James Henry Rollins (1816 - 1899) Profile

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James Henry Rollins

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Camp of Israel schedules and reports, 1845-1849

Camp of Israel schedules and reports, 1845-1849. 1849 September 24. Page 1.

Camp of Israel schedules and reports, 1845-1849.

Historical Department journal history of the Church

Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008. Supplement after 31 December 1848: Page 17.

Historical Department journal history of the Church.

James H. Rollins reminiscences, 1896; 1898, 42-43

James H. Rollins reminiscences, 1896; 1898, 42-43.

I bought a Chigo wagon and two sets of harnesses complete for the amount of ten pounds of flour. . . . We left our wagons in charge of Thomas Blackburn and returned for a new supply back to Lathorps which we obtained and bid goodbye to Lathorp and family. We then started for Carson, Frank Deny accompanying us. We sold in Carson all that we wished to sell. The rest we kept for our trip homeward to Salt Lake. We camped here several days awaiting for Amasa Lyman and his company to arrive from the other side of the mountain. When he arrived with his company it amounted to twenty-five or thirty men[,] six wagons besides our own. Some of them with others they procured in Carson, and when we were all prepared we started across the deseret of 40 miles without water. Dear [dead] cattle and horses were strung for miles, with [which] the emigrants had lost. We crossed at the sink of the Humbol[d]t river and camped. The next day we proceeded up the river and two of our men namly John Gould and Farnum Kinyon were taken very sick in the afternoon of that day. They lagged behind the main company. A messenger was sent back to tell them to hurry up as it was dangerous to travel along [alone]. They said they were sick and came into camp unsaddled and layed down on their blankets from which they were taken[,] rolled and buried by sunrise The next morning they were taken with the Cholera and their cries through the night were very painful to hear. Dan Clark and myself, Amasa Lyman and Gould's father worked over them until they breathed their last which was about day-light. In the morning we rolled them in their blankets[,] a hole being dug[,] we layed them inside, side by side and covered them up, and after this gathered brush and burnt on top of the grave. During the night Amasa Lyman told us to open a keg of brandy of 5 gall[on]s to use on the boys who were sick and to drink as much as we could. We ate Sardine[s] and crackers with the brandy, which kept us from taking the desease which afflicted the boys. after the burial of the boys[,] I looked for my Mules and found my most valued mule gone from our herd and did not dare to go from camp to look for him as we were in a hurry to leave that place.



After traveling up the river before we arrived at the gravely ford, an Indian made his appearance holding in his hand an old pistol, that he wanted to narrowwap for a carivan. We said nothing to him, until the last wagon, which was George Billing's. he caught his riffle [rifle] and said: "Dam you, I'll narrowwap you." He shot from under the cover, not pointing at the Indian. At this the Indians commenced hollowing running and falling then arising and running in a zigzag manner. We looked on a rid[g]e a half mile distant. a great many Indians who showed themselves near the top of the ridge. We did not stop our train, but traveled a little faster until we came to the gravely ford about dark. We heard Indians following us on the right. We traveled on about 10 miles and camped without fire and a double guard was put around us. We saw no more of the Indians the next day. The camping places from this on to Goose Creek[,] at which we arrived after many days of travel, from thence to Bear River without any accident. We crossed the Malad on a natural bridge composed of cane and rushes. At Bear River Clark and myself ate the first Sardines since we left the place where our brethren died. We could not bear the smell of them previous to this time. We passed on from this towards Salt Lake crossing the Ogden River and the Weber river and arrived in Salt Lake City the morning of the 6th of October 1850 having left the City for our journey on the first days of the same months in 49.

Transcript for James H. Rollins reminiscences, 1896; 1898, 42-43

"Journal and Diary of Albert King Thurber," in Treasures of Pioneer History, 6 vols. [1952-57], 3:283-288

"Journal and Diary of Albert King Thurber," in Treasures of Pioneer History, 6 vols. [1952-57], 3:283-288.

Melissa R. Heyborne autobiographical sketch, circa 1934, 2-3

Melissa R. Heyborne autobiographical sketch, circa 1934, 2-3.

Soon after the Meadow Mountain Massacre, word came from President Young, “To your tents, O Israel!” In seven days from then we were on the road to Utah. Many of our possessions had to be left behind. The dining room table was piled high with dishes and we left them all. Father had taken his share of stock from the store which made about four wagon loads of goods.



