Mary Fielding (1801 - 1852) Profile

Individual

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Mary Fielding

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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.

Daniel Davis diaries, 1846-1892, Journal

Daniel Davis diaries, 1846-1892, Journal, May 1846.

Transcript for Daniel Davis diaries, 1846-1892, Journal, 1846 May-1889 January, 90-101

Daniel Davis diaries, 1846-1892, Journal.

Eunice Billings Snow, "Sketches from the Life of Eunice Billings Snow," Woman's Exponent

Eunice Billings Snow, "Sketches from the Life of Eunice Billings Snow," Woman's Exponent, February 1, 1912.

In the spring of 1847, we bade farewell to St. Joe, and proceeded to Winter Quarters, where we joined the different companies of Saints. The first company of pioneers was making active preparations at that time to cross the plains, and my brother, George P. Billings, was one of the early pioneers to cross the desert with Brother Kimball. My brother came back to Winter Quarters with Brother Brigham Young and Brother Heber Kimball, and in the spring my father [Titus Billings], mother [Diantha Morley Billings], my brother, George P. Billings, Mr. [John E.] Warner and myself started for the Rocky Mountains. My brother was not with us all the time, since it was necessary for him to drive Helen Mar Whitney's carriage most of the way. She was not feeling very well, due to the fact that she had recently lost a child. This sorrow so preyed upon her mind that it was necessary to have some one with her all the time to comfort and console her. She was a very devout woman, and the brethren, all of whom loved and respected her, administered unto her and she became more reconciled. My father was captain of fifty in Brother Kimball's company. When there was no wood to be had, I gathered buffalo chips and as a child I enjoyed it. I also took pleasure in cooking the meals, since I had no other great responsibility. One time, while cooking supper over a fire of buffalo chips on the ground, my clothing took fire, and had it not been for my brother George, who came up with a bucket of water just then and threw it over me, I should have been burned to death. On the trip I rode when I pleased and walked when I wished, so the journey was not so tiresome to me. The present president of the Church, Joseph F. Smith and his mother [Mary Fielding Smith] were members of Brother Kimball's party of fifty and the young Joseph was old enough to drive a team for his widowed mother. We fortunately had two cows with us on our trip and usually we had plenty of butter to supply our needs, but sometimes the amount would fall short, in which case we would buy a pound from Sister Smith, young Joseph's mother.



One time there was a stampede of our cattle, as they were corralled within our wagons, and bursting over the wagons and demolishing some of them, they killed a small child. Such were some of the sad events of our journey. We would see herd after herd of buffalo, crossing our path, and coming quite close to our wagons. In fording the streams, we sometimes had difficulty, but never any serious mishap. Often it would take our party a whole day to cross a river, since the return would have to be made to help the others over. In several instances, my mother acting as midwife, delivered women in confinement, and there was no interruption to our journey, since mothers and babes continued the trip right along with us.



But oh! the joy and pleasure I shall never forget when we reached a hill, from the summit of which we caught our first view of the Salt Lake valley, the promised land. When we reached the valley, the teams were halted, and the people all took up the shout of hosannah, which was repeated three times.

Transcript for Eunice Billings Snow, "Sketches from the Life of Eunice Billings Snow," Woman's Exponent, 1 February 1912, 47-48

Eunice Billings Snow, "Sketches from the Life of Eunice Billings Snow," Woman's Exponent.

First 100, schedules

First 100, schedules, July 1848.

First 100, schedules.

Heber C. Kimball journals

Heber C. Kimball journals, June 1848.

Transcript for Heber C. Kimball journals, 1848 June-July and 1848 July-September, in Heber C. Kimball papers, 1837-1866

Heber C. Kimball journals.

Heber C. Kimball, Autobiography, circa 1842-1858, in Heber C. Kimball papers, 1837-1866

Heber C. Kimball, Autobiography, circa 1842-1858, in Heber C. Kimball papers, 1837-1866.

