Nathaniel Henry Felt (1816 - 1887) Profile

Nathaniel Henry Felt (1816 - 1887)

Missionaries at the Paris Exposition

Individual

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Nathaniel Henry Felt

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British Mission manuscript history and historical reports, 1841-1971

British Mission manuscript history and historical reports, 1841-1971, September 2, 1865.

British Mission manuscript history and historical reports, 1841-1971.

Eastern States Mission manuscript history and historical reports, 1830-1977

Eastern States Mission manuscript history and historical reports, 1830-1977.

Index to the British Mission manuscript history and historical reports

Index to the British Mission manuscript history and historical reports, Page 54-58.

Index to the British Mission manuscript history and historical reports.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, May 1, 1865, Vol. 1, Page 7, Line 286.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, October 8, 1864, Vol. 1, Page 17, Line 734.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, May 1, 1865, Vol. 2, Page 8, Line 286.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, October 8, 1864, Vol. 2, Page 19, Line 734.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959.

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

Edward Hunter letter

"Edward Hunter letter", Brigham Young office files, 1832-1878 (bulk 1844-1877), July 17, 1850.

Having arrived at Kanesville in safety with my Brethern and friends about the second week in December I went to see most of the families I was to assist and bring out agreeable to your directions, and notified them to prepare themselves to join me in my company out the coming spring. Staid a few days in Kanesville and by the Council of Elder O. Hyde set out for Philadelphia to go to the United States Mint and make sales of our Gold Bullion – Returned in March to consummate my Missions –



 The first companies of golddiggers with Horse Teams had began to arrive – Those who afterwards passed through with ox Teams had bought up all the choice Cattle in the Country which occasioned a heavy rise in the price of cattle and the consequence was I had to delay in my arrangements in our emmigration to obtain cattle cheaper. I could not get broke cattle at any price. However by the strictest economy in making purchases in trades and sales I have succeeded in getting a tolerable good stock and a number of good cows. There has been an anxious excitement in Pottawatamie Co. St Louis and other places to get to the Valley at the expense of the Perpetual Fund – and I have had numerous calls from every quarter. Some I found necessary to assist who could not wait. to wit Widow Lyons [Sarah Bigler Lyons], Joseph Young, Isaac Decker, &amp; Solon Foster agreeable to the council of Elder Hyde. I received a note from Br. Hyde giving me instructions to organize all the remaining companies with mine as no other Company would start later by his counsel and calling upon J.L. [Joseph Leland] Heywood to assist. I had my cattle herded and kept in a yard in Stringtown. Our waggons began to assemble on the Welch Farm near by- June the 25th 1850 made a start for our Journey. Staid a few days at Bethlehem 1½ mile from the Ferry to obtain Blacksmith Tools &amp;c. July 2nd most of our Teams &amp; Waggons crossed the River at the Lower Ferry. July 4th At the 12 mile Creek we organized our Companies, where Edw[ar]d Hunter was appointed President of the Company[,] J.L. Heywood his Councillor. Rob[er]t Campbell Clerk. Benj[amin] L Clapp &amp; N[athaniel] H[enry] Felt Chaplains. E.D. Wool[l]ey 1st Captain. Lewis Wight, Jon[a]than C Wright. W[illia]m. [Mc]Pherson, Royal Barney, Jesse Haven, George Thompson and Andrew Burnham were made Captains of Tens. and the following is list of Families comprising our Camp Sisters Phiners, [Lydia Goldthwaite] Knight, Bro [Lewis William] Wight, [James A.] McCall, [Merritt] Rockwell, Sisters [Ann] Condit, [Mary Dull] McMinn[,] [Rhoda Ann] Fullmer, A[melia] Campbell, Walker, Sisters [Margaret Hall] Rushton, [Lydia] Knight. Brs J.C. Wright, [William] Pitt, [James Weaver] Palmer, Spilsberry [George Spilsbury], [Andrew] Burnham, [Jacob Flynn] Hutchinson, Silcox [Nicholas Thomas Silcock], [Miles] Romney, [Henry Miller] Parker, [Elijah] Fordham, Sis Stewart[,] Br Heywood, [Edwin Dilworth] Wool[l]ey, [Royal] Barney, [William Henry Harrison] Sagers, Meechum [Meacham], [James[ Lawrence, Sis [Margaret Major] Butterfield. Br. [Nathaniel Henry] Felt, Hamiston [Lyman Harmiston], [Sisson] Chase, [Oliver Hunt] Dudley, Sis [Ellen Stuart] Lockley, [Amelia Brown] Spencer, Brs [Jesse] Haven[,] [Benjamin Lynn] Clapp, [Mr.] Burlingame, Cluff, [Nahum] Bigelowe, Hewitt [Orin Taylor Hulet], [George] Thompson, [Joseph] Buxton, Sisrs Fanny Murray, Persus [Persis] Young, [Nancy Zerviah] Green &amp; Lydia Knight. The following is a Summary in round numbers of the strength of our Company[:]