For me, that was a wonderful and exciting journey from California to Utah. We camped at the Mojave one day, the sight being around the point of a mountain. My brother Henry who was ninteen years old, seemed in a great hurry to reach Utah, and when camp broke up he started out ahead of the company with Mother, my two and a half year old brother, and me. Three span of mules pulled the wagon. Presently we saw a large prominent rock by the side of the road. As we drew near, two big Indians jumped out from behind it, all painted and with head bands, feathers, and bows and arrows. One grabbed the lead mules and turned them so that the wheels were cramped, while the other drew his bow and arrow upon Henry. We were terribly frightened. Mother caught up little brother and jumped over the wheels and I followed. John Henry coiled his black whip with the loaded butt and would have struck them but Mother cried out, “Don’t touch them or they will kill every one of us!” At that moment the company drove in sight and the Indians ran away.



A child was born that night but it died. Mother was very ill. Father had intended going to his old home in Salt Lake but because Mother was so sick he tried to rent a room in Cedar for two weeks, but no rooms were to be had. However, we stayed in our tents and wagons and then went to Parawan [Parowan]. We ramined there a year.



Another droll incident of that trip happened when in the course of our travels we reached a long steep hill. My grandmother Nancy Walker, a fleshy woman, was coming to Utah with us and she declared she would not ride down the hill and so began walking but she stumbled and fell. Down Grandma rolled right to the bottom of the hill. Although we were very frightened the woman got up laughing and apparently suffered no injury.



President Young sent word to Father that he wanted him to be bishop of Minersville. So you see, he never reached Salt Lake with his family.

Transcript for Melissa R. Heyborne autobiographical sketch, circa 1934, 2-3

Robert L. Campbell, Journal extracts (30 June

Robert L. Campbell, Journal extracts (30 June, October 19, 1848.

Transcript for Robert L. Campbell, Journal extracts (30 June-19 October 1848) in Historical Department office journal, 1844-2012

Robert L. Campbell, Journal extracts (30 June.

Rollins, James H., Sketches from camp journal of Pres. Amasa Lyman's Company

Rollins, James H., Sketches from camp journal of Pres. Amasa Lyman's Company, July 24, 1848.

