Edward Hunter (1793 - 1883) Profile

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Edward Hunter

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Andrew Jenson, Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, 1:227

Andrew Jenson, Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, 1:227.

CR 100 137: Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008

CR 100 137: Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008, October 19, 1849.

CR 100 137: Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 1, Page 21, Line 873.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959.

Ann Cannon Woodbury in Cannon Family Historical Treasury (1967), edited by Beatrice Cannon Evans and Janath Russell Cannon, 167-69

Ann Cannon Woodbury in Cannon Family Historical Treasury (1967), edited by Beatrice Cannon Evans and Janath Russell Cannon, 167-69.

In the spring of 1847, we took up the journey west. Vennie Kelly and I took turns in driving an ox team, as the young man who started to drive it went back.



We had lots of trials but the Lord made the back equal to the burden. When the teams began to give out, they doubled up. When I did not have to drive, I rode with George Q. He said, "Now, Annie, get your books and I will teach you." I said, "Oh, I have not time; it takes me all the time I get to fix my clothes," so I missed the best opportunity I ever had. I have been very sorry I missed learning, but I had to be humble and the Lord helped me because of my humility. I had to depend on my Father in Heaven; I realized I had no schooling.



In 1847 when we were on the plains, we traveled with two fifties together side by side for fear of Indians. Brother Hunter was captain of the hundred and of one fifty, and Brother Taylor of the other fifty. Brother Hunter went to Brother Taylor's tent and said, "Brother Taylor, the wind has blown dust on our boys for two weeks and they have almost smothered. We think we ought to change." "All right, Brother Hunter", said Brother Taylor, so we changed. After Brother Hunter went, Brother Taylor laughed and said, "The wind will soon change" and it changed the same day. They had a lot of fun over it.



One night we camped by an alkali spring and Uncle Taylor lost eleven oxen which died from drinking the water. We gathered buffalo chips to burn when we could not get wood. One forenoon some antelope came near. George Q. asked me to hand him his gun which was on the bed. I did not get it quick enough, and he snatched the muzzle of the gun and drew it toward him; as he did so, the gun went off and the bullet passed between him [his] arm and his body. During the journey a great many buffalo were killed. The meat was smoked and dried so it would keep. The fat was rendered down and molded into cakes, then packed in the grain which was carried in the beds of the wagons.



The buffalo came like an avalanche. You would think the world was coming to an end, there were so many. We thought they would stampede our cattle but they turned and crossed the river. We could get any amount of them to put up dry, so we had plenty of dried buffalo beef and tallow to do us. At times we could not get wood but we got buffalo chips instead.



About September 7 we met President Young and party near South Pass on the Sweet Water, returning from Salt Lake City. A beef was killed and a feast prepared under direction of Apostle Taylor and Bishop Hunter, followed by a dance. We had a fine time. The next morning the ground was covered with snow. The people felt very bad, as they thought they would be lost in the mountains. Uncle Taylor called the camp together and told them he would insure all their lives for $5 a head. The snow was all gone by noon, and so we traveled on. When we stopped we would wash and bake and rest as far as possible. We had prayer at the call of the bugle, and were as happy as if we had been traveling in luxury.



When we got to Little Mountain (divide leading down into Emigration Canyon), men were there getting out lumber. When we got to the mouth of the canyon, the men folks stopped to eat lunch before rolling into the Salt Lake valley. While they were eating, I picked some service berries and sat down by the creek to pick them over. While sitting there, I started to bleat like a sheep. The men and boys all started to run. One said, "I'll keep it if I catch it first." When they had gone as far as I thought they could hear me, I bleated again. They ran back to their dinner and saw me. They asked, "Was that you?" I laughed. It was the law then that if anybody left anything behind, the finder could keep it.



 



<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">SALT LAKE VALLEY</center>



 



Uncle Taylor rented a room of the old fort from some of the Mormon Battalion boys who got to the valley ahead of some of the pioneers. They build some houses in the pioneer fort and rented them to some of the folks that came later. We got into the fort on October 6, 1847.

Transcript for Ann Cannon Woodbury in Cannon Family Historical Treasury (1967), edited by Beatrice Cannon Evans and Janath Russell Cannon, 167-69

Book of the generations of Jacob Gibson, 1849-1881

Book of the generations of Jacob Gibson, 1849-1881.

20 of June Eating our one Bread and so forth afterward, he wanted to charg[e] us for his favioers [favors.] I got one yoke of cattle one yoke of cows[.] Hyerd [hired] a good yoke from Bishop [Edward] Hunter[.] Starting with abt 20 Hundred or in the company of capt Morcon [Stephen Markham] in the ten of capt Garner traveling till past ft Ke[a]rny [,] my team falling in consequence of my ten Leaving the company and traveling faster then we ought[.] I concluded if the ten continued to run ahead I would have to hold up[.] Spoke abt it to no affect[.] finely [finally] I held up the Ballance of the company with friend foster with them whome I had to help over the river as he had Lost his money and other thing[s] that I have not time to mention[.] So for me on the planes to do the best I could or Perish[,] he having a good team and to Spair [spare] if rightly managed[.] I held up untill Elder [Wilford] Woodruff company came along[.] I meant to join Elder Whipples division[.] Bro W. requested me to travel with him or in his division[.] I aggreed to do so but had a hard time as they traveled as much to[o] Slow as the others to[o] fast for me[.] he had a train of Good green cattle and green drivers made Slow work awash and also also. Some[th]ing Broke down all on the road Behind[.] cot [caught] up and past [passed] us and we ware [were] abt 17 weeks When 13 was plenty[.] our provisions ware just out the last morning[.] our Breakfast being all we had[.] we got in to the valley on 14 of October

Transcript for Book of the generations of Jacob Gibson, 1849-1881

Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008, June 21, 1847.

Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008. Supplement after 31 December 1850: Page 7.

CR 100 137: Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008, August 17, 1847, Page 1-6.

In camp on creek, near Red Hills, west 63 miles from Ft. Laramie, Aug. 17, 1847.



To Bro. B. Young,



The camp is enjoying good health, no cases of sickness at this date, and no deaths have occurred. Two births. We number 155 souls. The names of men capable of bearing arms and of performing other camp duties are as follows: Edward Hunter, Alva Keller, Henry Heath, Wm. W. Potter, Berry [Burrill] A. Covington, Nathaniel M. Dodge, Henry Tuttle, Jacob Foutz, Jacob F. Secrist, Henry I. Doremus, Samuel Merrill, Isaac Leany, William Leany, William Sceare [Scearce], Leonard Stump, John A. Wolf [Woolf], Abraham Boswell, Vinson [Vincent] Shirtliff [Shurtleff], Hobert [ Hubbard] Tuttle, Lemon Brunson [Leman Bronson], Albert G. Fellows, Wilmer Brunson [Bronson], Wm. Fellows, Fredrick Bainbridge, John McBride, William K. Rice, Newton J. Hale [Hall], Mc Bride, D. M. Thomas, Henry Thomas, A. W. Collins, Robert D. Covington, Thomas Warrick, James Matthews [or Mathis], John Thomas, Philemon Thomas, John Robertson, John Lowery, Justus Seelye [Seeley], Wm. S. Seelye [Seeley], Jastus [Justus] W. Seelye, [John] Henry Wilcox, David Seelye [Seeley] James Young, John Young, Ithamer Sprague.



