John DeGroot Oakley (1819 - 1890) Profile

Individual

death-date-qualifier-death

John DeGroot Oakley

birth-date-qualifier-birth

British Mission manuscript history and historical reports, 1841-1971

British Mission manuscript history and historical reports, 1841-1971, January 5, 1853, Page 313.

British Mission manuscript history and historical reports, 1841-1971.

Historical Department journal history of the Church

Historical Department journal history of the Church, August 28, 1852, Page 5.

Historical Department journal history of the Church.

"John Degroot Oakley," General Epistle Files, Church History Library, Salt Lake City, UT

"John Degroot Oakley," General Epistle Files, Church History Library, Salt Lake City, UT.

Millennial Star

Millennial Star, January 22, 1853, Vol. 15, Page 58.

On the 5th instant, the following Elders, also from Salt Lake Valley, arrived amongst us, per ship American Union from New York; --- Benjamin Brown, James G. Willie, Perrygrine Sessions, Mellen Atwood, Charles Smith, Sylvester H. Earl, David Grant, Thomas W. Treat, John Oakley, Daniel D. McArthur, Edward Bunker, and Samuel Glasgow, on missions to England;. . .Elders Mellen Atwood, Samuel Glasgow, and Daniel D. McArthur, are appointed to labour in Scotland,

Transcript for The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star, 15:58-59

On the 5th instant, the following Elders, also from Salt Lake Valley, arrived amongst us, per ship American Union from New York; --- Benjamin Brown, James G. Willie, Perrygrine Sessions, Mellen Atwood, Charles Smith, Sylvester H. Earl, David Grant, Thomas W. Treat, John Oakley, Daniel D. McArthur, Edward Bunker, and Samuel Glasgow, on missions to England;

Millennial Star.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 2, Page 43, Line 1681.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 1, Page 39, Line 1681.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959.

Nauvoo Restoration Inc., comp., Nauvoo Seventies list

Nauvoo Restoration Inc., comp., Nauvoo Seventies list, Vol. 2.

Nauvoo Restoration Inc., comp., 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 121.

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

Deseret News

Emigrants For Utah

"Emigrants For Utah", Deseret News, August 6, 1856.

EMIGRANTS FOR UTAH.



COMPANY WHICH LEFT FLORENCE, IOWA, JUNE 5TH. ELDER PHILEMON C. MERRILL, CAPTAIN. 
James Cooper, W. F. Fream, A. Maltha, E. Brunson wife and 2 children, George Russell; S. A. [Samuel A.] Woolley, L. H. Mausley [Louis Henry Mousley], F. Raymond, S. [Stephen] Golding, wife and 3 children, E. Steele, James Steele, H. M. Turner, wife and 2 children, A. J. Turner, J. W. Hammer, Jeter Clinton, B. P. Brown, Henry Eckells, wife and 2 children, Samuel Cursley and wife, Abraham Hayes, Charles Hammer, Frances Nash.



Elisha Edwards, David P. [Pinkney] Rainey and wife, Thomas Singleton, wife and 2 children, Archibald Kerr, wife and 2 children, McCaslin Frost and wife, Charles Singleton, William Maylett and wife, Samuel Rudd, Edward Rudd, Matthew Moore; William Sanders, wife and 3 children, George [Sloan] Bailey, wife and 3 children, William Smith, wife and 4 children, Joseph Clark, wife and 2 children, John [Henry] Craghead, wife and 5 children.



E. B. [Enoch Bartlett] Tripp, Phebe Weltan, Daniel Munns, wife and 3 children, John Simperley, wife and 4 children, Francis Miller, John Ashcroft, wife and 4 children, Samuel Philips [Phillips], Joseph Roe, Thomas H. [Huskinson] Giles, wife and 4 children, Thomas Rasband, wife and 2 children, William Giles, wife and 6 children, George Giles, wife and 1 child, Harriet Green, John Crook, George Spratley, James Haggard [Hoggard] , wife and 4 children, Ann Roe.



Francis A. [Almon] Brown, wife and 2 children, Augustus P. Canfield, Hannah H. Brown, Joel A. [Almon] Bascom, Lucina A. Burton, Henry I. Runnels, wife and 4 children, Colinan Toplin [Joplin] and wife, [Benjamin] F. Wood[w]ard, Susannah [Pilling] Laycock and 3 children, George and Eliza S. [Sophia Brown] Rust, M. C. Kinsman, Nancy Kilbreath and 1 child, Catherine Brown and 2 children, William Black, Frederick Spat and wire, Lawrence Fry, Samuel Vowels.



Edwin Whiting, Samuel Crain, wife and 5 children, Gilbert Avery, wife and 4 children, [Thomas] Jefferson Dimick, wife and 6 children, William G. Palmer, wife and 3 children, Joseph and Henry Field, William Nowell and wife, James McCloud, Jesse [Askew] Tye, John Burlston.