Journal of President Heber C. Kimballs division of Latter Day Saints Emigrants, journeying from Winter Quarters, Omaha Nation, to the valley of the Great Salt Lake during the summer of 1848



This division commenced leaving Winter Quarters about the middle of May and moved out about six miles, where they encamped untill a sufficient number arrived to proceed to the Elk Horn in safety, which required several days. Soon as a company was formed they proceeded to the Elk Horn and made preparations for crossing. During this time other companies also moved out and proceeded to the Horn as above.



On the 29th May Prest. Kimball accompanied by his family; Bishop N[ewel]. K[imball]. Whitney &amp; family and some others, left Winter Quarters &amp; encamped at the usual place about six miles out. On the following day several other wagons arrived, and on Wednesday the 31st the company proceeded on about 9 miles and again encamped for the night.



On Thursday June 1st the company proceeded onward and arrived on the banks of the Elk Horn at 3 o clock P.M. where an encampment was again formed. On arriving at this place we found nearly all the wagons which had previously arrived had safely crossed the River and were then encamped on the West side, except one company under Es Snow, who have this day proceeded to the Platte River. There were at this time over three hundred wagons on the west banks of the River all waiting and the saints anxious to proceed on their long journey.



Friday the 2nd June Prest. Kimballs commenced crossing and at 2 o clock all were safely landed on the west bank. On our arrival at the Horn Es Egan was dispatch back to Winter Quarters to urge Sister Mary [Fielding] Smith (widow of the late Patriarch Hyrum Smith) to come on as speedily as possible, and also to attend to some other items of business.



On Sunday the 4th most of the saints assembled for prayer meeting near Prest. Kimballs wagon, and were addressed by Bishop N. K. Whitney and Prest. Kimball on various subjects of interest, touching the journey before us, and the necessity of walking humbly and righteous before God, that we may realize the blessings we need during our journey &amp;c.



On Monday the 5th it was purposed to move on, but a heavy thunder storm arose, which rendered it necessary to postpone our removal till tomorrow.