The sisters who had husbands and/relatives in the army were Catharine Ann Owens, Mary Ann Hunter, Louize [Louisa] Calkins, Sarah Dodge.



There are also in this company; 50 guns, 7 pistols, 246 1/2 lbs. powder, 138 lbs. shot, 394 lbs. lead, 59 wagons, 247 oxen, 12 horses, 3 mules, 95 cows, 38 sheep, and 3 hogs.



As to our teams, they are not <in> so good a plight as we could wish. The loss of cattle in Grant's company has made it necessary to take from our teams to supply that loss. A few of our cattle (oxen) are failing in their feet and have died, owing to the want of competent teamsters. Small accidents occur almost daily, and we think that none of our teams or perhaps very few of them will be in a condition to return to Winter Quarters In In the present condition <of> our cattle, we think, if we reach the place of our destination with them, it will be as much as we shall expect.</of></in>



Our cows, with a very few exceptions, are put in the teams.



We say, in conclusion that if a few additional teams could be furnished us, they would/assist us very much on our journey.



 



Edward Hunter, Capt. of Hundred, 
Jacob Foutz, Capt. of Fifty.

Transcript for Edward Hunter and Jacob Foutz letter to Brigham Young in Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008, 17 August 1847, 5-6

DUP Pioneer History Collection

Edward Hunter reminiscences

"Edward Hunter reminiscences", DUP Pioneer History Collection.

Moved to Iowa. Was taken sick. Remained for one month or six weeks. Recovered of sickness and went to Winter Quarters. Suffered with sickness, and family, seven at a time. Spent the winter at Winter Quarters somehow.


Next spring fitted out for the West six or eight weeks after the pioneers. Travelled a trackless corse part way. Met with many Indians. Got some bufalow roabs and mocissons cheap. Something new every day.


Arived in Salt Lake 30th of September 1847. All well but teams worn down.

Transcript for "Edward Hunter reminiscences", DUP Pioneer History Collection.

Daughters of Utah Pioneers. DUP Pioneer History Collection.

Edward Hunter and Robert Campbell letter to Brigham Young

Edward Hunter and Robert Campbell letter to Brigham Young, July 17, 1850.

Having arrived at Kanesville in safety with my Brethern and friends about the second week in December I went to see most of the families I was to assist and bring out agreeable to your directions, and notified them to prepare themselves to join me in my company out the coming spring. Staid a few days in Kanesville and by the Council of Elder O. Hyde set out for Philadelphia to go to the United States Mint and make sales of our Gold Bullion – Returned in March to consummate my Missions –



 The first companies of golddiggers with Horse Teams had began to arrive – Those who afterwards passed through with ox Teams had bought up all the choice Cattle in the Country which occasioned a heavy rise in the price of cattle and the consequence was I had to delay in my arrangements in our emmigration to obtain cattle cheaper. I could not get broke cattle at any price. However by the strictest economy in making purchases in trades and sales I have succeeded in getting a tolerable good stock and a number of good cows. There has been an anxious excitement in Pottawatamie Co. St Louis and other places to get to the Valley at the expense of the Perpetual Fund – and I have had numerous calls from every quarter. Some I found necessary to assist who could not wait. to wit Widow Lyons [Sarah Bigler Lyons], Joseph Young, Isaac Decker, &amp; Solon Foster agreeable to the council of Elder Hyde. I received a note from Br. Hyde giving me instructions to organize all the remaining companies with mine as no other Company would start later by his counsel and calling upon J.L. [Joseph Leland] Heywood to assist. I had my cattle herded and kept in a yard in Stringtown. Our waggons began to assemble on the Welch Farm near by- June the 25th 1850 made a start for our Journey. Staid a few days at Bethlehem 1½ mile from the Ferry to obtain Blacksmith Tools &amp;c. July 2nd most of our Teams &amp; Waggons crossed the River at the Lower Ferry. July 4th At the 12 mile Creek we organized our Companies, where Edw[ar]d Hunter was appointed President of the Company[,] J.L. Heywood his Councillor. Rob[er]t Campbell Clerk. Benj[amin] L Clapp &amp; N[athaniel] H[enry] Felt Chaplains. E.D. Wool[l]ey 1st Captain. Lewis Wight, Jon[a]than C Wright. W[illia]m. [Mc]Pherson, Royal Barney, Jesse Haven, George Thompson and Andrew Burnham were made Captains of Tens. and the following is list of Families comprising our Camp Sisters Phiners, [Lydia Goldthwaite] Knight, Bro [Lewis William] Wight, [James A.] McCall, [Merritt] Rockwell, Sisters [Ann] Condit, [Mary Dull] McMinn[,] [Rhoda Ann] Fullmer, A[melia] Campbell, Walker, Sisters [Margaret Hall] Rushton, [Lydia] Knight. Brs J.C. Wright, [William] Pitt, [James Weaver] Palmer, Spilsberry [George Spilsbury], [Andrew] Burnham, [Jacob Flynn] Hutchinson, Silcox [Nicholas Thomas Silcock], [Miles] Romney, [Henry Miller] Parker, [Elijah] Fordham, Sis Stewart[,] Br Heywood, [Edwin Dilworth] Wool[l]ey, [Royal] Barney, [William Henry Harrison] Sagers, Meechum [Meacham], [James[ Lawrence, Sis [Margaret Major] Butterfield. Br. [Nathaniel Henry] Felt, Hamiston [Lyman Harmiston], [Sisson] Chase, [Oliver Hunt] Dudley, Sis [Ellen Stuart] Lockley, [Amelia Brown] Spencer, Brs [Jesse] Haven[,] [Benjamin Lynn] Clapp, [Mr.] Burlingame, Cluff, [Nahum] Bigelowe, Hewitt [Orin Taylor Hulet], [George] Thompson, [Joseph] Buxton, Sisrs Fanny Murray, Persus [Persis] Young, [Nancy Zerviah] Green &amp; Lydia Knight. The following is a Summary in round numbers of the strength of our Company[:]



Persons 261. Waggons 67. yk [yoke] of Oxen 106. Cows 113. Horses 10. Sheep 19. Dogs 19. Cats 6. Doves 6. Loose Cattle belonging to individuals 40



 Perp[etua]l Fund 5,554.41....



