Frederick Kesler (1816 - 1899) Profile

Frederick Kesler Sr. (1816 - 1899) Profile

Individual

death-date-qualifier-death

Frederick Kesler, Sr.

birth-date-qualifier-birth

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 1,2, Page 117,125, Line 280,279.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 1,2, Page 106,113, Line 88.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959.

A history of the three wives of James Crane

History of Alice Davis Crane

"History of Alice Davis Crane", A history of the three wives of James Crane.

My brother Joseph and the young man named James Crane that I was engaged to, immigrated to America in the year 1856.



The next year, 1857, they sent the money for my brother William and myself to come to New York. We got to New York and hired out there for one year. That was the year Johnson's Army was sent up against the Saints. In the spring of 1858 we left New York and went to Iowa City, myself, my two brother and James Crane. I married James Crane April 5, 1858 in Iowa City. We all got places and hired out. My husband and myself hired to the same place to a man named Huff, he was a doctor, but he thought he would quit the doctor business and go into raising sugar cane. He took up a quarter section and put in a large patch of cane, hired a lot of men and had a steam engine to grind the cane. He was giving or promised to give big wages to my husband to be foreman. I had to do the cooking. We worked hard there all summer expecting to get enough to get our outfit to immigrate to Utah the coming spring.



They have very cold severe winters in Iowa and that fall the frost came a little earlier than usual and his cane got froze so his molasses business proved a failure and he could not pay his hands. In the fall we left Doctor Huff and hired to a farmer that lived near by for the winter; my husband to do the chores and me to do house work and cooking. The name of the farmer was Mr. Barling, he had a wife, daughter, and three sons. We lived there until spring. We heard there was a church train going to Utah and Bishop Hester [Frederick Kesler] and Joseph W. Young and Orten [Horton D.] Haight from Utah were around buying up cattle to take the train through to Salt Lake. They wanted so many teamsters so my husband thought it would be best to move into Iowa City, as we lived about 16 miles out in the country. We told Mr. Barling we would like to get our pay as we had not drawn any of our wages all winter. He said if we would stop and work all summer, in the fall he would pay us, but if we left then he could not pay us. They let us have a little flour and corn meal and a few pounds of butter so we left there and rented a room. My husband and my two brothers worked together and made a little until Bishop Hester [Kesler] came along to hire teamsters. I think he got ten teamsters in Iowa City, my husband and two brothers being among the number. My oldest brother got married the night before we started, as young women could not go with the church train. We only had one wagon and a yoke of oxen, and there was three couples to occupy this wagon, my husband and I, my oldest brother and his wife, that had just married, and Thomas Foot and wife. The other teamsters had a tent to sleep in. The wagon we had was a large one with boards across the top of the wagon bed. One couple had to make their bed below and the other two couples to make their beds on the top, so we took it in turns sleeping below, we had a not very comfortable time getting up to Florence. It was the fifth of April when we left Iowa and it would snow and then rain and melt the snow until the wheels of the wagon would be to the hubs in mud and then we would get stalled and clear everything out of the wagon and everyone put their shoulder to the wheel until the wagon was out. Some days we would only go four miles. When we came to a place called the skunk bottoms with so much snow and rain the river had overflowed its banks and all the river bottoms were under water about a mile and a half across. It looked liked the sea, we were standing wondering what to do when a covered wagon drove up with two men in, they asked us where we were going we told them to Utah. They said they were from Utah and had been back to the states on business and were now returning home. My husband asked them how they were going to cross, they said if you will join in with us we will show you. So they took the two wagon beds and lashed them together after unloading them and caulking them so they would be water tight then ferried over where the water was shallow. The men waded and pushed the wagons before them but where it was deep they used poles and worked their passage. Some of our little company objected to going over this way, my husband called on those that were willing to join with him and the others would take their own course, when they saw they would be left the unwilling ones all joined in. They had to cross this stream three times, they were all pretty badly used up. The last trip they took us three women over. It snowed on us all the way across and it was bitter cold but it was worse on the men that had been in the water all day as it was now nearly dark we were all so numbed with the cold it was all we could do to stand on our feet. There was a house not far off so we rented a room and stove for the night and made a big fire set up and dried our clothes and bedding and were soon singing and chatting with each other as though we had had a splendid time.



I don't remember the names of the two Utah brethren, one of them was bishop in one of the wards in Juarez, Mexico where my brother Joseph C. Davis is now living. When we arrived at Fort Des Moines in the state of Iowa the other company had left with word for us to follow on as quickly as possible which we did and the next day we overtook them. We overtook them just as it was getting dark. An old gentleman named [Joseph] Be[e]croft and his Wife from London had charge of the camp and the boys that had been hired to drive the train to Utah had charge of the cattle that the brethren had been buying up. The crowd all seemed to have the blues they all felt so down-hearted they did not seem to have any life in their camp. My husband asked them if they were Mormons they replied, "Oh yes, we are Mormons.



My husband asked them what was the matter with them, well they said. "We have been driving cattle all day and have had nothing to eat and was not likely to get anything." He asked the old gentleman if he had anything to cook, he said yes but he had not had time to cook it, it's been raining all day and was still raining. He said he had flour and bacon, tea, coffee, and molasses. My husband said, "What, you have all them things in your wagon and all going hungry?" They said yes, but we have no bread and it has rained so we could not bake. He asked them if they had a camp kettle, they handed him one that would hold about three gallons, also some flour. In about fifteen minutes my husband had made them a kettle of mush and they had molasses and butter. They s[t]ill had a good supper. We fixed up the two tents and sat up and sung and talked until midnight. The next morning the old gentleman said to my husband, “Brother Crane, you had better take charge of this camp now for I would starve them all to death with my wagon full of provisions." My husband told him he would not take charge of his camp but would help all we could. We traveled together and got along alright and arrived at the camping place on the Missouri river. We stopped here about six weeks until the oxen that were poor got fat. We had four hundred head. My husband was put in charge of the herd until we left. When the train started on the plains my husband was put captain over ten wagons, there were seventy-five wagons in all. Brother Orten [Horton] Haight was captain of the company, Bishop Hesler [Kesler] was Commissary and also in charge of all the freight. We were over three months on the plains. In some places it was laborious work on the cattle. After passing through the sand hills at Laramie, Wyoming the oxen began to die and continued until we got within two hundred miles of Salt Lake City. It got so we could not move the train and we had to send to Salt Lake City for help.



Considering the length of the journey we had a good time and considering the inexperience of the teamsters some of them that had never seen an ox before, much less yoking them up and driving them. My husband was captain over ten wagons, there were four women in our 10 wagons. The captain told them if they would do the cooking they would be free of expense when they got to Utah or they would owe 40 dollars for their board. Three of them concluded their husbands would settle for their board so the cooking fell to my lot, and the other three women cooked their own. There were 13 men to cook for, my husband and ten teamsters and two of the men that drove the loose cattle and myself made 14 and we had good yeast light bread all the way. I never felt better and had better health than I did crossing the plains, we had plenty of provisions and had a good time.