Tuesday 6th about 8 o clock an alarm was brought to camp, by one of the herdsboys, that Indians were driving off some of the cattle, from the herd about two miles below. A number of the brethren immediately started in pursuit, some on foot and some on horses. Howard Egan and Wm. H[enry]. Kimball went in company, and were afterwards joined by [Thomas Edwin] Ricks &amp; [Noah Willis] Bartholomew all having horses. They proceeded at a rapid pace about six miles down the river and as they went heard a number of shots fired which created much anxiety for the safety of those on foot. When about six miles from camp, they came suddenly upon a party of about ten armed Indians who appeared very hostile, but the brethren did not anticipate any danger, their object being to hunt for the cattle and if they found any to drive them back. However, immediately on the arrival of the brethren amongst the Indians the latter fired several shots, one of which took affect on Ricks, who fell from his horse to the ground apparently dead. At the same instant Howard Egan observed an Indian standing about 20 or 25 feet from them, and taking a dead aim with his rifle at Wm. Kimball, quick as thought he levelled his pistol and fired at the Indian to save W's life. The rifle fell from the Indians hands, but in falling it exploded the ball passing through the fleshy part of Wms. horses hip. The Indian then ran off, but during this scene another Indian had fired upon Egan, the ball passing through his right arm above the wrist, mangling it severely, which caused his pistol (a six shooter) to drop to the ground. Another ball passed through his horses neck which caused him to wheel round making it difficult for Egan to keep the saddle. The brethren then saw it was best to retreat on account of lack of numbers and arms, and seeing that the Indians were determined to fight. All this scenery was but the work of a moment, during which time shots were heard in several other directions. The brethren then drew off towards camp, some distance, leaving Ricks on the ground, and on looking back, they observed one of the Indians proceed towards where Ricks lay &amp; they feared it was to scalp him. However he only picked up the pistol and then followed the others down the river. Es [E]gan soon grew faint with loss of blood and had to be held on his horse by Wm. Kimball, who also bound up his arm with his handkerchief to staunch the blood. They then proceeded onwards towards the camp untill they arrived at the place where they crossed the river (being now on the East side) and here they found several other brethren and informed them of Ricks's situation, requesting them to fetch him to camp, which they agreed to do, and started accordingly by Es Egan and Wm. Kimball then proceeded slowly towards camp taking a circuit towards the bluffs, to avoid the timber, untill they saw some wagons going towards the camp, which proved to be a company with Martin H[orton]. Peck. On arriving at the wagons Es Egan was put in one of them being very faint with loss of blood, and they soon after arrived at the Ford of the Elk Horn. Here Dr. [John Milton] Bernhisel was sent for, and he dressed the wound, and ascertained that no bones were broke. The facts above being made known in camp brother Joel Ricks and T[homas]. [Levi] Whittle with one or two others, took a light wagon, and started to fetch up brother Ricks’ son, proceeding down the East side the river. On arriving near the place where they expected to find the wounded, they were surprised and taken prisoners by a party of 20 or 30 Indians, who took them some distance down the river. The brethren had a trunk or trunks in the wagon which the Indians ransacked, taking a number of articles, and a good coat, worth fifteen dollars. After doing this, and making many signs and gestures of a hostile character, they let the brethren go without farther harm, and they immediately returned towards camp, learning by the way, that the wounded man, had already been taken to camp by the route on the other side the river. Those brethren who started at the request of Es Egan and Wm. Kimball, together with others who joined them went back to this place, where the affray took place, and found brother Ricks still laying in the same place and alive. They took him up and proceeded with him towards camp, and were met by a carriage, in which he was placed and about two o clock arrived with him at his fathers wagon. Dr Bernhisel examined him and found that he was wounded by 3 large buckshot having penetrated the small part of his back. The Dr dressed his wound but it was generally believed that he could not long survive. However Prest. Kimball and one or two others laid their hands on him and prayed for his recovery. The Lord heard their prayers and he revived immediately. There were still one or two brethren missing who went out on foot, and much anxiety was felt on their account, but towards evening they arrived safe. The Indians succeeded in killing and carrying off an ox belonging to Br John Pack, but on starting away from the Elk Horn, a stray ox came to his wagon for which no owner could be found, so that the loss was in a measure made up. About 3 o clock the camp commenced moving off from the River, as it was considered wisdom to leave the timber as soon as possible, and all the wagons being over which had then arrived, so that we should not be in so much danger from the attacks of Indians, who, it is pretty certainly ascertained are of the Omaha and Ottoc [Otoe] tribes, and from every circumstance are doubtless in the neighborhood for the purpose of plundering us of cattle &amp;c. Brother C[ornelius]. P[eter]. Lott, Joseph Fielding, sister Mary Smith and families had been expected at the "Horn" soon after dinner and as it was known that they were not far distant some anxiety was felt for their safety, after the camp had moved about 2 miles, and the encampment had been formed, Prest. Kimball sent back 10 footmen, well armed to meet brother Lott and company, and about 5 o clock they arrived all safe with the exception of having broke an axle tree and being very short of team. The wagons were soon ferried across, the chains attached to the raft taken up, the raft made fast, and the last wagons composing this company on their way to camp, and before dark we had the satisfaction of seeing &lt;about&gt; 210 wagons formed in one Carrol [corral] preparatory to our proceeding on our long journey West. Those who were wounded felt as well as could be expected after the short journey.



Wednesday June 7th About 9 o clock A.M. the camp was again in motion. The day was cool and pleasant, but the roads soft in places, caused by the late storms. On arriving at the Liberty Pole on the Main Platte river, we found Es Isaac Higbee's company encamped, they being a part of this division and numbering about 60 wagons. We halted to water our teams and brother Higbee’s company prepared to proceed with us. We then travelled on 5 1/4 miles further and formed our encampment on the banks of the "Platte," having travelled 15 1/4 miles.



