Milo Andrus (1814 - 1893) Profile

Individual

death-date-qualifier-death

Milo Andrus

birth-date-qualifier-birth

Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008

Historical Department journal history of the Church, July 17, 1848, Page 7.

Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008, April 15, 1844, Page 1-5.

“[Elders] will present before the people “General Smith’s views of the powers and policy of the General Government,” and seek diligently to get up electors who will go for him for the presidency.  All Elders will be faithful in preaching the gospel.” Appointed to serve mission to Pennsylvania.

Transcript for Historical Department journal history of the Church, 15 April 1844

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

Index to the British Mission history, 1841-1971, Church History Library

Index to the British Mission history, 1841-1971, Church History Library, Page 173-175.

Index to the British Mission history, 1841-1971, Church History Library.

Milo Andrus diary, 1849-1850, Church History Library

Milo Andrus diary, 1849-1850, Church History Library.

Transcript for Milo Andrus diary, 1849-1850, Church History Library

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, October 9, 1869, Vol. 1, Page 15, Line 625.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, October 9, 1869, Vol. 1, Page 14, Line 561.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, October 9, 1869, Vol. 2, Page 16, Line 625.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, October 9, 1869, Vol. 2, Page 15, Line 561.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959.

Andrus, Milo, [Autobiography], in "Utah Pioneer Biographies," 44 vols., 3:216-17

Andrus, Milo, [Autobiography], in "Utah Pioneer Biographies," 44 vols., 3:216-17.

We landed at Kanesville early in May; was organized in the first company of Saints early in June. I was chosen Captain over 55 wagons. We had a good time on the plains, arriving in Salt Lake City the last day of August having but one death on the journey that of a stranger going to California. I baptized 15 persons on the journey. James Leithead and Richard Hopkins were clerks of the company.
[Variant version of text also in Our Pioneer Heritage, 20 vols. (1958-77), 14:236-37]

Transcript for Andrus, Milo, [Autobiography], in "Utah Pioneer Biographies," 44 vols., 3:216-17

Deseret News

Names of Passengers

"Names of Passengers", Deseret News, October 17, 1855, Page 5.

Deseret News.

DUP Pioneer History Collection

Life of Daniel Stuart, Written in His Own Words

"Life of Daniel Stuart, Written in His Own Words", DUP Pioneer History Collection, Page 4-5.

Not long after opening my shop I had a chance to sell to good advantage. I sold and bought three yolk of oxen and provisions to take us across the plains to Utah. I was now on the lookout for a man to drive us across the plains as I well knew that I could not drive oxen, it was not my trade and I had been brought up to think every man to his trade. In May 1850 I met a Mr. Hansen Tuttle. He was a member of the battalion, capable of driving the oxen and also very desirious of going to Utah. We went to a small place called Bethelhem [Bethlehem, Missouri] where a company of about fifty Latter-Day Saints was formed. The Captain of the company was Milo Andrew [Andrus].


We started on June 1, 1850. When we came to a river we couldn't cross we made rafts and pulled the wagons and people over. I took my turn standing guard at night. We made a circle of our wagons for better protection against Indian attacks, all the cattle where kept inside the enclosure. We gathered buffalo chips for fuel.


On August 1, 1850, we landed in Salt Lake City.

Transcript for "Life of Daniel Stuart, Written in His Own Words", DUP Pioneer History Collection, Page 4-5.

Daughters of Utah Pioneers. DUP Pioneer History Collection.

Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008. 31 December 1850: Page 1.

Index to Utah pioneer biographies

Utah Pioneer Biographies, Vol. 42, Page 28.

Utah Pioneer Biographies

Leithead, James, [Journal], "Utah Pioneer Biographies", Index to Utah pioneer biographies, 42, Page 18, 28-35.

Transcript for Leithead, James, [Journal], in "Utah Pioneer Biographies," 44 vols., 42:18, 28-35

Index to Utah pioneer biographies.

Isaiah M. Coombs collection, 1835-1938

Isaiah M. Coombs collection, 1835-1938, April 1855, Vol. 1.

Transcript for Isaiah M. Coombs collection, 1835-1938, Diaries, Volume 1, 1855 April-1856 April 27

Isaiah M. Coombs collection, 1835-1938.

John H. Krenkel, ed., The Life and Times of Joseph Fish, Mormon Pioneer (Danville, Ill: Interstate Printers and Publishers, 1970), 25-30

John H. Krenkel, ed., The Life and Times of Joseph Fish, Mormon Pioneer (Danville, Ill: Interstate Printers and Publishers, 1970), 25-30.

John C. L. Smith and my sister, Sarah, had reached the Valley in safety and he was quite successful in trading with the California emigrants, who were trading their broken down animals for fresh ones and buying supplies so as to continue their journey to the Pacific. Smith had made a little by this trade and liberally sent us some to aid in fitting out for the western journey. My father [Horace Fish] had gathered a little together so as to buy one yoke of cattle and two yoke of cows having now four yoke of oxen and cows for we worked our cows that same as we did the oxen. Preparations were now made for a start to the mountain valley of the Great Salt Lake, and on May 29, 1850 we left the place and moved down the river to the lower ferry where we crossed the Missouri River on the first day of June.



After crossing the Missouri River we pulled away from the river a few miles where the Saints were gathering previous to starting on their long journey to the mountain valley of the Great Salt Lake. Here we remained a few days awaiting the organization of the company which was soon completed. The company consisted of fifty wagons and was divided into tens there being a captain over each ten. Milo Andrus was chosen captain over the whole company and Robert Wiley was captain of our ten.



