Edward Stevenson (1820 - 1897) Profile

Edward Stevenson (1820 - 1897)

Individual

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Edward Stevenson

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Andrew Jenson, "Stevenson, Edward," Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia

Andrew Jenson, "Stevenson, Edward," Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, Vol. 1.

Andrew Jenson, "Stevenson, Edward," Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia.

"Departure," The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 15, no. 12

"Departure," The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 15, no. 12, March 19, 1853.

"Departure," The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 15, no. 12.

Deseret News

Minutes of Conference

"Minutes of Conference", Deseret News, September 18, 1852, Page 4.

Deseret News.

First Presidency missionary calls and recommendations, 1877 - 1918

First Presidency, Missionary calls and recommendations, 1877 - 1918, November 23, 1877.

First Presidency missionary calls and recommendations, 1877 - 1918.

"Gibraltar Mission," The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 15, no. 17

"Gibraltar Mission," The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 15, no. 17, April 23, 1853.

"Gibraltar Mission," The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 15, no. 17.

Index to the British Mission history, 1841-1971, Church History Library

Index to the British Mission history, 1841-1971, Church History Library.

Millennial Star

Arrivals

"Arrivals", Millennial Star, 15, January 22, 1853, Page 58.

Millennial Star.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 1, Page 22, Line 945.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 1, Page 95, Line 143.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 1, Page 68, Line 2921.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 1, Page 80, Line 17.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 1, Page 14, Line 565.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 1, Page 40, Line 1724.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 2, Page 44, Line 1724.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 2, Page 102, Line 143.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 2, Page 86, Line 17.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 2, Page 74, Line 2921.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 2, Page 15, Line 565.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 3, Page 29, Line 356.

Charles C. Rich diary

Charles C. Rich diary, February 1846.

Transcript for Charles C. Rich diary, 1846 February-1847 October, 7-16

Charles C. Rich diary.

"Elder Stevenson Dead," Deseret Weekly

"Elder Stevenson Dead," Deseret Weekly, February 6, 1897.

"Elder Stevenson Dead," Deseret Weekly.

Eldridge, Joseph, [Autobiography], in Joseph Eldridge Robinson, Biography of, and some writings by, Joseph Eldridge and Joseph Eldridge Robinson, his grandson [1902-1923], reel 4, box 5, fd. 6, 22-24

Eldridge, Joseph, [Autobiography], in Joseph Eldridge Robinson, Biography of, and some writings by, Joseph Eldridge and Joseph Eldridge Robinson, his grandson [1902-1923], reel 4, box 5, fd. 6, 22-24.

We lay at Omaha several weeks while a train was beig<
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>n [being] fitted out to cross the plains. I joined with Wm J[ohn]. Silver and James Steel. we got an outfit betwe[e]n us consisting of one wagon, two yoke of oxen and one cow. Brother Silver’s family consisted of himself, wife [Mary Askie] and three children [Hyrum, Joseph, John;] brother Steeel [Steel] himself and wife, myne [mine] of self[,] wife [Eliza Pearce Radburn] and two daughters, Total eleven of us to one wagon. my children Kate and Ellen were respectively 10 and 8 years old. Elder Edward Stevenson was Captain of the company. F. [Thomas] B[rown].H[olmes]. Stenhouse chaplain[,] Jas [Joseph] Eldridge musician. W[m] J[ohn] Silver Secretary;
With bedding, clothing and provisions for eleven of us there was small chance even for children to ride. Sister Silver was quite delicate. their oldest child was a cripple[;] their youngest an infant[.] They occupied the wagon the whole of the journey. Myself[,] wife, Bro[.] &amp; Sister Steel walked the whole of the journey. I carried my daughter Ellen many miles. Kate walked nearly the whole journey.
One woman in the company a Sister [Catherine Edwards] Hopla died[.] we buried her by the road side. this was the only death in our company.
At one place we were in sight of Sioux and Pawnees in battle. Some of the Sioux came to our train to ask for food, we gave them a supply of flour 
On one oc[c]asion for about two days we passed through herds of buffalo. At one time it is probable there were ten thousand buffalo in sight, Sometimes they crossed and recrossed the road passing between our teams. two buffalo were shot to make us food.
Many cattle in our train died from disease which commenced with sore feet. our four oxen died[;] also our cow died[.] we had to make exchanges and trades to get through, but got to SL City in health though considerably emaciated with our journey 
The first sight of the Great Salt Lake and the valley was very impressive[.] we uncovered our heads and gave thanks to God. many shed tears of joy as they viewed the beautiful scene.

Transcript for Eldridge, Joseph, [Autobiography], in Joseph Eldridge Robinson, Biography of, and some writings by, Joseph Eldridge and Joseph Eldridge Robinson, his grandson [1902-1923], reel 4, box 5, fd. 6, 22-24

Emigrating journal

Emigrating journal, June 1855.

Transcript for Emigrating journal, 1855 June-September in Edward Stevenson collection, 1849-1922, 1-39

Emigrating journal.

Greer, Americus Vespuccius, [Diary], in Eliza M. Wakefield, comp., A Tribute to Thomas Lacy Greer [1953], [2]

Greer, Americus Vespuccius, [Diary], in Eliza M. Wakefield, comp., A Tribute to Thomas Lacy Greer [1953], [2].

My parents began to make preparations to go to Salt Lake City. Father and S[eth]. M. Blair were in partnership. Early in 1855 they sold land and other belongings and bought oxen, wagons and supplies for the trip across the plains. Father was born in Jasper County Georgia, and died in 1855 while going to Utah on the Old Mormon Trail, at Little Nemehaw Nebraska Territory. My little brother Ira Abney (Abner) fainted and died in the wagon. Father died in the night. Asiatic Cholera was the cause of their death. Nearly one third of the company died, in fact 51 including a lovely devoted cousin (T.D.) known since earliest recollections, about two years my junior (part of page missing) (Leroy Greer and Tom Irvin are both mentioned as nephews earlier in the history). Sad for the two nephews with this plague we had had we put four---away.	
We find a clipping from the St. Lewis Luminary of July 7, 1855, in a letter from Seth M. Blair, dated June 24th 1855 and written from Little Nemehaw Nebraska Territory. He states that cholera made its appearance in his company on the 17th, night and the first 36 hours they buried one or more every three hours---. It gradually abated until the 5th. day when Col. Nathaniel Hunt Greer died. Col. Greer is described as one of the most faithful brethren of the company. (From Journal History, by Earl E. Olsen Librarian).	
Carpenter and I worked hard, afterwards he pronounced a blessing upon my head. Many things I recollect distinctly."	
"That I would reach the valley...the destroyer shall not hinder you...you shall be the means of bringing many to the knowledge of the truth. (top of page missing)..The next day continued the search. We got 35 men to help us, they were from another Company. Elder S.M. Blair President of our Company sent back to Garden Grove to the authorities for help. Elder Edward Stephenson and several other Elders came to our assistance. This was in the month of June 1855. As soon or before we had recovered from the cholera, measles attacked us in a malignant form." end of quote. 150 pages missing covering a period of 40 years.	
Ann Terry Roberts Greer was now a widow, heartbroken with the loss of a husband and son besides many other loved ones who now lay buried along "Pioneer Trail," realizing she must assume new and difficult responsibilities, that faith, courage and determination were needed. She knew she was one among many who likewise must sacrifice much for the Gospel; and that only with the help of Him who never fails us, could she carry on and face the future undaunted.	
As soon as the sick were ready to travel, with the Help of her loyal sons, they began the onward trek to Salt Lake City. Their long t[r]ain of heavily laden wagons with 3 yoke of oxen to each wagon, and hundreds of fine horses and cattle being driven, must have attracted much attention when they arrived in Salt Lake City September 11, 1855.

Transcript for Greer, Americus Vespuccius, [Diary], in Eliza M. Wakefield, comp., A Tribute to Thomas Lacy Greer [1953], [2]

Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008

Historical Department journal history of the Church, June 21, 1847, Page 30.

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

Jackman, Susannah Catherine Ovard, Reminiscences, in Gordon R. Orme, comp., The Family of William Martin and Mina May Smith Ovard (1999), 118-20

Jackman, Susannah Catherine Ovard, Reminiscences, in Gordon R. Orme, comp., The Family of William Martin and Mina May Smith Ovard (1999), 118-20.