Thursday June 8th we travelled only 8 miles and formed our encampment early on the banks of the river. After sundown the brethren of the first Fifty in this division were called together in front of Prest. Kimballs wagons, and Prest. Kimball addressed the company. He referred to the necessity their is for a reformation in our camp, in regard to our conduct, and then exhorted the brethren to commence it by reforming ourselves in the first place and then reforming our families. He knows their are but few who attend to family prayers, but he would exhort them to begin and have prayers with their families at least twice a day,—to pray for our cattle, for our wagons, for our stock, for the camp, and the presidency; and if we will do this, the Lord will remember us and we shall go safe and have the blessings of the Lord with us day by day; but if we do not we shall have trouble by the way. He wants the brethren also to refrain from swearing and using profane language, for he knows that it is practised in the camp, and he wants it put a stop to, for it shall not be suffered in the camp. He wants the men to keep their women and children in subjection and not suffer them to use profane language, nor to suffer their women to ramble away from camp, nor go a visiting from wagon to wagon, but to stay at home and keep themselves clean and their children and wagons clean. He wants the brethren not to abuse their cattle, nor get angry with them, nor with each other; but cease murmuring and control our angry feelings towards man and beast and we shall get along much better. If men will not cease to abuse their cattle they shall suffer the penalty, for it shall not be allowed in this camp. He would also advise the brethren not to sit up late at night, but got to rest early and see that their families also observe good hours.



After a variety of remarks and observations on these and other subjects connected with them, he asked the company "Shall we begin from this night to have a reformation-to cease from swearing, profane language, murmuring, angry feelings to our cattle and each other, and begin to attend to family prayers &amp;c." It was decided by unanimous vote that we will do so. It was also voted, that from henceforth that all Dogs, Hogs, Bulls, and Cows shall be tied up at nights; and that the Guard who watch the camp, and those who herd cattle shall go armed with loaded guns, but not to bring them in camp with caps on the tubes, but put leather on the tubes and in the pans to keep them dry &amp;c. Every man to stand guard in his turn, commencing at the 1st ten and going round to the last Ten, till all have stood their turn, then begin at the 1st Ten again &amp;c. The last watch to wake up a guard to take out the cattle before sunrise, said guard being previously selected by each Capt. of Ten. No firing of guns in camp to be allowed, nor near it, unless by permission from the captain. There has been some accident already by firing guns and he wishes it to be avoided.



The camp was then organised as follows



Henry Herriman, Captain of the Hundred or DivisionTitus Billings[,] Capt. of 1st Fifty 
William Burgess[,] Capt. of 1st Ten 
Joseph G[rafton]. Hovey[,] Capt. of 2nd Ten 
Newel K[imball]. Whitney[,] Capt. of 3rd Ten 
John [Jehu] Cox[,] Capt. of 4th Ten 
Albert P. [Bailey] Griffin[,] Capt. of 5th Ten 
Joel Ricks[,] Capt. of 6th Ten 
Norton Jacobs[,] Capn. of Guard 
Wm. Clayton[,] Clerk 
John Pack[,] Capn. of 2nd Fifty



The following is the report of the several Captains of Tens setting forth the names and numbers of persons, wagons, horses, mules, Oxen, Cows, Sheep &amp;c. &amp;c. &amp;c. in each company of Ten in this division. . . .



Friday June 9th. This morning the camp again proceeded onward about 9 o clock and travelled about 12 1/4 miles. Found no difficulty in crossing Shell Creek. The day was warm and pleasant. We formed our encampment between the road and Shell Creek about 2 miles above the crossing place.



Saturday June 10th The day was very hot and the roads dusty. We travelled 10 1/4 miles and formed our encampment early, on the banks of the Platte to give the females a chance to do their washing &amp;c., which was attended to with alacrity, the camp generally feeling well.



Sunday June 11th This A.M. at 11 o clock a meeting was held beween the 2 Carrol’s, and the company were addressed severally by Bros Herriman, Billings and others, and afterwards by Prest. Kimball on the subject of observing good order in travelling, cleanliness &amp;c. He also reprimanded several, especially females, for bathing in the river at a late hour last evening some of whom are sick in consequence.



