Joel Hills Johnson (1802 - 1882) Profile

Individual

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Joel Hills Johnson

birth-date-qualifier-birth

Andrew Jenson, Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, 4:444

Andrew Jenson, Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, 4:444.

First Presidency missionary calls and recommendations 1877-1918

First Presidency missionary calls and recommendations 1877-1918, February 12, 1895.

First Presidency missionary calls and recommendations 1877-1918.

High Priests of Nauvoo and early Salt Lake City

Nauvoo Restoration, comp., High Priests of Nauvoo and Early Salt Lake City, M251.33, Page 69.

High Priests of Nauvoo and early Salt Lake City.

Johnson's Bio in Jenson's file

Johnson's Bio in Jenson's file.

Nauvoo Seventies List

Nauvoo Seventies List, Vol. 2, Page 333.

Nauvoo Seventies List, Vol. 2, Page 329.

Nauvoo Seventies List.

Temple Records Index Bureau, comp., Nauvoo Temple Endowment Register, 977.343/N1 K29c

Temple Records Index Bureau, comp., Nauvoo Temple Endowment Register, 977.343/N1 K29c, Page 80.

Temple Records Index Bureau, comp., Nauvoo Temple Endowment Register, 977.343/N1 K29c.

Benjamin F. Johnson, My Life's Review (Independence: Zion's Printing & Publ. Co., 1947), 121-23

Benjamin F. Johnson, My Life's Review (Independence: Zion's Printing & Publ. Co., 1947), 121-23.

I now went with various articles of trade into Missouri to obtain supplies for our journey west. Of this trip I only remember that I was greatly blessed in obtaining whatever I desired, in flour, bacon, beans, seed, grain, etc., but on return, it being yet early spring, and stormy, I took a severe cold and at night camped out and found myself with a violent attack of pleurisy. For a time I feared I would die, but my resolution was good and I sat by the campfire all night bathing my side, taking medicine and exerting my will and faith to live and yet go to the valleys. My faith and determination prevailed, but it was a fearful attack.



We now all sought to get ready, and trust in the Lord for what we could not obtain. We soon learned my brother, Joel H., was on the road bringing us a good wagon and yoke of oxen from Brother Babbitt and my brother, Joseph E., also some groceries and other comforts for the family sent by my mother and sisters. So the way continued to open until the organization of President Willard Richards' company, which started July 4, 1848.



I now had two wagons, a yoke of large oxen for one, and two yoke of steers for the other; and as I could not manage both teams alone was obliged to take with us Brother Benjamin Baker and his daughter [Sarah Jane], which made eleven persons in the two wagons. Brother Baker had two cows and I had five others, to be put in the yoke if necessary.



On the first day we broke an axletree, and the delay, trouble, expense, etc., to get it repaired seemed a prelude to the weary, toilsome four months' journey that was before us, of which there were but few prominent incidents pertaining to my own history. I suffered much with chills and fever and stomach complaint, and although I was never required to do guard duty, I had more cares and labors upon the way than I was well able to endure. Among other things to annoy me, my wife, Clarinda, rebelled at my government of her child and left us upon the road, and associated with a family named Washburn, into which she afterwards married. Yet, the blessing of the Lord and His angel was ever with us. On one occasion, I think it was on Strawberry Creek, we had yoked some cows on the family wagon, which Brother Baker was driving. The wagons were stopped, on the bank of the crossing and he was talking, when the team started, turned and tipped the wagon bottom side up in a gully, with our three youngest children underneath. The wagonbox was filled with large flat trunks made just to fill the wagonbed crosswise and were filled with all family goods and our beds were spread upon the trunks. As the wagon turned over the trunks would naturally fall with their whole weight upon the children. Appearances were frightful and left us hardly a hope of escape for the children. Haste was made to rescue them, which seemed an age, when the two eldest were found between instead of under the trunks. Of the youngest we despaired, but at last removing the weight and unrolling the bed the little one was found nearly smothered, but otherwise uninjured. Again I could see plainly the Angel was there.



I started with five cows, and although we were greatly blessed in our teams, yet others had lost oxen and our cows were taken to replace them, until all but one heifer was dead.