The organization being completed preparations were soon made to commence the journey. Our start and progress for a few days was quite slow. Nearly all the cattle were wild and unbroke, and it required some time and patience to get them in place. The cows were nearly all worked and soon became the best leaders. The wagons were of various kinds—some were made in the east while some were made at Nauvoo and other places by the Saints. My father had the wagon that he had made at Nauvoo and our team consisted of two yoke of oxen and our cows. One yoke of the cattle were good ones but very old, the other was young but wild and unbroken. Many of the teamsters were as awkward as the teams. They never having driven cattle before, so they that had some experience were kept busy in helping others who had to learn. My father was not a good hand to manage cattle as he never drove a team when he could avoid it, so he got a man to drive our team for a distance for his board. These delays with unbroken cattle and untrained teamsters caused some delay and our progress for a few days was rather slow, but, in a short time, things began to move more smoothly and orderly and we began to make better time.



Our mode of traveling was the usual one adopted by the emigrants; each ten took its turn in leading or going ahead and at night the first half of the company would turn to the right and form a half circle, the tongues of the wagons being turned out and the left front wheel near the right hind wheel of the wagon ahead of it. The other half of the company would turn to the left and form the other half of the circle in a similar manner with the tongues of the wagons turned out the same as the others. In later years this mode of forming camp was changed a very little, the first half of the company forming the right hand side faced the tongues of their wagons in. This gave them some advantage it was thought in hitching up their teams. In starting out in the morning the hind part or left hand part of the company would take the lead that day thus changing each day. The cattle were taken out to where they could get the best grazing with a strong guard over them, and there was a camp guard around the wagons. The captain generally went ahead and selected the camp ground, and thus he regulated the distance traveled during the day.



As the company stretched out across the broad prairies it presented a picturesque appearance. Bare-footed children, here and there, wending their way along the line of march. Women, some with sunbonnets, some with hats and others with various kinds of protection for the head, traveling along through the hot dust and over the parched plains. Men with their long whips walking beside the lolling oxen that were dragging their heavy loads towards the setting sun. A variety of characters were behind bringing up the rear with the loose stock which was varied as their drivers. All were hastening west as fast as they could over these boundless prairies.



The Pioneers had gone west on the north side of the Platte but for various reasons, I suppose that the south side was deemed the best route for this season, because the grass had been burnt off on the north side.



And thus we journeyed on amidst our toils, joys and sorrows. On the 23rd of June we arrived at Fort Kearney.



We spent the Fourth of July crossing the South Fork of the Platte River. We forded the river at an angle which made it a little over a mile across. This was done so as to follow a shallow place which had been found by persons who had been sent out to find the best crossing. It was a quicksand bottom and the water was about 18 inches deep. We doubled teams in crossing, the way was marked out by poles being stuck up with flags on them, serving as a guide to the teamsters where to drive. I remember that we children were greatly frightened, but the teamsters on both sides of the long line of cattle kept them moving to keep from getting stuck in the quicksand.



These tiresome journeys, the hardships and exposures were the cause of many falling by the wayside, and many were the unknown graves that we passed on our line of march. Some were those of the Saints and some were those of the California gold seekers who were pressing their way in great numbers to the shores of the western sea. We could not often distinguish to which class they belonged. Who they were and where they lie, is known to but few, if any. Did I but know their final resting place, I would, like "Old Mortality," wish to carve anew, and deep, the fading records of their life and death, which time has so nearly obliterated and to herald abroad the praise and honor due them as some of the pioneers, who were the designers and builders, of a western empire.



An interesting land mark as we journeyed up the Platte was Chimney Rock. I remember that when we came in sight of it that it was thought by us boys that it was not far off and some of us boys started out to go to it thinking that we could go there and then take across and meet the train on ahead. We traveled some little distance when we gave it up and we did not get even with it until the next day. It must have been all of fifteen miles away.



We were hurrying on over these plains as fast as possible with our slow ox train, and we reached Fort Laramie on 19th of July. Here we found a few United States soldiers with several traders, half-breeds, Indians, squaws, papooses, etc.



On leaving the North Platte we soon reached the Sweetwater River and here we reached a noted place in the annals of the fur traders and early explorers that of Independence Rock.



On August 4th we arrived at the Devil's Gate. At this place we found quite a number of wagons. Several had been burnt. The emigrants going to the mines of California had found it impossible to take all their wagons and loading through, so some left their wagons and others burnt them rather than have them fall into the hands of the Mormons. They were eager to get through to the mines on the coast, and wagons, give out animals and innumerable articles of all kinds were left by the wayside. I even noticed an old broken fiddle. The road along here was lined with these articles as they had been thrown aside to lighten the loads of those who were hastening to the Elderado of the west. We found many wagons and parts of wagons were found, the owners having made carts or put their effects on pack animals and hastened on in their mad rush to reach the mines. My father's team was failing fast so to help them some he left his wagon and took another that was lighter that he found by the way side. I learned later that William Hutchins who later located at Beaver, brought our old wagon with him into Utah.



As we journeyed up the Platte, we often saw villages of prairie dogs. One company that had passed the year before on seeing these little animals standing on their hind legs near their holes, supposed that they were Indians hid in the grass for the purpose of ambushing them. The advance parties giving the alarm the company was halted and every man made for his gun when it was discovered that the enemy was a harmless one. Game was found in great numbers, but owing to the large emigration that had preceded us they were wild and numbers had been driven from the roadway, however antelope were seen frequently. Buffalo were often seen in vast herds of many thousands.



Along the valley of the Platte there were many nice places in that shallow river where the boys would go in swimming, and some went in quite often and stayed in for sometime, and being in the hot sun so much they got badly sunburnt on their backs and shoulders.



During the long and tedious journey the children got very tired of riding and those who were too young to walk much wished their mothers to carry them which was done in many instances to the detriment of the mothers, who overtaxed themselves to please their little ones. My sister, Jane, carried my brother, Franklin, who was two years old for many miles which was a heavy tax on her strength and health. My sister, Anna Maria, was cautioned about falling under the wagon wheels when she got in and out, and told that if she did it would kill her. One day she fell and was run over. She jumped up and cried out "Am I killed? Am I killed?" The marks of the wagon tire were on her head but she was not seriously injured. How she escaped being killed was a mystery for it had every appearance that the wheel ran over her head from the marks, etc.



