Henry William Miller (1807 - 1885) Profile

Individual

death-date-qualifier-death

Henry William Miller

birth-date-qualifier-birth

Henry W. Miller diary, 1855 April-1862 October, Church History Library

Henry W. Miller diary, 1855 April-1862 October, Church History Library.

High Priests of Nauvoo and early Salt Lake City

High Priests of Nauvoo and early Salt Lake City, Page 89.

High Priests of Nauvoo and early Salt Lake City.

Latter-day Saint biographical encyclopedia, Andrew Jenson

Miller, Henry William

"Miller, Henry William", Andrew Jenson, Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, 3, Page 165.

Latter-day Saint biographical encyclopedia, Andrew Jenson.

Temple Records Index Bureau, comp., Nauvoo Temple endowment register

Temple Records Index Bureau, comp., Nauvoo Temple endowment register, December 10, 1845.

Temple Records Index Bureau, comp., Nauvoo Temple endowment register.

The Joseph Smith Papers

Henry William Miller" (biographical entry)

"Henry William Miller" (biographical entry)", The Joseph Smith Papers.

The Joseph Smith Papers.

Barker, John Henry Humphrey, Journal

Barker, John Henry Humphrey, Journal, May 1859.

Barker, John Henry Humphrey, Journal.

Biographical sketches, 1891-2013

William Henry Miller

"William Henry Miller", Biographical Sketches, 1891-2013.

Freelove Miller

"Freelove Miller", Biographical Sketches, 1891-2013.

Biographical sketches, 1891-2013.

Browning, James Allen, Autobiography [ca. 1851-1883]

Browning, James Allen, Autobiography [ca. 1851-1883].

. . . .In the month of July (3? I think) 1852, we resumed our journey for Salt Lake Valley. on the “Great Interior Basin,” (leaving the fens of the “M. bottoms”) which region in the meanwhile had been settled by our people to a limited extent, father [Jonathan Browning] having seven well laden wagons and quite a number of loose stock. I having a pony assisted in driving the loose stock.
On our journey were many things of interest to arrest our wandering eyes, Arid plains, rugged rocks—chimney, Court House &amp; Independence rocks &amp; the Devil’s Gate for instance—Cache Cave, Mineral springs and many other wonders of nature presented to our view. I also enjoyed the sport of shooting the buffalo, antelope, prairie-dog (a peculiar little animal, <s>of the canine species, &amp;</s> said to burrow with the screach owl and rattlesnake) sage hens &amp; other wild game.
Henry W. Miller was captain of our Company (in which father had charge of a sub-division of ten) and having a No. 1. revolving rifle (which I, after arriving at our journey’s end, sold for $125.00) I was frequently one of the party selected by our Capt. to Kill meet for the Camp. In my hunting excursions I was made aware of the fact that a bull-buffalo, wounded &amp; enraged is a mischievous &amp; rude customer to deal with, which I proved to my satisfaction <s>on a certain occasion.</s> (Our Co was No. 20. fathers being the 2d Division of same.)
Having disable one of those buffalo bulls, by a volley of shots, &amp; having him prostrated &amp; bleeding, a young novice-hunter hearing my repeated shooting, appeared upon the scene. Seeing the burley bovine was not dead but looking defiantly at us, asked the privilege of a shot at his pate, <s>(he had a U.S. old yanger) which I granted.</s> He approached within two or three rods of the bull &amp; presented arms. The brute becoming somewhat used to this sort of tactics by my previous shooting seemed to understand this maneuver, &amp; sprang to his feet &amp; made for his new antagonist, who, without firing “beat a retreat” running back toward my post, the bull hard at his heels. As soon as the boy and bull came up to where I was <s>waiting</s> “cocked &amp; primed.” I immediately shot the latter in the forehead, felling him again, whilst the former scampered to a neighboring eminance, where he began congratulating himself on his lucky escape, saying <s>he thought</s> it was not safe to be in sight of one of those infuriated animals. [-- 5 Buffalo -] [Original text in Pitman shorthand] 
There were a few deaths in our camp of cholera mostly, among which was a niece of mine—a babe of John &amp; Sarah Galliher—(&amp; was buried on Wood River.) My brother [John] Wesley had a touch of cholera. One Wm. Mason died of cholera.
One evening, after our company had gone into Camp, Jim Wilcox &amp; myself—went forward to get a shot at some buffalo, some two or three miles from camp. I succeeded in killing one and started for camp to get conveyance for it, (as we were afoot) leaving Wilcox to watch &amp; designate the place of our game, as it was approaching dusk. Our Capt. &lt;Henry Miller&gt; and I started back on horseback (with backs to put the meat in) but could not find either the buffalo or Wilcox. After Hunting &amp; hollowing about among the hills for some time we concluded to give it up, &amp; started for camp, when we became aware that we were bewildered &amp; lost. but after rambling about, going down some steep defiles, when we would dismount &amp; lead our horses, we finally found our way into Camp, after all but the camp guard had retired. On the following morning I had no trouble in finding the buffalo, which was disembowled by the cayotes during the night. Wilcox (the party left to watch) had followed after some other buffalos trying to get another &amp; on his return could not find the one I had killed, so he returned to camp, hence our failing to find him.
By way of breaking the monotomy of camp life, oft times at the close of the day’s travel, wagons coralled, supper dispatched, and guard on post, the sound of music was heard reverberating throughout Camp, as many of the Camp (especially the youthfull) Kept pace with the strains of the violin in the dance upon the green: indicating the buoyancy of spirit prevading a “Mormon” Camp[.] [When gathered - of --road.] [original text in Pitman shorthand] 
In the latter part of Sept. 1852. after a three months irksome Journey, we arrived in Salt Lake City. Here we hailed friends &amp; relatives whom we had been absent from for a couple of years or more. During the evening I took a stroll about town with cousin Thos. Browning (who had met us during the day in Emigration Canyon.) viewing the many improvements of only five year’s time. It being a nice moon-light night &amp; Ballou’s band out serenading made this epoch of our arrival all the more interesting &amp; pleasant. Uncle James G. had met &amp; camped with us at East Canyon Creek the previous night.