I only had one pair of shoes. I started off in a hurry and left one pair behind so when I got about halfway my shoes gave out since we had to walk most of the way. We were walking along one day, Bishop Hessler was riding along in his buggy, he stopped and asked me if that was all the shoes I had and I told him it was. He told me to wait until our wagon came up and get up and ride and when we camped he would give me a pair of shoes. He gave me a good pair of strong shoes that lasted me until I got to Salt Lake City. I always had great respect for Bishop Hessler he was a very good man also Captain Orten Haight and Joseph W. Young a brother's son of Brigham Young they were all good men.



On September 29, 1859 we arrived in Salt Lake City and how thankful we felt when we came in sight of the wished for city. There is no one who can tell the happy feelings that a Latter-day Saint has when they first get sight of the City. Well that was my experience. Such a happy thankful feeling that we had been preserved to get there in safety. The train, being a church train, we drove into President Brigham Young's yard. The family had prepared supper for the whole company.

Transcript for "History of Alice Davis Crane," A History of the Three Wives of James Crane: Alice Davis Crane, Elizabeth Stewart Crane, and Rachel Briggs Crane (Crane Family Genealogical Committee, 1951

A history of the three wives of James Crane.

"A Veteran of 1846," Deseret Weekly

"A Veteran of 1846," Deseret Weekly, June 5, 1897.

Early in the spring of 1847 very many went into Missouri and other places to seek employment, whereby they could earn means to fit themselves out for crossing the plains.  I had no supplies except one hundred of flour, two sacks of corn meal, and some whole corn[.]  Our clothing was scant and needed replenishing.  I went, as did many others, to find work to earn a fit out: I obtained work in Jackson county, Missouri.  The Lord blessed by [my] labors so that we could come more comfortably.  I remained there at work until the early spring of 1851.  After I had earned sufficient to bring us through, although my prospects financially were bright if I remained longer, no one could induce me to stay one day after the spring.  We left Kansas City and travelled in our wagon on the north side of the Missouri river until we arrived at Winter Quarters.  From Winter Quarters we journeyed across the plains in Elder Orson Pratt's company and arrived in the Valley on the first day of October 1851.

Transcript for "A Veteran of 1846," Deseret Weekly, 5 June 1897, 794

"A Veteran of 1846," Deseret Weekly.

Brigham Young office files, 1832-1878 (bulk 1844-1877)

Orson Pratt to Brigham Young

"Orson Pratt to Brigham Young", Brigham Young office files, 1832-1878, June 29, 1854.

<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">St. Louis Camp, Merchandise train 	15 miles west of Fort Leavenworth 	June 29th 1854</center>
To President B. Young,
Dear Bro.
Knowing the anxiety which you must have for the welfare of the saints and for the preservation of church property entrusted to agents, I improve a few moments in writing, although I have a sorrowful tale to relate. Brethren [Horace Sunderlin] Eldredge and [Frederick] Kesler inform me that they have not been able, for the want of means, to fill all the orders they received from the valley, but they have done the best they could by borrowing funds and otherwise to accomplish your wishes. They will undoubtedly, inform you of the particulars, as I am not fully acquainted with them. Circumstances have occurred to prevent the camp from leaving until the present time although it was our intention to have started some 6 or 8 weeks sooner. It is very difficult to accomplish so much where all the funds have to be borrowed a few dollars here and a few there out of the saints who are already so poor that they do not know how to get along themselves.
All the tithing that I had on hand, with the exception of about $93, I have turned over to Bro. Eldredge, and also all the emigration funds to help him in carrying out your orders.
The church books arrived safely in St Louis; all the expenses up to that time on them amount to something over $4000. Bro Eldredge sent them to Fort Leavenworth hoping to have waggons &amp; teams sufficient to bring them over the plains this season; but finding it impossible he ordered them reshipped to Weston, where they are safely stored until a future time. There were 33 cases of the books stored, &amp; 12 cases of other merchandise. I have been informed that 2 cases of the books are in the waggons and will be brought on. The 45 cases, while laying at Fort Leavenworth, were not under cover, but were exposed to 4 or 5 very heavy showers, but whether their contents were damaged much is not known. During this time we were busily engaged in trying to secure the other merchandise in the waggons, which required some few days before the waggons could be put together, and loaded; and the covers secured. At the same time the cholera in its most violent form was raging in our camp which required the exertion of those who were well both day and night to take care of the sick. And what greatly increased our labor was the care of about 400 head of cattle which were turned over upon us. Bro. Eldredge, when at St. Louis, supposed that we had a sufficient number of teamsters and some 10 or 12 extra men, but the cholera and other causes so diminished the number that we found it impossible to start without a fresh supply of men. We procured 16 men from brother Empy's emigrating companies which were all he was willing to spare, although he has reserved 2 men to a waggon. We need more, yet we shall try to start with what we have about the 1st of July.
Since landing at the Fort, our small company has lost 41 persons by the cholera. Three of our blacksmiths, on whom we were depending, have died. Brothers Alondus D[eLafayette] L. Buckland and Jesse Turpin are both dead; they lived only a few hours after being seized. Those who survived are &lt;many of them&gt; so weakened down by sickness and over exertion that they can scarsely move about. I have been very healthy, though wearied with setting up nights and watching with the sick. My wife that is with me, has been sick 2 weeks with vomiting &amp; purging: for about one week she has been so low that she was not expected to live: she at present is a little better and hopes are entertained that she may survive.
We are now in hopes that the pestilence has ceased and that no more will fall a prey. The cholera is at work among the Emigrating saints from Kansas, but to what extent I am unable to inform you. In Independence, it is sweeping off some 30 a day. Some towns on the Missouri are nearly deserted.
Our wild oxen &amp; inexperienced drivers have already broke some waggons which have been repaired. Bro. Kesler was preparing to go to Utah by the July mail; but we have counselled him to remain until the August mail. We considered this indispensible in case of any more broken waggons; for we are left almost destitute of persons qualified to mend waggons &amp;c. We thought that you would not be displeased with this, as we considered it necessary for the preservation of church property.
The health of Bro. Eldredge is feeble and he is much worn down with cares and anxieties.
From the latest information there was no prospect of selling the machinery which you sent Bro Haliday to dispose of.
When I left Washington about the 1st of May our delegate was doing all he could for Utah. Bro Bernhisel I believe to be true to us, as the Lu[illegible]. If he errs his errors are those of judgment, and not with intention to do wrong. There was not one out of a hundred that would do better.	
Bro Aaron F[reeman]. Farr is coming through with Williams' merchandise train. Capt James Brown is with us: he has been very low with the cholera, but is now well. The emigration from England has been later than usual this season and considerable sickness has prevailed. Bro Empy or some of his agents will no doubt keep you informed concerning the emigration under their charge.
In March and April I wrote a lengthy article on the subject of a full consecration of all the properties of the members of the church, and of each one receiving their stewardship according to the law of God, illustrating the same from the revelations in the Covenants. This article was sent to England at the time to form the contents of the 7th or 8th Nos of the present vol. of the Seer. I am happy to learn that the spirit of the Lord <s>has</s>put these things into your heart about the same time, and that the heavenly order of consecration is being carried into practice. This, I consider to be a tremendous big step towards the redemption of Zion and the Celestial kingdom. May God enable the saints to carry it out faithfully.
The great territory of Nebraska is now open to the white man. Thousands are now rushing in to make claims: all the best of the land west of Missouri along the borders is already taken up. I have been reflecting <s>what</s> that could a stake be established somewhere in this territory high upon the Missouri river where there would be no land carriage it would save a world of trouble &amp; expense. All the freight and merchandise could be transported by water to the very spot, without the expense of waggons &amp; teams. Many could gather to such a place that would not have means to cross the plains. But perhaps such a plan would not be wisdom. I see that you have appointed me a mission to Cincinnati after I return to Utah. I shall take pleasure in filling the same. I feel very anxious to do all I can for this cause while I yet live.	
<center>yours truly, 	</center>
Orson Pratt, Sen.