At 4 o clock the saints again assembled and were addressed by Prest. Kimball on various subjects, after which Es Gibson was appointed the Marshal of the Camp, and he was also appointed to receive all property found on the road, that the owners may know where to apply to for it.



Monday June 12th We travelled 19 1/4 miles, the day very warm and dusty. We formed our encampment on the "Loup Fork" of the Platte near a large lake, but it was late in the evening before all the wagons arrived.



Tuesday June 13th We travelled only 9 3/4 miles and formed encampment on the West bank of Be[a]ver River, it requiring considerable time to get all the wagons across the stream. This evening all the companies consisting of about 220 wagons formed in our Carol for the first time.



Wednesday June 14th we travelled 12½ miles and crossed and camped on the West banks of Cedar Creek. While crossing Ash Creek, brother [Peter Wilson] Conover broke one of his axle trees, but some of the brethren having a spare one, he was soon able to proceed on his journey. Also when we arrived on and were crossing Cedar Creek one of the wagons was upset on the east bank, and another on the West bank, but no damage done except breaking some bows and tearing the covers.



About dusk Daniel H. Wells and Daniel Wood arrived from Prest. Young's camp, having been dispatched with a letter to Prest. Kimball &amp; company of which the following is a copy to wit:--

Transcript for Heber C. Kimball, Autobiography, circa 1842-1858, in Heber C. Kimball papers, 1837-1866

Historical Department journal history of the Church

Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008. Supplement after 31 December 1848: Page 16.

Historical Department journal history of the Church.

Joseph F. Smith, "How One Widow [Mary Fielding Smith] Crossed the Plains," Young Woman's Journal

Joseph F. Smith, "How One Widow [Mary Fielding Smith] Crossed the Plains," Young Woman's Journal, February 1919.

"In the spring of '48 there was a move westward and the widow went to Elkhorn. Up to this time one of the teams had two wagons and when we reached a hill, we uncoupled one wagon, taking one at a time. The widow feared to cross the plains in this way and so applied to the Church agent for help. This was refused and she was advised to turn back. This she declined to do, telling the agent, 'I will beat you to the valley and ask for no help either.' The agent's answer was, 'You will prove a burden to your company.' Accompanied by her brother, she went back and returned fully equipped, having arranged for the loan of teams, promising to send them back on reaching the valley. On being assigned to companies, the widow's lot fell to that of the agent who had refused her assistance.



"We journeyed on, meeting with mishaps, losing our oxen, etc. At one time, I remember, one of our oxen, 'Old Buck' was taken sick and the captain said: 'It will die, unyoke it, and leave it,' closing his remarks with, 'I told you that you would be a burden to your company.' The widow went to her wagon, brought a bottle of consecrated oil and with the assistance of Brothers Fielding and Terry used it. 'Old Buck' jumped to his feet and we went on our way rejoicing. Later the captain met with the same misfortune, the widow offered help but her assistance was declined.



"Just before entering the valley, we were met by Brother James Lawson, who had come to assist and guide us. On the 22nd of September, 1848, we saw the valley and we were among the happiest people on the earth. We saw our Mecca, our resting place.



"At the last camping place the widow again lost her oxen, and the captain not being willing to wait, the company rolled out, leaving the widow behind and here she expected to spend the night, but shortly after the company left a cloud burst, the rain literally poured, driving the cattle into camp. We yoked up, continued our journey and passed the captain on the way. We did not stop and camp at dark, but with Brother Lawson for guide traveled on, reaching the fort at 11 the night of September 23rd.



"The next day, September 24th, was Sunday. After the luxury of a bath, we went to meeting and heard Brother Brigham and others preach. On our way home, we met the captain, tired and dirty, just entering the fort, thus proving the truth of the widow's words: 'I will beat you to the valley and ask for no help either.' "

Transcript for Joseph F. Smith, "How One Widow [Mary Fielding Smith] Crossed the Plains," Young Woman's Journal, February 1919, 165, 171

Joseph F. Smith, "How One Widow [Mary Fielding Smith] Crossed the Plains," Young Woman's Journal.