We arrived in Salt Lake Valley October 22, 1848, feeling that the mercy and blessing of the Lord had been with us. I felt, on arriving in the valleys of the mountains to dedicate myself renewedly unto the Lord, to become more fully His servant. The last attack of chills and fever, which had stuck to me over a year and a half, I felt on the Little Mountain, in sight of Salt Lake Valley, since which it has never again afflicted me.

Transcript for Benjamin F. Johnson, My Life's Review (Independence: Zion's Printing & Publ. Co., 1947), 121-23

Budge, William, to George Q. Cannon

Budge, William, to George Q. Cannon, August 3, 1860.

<center>Camp at Wood River Centre 	Johnson's Ranche 	August 3/1860</center>
Dear Bro Cannon
I take this favorable oppertunity of informing you of our position and where abouts at the present date 	
On the day of your departure from Florence, a large portion of the company moved on to "Little Pappea," others were detained through various circumstances. On the road to "L.P." Bro [John] McComie's <s>died</s> wife died, from dropsy in connection with pregnancy, aged 20 years; the brethren procured some lumber, and made a suitable coffin for her, &amp; she was interred at "L.P.," in the evening.	
On the following day the remainder of the company joined the camps which remained for the night.	
Saturday July 21. The company moved on finely and camped in the afternoon at Elk Horn. Upon our arrival there, all seemed to congratulate each other, and thank our Heavenly Father for the success which had attended their exertions, during today's travel, because—as you are aware—the most of us were "Green Horns" in the business.
Sunday July 22. As to days journey lay over a part of the "Platte" bottom infested with green heads and other insects offensive to cattle the company was detained until 3 P.M. when we commenced to roll &amp; continued our travel until it was dark, &amp; then we pitched our tents 2 miles below Fremont.
Monday July 23. Died this morning of consumption Sis Elsa Madsen Mariager from Jutland Denmark, aged 48 yrs &amp; was buried near the camp. We continued our travels daily, without any occurrence of note, up to Friday evening July 27, when we arrived safely at Genoa, a little tired &amp; weary. Fine weather had attended us up to the present time which blessing was much appreciated by us.	
Died in the evening Harriett Martha Sherley, daughter of Thomas Sherley, aged 6 months.	
Saturday July 28. The whole company with the exception of the loose cattle, crossed the Ferry today without a single accident which is proof to us that the Divine blessings have attended us on our journeyings; Much credit is due to Bro Nephi for his perseverance, endurance &amp; anxiety for the good &amp; welfare of the company upon this and all other occasions when such counsel, instructions, and &amp; assistance have been needed as is necessary upon such a journey; we feel that the spirit &amp; power of this calling rests upon him, &amp; that he is the right man in the right place; all feel to uphold &amp; sustain him, and speak good of him all the day long. Much praise is also due to Bro [Alvis Houston] Patterson for the interest he manifests in the comfort &amp; safety of the company, like the busy bee as usual—he is ever on the alert, doing while there is anything to be done[.] As the wagons reached the opposite side of the River, they moved 1/2 a mile further to camp.	
Sunday July 29. Travelled 15 miles &amp; camped at the "Warm Slough" on the Bank of the "Platte". Wm M Pyper who was on his way to Fort Kearney camped with us this evening.	
Monday July 30. The horses and mules belonging to Capt [Robert] Bodily &amp; Bro [John] Stock were missing this morning. We tarried in camp until noon time to allow time for hunting them up, and to make some repairs. An ox belonging to one of the Danish brethren was so very lame that he could not possibly travel further, and the brethren agreed to kill him for camp use, &amp; he was sold at 5 cents pr lb to enable him to buy another to take its place. The brethren found the stray horses &amp;c near to Columbus &amp; returned in time for starting with the camp. While the wagons were rolling out of camp Sis Kathrina Naf died, aged 65 years, from Switzerland[.] Bro Heller's company remained behind to bury her, &amp; overtook us in the evening. Travelled 8 miles and camped on the Bank of the "Platte." Born, upon our arrival in camp, Mary Jane Stokes, daughter of Wm &amp; Mary Ann Stokes, of Capt Bodily's company.	
Tuesday July 31. The company rolled out of camp early this morning &amp; travelled 8 or 9 miles, when a tremendous storm of wind, hail &amp; rain set in, that it was impossible for the cattle to travel, &amp; they were scarcely able to stand on their legs; we halted near the "Lone Tree" station until the storm abated &amp; again travelled on until we passed the U.S. Mail Station when a second edition set in more severe than the last one; while it was raging, wagon covers were rent, cattle were unhitched &amp; let loose, &amp; Bro [Joseph Richard] Humphreys wagon was turned bottom side up, &amp; completely disabled; this made the 3rd time of its breaking down. As there was no appearance of the weather becoming fine, we considered it wisdom to camp, making our days travel 15 miles. Born in camp, Nephi son of Ola Olsen &amp; Anna Gaarder of Norway.	
Wednesday August 1st. Travelled 20 miles and camped on the banks of the "Platte River". Died in camp, Bothilda Ohlsen of Copenhagen Denmark, aged 68 1/2 years.	
Thursday August 2nd. Travelled 14 miles &amp; camped on "Wood River". A large portion of to day was spent in fording the river, which was accomplished—as usual—without an accident.	
Friday August 3rd. We started early this morning, and after 6 miles travel, arrived at this place in good time for breakfast. We found Bro Savage's train camped here, intending to roll on tomorrow noon; he had some mules stolen upon his arrival here on Sunday evening by some Pike's Peakers; some of his men followed them &amp; succeeded in bringing them back. Capt Bodily intends supplying Bro Humphreys with another wagon before we leave this place, which we think will be tomorrow, as <s>then</s> several of the brethren getting their wagons fit[t]ed[.] A fine feeling has prevailed in camp since we left Florence &amp; everything moves along as well as I could wish, with but few exceptions. Bro Nephi [Johnson] gives the brethren much praise for the determined perseverance, evinced by them to become efficient in their duties as teamsters &amp;c. &amp; says after a little more experience, he will be able to furnish as good teamsters as can be found in the mountains. So much for our progression. 	 
I have received your note from Bro Sharp, &amp; am now arranging to get the 2 Sisters along; Bros Johnson[,] Patterson, Williams &amp; [John] Eardley with the rest of the brethren join me in love &amp; well wishes to yourself &amp; family hoping you have had a prosperous journey home, 	
from your Brother in Christ	
<center>William Budge </center>