Persons 261. Waggons 67. yk [yoke] of Oxen 106. Cows 113. Horses 10. Sheep 19. Dogs 19. Cats 6. Doves 6. Loose Cattle belonging to individuals 40



 Perp[etua]l Fund 5,554.41....



 Loose Catttle in herd – P.F. 27 – X   # I have along with me Merchandize from England consigned to Prest Brigham Young and principally to N K Whitney[.] wt of Freight 4877lbs



 Mess[r]s Heywood and Wooley have made a start with us, with a heavy stock of Church Property. The strength of their teams was insufficient for their heavy burdened waggons and they found the necessity of drawing upon the resources of the Perpetual Fund till they arrive at Fort Kearney where they intend to hire; with that view I have turned them out – 3½ yoke of oxen and 2½ yoke of Cows. Up to the present we have got pretty well started and are getting along prosperously. At first we were visited  with constant and heavy storms attended with thunder and lightning which has made the roads very difficult to travel to say nothing of the sloughs and hollows. Many of our Cattle have suffered from Feet and sore necks but most of them are nearly well. While our Brethren were assembled on the 4th for organizing the Brethren with the mail hailed us with their presence. All well and in good spirits. Our anxiety for news from the Salt Lake City and to obtain Letters broke in upon the good order of our meeting and all were glad enough to adjourn. Br R Campbell from the Valley called over the Letter List after handing out a few letters stopt to get a few refreshments and left for Kanesville.



 July 6th overtaken by Elder O Hyde &amp; suits staid with us an hour and proceeded on. We have passed some 60 graves of the Brethren who have died of the Cholera and by the dates seemed to have died between the 15th of June and the 7th of July. It may be interesting to give some of their names[:] Marg[are]t Dana, Har[ie]t Dill, Ameroy Nicholls [Ambrose Nichols], John Smith, M M Norris, Alford [Alfred] Brown, Marg[are]t McDougal, Dr Brally [Jesse Charles Braley,] Rhoda Smith[,] Jane Gray, Wm. Fox, Calvin C Hall, Charl[o]tte Thompson, J. T. M. Sellan[,] E[mma]. E[liza]. Camp. Elisha Hawrist 32 yr. Geo Catlin, Sis E Malary [Elizabeth Kennedy Mallory] 50. Irinda Crandell [Crandall] 23[,] Mary Johnston 40. several others. We have reason to be thankful that we have been comparatively free from this dire calamity. One of our Company was taken severlly ill, but by strict attention and proper remedies soon recovered.



 July 16th had the painful task of recording the death of an interesting young man by the name of Washington Marshall teamster for Br[other Nathaniel] Felt. An accident occurred wherein Sister Stewart's Boy received an injury by 2 Waggon Hubs bruising him. As many of our Cattle were wild and unbroke I esteem it a marked providence that no other damage is sustained and that the Camp at the present time is in such excellent health and that some who started sick are fast recovering their health. Frequently meeting waggons from the Fort passing back for provisions.