On arriving at Green River we had a severe snow storm. Considerable snow fell on the mountains nearby. Several of the poorer cattle died during the night. One of ours among the number, an old black muley ox that had done us good service. Our team had dwindled down to about one half what it was when we started, and many others had lost fully as many in proportion to numbers.



We crossed the river on the 18th day of August and a few days more brought us to Fort Bridger which was beautifully located on Black's Fort. The fort consisted of but two or three log houses. Journeying on we reached Bear River on August 22nd and we crossed the Weber River on 25th.



A few days before we reached the valley, John C. L. Smith and his wife, Sarah, and their little son, Horace C., who was born after they arrived in the valley, came out to meet us. It was a joyful meeting here in the mountains. They had brought out some melons and vegetables which were much appreciated, as we had had none for nearly a year to speak of. We now had help and we pushed on a little ahead of the main company and arrived in Salt Lake City on August 29th, after a toilsome march of three months over the parched plains and rugged mountains. We, however, had enjoyed good health, but I was dreadfully sunburnt. My ears, nose and lips were a raw sore. The sun and alkali dust had been hard on me as well as many others of the company. All that could had walked, so as to lighten the loads. My father walked nearly every step of the way he counted the graves as we passed along getting up to a little over a thousand when he gave it up being taxed with a give out team and other things which occupied his attention. We were happy in getting through as well as we did for many fell by the wayside before they reached the journey's end. To cheer us on the way the popular song "Come come ye saints no toil nor labor fear but with joy wend your way" was sung quite often with other songs of a cheering character. On arriving in Utah we went up to Centerville about 12 miles north of Salt Lake City where my brother-in-law had located and had secured 25 acres of land for my father.

Transcript for John H. Krenkel, ed., The Life and Times of Joseph Fish, Mormon Pioneer (Danville, Ill: Interstate Printers and Publishers, 1970), 25-30

Joseph Fish collection, circa 1857-1969, Journal, circa 1857 - 1895. 18-19

Joseph Fish collection, circa 1857-1969, Journal, circa 1857 - 1895. 18-19.

Having collected a little means for a team and fitout [outfit] my father commenced preperations for our departure west, and on the 29 of May &lt;1850&gt; we left our home to go further west with the body of the Saints. We went down the river to the lower ferry and crossed the Missouri river on the 1st day of June 1850. went out from the ferry a few miles where the saints were gathering previous to starting west[.] here we remained a few days awaiting the organization of the company. which was soon completed[.] it consisted of fifty wagons and divided into tens there being a captain of each ten. Milo Andrus was chosen Captain of the company and Robert Wiley was Captain of our ten. the organization being completed preparations were soon made for to commence the journey, but our start and progress for a few days was quite slow[.] nearly all had wild and unbroke cattle, and it required time and patience to get them to their place. our cows were nearly all worked and soon became tractable and the best part of the team.



our teams and wagons were varied but few however being of the best kind. My fathers team consisted of one large yoke of oxen good but very old[.] the rest were wild steers and cows. we found with all that many of the teamsters were raw hands and not accustomed to handling wild animals but a few days produced quite a change and teamsters and teams soon learned their place and duty. when our progress was a little better.



We arrived at Fort Keerney [Kearney] on the 23 of June and we spent the fourth day of July in crossing the South fork of the Platt[e] river[.] we crossed at an angle which made it a little ove[r] a mile acrst [acrost], the water averaged about 18 inchs deep with a quick sand bottom.



Here was a subject for reflection a few poor half clothed and fed Saints Spending the Nations Holiday toiling from early dawn until dark through water and quick sand to place the desert between them and their persecutors. and this in a land of liberty and many of these marches were made at the very time when 500 of our men were in the field fighting the battles of the government that had allowed this driving if they had not aided in it. These toilsome journeys[,] hardship[,] exposures &amp;c caused many lay down to rest never to rise until the morning of the reserection.



We arrived at Fort Lerramie [Laramie] on the 19 of July[.] here we found a few U. S. troops with several traders halfbreeds, vagabonds, &amp;c.



August 4 we arrived at the "Devils Gate" this is quite a remarkable looking place where the Sweet Water runs through a place where the rocks on either side rise for hundreds of feet perpendicular from the edge of water. at this place we found where quite a number of wagons had been burned[.] the emigrants going to the mines of California had found it impossible to take all their wagons so they burnt them rather than see them fall into the hands of the "mormons[.]" many were eager to get to the mines of which such fabulous stories had been told and wagons and give out animals with other property was left by the hundreds[.] some of this was gathered up and helped the saints very much. Game existed along the valley of the Platt[e] in great abundance but owing to the great emigration this season it was quite wild. Buffalo however was seen almost daily and sometimes in vast herds.



We crossed Green river on the 18th. of August[.] here we encountered a very hard storm[.] it was very cold and snowed considerable on the mountains. quite a number of our poorer cattle died. our team had dwindled to one half of its original number and many others had shared no better.



We arrived at Bear river on the 22 of August and on the 25 we crossed Weber river[.] these two streams are in the great basin and empty into Salt Lake while Green river forms the main branch of the Colorado river and empties into the Gulf of California.



A few days before getting into Salt Lake City we were met by J. C. L. Smith his wife Sarah and their little boy Horace C. who had come out to meet us. we were much pleased to see them. we arrived in Salt Lake City on the 29 of August after a toilsome march of three months[.] we however had enjoyed good health, my ears and nose &lt;and lips&gt; was a raw sore caused from the heat of the Sun which affected my skin very much and I suffred much from it[.] I believe I was the worst Sun burnt boy in that company. Our team what was left of it was quite jaded[.] Our Wagon which my father made himself stood the trip very well.