Transcript for Pratt, Orson, to Brigham Young, 29 June 1854, in Brigham Young, Office Files 1832-1878, reel 54, box 41, fd. 2

Brigham Young office files, 1832-1878 (bulk 1844-1877).

Crane, James. Journal: Part 2

Crane, James. Journal: Part 2.

In the spring of 1859, Brother Joseph W. Young, Bishop [Frederick] Kesler and Orten [Horton] Haight came to the frontiers to bring a freight train through for the Church. They wanted teamsters to work their passage through for the church, and Brother Kesler came to Iowa City and found eight teamsters there.



I was one of them. He bought two yoke of oxen and a wagon to take us to Florence, or Winter Quarters, three hundred miles from Iowa City, I had charge of this small company. We left Iowa City April 3, 1859, just as winter was breaking up. The roads were terrible and it being the first time any of us had ever started out on a trip of this kind, we did not know too much. It was intended for us to meet Brother Joseph W. Young and Orton Haight at Fort Desmoines [Des Moines] as they were buying cattle, through that region of country, to take the train across the plains. Day after day we had rain, mud, and slush to wade through and many days we could not travel more than four miles. We had a great time at Skunk River. When we got there the river had over flowed its banks and filled the bottom for two miles across. We arrived there about nine o'clock in the morning. We stood and looked wishfully at the situation, wishing we were on the other side. While looking, two men came up to us and asked us which way we were traveling. "To Utah", we replied. "So are we," said they, "We have only lately arrived from Utah and are now returning, and if you will join us we will show you how to cross this river, as we have crossed many of them." I looked upon it as a blessing from the Lord and we arranged to unload our wagon and theirs, then lash the two wagon boxes together, caulk them tight and ferry over. Where the water was shallow, we waded and pushed the boxes before us, but where it was deep we used poles and worked our passage over. Some of my little company objected to our crossing in this way. I could see no other way than this. I called on those that were willing to join me, and those that were not could take their own course. The unwilling ones, seeing that they were about to be left behind, finally joined in without any bad feelings. We had to cross this stream three times until we were all used up pretty badly and the last trip it snowed on us all the way. One of the boys went several miles around the riffle in the water with the oxen and running gears, and we on our third trip across arrived at the landing as soon as he did. We were so numbed with the cold that we hardly knew what to do. There was a house close by where we hired a room and stove for the night, and in half an hour we were merry, singing, and chatting one with the other as though we had a splendid time.



When we arrived at Fort Desmoines, the company had left with word for us to follow as quickly as possible, which we did, and the next day we over took them just as it was getting dark. Old Brother [Joseph] Beecroft from London had charge of the camp and those that were driving the oxen that the brethren were buying. They all felt very blue in camp and down-hearted. I began to wonder if it was a Mormon camp or not, being there was no life in it, so I asked them if they were Mormons. "Oh yes," said they, "Then what is the matter with you?" said I. "Why we have been driving cattle all day and have had no supper nor likely to get any," they answered. I said, "Have you no provisions in camp?" They answered they had flour, bacon,-tea coffee, and molasses but had no time to cook it. "What, and hungry?" said I. "Have-you got a camp kettle?" I asked. They had, so I told them to bring it along with some flour, and in ten or fifteen minutes I made a kettle of mush that made their eyes sparkle, .and with molasses to put on it, they all had a good supper. This drove the blues out of the camp and we sang and talked until midnight. The next morning, the old man told me to take charge of the camp for he would starve them to death with the wagon loaded with provisions. I refused, saying I would not take charge but I would help him all I could. From this time on we got on well until our arrival at the Missouri River. We stopped on the Missouri about six weeks until the oxen that had been poorly, got fat. We had four hundred head of oxen. I was put in charge of the herd until we left. When the train started on the plains, I was made captain of ten. There were seventy-four wagons in all and Brother Haight was captain of the company, Brother Kesler commissary and in charge of all the freight. We were three months in crossing the plains. It was very laborous on the oxen and after passing through the sand hills of Laramie, the oxen began to die and continued to do so until we arrived within two hundred miles of Salt Lake City. We could scarcely move the train and had to get help, from Salt Lake City. Considering the length of the journey, we had a good time, plenty of provisions, once in a while short of water and an occasional quarrel with the unruly teamsters, but nothing only what might be expected on such long hard journeys. All were inexperienced in the business, men and boys. All had been brought up to different business to this. Artisans of every trade. Many that had never seen an oxen before, much less yoking them up and driving them. When the Salt Lake City boys met us with fresh oxen to help us, we felt delighted. But when we heard the way those boys could curse and swear, we did not feel so delighted. I felt bad and could not account for it. We were going to Zion and they came from Zion to help us. Many of the camp felt badly and expressed themselves so, but I always kept those kind of feelings to myself, and prayed to the Lord for an explanation. The spirit of the Lord told me, to take care when I arrived in the land of Zion that I did not fall into the same snare. I am sorry to say that every one of those boys came to a bad end. Many of them were shot for thieving and I soon learned that they were playing the part of the wicked and not the righteous. We arrived in Salt Lake City on the 1st of Sept., 1859, and when we came out of Emigration Canyon and saw Salt Lake City, oh how thankful we did feel to the Lord. And none but those that experience it can tell the heavenly feeling that possess a Latter-day-saint when they first see the city of the saints. The tears of joy coursed down my cheeks and I thanked the Lord that I had been preserved thus far to receive of his blessings. We drove our teams into President Young's yard and his family made supper for the whole company.



[Source: http://www.welshmormonhistory.org/index.php?/resources/view/2893]

Transcript for Crane, James. Journal: Part 2

Deseret News

Latter Day Saints' Immigration

"Latter Day Saints' Immigration", Deseret News, August 24, 1859, Page 5.