 



HANDCART COMPANY, E. ELLSWORTH, CAPTAIN. 
LEFT CAMP NEAR IOWA CITY, JUNE 9, 1856. 
Edmund Ellsworth, Thomas Fowler, Thomas Passey, Eliza Robinson, Mary Ann Bates, Mary Ann Meadows, Andrew Galloway, wife and child, David Bowen, William Harmon, Edward Frost, wife and 2 children; Elizabeth Franklin, Eleanor Hill, Sarah Ann Sprig, James Shinnsen [Sheen], and 12 children; Ann [Perkins] Price and 2 children, Eleanor Vaughan, Mary Mays [Mayo], Alexander Stevenson, wife and 7 children, George Clark [Clarke], wife and 3 children; Thomas Ivins, John Powell, wife and 6 children; Daniel Jones, wife and 6 children; Mary Ann Baker and 5 children; John Lloyd, wife and 6 children; Wm. Green.



Arthur [Archer] Walters, wife and 5 children; John Devenoux [Devereaux], Thomas Richins, wife and child; Mary Ann Jones, Thos. [Thomas Bradford] Bourne, wife and 6 children; John Robinson, wife and 4 children; George Hanson, wife and child; James Birch, wife and 3 children; Absalam [Absalom] Frisby, Ann Ham, Hannah Baldwin, John Ash, Jr., wife and 2 children, Richard Preater [Preator], wife and 2 children; Hester [Esther] and Hannah Jones; Hannah [Chapman] Goodworth, and 4 persons; John Chapman, James Murray, Henry Moss, George Warding [Waring], George Williams, James Bowers, wife and 6 children.



Samuel Bond, wife and 2 children; Walter Sanders and 3 children; Eliza Jeffries, Richard Sheltar [Shelton], Joseph Argyle, wife and 6 children; William Pratt, wife and 4 children; William Morriss [Morris] and wife; James and Sabina Jones; Jas. [James] Bailey, wife and 5 children; C. H. Briggs [Charles H. Bridges], William Birch and wife; Elizabeth Walker, Abraham Hurst [Hunt] and wife; John Lee, wife and 6 children; Sarah and Joseph Ash; Jon Wellings [Job Welling], wife and child; John [Rowe] Moyle, wife and 5 children; John Bunney and wife; John Dunney [Doney] and wife; William Yeo, William Butler and wife; John Oakley, Robert Stodart [Stoddart], wife and 12 persons.



Elizabeth Taylor, Henry Walker and wife; John Kettle, wife and 6 children; Thomas Eldridge [Eldredge], wife and child; Joseph Rasdell and wife; Sarah Marshall and 6 children; Maria Good [Goode], John A. Phillips, George Nappriss [Neppress], John Lewis and child; Thomas and Benjamin Lloyd; John Henwood, Jane Lewis, Elizabeth Henwood, and 2 children; James [Constable] and Ann [Miller] Warner; Sarah T. [Sarah Jane] Miller, William Brough, Elizabeth and Emma Walker, James and Mary Commonder [Commander], Alice Brough.



 



HANDCART COMPANY, D. [DANIEL] D. McARTHUR, CAPTAIN. 
LEFT IOWA CITY CAMP, JUNE 11, 1856. 
Walter Grainger, wife and 5 children; William K. [Knox] Aitken and 2 children; Ellen Wandles; Ellen Wandles, jr.; Mary Mathierson [Mathieson]; Thomas Gallup [Gallop] and wife; James Reid, wife and 4 children; George Muir, wife and 2 children; John Frew, wife and 4 children; Alex. McDonald; Agnes Stewart and 3 children.



Hugh Clotworthy, wife and 4 children; Mary McGowan; Joseph McDougall [McDougal]; John McDonald; William Johnstone [Johnston]; wife and 4 children; John Bell, wife and 2 children; Elizabeth Shields; David Chambers, wife and son; A. M. [Anna M.] Randall and son; Elizabeth and Emma M. Burdett; William Hall; Samuel Hargraves, wife and 7 children; William Finlay [Findley], wife and child.



William Meikle, wife and 2 children; Mary Hay; Agnes [Adamson] Anderson, wife and 2 children; Richard Kennington, wife and 5 children; Mary Ann Bone; Robert Parker, wife and 4 children; Bedson Eardley and wife; Mary Bathgate and daughter; William Lawson; George Peacock; John Gray, wife and 4 children; James Crawford; Elizabeth [Cumming] Reed [Reid].



Elizabeth Twiddle [Tweddle]; Catherine Grainger; James Dechman [or Dickman]; John Dreany [or Dramey], wife and 2 children; Isabella Park; James Gardner, mother and 4 children; Neil P. [Peter] and Georgeina [Georgine Maria Keller] Ipson; Sarah Smart; Hannah Hodgetts; Peter and Elizabeth Richardson; George Johnstone [Johnston], wife and child; Janet Hardie, and 5 children; Andrew Smith; Anna Furer [Furrer]; Josephine Ludut [or Ludert] and child; Henry E. [Ebenezer] Bowring, wife and child.