Transcript for Joseph Fish collection, circa 1857-1969, Journal, circa 1857 - 1895. 18-19

"Leithead, James, b. 1816," Andrew Jenson collection, circa 1841-1942

"Leithead, James, b. 1816," Andrew Jenson collection, circa 1841-1942.

... in 1850 Crossed the plains in Captain Milo Andrus company of over 50 wagons arriving in Great Salt Lake City september

Transcript for "Leithead, James, b. 1816," Andrew Jenson collection, circa 1841-1942

Mary Ann Savill Tame journal excerpt in Saville Heritage (Salt Lake City: F.C. Youngberg, 1985), 496, by Florence C. Youngberg

Mary Ann Savill Tame journal excerpt in Saville Heritage (Salt Lake City: F.C. Youngberg, 1985), 496, by Florence C. Youngberg.

29 [May] started by steam boat for Hannibal on the Mississippi river. Landed whent on rail again for St. Jos reched 30 then sailed for Florence by steamboat on the Missouri river reached florence



Sunday June 2 our luggage was conveyed to a empty house where we were we stayed untill we start for the plains



Monday 5 received a letter from Bro. Hall through Bro Andrus nothing very particular happened



June 16 walked to the camping ground to meeting



Monday 17 the American Brethrn arrived from the valley Joseph Young Brought a letter from Bro Brett to Claroke,



Teusday 18 first company left for the plains



Thursday 20 Bro Robert and John . . . .

Transcript for Mary Ann Savill Tame journal excerpt in Saville Heritage (Salt Lake City: F.C. Youngberg, 1985), 496, by Florence C. Youngberg

Millennial Star

Emigration

"Emigration", Millennial Star, August 15, 1850.

We have attended the organization of 350 wagons of Salt Lake Emigrants up to Saturday 8th inst., Capt. Milo Andrews [Andrus] is a-head with fifty wagons. Next follows, Capt. Benjamin Hawkins with one hundred; Thomas S. Johnson, Capt. of 1st Division, and ---- Capt. of Second Division. We left them at Council Grove 12 miles from Bethlehem west of the Missouri river, on the morning of the 7th inst. Next in succession is Bishop Aaron Johnson with a train of one hundred wagons; Elisha [Elijah] Everett [Averett], Capt. of 1st Division, and Matthew Caldwell, Capt. of the 2nd Division. Next in order is Capt. James Pace with one hundred. Richard Session, Capt. of 1st Division, and David Bennett, Capt. of 2nd Division. The Emigrants are generally well fitted out with wagons and teams, provisions, &amp;c.



There are some wagons quite too heavy. Those brought from St. Louis are good, but too heavy. A heavy wagon with a stiff tongue is unsuitable for the journey. Let no person hereafter buy a wagon for this trip unless its tongue has a joint in the hounds forward of the axletree. Light wagons that will bear from sixteen to twenty hundred pounds, are the most suitable for this service. These heavy lumber concerns should be left here, and not used by our people, neither by anybody else, unless they choose.



The number of California wagons that have crossed at this point, is about 4,500 averaging 3 men to the wagon, making 13,500 men, and about 22,000 head of horses, mules, oxen, and cows.



Our own emigration to Salt Lake Valley will amount to about 700 wagons as nearly as we, at present, can determine. They take two new carding machines in addition to one sent last year, besides much other valuable machinery. They also take about 4000 sheep and 5000 head of cattle, horses, and mules.



With the facilities for improvement that are already in the Valley, and those that are now going, we may expect to see that hitherto, desolate region, growing rapidly into importance, and consideration. Success to the West, and to Western enterprize, to Western men and measures! "Let the Wilderness and the solitary place be glad for them, and the desert rejoice and blossom as the rose."

Transcript for "Emigration," Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star, 15 August 1850, 252-53

Millennial Star.

Milo Andrus Emigrating Company journal

Milo Andrus Emigrating Company journal, April 1861.

Transcript for Milo Andrus Emigrating Company journal, 1861 April-May and July-August

Milo Andrus Emigrating Company journal.

Milo Andrus letter to Brigham Young

Milo Andrus letter to Brigham Young, August 29, 1850.

Camp of Isirel [Israel] Kanyon Creek



Thursday morning August 29th 1850



Brother Young We are sorry to say that in consequence of not understanding the nature of the old and new routes from Weber River when we wrote to you We thought we would take the new when we came to the Forkes of the Road the Company were called together &amp; it was the unanimous voice of the people to take the old Route[.] We therefor Send you the earliest information of the fact in our pow[e]r in order that if any Location may have Been Selected for our encampment Before our finale dis Bandment We may Be informed of it without disapointment By the mesenger taking the new Route[.] We are about 25 miles from the City &amp; fuly expect to Be in by the time stated



We Remain yours in the Bonds of the Covenant



Milo Andrus Capt.,



James Leithead Clk.

Transcript for Milo Andrus letter to Brigham Young, 29 August 1850

Milo Andrus letter to Brigham Young, July 11, 1850.

Camp of Isirel Capt.. Andras [Andrus] 
Company 115 miles East of Fort Larimie [Laramie] 
July 11th 1850



President Young



Dear Sir having an opertunity of sending you a few lines we would inform you that our company consisting of 51 Wagons 206 persons are in good traveling order 115 miles East from Fort Larimie [Laramie] on the South side of platte[.] we are all well there has Been no sickness in our camp of A serious nature of long duration[.] we left the Missouri River on the third of June[.] have met with no axcident &amp; are geting along well[.] We have passed the Graves of hundreds yet God has preserved us for which we felle [feel] thankful[.] the Company is commanded By Capt. Milo. Andras [Andrus]



Peace &amp; Union prevail in our midst &amp; we hope By the Blessing of God to reach your Valey in safty With sentements of Esteem we subscribe ourselves your Brethren in the Gospel



MILO ANDRAS Capt 
James Leithead, Clerk

Transcript for Milo Andrus letter to Brigham Young, 11 July 1850

Milo Andrus letter to Brigham Young, August 8, 1850.