<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">LATTER DAY SAINTS' IMMIGRATION.......1859.</center>



NAMES OF PERSONS IN CAPT JAMES BROWN'S COMPANY, ORGANIZED AT FLORENCE, JUNE 12, 1859: 
William Steele and family 
Lara Olsen 
James Hickson 
Nels and Botila Nelsen 
John A. Stalker 
Pider and Ola Nelssen 
Mildred Johnson 
John Christian Yensen [Jensen] and family 
N. W. Birdno and family 
John Owen 
John Johnsen and family 
Mary B. Farell 
John Larsen and family 
Solomon Gamet and family 
Karna Larsen and family 
Enoch Lewis and family 
Pider [Peter] Ahlstrom and family 
G[eorge]. L. Farell and family 
Karen Christiansen 
Anne Milton and family 
Marie Landstrom 
Samuel Dickson 
Ola Neilson and family 
R. E. [Eli] Kent and family 
Beritia Johnsen [Bertha Jensen] 
George Sparks 
Bengt and Oilya [Cilia or Sissa] Malmgren 
Martha Smith 
Hannah Jorensen 
George Pierce and family 
Pernella Jorensen 
Lucindo and Lucy A. Cady 
Andre and Marie Ekeland [Ekland] 
Hanna Sparkes [Sparks] 
Aanna Christian and Mathilde Bergton [Bergtop] 
Daniel Campbell and family 
James Morell 
A[nders]. O. [Olsson] and Ingre [Ingra] Nyborg, 
Aman Campbell and family 
Anders and Korner [Karner] Nelson 
Samuel Handy and family 
Ichumra Sanberg [Sandberg] 
George Sparkes and family 
Magnus and Turider Jarnesen [Jerensen] 
Samuel and Grace Davidson 
Sarah Parsons 
Christina Magnusem [Magnuson] 
Maro Rymer 
Lopter Johnsen and family 
William McKay and family 
Gadni Erasmus 
Ann and Mary Garvy 
Vicka and Gustaf Jornesen 
William Crotcher 
Sorein and Maren Nelsen 
John Bassett and family 
Christin Andersen and family 
Lacinda [Lucinda] Ann John A. Root 
Jhon Dhalsks 
Edmund and James Dicks 
Ann Hansen 
Mary Eveline 
Neils Nelsen 
James Goodwin and family 
Lars Jensen 
Charles and Ann Clipton [Clifton] 
Karen M. Gorensen 
Robert, Ann and Eliza Garnett 
Jens B. Jensen 
Mik[k]el Rasmusen and family 
Phoebe, James A., and Ches. [Charles] W. Gibson 
Ingilon Tomson 
Goren Sorensen and family 
William Gittings and family 
Frederick Longemust [Longmark] and family 
George Watson and family 
Margaret Axley 
L. Jensen 
James Hay 
Anne Kutrusa 
Mary and Joseph H. Kay 
Jens and Hans Jensen 
Eliza Slack 
Anie Sidersom 
John C. Reader and family 
Anne Didero 
Catharine Glass 
Sophia Ciderstrom 
Levi and Charlotte Minnerly 
Anders Hokeberg and family 
Eliza I Rion [Rich] 
Elna Anna and Christen Anderson 
Sarah Steers 
James and Mary A. Finlayson 
Cilya Ryback 
John Larsen and family 
Sarah Alexander and daughter 
C[arl]. A. Zit[t]ing 
William Wright and family 
Thomas Wand 
John Frost 
Robert and Ann White 
Amos [Ambrose] Greenwell and family 
Philip, Mary and Ellen M. Sharp 
Ann Hill 
Joseph Russell 
John and Mary Trascott 
Edward Haskshom 
Jeremiah Stocks and family 
J. C. Darrow and family 
Stephen Coup[e] 
Seth Wood and family 
Christopher Seeston 
Typhene Fairchild[s], sen. 
Thomas Stocks and family 
Typhene Fairchild[s], jun. 
John H. Gordon and family 
William Cole and family 
Ann Smith 
Mason Cutler and family 
Joseph Wintel 
William C. Rounde [Rounds] and family 
John Larsen and family 
Lans Olsen 
Richard W. Call 
Maria Hyalteny 
Rachel Williams and family 
Anna Marsen 
David Evans 
Neils Harsen 
Charles Harman and family 
Dedrick Funck [Funk] and family 
Thomas and Ann Rogers 
Hannah and Sidsea Johnson 
William Howell 
Oler Fullsen and family 
John Jones 
John Johnsen and family 
James Price 
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS, 252.



NAMES OF PERSONS IN CAPTAIN HORTON D. HAIGHT'S COMPANY



Frederick Kesler, Alexander Piper [Pyper] and family, John King, Anna Kirk, Ellen Jones, Betsey Titt, Levi Garret, Anthony Wilson, John G. Hogland and family, James Whitehead, Charles C. Dulin, Charles H. and Mary Crow, James Davenport, Ann Booth, Mary Gurney, Lewis Osborn, Caroline Harris and family, Agnes Steel, Patrick Burns.



Henry A. Smith, Louis Palanteen, John Harvey, Jesse Field and family, John Taylor, Alexander Ott and wife, Francis Bolto, Shadrach Jones, Thomas Baker, Francis Broadbent, Isaac Howells, Thomas Lonhust [Longhurst], Matthew and Wm. Mott, Adam Pall, John and George Horrocks, William Royal, Daniel Jacobs, Jacob Wagon, Frederick Holland, Benjamin P. Mortengrane, Samuel Young, Andrew Christopherson, Neils Andersen, Josiah Combs [Coombs], Josiah Holland, Benjamin and Anna Harman, Joseph and Maria Davis, William Crowther, James and Alice Crane.



John Evans, William Davis, Talaesen [Taliesen] Hughs, Henry, Eliza and Edmund Love[s]ay, Thomas Foote, wife and child, Elijah Parsons, Noah Mee, John Bone, William and Eliza Slack, Miles and Jane Williams, Samuel Fletcher, Thomas Prill, Thomas Jones, Margaret and William Bate, William and Emily Hart, Joseph Price, Robert and Chas. Harman, David Longhurst, John and David Louis, Thomas Lenham, Daniel Smoth [or Smith], Isaac Allen, William Hay, Joseph Beacroft [Beecroft], and family, John Marcroft and family, William W. Reed, Daniel Saberniller, John and Ellen Sutherland, David Roberts, Simon Smith, John Riggs.



James Hodges, Jabez Dangerfield, Daniel House, wife and child, William Cook, John Chamberland, James H. Rigg, William Walker and family.—Total, 134.



NAMES OF PERSONS IN THE HAND-CART COMPANY, CAPTAIN GEORGE ROWLEY.



Mark and Bithiah Lindsey, Paul Henry and Elise Moriell [Morrell], Thomas MacIntyre [McIntyre], Sarah Tuffley, Ann Lewis, Richard Hills, Richard A. Cooper, Agnes Birrel [Birrell], Ellen Lyde [Gyde], Emma Booth, Maryannne Nuns, James Harris, Sarah and Catherine Farrer, Henry Olpin and family, Ann Wright and daughter, Ann Godfrey, Joseph Gilbert, Edward Moor an family, Emma Cook, William Jarvis and family.