On the 11 April 1859 we left our home we had lived in for 11 years and came as far as Pittsburgh by team. After spending three weeks in Pittsburgh we boarded a steamboat and took passage on the Dimon, a lumber craft.
We went down the Ohio River for the space of three weeks. On the way the boat stopped at Cincinnati and we had the privilege of seeing my father’s only sister in America. The boat stopped for 12 hours.
My uncle owned a large hotel and he tried to persuade my father to leave four of the children with them saying, “I will provide for them as a father would for his very own.” They had no children and if it had not been for the gospel father might have granted their request. The children were the hope of our parents and they could not leave even one of them behind.
At five o’clock in the evening we continued our journey on to St. Louis, where we changed boats. We took passage on the carrier, a passenger vessel and went up the Missouri river for another three weeks.
There were many dangers on this journey. At one time John came nearly losing his life. While getting a pail of water, he barely escaped but he lost the bucket in the river. Another time, our little sister, Emma nearly fell in the river. Sister Amelia caught her just as she lost her balance. One day we had a collision with another boat and broke our front mast, it nearly sank and we were delayed for a whole day.
When we arrived at Florence we waited for the arrival of the saints that were to go in our company. While waiting there were many things of an unpleasant nature to do. H.S. Eldridge was an emigration agent that year and through him the teams became very high. This meant that the poorer class could not buy them.
About this time President George Q. Cannon came from Philadelphia and he assisted father in buying a team which consisted of a yoke of oxen and a yoke of cows. When George Q. Cannon went back to the Union Branch of which father had been presiding, father’s nephew, Henry Dittmar refunded twelve dollars of the amount father had borrowed from Brother Cannon.
Among other things that were discouraging many of the cattle were wild and had never been yoked up before. They would run and bellow and turn their yokes upside down. Amid this confusion father became very discouraged. He thought he never could drive a team of that kind across the plains. He had never driven a pair of oxen in his life. This was the first time he had seen oxen yoked together in this fashion.
In Germany they were harnessed up with straps around their horns and shoulders. They pulled the load with their heads and he thought this was cruel to make them carry that heavy yoke. Father was feeling very bad one evening and mother asked him to let her say the prayer. During her prayer she said, “Oh Father, we will be willing to pass through all kinds of hardships and trials if though will be with us. Spare our lives that we may serve thee.” These words gave father courage and he was blessed with getting a tame yoke of oxen and a yoke of tame cows.
When we were ready for the journey, the family consisted of Mother and Father and ten children and we only had one wagon so there was not room for all to ride. Mother and Father and the two oldest girls. Mary and Amelia walked all the way from Florence to Salt Lake City. The rest of the children that were old enough took turns walking.
When we had been on the trail three weeks great sorrow came to the whole family. Upon rising in the morning we found that father’s near ox had died from drinking alkali water. There was no breakfast eaten that morning by any of the family. Father did not know how he would cross the plains with one ox and two cows, but he went to work.
He made a single yoke for the ox and hitched him on the lead and in this way we traveled for several weeks. This oxen had become so tenderfooted that father had to trade him at the next post. This time all they could give him was a three-month old calf. This we brought to the valley with us. When we were left with only two cows our Captain Edward Stevenson asked the company to help us and we were given two more young cows and with this team we made the rest of the journey.
There were many things to contend with, many disappointments and sorrows, but with it they tried to be cheerful. They had started for Zion and nothing could stop them, through sand and dust, stumbling over clods and boulders that lay in their path.
At Buffalo creek and old man followed a buffalo for several miles in company with his son. After they had killed the animal, the man sent his son back to the company to get a light wagon saying “I will stay here and get the meat ready by the time you get back.” After he was left alone he thought the Indians might come and so he hurriedly left after cutting a piece out of the hind-quarter. When the boy returned with the wagon he could not find his father. He was lost three days when he finally wandered into the camp.
He had spent the first night up in a tree after being treed by a buffalo who kept watch all night, occasionally trying to break the tree down. He would bellow and dig the ground with his feet, showing he intended to keep him there till morning. There was great rejoicing when Brother Rodgers returned. We then could start once more on our journey, as the company had spent all this time searching and looking for him.
At one time there was a herd of buffalo which seemed to be on a stampede running directly towards the train. Our captain rode out and was successful in turning them so that all but one ran past the train. This one jumped right over the front wagon just behind the oxen, frightening the oxen so they nearly ran away. Our captain followed them and killed a fine animal and distributed it among the 75 wagons.
There were many large streams to cross and it took both father and mother to get the cows to go straight over. They always wanted to turn back. Father worked on one side and mother on the other.
Our whole journey was crowded with events too many to remember. The Indians were on the war path. At one time about two hundred crossed the Platte river bearing the scalps of those they had killed. This very much frightened the woman and children. After the Indians held council with our captain, they went away without molesting any one.
We traveled along the Platte River for many days. When we came to the black hills the sand was very deep and often during the journey the dust and wind was very trying to both animals and people. One night while we were camped on the bank of the Platte River there was a terrible dust storm of wind and rain and every tent in the company was blown down except ours. There was about one foot of water on the ground in the morning and everything was drenched. Many things were floating in water.
It took strong hearts and determined wills coupled with faith in God to endure those trying times without complaint. Many nights were made hideous with the howls of the coyotes. While we were camped in Echo Canyon some of the cattle strayed so far as to be lost. Our calf was with them.
The Indians found them and brought them back to camp the next day, for which they wanted flour and sugar. After they had been rewarded they left. Some distance this side of Echo at a place now called Henefer, the company camped for a day so that all might have a chance to wash their clothing, for we were nearing the city. The wind and dust was so bad that we did not look much better after cleaning up.
The last hard pull was the big and little mountains which was another struggle with our now nearly worn out cow. Mother baked her last flour on the camping square in Salt Lake City.

Transcript for Jackman, Susannah Catherine Ovard, Reminiscences, in Gordon R. Orme, comp., The Family of William Martin and Mina May Smith Ovard (1999), 118-20

Leaker, David William, Reminiscences, 1894, 11-12

Leaker, David William, Reminiscences, 1894, 11-12.

I worked there till the spring of 1859
 when word came that all that could raise means to go to the frontiers was to do so and prepair to cross the plains. Mr. Stenhouse made up his mind to cross the plains that year ask me if I would take charge of his out fit at the frontiers and drive one of his tiames [teams] across the plains for him. I told him I would[.] as he did not arrive at the frontiers till the trains was about ready to start out for the plains[,] I had every thing ready for him[.] when he came up from florence he and I had a few words about the team. I told him he had not enought cattel to take the load he had and when we were loaded up I put the wagon on the scales. it weighed some thing over sixty hundred[.] I told him I would not start with him if he would not get one more yolk of cattel as we had but two yolk of cattel and one of cows so that is w[h]ere the trouble came in[.] there was a single man there and he thought he w[o]uld get him to drive for him[.] president Geo. Q. Cannon was at the frontiers at the time[.] he told me he would see that we went acrossed the plains that year[.] so when Mr Stenhouse herd that we would cross that year [,] he came to me and told us that he wanted us to go with him he did not want us to feel that we were as hired help but wanted us to feel as one of the family but when he got us on the plains he treated us more like niggers than brother and sister when we came to Lar[a]mie he wanted to leave us there but captain Steve[n]son told him he could not do it[.] he told him he had to take us to the valley as he was able to do as any in the train[.] by hiring some of our luggage being hauled in we came through foot sore and sick and we rejoiced as we road acrosse hogs back and saw the home of the saints[;] it was on 
28th of September 1859
 when we arrived in the valley

Transcript for Leaker, David William, Reminiscences, 1894, 11-12

Mace, Wandle, Autobiography [ca. 1890], 158-60

Mace, Wandle, Autobiography [ca. 1890], 158-60.