Camp of Isirel Capt. Andrus Company 
Sweet Water 296 miles from Salt Lake City 
Aug 8th 1850



Aug 8th 1850



President Young having an opertunity of sending you A few lines in advance of us By the hand of Mr. Kinkade we thought it Advisable to inform you that we are now within 296 miles of your City in Genaral good health &amp; spirits in good traviling condition[.] our Cattle have stood the journey Remarcably well considering the scarsity of Grass since we left Fort Larimie [Laramie] &amp; we anticipate to reach our destination about the First of Sept.--we think we &lt;can&gt; accomplish the Journey without any assistance, we travil slow &amp; steady take Great care of our teams'&amp; lay up on an average about two days in the week we have met with no serious accident[.] have lost But very few Cattle[.] the Lord has Blessed us &amp; opened the way Before us &amp; our present prospects are flattering[.] there has Been But one death in our midst las[t] night A Gold Diger died that was along with us--With sentements of Esteem for Brigim Young



MILO ANDRAS Capt 
JAMES LEITHEAD Clerk

Transcript for Milo Andrus letter to Brigham Young, 8 August 1850

Milo Andrus letter to Brigham Young, August 21, 1850.

Camp of Isirel Company No. 1. 
of Salt Lake Emigrants 16 Miles East of 
Fort Bridger August 21st 1850



President Young we have Deligated Brother [Fielding] Jeter Clinton in Company with Brother Ward to Represent us in your Counsels &amp; give you all the information Relative to us as A Company that you may Require[.] they likewise Bear you A list of all the Names in the Company[.] we Confidently expect if no accident hapen to us to reach the valey Saturday morning the 31st &amp; we desire if it meets your mind that you cause A A [sic] suitable place for an encampment as near the City as posible to be selected where we can Receive A visit from you we also wish to know the hour when we might Expect your arival in our Camp[.] if these arrangements meet your Aprobation please inform us By Messinger [messenger] We shall come in by the way of the Golden pass if we get no information to the contrary



With Sentiments of Esteem 
We Remain yours &amp;c



MILO ANDRUS Capt 
JAMES LEITHEAD, Clk



P.S. I would be very Glad if the Presidency would take the Charge off my hands as soon after we get in camp as possible for it will be very difficult to keep the people together for any len[g]th of time



M.A.

Transcript for Milo Andrus letter to Brigham Young, 21 August 1850

Milo Andrus letter to Brigham Young, September 9, 1855.

<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Head Quarters of the 
tale end of the Mormon 
Emigration in Camp 21 Miles 
below Chimney Rock 
Sunday 11 Oclock Sep 9/55</center>



 