Joseph Fielding journals, 1837-1859, Journal

Joseph Fielding journals, 1837-1859, Journal, December 1843.

. . . but [I] still felt a desire to go if the way should open, and as I was A Member of the Council I was advised by Bro H[eber] C[hase] Kimbal[l] to try and make a Start, I sold my Claim, borrowed some Corn and did my best for Starting, but both my Sister [Mary Fielding Smith] and myself found it very difficult to get off, A great Part of our Teams was made up cows and young Oxen that had not been broke, and we were obliged to fix two waggons together for lack of Leaders and Drivers, Bro Terry who had engaged to drive A Team to the Valey and to bring one back to take his own Family, was quite discouraged, and said it was great Folly to attempt to go as we were fixt—



we left Winter Quarters on Sunday the 4th of June being about the last, Bro Kimballs Company was waiting for us at the Elk-Horn River some 25 Miles[.] when we had got about half the distance there we received from Bro [Howard] Egan 2 Yoke of Oxen through the Influence of Brother Kimball, and we joined the Company on Tuesday Evening and the next morning the Co started, we seemed to improve in our traveling and our Cattle improved in there Condition untill we crossed the Platte River, we overtook Bro B[righam]. Young Company at the Loup-Fork, and it was an intresting Sight, when to behold in the Morning, A String of Oxen reaching from one Side of the River to the other about A Mile from Brighams Co—coming to assist us in crossing, for the Waggons sunk into the Sand and it was hard draving for the Cattle so we put our Cattle to our waggons <s>a</s> and put an extra Team to each and got through well, it was indeed an intresting Sight, you might have taken us for two Armies encamped on either Side of the River waiting the Signal for Conflict but how different was the Case when we saw almost the whole Strength of the one, wading through the River from one to 3 feet in debth, to help their Friends, here we stayed over Sunday—as I did not keep a Journal, I cannot now give any detail of the long and laborious Journey, Brother Youngs Co went Ahead, so we in all formed two Companies each Co. being organized into 50—and 10—C[ornelius] P[eter]—Lot[t] was our Captain of 10 and John Pack of 50, Henry Herriman [Harriman] of the 100, with Bro Kimball at the Head, but when the Feed began to fail we were separated into Fifties and finally into tens as the feed for our Cattle was very short and each 10 had to do the best they could, and we could travil but short Journeys Per Day and some times it was judged necessary to rest our Cattle for several Days,



we crossed the Platte River about Miles below fort Laramie from which time we had but little good feed and the Road was much worse, it is wonderful to see the Buffalo and the Marks of them, for several hundred Miles the Prairie is covered with their Dung from which one is sure there must be Thousands of them—our Companies shot many of them[.] we ate freely of the Flesh and also dried great Quantities and brought on to the Valey—A great Part of the Road the ground is partly covered with Salaratus, or Salt Petre which is very injurious to the Oxen as they eat it freely, owing to the many fine Oxen died, in fact you cannot go far on the Road but you see the Carcase or the Bones of Cattle, at one Place we came to large Beds of Salaratus where almost every Family gathered as much as they wished to carry[.] I and my Family got from one to two Bushels[.] in some Places the Road is sandy and is hard upon the Cattle especially when the Weather is hot and dry, we sometimes had to as&lt;s&gt;cend Mountains of Sand, several times the Companies received fresh Cattle from the Valey which in our Situation was very acceptable—we saw but few Indians, and they were quite friendly[.] I never heard of them taking <s>our</s> any of our Cattle—



we cross the Loup Fork but first the Elk horn A small Stream, the Platte about a Mile across the Laramie Fork, and then the Platte again at the last Place it quite narrow[.] we also have to ford several small [streams] Viz the Green River, the Bear River and the Weber River besides many Creeks great and Small



we found some frost in the Morning early in September but as we came near the Valley the Weather became warmer altho the Snow lay on the Top of the Mountains, and in the Valley there have been no frost in the middle of October, the last 40 or 50 Miles the Road is shocking bad, in Short I wonder that so little Damage was sustained, it seems A wonder that any Waggon can stand it, one Creek we have to cross 17 times, but after all, we came Saflely into the Valley on the Evening of the [blank space] of October, we found our Friends well, and the whole People here seemed to rejoice, but we had about four Months on the Way[.] this was in some Measure owing to the bad Feed and the sickliness of our Cattle, we did not find as much Grain here as we expected, . . .