William and Maria Wright; Rebecca [Wood] Sanderson and 2 children; William Hillhouse, wife and 8 children; Elizabeth Maxwell, and 5 children; Elizabeth Dorrech [Darragh]; Ellen Russell; Elizabeth Maxwell, Mary Gale; Patrick [Twiss] Birmingham, wife and 3 children; Thomas Lucas, wife and 3 children; William Lawrenson, wife and 2 children; Mary Baranigan [Brannigan]; Elizabeth Morehouse; William Heator [Heaton], wife and 2 children; John McClare [McCleve], wife and 7 children; Henrich Elliker, wife and 7 children; John Schies, and wife; Susannah Bruner; Ralph Ramsay, wife and child; Margaret Dowule [Downie].



DANIEL D. MC'ARTHUR, Captain. 
TRUMAN LEONARD,SPICER W. CRANDALL, Counselors.

Transcript for "Emigrants for Utah," Deseret News, 6 August 1856, 176

Deseret News.

Edmund Ellsworth Emigrating Company papers, 1856, Folder contents: (1) Journal

Edmund Ellsworth Emigrating Company papers, 1856, Folder contents: (1) Journal, June 1856.

Transcript for Edmund Ellsworth Emigrating Company papers, 1856, Folder contents: (1) Journal, 1856 June-September

Edmund Ellsworth Emigrating Company papers, 1856, Folder contents: (1) Journal.

Historical Department journal history of the Church, June 21, 1847, Page 36.

CR 100 137: Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008, September 26, 1856, Page 28.

John Oakley journal entries in William C. Staines journal

John Oakley journal entries in William C. Staines journal, August 1852.

Transcript for John Oakley journal entries in William C. Staines journal, 1852 August-1860 May

John Oakley journal entries in William C. Staines journal.

John Oakley journal excerpt

John Oakley journal excerpt, June 1856.

Transcript for John Oakley journal excerpt, 1856 June-August

John Oakley journal excerpt.

Kettle, John, Journal, 1856, 2-3, MSS SC 1688

Kettle, John, Journal, 1856, 2-3, MSS SC 1688.

Foreign Correspondence

Daniel Spencer letter to Franklin D. Richards, "Foreign Correspondence", Millennial Star, 18, August 2, 1856, Page 489.

<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">IOWA. 
L. D. S. Camp, near Iowa City, 
Iowa, June 22, 1856.</center>



President F. D. Richards.



Dear Brother—In reply to your favours of the 8th and 27th May, I am happy to inform you that everything moves along well with us, even better than I could have anticipated. . . . . .



The Thornton’s passengers I am expecting in a day or two. I received, on the 20th, a message of their arrival, but without date, and the telegraphic element becomes very lazy when it points its course westward. From New York a messenger will arrive here some days a-head of his own message sent to announce his coming.



It will give you much joy to learn that the hand-cart experiment is now being fairly, and so far, most successfully tested. Captain Edmund Ellsworth left here on the 9th, with 274 souls, accompanied by elders [John] Oakley and [William] Butler as assistants. Captain D[aniel]. D. McArthur left on the 11th with 221 souls, accompanied by Elders [Spicer Wells] Crandall and [Truman] Leonard as assistants. These numbering in all 497 souls, embraced 104 of the S. Curling’s company, and their fit-out was, together, 100 hand-carts, 5 wagons, 24 oxen, 4 mules, 25 tents, and provisions to Florence. Brother Ferguson visited their camps 35 miles out, and accompanied them during a portion of a morning’s march. He reports that, though their first two days’ travel were good marches for strong men, considering the sandy roads, he never visited a camp of travelling Saints so cheerful and universally happy. All were full of faith in God, and the fulfilment of His promises through His servants, and what few doubts existed in the minds of half-weakly believers, had all vanished when they saw the reality before them. The weak and feeble had already begun to gather strength; the sick were fast recovering, and the power of God was made abundantly manifest in the pouring out of His Spirit upon the people. Much credit is due, not only to the brethren in charge of the companies, but to the native Presidents of Conferences, who emulated each other in setting an example of putting in practice the theories they had taught their flocks in their fields of labour in their own country. The remainder of the S. Curling’s company of Fund passengers will leave to-morrow, numbering about 320 souls. They are organized with elder Edward Bunker as their Captain, assisted by Elders David Grant, John Parry, and Geo. W. Davis. To fit out these companies, brothers Grant and Kimball succeeded in purchasing, in the vicinity of Weston, a few cattle and mules, which, including travelling expenses, average nearly $85 per yoke for oxen, and $120 per head for mules. Since then cattle have lowered some in value, and brothers Van Cott and Grant have purchased about sufficient to fit out the independent hand-cart and ordinary dependent companies, at an average of from $38 to 65 per yoke, cows will cost from $15 to $18 each. These will be furnished at the Bluffs with the through fit-out. They have also contracted for young stock to supply the demands already made at the rate of $7 for yearling and $12 for two-years-old heifers ; dry cows $15 each. Brother George has also purchased and brought in 16 head of mules at $110, which with seven or eight which brother Van Cott has got, will make sufficient for a mule team to each 500 of the Fund companies, and for those who will cross the Plains with you. . . . . .