Transcript for Budge, William, to George Q. Cannon, 3 Aug. 1860, in Brigham Young, Office Files 1832-1878, reel 37, box 27, fd. 9

Budge, William, to George Q. Cannon.

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 19.

Historical Department journal history of the Church.

Joel Hills Johnson reminiscences and journals, Library of Congress collection of Mormon diaries, 1935-1938

Joel Hills Johnson reminiscences and journals, Library of Congress collection of Mormon diaries, 1935-1938.

Joel Hills Johnson, "A Journal or sketch of the life of Joel H. Johnson (ca. 1857)-1859" in Cache Valley historical material, circa 1955, 20

Joel Hills Johnson, "A Journal or sketch of the life of Joel H. Johnson (ca. 1857)-1859" in Cache Valley historical material, circa 1955, 20.

In the Spring of 1848 I sold the land that I obtained in exchange for my Hancock property for the some [sum] of ninety dollars in cash and trade[.] I then made every nessesary arrangement in my power for my removal to the west, And having obtained three waggons five yoke of oxen and steers a few cows and sheep, with nessisary provisions etc I loaded my waggons and started on the 6th day of May 1848 for the city of Great Salt Lake in upper California and came to David Rows [Rowe] in Tutton [Fulton] county the first night and on the 7th David Rowe and his family started with me for the same place—My family consisted of myself and two women and six children[.] David Rows family consisted of himself wife and four children—We came to Nauvoo where I stop[p]ed and visited my friends[.] we then crost over the river to Montrose and stopped with my brother Joseph one week[.] sheard my sheep[.] sold the wool etc[.] We then started for winter Quarters and had a very crooked bad road and had to repair and build many bridges—We arrived at winter Quarters the first week in June[.] here we tarried four weeks waiting for Doctor Richards and Amasa Lymans company.



We started from winter Quarters in Willard Richards company on the 5th day of July for the place of our destination and after much fatigue many hard ships and difficulties and the loss of one yoke of oxen one heifer and twentytwo sheep we arrived in the City of Great Salt Lake on the nineteenth day of October 1848 having accomplished a journey of fifteen hundred miles from Knox county Illinois to Great Salt Lake City in upper California.