 Loose Catttle in herd – P.F. 27 – X   # I have along with me Merchandize from England consigned to Prest Brigham Young and principally to N K Whitney[.] wt of Freight 4877lbs



 Mess[r]s Heywood and Wooley have made a start with us, with a heavy stock of Church Property. The strength of their teams was insufficient for their heavy burdened waggons and they found the necessity of drawing upon the resources of the Perpetual Fund till they arrive at Fort Kearney where they intend to hire; with that view I have turned them out – 3½ yoke of oxen and 2½ yoke of Cows. Up to the present we have got pretty well started and are getting along prosperously. At first we were visited  with constant and heavy storms attended with thunder and lightning which has made the roads very difficult to travel to say nothing of the sloughs and hollows. Many of our Cattle have suffered from Feet and sore necks but most of them are nearly well. While our Brethren were assembled on the 4th for organizing the Brethren with the mail hailed us with their presence. All well and in good spirits. Our anxiety for news from the Salt Lake City and to obtain Letters broke in upon the good order of our meeting and all were glad enough to adjourn. Br R Campbell from the Valley called over the Letter List after handing out a few letters stopt to get a few refreshments and left for Kanesville.



 July 6th overtaken by Elder O Hyde &amp; suits staid with us an hour and proceeded on. We have passed some 60 graves of the Brethren who have died of the Cholera and by the dates seemed to have died between the 15th of June and the 7th of July. It may be interesting to give some of their names[:] Marg[are]t Dana, Har[ie]t Dill, Ameroy Nicholls [Ambrose Nichols], John Smith, M M Norris, Alford [Alfred] Brown, Marg[are]t McDougal, Dr Brally [Jesse Charles Braley,] Rhoda Smith[,] Jane Gray, Wm. Fox, Calvin C Hall, Charl[o]tte Thompson, J. T. M. Sellan[,] E[mma]. E[liza]. Camp. Elisha Hawrist 32 yr. Geo Catlin, Sis E Malary [Elizabeth Kennedy Mallory] 50. Irinda Crandell [Crandall] 23[,] Mary Johnston 40. several others. We have reason to be thankful that we have been comparatively free from this dire calamity. One of our Company was taken severlly ill, but by strict attention and proper remedies soon recovered.



 July 16th had the painful task of recording the death of an interesting young man by the name of Washington Marshall teamster for Br[other Nathaniel] Felt. An accident occurred wherein Sister Stewart's Boy received an injury by 2 Waggon Hubs bruising him. As many of our Cattle were wild and unbroke I esteem it a marked providence that no other damage is sustained and that the Camp at the present time is in such excellent health and that some who started sick are fast recovering their health. Frequently meeting waggons from the Fort passing back for provisions.



 July 19th Overtaken by Col. Reese in his Chaise. He has 8 waggons back bound for the Salt Lake City. Each waggon 3000 wt of Goods. This morning too Mr. Thompson Clerk of the Firm of Riley left our Camp destined to overtake their goods bound for the same place. Sundays we set apart to rest our Cattle do washing – blacksmithing and have preaching – and camp instruction.



 30 Miles East Ft Kearney [Kearny]- Sunday July 21st 50



As Kincaid [Kinkead] and Livingston are in our immediate vicinity and about to proceed on with dispatch I hasten to bring this communication to a close. Our Camp is in a healthy state – none sick with us. We have travelled about 90 miles this week. Last Sunday we took into consideration the propriety of making 2 Divisions. it answers our purpose. Our Cattle improve on the road. Within 10 miles of us lies our 2nd Division all pretty well. Col. Reece's trains is a few miles back of us. We received the intelligence of a death from Cholera in his company. We design holding a meeting this afternoon and having a preach from Benj[ami]n L[ynn] Clapp. Nothing of any importance has occurred on our journey – Save all is health, peace and that a hope inspires us that we shall improve in the prosecution of our journey and hail our Brethren and friends in the Valley. I expect to make a full report of my mission when I reach you. Considering the high price of Stock and of Provender &amp; Provisions the Brethren generally have as good an outfit as I could anticipate. Wheat Flour $6.00 per 100 corn 2 to $2.50 per bu. Bacon from 6 to 9 cts Hay $1.00 per 100 – Groceries and other provisions equally high. Our waggons are most of them new and many are in good repair[.] We expect to reach Fort Kearney <strike>by</strike> or before the middle of this week. We would be remembered our friends in the Valley. and our prayers are for the prosperity of Zion



We subscribe ourselves ever yours in the everlasting Covenant



 Robert Campbell, Clerk.                                                                     Edward Hunter

Transcript for Edward Hunter and Robert Campbell letter to Brigham Young, 17 July 1850

Edward Hunter and Robert Campbell letter to Brigham Young, August 22, 1850.

35 Miles East of Laramie



August 22nd 1850



Prest Brigham Young



I take this opportunity thus hastily to give you information respecting the state of our Camp. We have made this 500 miles with as much speed as I could anticipate. Though we have had to mourn the loss of two of our Camp viz Jonathan C. Wrights child [Lyman Van Wright] and Mrs [Amelia] Campbell – still we rejoice in the good health and prosperity of the company – We are travelling with our cattle generally in better condition than when we started. We are in two divisions – Haywood [Joseph Heywood] &amp; Wooley's Division lies 5 miles behind us – some 7 of his cattle have suffered from the use of saleratus water. We camped on the 18th near Col Reese's Company[.] Livingston and Kincaid's Cos are within 3 days travel of us – We hear favorably of companies ahead of us – and I think that there is a uniformity in our speed – The most I have to lament is the indisposition on the part of some to take care of their cattle and a recklessness regarding camp duties. This I find a great evil as it makes it doubly laborious on the part of the willing and active and retards the progress of the camp in hunting  after strayed catttle – This evil I am happy to say has [illegible] from the neglect of but few individuals who have not the interest they ought to have in the prosperity of this camp and the church – but I am still more happy to sayI am bringing out some of the best of men in whose hands I could trust my life and my all – In these matters, I am doing the best I can. Br Haywood &amp; Wooley's Company expect a little assistance from the Valley to strengthen their teams – Remember us to our families and enquiring friends – tell them when they come to meet us to bring a few Potatoes  &amp;c along



Yours in the everlasting Covenant



Edward Hunter



Robert Campbell, Clerk

Transcript for Edward Hunter and Robert Campbell letter to Brigham Young, 22 August 1850

Edward Hunter and Robert Campbell letter to Brigham Young.

Edward W. Tullidge, The Women of Mormondom (1877), 331-36

Edward W. Tullidge, The Women of Mormondom (1877), 331-36, Page 331-336.