In the spring of 1859, after completing a Mill for Wm John Johnson in the vicinity of Crescent I fitted up one wagon with two good covers[.] The outer one I painted to resist the rains we were likely to encounter[,] a Mosquito Bar between the two covers for convenience in hot weather, we left Florence for the Valley.
During my stay in Florence I entertained many, and enjoyed the association of many of the Elders from the valley, both, as they went and as they returned from the missionary field, many of them were my associates years before in the City of Joseph, the Beautiful Nauvoo, in scenes of joy, and of the most intense grief, and under the most distressing circumstances. When the camp of The Saints rested in Florence, my house have [had] been filled with the poor and the sick, and the Lord blessed us in a remarkable manner. It used to be said by the townspeople, that my house contained more guests than any hotel in town.
I started with my family from Florence about 10 o,clock on the morning of the twenty eighth day of June 1859. With good wagon[,] two yoke of Oxen and a cow. We overtook Captain Edward Stevenson with his company on the 30th at the big bend of the Platte River.
I travelled with his company, which consisted of fifty five wagons, there were five captains of Tens. I was assigned a place in Elder Taylors division. One yoke of my oxen were very fine heavy cattle, but by the time I reached Genoa I found they were not suitable for such a journey in hot weather as we had already experienced. I found an opportunity to exchange for a smaller and lighter yoke of Oxen paying two dollars and fifty cents for the opportunity.
I presume the journey across the plains was the same as all have experienced who have crossed the plains with ox teams. It is a tedious journey at best, but at times there are circumstances which produce much excitement in a company; such as this where almost every wagon contains a family, such as a stampede among the cattle, the loss of a man strayed from camp with the necessary delay of the company while searching parties are out hunting him, and the joy experienced when he is found. This was our experience.
On the twenty fourth day of July, the 12th anniversary of the entrance of the Pioneers into the valley of the Salt Lake—being Sunday—we staid in camp and held meeting. A Young lady aged sixteen died. in the morning, and was buried in the afternoon. there were also six persons baptised. 
The day closed, the evening was calm and pleasant, a bright clear moon shone above us, most of the camp had retired for the night, groups of men here and there was pleasantly chatting, sitting by my wagon, was Capt Stevenson, Capt Taylor, Dr. Hullinger, myself and my wife, it was a lovely evening and we were enjoying ourselves in pleasant conversation. The cattle only a short distance from camp were all lying down, all was peace and quiet, we sat where we could see them and remarked how quiet and content they were.
[blank space] About 10. o,clock, as if with one accord they all rose to their feet and rushed furiously past the wagons, making the earth tremble as with an earthquake; immediately the men were on the move and in a short time had the cattle stopped—and quieted—. This singular move among the cattle aroused the camp, and many were the queries as to the cause that produced the stampede, these queries could not be answered.
At another time while travelling through the Black Hills a portion of the cattle in the train started with the wagons attached, such occurences are very exciting. Sometimes a stampede ends very seriously, but we were fortunate, we escaped without anyone being injured.
By the time we reached Green River, our company had lost great many cattle. many died from drinking water strongly impregnated with alkali the loss of so many cattle made us travel very slow. I lost one Ox at Webb Creek. and at the first opportunity, I made a single yoke for my odd Ox and used a spike team, I sold my stove for a cow and yoked the two cows together and put them ahead of the wheel cattle and the odd Ox on the lead, and we then got along first rate.
T. B. H. Stenhouse and others when they saw the plan worked well also adopted it. Some of the brethren lost all their team but one Ox. The loads had to be transferred to other wagons, and the cattle of the company was so distributed that all the wagons could move. 
This was our situation when on the 4th September, we were met about 13 miles west of Green River by Apostles John Taylor and Franklin D. Richards, with Flour and Cattle, which was much appreciated. A meeting was held in the evening and we received much good instruction from these Brethren.
 We moved along better now, and on the 15th reached the summit of the Little Mountain where we camped. Capt Stevenson rode on to the City of Salt Lake and returned the next day [and] met the company as we emerged from Emigration Kanyon [Canyon]. He rode up to my wagon and said, “President Young inquired about the company and who I had in the company of the Old Ones, when I mentioned your name, he shouted Hurrah! where shall I throw my hat! Wandle Mace! added, He is a good fellow, slow, But He never apostatized.” This expression and manifestation of pleasure and confidence, done my soul good, after a seperation of over thirteen years.
 On entering the City I met a number of my old friends awaiting the arrival of the company among them The Presiding Bishop, Edward Hunter. He told me Prest Young wanted me to call on him the next day at one o,clock, and he told Bishop Andrew Cun[n]ingham who was present to accompany me to the Prest Office I being a stranger in the City. In the evening Apostle John Taylor and his wife visited us in the camp, on Union Square. Orson Pratt and a number of other Brethren came to see me in camp and heartily welcomed us.
I now felt at home. . . .

Transcript for Mace, Wandle, Autobiography [ca. 1890], 158-60

Martin Slack diary, 1851-1858, 25

Martin Slack diary, 1851-1858, 25.

THE TEXAS COMPANY OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS



Edward Stevenson was appointed Captain of the S[eth]. M[illington] Blair Company June 22, 1855. Many of the company were dying and Elder Blair asked to be released. (Written Verbatim)



June 11th, 1855. This afternoon I arrived at Atchinson 5 miles from Mormon grove with a company of Saints comprising souls mostly of the CHIMBORAZO Company that came with me over the sea from Liverpool “via Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and St. Louis, Mo.” My company has diminished from 532 souls to the present No. but thank God not by death as only two deaths of infants on the sea and one lad 8 years old who fell overboard in the Ohio River. I rec’d a note from Elder McGaw teams would be forth coming in the morning to remove us to camp Grand up to the Grove or farm therefore we put 20 wagons that I brought up from St. Louis and covered them in which we passed the night which seemed like Mormon Life. On the 12th we arrived near sunset at the Grove in a rainstorm nearly worn down with fatigue as our toils have been arduous; the cattle are the wildest I ever saw and most of the drivers equally wild being from the old country where men do not toil as here. Two wagons tipped over and one broke the tongue but no one hurt. Notwithstanding the scene of wagons, tents, farms, lowing of cattle and the busy scenes of the several companys preparing to Emigrate with the meeting of old and long parted friends seemed to Revive the Wearied Tabernacle. Here I remained in charge of my company assisting other companys. Pitching in the farm and company until the 23rd inst.



Bro. E[dward]. W[allace]. East, clerk of the company, gave a day by day account of the trip, only when he had sickness in his own family and was unable to write.



They arrived in Great Salt Lake City September 11th. There were 30 deaths in the camp from the time the company left Mormon Grove—29 died of cholera and one [William Mark Middlemass] (a little boy of Bro. [Edward] Middlemass) of cancer. Of the 29, 16 were of the Texas Company and 13 were of those that joined the company at Atchison.



One sick man wandered from camp and was never found.



Much time was spent in digging graves and selling possessions of the deceased



CADDIE L. WATSON 
TOQUERVILLE, UTAH

Transcript for Martin Slack diary, 1851-1858, 25

Millennial Star, November 10, 1855, Vol. 10, Page 716.

Seth M. Blair papers, 1851-1868, Reminiscence and journal, 1876, 1851-1868, 5-6

Seth M. Blair papers, 1851-1868, Reminiscence and journal, 1876, 1851-1868, 5-6.

On the 6th day of June 1850, we left Councill bluffs &amp; was 90 days.3. three months in Travelling to the Valley a midst Death &amp; disease for half the time &amp; distant. as the Cholera broke out in my Camp before I left Kanesville Iowa and we had the Cholera for the distance of 300 or 400 miles and traveled in the midst of it daily to all appearances[.] for there was many hundred familys journeying the Same way with us who had the Cholera in their midst and maney of the Saints fell yea and maney of the Gentiles allso[.] at Each Camping place, we had to mourn over the Tomb Stones or Graves of our bretheren &amp; friends. whitch on Such a journey was trying to us for our journey was long &amp; Tedious in the willderness[.] I brought through with a partner Thos. S. Williams Goods &amp; merchandize for Sale &amp; Some poor bretheren &amp; Sisters and I Seen a prophecy of Joseph Smith fullfilled on this Journey for he said the Missourian Mobbers bones Should bleach on the praires &amp; I saw them bleaching often times on our way

Transcript for Seth M. Blair papers, 1851-1868, Reminiscence and journal, 1876, 1851-1868, 5-6

Stevenson, Edward, Diary, in Edward Stevenson, Collection, 1849-1922, reel 1, fd. 2

Stevenson, Edward, Diary, in Edward Stevenson, Collection, 1849-1922, reel 1, fd. 2, Vol. 5.