Transcript for Browning, James Allen, Autobiography [ca. 1851-1883]

Clark, Edwin Watkin, [Autobiography], in Edna J. Gregerson, comp., The Mellors Through the Years [1963], 660-61

Clark, Edwin Watkin, [Autobiography], in Edna J. Gregerson, comp., The Mellors Through the Years [1963], 660-61.

I was organized in a company of ten under R. Chaffin with Henry W. Miller Captain over a whole company of 50. Besides myself and wife, there were four children, one wagon, one yoke of cows. Daniel MacKintosh was secretary of our company. We started 3 July 1852. Orson Hyde was the captain over 100. 
The emigration of LDS across the plains in 1852 was larger than in any preceding years, owing to the fact that the Saints who had made themselves temporary homes in Pottawattamie Co., Iowa, had been counseled by President Young to immigrate to the valleys of the mountains. As the mapority of the Saints complied with the counsel given, all the branches in Pottawattamie County (between 30 and 40 in number) were discontinued and the membership of the branches constituted an important part of the emigrants of that year. The emigration from Great Britain was also a large one that year, or season, and even a number of the Saints who had spent a year or more in St. Louis crossed the plains in 1852, making their way to the valley of the mountains. Some of the Saints, who for various reasons, could not get ready for the crossing in 1852, went the following year or later on, but few who refused to comply with the counsel of the authorities of the church made themselves permanent homes there, and some of themsubsequently became identified with the apostate organization, and sidetracked Mormonism altogether. 
I drove my team of oxen up and down through mud and streams and on 6 September, my oldest daughter, Sarah, was run over while she was getting out of the wagon and died the next day on Sweetwater River, at the age of seven. We still pressed on, though it was a trial to leave her buried there.

Transcript for Clark, Edwin Watkin, [Autobiography], in Edna J. Gregerson, comp., The Mellors Through the Years [1963], 660-61

David and Catherine Uch Thomas Ap Richard Roberts family record and temple book, 1880-1920

David and Catherine Uch Thomas Ap Richard Roberts family record and temple book, 1880-1920, August 1948.

David and Catherine Uch Thomas Ap Richard Roberts family record and temple book, 1880-1920.

Deseret News

Arrival

"Arrival", Deseret News, August 12, 1857, Page 5.

Captain H. W. Miller's Company

"Captain H. W. Miller's Company", Deseret News, October 22, 1862, Page 4.

<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">CAPTAIN H. W. MILLER’S COMPANY.</center>
	
<center>PARLEY’S PARK, 14th Oct. 1862.</center>
EDITOR DESERET NEWS:	
Permit me to inform you and your numerous readers of the safe arrival of Captain H. W. Miller’s train of emigrants at this place on Tuesday, Oct. 14th. The train left Florence August 8th and reached this place today, making the trip in 68 days.	
Before leaving Florence, our camp was organized. Samuel Hargraves was appointed Chaplain; J[ames]. B[race]. Darton, Sergeant of the Guard; Richard Harper, Commissary; Elisha Helton, assistant Commissary; Henry Stokes, Secretary.	
Our company consisted of sixty wagons, and about six hundred and sixty-five souls. Of these there were about 570 English, the greater part of whom emigrated from England this year, and the remainder of the company were Scotch, Welsh, Germans and Americans.	
We had twenty-eight deaths, nine births and four marriages. The deaths were chiefly caused by fever and diarrhoea, and nearly all of them were children under five years of age.	
I am pleased to say that the journey was very pleasant and agreeable, and that the providential hand of Almighty God was manifested towards us in a most wonderful manner, and my sincere desire is that the same blessings may be realized by those companies who have not yet arrived, but who are yet journeying to Zion at this late season of the year.				
<center>HENRY STOKES </center>

Transcript for Stokes, Henry, "Captain H. W. Miller's Company," Deseret News [Weekly], 22 Oct. 1862, 136

The Companies for the Missouri River

"The Companies for the Missouri River", Deseret News, June 4, 1862.

<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The Companies for the Missouri River.</center>



The companies with teams for the Missouri have been often heard from since their departure and were getting along quite well considering the high waters and bad roads, which, as anticipated, had impeded their progress. Those difficulties, however, had, to latest dates from the several trains, been, by diligence and perseverance, overcome with but little loss or damage—a few wagons upset and broken, with some little loss of provisions and other articles comprising their casualities.