[Mary Isabella Horne]



Apostle John Taylor traveled in the company that my family was with, Bishop Hunter being captain of the company of one hundred, and Bishop [Jacob] Foutz and my husband [Joseph Horne] being captains of fifties. The officers proposed, for safety in traveling through the Indian country, that the two fifties travel side by side, which was agreed to, Bishop Foutz's fifty taking the north side. For some days the wind blew from the south with considerable force, covering the fifty on the north with dust from our wagons. This continued for two weeks; it was then agreed that the two companies shoud shift positions in order to give us our fair proportion of the dust; but in a day or two afterwards the wind shifted to the north, thus driving the dust on to the same company as before. After having some good natured badinage over the circumstance, our company changed with the unfortunates and took its share of the dust.



One day a company of Indians met us and manifested a desire to trade, which we were glad to do; but as the brethren were exchanging corn for buffalo robes, the squaws were quietly stealing everything they could lay hands upon. Many bake-kettles, skillets and frying-pans were missing when we halted that night.



As our wagons were standing while the trading was going on, one Indian took a great fancy to my little girl, who was sitting on my knee, and wanted to buy her, offering me a pony. I told him ‘no trade.' He then brought another pony, and still another, but I told him no; so he brought the fourth, and gave me to understand that they were all good, and that the last one was especially good for chasing buffalo. The situation was becoming decidedly embarrassing, when several more wagons drew near, dispersing the crowd of Indians that had gathered around me, and attracting the attention of my persistent patron."

Transcript for Edward W. Tullidge, The Women of Mormondom (1877), 331-36

Edward W. Tullidge, The Women of Mormondom (1877), 331-36.

Edwin Pettit, Biography of Edwin Pettit, 1834-1912 (Salt Lake City: The Arrow Press), 9-10

Edwin Pettit, Biography of Edwin Pettit, 1834-1912 (Salt Lake City: The Arrow Press), 9-10.

In the spring of 1847 we moved camp, and passed through Winter Quarters, where the main part of the Saints had been camped all winter. All the companies rallied to a place near a stream called Elk Horn, where they organized into companies of hundreds, fifties and tens, with a captain over each. Bishop Edward Hunter was appointed captain of fifty [hundred]; John Lowry was appointed captain of ten families, in which all the Seeleys were members, my sister [Mary Pettit Seeley] and myself with the rest. I was thirteen years of age at this time. Most of the time we traveled in double columns—that is, two rows of teams, in order to keep the company together and away from the Indians. In camping over night, our wagons were placed to form a circle, an opening being left at one end to drive the cattle in to keep them from the Indians, guards being placed around the outside. Fuel was very scarce most of the time and when we wanted a fire everyone would go out to gather buffalo chips, and some of the daintier sex instead of picking them up with their hands, used tongs to gather them with. Before we had gone very far, they got very bravely over this, and would almost fight over a dry one. We could see buffalo as thick as the leaves on the trees for miles around. We had a great deal of trouble from them, having to scare them away with guns in order to make a passage. We saw many Indians, but for the most part they were very friendly and peaceable. At one place on the Platte River, some of the boys and myself went down to swim at noon time, and I got beyond my depth and was nearly drowned.



We traveled mostly on foot, the wagons being used to carry the provisions. Sometimes an ox and a horse would be hitched together to make the trip. In the latter part of the journey, when our cattle began to get tired and footsore, sometimes lying down, it was a difficult matter to get them on their feet again. We had a calf that gave out, and we had to leave him one afternoon. The next morning, while the folks were getting breakfast, I was put on a horse and sent back several miles to bring the calf. One place where there was a double road, with a swamp in the middle, I saw four Indians coming. I left one road and passed over into the other to avoid the Indians. When they saw me, passed over into that road also to meet me. I was riding a good horse, and had a good half mile the start of them, but I did not think to turn and run back. I went right ahead and met them. They came up, talked to me a few minutes, and they let me pass right along. It is almost a miracle that they did not take my horse, as it was a very good one and I often think of it as being a very foolish act on my part. I was never afraid of the Indians, and I presume this is the reason I was not more cautious. However, I found the calf and returned to the company.



We traveled from day to day feeling as happy and cheerful as possible under the conditions, covering from ten to fifteen miles a day. Our last camp before entering the valley of Salt Lake would be a short distance above the mouth of Emigration Canyon. After a journey of about four or five months, we reached Salt Lake on the 29th day of September, 1847.

Transcript for Edwin Pettit, Biography of Edwin Pettit, 1834-1912 (Salt Lake City: The Arrow Press), 9-10

George Whitaker autobiography, undated, 31-37

George Whitaker autobiography, undated, 31-37.

Transcript for George Whitaker autobiography, undated, 31-37

Harvey H. Cluff autobiography, journals, and scrapbook, 1868-1916, Autobiography, 1868-1888, 8-14

Harvey H. Cluff autobiography, journals, and scrapbook, 1868-1916, Autobiography, 1868-1888, 8-14.

The time having arived when our financial replenishment and rest justified pulling up stakes and going farther west as great anxiety was felt by all to keep as close to the Pioneers as possible. We pulled out therefore leaving our valuable maple sugar plantation, farm and town improvements be enjoyed by new arrivals of exiles. Had we been permitted to remain in that part of Iowa we should have grown emencely rich, for the land was very productive, besides the natural resources that we had access too.



Mosqueto [Mosquito] Creek about three miles from Council Bluff, proved to me the temporary wants of the family and where recuperation , financially might be as speedy as any other place in that part of the Territory. The farm located at the lower part of the hollar, near to its opening out into the Missouri bottoms and near to a pond of water.



The town finally, as the exiles geathered in, extended along the creek a mile or more the bluffs or rolling hills extending back. The same routeen of preperation for launching our destinie upon a thousand miles of desert country uninhabited except by wild tribes of Indians. To make such a journey necessarily required extra teams, clothing, bedding, and provisions. To emass such an outfit, under the circumstances for a family now numbering fourteen souls, was no small task. Hence energy was displayed in evry move made, by old and young to bring about the chief wish and uppermost desire of the family to join the Pioneers in the Valleys of the mountains. The new farm which the united effort of the family had brought into a state of productiveness, yealded bountiously. Our cribs were full of corn. Now came a providencial demand for the verry products of which we were abundantly supplied. The gold excitement in California had become at feaver heat down East and thousands of peoples were rushing through our Section of country in the greatest inthusiasm. The demand for Supplies ever known in that section, brought corn up to fabilus prices. In addition to this marvelous help, the hast with which these gold seekers traveled reduced their teams so that many of their animals gave out and they were forced to exchange two animals for one good one and by this means, the Mormon exiles reaped great advantages from the very class of men who had aided in forcing our people from their homes. These worn out animal left with the Mormon exiles were in excellent condition for the road, in the Spring when we were prepaired to move west. Thus many were prepaired to go in the Spring of 1850 who might have had to remain years longer. Gratitude, in deed was felt by every exile who was thus aided in going to the Rockey Mountains.