Transcript for Joel Hills Johnson, "A Journal or sketch of the life of Joel H. Johnson (ca. 1857)-1859" in Cache Valley historical material, circa 1955, 20

Johnson, Joel H., Autobiographical sketch, in St. George Stake, High Priest Quorum Genealogical Records, 1872-1906, reel 6039, 56, in Record of Members Collection 1836-1970

Johnson, Joel H., Autobiographical sketch, in St. George Stake, High Priest Quorum Genealogical Records, 1872-1906, reel 6039, 56, in Record of Members Collection 1836-1970.

Johnson, Joel Hills, Reminiscences and journals, 1835-1882, reel 1, fd. 2, 27-33

Johnson, Joel Hills, Reminiscences and journals, 1835-1882, reel 1, fd. 2, 27-33.

Transcript for Johnson, Joel Hills, Reminiscences and journals, 1835-1882, reel 1, fd. 2, 27-33

Johnson, Joel Hills, [Autobiography], in A Voice From the Mountains: Life and Works of Joel Hills Johnson [1982], 134-38

Johnson, Joel Hills, [Autobiography], in A Voice From the Mountains: Life and Works of Joel Hills Johnson [1982], 134-38.

Nephi Johnson in A Voice From the Mountains: Life and Works of Joel Hills Johnson (1982), 250

Nephi Johnson in A Voice From the Mountains: Life and Works of Joel Hills Johnson (1982), 250.

In the spring of 1848 we arrived at Council Bluffs and stayed there about a month. We left there on the 4th of July in Franklin D. Richards' company [Willard Richards Company] for the West. My father [Joel Hills Johnson] took a small herd of sheep with him. I think they were the first sheep driven to Utah. I saw some Omaha Indians at Winter Quarters. They were the first Indians I ever saw.



While we were on the Platte River some 250 miles from the Missouri River, I was ahead of the company about one mile, driving the sheep, when a war party of Sioux Indians came up to me. Seeing them, I though[t] maybe they would kill me, but I knew I could not get away so I waited for them to come to me. They were very friendly. The chief took me on his horse behind him and went back to the company who gave the Indians some presents. The Indians went on their way, feeling all right. Being ahead of the company driving sheep, I killed several buffalo. Though I was only 14, the company praised me for being a hunter. My oldest brother, Sixtus, killed lots of game along the road.



We arrived at Salt Lake Valley the 19th of October, 1848.

Transcript for Nephi Johnson in A Voice From the Mountains: Life and Works of Joel Hills Johnson (1982), 250

Phinehas Richards, Diary

Phinehas Richards, Diary, April 1837.

Friday June 23d, 1848. I went over the River to look [for] a House for Margaret. as she was to wait another year. I found one and bought it



Saturday 24. Had a real blow up with the wife and learned of her, that she had suported me for 10 or 12 years. so I keep learning and for the future I will support myself as usual.



Sabbath 25th. labored all day for the first time, preparing to go to the Mountains.



Monday 26. went over the River on buisness. A.M. and P.M. carried shakes and punchean to the Ferry. for the House I bought East side.



Tuesday 27. I was busey most of the day. made a ladder for waggon, Brother Moss came over with his Family ready for a start. This day F[ranklin]. D. Richards was appointed Capt. of 50 for the journey.



Monday July 3d. left Winter Quarters and campted 3 miles out, for the night.



Tuesday 4. The President, Willard Richards, seeing the City cleand came up to the camp and took his place in the Corill. here near Night[,] William Adams a child had a ball shot through one [k]nee and lodged in the other. I took him across the carill [corral] to the waggon of Br. W[illar]d. who orderd the ball extracted. Dr. Johnson took my lancet, made the attempt but failed. Dr. Lemeroux [Lamoreaux] next tried. but gave it up. I took the lancet[.] laid the boy in his Fathers lap, and took the ball out in less than a minute. The wound healed in a short time, to the joy of his parents and friends.



Monday 10. Levi Willard a Child fell from the Waggon and broke his arm. I was sent for to see to. I fixed it as I thought best and left him comfortable, and quiet. I saw him next day quite comfortable. in a day he was out at play with other children.



Sabbath 23. two Buffaloes were brought into Camp. and a number of Antelopes.



Monday 24. staid in camp. to discuss the case of rebelion, which showed itself out verry plainly, which was ascertaind and the meetin desolved.