 July 19th Overtaken by Col. Reese in his Chaise. He has 8 waggons back bound for the Salt Lake City. Each waggon 3000 wt of Goods. This morning too Mr. Thompson Clerk of the Firm of Riley left our Camp destined to overtake their goods bound for the same place. Sundays we set apart to rest our Cattle do washing – blacksmithing and have preaching – and camp instruction.



 30 Miles East Ft Kearney [Kearny]- Sunday July 21st 50



As Kincaid [Kinkead] and Livingston are in our immediate vicinity and about to proceed on with dispatch I hasten to bring this communication to a close. Our Camp is in a healthy state – none sick with us. We have travelled about 90 miles this week. Last Sunday we took into consideration the propriety of making 2 Divisions. it answers our purpose. Our Cattle improve on the road. Within 10 miles of us lies our 2nd Division all pretty well. Col. Reece's trains is a few miles back of us. We received the intelligence of a death from Cholera in his company. We design holding a meeting this afternoon and having a preach from Benj[ami]n L[ynn] Clapp. Nothing of any importance has occurred on our journey – Save all is health, peace and that a hope inspires us that we shall improve in the prosecution of our journey and hail our Brethren and friends in the Valley. I expect to make a full report of my mission when I reach you. Considering the high price of Stock and of Provender &amp; Provisions the Brethren generally have as good an outfit as I could anticipate. Wheat Flour $6.00 per 100 corn 2 to $2.50 per bu. Bacon from 6 to 9 cts Hay $1.00 per 100 – Groceries and other provisions equally high. Our waggons are most of them new and many are in good repair[.] We expect to reach Fort Kearney <strike>by</strike> or before the middle of this week. We would be remembered our friends in the Valley. and our prayers are for the prosperity of Zion



We subscribe ourselves ever yours in the everlasting Covenant



 Robert Campbell, Clerk.                                                                     Edward Hunter

Transcript for Edward Hunter and Robert Campbell letter to Brigham Young, 17 July 1850

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

Deseret News

Arrivals

"Arrivals", Deseret News, October 8, 1856, Page 5.

ARRIVALS.—Oct. 1, several of the St. Louis company came in, and probably all of them are now here. 
—Oct. 2, Elder Bunker arrived with the 3d handcart company. 
—Oct. 4, Elders Daniel Spencer, John Van Cott, Franklin D. Richards, George. D. Grant, William H. Kimball, Joseph A. Young, James Ferguson, William C. Dunbar, J. D. T. [John Daniel Thompson] McAllister, Cyrus H. Wheeloch [Wheelock], Nathaniel H. Felt, James McGaw and Chauncey G. Webb, returned from their various missions. They left the frontiers on the 4th of September, and report a continuation of lively times in Kansas, and some killing and depredations by the Cheyennes, who had killed Thomas Margetts and child, James Cowdy and wife, and carried off Margetts' wife; they had also killed several persons who were with A. [Almon] W. Babbitt's freight train; and Babbitt and the two men with him were missing. Margetts and Cowdy were on their way back to England by their own counsel.



Some of the companies of Saints will be late in arriving; but we omit particulars, for Elder Ferguson kept a journal of the incidents of travel across the plains, which we trust will be written up in time for the next 'News.'



Br. Feramorz Little returned from prosecuting his trip to the States, his company being deemed too small to travel below Laramie.

Transcript for "Arrivals," Deseret News, 8 October 1856, 245

Journey from Florence to G. S. L. City

"Journey from Florence to G. S. L. City", Deseret News, October 22, 1856, Page 2.

