Mary Ann Arthur (1836 - 1929) Profile

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Mary Ann Arthur

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Christopher Jones Arthur autobiography, Library of Congress collection of Mormon diaries, 1935-1938

Christopher Jones Arthur autobiography, Library of Congress collection of Mormon diaries, 1935-1938.

{Pages 5-6}



We steamed up to St. Louis and from there to Keokuk and found Father [Christopher Able Arthur] under the weather. Our trip up was a pleasnt &amp; enjoyable one. We camped in Keokuk on the hill 6 weeks. Our tent was near a clump of trees—The camp in white looked very nice. We spent an enjoyable time—After going into the woods nearby, shooting game birds, and it furnished us many a game dinner.



One morning shortly after our arrival, Father walking thro the camp met Cyrus Wheelock—Bro Wheelock spied Appleton Harmon walking about and called to him at the same time informing Father that here comes the Utah giant. Father put his arm across Bro Harmons Shoulder, showing that he was taller. Isaac C. Haight had charge of the emigration and ran short of funds. He asked father to help him out. Father told him he had divided his means among his children. If they were willing he could have $1000.00. Bro. Haight came to me and I said I was perfectly willing to loan my part. Bro Haight on arriving in the valley paid the loan but I never saw a cent of my portion but I felt all right if father needed it.



Our first camp after leaving Camp at Keokuk was Montrose opposite Nauvo[o], wher Claudius V. Spencer was camped with several wagons awaiting our arrival. We organized the first night; Claudius V. Spencer President, Father captain of the 50 wagons &amp; C[hristopher]. J[ones]. Arthur Clerk. Next morning we started for Salt Lake City, sometimes stuck and mending and repairing breakdowns. I drove a wagon across with 2 yoke of steers and they were beauties. My wagon contained the provisions for our outfit. We met many adventures killing buffalo and had one stampede.

Transcript for Christopher Jones Arthur autobiography, Library of Congress collection of Mormon diaries, 1935-1938

{Volume 2, pages 6-7}



May 26th 1853, fourteen wagons started on the journey West with father, and joined Claudius V. Spencer’s camp at Montrose. In the afternoon meeting held to organise the company, father [Christopher Able Jones] was appointed captain of the Company, Nestice, [John Joseph] Hayes, Walker, [James] Gailey [Galley] and Evans Captains of ten wagons, who were instructed by Pres. [Claudius V.] Spencer in their duties. See that every family attended to morning and evening prayer, in their tents of wagons. Also see that guard duty was kept up every night, which was approved of by all present.



27th. Early start. Pleasant weather. Drove to and camped at Sugar Creek. Father had 3 wagons and a buggy, 8 yoke of oxen, 1 span of horses, 3 colts, weaned, 1 black horse colt for Benjam[in Arthur], 1 sorrel mare colt to Mary Ann [Arthur], 1 grey mare colt to me. We reached Salt Lake City Sept. 26. We had a very interesting trip. I drove 2 yoke of oxen and light wagon, which contained the family supplys &amp; where me and Benj’m slept. We had comfort all the journey. Father &amp; Mary Ann rode in the carriage

We had an excellent journey across the plains after leaving the Mis[s]ouri River but our President was not very agreeable as a general thing however the Lord blessed us remarkable. At Council Bluffs we broke down a wheel of one of the wagons, my cousen John took it back for repairs which was the last we ever saw of him, he has written to me several times &amp; in one of his letters told me that he staid in Iowa several years married there &amp; finally moved with his family to Denver where he became Sheriff of the County, finally moved on some ranches &amp; went into the business of stockraiseing, he was a large man and writes that he has a nice family, sent me several invitations to go and visit him.



We arrived in the Valley September _____1853 after a successful trip of ____ months _____ days &amp; found my brother Joshua in a Salt box room (1) with a wife.

Mary Ann Arthur

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