Springtime came in 1850 which found the family putting forth their best efforts prepairing for the long and tedious journey. No regrets seemed to hand upon the faces, or Sorrow over Shadow members of the family in taking such a long journey. The Younger members of the exiles could not circumscribe in their imagination all of the environments trials and hardship, which they would have to encounter in traversing a desert wilderness country of a thousand miles or more. A country infested by bands of Indians which delighted in Scalping the white man who came upon their hunting grounds.



The Spring of 1850 was indeed a busey time for the Cluff family. Every member of the family was assigned to some part pertaining to the preparation necessary. Bushels of corn was parched as a part of the food supply. It must be remembered that the food supply had to be necessarily limited to a few dishes for when clothing, bedding, dishes &amp;c were crowded into a wagon, two yoke of oxen had all they could pull.



While standing near father [David Cluff] watching him split young hickory poles for wagon bows or Mr. [blank space] a near neighbor a bachelor living with his widowed mother came up to father and began to abuse him with all sorts of vile language. The cause of complaint was of a frivelous character. It seems that the family had been annoyed by this neighbors cow coming in the door yard and as kindly protests had been made no heed had been given and the cow persisted in her anoyance. While at breakfast one morning a few day before we were to depart, the cow again came in the yard and Benjamin rushed out and struck the cow with his fist. A few days there after the cow was arround with a fine full developed calf. Our neighbor was determined that the calf was untimely and therefore a claim for damages was demanded. The demand for damages was considered presumptous by all who knew of the claim. The abusive language, however, continued and finally father took one of the hickery poles and struck neighbor [blank space] on the head droping him like a bief animal. At this his mother came rushing out and droped upon her knees, at the wagon tongue and began praying. I stood still during the whole affair although I felt that if I were big enough I certainly would have compeled Mr. neighbor to cease his abuse of my father, and accepted the pole injection. What a useless prayer. The old lady predicted all sorts of troubles that would befall us on our Journey and that we should never reach Utah. Her efforts to pray was absorbed in predicting what should befall the family and teames none of which came to pass. We as a family with teames and outfit reached Utah in safety.



I do not rember the exact day when we pulled out from Mosqueto Creek and made our way through the "Missouri Bottoms" to the river some miles below where the City of Omaha now stands. Wagons and teams and people were carried across the Missouri river on flat boats or Ferryboats and ascended the bluffs or table land and out on to prarie land where we waited for sufficient force and organization to make it safe to venture out into Indian territory.



When fully organized with Bishop Edward Hunter as Captain the start for the Rockey Mountains. I cannot say how many wagons there were in the company but usually not less than forty was considered safe. The Captain had his two assistants and the company divided into tens with captain over each ten wagons. By observing the rules and regulations adopted in traveling perfact order prevailed. A good captain became the most important officer in the company. Upon him or subordinat officer whom he might designate, devolved the responsibility of selecting sutable camping places, where wood, water, and forage for animals could be obtained. Another very important consideration was the stragetic [strategic] precaution against the possible attack of Indians and the anoyance of buffalo. While travelling through the buffalo country, there was much danger while in camp or on the road travelling. Those powerful wild animals would often set our teams wild by coming among our cattle while grazing loose on the prarie, or by attempting to cross the road while our train was in motion, thus causing a general stampede. To witness a whole train of forty or fifty wagons moving pell mele over the country is a blood curdling sight. Men, women, and children in the wagons unable to get out yet uncertain as to whether the wagon will upset and they crus[h]ed to death. If to attempt to get out while the stampede is on, only indangers he who makes the effort; as the following wagon would be upon him before he could regain his footing. A night stampede from a correl formed by wagon, leaves a company helpless. The cattle rush from the inclosure and off upon the plains in great confusion, making successful persute impossible unless by an expert rider with a fleet horse, who perchance, may succeed in gaining the lead of the wild herd and thus gradually wheel them back. Failing to accomplish this, the emigrants must wait until morning and there find the cattle ten or fifteen miles &lt;away&gt; scattered all over the range. I witnessed one of these stampedes of a whole train. If ever a man or boys hair stands upright it will be when he is in a mix up with a stampede. The final stope of the stampede, I allude too, was marvilous indeed. The road led direct towards a great bend of one of the branches of the Platt river but made turn just before it reached that stream, the banks of which were eight or ten feet high. It did really appear that no power could stop the whole train from plunging into the &lt;rive&gt;r unless it &lt;was&gt; the power of God. But the wild bellowing beasts did stop, some of the wagons being so near the bank it was difficult to Swing the team around without danger.



All hands, except teamsters could be seen rushing off for wood and water, as soon as camping ground was decided upon and teams began forming into correl. Often times camp for stragetic considerations would be pitched a great distance from wood or water, but more especially wood: at such times you would see men, women, and children geather up the "buffalo Chips" which answered a very good purpose for fuel. From Ft. Laram[i]e, a small U.S. post, the country becoms more mountainous containg fuel more plentiful and range for stock proportionately small. Our shortage on the food supply was replenished by a greater supply, in variety of wild meat. The novelty of camp life by this time had reached the apex. More up grade travilling became necessary and consequentally pedestrian travelling was more compulsory which was condusive of tropical and semi-tropical feelings. Variety in mountainous scenic country, made travelling somewhat inspiring, besides we felt that we were nearing our mountain home where a long rest awated us. "The chambers of the Lord"was a very appropriate name for the Vallies of the Mountains. Our enemies had forced us into the grandest place of protection to be found on the American Continant. But during this tedious and difficult Journey, we did not know the advantages or disadvantages that we would meet. We were going by faith in the promices of God and in the prophetic utterences of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Day after day, month after month we travelled on our journey Westward rearlising that sufficient was our Strength for the requirements of the day, deeply imbued with the idea of finding a safe abiding place beyond the power and menace of wicked men; all of which gave Strength to our navel and marrow to our bones. There was even more than that to stimulate and make one rearlise, under the circumstances, that we were loosing nothing in being driven from the face of our Countrymen by our Countrymen. Even in the desert there was more satisfaction in facing the painted savage warrior on his own hunting grounds and the wild buffalo on his range, than to get a little consistant friendship or Sympathy from Gentiles. To look a Savage in the &lt;face&gt; all painted for war, was indeed horrowfying, but a little flour, sugar and coffee made the face of the Savage more humanterian. And he proved a closer friend than our white brother. Back of all our environment of dark clouds and trials there was always a smiling Providintial Smiling countinance—A God who had never failed to bring victory to His people. And so our faith enabled us to endure. For the Prophet Joseph Smith had predicted that the Saints would go to the Rockey Mountains and become a great people.