June 11
th
 1855
This afternoon I arrived at Atchison 5 miles from Mormon Grove With A Company of Saints Compriseing Souls mostley of the Chimborazo Company that came With me over the sea from Liverpool via Philadelphia, Pittsburgh [Pittsburg], Penselvania [Pennsylvania] &amp; St. Louis, Mo. My company has deminished from 502 Souls to the Presant No. but thank god not by Death as onley two Deaths of infants on the sea &amp; one Lad 8 years old Who fell overboard in the Hoio Rover [Ohio River]—
I Recd A not[e] from Elder Mcgaw teams would be forth comeing in the morning to remove us to camp Ground up to the Grove or farm[.] therefore wee Put to gether 20 waggons that I brought up from St[.] Louis &amp; covered them in which wee passed the Nite which seemed like mormon Life—
on the 12th wee arrived Near Sunsest [sunset] at the Grove in A Rain storm[.] Nearly Worn Down with fateague as our toils have been ardious[.] the cattle are the wildest I Ever saw &amp; most of the Drivers Equaly Wild being from the old country whare oxen Do not toil as here[.] two wagons tip[p]ed over[.] one broke the tounge but not one tent—notwithstanding the scene of waggons tents form Lewing of cattle &amp; the buisy Scenes of the serveral companys Prepareing to Emigrate[.] with the meeting of old &amp; Long Parted friends seemed to Revive the Wearied Tabernacle. here I remained in charge of my compa[n]y assisting other compa[n]ys. Ditching in the farm &amp;c untill the 23d inst.
Sun 17 Preached from A carriage in the open air 
21st A compa[n]y of Elders arrived from the valley[.] Elder Hector Height Capt. 
23 attended A feast prepared by Elder Milo Andrews for the Elders on missions &amp; those on their Return saf[e]ly[.] time &amp; News from the valley held meeting[.] the following Letters. [....]
<center>Mormon Grove Camp of Isarel [Israel] June 22 1855</center>
Elder S.M. Blair[,] Captain Greer and all the Elders and Saints in the third Company of our Emigration, Greeting
Beloved Bretheren and Sisters it hath Pleased God our Eternal Father and his Servants to Place us over you for your Comfort and Salvation and having heard of your distressed Condition and of the Power of Death that has been in our midst we have felt Sincerly to Sympathise with you and to afford you that Succour which through Elder S. M. Blair you have desired at our hands 
The Holy Spirit manifests unto us that Disorder and the Spirit of Confusion prevails in your midst to a greater or less Extent and in order to Suppress this Destiny and the more Effectually to Secure your Salvation temporaly and Spiritualy we have appointed our well beloved and Faithfull Brother Elder Stevenson to come into your midst and to take the Entire Control and management of your Little Camp that Life and health and Salvation may Flow unto you and inasmuch as you will receive this our Brother to be your Captain and Guide and be directed by his Counsels the Power of the destroyer shall be stayed and your lives shall be preserved 
Bretheren and Sisters will you do this[.] iff so manifest it by raising the right hand and you shall be Blessed in the name of Jesus Christ Amen 
May Peace be with you all and the spirit of live return and Enter into your midst and into your Flesh and Marrow is the Ernest prayer of your Bretheren and Servants 
<center>Milo Andrews Richard Balantyne</center>
This Like many other calls in mormonism is on Short Notice &amp; by surprise—
I leave my Part of A team with Elder John B. Mabin former Book agent in London as wee were Prepareing to Emegrate to gether[.] arrangements are Entered into for Elder Mabin to draw Luggage to the amount of 7.00 lbs for the Church alsoe my trunk &amp; About 50 lbs Suggar. Sister Davis alsoe takes About 50 lbs of apples for me as my freight has not yet arrived &amp; the church is to Draw 8.00 lbs for me as they Leave Still Later. I Leave in the Hands of Elder James McGaw 94.55 Dollars to Pay for 4 Boxes of Com[m]on &amp; 2 of one cross tin Plate &amp; the Pay for the Extra one Hundred of Freight.
This had been one of the biusy Days with me as I have not only my own affairs to attend to but for my former Company as meny of them are fund passengers. Now I find in Parting with them their Kind feelings &amp; Wish to go With me Still further to t[h]eir home in Zion having taken the Parting hand with my Brethren &amp; freinds many of Whome Said you are entering uppon an ardious Duty[.] I took my exit at 9 O’Clock in the Evening taking 5 other Brethren in A Carriage to the assistance of my Distresed Brethren Who are Daily Dying with the Cholera[.] 72 miles[.] wee cross Walnut Creek &amp; after passing A few miles Camped in the open Peraire it being 2 O Clock in the morning of the 24th whare we Remained untill 4 O Clock to Rest &amp; let our horses feed uppon the Buitiful Grass which is Spontainous on those Perairies[.] Wee Passed on camping Rock Creek &amp; weigh other small streams[.] at 12 o clock while baiting the Horses I Wrote A Letter to my Dear family[.] Near sun Set wee took tea on the vermilion of our own cooking[.] this being the first food I have taken to Day as this is[..] Day Set apart for my compa[n]y to fast &amp; Pray Previous to my knowledge of Leaveing them &amp; I thought best to observe my covenant or vote in which I truely feel blest. wee have passed mutch Peraire With Scattering timber on the Streams which are Small. Thare are onley A few setlers. &amp; the Soil generaly good.
Near Sun Set wee set off Passing Thomas Williamses good train in charge of Peenneno Jackman[.] alsoe other good trains[.] Some for ft Carney [Kearney] 265 miles on our way also other for Ft. Larime [Laramie] About 600 miles up the Platte &amp; the former for Salt Lake[.] other trains have gone in advance both of goods &amp; Emigration of our Emigration[.] Capt Kinley of the first Company, Jacob Secchirst [Secrist] 2nd Compa[n]y &amp; S. M. Blair 3rd &amp; Richard Balentyne [Ballantyne] Capt of the fourth Compa[n]y which is to Start in A few Days. 
the 1st Compa[n]y moved out on the 1st of June[.] 2nd &amp; 3rd train followed—During this day many are the Reflections that have Revolved through my mind as wee have pased the grave of meny of the 3d Company Which is increaseing as wee approach the company having Just pased 3 persons Buried in one grave. wee continued in route untill one O’Clock whare wee overtook the Company in A confused State at Oak Point [.3] miles and haveing Just camped or on hitched [unhitched]

Transcript for Stevenson, Edward, Diary, in Edward Stevenson, Collection, 1849-1922, reel 1, fd. 2, vol. 5, 1-9

Stevenson, Edward, Diary, in Edward Stevenson, Collection, 1849-1922, reel 1, fd. 2.

Stevenson, Edward, [Diary], Collection 1849-1922, reel 1, fd. 3

Stevenson, Edward, [Diary], Collection 1849-1922, reel 1, fd. 3, Vol. 6.

Fri 24 Had the Pleasure of the Company of Elder George Q. Can[n]on & Jas. Young over Nite haveing held a Meeting opened By myself & followed By Bros. Can[n]on & Young 
This Morning Camp called to order[.] Meeting opened By myself being Called on By Bro[.] Canon[.] after appropriate Remarks it Was Proposed &amp; carried unanimous that I Should be Captain of Co[.] [,] F. [Thomas] B[rown]. H[olmes]. Stenhouse [,] Chaplain[.]
<center>Sawyer Sargt of Guard</center>
After Suitable Instructing it was Proposed that the Co. furnish me With A Horse or Mule to do Camp Duty[.] in A Short time I Received 80.. Dollars. Meeting dismissed[.] I proce[e]ded to town &amp; Bougth [bought] A Mule of Bro[.] A. <s>B</s> R. Wright that came Through Recentley from Salt Lake in 30 Day’s [days] carrying A, Man on his back Although quite Small[.] Paid 60.. Dollars[.] on my Return found Bro. [blank space] [Thomas] Lyons Cow Runing away[.] Persued her to Town (being Nearly in camp) &amp; caugth [caught] her[.] Lost in the Race A Pair Mule Shoes[.] Returned to camp 11 . o[']clock P.M. finding Bro[.] [John] Hopley [Hopla] badley hurt By A Runaway load[.] Lost His Wagon Tire &amp; Broke his fetters[.] Placed Watch over him for he had been quite Boistrous[.] Some one had given him Spirits Soon after the accident 
 Sat 25 had the Line Searched for &amp; New Line Put in not finding the Line Replaced it By a Newone [new one]. Several of the Poor are Pleading for deliverance[.] Some of them We are takeing along [illegible] Some more came to join our Company[.] visited Town &amp;c Bought Box of 18 tin plate a[t] 8½[,] One Black tin &amp; 2 Brass Kettles for G. Q. Can[n]on at Omaha[.] Returned to Camp to Prayrs &amp; Taught the Company Camp Life.
Sun 26 &lt;1859&gt; Started Camp with good success considering the Oxen were wild and the teamsters say green having been clerks[,] Mechanics &amp; other occupations wholly unconnected with such matters [.] We had one most desperately wild ox who was wicked enough nearly to kill several men &amp; stampeded the rest of the cattle[;] previously to coming into our camp had hooked a man &amp; torn his pants[,] vest &amp; shirt 
We travelled six miles &amp; camped on the Little Lakes without any accident 
Captain [Robert F.] Neslen['s] Started to day &amp; camped on the Big Lakes four miles in advance of ourselves[.] At night we had prayers &amp; having posted the guard we retired to rest quite uneasy but a way of a beginning of Camp life [for] most teams and one rain storm visited us upsetting many of the tents &amp; wetting the people in the waggons 
June 27 Finding all our cattle had remained generally with us duri[n]g the night but the road away bad from the effects of this storm[,] some remained in Camp until late in order to give the people an opportunity of drying their clothes &amp; getting otherwise ready for another Start.
We travelled four miles saw tolerable roads &amp; crossed the Big Lakes &amp; passed on &amp; camped on a small creek without wood and completed a distance of ten miles.
June 28 &lt;1859&gt; Camp started passed over the Bridge at Elkhorn City camp a distance of five miles[,] the roads from Florence of a Rolling or Hilly nature. Passed on a distance of four miles more &amp; camped on Rose Hill caught a few fish &amp; were much tormented by mosquitoes—Roads good with the exception of about nearly half a mile near the bridge which was very sandy 
June 29 Travelled eight miles and passed Freemont [Fremont] over a flat prairie about a mile &amp; a half above and nooned on a head of the river Platte.
After passing several small and clear lakes with some small fish in them[,] camped on a Slough near the Platte eight miles from Freemont [Fremont]
1859 June 30 Travelled about fifteen miles some good roads and camped on a bend of the Platte river about one mile and a half from Shell creek

