Justin Jared Merrill (1806 - 1889) Profile

Justin J. Merrill (1806 - 1889) Profile

Individual

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Justin Jared Merrill

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A gamble in the desert: the Mormon mission in Las Vegas (1855-1857)

A gamble in the desert: the Mormon mission in Las Vegas (1855-1857). 2005.

A gamble in the desert: the Mormon mission in Las Vegas (1855-1857).

Mormon Indian Missions - 1855

Wesley R. Law, Mormon Indian Missions - 1855. Brigham Young University, Provo, 1959.

Wesley R. Law. Mormon Indian Missions - 1855.

Brigham Young office files, 1832-1878 (bulk 1844-1877)

Silas Richards letter

"Silas Richards letter", Brigham Young office files 1832-1878, August 24, 1849.

Camp of Israel. North bank of Platte 
near Crab Creek Aug 24th 1849



 



President B Young &amp; Council



Dear Brethren. Bro. Babbitt informs me that he was instructed to say to the camps as he met them, that if they would send you an account of their circumstances and the probable amount of assistance that they would need to get through to the Valley, that it would be sent them. It is not probable that I can make the estimation as correct as you can, after you are informed relative to our camp.



I was appointed by Bros. G.A. Smith &amp; E.T. Benson, Captain of the 3rd fifty to lead a camp of 70 wagons from Winter Quarters to the Salt Lake Valley, the appointment was confirmed by the camp, we left Winter Quarters 10th July[.] 68 of our wagons being drawn by from one to four yoke of oxen &amp; cows, the other two by a span of horses each, (Bro. Hiram Clark's and my own)[.] our teams are generally rather heavily loaded for the state of the weather &amp; the roads, it having been very warm and rainy most of the way, though we have had no rain for a few days, but the heat continues very opp[r]essive, consequently we have traveled very slow, being determined to take good care of our teams, many days we have only traveled from six to ten miles, we are aware that we are late, yet it will not do to kill up our teams if we can avoid it, we have been very fortunate, even &lt;more&gt; so than our brethren that are before us &amp; behind us. we have had no death in our camp, and very little sickness. have lost no cattle except 3 cows that died, and one old worn out ox that we left-by the way, not broke a wagon materially, and in fact we have not had any serious misfortune, we are getting along very well, and are thankful to our heavenly father for it. peace and union prevails in our camp, though our cattle are generally in good condition yet, it is probable we shall need considerable assistance. as our loads are heavy. in consequence of the council we received from the Valley just before starting in relation to provisions, and the lateness of the season will not admit of much delay. Esqr. Babbitt informs us that feed will be very scarce and the weather very cold before we get through and that we are sure to need assistance, I think our horses will not be able to draw the wagons, though if we can get them along at all. and in fact I do not know many wagons that can spare a single Yoke of oxen, and travel a long comfortably with their present loads, we have many good faithful brethren in our camp, quite a number on [sic] the Battalion boys, and many of the citizens of Kanesville &amp; vicinity but not much wealth except our wagons, teams &amp; other stock[.] we have 70 head of loose cattle mostly to[o] young to work, 100 head of sheep, only nine horses, no spare or loose hands when the teams are going. I need not say any thing farther relative help, as you will, no doubt send what you can, wagons will not be necessary, only send oxen and men enough to bring them, our journey will be very lengthy &amp; much more provisions consumed than was anticipated. we have got but little Buffaloe meat, although we have been in the Buffaloe range for two weeks, it is said they are scarcer &amp; more difficult to kill than usual, that is good ones. Capt. Allen Taylor's camp being about a week ahead of us, have nearly cleared the track, we have not seen any for several days except a few scattering old bulls, it is probable we will save but little, by way of provisions from them.



August 26th 1849 Bros. Campbell, Patten and Elliott are with us on their way to the Valley with the express mail, they will leave us tomorrow morning



I think Proper to inform you that, nine wagons left our company yesterday on their own responcibility, and without our council, and traveled ahead. Yesterday being Sunday, we rested and had meeting as usual[.] the names of those that went on are, as follows, three brothers by the name of Thompson, Mr Poor, (these are not members of the Church I believe) [Joel] Harvy &amp; Hutchens, claim to be members, they have not been disposed to observe, and comply with our camp rules. are profane (except Bro [S.] Hutchins) and incline to be disorderly, the only excuse they offer for leaving is that they do not wish to tie their cattle at night.-they intend being in the valley 3 week[s] ahead of us, my opinion is that the Gold is their principal inducement west, also Allen Green.