It is not my purpose to weave into my recital of experiences while crossing the plains, romance, in order to make my story extra readable. I shall content myself with recording actual facts. Much of the romance of the journey must come to the reader through his own imagination.



On ariving at Green River, which is about one hundred and fifty miles, as I rember, from Salt Lake Valley, arrangements were entered into between my parents and a Mister Allen a Shoemaker by trade, by which I was to there and then leave my folks and live with Allen family and learn Shoemaking. Mr Allen was travelling in anther company, following the one in which my father was in. This chang resulted in my arrival in Salt Lake three day behind the family.



As I now call to mind, my experience from Green River to Salt Lake in the Allen family was not of the most enticing or winning part of the journey: however, my youth and wild nature of the country through which we were passing, with its varied environments, made my stay imperitive, and I endured willingly because I seemed obiged too. I may say by way of moderation in this conection, that there always loomed up before the pleasing hope of meeting my folke not many days hence. Finally the Summit of the "Little Mountain" near the head of Emigration Canyon was reached when a view of the Great Salt Lake Valley was obtained. We now decend from these hights into Emigration Canyon, thence down the Canyon until we merge out into the Valley where a magnifficent view of the Seniosities of the Mountains ranges forming the Great Salt Lake Valley with the lake in the distance, bursts with delight upon our Vision.



A weary and in many respects a perilous journey, of over a thousand miles with all the monotony of camp life incident to such a journey gives one a relish for home and friends.



Now after fifty &lt;eight&gt; years additional experience &lt;Since crossing the plains&gt; I call vividly to mind the splendid feeling that came over me on looking down from the mountain top into the Valley below. It was not only the rearlization of soon being at the end of the journey, but coupled with that fact, was the meeting of father, mother[,] sister and brothers. The vision upon which I feasted in gazing from that eminance was too sublime for adiquate discription, although its grandure is indelibly impressed upon my mind.



If you ever crossed the plains from the Missouri river to Salt Lake Valley, you can comprehend that feeling you ne're shall feel again, from the Summit of the mountain overlooking Salt Lake Valley. There with eyes affixed on the Valley far below and stretching westward towards the Sitting Sun, you feast upon a landscape embelished by an inland Sea with its two mountain islands the whole incompassed by the "everlasting hills"



 



<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">"High on the mountain top"&lt;br &gt;"A Banner is unfurled"</center>



 



The grandure increased its grandure by the fact that there in those peaceful Vales was my future home. I looked intently, with youthful Sparkling eyes from that mountain &lt;top&gt; upon the lovely scene below along the whole extent of the Valley Skirted by grand majestic mountains, cut through by deep canyons through which pure crystal streams of water coursed, plunging and foaming as it rushed on to the Valley below. Down through the center of the Salt Lake Valley from the south moves the waters of the Jordan river from Utah Lake to Salt Lake. On emerging from Emigration canyon you are introduced at once into the Great Salt Lake Vally. The grandure of the Valley and mountain ranges spread out before me coupled with the idea that here I shall find a perminant hom, far away&lt;from&gt; Vile corrupt enemies. Nestting at my very feet, as it were, was "Great Salt Lake City" as it was then called, but a Small Village in reality, a mere baby city with a big name.

Transcript for Harvey H. Cluff autobiography, journals, and scrapbook, 1868-1916, Autobiography, 1868-1888, 8-14

James Palmer reminiscences, circa 1884-1898, 103-13

James Palmer reminiscences, circa 1884-1898, 103-13.

Transcript for James Palmer reminiscences, circa 1884-1898, 103-13

Jane Augusta Gardner biographical sketch

Jane Augusta Gardner biographical sketch.

In the spring we gathered what was left of our stock and got ready to start our long journey across the plains. We started sometime in June[.] came to the Elkhorn[.] there they organized in companys of one hundreds[,] fiftys and tens[.] We were in Bishop Hunter's hundred. Joseph Hornes fifty and uncle Archie's [Archibald Gardner's] ten. Later in [Thomas] Orr's ten[.] of course it is in history our travels across the plains and I need write very little about it. Of course we saw millions of Buffalos[.] the hills and vales were black with them and we saw also lots of Indians but they did not try to hurt us[.] they were quite friendly. Father found a fawn at Elk Horn[.] we fed it milk and bro[ugh]t it here to the valley with us. It grew to be quite a deer. We lost it on our way to the Weber and never found it again, we were sorry to loose it. It was such a pet. Father killed a young Buffalo and devided with his friends. He was the first in the company to kill a Buffalo. There were others killed later on.



We got to the Val[l]ey about the first of October 1847, camped on what is now called Pioneer Square.

Transcript for Jane Augusta Gardner biographical sketch

John Mackay, Biographical sketches, 1891-2013

John Mackay, Biographical sketches, 1891-2013.

Lawrence Robinson, "A Pioneer's Story," Deseret Weekly

Lawrence Robinson, "A Pioneer's Story," Deseret Weekly, May 8, 1897.

Through that winter we had a great deal of sickness in our family by scurvy, but no deaths; and in the spring of 1847 President Young counseled all who wished to cross the plains that year for the West to be sure and take provisions enough to last them eighteen months, and seed to sow and plant to raise a crop the next year.



My father acted according to that counsel, loaded his wagons and started and was among the first to land on the west bank of the Elk Horn river, which was about twenty-five miles from Winter Quarters. There we waited for further orders. As we were in a wild Indian country we had to move with some considerable caution[.] When the Saints had nearly all arrived, we were organized into companies of hundreds, fifties and tens. We were in Elder Taylor's company, and Bishop Hoagland's ten. Not being large enough to drive a team, and as father had some loose stock, I had to drive them. Bishop Hunter and myself drove the loose stock for the company most of the way, the Bishop riding a mare twenty-two years old.



I was baptized into the Church of Christ by Elder Taylor in the Platte river. We had some ups and downs crossing the plains but they did not try the people as they were tried in Illinois. Brother Joseph Horne was in our company, and also Brother Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon. I think the latter will remember a little pair of cows he drove in his team, which he called Jack and Gill.



We landed in Salt Lake Valley with that company in good order the first part of October, 1847, and we all went to work preparing for the winter.



 



<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">LAWRENCE ROBINSON.</center>

Transcript for Lawrence Robinson, "A Pioneer's Story," Deseret Weekly, 8 May 1897

Lawrence Robinson, "A Pioneer's Story," Deseret Weekly.

Martha S. Heywood reminiscences, undated, Journal

Martha S. Heywood reminiscences, undated, Journal, January 1850.