Transcript for Stevenson, Edward, [Diary], Collection 1849-1922, reel 1, fd. 3, vol. 6, 75-81

Stevenson, Edward, [Diary], Collection 1849-1922, reel 1, fd. 3.

Sylvester H. Earl autobiographical sketch

Sylvester H. Earl autobiographical sketch, Page 8.

I returned to St. Louis on a steamboat. Here I purchased a few goods for my family. I then went on a steamboat up the Missouri river as far as Atchison and here I fitted out for the plains. Our company was the third company Elder Blair being the captain, Elder Green and Myself were his councilors.We left the camp ground on the 13th of June[.] traveled two days when the cholera came in and took near one third of the camp. This was the greatest scene of sorrow that I have ever witnessed.
Edward Stevenson was appointed to take charge of the camp and Bro. Barlow took the place of Bro. Green. We had no bad luck on the way but the loss of one man, a gentile, a Mr. Wood from Texas.
I arrived in the valley on the 10th day of September 1855 being gone three years lacking five days. Found my family well during the time of my being in England.

Transcript for Earl, Sylvester Henry, Autobiographical sketch, 8

Sylvester H. Earl autobiographical sketch.

Sylvester H. Earl diary, 1852-1856

Sylvester H. Earl diary, 1852-1856, Page 6-8.

June 7th—Elders Snow and Spencer organized our company, being the third Sixty. Elder Seth M. Blair is our Captain. Elder East Church - - I was appointed counselor and also captain of one ten and also chaplin.



We started our camp on the 11th of June—traveled eight miles when we camped and staid until the 17th. This is a sickly place. Most of the camp left [t]his day but I had to stay until the next day, when I left with the remainder of the camp. When I got within about one mile of the camp, a messenger run to me stating that Brother Jones was taken the colary and wished me to hasten to his relief by administering the ordinance of the house of God to him, but having a very hard river to cross I was detained sometime. I found Bro. Jones cold and cramped. I called Brothers J[ohn]. M[e]yer, George E. Riser, and Oscar Tayler [Tyler] to my assistance, for they were men who had had their endowments. We approached the sick and dying for by this time four more were taken. But the spirit forbade me rebuking it at this time, yet I felt to pray the Almighty to stay the pleg [plague] if it be his well. Bro. Jones soon died and in the evening Sister Leungford [Langford] died. This night Bro.Easts child died also. Bro. Lankford [Langford] and some others on the 18th. We buried six persons. This is indeed a doalful time to us all.



This day we met the brotheren from the valley on missions. They were under Captain Hait. We started our camp—a number of the missionaries returned with us to where we nooned. Sister Eliza Poast [Jost] died this forenoon in the wagon. We buried her the same hour and did not stop the train. At noon we had a goodmeeting during which time several more died. We parted with the missionaries and hauled our dead until night, when a number more were dead. Some, however, were taken and when I administered to them they got well immediately. We continuedto travel a little every day and still bury the dead.



Sunday, the 15th, we camped on a small stream called the Hermileon where we buried Old Father [Nathaniel Hunt] Greer and several more died and were burried. I then spoke to Bro. Blair of the propriety of rebaptizing those who wished it and baptizing those that had not been baptized. Accordingly I went to the persons. We then traveled six miles. This evening Elder Stenson [Edward Stevenson] came to us from the Mormon Grove with some bretheren to help us. In the morning I called the Saints together. Captain Blair then red a letter from President Ballentine, stating that Bro. Stenson [Stevenson] was appointed to take charge of our company.



E. Stenson [Stevenson] then chose myself and Brother [James M.] Barlow to be his counselors. A man by the name of Wood from Texas got lost from the camp. He was ill with colery. The mules wandered all night with him lying helpless inthe carriage. We are still moving in the midst of death.



On Saturday, June the 30th, this same Wood got out of his carriage just at dusk and unknown to driver and left unaware near the camping place. We soon made a general hunt nearly all night and nearly all the next day but we found him not and with much sorrow pursued our journey without him.



Sunday, July 1st—the camp is in better health.



Sunday, July 8th, we got to Ft. Carney [Kearney] all in good health and spirits except a little difficulty between Brothers Middlemuss [Earl Middlemass] and Right [Thomas H. Wright] which we took into council and strove to settle.



Monday, 9th, we camp up the first camp under the care of Capt. Hincey. Found them all in good health and spirits. We held a council with them:



Elder Conud read some instruction from Erastus Snow—undecided to travel on the next day, and went accordingly.



Sunday, 15th, we got to the Cottonwood springs, about 80 miles from Carney [Kearney], all in good health. But still we persue our journey.



On Monday and Tuesday and Wensday we were detained on account of Bro. Stenson’s [Stevenson] having to go back some six miles for his coat. ..During this time. Brothers L. Blair and T. Geer being wagon master concluded to stay all day. This gave some dissatisfaction in the camp. In the evening Bro. Stenson and Myself held a private council and determined to set all right before we left. We then called a council meeting of the whole camp and we both spoke to the Saints and soon got a good spirit and in the evening we held a testamony meeting. Felt well.



Friday we crost the south fork of the Platt[e], had no bad luck.



Saturday we got to U.S.A. hollow, here we stayed until Sunday, 25, shoeing oxen, holding meeting, and fixing to go.



Monday, Tuesday, Wensday, and Thursday—the road is very sandy—teams failing.



Sunday, 29th, traveled 8 miles then camped on a nice place and had a good meeting.



Monday and Tuesday traveled hard, got to Ft. Laram[i]e.



Wednesday past Laram[i]e 10 miles, came to a small trading post. Here we bought 10 yoke of oxen at one hundred dollars, four yoke. This enabled us to go on our way more comfortable.



Sunday, the 5th of August, we are in the Black Hills about 50 miles from Ft. Laram[i]e, here we stay all day. Guarding not well done. E. Stenson [Stevenson], Elder Barlow and myself had a private council, agreed that Elder Mager be released from acting as assistant Sargent, with a vote of thanks, and that Bro. Bancroft take his place. We had a good meeting in the evening, all feel well.



Thursday, 9th, we got over the Black Hills, no wagons broke, one ox sick and left behind.



Friday, 10th we got over the Black Hills all in fine spirits.



Sunday, 12th, we got to the last crossing of the Platt[e].



We crossed and traveled up the river 13 miles. Left the river, camped on a small creek. The feelings of the camp hard towards E. Stenson for bad management, wishes expressed to divide the camp.



Monday, 14th, E. Stenson and myself went and held a private counsel, then called the officers of the camp and had a general counsel. The decision is to go on all together.



Wednesday, 15th, we are on the Sweetwater. This my birthday. I am now 40 years old, and now crossing the plains for the fifth time.