Thomas Martin, Reuben Atkins, Henry and James Hobbs, John Smith and family, Martha McRay [McKay] and family, Tullerton [Fullerton] Stewart, Mary Kirkpatrick, Henry Florence, William and Lovina Mann, Abraham Duffin, William Adams, Elizabeth Watson, Clara Bartlett, Catharine Fahy, John Ince, William Wild and family, Margaret and John Thornley, Ebenezer and Sarah Beazley [Beesley], Thomas and Louisa Maycock, Henry I. Strugnell, Emma Slade, Richard and Sarah Jones, Fanny Fry, Frances E. and Sarah A. Pearson, Joseph and Mary Schofield, Thos. Schofield.



Elizabeth Gledell [Gledhill], Joseph and Sarah Broadbent, Elizabeth Dixon, William Whitehead, Mary Henthorn, Squire Thornton, Mary Ann and Franklin Andrews, William and Jane Robison, Benjamin and Eliza Lamb, Edward and Mary J. Shanks.



James and Catharine Davis, Mary Shaw and family, Mary and Franklin Davies, Thomas and Maryann Dickinson, William Scogings, Louisa Budd and family, Chas. Wilson and family, Joseph Ligget, Mary Ward and family, James Turnbull, Benjamin Hibbert, George and Harriet Jones, George Stedman [Steadman], John and Ann Cartwright, Maria Jane and Alice Hanson, Esther Yeats, George Reid, Rebecca and Adelaide Harris, Jonathan Wolsteinham [Wolstenholme], Jane Mitchell, Matilda Barrett, Ann Hibbert, Mathias Nibyon.



A. Titting, Aldertine Bertelson, Caroline Simeon, Carl Rosburg [Rosberg] and family, Lars Mattison and family, Ola Yenson [Yenson or Jenson] and family, Tufne [Tufra] and B. Bengtson, Maons [Mons] Larson and family, Martin Hansen and family, Anders Yonson, Annes Stungberg [Strongberg], Mary Petroel and family, William Atkin and family, Yens and Johannes Yonson, Neil and Hanna Olsen, Peter Lanson [Larsen] and family, Soren M. Wadd [or Vadd] and family, Henrok Preson [Henrich Pearson] and family, Heahan [Haagen] Anderson, Mathilde Arvidson, Peter and Sophia Yorgensen, Yoron [Jorgen] Olson.



Ola Rosenblad, Anders Y. Yonson and family, H. O. and Mary Hagleby, Christine and Karen Petra Hagenson [Haagensen], Lars C. Christiansen [Christensen], Nils Christian, Christine S. Christiansen [Christensen], Rasmine Christoffasen [Christoffrson] and family, Peter Peterson, Christian Sorenson and family, Soren Sorenson and family, Anders Sorenson and family, Tomas C. Christiansen [Christensen] and family; Frank Pitman, Robert McKay and family, James Harris.—Total number of persons, 235.



NAMES OF PERSONS IN THE EUROPEAN COMPANY, Capt. Robert F. Neslin.



James Wood, George D. Keaton and family, Mary Ann Tuffley, Caroline Woods, Joseph Watson, James Bond and wife, Ann Boot, Emily Lovell [Lovatt], H[enry]. H. Harris [Harries] and Mary, Mary Wild, James, Eliza and Harriet Smuin, Maria, Edward and Adele Dessaules, Jeremiah Whitehouse, Elijah Tamms, Sarah J. Thomas, Sarah Gilbert, William Seymour, Charlotte Burciot [Barclot], James McArthur and family, Nathan Hanson and family, William Wilcock and family, William Cullimore and family, Charles Kidgall [Kidgell], Martha Bates, John Higson and family, Christopher and Ann Sprout [Sproat], John Slade, John and Elizabeth Slade, Caroline Callort,



Charles Barrett, James Gillmen [Gillman], George Kirkham and family, James Payne and wife, William Busby and family, Givinllyn [Gwenllian] Martins [Martin], Owen Roberts and family, Thomas Burchell, Mary Davis, W. T. Teitgen [Tietjen] and family, Nils Lanson, Elma True, Magnus A. and Elyse [Elsa] Fynands [Fyrando], Yens Neilson and family, Jones Halverson and family, Rasmus Yenson [Jensen], Ann L. Anderson, Sophia and Amie Christiansen, Neils Peterson.



Thrine [Lena Dorthea] Hanson [Hansen] and family, Soren P. Guhl and family, Martha Christoffson, Hans Andersen, J. C. Granstein [Grovenstien] and family, Rosina [Rasmine] F. Frantsen [Frandsen], H[ans]. L. Dastrap [Dastrup] and family, Ingerborg [Ingeborg] Peterson and son, Mattea Yenson, Badil and Neils Peterson, Maren Anderson, Yens Peterson, H. C. Klingbeck and family, Mattea [Mette] M. Hanson and family, Thos. C. and Else M. Yenson [Jensen], Jacob and Inger K. Christiansen, Yens [Jens] Hanson and family.



Mads P. and Karen Rasmusen, Yens [Jens] and Anna [Anne] M. Mickleson, Yens Mickleson and family, Martha Betsen [Bentson], Rasmus Neilson, Neils and Ilnak Ogord, Hans Hanson, Yens Neilsen and family, Maren K. Olsen, L. [Johan] F. Klingback and family, Mattea M. Christiansen, Johanna M. Hanson, Maria Fygesen [Tygesen], H[ans] P. Iverson, Anna Yensen [Jensen] and child, J. C. Christiansen and family, Jorgen Andreasen and family.



Karen M. Peterson, Hamra Mattson, Pauline Augestsen, Anna M. Hanson, Karen Sarenson and family, Thomas P. Vad, P[eter]. C. and Frederika Mattsen [Madsen], Christer [Christen] and Else Yensen [Jensen], Lars Neilson and family, Peter A. Deline and family, Tilda A. Hansen, Asmund Waldermasen [Waldemarsen] and family, Dessa [Sissa] Fried [Frid] and child, Martin and Dorta Peterson, Karen and Eilen Onesdson, N[iels]. L. [Jensen] and Ellen C. Ogord [Aagard], C. and Ann Olson, B[ror]. Serensen [Sorensen] and family, Peter Swenson and family, Kresta [Kjersti] Abasen [Aagesan], Ole and Annie Peterson, Ole Hagg and family, Anna Peterson, Jacob Malmstron and family, Neila C. Heisel[t] and family, Hans J. Neilsen, Maren K. Christiansen and child, Sachareas [Zacarias] and Maria Andersen, P[eter]. A. Fielstad [Fjelsted], Elenor [or Helena] P. Kier, Louisa C. Neilsen, Yens C. J. Vaarden and family, Andreas Ink, Christen and Annie M. Andersen, Yena [Yens] Larson, Soren Neilsen, Nielsina D. Kissen, Maren Christensen.



Kiersten Peterson, Inger M. Christensen, Anna M. Anderson, Else Mattson, Sissa Peterson [Petersen], Hans J. Hanson and family, Neilsen C. Neilsen, Christen Olsen, Peter Monsen, Lars and Matta Hansons [Hanson], Catrena Olesen, Christen and Christina Jepperson, Sophia Olivia and Frederick Orsted, Rasmusine [Rasmine] Jepperson, [Jeppesen], Mads and Anna Forgenson [Jorgensen], Carolina H. Jacobson and child.