Altho we are traveling slow in consequence of the heat &amp; heavy loads yet we are getting along well. the weather is beautiful and pleasant-it being cooler the two last days. having to write in haste and on my knee I will close, being over burthened [burdened] with camp duties



In full faith and expectation of meeting you in joy &amp; peace I remain your Brother in the Gospel of Christ



 



Silas Richards



 



[enclosure]



To President Young &amp; council



A list of names, of heads of families &amp; &lt;men&gt; emigrating in camp at this time



Silas Richards &amp; family 
Hiram Clark - 
Lyman Stevens - 
Jacob Strong - 
Henry Mower - 
Wm. McClary 
John McLean 
Lemuel Leavett [Leavitt] 
Hiel K Gay 
Wm. D Huntington &amp; family 
Simon Dalton - 
A[lbert]. P[erry]. Rockwood - 
Saml. Richards - 
James Guymon - 
Thos. Gaunt [Grant] 
George Dalton 
Henry E Parish 
Edmond Fox 
John W McDonald 
Edward Sayers &amp; family 
Luke Beardsell - 
Elam Ludington &amp; family 
Peter Robinson - 
Nathaniel Green - 
Theodore Turley - 
Arnold Potter - 
T[hadeus] Alverd - 
Ann Smith - 
Augustus Farnham &amp; family 
John Eaby 
James Lewis 
Orlando H Carter &amp; family 
Simeon Carter - 
Francello [Francillo] Durphy [Durfey] 
Osias Kilbourn 
Jared Starr &amp; family 
Alfred B Benson - 
Louisa Gibbons 
Samuel G. Clark &amp; family 
Philip Garner - 
Moses Daley - 
Edward Daley - 
Moses Daley jr - 
John Thompson - 
Justin Merrill - 
Philemen C Merrill - 
D[aniel]. B[erry]. Rawson 
V[alentine] Wyrick - 
Philander Cotten [Colton]- 
[blank space] [James] Goff - 
George Clauson

Transcript for Silas Richards letter to Brigham Young, 24 August 1849

Brigham Young office files, 1832-1878 (bulk 1844-1877).

Camp of Israel schedules and reports, 1845-1849

Silas Richards company

"Silas Richards company", Camp of Israel schedules and reports, 1845-1849, September 1849.

Camp of Israel schedules and reports, 1845-1849.

Esshom, Frank. Pioneers and prominent men of Utah: comprising photographs, genealogies, biographies. Salt Lake City: Utah Pioneers Book Pub. Co, 1913

Pioneers and prominent men of Utah: comprising photographs, genealogies, biographies, Page 1034.

Esshom, Frank. Pioneers and prominent men of Utah: comprising photographs, genealogies, biographies. Salt Lake City: Utah Pioneers Book Pub. Co, 1913.

Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008

Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008. Supplement after 31 December 1849: Page 5G.

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

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

Salt Lake (County) Recorder's Office land records, circa 1847-1860

Salt Lake (County) Recorder's Office land records, circa 1847-1860, 1847, Page 37.

Salt Lake (County) Recorder's Office land records, circa 1847-1860.

Silas Richards reminiscences and journal, circa 1849-1871

Silas Richards reminiscences and journal, circa 1849-1871, Page 4-12.

Transcript for Silas Richards reminiscences and journal, circa 1849-1871, transcribed by Ailcy C. Morrell, 4-12

Silas Richards reminiscences and journal, circa 1849-1871.

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Smithfield, Madison, New York, United States

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George Gee Merrill

Camilla Wirick

Maryette Merrill

Jacob Merrill

Editha Melissa Merrill

Mandana Rebecca Merrill

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The Church History Biographical Database is a powerful research tool that contains biographical entries on over 100,000 early Latter-day Saints, such as pioneers who traveled to Utah and missionaries who served throughout the world from 1830-1940.

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Justin Jared Merrill

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