Dear President Young



It is with heart felt gratitude to God our heavenly Father that I am yet among the living &amp; have the pleasure of droping you a few lines to let you know how things exist with us &amp; what has taken place that will be of interest to you since Elder Erastus Snow left me at Mormon Grove[.] I will therefore begin with the Mrs. Dafrene affair &amp; "Queen"[.] I should say of all the devilish spirits in hell &amp; on Earth. <s>h</s> as was anticepated she hurried through in connection with many spirits like herself which the States abound with, got the attachment laws of Missouri extended over Kansas Territory &amp; sent an United States Marshal for said Territorry with an attachment for any Mormon train against the property of B Young, H.C. Kimball &amp; J.M. Grant. He came up with Bro [John S.] Fullmer about 15 Miles out from Mormon Grove, with 2 or 3 of our Waggons. I was in the advance from 15 to 20 Miles with the balance of the Company a distance of about 35 Miles from Atchison, at that time we had been unable to move the Company in Mass in consequence of lacking, broke cattle &amp; drivers. while we was at prayers in the evening on the 8th Aug. it was announced that Bro Fullmer had arrived in Company with the Marshal, but I paid but little or no attention until I fully satisfied myself in prayer before the Lord asking him to give me power over all evil spirits whether in men in high places or low ones or in our animals that we eventually might have the Victory &amp; bring the people &amp; property placed in my charge to the home of the Saints. after prayers I was introduced to Mr. Clarke U.S. Marshal for K. Territory &amp; was informed by him of his business, &amp; informed likewise that he would ease the Matter of by taking me from the Midst of the Camp at this critical moment back to Atchison &amp; get sufficient good security from amongst the Citizens there to secure the debt &amp; cost to which I replyed to Bro Fullmer that I would see them damned before I would go an inch or suffer any attachment to be made in Camp[.] I claimed that I had the property of neither of the Gentlemen named in the attachment. it was a Company's property &amp; in my hands <s>h</s>as an Agent. about this time Mr Clarke was taken with the bellyache &amp; wanted a little brandy which I redely furnished him also had supper provided &amp; then took him in the Carriage with me for a nights lodging, and made him Smell the breath of one old hard headed Mormon &amp; I think it done him good for his heart was much softened &amp; he felt as though it was all injustice &amp; said also that he had told the Council for the prosecution that it would result as it now had but in order to make an appearance of doing his duty he served the G[u]arnatee on Pace Allred, Barlow &amp; myself, to appear at the term of U.S. Court to be held at Leavenworth City, on the 3rd Saturday in October to answer to any interogatorys in regard to having the property of the above named Gentlemen in possession[.] after Mr. Clarke had got away from the influence that the Lord had caused to come upon him &amp; seeing he had not done his duty according to the instructions of those who had sent him he went back to Mormon Grove &amp; to keep up appearances of doing his duty he attached 4 or 5 Waggons that we had left there and a few lame Cattle &amp; above all McGaws Calves[.] any thing farther in regard to the Marshal &amp; his proceedings this deponant knoweth not[.] After a fruitless attempt of 2 days to move the Camp in Mass I decided to leave the P.E. Fund Thrashing Machine at the same time Bro Allred left in charge of the same man your Engine Boiler &amp; fixtures making 5 Waggons <s>load</s> load we then made our attempts to start[.] we thought we should camp together the following night but I went behand my expectations 5 miles &amp; he did not come up to his into 8 which throwed us apart &amp; I have not seen him since but have heard once that they were getting along tolerably well. Now a breaf stretch of our Journeying circumstances is all I can lay before you at the present time[.] Elder Erastus Snow will be able to bear testimony to what I am about to say in regard to Cattle[.] we had several Yoke of old well broke cattle that had been used constantly for hawling freight &amp; provisions from Atchison to Mormon Grove. because the drivers were unable to handle wild ones than we had many yoke of the smallest unbroke cattle that had been purchased this Year in connection with both of the above we had several yoke of California Cattle which ought to have been shut up with Mrs. Dufrene &amp; her legion of devils rather than to have been here[.] they in connection with our Small unbroke Cattle have disabled many of our older Cattle &amp; the[y] begin to fail but still we are in travelling condition &amp; can make w[h]ere there is not deep beds of Sand from 15 to 20 Miles per day[.] our losses in stock considering the kind have been comparitively light[.] our greatest loss was last night lost 20 oxen &amp; 2 Cows from something the[y] had eat or drank. we are shoeing to day such has have their feet worn out preparing for our start tomorrow &amp; expect the present week to reach Fort Laramie were I have concluded if I can do so on time to buy 10 Yoke of good cattle. if I should not succeed in that our chance in getting in before the Snows will be somewhat doubtful[.] we have 7 weeks rations now in Camp[.] you can calculate from that what our situation will be for food. I can bring the Company in that time if no preventing providence and unforseen accident occurs by adding the strength of team at Laramie that I have named[.] I am well aware that much imposture has been practiced in the starting of this Company I am fully satisfied that there is from 3 to 5 hundred of stuff on each waggon that [h]as not been weighed[.] I purpose weighing one load today to make a text from which I calculate to preach, a Sermon on discharging of old freight &amp; charge the partys 25 cents per pound for hawling it thus far &amp; if the[y] grumble steak them out on good feed by the side of it[.] you will see by our report accompanying this letter the number of deaths &amp; the diseases[.] I will say the health of the Camp in general is good. My own health is very much impaired since I started[.] the lack of experienced men to carry out the measures makes the burthen upon me ten fold greater than it ought to be but I often feel after prayers in the evening as though Bro Brigham &amp; the brethren in &lt;the&gt; Valley and also my wives had all prayed that Bro Milo might live &amp; have power with the Lord to bring the Company in his charge safely to the Valley &amp; under the influence of such feelings I rise up early in the Morning &amp; say in my heart, let the weak say I am strong &amp; so push along &amp; keep moving &amp; still believe under the blessings of kind heaven that we shall see you about the 20th or 25th of October &amp; then be released from one of the hardest burthens that I have been called to bear in the midst of Israel during my sojourn in mortality. I will now close with my kind love to Yourself Bros Heber, Jediah &amp; not forgetting my late president Elder Erastus Snow[.] may Grace Mercy &amp; peace be abundantly multiplied unto you all through the revelations of Jesus Christ is the prayer of your humble Servant for the Kingdom of Heavens Sake



 



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



 



P.S. I would just say that Cap Harper &amp; Company are in the advance of us about 15 Miles in good traveling condition, enjoying in good health. Company all in good Spirits. I have omitted to say until now that General Hearney had an engagement with the Indians near Ash Hollow on the 3rd &amp; on the 5th sent over one of his aids with his compliments, to me stating that the last report from the battle field showed 120 Indians Killed 58 Prisoners mostly women &amp; children, 4 soldiers killed &amp; Wounded. this report is the nighest authentic of any that I can get[.] He wished me to keep an advanced guard which I try to carry out by humbling myself before the Lord &amp; asking my brethren to do the same asking the Lord to be our front &amp; rear guard &amp; that the spirit may control the Lamanites that they come not upon us showing to the Lord by our works that we are as willing to watch as we are to pray[.] I should have no fear in passing through the Red Mans land if other men that know not God neither the origin of the Red Man had not been turned loose to kill &amp; waste them away &amp; increase their thurst for blood, but all of these circumstances we cheerfully submit to the wisdom of the Holy Spirit and hope to live in such a manner as to secure its guide &amp; all will be right[.] I can think many things but have no time to write M. A.

Transcript for Milo Andrus letter to Brigham Young, 9 September 1855

Milo Andrus letter to Brigham Young.

Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company financial accounts, 1849-1886

Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company financial accounts, 1849-1886, Vol. A, Page 109.

Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company financial accounts, 1849-1886.

Peter O. Hansen diaries, circa 1850-1872

Peter O. Hansen diaries, circa 1850-1872, Page 121-124.