Col. Burton and company, returning from the "seceded" or "infested" section of the eastern road, through which he escorted Mr. Hooper and those accompanying him, met Capt. [John R.] Murdock and company at Fort Bridger, which place they left on the morning May 28th, expecting to camp that night on Muddy, twenty miles distant. Captain [Homer] Duncan’s train, with Captain [Joseph] Horn[e]’s close in the rear, was met that forenoon a few miles this side of Fort Bridger. Captain [Ansel P.] Harmon left Bear river on the morning of the 29th, and the companies in charge of Captains [Horton D.] Haight and [Henry W.] Miller, respectively, were met on that day near each other about fifteen miles up Echo, all well and progressing finely.

Transcript for "The Companies for the Missouri River," Deseret News, 4 June 1862, 388

The Immigration

"The Immigration", Deseret News, July 23, 1862.

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



A telegraphic dispatch to Prest. Young announced the arrival at Florence on the 16th inst., of Captains [John R.] Murdock and [Homer] Duncan with their trains from this city. Nothing to acknowledge has been heard from the other trains recently, but it is believed that the companies in charge of Captains [Joseph] Horne and [Ansel P.] Harmon were not far behind Captain Duncan. The other two companies in charge of Captains [Horton D.] Haight and [Henry W.] Miller had some difficulty in crossing the streams this side of the South Pass, and were some distance behind the other trains when they passed Laramie and may not yet have left the Missouri river on their return.



A storm is reported to have occurred in Florence, before the arrival there of the first train from the mountains in which two of the immigrants were killed, and a few others slightly injured.

Transcript for "The Immigration," Deseret News, 23 July 1862, 28

Arrival of Trains

"Arrival of Trains", Deseret News, October 22, 1862.

<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">ARRIVAL OF TRAINS.</center>



Capt. [Isaac] Canfield’s company (independent,) arrived late on Thursday evening, Oct. 16th, having occupied eleven weeks in the journey across the plains. Elder James McKnight, chaplain and clerk, reports that they had an exceedingly prosperous journey; that there was but little sickness and no deaths in the company, and their losses in cattle were inconsiderable—only three or four, and those mostly belonging to a small train, freighting merchandize which travelled with the company part of the way.



We are informed that the immigrants in this company were more strict in their devotional exercises than some others have been, and generally held meeting every evening, during the entire journey.



On Friday, 17th; about noon, the fifth church train, Capt. H[enry]. W. Miller; arrived, in which were about six hundred and fifty immigrants, and sixty wagons. It seems there was considerable sickness in the company on the plains; and about thirty deaths, mostly children. The teams generally returned in very good condition.



Mr. [William Samuel] Godbe’s freight train of twenty-two wagons also arrived on Friday, in which there were a few immigrants.



The sixth Church Train Capt. H[orton]. D. Haight came in on Sunday, in which were about four hundred and fifty passengers. There were, as reported, thirty deaths in the company on the plains; most of whom were sick when they left the Missouri river, principally children.



Capt. David P. Kimball’s freight train arrived yesterday afternoon; how many wagons there were in it we did not ascertain.



The large freight train in which there are some few emmigrants, mostly Swiss was supposed to be somewhere in the vicinity of Yellow Creek last night, and may be expected to arrive in the course of five or six days. Capt. W[illiam]. H. Dame is in charge.

Transcript for "Arrival of Trains," Deseret News, 22 October 1862, 132

20th Company

"20th Company", Deseret News, September 18, 1852, Page 2.

20th Company, H. W. Miller, Capt.. and 13 persons; L[ewis] R[ice] Chaflin [Chaffin] and 10 persons; Orson Hyde and 9 persons; Daniel McIntosh and 5 persons; Lewis Robins and 3 persons; E[dward] W[atkins] Clark and 5 persons; Jonathan Browning and 16 persons; John Galliher and 4 persons; Bingham Bement and 4 persons; Luther Reed and 2 persons; Wm. Daley and 2 persons; D[aniel] R[andall] Williams and 2 persons; wm. Price; [John] Lovell and 3 persons; wm. Beam [Bean] and 6 persons; [William] Mason and 1 person; G[eorge] Mason and 2 persons; w[illiam] Mason; [John] Carlin[g] and 3 persons; [Isaac] Carlin[g], jun.; [Alexander] Melvin [Melville] and 2 persons; R[ichard] Bentley and 4 persons; C[harles] Price and 3 persons; w. Chapman and 3 persons; [Edwin] Bryant and 2 persons; Nathan Staker and 10 persons; N[icholas] V[ance] Sheffer and 3 person[s]; E. Frost and 5 persons; Jacob Lance and 3 persons; E[benezer] wiggins and 9 persons; John Staker and 3 persons; wm. Staker and 4 persons; Enoch Cowell and 1 person; Frederick Cook[e] and 5 persons; John worthin [Worthen] and 5 persons; wm. Manhard and 6 persons; [William] H[enry] Manhard and 5 persons; R[oyal] Durfee and 3 persons; Geo. A[ugustus] Neal and 3 persons; O[liver] C. [Boardman] Huntington and 3 persons; Richard Maim [Mann] and 3 persons; O[wen] M. Cole and 9 persons.

Transcript for "20th Company," Deseret News, 18 September 1852, 2

Companies En Route

"Companies En Route", Deseret News, October 8, 1862.

<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">COMPANIES EN ROUTE.</center>



Among the companies on the road from the east to this city are, Capt. [Isaac A.] Canfield’s, which will be, as supposed, among the first that will next arrive; Capt. [David P.] Kimball’s freight train; the fifth and sixth church trains, and a freight train in charge of Capt. W[illiam]. H. Dame. The fifth church train, Capt. H[enry]. W. Miller, is supposed to be somewhere between Fort Bridger and Green river. Capt [Horton D.] Haight, with the sixth church train, is believed to be nearly one hundred miles in the rear of Capt. Miller, and Capt. Dame’s freight train, heavily loaded, in the rear of all, and may not yet have reached the South Pass.