JOURNEY FROM FLORENCE TO G. S. L. CITY. 
PRESIDENT BRIGHAM YOUNG:



DEAR BROTHER:—We left Florence (Winter Quarters) K. T., on the evening of the 3rd Sept., accompanied by Elders C. H. Wheelock, J. Van Cott, G. D. Grant, W. H. Kimball, Joseph A. Young, C. G. Webb, W. C. Dunbar, James McGaw, Dan Jones, J. D. T. McAllister, N. H. Felt and James Ferguson; G. D. Grant being selected as captain of our company.



The rear of our season's emigration had started on the road, with the exception of Elder Wm. [William] Walker with 10 wagons, laden with a portion of P. E. Fund baggage.



Previous to leaving Florence we sent Elder Jos. [Joseph] A. Young back to ascertain, if possible, the whereabouts of Elder Walker. He rode back 50 miles, and, learning that Walker's train was yet some 25 or 30 miles in the rear, returned to join us for the plains.



Elder E. Snow accompanied us to our camp, 3 miles west of Elk Horn, and on the morning of the 5th, having completed his business with us, returned to the States.



We overtook our rear company of wagons, in charge of Captain I. A. [James A.] Hunt, during the forenoon of the 5th, and nooned with them about 10 miles east of the Loup Fork. He has in his company 240 persons, 50 wagons, 297 oxen and cows, 7 horses and mules, and some 4 church wagons. The majority of this company have light loads and good teams, and are generally well provisioned. They would probably ferry the Loup Fork on the 7th.



On the evening of the 7th we overtook Elder Edward Martin, about 40 miles from the Loup Fork, with the rear of our P. E. F. Emigration for this season. He had with him some 576 persons, 146 hand-carts, 7 wagons, 6 mules and horses, and 50 cows and beef cattle; also one wagon mostly loaded with church goods. His company was in most excellent spirits, and though he had the greater proportion of the feeble emigrants, the health of his camp was very good; and he was able to average about 100 miles a week, without fatiguing his company.



Here, from a company of returning Californians met the previous day, we learned of the increased hostility of the Cheyennes, and that they had already made a successful attack upon A. [Almon] W. Babbitt's ox train. Of the four teamsters in that train two were killed and one wounded; and a woman named Wilson (as was presumed from the tracks) was severely wounded and taken prisoner, and her child, about two months old, was murdered. The wagons were plundered, but, as we subsequently learned, most of the property was retaken by Captain Wharton of Fort Kearney.



Refreshed by our short interview with Captain [Edward] Martin's company, we drove about 10 miles further and found br. [William B.] Hodgetts' camp. This company is composed of 150 persons, 33 wagons, 84 yoke of oxen, 19 cows and some 250 head of heifers and other loose cattle. This includes br. Thomas Tennant and family, with 4 wagons and 1 carriage. Br. Hodgetts' company, though generally pretty heavily laden, were in good traveling condition and making excellent progress.



On the 9th inst. we met with two brethren from br. J. [James] G. Willie's company of hand-carts, in search of 30 head of cattle that had strayed from their camp about 50 miles in advance.



Accompanied by br. James Ferguson, we this day visited Capt. Wharton at Fort Kearney, and received a confirmation of the news of the attack of the Cheyennes upon Mr. Babbitt's train. The troops had made an attack upon a Cheyenne village and killed 10 warriors. This increased the rage of the Cheyennes, and from that time we were informed that they had divided into war parties for the purpose of attacking small parties of emigrants.



Here we met a returning Californian who had escaped from one of their assaults, with the loss of his wife killed, and his boy, some 3 or 4 years old, taken prisoner.



Capt. Wharton declared himself incompetent to afford any protection to emigrants, and had some doubts of his ability to maintain the post, for want of troops. Mr. Babbitt had left Fort Kearney for Utah a week previous, accompanied by Thomas Sutherland and a driver.