After a while Elder [Erick G.M.] Hogan arived with his little company and united with us. Some of the bretheren and sisters need to go off and earn some money. One Elder Milo Andrus came with a horse and buggy and took me up to the ferry 
<s xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">4</s>
 a few miles above w[h]ere we crossed over to Weston to visit Eilertsens branch. I found them doing well, and I visited them another time going on foot. <While here I had a good letter from Elder> Van Cott.
When the weather began to be hot Some drunken rowdies came t[w]o or three times to the camp in a rather insulting manner, over which I complained to the Sheriff Mr. Powers, who was a fine man and done what he could for us.
Finely some of the inhabitants began to think that they were in danger of taking the colerah [cholera] from us although we had no colerah in camp. Consequently a committy [committee] was sent to request us to move to a place 1 mile out. The committy said that we would do better to comply with the peoples request or we would be apt to be drove away. We would rather move off any hour to a better place, but we had not received our cattle yet. <s>Now</s> However now we had to hire somebody to move our wagons for us. Mr. Powers advised us to go to the Catholic mission for team. I walked out there but could not obtain any team. I then found a man who had a yoke of cattle and he moved all the wagons for a dollar a piece.
After moving the camp I went to Weston and was gone 4 days and on my return I found Colerah in the camp, and four had died. Then a brother Perry brought our cattle and ordres for me to move the camp up to Atchison; but many of the cattle were unbroke or mismatched and none of the brethren knew anything about driving ox team, hence we had to leave half of the camp and move on with one half first; and when I got back after the other half five more had been swept away by that dreadful disease. One of these was a sister of the venerable Lady Widerborg, a noble soul, the mother of three fine children. Another was &lt;our good&gt; Sister &lt;M[agdaline Christina]&gt; Lund whose one daughter Laura afterwards became a wife unto Elder Van Cott. And another was a brother Fred Franzen [Frandsen] who was a very good man and left a good wife [Jann Catrine or Catherine] who is still living. This was a dredful shock to my feelings.
One morning I got bid [bit] in my right hand by a Possom which made me unable to hold the whip that day until a Sister Sandersen brought me some oil that took the swelling off.
When we got to Mormon Grove, which was the name of the camp ground, we helped to make a farm for some who were to remain there for want of means.
Now, our number had become so small that we only amounted to 30 teams &lt;tens of wagons&gt; not enough for a company wherefore we were added to two other tens of english saints under Elder Jacob [Foutz] Secrist to &amp; as captain of fifty. &lt;Niels R[asmussen]. Beck &amp; Lars Kier [Kjar]&gt; And some of my company <s>had</s> &lt;did&gt; complain <s>of</s> of my being fretful and apt to scoaled [scold], and also that I had been too intimate with the <s>b</s> aforementioned young sisters he <s>.</s> deemed it best to relea<s>e</s>&lt;se&gt; me and let them have another one to lead them, and said: whom do you want? and <s>two</s> &lt;some&gt; of the Norvegians [Norwegians] of one Hogans countrimen spoke up for him, and he was voted in as Captain of the 1st ten of the danish devision. I then motioned that Elders [Johan] Eilertsen &amp; N[iels]. Peterson be captains of the other two tens, which <s>we</s> inquired for information and found that I had acted very imprudent by sleeping in the other tent as the same tent as the girl and exposing myself to suspicion. He rather excused my fretfulness by reason of trying circumstances and blamed my censors for finding fault with me for speaking against filthyness which was my duty, and chastened me before the whole camp for being so imprudent, yet he was more lenient than I deserved and I felt sorry of my folly and humbled myself before God &amp; my brethren; and I have many time since then felt thankful for not at that time being lead deeper into transgression and losing my standing in the church. <s>Nevertheless there are those yet who yet believe that I had committed</s> Bro. Prom had heard Beck say that they wouldn’t have Br H. to lead them over the plains, and considering all circumstances, he [blank space] motion was carried. Then a serge[a]nt of the guard was called for and I recommended Niels Beck, knowing that he had served in the Army and he was accepted 
Captain Secrist desired me to serve as an interpreter and as such he wished me to travel next to the last wagon of the english devision and this brought me ahead of capt [Erick G.M.] Hogan, and my accusers didn’t like the looks of it. By that time I had bought a light wagon for 45 dollars which I borrowed of br [Lars Peter] Lund the late widower, and br Niels Johansen let me have the use of a good yoke of oxen as he would rather be without them while traveling. Thus I was well off for conveyance yet I had to put up with bows which I made of a grape vine and being rather low made my carriage look rather humble.
&lt;We started on the 13 or 14 of June&gt; After traveling four days Sargent Beck told Cpt Secrist &lt;in German&gt; that he wished to be released for he felt as he had been whipped, and did not have the spirit of his calling wherefore the Captain called a council and had me voted in as Sargant of the guard. By this means I was practically <s>brought</s> restored to my lost position as a general servant to the people, and although they had rejected me that were glad to have me serve them, for they had already said that Hogan was not qualified for the task.
I must not forget that my young friend Hans Peterson was <s>say</s> called to assist me. No[a]h T[homas]. Guyman was the sargant of the guard of the whole camp.
About the time a good sister from Norway died yet with colerah [cholera].
The above council was held on the 17th and I am not sure but what we laid still two [or] three days on account of a sickness
On the 20 we travelled a few miles &amp; encamped within half a mile of Big Nemehaw, [Nemaha] and used the time for washing &amp; yoke making.
On the 21st &amp; 22d we travelled till an hour before sundown, and on the 23d we travelled and camped before sundown after crossing a rocky creek. At noon we cold and sorefooted at fire at 8:20; and at night we buried a dead man.
On Sunday 24th we laid by, and as it had become necessary to do something for to lighten some of the loads, those who were able were persuaded to take some freight at the note of $11 Dollars in cash per 100 lb. Some government teams past us. &lt;Some of&gt; our horses (7 head I think) got scared &amp; ran off, and the captain and some other 2 went in search of them but did not find them.
On Monday the 25 we travelled twelve miles and camped <s>on</s> &lt;beyond&gt; the Big Blue but the horses were not found. 
On the 26, we burried a little child which had died with the colerah [cholera] Also, a 3 year old girl of Niels Clemensen. Did not travel on account of the lost horses. The texian [Texan] company came on (under captain Zeth [Seth M.] Blair I think.) Also Bro Ballentine [Richard Ballantyne] with his company (I think)[.] Long horned cattle. Horses not found.
On the 28 we burried our last victim to the colerah Niels Mauritzen’s wife [Johanne] a good sister, and travelled 13 miles.
On the 29 We laid still waiting for our Captain and the two tens. <s>we done some [illegible]</s> Captain Secrist about the horses and he went off again.
On the 30th we travelled 10 miles. Met a fur train from fort Laramie[.] The horses came on, but the captain was sick with the colerah we were told.
On Sunday 1st of July we moved two miles to a running water and encamped near the Texas company. Afternoon Williams’s train came on. (I think it was bro. Thomas Williams’s, who was a merchant in S.L. City). Afterwards another fur train from fort Laramie came and encamped near by. A sick man was missing in Blair’s camp, and we made a general search for him but he was not found.
On Monday 2 &lt;towards noon&gt; they [the] two tens came on; and Bro Secrist died soon after. He had been severely attacked by the colerah while out days &amp; nights on horseback, hunting for the lost horses. We travelled some in the afternoon and encamped on the prairie.
On the 3d we traveled 15 miles and encamped on the Little Blue, and
on the 4th we laid still and Brother Stevenson being a tinner, had bought a lot of tin for to make up when he got home. Out of this he made a coffin for Br Secrist corpse in order to have it taken along to the home of the saints, but as he could not make it tight enough to keep the stench from leaking out, we laid still on Wednesday the 4th to burry him. We also burried a little boy. And now as Elder Dewel [Osmyn Deuel], the captain of the 1st ten had shown by his action that he t[h]ought it was his duty to lead the company in the dead Captain’s place, and bro [Noah Thomas] Guyman thought it was wrong, he called a counsil of us Elders from Zion, Dewel [Osmyn Deuel], [Erick] Hogan, [Peter] Hansen, [Charles] Smith &amp; himself, to be held off from camp. The result was that Guymon was sustained as the proper person to take charge of the company.
On Thursday 5 we traveled on and had a stampede in the english division caused by somebody kicking to an old stove pipe hat, and six wagons were turned over and an old lady got hurt; also an ox got hurt some. However we were thankful that this sometimes drea&lt;d&gt;ful occurence kept within so small limits.
On the 6 Some Cheyennes came to our camp. We traveled to where the road leaves Little Blue for 8 miles. There were many springs.
On the 7th we travelled on and camped where the road leaves that river for good and saw several Buffalos.
Sunday 8th We had a meeting in the morning and partook of the sacrament and traveled about 15 miles and camped on the prairie.
Monday 9 We traveled on to Platte river, 20 miles.
On the 10 We traveled passed Fort Kearney and encamped on the river bank of the [text missing] travelling 14 miles.
My diary do[es] not tell what was done on the 11, 12 &amp; 13 only that a buffalo was killed, which was dragged to the camp where the people were pleased to look at it before it was dressed and cut up.
On the 14 we travelled in the forenoon
On Sunday 15. We travelled in the afternoon. One Buffalo was killed. 
Nothing written for 4 days, only that we passed the Texas company on the 18th 
On the 20th we forded the South fork and encamped on the high land.
On the 21st We travelled to Ash hollow, went down through and camped on the flat below. I advised the people to go and gather currants &amp; cherries in the hollow
On Sunday 22d We travelled up the river. I confirmed a danish boy who had been baptized.
Now I have nothing to copy from for a while but I recollect &lt;of&gt; travelling very late one night &lt;of&gt; the feed being rather poor in the Black hills, and that we camped on Deer creek.
On the 18 August we burried a sister. Met with a company of six wagons from the Valley, as we still called it in those days. Most of the brethren in that company were mission[ar]ies for England, and they cheered us much with their good report and testimony. Six men on horse back past us westward with a drove of oxen.
On the 19th we travelled about 12 miles, crossed a muddy creek. Very hot.
Wednesday 20th We travelled whole day &amp; camped at a spring.
From here to Green river we were scarce ever free from the stench of dead cattle and at the poison springs many had died and 8 head laid in a double row as if they had been struck dead by a thunder bolt while hitched to the wagon.
A new route was found so that we avoided the Poison Spring, and as our cattle was getting very weak, we got along rather slow, and it was pretty hard getting over the Big Mountain.
In the evening of the 6 of Sept., we encamped in the Emigration Kanion [Canyon] and in the morning the emigrants washed themselves and put on clean clothes. I told them that they had better wait till we got into the city for we had a very dusty road before us, but they thought they would risk it.
On Friday the 7th we [......] drove down into the city and encamped on the Public Square west of Bro Kimball’s place...