Sunday, 19th, we are laying by for the day. This week the feelings of the camp are all confusion and they have little or no regard for Brother Stenson [Stevenson]. Brother Bancroft feels dissatisfied and desires to be released from the office of assistant sargent; him and the captain had a dispute. Some hard words about fasting. Henry said his health was too pore to fast. Brother Stenson said if he had more faith in his dumplings than he had in his God then he might take them, for, said he, you have got a hard spirit. Henry said he has not, and so forth. Told them that they being the anointed of the Lord should not dispute before the Saints. At 10 a.m. we have a meeting, also in the evening—the feelings of the Saints bad towards Bro. Stenson [Stevenson].



Wednesday camped near the upper crossing of the Sweetwater.



Thursday, 22nd of Aug., we got to the Pacific Springs, Brother Greersten having got there some time before the balance of the company. They camped before Bro. Stenson [Stevenson] came up. This made him mad and he then said the camp should go on a five miles farther. This we done with much hard feeling in the camp against him for his unwise course and rough talk, which causes much unpleasant feelings. Brothers Stenson, Barlow, and myself then went into counsel by ourselves and we praid for power to control the camp and we felt well. We then tried Elder Larmont Bancroft for his rebellion and cut him off from the church.



On Monday, the 27th, we got to Greenriver [Green River].



28th—we held a counsel on other things.



29th—About 30 a.m. Elder Charles Basset came into our camp in good health and spirits. Gave us some good instructions. Report from the Saints in the rear is good. They staid five hours. We gave them food and changed and gave them three fresh mules. I sent some letters and went with them 3 miles on the way.



Sunday, 2nd—Elder Blair came to us from the valley and this morning Elder Stenson [Stevenson] started to the valley. But meeting Bro. Blair he concludes to stay. We are now camped at Ft. Bridger, which is now settled by the Saints. We then pursued our journey and when I got to Bear River I mashed my little finger very bad. Sunday, we are at the Weber. I now leave the Company and start for home in company with Brothers Johnson, Bancroft, and the two Sister Johnsons.



We arrived into the valley on the 10th of September, being 3 years lacking 5 days absent from my family and home. I find them all alive and well and all in fine spirits, and with joy to my soul I feel to thank the Lord for his parental care over me and my family while I was on my mission.

Transcript for Sylvester H. Earl diary, 1852-1856, 6-8

Sylvester H. Earl diary, 1852-1856.

Taylor, Anstis Elmina Shepard, [1859 Diary], Collection 1844-1956, box 1, fd. 1

Taylor, Anstis Elmina Shepard, [1859 Diary], Collection 1844-1956, box 1, fd. 1.

<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">June Saturday 25</center>
 
Quite a rainy morning. Intended to move out but prevented by the breaking of a wagon. Many murmurers in the camp, but I now feel content & enjoy a good spirit: May it continue, & may I realize that to enjoy the spirit of the Lord I must strive against evil influences.
<center>Sunday 26</center> Great excitement in camp in consequence of yoking wild cattle &amp; one breaking away. Moved out about 7 miles: it now appears that we are on our way. Walked about 5 miles, very much fatiegued [fatigued] &amp; I almost fear I cannot walk as much as will be required of me!
<center>Monday 27</center> George’s [George Hamilton Taylor] first night as guard [--] a drenching rain with thunder &amp;c. Started about ten &amp; camped about 3. Everything moved well &amp; we felt prospered[.] Traveled through a most beautiful rooling [rolling] country &amp; much delighted with the scene. Walked about 5 miles[,] 10 were traveled.
<center>Tuesday 28</center> Traveled through a most beautiful country, camped on the Rawhide Creek &amp; such a night of misery I never spent so tormented with mosquitoes. Glad to leave &amp; start on our toilsome journey.
<center>Wednesday 29</center> Moved out between 6 &amp; 7 made excelent time, stoped a short time for dinner then drove till 4 P.M. such a weary, sore footed &amp; fadged [fatigued] people I never saw[.] still all was borne without murmuring.
<center>Thursday 30</center> Traveled quite well during the forenoon, but obliged in consequence of illness to <s>walk</s> &lt;ride&gt; nearly all the way. I find it requires all my strength &amp; faith too endure all the fatiegues [fatigues] of the journey.
<center>July Friday 1</center> All passed off pleasantly till we camped &amp; each &amp; all seemed to have a good spirit, but when we reached camp &amp; all too much fatiegued to move, then each felt cross &amp; ill tempered &amp; said words which never should have been spoken
<center>Saturday 2</center> Sick in body &amp; mind. If I were not so sensitive, I might not feel unkind words as I now do, but I will endeavor not to use them to others. God help me to do right! Traveled 12 miles &amp; then washed, baked &amp;c[,] &amp;c[.] Tired but more calm in mind.
<center>Sunday 3</center> Traveled all day: could not realize that it was Sabbath. Tormented past all endurance with mosquitoes.
<center>Monday 4</center> Started about ten &amp; crossed the Loup Fork ferry. At 1¼ [illegible] written to Nisson [illegible] Haverstrans &amp; Bloomfield[.] It appears but little like the Memorable Fourth &amp; little do I now care about the day.
<center>Tuesday 5</center> Remained in camp till two P.M. Washed, baked &amp;c with [g...d] Traveled 6 miles.
<center>Wednesday 6</center> Nothing of note transpired. found good water but about tormented to death with mosquitoes. Very feeble.
<center>Thursday 7</center> Very warm but I am much better than yesterday. Traveled about 20 miles, all very much fatiegued [fatigued]. Camped at Sand Wells, six miles on the hills. 4 good wells of water, dug by Church.
<center>Friday 8</center> A long tedious journey over sand hills, Camped at 6 P.M. on Prairie Creek. George killed a rattlesnake. Traveled about 17 miles. Good springs of water.
<center>Saturday 9</center> Started about 9 o’clock, warm &amp; dusty. Traveled about 15 miles. Camped in the most beautiful spot we have had since we started &amp; for a luxury we had excellent cold water.
<center>Sunday 10</center> Traveled till 2 P.M. then camped on Wood River. Saw the first Indians since we left Florence.
<center>Monday 11</center> Remained in camp to repair wagons &amp;c. Washed, baked[,] aired our provisions, cleaned our wagons &amp;c. Very much fatiegued[.] George on the first guard.
<center>Tuesday 12</center> Remained in camp till 2-30 [2:30] P.M. Started out &amp; traveled 8 miles, &amp; camped at 8 in the evening.
<center>Wednesday 13</center> Left camp at 8 in the morning in consequence of the rain, traveled till noon then stop[p]ed to water. The drive was a weary one: camped at 8 where we had very poor water.
<center>Thursday 14</center> A Buf[f]alo was killed in opposition to counsel. A man went out to secure the meat &amp; was lost. Went on &amp; camped, expecting to resume our journey in a few hours, &amp; travel in the evening, but remained to get, if possible[,] some intelligence of the missing man.
<center>Friday 15</center> Remained in camp &amp; dispatched a company in search of the lost. They returned about 8 in the evening weary &amp; sad for no tidings could be gleaned of the missing man. After prayers we were all overjoyed by seeing him come into camp weary &amp; worn but well[.] one long loud shout rent the air.
<center>Saturday 16</center> Not well. I sometimes feel that the journey will never be accomplished, but I know that this is in consequence of weakness of body.
<center>Sunday 17</center> Traveled all day. Did not appear to be Sabbath. I shall be happy when we get where we can have a day of rest such as we once enjoyed.
<center>Sunday September 4</center> Moved at 9 A.M. Cattle weak from want of food. Rainy, cold &amp; unpleasant. 3 P. M. passed a grave which contained a body found by Capt Stevensons company. Stop[p]ed for dinner at 4 P.M. Camped about 8. We were cheered by the arrival of Brs. J. Taylor &amp; F. D. Richards. 
<center>Monday 5</center> Treated by Br Taylor to Muskmelon &amp; an apple grown in his garden. Moved at 11 A.M. Crossed Ham’s Fork at 2-30 the second fording of Blk. Fork at 3. Twice in water &amp; camped at 6-30.
<center>Tuesday 6</center> Moved at 9 A.M. Our ox was found dead. Stop[p]ed for dinner from 2 till 3-30[.] Camped at 10-30.
<center>Wednesday 7</center> Cold &amp; unpleasant. Moved at 10-30 [10:30]. Passed Bridger at 1 P.M. Stop[p]ed for dinner from 3-15 till 4 P.M. Camped at 7-30 P.M. Very cold 
<center>Thursday 8</center> Moved at 9-30. Nooned from 12-30 till 2 P.M. Exceedingly cold &amp; windy. Camped at 5-30 &amp; to our disappointment, no water.
<center>Friday 9</center> Moved at 8 A.M. Nooned on Bear River, from 1 PM till 3. Watered &amp; crossed Sulphur Creek at 12 M. Windy, but pleasant. Camped at 6 P.M. A most lovely camping ground 
<center>Saturday 10</center> Moved at 9 A.M. Stoped for dinner from 2 till 3. Camped at 7 P.M.
<center>Sunday 11</center> Most desired a day of rest but Capt Stevenson is so anxious to get home that he will not hear to it. Moved at 6½ A.M. without breakfast. Stoped from <s>0</s> 9 till 12. camped at 3-30 
<center>Monday 12</center> Moved at 1 P.M. in consequence of some cattle being lost. Crossed the Weber between 5 &amp; 6 &amp; camped at 6 P.M. My birthday. I wonder if my dear Mother thought of it.
<center>Tuesday 13</center> Did not move till 3 P.M. camped at 7.
<center>Wednesday 14</center> Moved at 9 A.M. Stop for dinner from 1 till 2-30. Br. Stevensons division 12 miles in advance. Camped at the foot of the big mountain at 5-45.
<center>Thursday 15</center> Moved at 6 A.M. Stoped for breakfast from 11 A.M. till 1-30 P.M. Camped at 5-30 on the top of Little Mountain with Br Stevenson’s division.
<center>Friday 16</center> Moved at 10 A.M. Reached the City or its suburbs at 4 P.M.