Transcript for Joseph Fielding journals, 1837-1859, Journal, 1843 December-1859 March, 134-141

Joseph Fielding journals, 1837-1859, Journal.

Juvenile Instructor

Juvenile Instructor, Vol. 6, Page 91, 98-99.

Recollections

Joseph F. Smith, "Recollections", Juvenile Instructor, May 27, 1871, Page 7.

Transcript for Joseph F. Smith, "Recollections," printed in serial format, Juvenile Instructor

Juvenile Instructor.

Rachel F. Burton autobiographical sketch, undated, 14-20

Rachel F. Burton autobiographical sketch, undated, 14-20.

When we started for Salt Lake Valley we were <s>very</s> rather destitute for my parents had spent all they had in bringing us from England to Nauvoo and then to Winter quarters.



We had lost one of our horses but we had three oxen, two cows, and one horse so father [Joseph Fielding] put the oxen <s>were</s> on one. <s>one</s> wagon with the horse in front of them forming a spike team and the two cows on the other wagon with the third ox <s>forming a spike team</s> &lt;and one of Aunt [Mary Fielding] Smith’s oxen making a double yoke of cattle&gt; Mother [Hannah Greenwood Fielding] and Aunty drove the former with us children in it until the lines broke and then I had to lead it and father drove the other wagon with all our earthly possessions in it. I was bare footed and I walked most of the way from Winter quarters to Salt Lake for our harness was an old one to start with and we had not got far on our way when the lines gave out so I led the horse by the bridle. It was rather difficult sometimes on the rough roads for the horse often stepped on my heels and kept them sore.



When we got to Big Mountain mother and Aunty happened to be walking behind with father and I was leading the team quietly on a head with my little brother Joseph [Greenwood Fielding] and my little sister Mary [Ann Fielding] in the wagon. I remember the discent looked long and rather steep but I went on down without waiting for my parents.



When we got started down, however, the hill seemed worse than ever for the wagon pushed the oxen and the oxen hooked the horse and the horse kept stepping on my feet. and I had to run. I called to the children to sit down and we came down big mountain rather fast.



The people at the bottom were very much alarmed and shouted “that child will be killed! that child will be killed!” But we arrived at the bottom in safety. I would not think of leaving go of that bridle because the children were in the wagon.



My feet got dreadfully cut and bruised and my tracks could be traced for some distance by the blood.



We had lots of enjoyable times on the Plains as well as sad ones. Some nights we camped early and in the evenings we had immense bon-fires and the saints would gather round and sing hymns or dance and make-merry. The bigger the fire, the better and the spirit with which the hymns were sung was an inspiration.



When we camped our wagons were placed in a circle thus forming a correll for the cattle for the night.



Some times we had to travel quite late before we found a good camping ground for in many places the grass was scarse or else the water was.



We often saw large herds of buffalo and then the men would kill one so we could all have a little meat. Once we saw a large herd of deer and it pleased me so much to see how nimbly they ran.



I remember one time we came to what seemed a large lake of saleratus and all the women got some. I helped my mother and we filled our aprons. It was in cakes. Mother took care of it and we had saleratus for a long time and used it instead of soda. We were glad of it when ever our bread was sour as it was quite often owing to the way in which we had to neglect it in our travels.



In all our worries and frights I never was badly frightened for I had such confidence in my parents. Little children like little chicks run to mother for protection. Father and mother carry all the cares.