I am looking for brother Van Cott daily, with the general drove of cattle, from which I expect to supply the ordinary passengers who are here, as well as those coming, with whose names you have furnished me. The first company of wagons left Florence about the 6th instant, of which, by my appointment, Elder P[hilemon]. C. Merrill took charge. Elder Peterson’s company were expected to accompany them. Elder Joseph France left in company with Captains Ellsworth and McArthur, with the appointment to take charge, on his arrival, of such of the Saints congregated there from St. Louis and other parts, as would form the second company of wagons.



Business having called me down to St. Louis a few days, I was much rejoiced, on the 14th, to meet brother Erastus, together with brothers G. A. Smith, E. T. Benson, Orson Pratt, and the other brethren bound eastward. Brother Erastus accompanied me here. He leaves to-morrow for St. Louis, and is in tolerable health. I expect he will meet the Horizon’s company at Boston, and, having a copy of that portion of your letter pertaining to the business of that company, will give it the necessary attention. I will continue to draw upon you, as heretofore, until I shall have completed the money part of the season’s operations. I shall expect to meet you at Florence, and will endeavour to have the mules harnessed and whip in hand on your arrival, and a crust of bread in pocket . . .



The health of the camp is unusually good this season. My own is also excellent. Truly the Lord has been with us, and has favoured the opening of the new route. Since we have taken the making of the hand-carts into our own hands, it is getting along beyond our best calculations. Brother Webb has been most faithful and successful in the charge of this department. The Church goods, sent by the Thornton, were already ordered to this place, and will have the proper attention.



Brothers Ferguson, McAllister, Grant, Webb and the brethren generally, join me in much love to yourself, brothers Cyrus, Little, Dunbar, Linforth, Calkin, Williams, Turnbull, and all the Saints. May success be multiplied to you in all your exertions.



<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Faithfully in Christ, 
DANIEL SPENCER.</center>

Transcript for Daniel Spencer letter to Franklin D. Richards printed in "Foreign Correspondence," Millennial Star, 2 August 1856, 489-90

"Names of Persons Who Volunteer to Go as Teamsters" in Offerings for the assistance of the P. E. F. immigrants

"Names of Persons Who Volunteer to Go as Teamsters" in Offerings for the assistance of the P. E. F. immigrants, October 1856.

"Names of Persons Who Volunteer to Go as Teamsters" in Offerings for the assistance of the P. E. F. immigrants.

Oakely, John, [Journal], in "Church Emigration Book"

Oakely, John, [Journal], in "Church Emigration Book".

Perpetual Emigrating Fund, Financial Accounts 1849-1886, Ledger A

Perpetual Emigrating Fund, Financial Accounts 1849-1886, Ledger A, Page 251.

Perpetual Emigrating Fund, Financial Accounts 1849-1886, Ledger A.

Perpetual Emigrating Fund, Financial Accounts 1849-1886, Ledger B

Perpetual Emigrating Fund, Financial Accounts 1849-1886, Ledger B, Page 192.

Perpetual Emigrating Fund, Financial Accounts 1849-1886, Ledger B.

Sabin, Mary Powell, Autobiography 1926, 10-14

Sabin, Mary Powell, Autobiography 1926, 10-14.