Christen Christoffersen, Rasmus Hanson and family, Maren Christensen, Soren Peterson and family, Christen Andersen and family, Anders and Andrea G. Yensen [Jensen], Christen [Christen] C. Yorjensen [Jorgensen, Kiersten Nielsen and family, Yens [Jens] Anderson and family, Lars C. Peterson, Matta [Mette] M. Larson, Neils Jacobson, Bold [Bodil] M. Hanson, Ole Oleson and family, Maren Yenson [Jensen] (aged 80), Marta Johansen, Chari August [Aagrist].



Sven Olesen [Olson] and family, Anders and Caroline Peterson, Neils P. Larsen and family, Johannes Andersen and family, Lars Moretsen [Mouritsen] and family, Lena Mariager, C[hristian]. J. Leondgren [Lundgreen], Peter Christoffaser [Christoffersen] and family, Anders Yensen and family, Harriet Mead, Maren Hansen, Christen and Caroline Lorensen, Maren Christensen and son, Matilde [Matilda] Sorensen.—Total, 372.



Yens [Jens] S. Dahl, aged 73, died August 1st.

Transcript for "Latter Day Saints' Immigration," Deseret News, 24 August 1859, 197

Deseret News.

Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008

Historical Department journal history of the Church. Supplement after 31 December 1854: Page 15.

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

Horace S. Eldredge Emigrating Company journal

Horace S. Eldredge Emigrating Company journal, May 1859, Page 14.

Transcript for Horace S. Eldredge Emigrating Company journal, 1859 May-September

Horace S. Eldredge Emigrating Company journal.

Kesler, Frederick, Autobiography, in Ned R. Veater, Veater Family History, 1787-1990 [1990], 359

Kesler, Frederick, Autobiography, in Ned R. Veater, Veater Family History, 1787-1990 [1990], 359.

. . . in the early spring of 1851 we left Kansas City with 3 wagons[,] 6 yoke of oxen[,] 1 span of poney horses and & one cow[.] loading our wagons princaply with provisions we crost over the river & traveled Back on the same road that we did in going down in the spring of 1847[.] feed being short we traveled slowly 
on arriving at old winter quarters. now cald Florance [Florence] we found hundreds of wagons ready to start on thare journey across the Desert Plains. I joined Apostle Orson Pratts company &amp; was chosen to be captain of the 2nd Ten which consisted of 14 wagons[.] all companies crossing the Great Plains ware organized with Captains of 100 &amp; of fifties &amp; tens[.] traveling in large well organized Bodies we ware better prepared to defend ourselves in case of an atact by any Hostile Indians. 
we traveled in this order until we arrived in the foot Hills of the Rockey [Rocky] Mountains when we divided up into smaller componies[.] I led out with 2 tens in this order[.] traveled quietly along Killing Buffiloes by the way which amply supplying the camp with all the meet that was needed. 2 of which I kild myself with my Rifle
arriving safely in S.L. City on the 1st Day of October 1851. Having traveled over 1300 Hundred miles with ox teams

Transcript for Kesler, Frederick, Autobiography, in Ned R. Veater, Veater Family History, 1787-1990 [1990], 359

Kesler, Frederick, Papers, 1837-1899, reel 1

Kesler, Frederick, Papers, 1837-1899, reel 1, Vol. 2.