Transcript for Hansen, Peter Olsen, Journal [ca. 1876], 121-24

Peter O. Hansen diaries, circa 1850-1872.

Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days

Prophets of the Restoration

Global Histories

Revelations in Context

Women of Conviction

Joseph Smith Papers

Church Historian’s Press

More

Publications

Church History Museum

Historic Sites

Church History Library

Visit

Church History Catalog

Missionary Database

Pioneer Database

Treasures of the Collection

Pioneer Resources

Research

Church Historic Sites

Quick Links

Church History Biographical Database

/chd/landing

motherReferenceId

fatherReferenceId

birthPlace

baptizedBy

baptizedByReferenceId

missionQualifier

maritalStatusWhenCalled

Florence Township, Huron, Ohio, United States

residenceWhenCalled

with-missionary-activity

missionOrganizationReferenceIdValue

associatedPeople

priesthoodOfficeWhenCalled

locationServed

released

arrived-in-field

set-apart

Called to preach the gospel and assist with Joseph Smith's presidential campaign.

missionaryActivityNotes

arrived-at-home

servedWithChildren

company-arrived

joined-company

with-pioneer-activity

Sarah Ann Miles

Milo Andrus Jr.

pioneerCompanyReferenceIdValue

He was called and set apart as president of the St. Louis Stake of Zion.

Milo Andrus

Birth Date

Death Date

Gender

Sources