Sketches from Camp Journal of Pres A. Lymans Co 
 
July 24th 1848
Started from winter Quarters June 29-[18]48—6 P.M. went 3 miles when an Axtel tree [axletree] was Broken in Leathur Lormire wagon[.] left waggon and went on 3 mi. and Camped. then some went back for waggon
(30th) fine &amp; pleasant some cattle in the mire— camp called together and organized Capt. 100 Ja[me]s M. Flake Capt 50 B[arnabas]. L. Adams, Capt 10s 1st C[hapman]. Duncan 2nd Ja[me]s. H. Rollins, 3rd [Peter] Meseck [Mesick,] 4th Jno [John] Brown 5th Esra [Ezra] Clark 6th A[ndrew]. Cummingham not present---did not travel this day Capt. [James] F[lake]. returned to town Cattle very troublesome through the night
July 1st started on and crossed the Papia [Pappillion] noted our team. went on 2 miles came up heavy rain stopped 1 hour---went 1 mile and camped without wood or water
(2nd) Cool and Airy started early arrived at the Elk Horn at 9 OC [o'clock] turned out our teams and breakfasted near old rafting place—searched a ford and found one ¾ mile above water from 4 to 20 inches deep[,] fixed Banks[,] &amp; returned and camp moved up and commenced crossing and finished about sun down all safe and sound[.] after dark several trains came from winter qr [Quarters.] we assisted them in crossing
(3rd) Pres. L. [Lyman][.] Capt F. [Flake] went to Burying grounds—Indians dug into Sis Taylors Grave[.] Body not disturbed—fixed them[.] anxiously waiting for Dr. R.
4th went a fishing Burnt Coal—warm and pleasant
5th Clear &amp; warm Jno Scott and others saw about 20 indians
6th A[ndrew]. L[amoreaux] with several others started back on to meet Dr R. &amp; Co[.] after traveling 3 miles found Bro Barrow &amp; others say 40 waggons stringing along from ¼ to 1 mile apart went on found Dr R. with 28 waggons on the Papia[.] they soon started from here and arrived at the Horn about 2 oc and camped Bro Smithing done all ready to Roll in the morn
7th Capt L. called for volunteers to go into Dr. R. Co that their numbers might be increased and ours reduced[,] But none volunteered[.] Capt. L. then proposed that they should go in advance—they accordingly went 2 miles ahead[.] Camp traveled to Liberty Pole on Pate 11¼ miles and Camped—Dr. Co in sight[.] they camped 4½ ms in advance of us[.] A. L.[,]Capt. L. and others went to Dr. R. after dark agreed to travel on next day and rest on the Sabbath<s>[illegible] near [illegible]</s>
8th weather warm camp started at 8 oc Traveled 14½ ms and camped ½ mile above Dr. R
9th Both camps met together[.] meeting opened by F[rankling]. D[ewey]. Richards. Dr. R's Co organized Clerks Chosen for Ea Co, Rules adopted for benefit of Camp. Pres L. &amp; R. gave good instructions—Pres L. wanted to do all the Quarreling on the road.
(10th) Morning fine camp all well and all ready to start at ½ Past 7" But obliged to wait until 9" for Dr. R.s camp several of their cattle were astray—Traveled 10 miles to shell Creek &amp; Camped[,] very warm[,] 2 fine Hogs died with Heat—Capt L killed a fine deer
(11th) Clear &amp; warm[.] Camp started at ½ P. Eight[.] Camped on Fisher slough
(12th) Started at 8 OC. warmest day we have had[.] Capt. Adams Lost Two fine Pigs By heat[.] some oxen nearly overcome[.] Camped about 3 OC.
(13th) Morning very warm[.] Camp started at 8 OC. went to Looking glass 9½ ms. and watered[.] from thence to Beaver River 8¼ ms last Teams till dark getting in[.] some teams near give out—Exceding dry &amp; Dusty
(14th) morn cool started 9 OC. drove to Cedar River Passed the Pawnie [Pawnee] Station and village, found here a Band of Omahas 2 Elks &amp; their Braves, 1st 10 ahead crossed cedar then finding ford good on Loupe[,] returned and with the rest Camped on Ea side of River, after Port day very warm and dusty, Dr Camp ½ m. S.E.
(15th) A Lyman[,] J. M. Flake &amp; 12 or 15 others went to the Loupe to find a route across[,] which they did in a short time[,] the water not being more than 2 feet in deepest part[.] after staking the route and fixing banks returned, camp started at 10 OC. Precisely[.] teams commenced crossing at 11 OC. and continued until ½ Past 1 OC. when all the teams were without any accidents- 9 Lodges Omahas on this Bank of River—Camp rolled on 3 ms up Loup and camped in good season, The day has been cloudy and cool sprinkles a little J[oseph] L. Robinson had a birth in family 1 hour before starting
(16th) Capt J. M. F. Rec.d a line from Cap F. D. R. requesting the aid of teams in crossing Loup[.] Accordingly 12 teams of 4 to 6 yokes ea were sent and Dr R's Co are here safe—I since went to Milsion to get Plank &amp; coal—Cloudy and Warm