[June] 2nd Th. Finished loading waggons & sent all out to Camp 4 miles[.] I also went out to the Camp in the evening & found all enjoying themselves well
3rd F. took a violent Cold which Setled in my head and ears By which I Suffered with Pain all Day
4th S. Br eldredge arived in Camp &amp; organised the Same By apoinety H.D. Haight as Capt. And myself as Comisary &amp; to take the jeneral oversight &amp; look after the interest of the whole Camp &amp; Be a Father unto all[.] Br Patrick [Burns] was apointed Sergent of the guard &amp; Br Alex[ander] Ott was appointed Chaplean &amp; Jeneral Historian, after which Jenl [General] Elderedge &amp; others made Some verry appropriate Remarks
5th Sunday weather Cool[.] Held meeting in Camp at 10 ocl[ock.] I spoke ¾ of hour[.] I felt quiet free[.] I spoke patickalarey [particularly] of the gathering of the Saints
6th M. mooved all the trains some 12 waggons[.] one wagon upset &amp; Crakt one Ax &amp; Sprung one iron Ax &amp; Broke 2 ox yokes &amp; Knackt [knocked] the Horns off of 2 or 3 oxen[.] we moved the train about 3 miles
7th T. Sent Back for our wagon that we left[.] they arived at 1 ocl. P.M. Col Smith arived in our Camp at 2 ocl. from Salt Lake City just 31 Days out[.] He &amp; his Company ware well
8th W. we Mooved all the Camp except 2 waggin about 5 miles &amp; Broke one wagon tung Spring one iron Ax Broke 2 lock Chains in asisting to turn the yokes on Some of our wild Cattle &amp; Spraint my left ancle which was quiet painful. <s>Jes</s> at 9 ocl. P.M. an Indian fired His Rifle in our Herd of Cattle the Ball passing Closte to our Guard But During [doing] no Harm
9th Th. We Succeeded in mooving the entire Camp about 10 miles with out any accident[.] Just as I was forming my Correl Br Ferimoir [Feramorz] Little arived Just 27 Days out from G.S.L. City[.] He Brought me a letter from Prt. B. Young which Containd Cheerring News from the valley
10th F. mooved the train 13½ miles[.] one waggon arived in Camp at ½ past 10 ocl P.M. all Safe
11th Lay in camp all Day[.] Straigherd an iron Ax[.] Repaird lock Chains &amp; etc.
12th Sunday Returned to Florence where I arived at ½ past 2 ocl P.M. I taried there on Buisiness &amp; left on the morning of the 18th with my Horse and Buggy &amp; a Boy on a mule[.] we traveled on throg [through] much Rain flies &amp; musketoes[.] arived at Jenoah [Genoa] Ferry on the loup fork at 9 ocl A.M. of the 21st &amp; found 2 Large Co[mpanie]s of Saints Crossing the River &amp; all felt well. I mediately Crost over the River &amp; Pushet ahead Camping on the Praires alone &amp; wattring my animals at Night I arived <s>at</s> or rather overtook our train while crossing Prairie Creek. Distance From Florence 160 miles which I travel in 4½ days. Recd 2 letters from Home. My health is Pretty good
23rd we traveled up prairie Creek 18 miles[.] good Road &amp; plenty of timber[.] Campt at ¼ past 5 ocl P.M.
24th F. our Cattle Stampeeded at ½ past 4 ocl AM. And 300 Head Ran off 8 or 10 miles Before we could check thare progress[.] we Recovered all &amp; traveld about 10 miles &amp; Campt on wood River
25th S. I Delt out Rations &amp; Straightened an iron ax that was badly Sprung &amp; Done[.] other Repairing to wagons[.] weather pleasant[.] Camp Healthy[.] traveld 5 miles
26th Sunday travled about 18 miles[.] windy Day[.] Seen Several Buffilo
27th M. traved about 19 miles
28th T. traved [blank space] 12 miles[.] Crost Buffilo Creek &amp; Campt on Same[.] found the Crick verry miry &amp; Had to put in logs &amp; Brush. Suffered in the afternoon with a violent Headache
29th W. Lay in Camp on the account of Sister Harris being verry Sick
30th mooved Camp 17 miles
July 1st F. travld[.] Nothing of interest transpired
2nd S. travld about 17 miles
3rd Sunday traveld 7 miles Before Breakfast &amp; then lay in Camp the balance of the Day
4th M. travld about 16 miles
5th T. travld about 15 miles
6th W. traveld about 18 miles[.] I gave the Camp Some jeneral instructions in Relations to thare Several Duties
7th Th. Had Heavy Sand Hills to pass over[.] Broke one waggon tung[.] I Have taken a violent Cold which with the additions of Care &amp; anxiety of the Camp wories me down
8th F. traveled over Heavy Sand &amp; met Several <s>9th</s> waggons from the valley Backing out.
9th S. Crost Heavy Sand Bluffs at wolf Creek &amp; Campt 7 miles Below Ash Hollow.
10th Sunday. At 3 ocl A.M. our Cattle Stampeeded But we Succeeded in quieting them Down By Running them in to the coral
11th M. we Resumed our Journey traveling about 15 miles per day without any Serious accidents throughout the week &amp; Campt Satterday evening about 10 miles above Chimney Rock whare we found 4 waggons from provo
17th Sunday Lay in Camp &amp; Held meeting in the evening[.] I Spoke ¾ Hour Brief &amp; to the point[.] Monday morning we Resumed our Journey &amp; on Thursday Night Campt 3 miles below Ft. Larimie [Laramie]
22nd F. I went over to the Ft &amp; got a little Blacksmithing Done &amp; made Some Small purches for the Train &amp; Recd a letter from my Family &amp; wrote one to Prt. B. Young &amp; one to my Family[.] Campt 4 miles west of th[e] Ft.
23rd S. Lay in Camp[.] I Straightend 2 iron Axeltrees &amp; put in 2 New waggons tungs that Had been Broken Sometime previous. Wrote another Home to my Sons &amp; to Abigal[.] Had a Dance in the ev[en]ing in which Br James Brown &amp; Br. Lemons Camp Partisipated[.] we Had a good time
24th Mooved 3 miles[.] Nothing of mutch interest transpired During the week
31st Sunday moved 8 miles &amp; Lay By[.] Had meeting[.] I Spoke to the Saints[.] they felt well[.] this week we Had 2 yoke of oxen Drownded &amp; 2 Head were Kild at the Red Bleffs [Bluffs] whare we Came the platt[e] River. By a Stampede Caused By Resham a trader[.] He was quiet Drunk &amp; Draws His Car[ri]age in to our train. Thareby Causing many of our teams to Run[.] also Damaged our waggon Considerable[.] Here <s>we m</s> Bro. H.S.Eldradge [Eldredge] overtook us[.] He Remained with us one night &amp; then left
7th [August] Sunday traveled to indipendance [Independence] Rock. I had a hard ride hunting up Some Oxen that Had Strayed away from us[.] I found them in 3 Different trains[.] Nothing of much to interest transpired[.] &lt;During&gt; this turned one waggon Over Duing but little Damage.
14th Sunday met Br Iria [Ira] Eldredge from the valley[.] He staid with us one Night &amp; then left for Home[.] Campt on the Sw[e]etwater opposite the South Pass[.] wrote a letter to Emeline Kesler
19th F Crost Green River &amp; Campt 1½ miles Below the ford[.] feed rather poor[.] our Cattle have Died Rapidly for a few Days past with the murr[a]in or Blind Staggers[.] the Camp jenerally well[.] my Health is But middling[.] I feel tired out
20th our Cattle Continu to Die[.] Bro H[orton]. D[avid]. Hayt [Haight] &amp; myself <s>cl</s> Concluded Best to Send to the valley for Helpl[.] I accordingly wrote a letter to Br. H.S. Eldredge to Send us at least 75 yoke of oxen as Speedily as posaible[.] Sent the letter By Br Jessee Field with instructions to Return as Speedily as posable[.] we Continud our journey Loosing about 5 Head of Cattle per Day[.] 17 yoke of Cattle Came to our Assistance on the 27th[.] in The Kanyon [Canyon] 10 yoke more met us on the road &amp; 19 yoke more 3 miles west of the weber River[.] This made us quiet Comfortable for teams[.] my Health is quiet poor.
29th Campt 5 miles west of weber River
30th T. I was verry Sick all night puking &amp; purging. At 8 ocl I left Camp for the City[.] traveled alone[.] Stopt &amp; Bated my Horse on Kanyon [Canyon] Creek[.] took a Short Sleep &amp; proceeded on my journey[.] Campt between the Big &amp; little mountain
Sept 1st T.h. got an earley Start[.] Stopt &amp; made a Cup of Coffee &amp; then pushing a Head arived at Prest B. Youngs Office at 11 ocl A.M. whare I met Prest B. Young[,] H.C. Kimball[,] D. H. Wells &amp; Several others[.] they all felt well &amp; welcomed me Home

Transcript for Kesler, Frederick, Papers, 1837-1899, reel 1, vol. 2

Kesler, Frederick, Papers, 1837-1899, reel 1.

Pratt, Orson, et. al., to Brigham Young

Pratt, Orson, et. al., to Brigham Young, August 8, 1854.