Transcript for Taylor, Anstis Elmina Shepard, [1859 Diary], Collection 1844-1956, box 1, fd. 1

Taylor, George H., "The Autobiography of George H. Taylor" [1949], 23-29

Taylor, George H., "The Autobiography of George H. Taylor" [1949], 23-29.

We arrived at length at the town of Omaha, in the state of Nebraska. We landed on the desolate looking bank during a rain storm and the soil being free from gravel, every step we took, lifted great patches of stiff mud with our shoes, making travel very tedious. I got Mina a place to stop over night, and went on with the balance of the company on foot to Florence or Winter Quarters as it was called, when first settled by the Mormons in 1846. It is about 6 miles up the river, north from Omaha, and at the time of my arrival was used as a starting point, for our people across the plains. There were but few houses in the place, and very poor ones at that. The next morning I went back to Omaha & returned with Mina [Anstis Elimina Shepard (Mina)]. We took up quarters in a deserted store with several other families, rigged up a stove out side, cooked our own meals, & slept under the counter. We arrived there about [
text missing
] and remained in the store about [
text missing
] weeks. When we received our wagons, I had ours drawn to a level grassy plat near a stream, and we then moved our things into it, and we commenced our first house-keeping. As we had to wait here for several weeks for our cattle to arrive, it gave me a chance to learn considerable about the preparation necessary for a trip across the plains. And I availed myself of it, by fitting up my wagon, to secure the greatest amount of comfort and convenience. I cut a hole through the cover in the side and put an iron step between the wheels, so that we could get in and out easily. I also put a boot or extension on behind so that I could set the stove on & tie it there, so as to have it handy to take of quickly when we stopped, and load up again quickly when we started.
Mina &amp; I made several excursions in different directions from the camp and one day came upon a large patch of ripe wild strawberries of which we gathered quite a quantity, and having a cow giving milk, we had quite a feast of strawberries &amp; cream.
I had quite an experience in my first deal in cows. She was young and had a calf, and was not disposed to leave it, so I tied a rope round her neck and started for our wagon. I had gone but a little distance when I found that I should have tied the rope round her horns, for instead of being led, she concluded she would lead, which she did at full speed, with myself at the tail end of a ten foot rope. It must have been fun for the crowds who were looking on, for they laughed &amp; shouted "go it". But it was not very funny to me, for she took me over bunapo, into hollers, up hill &amp; down, across a bridge, and through every place where she thought she could throw me off, which she did by my falling and spraining my right arm, so that I carried it in a sling the remainder of my stay at that place.
In due time our cattle arrived and I received two yoke who had already traveled half way to Pikes Peak &amp; back that spring. One yoke were old and steady &amp; slow. The others were 3 year old stears [steers], and quite wild. I named them, three after my Brothers Sam, Jim, &amp; Bill, the other Tom after my Brother in Law. The cow we called Dolly. The company was now about ready, so we loaded up our things and provisions, and also the luggage belonging to four persons who were going with us in our wagon. One was a young man named Oscar [text missing]who was not quite bright, and who was of no assistance to me on the journey, as I could not trust the team with him. One was an English widow about 40 years of age, who had the athsma very bad. And another was an old maid named [text missing] who said she was a decendent of the Salem wiches, and her looks and actions did not belie her descent. Lastly was another maid, a German about 30, who spoke very broken English. With this singular crowd we started, all on foot except Mina who rode in the well loaded wagon, on the 26th day of June 1859. I tied a rope to the horns of my wild leaders, and with a piece of rope tied to a stick for a whip, and my right arm in a sling, we started on our weary trip of one thousand miles. Our first days journey was about 8 miles to Pappao [Papillion] Creek. We were strung along, (60 wagons of us) for over a mile, and the antics of wild cattle, and green drivers, was something to remember for a lifetime.
I managed tolerably will for a raw hand, and brought up all right into camp, but oh! What a tired lot we were. We now had our first taste of camp life, after the cattle were turned out to feed, which was abundant, as the grass was knee deep as far as the eye could see.
Wood was gathered, the stove got off &amp; stood up, the kittle boiled, meat fried, cow milked, and then we all sat down &amp; eat a hearty supper.
After dark I was detailed to stand guard over the cattle till 12 o'clock.—About 10 there came up a violent wind &amp; rain storm, it thundered &amp; lightened very heavy. The cattle became freightened and started to roam. The night being very dark, made it a hard task for us to keep them together. But the storm passed over, my watch was finished, and after a few hours sleep I was up and ready for a start with the rest.
We organized with Edward Stevenson as our Captain. Each 10 wagons had also a Captain. In our ten it was Robt. McKendric. In our ten were the following persons or heads off families. The Captain, Thomas Lyon, L.B.H.[Thomas Brown Holmes] Stenhouse, Wm. Sadler, Wm. Harris, Thurkle &amp; Sproat, W.J. Silver. Charles Davey, G.H. Taylor, Hyrum Edgar
On the 4th day of July we reached the Loup Fork which we crossed on a flat scow, taking over one wagon at a time. We had here a chanch [chance] to see the formation of quicksand, bars, for when we started the first wagon over, the landing was about 4 ft deep, but in two hours after, the water was barely a foot &amp; we had hard work to get the last wagon up to the bank.—We journeyed on day after day, making from 10 to 20 miles per day, as camping places with wood &amp; water were available, sometimes having to go two days before reaching water, and at such times there was much suffering with thirst. I remember going one night about two miles to a stagnant slough for water, after we had traveled all day through the hot sun without any, and when we got to the water it was so green &amp; filthy that we could not drink it. We had very few dry camps however, as our Captain manages generally by short or long drives to camp by water. There were very few houses at this time between Omaha and Utah. The 1st was Columbus on the Elk Horn Creek, about 20 miles from Omaha. It was then a small settlement of about 20 houses. The next was a settlement about 100 miles out, on the Loup Fork, of about 30 houses, that had been built by the Mormons, but was deserted, as the Indian Agent had ordered them away, on the plea that it was an Indian Reservation. The next small settlement was at Wood River about 100 miles still further west. There was not another house for 300 miles until we arrived at Laramie. We had followed up the Platt[e] River on the north side for about 350 miles sometimes on the bank and sometimes quite a long distance away. We traveling in as straight a line as possible, so as to strike the north bends of the crooked river. At Fort Laramie we left the river, and commenced our journey through the Black Hills range. The great plains having ended at this point. From this point our traveling was much more difficult, and as we were now ascending rapidly, the weather was much cooler, especially at night, and the thick fat bacon that had been dripping from our wagons through the great heat met with on the plains, which made it so flabby that we could not eat it, now hardened up so nicely, as to tempt our increasing appetites, until we could eat great slices of fat and call it delicious.
We occasionally struck the Platt River which wound its way through the hills. And on one occasion as we reached the river, we saw a large band of Sioux Indiens on the opposite side driving a large drove of ponies. As soon as they saw us, a number of them started across on horseback. The river was quite wide, but shallow. They soon reached the shore and galloped into our midst. They were the finest looking Indiens I ever saw, had been out on the war path, and were returning home with the ponies they had taken, as spoil. They were in very good humor and did not offer to molest, but begged some sugar and bread, which we gave them and then they left. The following two years they were very troublesome all along the rought, and attacted [attacked] a number of our trains. The only other Indiens we saw on the trip, were a few big fellows, at Pawnee Springs on our first weeks travel out. Sister [Fanny Warn] Stenhouse was riding in our wagon, and being a very pretty woman, one of the Indians wanted me to swap her to him for a pony. I buckled on my revolver, and they seeing that I was freightened, walked, (three of them) abrest with me twirling their tomahawks through there fingers for quite a distance, when they laughed, and left. We also saw at this place a Princess of the Pawnee tribe, and she was a fine looking girl about 18, dressed in a bed tick gown which she wore very gracefully.
We saw a few Buffalo while traveling up the Platt, and one night we camped on Elm Creek, and on getting up at break of day saw several in among our cattle quite close by, but before any one could get a rifle ready, they had started off on the run and our cow along with them. One of the Brethren mounted a horse &amp; went after her, and in about an hour, drove her back into Camp.
Dolly our cow was quite a pet in the Camp, and was a great blessing to us, and to many other beside, as she gave a good sized pail of milk as far as Larimie, when her milk began to fail. We had a good sized glass jar into which we put what milk was left, after giving several some through the camp. I had made a wooden cover and dasher, and the movement of the wagon would nearly bring it to butter during the day. And Mina would have it completed by the time we were settled in camp.—Fresh butter and buttermilk every night was a grand treat, but we were the only ones who made it.
The season was a very dry one. The emigration very heavy, and as a consequence water &amp; grass was scarce. Many of the cattle drank alkali water and died, among them was our pet Dolley. In the latter part of the journey near Green River she had been yoked up in a team to help some one who had lost an Ox, and she fretted &amp; dried up, got poisoned and died.
We were met at [text missing] Fork by some teams who had come out to help us in. With them was Brother John Taylor and some other brethren from the valley, who spent a night with us &amp; then returned. With the extra teams we made good head way, and on the 16th of September in the afternoon rolled out of Emmigration Canyon on the bench overlooking the Salt Lake valley, in full sight of the city 5 miles distant after a long and weary trip of 82 days from Florence. It was a glorious sight to us, tired, weary and dirty as we were.
We continued on our way over the bench to Emmigration street, now called 3d south, along that to the state road, up to the Eagle gate, past the Presidents Office and on to the University square in the 16th ward, where we camped in the middle of the block, and were soon surrounded by the reletives and acquaintences of those who had any.—