It will unavoidably be late before the last company will get over the mountains, and more than one of them may encounter snow storms before they get into this valley, but it is hoped that the weather will continue favorable and that no heavy storms nor extreme cold will occur till after the last immigrant or freight wagon this fall shall have reached this city.

Transcript for "Companies En Route," Deseret News, 8 October 1862, 105

Captain Miller's Company

"Captain Miller's Company", Deseret News, September 17, 1862, Page 4.

Deseret News.

DUP Pioneer History Collection

Katherine Perkes Harris, reminiscences

"Katherine Perkes Harris, reminiscences", DUP Pioneer History Collection.

We traveled with the Captain [Henry W.] Miller Church train, the fifth to leave Florence with ox teams. The Pioneers walked most of the way as the wagons were loaded with food, clothing, and other supplies.


We started in the spring of 1862 and arrived in Salt Lake, City Oct. 18, of that year.

Transcript for "Katherine Perkes Harris, reminiscences", DUP Pioneer History Collection.

A Historical Sketch of Louisa Harriett Mills Palmer

"A Historical Sketch of Louisa Harriett Mills Palmer", DUP Pioneer History Collection, Page 2-3.

After Staying in New York for nine days we traveled overland as far as Albany and from there to Saint Joes. [Joseph.] This was the region of activity of the Civil War at this time. From Saint Joes we traveled up the Mississippi River as far as Florence now known as Omaha, This was the camping place of the Saints. Nine weeks were spent at Florence making preparations for the trying journey to Zion. All who were able to sew helped in making tents, wagon covers, and other necessary things for their next months.


One terrible accident happened while still at Florence. The weather is very changeable there and the most perfect day may be turned into a very disagreeable one in a few minutes. The day was lovely, but one clap of thunder and a flash of lightening changed it completely. I was suffering my first attack of home sickness and was in my tent while in front were standing Brother George Q. Cannon who was giving orders to the overseerer for the making up of the train and W. D. Young. The thunder and lightening came and the clerk was instantly killed. Brother Young was scalped as though an Indian had done it, while George Q. Cannon was unhurt.


Now the great trials and hardships of crossing the plains came. Dan Miller [Henry William Miller] was the Captain and was a very capable captain. He made his home in Farmington, Davis County.


Traveling was slow, each wagon being furnished with from four to six oxen, there were about one hundred wagons each containing from six to twelve persons. This train carried ammunition for the people in Salt Lake.


President George Q. Cannon was very much concerned about me, for I was a very little girl and he made inquiries about me every day.


The Saints arrived in Salt Lake on the ninth day of October 1862.

Transcript for "A Historical Sketch of Louisa Harriett Mills Palmer," 2-3.

Henry Stokes, reminiscences

"Henry Stokes, reminiscences", DUP Pioneer History Collection, Page 4-18.

Daughters of Utah Pioneers. DUP Pioneer History Collection.

Frontier Guardian

From the Plains

"From the Plains", Frontier Guardian, September 4, 1850.

Correspondence of the Frontier Guardian

"Correspondence of the Frontier Guardian", Frontier Guardian, January 22, 1851.

Frontier Guardian.

George Mason autobiographical sketch, circa 1883, 1-3

George Mason autobiographical sketch, circa 1883, 1-3.

Harris, George Henry Abbott, Journals, 1850-1854; 1872-1876, 51-69

Harris, George Henry Abbott, Journals, 1850-1854; 1872-1876, 51-69.

Transcript for Harris, George Henry Abbott, Journals, 1850-1854; 1872-1876, 51-69

Henry John, Life of Thomas John and Descendants

Henry John, Life of Thomas John and Descendants.

Transcript for Henry John, Life of Thomas John and Descendants

Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008

Historical Department journal history of the Church. Supplement after 31 December 1852: Page 123.

Henry W. Miller journal

"Henry W. Miller journal", CR 100 137: Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008, October 17, 1862, Page 3.

On this day, Capt. Henry W. [William] Miller's company of emigrants, which had left Florence August 8th, with sixty wagons and about 665 emigrants, arrived in G.S.L. City. The company had suffered considerably and about 28 persons died on the journey. The following is copied from Henry W. Miller's private journal:


"In the spring of 1862 I was appointed a captain of a Church train to go to the States for a company of emigrants. Altogether there were six companies sent to the Missouri River this year for that purpose. The teams from Cache and Weber counties constituted my train of 47 wagons with four yoke of oxen to each wagon. I left home at Farmington, Utah, on May 19, 1862, took charge of the train and went to Salt Lake City, where I received our loading and that day traveled some two miles and camped. The following day (Tuesday) we stayed in camp regulating our loads. The next morning we took up the line of march, we found considerable snow on the mountains and in other places the roads were very muddy. The streams were high and we had to ferry the Weber River. Thus we made but slow progress as we also had to build several bridges. Thus we were compelled to build a bridge across Black's Fork. Capt. [Horton D.] Haight's train and my own spent fifteen days on Black's Fork building the bridge across that stream. Judge Carter of Fort Bridger furnished the timber and some men to help build the bridge. When we got to Green River, we found that stream high and two oxen were lost in running the animals across. Bros. Lewis Robison and [Henry] Terry were here tending the ferry they ferried our wagons across. The crossing of this river detained us two days by going to the parting of their cables. The water spread over the bottom lands on the east side of the river to the depth of some two or three feet. Hence, after crossing the river, the wagons had to be taken one at a time to the high lands some 40 or 50 rods from the river." (Here the journal of Capt. Henry W. Miller ends abruptly.)

