Although there is no primary documentation to prove it, two of his sons (Benjamin and Jesse) may have accompanied the rest of the family to Utah in 1851. Family tradition states that both of them died prior to this journey in July 1850, but there is proof that they were alive after that as their names appear on the Iowa census (taken 14 September 1850) and Cottonwood Ward records.

His travel to Utah is mentioned in his daughter's obituary.