From Florence, Nebraska, began our real journey across the plains. All our other experiences had not been a foretaste of what lay ahead of us. There were two hundred and seven souls in our company.
Our first day’s march commenced about noon. We went through acres of hazel brush covered with hazel nuts in the mill. I began gathering nuts, other[s] joined me, and we ate a good many.
That night we camped by a stream. The next day we traveled out into the prairies and didn’t see any houses at all. One afternoon Father noticed Bro. [William Daniel] Jones Pull away and halt by the side of the road. “What is the matter, Bro. Jones?” asked Father.
I see danger ahead, “said Brother Jones, “I promised [Elizabeth] Ann’s father I wouldn’t lead her into suffering. I see danger ahead.” 
Bro Jones and his wife remained behind in Omaha. Bro. Jones being a butcher by trade, likely secured good work. Father said we should give him due credit for keeping his word to Ann’s father.
Now we halted preparing the crossing of a stream on a ferry. The dark green forest was all around us. I grabbed a bucket and ran into the woods and picked it full of black berries. I took some little girls with me. Someone in camp began worrying about us. Bro. [John] Oakley said, “Don’t worry, she’ll come back, she always does.”
When I came out with my blackberries they all cheered. As often as I could I ran into the woods. I loved the hills, woods, moss, and hanging grape vines and wild flowers. There were so many birds. Their joy notes swelling in the woods brought a flood of rapture into my soul.
The fifth day out we reached a little trading post. The men here sold tobacco to the Indians, also trinkets of various kinds.
Each morning at day break the bugle sounded. Up we rose and assembled for prayer. We then ate a scanty breakfast of dough cakes fried in the frying pan. Once in a while we had a few stewed apples. Then we were ready for our march. At ten o’clock we rested one half hour. Then we traveled until we came to water. At the next meal we would eat what was left over from breakfast. At night we often went to bed without supper. There was very little food to cook and we were too tired to cook it.
There were twenty one persons in Father’s big round tent which we pitched every night. We spread down quilts and blankets and went to sleep.
One day three men went to shoot a buffalo. The buffalo attacked a horse and ripped its sides. We didn’t get any meat that day. Later a crowd of boys went out and shot a steer. That day we had beef.
Our bake kettle now came in handy. We put twenty pieces of meat (each piece about fifty cents worth of beef) into our bake kettle. In this way we cooked for about twenty families. There being no wood we gathered buffalo chips and built a hot fire under the kettle.
One night a brother made us a present of a piece of steak. The hour was real late, but Mother was anxious to get it partly baked in order that it might not spoil. I undertook to do the baking all by myself. The fire was quite a distance from the tent. I sat by it watching the kettle until I fell fast asleep. The night guard came and tapped me on the shoulder.
“Are you Bro. [John] Powell’s girl?”
“yes.”
“You go to bed, I’ll finish your meat for you,” he said.
“But I’ve promised Mother to do it. I cannot break my word.” said I.
“You are too tired little girl.” said he. “Run along, I’ll bake your meat.”
“But there are a couple of dogs in camp. I’m afraid they’ll get it after it is baked.” I said.
“Never worry, I’ll put it in a safe enough place,” said he. “Don’t worry, go to bed.”
Trusting his promise I crept inside of Father’s tent. I must have gone to sleep the moment I touched the pillow.
In the morning I was awakened by Father’s heavy laughter. Bro. [Cyrus] Card’s wagon tongue was propped into a perpendicular position. On the end of the wagon tongue hung our bake-kettle. The sight of it way up in the air made a great round of laughter as we came outside the tent to take the morning air.
It was my habit to get up early and sit outside of Father’s tent to drink in the cool morning breeze. It rested me for the remainder of the day.
Some days we traveled more than thirty miles to reach water. Often we would come to a place where the springs had dried down. It might be near midnight. Then little children would form a circle of eager watchers while the men dug down several feet to water. At last when they saw the chunks of wet mud they would lay it on their face and hands. Some of them would suck the water from the mud. When the water burst forth it was usually very thick. The children drank heartily, straining it through their teeth. The next morning it looked quite clear.
We saw water for miles and miles before we reached the Platte river. The distance was very deceiving. The water seemed much nearer to me that it really was. Mother was getting faint with thirst. There was a selfish old man in camp that did not offer her a swallow from the water in his canteen. It made me quite vexed. That day I walked more than ten miles extra to get Mother a drink. I ran part of the way but secured drinking water for her.
Traveling in the Platte Valley was very pleasing. My little sister, aged four, usually walked beside the Captain. “Come my little partner,” said he, “let us begin our journey.” Some days she walked eighteen miles.
During those days the thought upper most in the minds of every man, woman and child was “Oh! to reach the Platte.” We could see the milky looking waters far in the distance. How long it took before we reached it.
One day we saw a speck like a cloud of dust miles behind us. The cloud kept moving toward us and increasing. Within two hours an immense herd of buffalo passed us. They did not seem to notice us in the least but moved right along solid and dumb in one great mass. They passed us with a steady trot and not one soul was harmed.