August 6th had the Tine set on one wheel of my Waggon.



Monday 7, Came to a Tribe of Sous [Sioux] Indians and had a Conference with them and also traded with em for Robes and Mackersons [Moccasins], lef[t] them quiet and peaceable.



Wednesday 9, good weather, and a good travel[.] here we were soluted with the fumes of a Pole-Cat, for the third time on the journey.



Thursday 10, some Indians came to the Camp before starting this morning[.] all quiet.



Friday 11 Bro. [John Solomon] Ful[l]mers child kicked and the arm broken, a shower of Rain 5 P.M. passed the first Bleffs [Bluffs] ruins, and Camped where the first Company left their fires.



Saturday 12, had a long travel this day. Archabal [Archibald] B. Moss fell from his Waggon[.] the wheels run over the boys brother[.] he turned black, arose and then fell[.] we administered to him and he recovered.



Sabbath 13, left Camp early to find water and Camped 1 mile west of the first Camp[.] spent the day and, had gentle showers 5 P.M. damp and chilly Night and Morning.



Monday 14. had a great travel. (Pole-Cat.) Camped at Scot[t]s Bluffs [Bluff] North side of River



Tuesday 15. Last Night left a Cow and at Evening, Franklin D. Richards went back after her, and found her partly eaten by the Wolves. comfortable weather



Wednesday 16. came to the River, when the Company went over that was ahead, 15 miles from Larama [Laramie], a long drive this day.



Thursday 17, Crossed the River and went 1 mile up to Ash Grove, found wood and water, staid and washed, burnt Coal and repaired.



Friday 18 traveled late A.M. and went on to Fort Larama [Laramie] and Campt that night[.] all went well in spirits.



Saturday 19 Morning stopt at the Fort about one hour. then moved on to the Hot Springs.



Tuesday 22 we traveled 3 day and found no good feed which made it hard for Teems.



Mond[a]y 28 went to place where we stopt[.] about 12 M. staid that Night and the day following.



Br. Cuningham and his Company left and went on.



Wednesday 30, still in Camp, Br A[masa] Lyman Company passed through and Camped 1½ mile above us.



Thursday 31, Br. John Mercer had an ox die. killed 2 Buffaloes while here, shod Oxen and repaired Waggons. when through we went on our Journey, and continued our Journey day by day until the nineteenth of



September 19. when we saw snow on the mountins, probably 50 miles ahead. it look Cold. the weather however was mild and fair. the Camp generally well, and made progress in our journey



Saturday 23, came to the South Pass of the Rockey [Rocky] Mountains, near Night, a gentle rain with a mixture of snow, Camped 3 miles West of the Pass.



Sabbath 24. Traveled on till near Night. experienced a hard blow, with Hale, and rain followed near an hour, Camped at Little Sandy.



Monday 25, we went on our way, and prospered in our Journey.



Thursday Oct 19. we arived in the Valley[.] about 12 M. Corilled [Corralled] about ½ mile North of the Fort. and staid there untill [text missing]



Monday 23, when we dispersed to our Lots[.] turned our teams out to herd[.] I bought an old hors of an Indian, turned him out in the herd. kept him till Spring, and with him paid $25.00 of a house I bought of Br. Dimic Huntington.

Transcript for Phinehas Richards, Diary, 1837 April-1871 March, Phinehas Richards papers, 1837-1874 in Richards family collection, 1837-1961

Phinehas Richards, Diary.

Pioneer emigration list 1847-1848, 118, in Docket book

Pioneer emigration list 1847-1848, 118, in Docket book, February 1844.

Pioneer emigration list 1847-1848, 118, in Docket book.

Pioneer Pathways 5 (2002): 96

Pioneer Pathways 5 (2002): 96.

Seth E. Johnson autobiographical sketch, circa 1922

Seth E. Johnson autobiographical sketch, circa 1922.

Seth's father [Joel Hills Johnson] wandered around in the state with his family until May 1st 1848 when he made a Start for the vallies of the mountains[.] Seths oldest Brother [Sixtus] &amp; himself each drove an ox team to their brother[.] Nephi drove a flock of sheep[.] they had quite a hard trip[.] &amp; arrived in the valley Oct 19 . . .

Transcript for Seth E. Johnson autobiographical sketch, circa 1922

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Joel Hills Johnson

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