We arrived in Salt Lake City 23 September 1848. I remember feeling so glad that we had got to Zion and relieved that we did not have to travel any more. I ran up on to the temple square and all over, my parents could scarsely keep track of me.



. . . I forgot to tell about an experience we had on the *plains.* Once the ox we had of Aunt Smith’s got sick and it seemed as if it would die but my father poured oil on it and administered to it and it lay perfectly still a few minutes and got up and shook itself and ate a little grass and father hitched it up and it was all right after that.

Transcript for Rachel F. Burton autobiographical sketch, undated, 14-20

Smith, Joseph F., [Reminiscences], in Susan Arrington Madsen, I Walked to Zion [1994], 36-37

Smith, Joseph F., [Reminiscences], in Susan Arrington Madsen, I Walked to Zion [1994], 36-37.

In the spring of 1848, as the Presidency and all who were able were leaving Winter Quarters for the Valley, my mother [Mary Fielding Smith] made an attempt to go along. During the fall and winter she had made two trips down into Missouri to purchase provisions and trade for "necessities" for the family, which numbered in all, about eleven.
Once I accompanied her, along with my uncle Joseph Fielding, at which time we went to St. Joseph, Missouri, and purchased corn and had it ground at Savannah, and on our way home we camped in the edge of a wood, in the neighborhood of a large herd of cattle that were being driven to market. In the morning our best yoke of cattle were gone. My uncle and I hunted far and near but could not find them. We enquired of the herdsmen and followed their directions but could not find our oxen. This broke up our team so that we could not travel and would have been under the necessity of purchasing or trading in some way for another yoke before we could have moved on.
But after some delay, and Mother had cleared up after breakfast, she started out to find the cattle. Uncle thought it was useless for her to go. I confess I thought so too, but I had more faith that she would find them, if findable, than I had in either my or my uncle's finding them. While Mother was walking along through the tall grass, one of the herdsmen rode up to her and said he had seen her cattle over in the opposite direction to what she was going. Strange to say she passed right on, not heeding what had been said at all. He repeated, she paid no attention but passed on as tho' she were in "the strait and narrow path." Suddenly she came upon a slight ravine filled with tall willows, and in a dense cluster of large willows she found the oxen, where they had been fastened up during the night by the herdsmen with the intention of stealing them and driving them to the market, for they were in good condition. After the cattle were found, these worthy herdsmen suddenly rode off, perhaps in search of honesty, which I trust they found.
We moved on smoothly until we reached a point about midway between the Platte and Sweetwater Rivers. One of our best oxen lay down in the yoke as if poisoned, and all supposed he would die. Captain [Cornelius Peter] Lott now blustered about, as if the world was about at an end. "There," he said. "I told you you would have to be helped, and that you would be a burden on the company." But in this he was mistaken, for after praying for the ox and pouring oil upon him, he got up and we drove along, only detaining the company a very short time.
We had not gone far when another fell down like the first. But with the same treatment he got up as the other. I believe this was repeated the third time, to the astonishment of all who saw and the chagrin of Captain Lott.
 My team leaders' names were Thom and Joe—we raised them from calves, and they were both white. Thom was trim built, active, young, and more intelligent than many a man. Many times while traveling sandy or rough roads, on long, thirsty drives, my oxen were lowing with the heat and fatigue. I would put my arms around Thom's neck and cry bitter tears! That was all I could do. Thom was my favorite and best and most willing and obedient servant and friend. He was choice!

Transcript for Smith, Joseph F., [Reminiscences], in Susan Arrington Madsen, I Walked to Zion [1994], 36-37

William Burton papers, circa 1837-1851, Journal

William Burton papers, circa 1837-1851, Journal, June 1848, Vol. 11.

Transcript for William Burton papers, circa 1837-1851, Journal, Volume 11, 1848 June-July

William Burton papers, circa 1837-1851, Journal.

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Honeydon, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom

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Richard Bennett, "A Study of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Upper Canada, 1830 - 1850" p. 92 Appendix 3, Provo, Utah Brigham Young University

Mary Fielding

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