(17th) started at 9 OC Pioneer trail very dull, Pres L. &amp; Capt F. went ahead to upper ford also to search best route. after B L. Adams Piloted the camp, traveled 15 ms and camp on Loupe, Pres L. &amp; Capt. F. found a Letter from first camp at upper crossing giving general information concerning camp and all pertaining to it Both man &amp; Beast, several antelope were seen today
18th 3 first tens to go ahead started at ½ P. 7[,] traveled S.W. 4 ms. and struck and struck trace of spring Co followed the same to Prairie Creek and camped[,] it making for 34 ms this day[,] it has been Cool and fine for our teams, Rained 2 hours handsomely Part the Road and hills, all arrived and Campt at—7" OC
(19th) Morning fine But warm Left Prairie Creek at 9" OC went to wood river 11¼ ms Watered and thence 7 miles up G. Island[,] all teams did not get in till 9 OC. 1 of P. Lymans best oxen sick and left 2 ms. back of G. Island 
Capt. J[oh]n. Browns ten went 1½ ms beyond camp G. and returned a back[.] Pres. L.[,] Capt. F. and W[eeden]. V[ander]. Hakes left camp this morning to Hunt[.] after going 8 miles Bro H. killed an Antelope[,] got on Capt. F.s horse he became frightened and Both Horses broke from them and Ran Back one mile beyond P. Creek, there Bro Hake caught them, Pres G. &amp; H. started for train on foot and was near perishing for want of water and overcome by excessive hea[.] Pres L came near the foot of the train but came near Perishing before he could by signals make them see him when he did[.] Dr. Richards came to him with his carriage and took him in—But could take nothing him that would stay on his stomach—Capt. F. found Bro Hakes lieing in the Prairie helpless 4 miles from Train, found the spring camp Crossed wood River June 20 and camped There, found on a Buffalos head with Bro Bullocks &amp; Webbs Names on to it—and all well.
20th started from Camp at 9" O.C. Traveled say 9. miles. Bro L quite sick not-able to be up, Quite warm and sultry[,] several waggons came near being Burned by fire in the Prairie, after stopping[,] men went to putting up forge for B. Smithing and setting Fire—
(21st) This morn there was 14 or 18 w. fire to set-consumed the fore noon[.] Entire Camp Commenced starting at ½ P. 12. Traveled 12 ms. up Platt[e,] Camped at 8, O,C Clear &amp; warm until night—then cloudy some Thunder, found on a Bulls Head[.] Camp had passed June 22 all well[,] signed Hosea Stout
July 22) Camp Commenced starting at 8 OC, last ten 9" went say 11 ms and watered[.] Before we got to the Platt our teams were nigh done over, no wood if had wind Blowing to hard grass dry &amp; long 22 ms. this day, Pres L Better also Bro H. Passed several dog Towns this day, several teams in Dr Rs Co did not get in till next morn also herd of Cattle &amp; sheep Capt. F. &amp; B[arnabas] L A[dams]. found a dragoon Horse all equiped, Buffalo came near Dr. R.s waggons in the night
23" strong wind from South (Cool) dangerous having fire, This morning 3 waggons from valey &amp; first Camp Met us, D. S. Thomas[,] H. Peck &amp; others staid through the day with us, 4 Buffalo[,] 7 Antelope were killed By our Camp this day[,] meat Plenty[,] it Being the firs Buffalo Taken, Pres L. Better[,] not able to speak Loud, 4 OC fires burning[,] women cooking (wind gone down
24th Morning Cool and Pleasant[.] Officers called Together to adopt measures for dividing Camp for convenience of Traveling[,] came to no Conclusion in fore Part of the day[,] meting called again at 2 OC and desided Both Companys should travel together until we passed through the Buffalo Country as Dr. R. &amp; others considered there was danger from them
Annexed to this is a Brief and correct List of all the souls Man and Beast in our Camp at this time Vi No of men women &amp; children (white) in the fifty is two hundred &amp; fifty two (252) Cattle[,] Five hund and fifty one (551) No of Blacks Twenty One (21) Horses Twenty Eight (28) Mules Fifteen (15) Sheep one hundred and ten (110) Pigs thirty Nine (39) chickens fifty seven (57) Dogs Sixteen (16) cats eight (8) Ducks (5) doves (21) Capt A Cunninghams 6th Ten in company has souls (66) Cattle (135) Horses (5) Sheep (35) Pigs (13) Chickens (27) Dogs (10)
Bro George A Smith the camp is Generally well[,] has been no deaths in camp[,] all in good spirits and going ahead—Dan[ie]l P had a Letter from T. Callister and all was well—My respects to yourself and Bro Benson and Family.
I Remain as Ever Yours Amasa Lyman
Jas. H. Rollins Clerk for fifty
P. S. we have in Company One hundred and eight Waggons in Tollerable good Order