The next night we saw a few buffalo off alone. The men went out and killed one, again we had meat.
At last we reached the Platte. There was a trading post near by. Our captain asked the men at the post how much they would charge to ferry us across. The price they asked was more money than we had in camp.
The river was between two and three blocks wide. First the men took the handcarts across, then the women and girls followed wading. The water kept getting deeper and deeper. In the middle of the river it was under my chin. When we reached the opposite side we went right on in our wet clothes. We traveled thirteen miles more that day.
We crossed the Platte in several places. At Fort Laramie it was over my head. I started down stream. Bro. Oakley pulled me back. At Fort Laramie there was an encampment of sixteen thousand Indians, they were holding a treaty. They were camped for a distance of thirty miles up the river. We camped near the river that night but without a fire.
The next morning we met five hundred Indians on the road. They were on their way to the treaty. Father presented some of them with beautiful peacock feathers. This pleased them very much. They stopped and looked at our handcarts. “Little wagons, little wagons.” said they. How the squaws laughed.
When we struck the mountain region the paths became more rugged to our feet. I picked up pretty little rocks and put them in my apron. By the time my pocket was filled I found other rocks still prettier. I threw away these and took them instead. I wish I could have saved some of the pretty rocks I gathered.
I was captivated by the place called “Deer Creek’s” beauty. It was so charmingly sylvan with little groves here and there and a bright clear creek lined with timber. Said I to Father, “Let’s build a little log house and stay in this place always.” “What would we do for food?[”] asked Father.
“Do as we’re doing now,” said I, “Go without.[”]
A little farther on I wanted to go down into a certain green cove. The captain forbade and called me back. Just then three bears came out and ascended the flat.
In the mountains we lost an old man. He had lain himself down and fallen asleep. We had to stop four days to find him. The delay alarmed our captain. He was anxious to keep ahead of the [Daniel D.] McArthur company.
Once in a while we stopped half a day to wash clothes. While the clothes were drying the men mended handcarts.
One night the McArthur company overtook us in the mountains. However, they had to wait for some cause or other. We therefore continued to move on ahead.
It was easy to make our way over Green River for the crossing had already been prepared. It did us good to view Green River valley. It was almost like taking a rest.
At Fort Bridger we stopped all night. The men killed a beef. This was our first meat since leaving the buffalo on the prairies. At Fort Bridger we met Bro. Parley P. Pratt. He was then starting on his last mission.
When within one day’s journey of Salt Lake City we ran out of provisions. Two men who had joined us at the fort were on their way to Salt Lake City.
“What word shall we take from you?” said they to the Captain.
“Tell them we haven’t a bite of food left in camp.” said Captain Ellsworth.
A relief party met us with food before we arrived in Salt Lake City. How enchanting it was to enter Echo Canyon to call and have the echo answer.
The night we were encamped on Little Mountain the McArthur company again overtook us. There was general rejoicing in all hearts. Early the next morning bread, beef and coffee arrived from Salt Lake City.
That very morning we passed a wagon company that had said goodbye to us in Iowa. I had acquaintances in this company who had said “We will beat you into Salt Lake City.” I now had the pleasure of passing them. The men took off their hats and cheered.
There was a lazy man in camp who had a wife and a baby. For the sake of the wife and child, I had often helped pull his cart. Now we were nearing our journeys end and I made up my mind to let him do his own pulling. We were passing down a slope, he was on the bottom so I simply let his cart go rolling down the slope. “Catch it! Catch it!” I cried. He sprang forward and caught it in the nick of time. Everybody laughed.
That afternoon the same man climbed into a wagon of soap to ride awhile. We had been better provided with soap than food it seems. Coming down a rough place the wagon partly tipped over. Our friend was almost buried in soap to the amusement of the rest of us.
When we arrived in Immigration canyon we were met by Pres. Young and several members of the quorum of the twelve apostles. They arrived in wagons drawn by oxen and mules. We halted, they served us melons. Pres. Young told us to eat moderately of the mellon, to eat the pink, not to eat into the green. Father said he was quite sensible.
My little sister, Annie, age four, had been promised a big piece of bread and butter when she should reach the valley. Just as we were lined up to hear a few words from Bro. Brigham Young, a lady held up a large piece of bread. Annie ran toward her. “That’s my piece of bread and butter,” she cried joyously. At the sight of this Pres. Young wept, “God bless the child,” said he. There were tears in the eyes of the people from the valley but there were only dry eyes among us who had just arrived. Pres. Young said he could defer his remarks until a little later.
That afternoon we went down into Salt Lake Valley. We camped on the square in the sixteenth ward, remaining there from Friday night until Monday morning. Bro. Brigham Young came and spoke to us. He told us that we had fulfilled a prophecy. He also said that although we had endured privations and hunger on the plains we should never again feel the pangs of starvation if we would do right and live right.