<center>250 miles East of Fort Larimie [Laramie], near the 	Junction of the north &amp; South forks of the&lt;br.	Platte river. 	August 8th, 1854</center>
To Prest. BrighamYoung,
Dear Bro., You will no doubt be surprised to learn that the Church train is, <s>at this late season,</s> so far from Utah, but unavoidable circumstances have detained us. It was found, after proceeding 40 miles upon our journey from Fort Leavensworth, and the scattering fragments of our camp had been collected together, that we lacked some 12 or 15 yoke of cattle for leaders, before we could move all the waggons at once: Capt. James Brown, and H.[orace] S.[underlin] Eldredge <s>were therefore sent</s> &lt;went&gt; back to Jackson Co, about 75 miles, to procure <s>those</s> the required number; &amp; in the mean time Brothers [Orson] Pratt &amp; [Frederick] Kesler continued to roll forward the train as fast as they could. They succeeded by travelling the ground three times over, in getting out one hundred miles from Fort Leavensworth by the time <s>that</s> the brethren returned with the additional cattle, without the loss of only a few axle trees and waggon tongues which were soon supplyed. After this we were enabled to move forward all the waggons at once at the usual rate of traveling. Thus <s>you will perceive</s> we were detained until after the middle of July, with 1150 miles still before us. We continued to be prospered after this so that the last week of our travelling we averaged about 19 miles per day, and the cattle felt well, and we were full of hope, and cheerful with the expectation of still reaching the valley by the 1st of October. But alas! our expectations &lt;vanished&gt; in a moment &lt;<s>were</s>&gt; <s>vanished</s>. 
On the morning of the 5th instant, we turned out our cattle at 3 o,clock as usual to feed. They had scarsely arrived at their feeding place, some 40 rods from camp, when they became frightened, and a stampede ensued. The guard, instead of alarming the camp as they had been previously, and frequently instructed, ran after them on foot, and succeded in recovering a part of the herd; <s>and finding it imposs without travelling</s> only about 3 miles from camp. It was about 5 o'clock before they returned, and notified &lt;the&gt; camp, when brothers Eldredge, <s>and</s> Capt. Russell, and others immediately &lt;pursued&gt; <s>their animals and on</s> &lt;on horse and&gt; on <s>their animals and on</s> foot. After going about 10 miles into the bluffs, they overtook 2 yoke of oxen which had given out; these were so frightened that it took some 2 or 3 persons to drive them back. &lt;The&gt; balance of the horsemen continuing on some 5 miles further, on one branch of the trail, overtook 9 head more which they brought into camp, <s>and</s> After getting some refreshments, 5 men started on horses &amp; mules, with 3 or 4 days provisions, to follow the trail; these were all the horses and mules that were in the least fit to be rode. <s>they again started about 12 noon</s> On the evening of the same day Brothers &lt;E.T.&gt; Benson, Ira Eldredge, Erastus Snow, Orson Spencer, &amp; company, arrived in our camp in good health, &amp; spirits. The next morning the 2 brothers Eldredges and some others went back on the <s>rod</s> road, with the intention of going some 25 or 30 miles in search. The same day, (being Sabbath,) brothers [Ezra T.] Benson &amp; Ira Eldredge were acknowledged in their appointment as the leaders, and presidents of the camp, by the unanimous vote of all. A short time before sundown one of the horsemen returned, being sent back with seven head of cattle which were overtaken &lt;in the bluffs&gt; some 40 miles from the camp. <s>in the bluffs.</s> We found, by counting the cattle which remained, that about 120 head were still missing. On the morning of the <s>sixth</s> seventh we sent 2 men on horseback, with a fresh supply of provisions, <s>with instructions</s> &lt;and instructed&gt; to go and meet those still on the search. About 11 o'clock 2 more of the hunters returned driving brother [Orson] Pratt's carriage horses before them; they had become so broken down in running over the bluffs and sand knowls, that they could scarsely be got into camp. They reported that they had followed up the trail till it became so scattered, and defaced that they could follow it no further, and that the men &amp; animals were nearly famished for want of water; <s>that one of brother Pratt's horses was so weary that he could not be got to the water without taking from him the saddle and carrying it upon their shoulders; they also reported</s> that after riding some 15 miles beyond where they lost the trail in the direction that the cattle had before travelled, and after a diligent search upon the highest hills, and in different directions, <s>they</s> &lt;and&gt; could find no trace, they concluded to strike for the road some <s>30</s> &lt;few&gt; miles to the east of our camp. After reaching the road they met the two men with provisions, <s>when two</s> &lt;and 4&gt; of the company started east, and <s>they</s> came into camp. About sundown bro. Eldredge returned with his carriage having met the company, and again directed them to bear off into the bluffs in a south west direction, in hopes to intersect the trail. About 11 o'clock Capt Russell and Ira Eldredge returned and reported that the 5 persons traversed the bluffs in different directions for some 18 miles back from the road, until they intersected the trail which had already been traveled by the horsemen, when 3 were directed to camp for the night, and they returned, striking the road about 8 miles east of our camp. <s>The 3 men are expected in to-day.</s>	
<s>We are now</s> It is now 10 o'clock A.M. We are yoking <s>our</s> the cattle <s>which</s> we have left, in hopes to move our <s>cap</s> camp a few miles to day.	
Brothers Benson and Horace S. Eldredge expect to take a carriage and go ahead some 2 or 300 miles to overtake 6 emigration companies, and if possible, procure from each a few yoke of cattle and return with them to help our camp. There is supposed to be about 2 <s>perper</s> or 3 perpetual Fund companies still behind, and also brother William's merchandise train, from all of which we shall try &lt;to get&gt; <s>and draw</s> some cattle; and by these exertions we are in hopes to work up our train Zion-ward until we meet a fresh supply from the valley, and if possible to land the train in the valley this season.	
We have instructed brothers Snow, Spencer, and company to keep a good look out for our cattle throughout their journey to the states and also to inform the companies still behind; and if all or a part of the lost herd is found, to instruct them to send them to us. 	
Bro [Frederick] Kesler will leave by the August mail for Utah[.] he has been of great service to us.	
Aug. 8th 6 o'clock P.M. We &lt;have&gt; been able to <s>slowly</s> move our train about 12 miles to day, but our teams are altogether to[o] light for hills, and sandy places, we consider it best to keep moving, if we do not everage [average] more than 6 or 8 miles per day.	
Bro. H.S. Eldredge, <s>expects</s> after assisting <s>in</s> to obtain cattle from the companies in advance <s>will</s> expects to remain with his own individual waggons and ox teams until he arrives in the valley. Bro Pratt will probably be under the necessity of remaining with the ox train as his horses are, in their present condition, unable to travel faster than cattle; he has not means to go through by mail, or he would probably accompany brother Kesler.	
The 3 men who camped out last night have just arrived, bringing no intelligence from the cattle.	
To morrow morning we expect to send back 2 men who will go <s>back</s> to fort Kearney, if they do not obtain intelligence of the cattle sooner. We shall send letters to brothers Farr, Williams, Empy, and others, authorizing them to procure the cattle for us, should they, by any providence, fall into the hands of the garrison, or any other individuals; also a request <s>of</s> to the commanding officer at the fort to use all dilligence to recover them for us.	
August 8th 7 o'clock A.M. Bro. Kesler is about starting with brothers Benson &amp; H.S. Eldredge: also our 2 messengers which we send back to fort Kearney are about ready to start with the letters, &amp;c The meat in our camp will soon be <s>exausted</s> gone. We have flour enough to do us until we reach the south Pass. We do not need many waggons sent from the valley, but we want a plenty of teams. A very few horses &amp; mules to assist in looking out camp grounds, feed, &amp; water, and to run after stray cattle should there be any, would not be amiss, as we are now very destitute. Our camp is generally in good health, only a few sick, no deaths since we wrote by the last mail.	
We remain your brethren in Christ,	
<center>Orson Pratt 	E[zra].T. Benson 	H[orace]. S[underlin]. Eldredge 	Ira Eldredge 	F[rederick]. Kesler </center>

Transcript for Pratt, Orson, et. al., to Brigham Young, 8 Aug. 1854, in Brigham Young, Office Files 1832-1878, reel 54, box 41, fd. 2

Pratt, Orson, et. al., to Brigham Young.

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Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States

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The Church History Biographical Database is a powerful research tool that contains biographical entries on over 100,000 early Latter-day Saints, such as pioneers who traveled to Utah and missionaries who served throughout the world from 1830-1940.

Name

Presided Over

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Title

Frederick Kesler, Sr.

Birth Date

Death Date

Gender

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