Transcript for Martha S. Heywood reminiscences, undated, Journal, 1850 January-1856 August

Martha S. Heywood reminiscences, undated, Journal.

Mary Isabella Horne, "Pioneer Reminiscences," Young Woman's Journal

Mary Isabella Horne, "Pioneer Reminiscences," Young Woman's Journal, July 1902.

Agreeable to your request, I will endeavor to give a few items of my experience in the pioneer days, which I trust will be of interest and profit to your readers.



When we left Winter Quarters, in June, 1847, and commenced our journey to the Rocky Mountains, our family consisted of Mr. [Joseph] Horne, myself, and four children, one of whom had been born since we left our home in Nauvoo. We also brought a man and his wife with us, he driving one of the teams. We had three wagons, with two yoke of oxen to each, which contained farming implements, seed-grain, cooking utensils, a few necessary dishes, etc., clothing, and provisions that must last eight people for at least eighteen months; we also brought a small cooking stove, a very rare article in the pioneer camps, and a small rocking chair. This was all the household furniture it was possible to bring.



I will not take space in your valuable paper to enter into details of that never-to-be-forgotten journey but will merely mention a few incidents that may be of interest. While traveling along the Platte River, a large band of Indians were camped on the opposite side. Many of them, men, women and children, swam across the river, and President John Taylor invited Mr. Horne and me to go with himself and wife to meet them. They wanted to trade buffalo robes for corn and provisions. While trading, one of the Indians took a fancy to my baby girl and wanted me to trade her for a pony. When I refused he brought another pony, and still another, until finally he went to get the fourth one, and seemed so determined to have her that I was afraid he would steal her from my arms. Just at this time the rest of our company came up. While the brethren were trading with the Indian men, the squaws and children were going among our wagons, stealing cooking utensils or anything else they could get hold of, so that when we camped that night many useful articles were missing.



On another occasion, while still on the Platte river, we were called up in the middle of the night as thousands of buffalo were crossing the river, heading straight for the camp. The splashing and bellowing were terrible to hear. We were in great danger, as buffalo were never known to stop for anything when traveling in such large numbers; it appeared as though they would destroy the camp, but suddenly they altered their course and went further down the river.



On another occasion when we were in the Black Hills, a large band of Indians placed themselves directly across our path, and would not allow us to pass; they demanded corn, sugar, and coffee. Some of the brethren went through the camp and collected as much as possible from our meagre supply, which the Indians accepted, and made no further trouble. When our company arrived at what was then called the Sweetwater, which was east of Green River, we met President Young and a majority of the Pioneers, returning to Winter Quarters for their families. Bishop Hunter and Brother John Taylor, who were in charge of our company, suggested that a feast be made in honor of the Pioneers. A nice fat steer was bought from Bishop Hunter, the dishes were unpacked, and the sisters did the best possible to prepare a dinner worthy of the occasion. This was performed under difficulties, as it was snowing heavily, although only September, which made camp-cooking quite a task. The storm passed before dinner, and the brethren cleared away the brush and improvised a rude table, and I can assure you we had a feast indeed, spiritual as well as temporal. The food remaining was given to the Pioneers to help them on their journey.



We arrived in Salt Lake valley in the evening of October 6th, 1847. From the mouth of the canyon we traveled in the dark, having no guide but the flickering light of the camp fires on Pioneer Square.

Transcript for Mary Isabella Horne, "Pioneer Reminiscences," Young Woman's Journal, July 1902, 292-93

Mary Isabella Horne, "Pioneer Reminiscences," Young Woman's Journal.

Miles Romney journal, circa

Miles Romney journal, circa, March 1850.

On the 29th [of June] we yoked up our cattle and Crossed the Missouri River and travelled to the 12 mile Camping ground and Organised the Company of 187 wagons. Bishop Ed' Hunter Appointed Captin



On the 4 day of July/ On the 5th We Broke up our Camp took up our line of March as exiles from the once Boasted land of freedom/ The land of the free and the home of the brave.



With harts beating with gratitude to that being who feeds the young ravens when they cry and suffers not the sparrows to fall to the ground with out his notice Sending forth the inward emotions of gratefull harts for his guidance and protection.



The first River we came to was Called Salt Creek, But betwixt the Missouria [Missouri] and this plase we travell over a beautifull country of thousands of Miles in Extent of Roling praire clad with Beautiful green/ And for fertility and richness of soil It cannot be surpassed. In a few Days we came down on the South side of the Platte River[.] The next place of any note is Fort Kearney [Kearny], where there is United States trooper stationed for the protection of Emigrants We tarried there one Day and then Started, there was two men who were attacked with the cholera, one recovered the other Died, and was buried on the Platte. With the exception of these two cases the Company enjoyed good health Untill we arrived at Fort Larima [Laramie.] A Sister Campbell was sick of Consumption The Company stopt at the fort, 3 days to trade for Provissions the second morning before daylight, We had the Cattle in a Corall and all in an instant, they Broke or had A stampede, That is when they were all peaceple and quiet, in the twinkling of an eye, they Jumpt and ran for the mountains, and imeadatley all the Men, and Boys, went after them, But when we got them all, or at least all we could find, back to the camp, we found to our surprise there were 30 yoke of our best oxen Missing. In half an hour news came to camp from some of our outguards that they had seen A man on horse back running our cattle round the point of the mountain at full gallop[.] Seeing their was no time to be lost having no horses severall men struck over the mountains in different directions and by taking Cut offs Come in Sight at a Distance. A man on a Mule was Driving them before him at full speed But seeing we were coming up with him he turned in Another Direction and we were soon in possession of our cattle and on our way back to the camp. It was a Frenchman at the fort the Herdsman as we afterwards found out that was running them of[f] and if we had been 15 minutes later and Coming in sight of him we should have lost them he would have got behind the mountains and we should have seen them no more but having got them We started on our journey with glad harts having found them[.] In 3 days from Fort Larrima[,] We came into the buffaloa Country The most Beautifull Sight that can be imageined to see thousands upon thousands of those Noble Animalls ranging over their native hills and plains which his left to them and the Native Savage in quiet possession almost undisturbed with the Exception of a few Emigrants Ocassionally passing through on their way to Oregon or California[.] Then after Leaving the Bufalo Country We come into the Black hills A name quite appropriate Black, Bleak, Sterile Barren Country without vegetation with the Exception of Sage Bushes which is in abundance. After passing through all variouss Changing Scenes which his Naturall and Common to an emigrating Company



On the 1st of October at the highest point of Altitude on the Big Mountain which was 17¼ miles from Salt Lake And there we had a Veiw of the North Part of the valley to our joy and satisfaction Our feelings gave vent in thanks giving to God And on the 3 ofOct/50 Arrived in the City of Great Salt Lake with my family[.] All well[.] Praise ye the Lord

Transcript for Miles Romney journal, circa 1850 March-1855 May, 1-2

Miles Romney journal, circa.