Transcript for Sabin, Mary Powell, Autobiography 1926, 10-14

Smith, Andrew, Diaries, 1853-1856, fd. 2

Smith, Andrew, Diaries, 1853-1856, fd. 2.

I think this is the Journal of Brother Andrew Smith, formerly travelling Elder in Liverpool Conference, who came to Iowa City in my Company in 1856, and died on the plains in the Hand Cart Company led by Br. D[Daniel] D[uncan] McArthur[.] Bro. S[picer]. W[ells]. Crandall will know probably.
James Ferguson G. S. L. City 	Sept. 4. 1858
<center>Journalfor 1856</center>
. . . Monday June 8th The 1st division of the Handcart Company. Started under the Presidency of Elders E Ellsworth, Oakely &amp; Butler.

Transcript for Smith, Andrew, Diaries, 1853-1856, fd. 2

William Woodward letter to Heber C. Kimball

William Woodward letter to Heber C. Kimball, June 11, 1856.

<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">L.D.S. Camp Nr. Iowa City, 
Iowa June 11th 1856.</center>



Prest. H[eber]. C[hase]. Kimball: Dear Brother, Thinking you would like to hear of the emigration of the European Saints, &amp; the progress of the "Hand-Cart" companies, I have concluded to write to you from this point, &amp; tell what little I can about the Emigration of the "Mormons" on their way to Great Salt Lake Country. In the first place, our camp ground is about two miles west of Iowa City, on a rising point of land. It is a good location &amp; was selected by bro. D. Spencer.



This place was selected in the early part of May, &amp; several of the Saints came here. James Ferguson's company came on the ground on the 14th of May, numbering about 531 souls. In company with James Ferguson were Edmund Ellsworth, S[picer]. W[ells]. Crandell[,] W.B. Hodyetts, John A. Hunt, J.D.T. McAllister &amp; D[aniel]. D[uncan]. McArthur. Since that time this place, has been an important place for business, such as making "Hand-Carts," "Ox yokes," "Ox-bows" &amp;c.



Dan Jones' company came into camp June 2nd numbering about 500 souls, mostly from Wales. Health of this company tolerable good. Up to this time 16 infants of Bro. Jones company have died, since they left Liverpool, &amp; one adult; total died in Capt. Jones company 17 souls. I came in this company. Riding in the cars was very trying to the infants. Up night &amp; day after crossing the sea is very trying to weak persons.



Bro. Spencer is President of the emigration to Deseret from Europe &amp; is constantly on hand attending to his business. James Ferguson assists him. J.D.T. McAllister is commissary of the "P.E. Fund" store, which is at this place[.] Daniel Tyler is Bishop of the camp—Daniel Spencer &amp; James Ferguson his counsellors. C.G. Webb superintends the making of Hand-Carts. E[dward]. Bunker the making of ox yokes, ox bows &amp; the hauling of timber from the woods some six miles distant from camp. Wm. Walker is going to haul luggage from this place to the Valley at $12.50 pr. hd. lbs. if two thirds of the cash is paid down; if it is paid in Utah when the things arrive there, it is to be $15.00 pr. hd. lbs.



The best of feelings exist in camp. The "Hand-Carts" are thought considerable of by all of us, &amp; the bad feeling if such a thing you can call it is, we wanted to go by the First companies—that is the boys that are left.



The First "Hand cart" company rolled from this place on the 9th of June, in fine spirits. This company has a band with it, &amp; is led by Capt. Edmund Ellsworth—he is assisted by John Oakley &amp; William Butler. This company was greatly cheered by all present as it was leaving the Ground: it numbered 278 souls[.] they had with them 6 yoke of cattle, 3 mules &amp; 1 horse &amp; 3 wagons &amp; 56 hand carts. Five persons to each cart.



The second Hand-Cart company left this point to-day about 11 A.M. led by Capt. D.D. McArthur assisted by S.W. Crandell &amp; T. Lenord. McArthur's company left in fine spirits—they are generally hardy scotch &amp; fine travellers.



The Third company is now fitting up—they are "Cambrian-Americans." We call everybody here, "Americans"!



J. Van Cott, W.H. Kimball &amp; G.D.Grant are purchasing cattle for the company. I guess they are in Missouri.



A Dependent Company of ox teams will start when they get their cattle. The wagons that are here &amp; those that are gone by the two "Cart" companies, came from Chicago and cost from $75.00 to $110.00 dollars. Flour at this point is worth about $3.50 pr. hd. lbs. Bacon about $9.00 pr. hd.



We have heard that another ship load of emigrants have arrived at New York by the ship "Thornton" numbering when they left Liverpool 764 souls. James G. Willie, Miller [Millen] Atwood, &amp; Moses Clough preside over the Thornton's company. We expect them at this point by the 16th or 17th of June.



We have meetings twice on Sundays &amp; occasionally thro' the week. Many strangers attend our meetings on the Sabbath &amp; listen attentively to what is said. We have many "hand cart" sermons preached; &amp; a "hand-cart" song sung, the chorus of which is the following:—"For some must push &amp; some must pull, As we go marching up the hill. Then merrily on the way we'll go, until we reach the Valley."



Seventeen lbs. of luggage is what is allowed to each person with the "Hand-Cart" companies. Much luggage will have to come by Wm. Walker's freight train.



I have but little to say about the difficulties in Kansas, or the nominations for president. Buchanan late ambassador to Gt. Britain &amp; Beckenridge of Kentucky have been nominated by the Democrats of Iowa City, the former for President of the U.S. the latter for vicepresident.



The best of feelings exist amongst us that are left on the camp ground. We are only waiting for the word "Up &amp; go to the Valley".



I am clerk to the camp; &amp; Postmaster; that is, bring &amp; take letters to &amp; from the Post Office.