Transcript for Rollins, James H., Sketches from camp journal of Pres. Amasa Lyman's Company [24 July 1848 report], in George Albert Smith, Papers, 1834-1882, box 4, fd. 11

Rollins, James H., Sketches from camp journal of Pres. Amasa Lyman's Company.

Rollins, James Henry, Reminiscences 1896; 1898, 29-31

Rollins, James Henry, Reminiscences 1896; 1898, 29-31.

When the company started from Winter Quarters to cross the plains, Brigham being the leader of the Company, started ahead with his company, then Amasa Lyman’s company of a hundred wagons, then Dr. Richard’s the most of his company being English, with Joseph Horn as Captain of the hundred in this company.
The second day out we camped on the little horn river where we stayed two or three days, then resuming our journey to the loop [Loup] fork of the platt[e] river when we crossed on the other side, which was very difficult to cross. Dr. Richards and Company, arrived on the side. We had left. when it was determined to help with our lead Oxen to cross them over on the same side of the river as we were, which was accomplished that day. No accident happened to them.
We remained there until the next day or two then starting early for the main Platt[e] river, 20 miles distant and when we arrived at the Platt[e] both Dr. Richards and Amasa Lyman were taken very sick. We remained there 2 days. I killed 4 antelope on the Sunday we laid over.
Our next move was up the Platt[e] towards fort Laramie to which place we arrived in due time. We stopped one or two days previous to reaching Laramie to hunt, as Buffalos were quite plentiful, and supplied ourselves with meat, killing 3 buffaloes myself that day, and another which brother Flake had down. and we were obliged to shoot two bulls in order to get the cow that he had killed. As we were skinning the cow, another cow had made its appearance coming down a ravine near us. I took aim and shot it, it turned and went up the bluff. About this time brother Horn came to us and said his company had not killed anything. we told him to take the loins and hump and as much more as he wanted out of the two bulls and go up on the bluff and he would find a cow that he might have for his company, whic[h] he found to be very fat.
We then, the next day resumed our journey towards Laramie and came to an Indian Village. There were a great many tents made of buffalo hides. They impeded our progress, stopped our train by squating in the road. They demanded pay of us for the water and grass our company had used. And the chief said, “We want you to give us flour, sugar, coffee, pow[d]er and lead.” The captains of each 10 were set to work to get from the wagons these articles. The chief spreading his large bullalo [buffalo] robe, on which the contributions were emptied. We then asked them if they [were] satisfied, they said, “yes if you will give us a little more powder.” They were told that we hadn’t it to spare, the Indians then removed the contents of the buffalo skin and said we could pass on our journey and we were not troubled any more until we reached Laramie Fort, where we stopped our train. Many Indians were there with the French who kept the Fort. The Frenchman told us not to sell the Indians any whiskey, which of course we did not do, but to sell it to them if we had any and they would pay us a big price. Those who had it to sell, sold it to the French at a dollar a pint. Banters were out by the Indians for a horse race, and Nathan Tanner ran his horse with the Indian and beat him. Then, they wanted to give him a larger horse which brother Tanner needed, and the trade was made. About this time while our people were trading for Buffalo-skins, the Indian Chief was discovered to be drunk and seemed very mad as he walked through with tomyhawk in hand[.] he cut many gashes through buffalo-skins which hung on the banister, he was watched by his squaws and one or two of the French men, and taken and bound and layed away.
We then resumed our journey after obtaining many buffalo skins until we came to the three crossings of sweet water. we here camped for 2 or 3 days for the women to wash. we killed quite a number of mountain sheep and buffaloes. After 3 or 4 days we continued our journey up Sweet Water. I killed on Sweet water as we traveled up the stream some 20 antelope and 11 of their hides I took in to Salt Lake. Then [When] we came to Pacific Springs we camped for one day.
The next day we started for Bear River which we crossed safely by raising our wagon beds with blocks to keep the water from running into them. Then we resumed our way towards green river and crossing the river we again raised our wagon boxes, and crossed without an accident and then wended our way over the mountains and arrived at Salt Lake some time in October being 5 months on the road from the time we started from winter quarters until we arrived in Salt Lake.	
All this I have written from memory. The records of our travels which I had kept and delivered to our Captain were lost and could not be found. and at the time of this writing, I am eighty years and 6 months old. Many instances in our travels are not here related such as loosing our cattle many of them, the Indians stealing my son, who was recovered, and a daughter that was run over, but not seriously injured, and the death of Sidney Tanner’s little boy who fell from the wagon tongue and was instantly killed by the wagon running over his neck. He was burried near the road the same day. After arriving in Salt Lake I moved my wagon into the old fort also that of Horace Alexander’s and family.

James Henry Rollins

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