Transcript for Henry W. Miller journal, 17 October 1862, 3.

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

Isaac V. Carling Diary

Isaac V. Carling Diary, Vol. 1, Page 48-55.

Isaac V. Carling Diary.

Joseph Ellis Johnson diary excerpts, in J. E. J. Trail to Sundown (1961) by Rufus David Johnson, 124-26

Joseph Ellis Johnson diary excerpts, in J. E. J. Trail to Sundown (1961) by Rufus David Johnson, 124-26.

Joseph Ellis Johnson letter to Beloved Friends in J. E. J. Trail to Sundown (1961) by Rufus David Johnson, 121-24

Joseph Ellis Johnson letter to Beloved Friends in J. E. J. Trail to Sundown (1961) by Rufus David Johnson, 121-24.

Martin, Ezra Francis, Reminiscences and diary

Martin, Ezra Francis, Reminiscences and diary, January 1862.

[August] Rolled out 6th at Day Break. The Horn was Blown, at Seven all ready[.] Prayers was Said, of[f] we go towards the Valleys of the Mountains[.] 
8th Still at Elk horn Bridge[.] My Self weak Suffering from a cold &amp; Pleuresey, Wife [Sophia Packer Martin] &amp; children Very ill. 
9 Arrived at Kash Bend. 
10 Traveled 10 miles campt[.] Capt. Miller sick[,] Says he wants to cross Loup[e] Forke &amp; this crosses the Forks. the River here is about 300 yards wide[,] crossed by means of a Boat. This landed its contents in the River on the Land from this point the water being only ancle deep[.] we all got over Safe. 
20th Reached Wood River[.] Loaded up with Flour.
21st Traveled 15 miles.
22nd All well we are now on the open Prairie. Saw Some Buffilos [buffaloes] could not Shoot any. 
22nd 
24th Little girl very ill. 
25 Traveled on through Sand &amp; fine Seenery. 
26th 
27th Traveled fast &amp; lost Some Oxen[.] hindered us. 
28th 
29th bad Roads Hot weather.
September 2 campt opisite Ash Hollow. Roads good, weather hot[.] My wife &amp; child very sick[.] A child died. 
3rd Crossed the Sand Hills. 
4th Blowing &amp; Stormy cold no fire no Supper. 
5th Sophia very ill full of pain. 
6th another child buried. 
8th Esther Jane near Death no food suted for her. Starveing Dying. 
9th
10th Boy Albert Ezra Better. 
11th—about nine o clock in the morning Esther Jane returned home after much Suffering[.] She Left quiet with Slight convultions about 20 miles East of Larimie. [When] this occurred the Waggons Stop. The Teamster allowing us time to Lay her out, Traveled out to Raw Hide Creek. Here we burred her the best we could under the circumstances[.] She was aged one yeer nine month and 11 Days[.] this is about 12 miles East of Fort Laramie. 
12th persued our Journey[.] cold &amp; wet past the Fort Larimie. campt 4 miles west uncomfortable weather. Two childeen were Buried here, the food not suteable for Sick folks. 
13th Traveld in the rain[.] here we see a change in the apearance of the country[.] we are fairly in the Hills doted with cedar Wood. 
14th crossed the river a very Amusing Time. Some would Strip Naked &amp; wade. Some would Hold onto the waggons, all of females crossed on waggons. 
15th 
16th all calm. 
17th Buried another child. 
20th reached the Big La Bonte late in the night an acident occurred. Broke a young womans leg by the tiping over a waggon &amp; Severly hurt a child. 
21st 
22nd a[ll] well. 
23 Crossed the River on a Bridge. Took in Some Flour which had been left here when the Teams came down. 
24th camped on Willow Creek. Roads bad plenty of Bufilo Berries. here Mrs. [Martha] Entwistle died, aged 41 years. 
25th arrived at Devils gate[.]. This is an opening in a Rock about 50 feet wide &amp; 200 feet High perpendicular on the Sides. here the clear, cold Stream flows through as though nature had given way to acomodate. 
26th I went Hunting in company Wm Elders [Charles] Drable &amp; [James] Rice, got lost &amp; we nighted. 
27th campt near the 3 crossing. here Oswell <s>Owen</s> Ragge [Oswald Owen] died aged 22 years. Left a young Wife [Sarah Hannah Taberer Owen] &amp; child [Joseph Hyrum Owen]. This Journey is very cruel on the Sick folks. 
28th 
29th
30th weather fine. 
October 1st camped on the River called Sweetwater for the last time. 
2nd arrived at the South pass the Back Bone of the American continent. Drank at the Pacific Springs[.] Now the water runs Westward. Here is a Grand Sight as curious as it is Grand, Majestic &amp; awefull looking Hills to the Right. Hand [and] away in the distance the Tops of the Wind River mountains to the Left also Rugged Black Looking Hills. 
3rd During the Night a fall of Snow about 3 inches deep caused the cattle to Stray of[f] thus we lay all the rest [of the] day. 
4th Got a good Start Roads good. Buried another child campt on Little Sandy many foot Sore &amp; Some Sick. 
5th past corral Hollow was Informed this was the place where Lot Smith &amp; a few men performed Like a Mericle in Surprising &amp; captureing a company of U.S. Troops belong to the Johnsten army Sent out to destroy the Mormons. 
6th Arrived at Green River crossed all safe. The women of course rode over in the waggon. 
7th Arrived at Hams fork here we saw 3 Bridges &amp; a Road about a quarter of mile made by the men comeing down in the Spring when the waters was out. here we Buried a child a Son [Joseph Hyrum] of Oswald &amp; Sarah H. Owens or Wragg. 
8th reached the Muddy. 
9th came to the Road 13 miles from Bridger. 
Oct 11th campt on Yellow creek. We are now in the mountains. 
12th weather fine plenty of dust women &amp; men &amp; Teams all desighted with dust. Buried one woman &amp; two children. 
12th Crossed Bear River a Rapid Stream about 20 yards wide we now asend a high Hill &amp; another[.] now we have a View of a Rugged mountain &lt;country&gt; impassable to all appearances. To the South is a Valley to the South west another. Down we go to the right then to the Left then to the right again to Left &amp; we are in Echo Canyon &amp; curious &amp; very very wonderfull casam or opening throug[h] the Mountains as if nature had forced an inlet &amp; tore away the rocks &amp; Earth in unseemly manner. Here are Springs gushing out in all derections all leading downward to one channel that is called a creek, this creek increases in power &amp; voulume as it rolls down the Kanyon &amp; gathers the nemerous Streams gushing out from the mountain Sides. 
13th Traveled down this Kanyon. 
14th crossed the Weber River &amp; campt at chalk creek a Small Settlement <s>on the</s> of the Latter day Saints. 
15th arrived at Parleys Park &amp; campt. 
16th campt in Emigration Kanyon. 
17th arrived in Salt Lake city. Mrs. Emma Morris my wifes Sister &amp; Mrs. Emly Morris met us in the Kanyon received us Kindly.