Transcript for Taylor, George H., "The Autobiography of George H. Taylor" [1949], 23-29

Thomas Wasden, Biographical information relating to Mormon pioneer overland travel database, 2003-2017

Thomas Wasden, Biographical information relating to Mormon pioneer overland travel database, 2003-2017.

Came by railroad from Woodhouse Junction to Liverpool and sailed on the 26th of April 1855, on the ship Wm. Stetson and a prosperous journey. And three deaths, children. Landed on the 8th of May 1855 in N. Y.



And came by rails and river up to Cincinnati, Ohio, U. S. on the 5th of June, 1855 and had a great deal of sickness with the death of Willard and Sarah Ann Wasden. W. 3. &amp; S.A. 1 and left Cincinnati on the 19th of April on the [ ? ] train and arrived at St. Louis on the 26th of April 1859. And left St. Louis on the 28th and arrived in Florence on the 9th of May by the boat Carrier and to our surprise we found the houses deserted. Where we found a comfortable house and brought a fine yoke of cattle and paid $80.00 dollars, also bought another yoke and wagon and paid $125.00 dollars. The wagon been in use before, and left for the plains on the 19th of June.



Before moving on I shot a fine deer and gave a piece to each in the camp. Arrived Ganoe on the 4th of July without any accidents and left on the 5th of July and arrived at Woods River on the tenth of July, each being 140 miles apart, 11th of July camped three miles from the bridge.



We are in the buffalo country and are hunting today. 12th of July, pleasant day traveled 8 miles. In the evening we had a thunder and lightning storm which tore up the tents and we were almost drowned while getting into the wagon at 2 A.M.



13 of July traveled about 20 Miles, pleasant day and plenty of buffalo. (Ft. Kearney is across the river.) [Original copy is so faded this may not be correct.]



14th of July was very hot and no breeze. 2 buffalo killed, one by Capt. Stevensen and one by Brother Roggers. Old man Roggers has been lost since morning on the hunt. Camped at Elm Creek, Brother Lee's axle broke. Traveled between 10 and 15 miles and very busy this evening cutting up the buffalo.



15th of July camped at Elm Creek. Very pleasant day. Death of a child of Brother Lee, four days old. About 20 minutes before 10 o'clock this evening as I was getting in bed I heard the calling and yelling as of a herd of buffalos or Indians on the cattle herd, but to my surprise it was the welcome cheers of our lost brother Roggers.



[Pages lost] and a few drops of rain, all well. Camped at Skunk Creek a train of [ ? -- could not make out the name] came up late this evening with 10 wagons.



20th of July traveled 10 miles and camped at Little Mud Creek and a very Pleasant day and all sand hills. We passed a tribe of Sioux Indians camped at the Panney Springs, quite friendly.



21st of July was a very pleasant day. We traveled 14 miles, camped on the Muddy Creek.



22nd was a pleasant day with a great deal of sand hills, traveled about 15 miles. A little rain in the evening. Nesflins Train is ten miles ahead. We have many lame cattle in the camp now.



23rd a wet morning. It rained while at dinner, started at 12 A.M. Traveled 9 miles. Brother Hastings cow left behind.



24th was a beautiful morning with the death of two oxen, one of Brother Teners and one of Brother Chamberlains. A young girl died, daughter of Brother Allen---Elizabeth Allen, aged 15 years. She and her mother and brother came to this country on the Ganoe, the same train and ship as we did, and are still camped this evening by the Platt, three miles west of the Bluff Creek.



25th of July a wet day, traveled 10 miles with very bad roads through sand hills. There are plenty of flies and mosquitoes.



26th of July traveled 10 miles. Beautiful day and in the evening Brothers Eldridge, Young and Coward came in the camp with three wagons. Brother Stainpour's ox dead.



27th traveled 12 miles, very pleasant day. There are a great many lame cattle.



29th A very heavey sand hill 1/2 mile long. We had to double teams, it took til dinner time. Traveled about 7 miles. Was a thunder storm in the evening. There are a great many Indians about warring with the Panners.



29th. Pleasant day with the death of Sister Hoppley, wife of Brother Hoppley, died of cold, been exposed to hardships which she could not endure and buried at Castle Creek. A train of some 10 or a dozen wagons returning from Utah and Ogden City; traveled about 12 miles. Sister Gumbar Con left on mistake. Brother Silver is strained a little in the arms and breast, in going through a san bar the cattle turned around and stood on him, very nearly upsetting the wagon. Camped about nine o'clock in the evening. Many Indians around. Camped by the Platt.



30th Pleasant day. One ox died of Sister Gumbar. Traveled about miles.



1st of August traveled 11 miles. A great deal of sand. Pleasant day.



2nd. Fixed up the wagons till dinner time. Pleasant day and in sight of Chimney Rock twenty miles ahead. Traveled 10 miles with a little rain in the evening with the death of Brother Griffith's child, five months old, died of diarreah.



3rd. Pleasant day. Traveled 18 miles with a very heavy thunder storm in the evening we passed a train of wagons from Salt Lake-------- and camped five miles the other side of Chimney Rock.



4th. Pleasant day. 18 miles and we have camped.



[Remaining pages in journal are lost.]

Transcript for Thomas Wasden, Biographical information relating to Mormon pioneer overland travel database, 2003-2017

William B. Wright collection, 1852-1951

William B. Wright collection, 1852-1951.

Transcript for William B. Wright collection, 1852-1951

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Nancy Areta Porter

Nephi Porter Stevenson

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Great Salt Lake City, Great Salt Lake, Utah Territory, United States

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Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah Territory, United States

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Presided over the Tennessee Conference

Edward Stevenson

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