Our camp is now rather quiet since the two first companies have left us. Occasionally a Gentile or two visit us enquiring about our strange religion, &amp; the reasons we are moving westward. I have heard thro' Bro Tyler that times are rather hard in the Valley—Bro Tyler has received a letter from his wife bearing date March 28th 1856. When difficulties commence with the Saints what must they be when the[y] reach the Gentiles.



Give my kind love to bros. Brigham &amp; Jedediah &amp; Sister Kimball &amp; all of the family. Tell Lucy that her Bro. Loren from Nauvoo is in camp &amp; is going to the Valley this season. Remember me to the young folks &amp; all enquiring friends. I enjoy tolerable good health &amp; I am in good spirits



 



<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Yours truly, in the Everlasting Covenant, 
William Woodward</center>



 



I have sent a letter to Laura M.H. by the mail that I send this one



June 16th. Our camp is busy turning out the Hand-Carts. Yesterday we had good meetings. The Spirit of the Lord was with us &amp; we felt well. Bro. Spencer is gone to St. Louis on business. James Ferguson has gone out to see how the hand cart companies are getting along. Peace prevails here.



 



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

Transcript for William Woodward letter to Heber C. Kimball, 11 June 1856

William Woodward letter to Heber C. Kimball.

Woodward, W., to Albert Jones, Handcart Veterans Association, 12 Sep. 1906. Handcart Veterans Association, Scrapbook, 1906-1914, fd. 2

Woodward, W., to Albert Jones, Handcart Veterans Association, 12 Sep. 1906. Handcart Veterans Association, Scrapbook, 1906-1914, fd. 2.

<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Franklin, Idaho, Sept. 12 1906</center>



Albert Jones, Dear Bro.



Seeing an announcement in the Deseret News of Sep 3 I was anxious to correspond with you, My paper was mislaid and only last night I found it.



I belonged to the 4th. Hand cart Co. Jas. G. Willie capt. Or rather was called president when our company was organized: Millen Atwood Capt. Of 1st hundred; Levi Savage Capt 2nd hundred; William Woodward Capt. 3rd hundred; John Chislett capt 4th hundred; A H [Johan August] Ahmansen capt of 5th hundred.



Willie &amp; Atwood, are dead, Savage lived in Southern Utah; Chislett and Ahmansen apostatised



I was clerk of camp at Iowa City, and historian, two days after my arrival on the 2nd of June 1856.



Directly after our company arrived the 1st &amp;2nd Hand Cart companies were organized Some of our people were put in the 1st Co. Some in the 2nd Co the balance made the 3rd Co.



Edmund Ellsworth capt of 1st. Company John Oakley and Wm. Butter, aids. McArthur capt. of 2nd company, Spicer W Crandall, &amp; Truman Lenan aids Edward Bunker capt 3rd Company (Welsh) David Grant &amp; John McDonald aids. the 4th company as I have mentioned above. I was present when the 5th and 6th companies were organized, but subsequently they were merged into one.



The Relief Train came to us one night on the Sweetwater. The express met us two days before, composed of C. H. Whetlock[,] J.A. Young, Steve Taylor &amp; a bro Garr. They were away to take comfort to the 5th company and urge them to travel to meet the relief train. Geo D. Grant was in command of the relief train. He left some wagons with our company; W. H. Kimball in charge. Snow came on us the night we met the express about a foot deep. We had given all our flour out at the suggestion of some of the express as the relief train they said would soon be with us. We had lost half of our cattle this side of Fort Kearney, and we were in a poor fix to travel in the snow. So we staid till the relief train came. (two days later)



Some of you tell of hardships; hardships they were truly. We buried 68 . I kept the camp journal as our clerk gave out. Our butcher died, so I became butcher. In crossing the Rocky Ridge, two of our teamsters gave out in a bitter snow storm. Atwood and I had to take their places and we picked up the straglers. Our wagons were full of people, we got to camp away in the night; next day we buried 13 and the 2nd morning 2 more besides them.



We arrived in SL City Nov 9th.



To talk of our experiences is a thrilling theme. I was 8 weeks at Iowa camp. I have lived here more than 46 years. Yours t[ruly] W. Woodward



I approve of the move of Hand Cart veterans meeting. Will be at the meeting in the City if all is well. 



W T Wright &amp; wife of the 2nd hand cart co live here, but ha has left the Church. G. T. Marshall of one 1st company lives here &amp; his sister lives in the next settlement. Jas. [James] [?]ew, than a boy, lives on Bear River some 12 miles away. (A non member) 



G T Marshall was a child at the time of his coming - his mother a widow with some 6 childran.



I would like to see a history of the companies of 1856 published I was a returning missionary at the time 23 years old. W.W.



Albert Jones, I think I saw you once in Franklin

Transcript for Woodward, W., to Albert Jones, Handcart Veterans Association, 12 Sep. 1906. Handcart Veterans Association, Scrapbook, 1906-1914, fd. 2

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