Orson F. Whitey, History of Utah: in Four Volumes

Orson F. Whitey, History of Utah: in Four Volumes, Vol. 4.

June 14, 1847, found her [Mary Isabella Hales Horne] and her family enrolled in Bishop Edward Hunter's company of one hundred wagons, on the way to Salt Lake Valley. Half these wagons were under the immediate command of her husband [Joseph Horne]. The family outfit consisted of two heavy vehicles, loaded with provisions, farming implements, seed grain, bedding, clothing, etc; also a light one-horse conveyance which Mrs. Horne drove. Only two incidents of note are mentioned by her in connection with the journey across the plains.



"One night," says she, "while we were on the Platte, hundreds of buffalo crossed the river, heading directly for the camp. The noise of the splashing in the water and the bellowing was terrible, and caused considerable commotion and anxiety, but when a few rods away they turned their course.



On another occasion, a band of Indians stopped the company and would not let us continue our journey until we had given them some provisions and other presents."



They arrived in Salt Lake Valley, October 6, 1847,. . .

Transcript for Orson F. Whitey, History of Utah: in Four Volumes, Volume 4 (Salt Lake City, Utah: George Q. Cannon & Sons Co., Publishers, 1904), 585

Orson F. Whitey, History of Utah: in Four Volumes.

Perpetual Emigrating Fund, Financial Accounts 1849-1886, Ledger A

Perpetual Emigrating Fund, Financial Accounts 1849-1886, Ledger A, Page 227.

Perpetual Emigrating Fund, Financial Accounts 1849-1886, Ledger A.

"Pioneer Adversities," Deseret Weekly

"Pioneer Adversities," Deseret Weekly, April 17, 1897.

In the spring of 1847 we left winter quarters following the trail of the Pioneers with ox teams. We traveled in Bishop [Edward] Hunter's hundred, Joseph Horne's fifty and Archie Gardner's ten, all good kind leaders. Near the Pawnee village about 100 miles from Winter Quarters my oldest son Robert, five and a half years old, was kicked under the wagon by an ox and two wheels ran over him which caused his death. He lived till we traveled 500 miles, under great suffering, when he died and was buried. On the [Platte] river near Deer creek, near Fort Bridger, 100 miles from Salt Lake, William, my only son alive, fell out of the wagon and the two right wheels ran over both his ankles. I picked him up and called some Elders and administered to him and then we pounded some cedar berries and wrapped them around his ankles. He cried a little but in a few days he was as well as ever. While traveling along I picked up several dry buffalo bones and threw them under the wheels to try the weight of the wagon, but the wheels crushed them to powder, so I knew the power of God saved the boy for future usefulness. He has filled two honorable missions to New Zealand. On the evening of Oct. 1, 1847, we landed in Salt Lake valley and camped for the night, next day drove to the place called Old Fort now. Oh, how pleased I was for a little rest for I was nearly worn out.

Transcript for "Pioneer Adversities," Deseret Weekly, 17 April 1897

"Pioneer Adversities," Deseret Weekly.

Rhoda A. Marvin Fullmer reminiscences, 1885, 5

Rhoda A. Marvin Fullmer reminiscences, 1885, 5.

In the summer of 1850, means had been raised as a perpetual emigration fund to assist the poor. President Brigham Young had sent word that my husband's family was to be assisted by this fund to emigrate to Salt Lake Valley. I moved to Council Bluffs to make ready to cross the plains. On July 4, 1850 the company was organized for this journey, with Bishop Edward Hunter as president. This was the first company to receive assistance from the perpetual emigration fund. All of my husband's family, including myself went in this company. We all crossed over the river to the west side on July 4, and on the 5th we started on our long journey of over one thousand miles.



Our wagon was a wooden one having no iron about it but the king bolt. President Orson Hyde thought it not safe, but I told him the wagon would go to Salt Lake if he did not furnish me with a better one. At this answer he smiled and the wagon went to Salt Lake. I owned this wagon and one yoke of oxen. Bishop Hunter, who was purchasing agent for the P[erpetual]. E[migrating]. Fund, said he would take my oxen and allow me fifty-five dollars for them, and pay me in provisions for my family's use on the journey, which he did. He then let me have the use of these oxen, also another yoke and a yoke of cows for the journey.



On arriving at the crossing of the Platt[e] River, I had the pleasure and satisfaction of seeing my husband [David Fullmer], who had come from Salt Lake Valley with a small company of brothers to establish a Ferry at the Platt[e] crossing, which was to enable the emigrants to cross the river while the water was high early in the season, before the river lowered which would enable the gold seeking emigrants to ford the stream. In operating this ferry my husband earned sufficient means with which to procure supplies, teams and wagons to enable us to finish our journey with comfort and plenty.



We arrived in Salt Lake Valley on the 12th day of October, 1850 thus making the journey in 14 weeks from the Missouri River. My two boys, Junius and Octavius, drove the loose stock for the company across the plains. The greater part of this herd was owned by Bishop Hunter. Junius had charge of the herd and the Bishop furnished him with a horse to ride. Occasionally my son Octavius would relieve his brother in driving these animals. My Son, Eugene drove my team and took care of the animals from the starting point till we arrived in Salt Lake Valley.



[Variant version of text also in Heart Throbs of the West, 12 vols. (1939-51), 11:391-92]

Transcript for Rhoda A. Marvin Fullmer reminiscences, 1885, 5

Viva Skousen Brown,The Life and Posterity of Alma Platte Spilsbury (1983), 42-43

Viva Skousen Brown,The Life and Posterity of Alma Platte Spilsbury (1983), 42-43.

It was not until July 3rd that we left the Missouri River for Utah, traveling in Bishop Edward Hunter’s company up the south side of the Platte River. We had joined teams with Charles N. Smith, and we had one wagon, two yoke of oxen and two yoke of cows.



The second day out the Stars and Stripes were unfurled and the Nation’s birthday celebrated.



A son, Alma Platte, was born to my wife Fannie Spilsbury while traveling along the river on the 5th of August. When the child was eight days old, my wife narrowly excaped a fatality, the wagon containing them being upturned down the bank four or five feet into the water. After considerable searching Bishop Hunter found the babe apparently dead, but when he administered to it revived. No ill effects followed the accident.



At Fort Laramie some thieves with old rawhides on their backs stamp[ed]ed the cattle of our camp. But after a hard chase all the animals were recovered. I lost one cow on the trip and nearly all my provisions. We attained some more at Laramie.



Our company arrived in Salt Lake City October 3.

Transcript for Viva Skousen Brown,The Life and Posterity of Alma Platte Spilsbury (1983), 42-43

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