Transcript for Martin, Ezra Francis, Reminiscences and diary, 1862 Jan.-1895 May

Martin, Ezra Francis, Reminiscences and diary.

Miller, Henry William, Diary

Miller, Henry William, Diary, April 1855.

In the spring of '62 I was appointed a captain of a church train to go to the States for a company of emigrants. There were six companies sent this year. Cache and Weber Counties made my train of 47 wagons with four yoke of oxen to the wagon. 
I left home on Monday, May 19th, 1862, and took charge of the train and went to the city and received our loading. Went some 2 miles and camped. 
Tuesday stayed in camp regulating our loads. 
The next morning took up the line of march. We found considerable snow on the mountains. We found the roads muddy and the streams high. We had to ferry the Weber River. We made but slow progress on the account of the situation of the roads and streams. We had to build several bridges. We were compeled to bridge Blacks Fork. Capt. [Horton D.] Haights train and mine were there 15 days helping bridge the stream. Judge Carter of Fort Breyen furnished the timber and some men to put in the bridge. The stream was very high and no ferry. When we got to Green River it was high. I lost 2 oxen in running them across it. Bro. Luis Robeson and Terey Monchene tending the ferry. They ferried our wagons. We were detained here some 2 days by the parting of their cable. The water was over the bottom on the far side of the river some 2 or 3 feet deep. We kept teams there to take the wagons to the high land, which was some 4 or 5 rods. When we got across Green River. . . .
Returned to Salt Lake City, Oct. 17 – '62.

Transcript for Miller, Henry William, Diary 1855 Apr.-1862 Oct., 49-50

[June] 22. Sunday. Had meeting and organized the company electing Br. Jacob Croft, Captain; Br. Wm. [Rufus] Slade, Chaplain; Br. John [Pierce] Hawley, Sergeant of the Guard; and Br. S[teven]. [Goldsby] A[lexander]. Duggens, Clerk. The company consisted of 65 souls all bound for Utah. I had a chill.
23. Monday. In camp. The captain drove in some cattle.
24. Tuesday. Went 4 miles after cattle and drove into camp.
25. Wednesday. In camp. Had a chill.
26. Thursday. The camp started and traveled 15 miles. Camped on Horse Creek all night.
27. Friday. Laid by waiting for some cattle and hunting some that were lost.
28. Saturday. The cattle came to camp and we traveled 12 miles. Camped at Mr. Hutsons on the south side of Neoshe [Neosho] River.
29. Sunday. Traveled 4 miles. Crossed Neosho River to the north side and camped. Had meeting.
30. Monday. Traveled 18 miles. Crossed Spring River. I stayed back to hunt a horse and came to camp after dark.
July 1. Tuesday. 16 miles. Camped on Cow Creek. Lost 9 head of oxen.
2. Wednesday. Lay by to hunt the oxen. Not found.
3. Thursday. Hunting cattle. Br. Duggins and Hawley went back to hunt the cattle.
4. Friday. Traveled 12 miles.
5. Saturday. Laid by Br. Duggens and Hewet for lost cattle.
6. Sunday. Rained in the morning. Traveled in the after noon 14 miles. Camped on Drywood Creek.
7. Monday. Traveled 14 miles. Camped at Fort Scott.
8. Tuesday. Traveled 14 miles. Camped on a small creek.
9. Wednesday. Traveled 12 miles. Camped on a small creek.
10. Thursday. Traveled 10 miles. Camped for the night.
11. Friday. Traveled 12 miles. Camped on Sugar Creek.
12. Saturday. Traveled 16 miles. Camped by a spring. Br. Croft broke one of his carriage wheels.
13. Sunday. Traveled 6 miles and camped.
14. Monday. Travelled 7 miles. Camped on the Blue.
15. Tuesday. Traveled 9 miles. Camped at a spring 12 miles from Kansas City. Sent back George and William [Schroeder] Hawley with span of mules and a small wagon after Mr. Duggens. Br. Hewet came up today and reported him very sick at Mr. Hutsons about 160 miles back.
16. Wednesday. Went to see Br. Van Cot and Cunningham who were here after cattle.
17. Thursday. I spent the most of the day with Mr. Van Cot and Cunningham.
18. Friday. In camp.
19. Saturday. In camp.
20. Sunday. In camp. Meeting in the evening.
21. Monday. Moved the camp 3 miles north to a good spring.
22. Tuesday. Hunting cattle.
23. Wednesday. Hunting cattle. Found one. Brother Hawleys returned with Mr. Duggen.
24. Thursday. Went to town with Br. Croft and wife [Sebrina Land Cropper Croft].
25. Friday. In camp.
26. Saturday. Saturday morning. Had meeting. Left this camp all right. Traveled 7 miles.
27. Sunday. Bid the company farewell. They took the road for Uniontown up the Kansas River and we returned to camp near Westport.

