, my sister-in-law, Ann Hook lent money to the Captain to buy flour and men were sent into Laramie to procure it. The only game seen was one rabbit. One of the men claimed he shot at it, and another claimed  his dog caught it, and in the ensuing quarrel, the rabbit was torn in two, each taking half.



          One day as my mother-in-law, Alice Hook, was sitting in her cart, her son attempted to draw a shotgun from the cart, when the gun was discharged, the shot going through her arm. She was healed by the power of faith, through the administration of the brethren.



          As the men and teams grew tired and weaker, our load had to be lightened and clothing and other belongings were taken out and burned. Only one death occurred during the trip, that of a child which died suddenly. Judging from the experience of other companies, we considered ourselves greatly blessed in this regard.



          One day, a band of Indians, accompanied by some drunken mountaineers, appeared hostile and preparations were made to defend ourselves, but the men in the company were able to quiet them and they passed on in peace.



          Our rations ran very low. One day, all we had was one biscuit. Therefore, it was with great joy that we hailed the arrival of a relief party from the valley bringing provisions.



          We wended our way over big and little mountains in Emigration Canyon. When the "hogback" at the mouth of Emigration was reached, we obtained our first view of the city. Worn with hunger, and tired out from my long trip, I cried with disappointment. It was such a contrast to the beautiful towns and cities of England. We reached the city on August 27, 1860 and camped on the Eighth Ward Square, where the City and County Building now stands.

Transcript for Saunders, Hannah Barwell, autobiography, 1914

Wright, George, [Letters], in Suzanne Vaughan, "Immigration of George Wright from Liverpool, England to Salt Lake City, Utah 1860," 20-23

Wright, George, [Letters], in Suzanne Vaughan, "Immigration of George Wright from Liverpool, England to Salt Lake City, Utah 1860," 20-23.

The letter following this one is written from Salt Lake City. In this letter, he tells his parents about his handcart trek to Utah. They left the 6th of June and arrived in Salt Lake City on the 27th of August of 1860. "During 1856-1860 10 handcart companies came to Utah. Most of them came through without trouble. However, in the summer of 1856, two of the companies had some trouble. One was a handcart company of 500 people led by a man named Willie. They rushed to complete their handcarts, used green lumber, and as a result had many delays to fix carts. They left late, July 16, and met a snow storm at South Pass. Fifty-six people had died. They arrived at Salt Lake City November 9. The other company led by Edward Martin, left July 28, even later than the Willie company. They also could not cope with the cold weather and lost 56 people."



 



<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Great Salt Lake City Sept. 7th/1860</center>



 



Dear Father and Mother, Brothers and Sisters,



I write these few lines to you hoping they will find you all well as it leave me at present. I arrived here in Great Salt Lake City on Monday the 27th of August at 6 o’clock at night. We pitched our tents in the 8th Ward as soon as we got in. There was a band of music on the spot which played very beautiful and the people brought us some bread, butter, cheese, milk, crackers, meat, tarts, beets, carrots, onions, green corn, mellons, cucumbers, potatoes, salt, pepper, garden currants. All these were soon on the spot after we got in. The people manifested a good feeling towards us. We left Florence on the 6th of June at 3 o’clock in the afternoon for Great Salt Lake City with 43 handcarts, 6 wagons and 38 oxen and 270 souls. Daniel Robison was Captain of the train from Pennsylvania. We had one death and two births in crossing the plains. We lost one oxen. It died when we were about 37 miles from the city and there was a child died on the 22nd of August at Yellow creek about 70 miles from the City. It was the Captain’s brother’s child. [David Cannon Robison, son of William]



When I was at Florence, I sent you word that we should start on the 1st of June for the plains but on account of the wet weather and one thing or another, we did not get off till the 6th of June. I have enjoyed good health in crossing the plains and through the blessing of God, I am here today in good health. I never felt better in my life. This is a healthful country. There is plenty to eat and to drink. The wheat crops are good and the Indian corn and oats and barley and potatoes but there is not much fruit. All is peace and prosperity here in these valleys at the present time. There are good people here, better people never trod the earth than some that are here. My faith is still the same as regards this work being the work of the Lord. I know that that it is the Lord at the head of it. This gives me consolation under the circumstances that I am placed. I have felt the loss of Father and Mother, Brothers and Sisters. Things do not go so comfortable with me as they used to do at home but for all this I get along pretty well. I am getting a pretty good hand at cooking and making bread but I hope soon to see you again. Although so wide a space separates us in body, my mind wanders back to you. I was thinking about you last Sunday as I was climbing the big mountain with my handcart that you were enjoying yourselves at the feast. The feast would do well for my Mother’s Birthday being 50 years old on the feast Saterday. I should have written you sooner but I could not get a letter written for the first mail. I had not the opportunity and the mail only leaves here once per week and that is on Friday.



We did not kill much game in crossing the plains, only rabbits, hares and birds. As for myself, I had not the privelege to shoot much because I had to stick to my handcart. Whereas if I had had some of you at my handcart, I could have gone out shooting when it had been good road when I could not leave other people with satisfaction to myself and to them. I had a rabbit to my dinner the day that my father was 53 years old, the 24th of July. We saw a good few buffalo. I counted about 60 one day, the most that we saw. We saw a good many Antelope and a few Elk, and a variety of snake; rattlesnakes, watersnakes, grassnakes, of different colors and sizes, a few bears, squirrels, prairie dogs. I have heard the wolves but I have not seen any, only a dead one or two. I had about 11 watches during the trip over the plains. Twice I was watching the corral and 9 times the cattle. For the first 2 weeks it was wet. We had several thunder storms. I will tell you what is good for the plains; some long topped boots that you can thrust the bottom of you pants in to keep them dry because the grass is long and very wet at night. Fort Laramie is 522 miles from Florence, a fine little city where you can trade, but they make you pay dear for what you get. I would advise all to get what they need before they leave Florence.



The last letter I have is written Oct. 5 from Salt Lake City. Mr. Wright finds his new home quite pleasing. He relates his admiration for his religion and Brigham Young. Part of the letter is missing but enough is said to here state.

Transcript for Wright, George, [Letters], in Suzanne Vaughan, "Immigration of George Wright from Liverpool, England to Salt Lake City, Utah 1860," 20-23

David Cannon Robison

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