Transcript for Miller, Henry William, Diary, 1855 Apr.-1862 Oct., 27-29

Miller, Henry William, Diary.

Palmer, Louisa Harriett Mills, Autobiographical sketch, in Genealogical Charts and Biographical Sketches of Members of the L.D.S. Church, Ogden Stake, 26 vols., 8:136

Palmer, Louisa Harriett Mills, Autobiographical sketch, in Genealogical Charts and Biographical Sketches of Members of the L.D.S. Church, Ogden Stake, 26 vols., 8:136.

After staying in New York nine days we went to albany and from here to St. Joes. [Joseph] From St. Joes we went to Florence, now Omaha. This was the camping place of the Saints. nine weeks were spent at Florence making preparations for the trying journey to zion.



Now the great trials and hardships of crossing the plains began. Dan [Henry William] Miller was the captain and was a very able captain. Traveling was slow, each wagon had from four to six oxen. there was about one hundred wagons and from six to twelve people for each. This train carried ammunition for the people in Salt Lake.



While crossing the plains everything was done in a Systamatic way. Every night there was a dance and a meeting. roll was called twice each day.



I walked almost all of the way and forded all of the streams that were forded by any one. Often Brother [Edward Onan] Morris and Sister [Eliza Roberts] Morris and their neice [Sarah Emma Baker] and myself located the camp for the night by going a long way in advance.



There were several deaths and a great many birth while crossing the plains. we were not molested by the Indians, who were quite numerous.



We arrived in Salt Lake on the nineth day of October 1862. My brother Charles was there to meet me and he took me to my sister Mary Hibbard in Morgan County.

Transcript for Palmer, Louisa Harriett Mills, Autobiographical sketch, in Genealogical Charts and Biographical Sketches of Members of the L.D.S. Church, Ogden Stake, 26 vols., 8:136

Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company financial accounts, 1849-1886

Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company financial accounts, 1849-1886, February 1854, Vol. A, Page 1-378.

Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company financial accounts, 1849-1886.

Richard Bentley autobiographical sketch, undated, 10

Richard Bentley autobiographical sketch, undated, 10.

In the spring of 1851 Needham and Fergusen dissolved partnership[.] Bro. Needham emigrated to Utah and Mr. Ferguson continued the business[.] I continued with him until May 1852 when I emigrated to Utah, in the 20th company, H[enry]. W[illiam]. Miller being captain of the company.



Bro. Miller was an excellent captain to travel with. Elder [Orson] Hyde and family were in the company. We made good time, passing all the companies along the road down to the 7th. The cholera was very bad on the plains that year, but only one or two died out of our company. Captain Miller would not stop in one camp long enough for the people to get sick and die. It was very sorrowful to see so many graves by the roadside.



We arrived in Salt Lake City on September 24th, 1852.



[Text also in Our Pioneer Heritage, 20 vols. (1958-77), 18:181; Treasured Histories of the William Oscar Bentley Family (1984), 25; and Joseph T. Bentley, Life and Letters of Joseph C. Bentley: A Biography (1979?), 9]

Transcript for Richard Bentley autobiographical sketch, undated, 10

Richard J. Bee autobiography, circa 1908

Richard J. Bee autobiography, circa 1908, Page 12-17.

Bee, Richard John Moxey, 1835-1912. Richard J. Bee autobiography, circa 1908.

Staker, Catherine Marie Parsons, Reminiscences [1921], [3]

Staker, Catherine Marie Parsons, Reminiscences [1921], [3].

we left our home on the fourth of July 1852[.] reached the Mosoury [Missouri] river whare we wer feried over with many other Saints[.] after words the Saints wer formed int[o] Companies[.] our Captain was Henry Miller[.] their was 21 Companies Crosed the plains that year[.] the colara [cholera] was bad[.] many from other Companies died and wre laid to rest with nothi[n]g to mark their graves 
<s xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">wot</s>
[.] we only had three cases and one death from it [.] 
<s xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">we had</s>
 <My Husband [William Henry Staker] and I> the Chills and fever from loop [Loup] fork to the Valey 
<s xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">no serious miss happen &lt;to&gt; we lost one ox out of our team but was replace with another</s>
 
we arived in Salt Lake Sep 27 [….]

Transcript for Staker, Catherine Marie Parsons, Reminiscences [1921], [3]

Williams, Electa C. Briggs, Autobiography, 1885

Williams, Electa C. Briggs, Autobiography, 1885.

In the meantime, my daughter, Louisa, was married to Albert H. Bowen on the 1st of April.



Soon after they were married, her husband [Albert Hastings Bowen] hired out to drive a team across the plains to Salt Lake for a Mister Jones, a Welshman from Wales. He was captain over a large company of Welsh people that were going to Salt Lake. Albert left Louisa with me. His mother was a widow. He had built her a home one block from us [in Council Bluffs]. He had the care of his mother and four or five younger children. Louisa's first child, Harriet Electa, was born before he returned from Salt Lake. He was away one year when he came home. They moved to a place across the Missouri River, Bellview was the name. It was on Indian Territory. Albert was a blacksmith and was hired by the government. While living there, their little boy was born. They named him Albert Orlando, his father's name. They lived there until 1852, then came to Bluff City expecting to go with us to Utah. We started the 4 of July 1852[.] they did not come with us[.] they decided to stay over another year[.] Albert owned a Ferry Boat and he took us across the River[.] we traveled one half mile after we crossed the river[.] we came to a Steep hill[.] our Team could not draw our load up the hill[.] we camped there for the night[.] winter quarters was 10 miles from where we camped[.] Mr [Daniel Randall] Williams went horseback to winter quarters to get a team to help us up the hill[.] he expected to be back that night but he could not get back that night[.] we were compelled to stay where we were[.] during the night there came up a teribel Storm[.] it Thunderd and lightend and the rain came in torrents down the hill[.] our cows were tied behind our wagon[.] during the night they broke loose[.] it was so dark and Stormy that we did not think they would leave our wagons but in the morning they were no where to be found[.] as soon as daylight came I went to the Wagon and turned loose a pair of lovely Doves that we were going to take with us[.] after Breakfast I took the children and Started for winter quarters[.] we met him coming with a yoke of Oxen[.] he got them from Henry Miller[.] we reached winter quarters that Night before dark[.] the company had been Organized Previous to our leaving Kaynesville [Kanesville]. Henry Miller was the Captain of our Company of 50 wagons[.] in 4 weeks after we bid our darling Daughter goodbye she was taken with the coleria and Died on the fourth of Aug. 1852[.] little did we know while crossing those wild &amp; dreary plains the Sad tidings that was awaiting us on our arrival in the valley[.] the death of my dear child gone yes gone from me forever in this life, we had Started on our long and tedious journey[.] my husband driveing the Ox team and I the Horse team with our children and a young Lady by the name of Barbry Morgan[.] She done the cooking and other work to be done to pay her expences over the Plains[.] in our company there were 4 women that drove teams over the Plains[:] a Mrs [Elmira Pond] Miller[,] Mrs [Sarah Maria] Chaffin[,] Mrs Marry Ann Hyde better known as that time as Miss [Mary Ann] Price and myself[.] we crossed the Platt[e] River 13 times[.] more times than would have been nesesary if it had not been for the Purpose of finding feed for our animals[.] herds of Buffalows were running over the Plains[.] at one time there weare a large herd together[.] they were going for drink to the River[.] they passed betwen our Wagons[.] at another time there were two lying down with our Stock[.] in the morning one of the men in camp Shot them[.] it Supplied our Company with meat for a few meals[.] only one death in our company Mary Jane Moss[.] we were two months and 20 days crossing the plains[.] arrived in Salt lake Citty Sept. 25 1852, we recieved the Sad tidings of our dear Daughter Louisa Death soon after we reached the City[.] She left her Husband and two little one[s] a Girl and Boy Baby[.] as soon as we could get word to Ogden that we were in Salt Lake our nephew Benjaman Alvord came &amp; took us up there to live with him.

Transcript for Williams, Electa C. Briggs, Autobiography, 1885

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

Prophets of the Restoration

Global Histories

Revelations in Context

Women of Conviction

Joseph Smith Papers

Church Historian’s Press

More

Publications

Church History Museum

Historic Sites

Church History Library

Visit

Church History Catalog

Missionary Database

Pioneer Database

Treasures of the Collection

Pioneer Resources

Research

Church Historic Sites

Quick Links

Church History Biographical Database

/chd/landing

motherReferenceId

fatherReferenceId

Lexington, Greene, New York, United States

birthPlace

associatedPeople

missionQualifier

maritalStatusWhenCalled

priesthoodOfficeWhenCalled

residenceWhenCalled

missionOrganizationReferenceIdValue

locationServed

Called to fill a mission at general conference Oct. 6-8, 1844 In Nauvoo, Brigham Young selected “men from the High Priest’s quorum to go abroad … to preside over the branches of the Church.” They were not to tarry for six months and return, “but to go and settle down, where they could take their families and tarry until the Temple is built.” (Journal history, Oct 8, 1844, p. 2)

missionaryActivityNotes

missionaries referred to as "Traveling Elders"

Henry William Miller

Alternate Names

Birth Date

Death Date

Gender

Sources