As we were leaving the fort for our camp on the north side of the Platte, a discharged soldier came to Capt. Wharton with the news of another massacre by the Cheyennes. This soldier had accompanied Thomas Margetts and James Cowdy, and their families, from Laramie and on returning from a buffalo hunt, when about 125 miles from Fort Kearney, found the wagon plundered and the murdered remains of his traveling companions.



The soldier's account of the affair, as given to brs. [James G.] Willie and [Millen] Atwood, will give you the particulars and is as follows:—



STATEMENT 
Made to James G. Willie and Millen Atwood, of the Fourth Hand-cart Company; by a man who gave his name as Henry Bauichter, and who came into their camp on the morning of Monday, September 8, 1856:



"I am a discharged soldier from Fort Laramie, which I left on the 29th of August, 1856. After traveling about 30 miles I overtook a wagon with two mules and two horses, one an Indian horse with a white face, the mules alone drawing the wagon, which was accompanied by two men, one of whom gave his name as Thomas Margetts and the other as James Cowdy. The former of these men had a wife, and the latter a wife and child. They came, as they stated, from Great Salt Lake City, and were on their way to the States.



About 70 miles above this point, or 125 miles above Fort Kearney, I and Thomas Margetts went out on horseback in search of buffalo, on the 6th of Sept., and between 1 and 2 p.m. I soon killed a buffalo, upon which Margetts returned to the wagon to fetch some things for carrying away part of the animal, while I staid behind to dress it.



On Margetts' return from the wagon he filled one utensil, principally the tallow, and started again for the wagon, and I remained to fill another utensil which Margetts had brought. This occupied me about half an hour, when I also started in the direction of the wagon, noticing, before reaching it, that the cover had been stripped off, and that neither mules nor horses were to be seen.



On my arrival I discovered on the ground the bodies of Margetts, Cowdy, and Cowdy's wife and child all dead, except that the child was crying and bloody. I could not see any wounds on any of the bodies, but an arrow was sticking in Cowdy's thigh.



The wagons, the hinder part of which was on fire, had been completely ransacked, and all that was of any immediate use taken away.



I looked round for Mrs. Margetts, whom I could not find. The feathers from a bed had been strewn on the ground by the side of the wagon, but I could not see the bedtick.



I saw, at some considerable distance, 12 men or more, apparently riding very fast, who were, as far as I could discover, Indians. None of the bodies were scalped.



The buffalo which I killed was over the bluff, about a mile and a half from the wagons, but I did not hear any report of fire-arms during my absence from it. Not feeling myself safe in the neighborhood of the murders, I escaped with my horse, and with the loss of my discharge and other papers, and about $300, a gold watch and other things, which I had deposited in the wagon, intending to make the best of my way to Fort Kearney and there report the facts as quickly as possible.



The two horses above mentioned were ridden, at intervals during the journey, by Mr. and Mrs. Margetts."



On the 12th we overtook and camped with br. Willie's company, at North Bluff creek, consisting of 404 persons, 6 wagons, 87 hand-carts, 6 yoke of oxen, 32 cows, and 5 mules. They were considerably weakened by the loss of their oxen, which they had failed to recover, but were in good spirits and averaging from 14 to 16 miles a day. Here we forded the Platte to the south side, and were followed by the hand-carts. Never was there a more soul-stirring sight than the happy passage of this company over that river. Several of the carts were drawn entirely by women, and every heart was glad and full of hope.



We spent the afternoon of the 15th inst. with br. A. [Abraham] O. Smoot, about 20 miles west of Ash Hollow. There were in his company 88 souls, 42 wagons, 265 oxen, 6 cows, 15 mules and horses, and 1 carriage. They had provisions for 23 days. Br. Smoot lacked drivers, having only 33 men fit for duty. His oxen were in good condition, but his loads were very heavy. Gilbert and Gerrish's train of 17 wagons was travelling in company with him.



On the 16th inst., 37 miles in advance of br. Smoot, we camped with br. O. [Orrin] P. Rockwell, who had 5 wagons and 11 yoke of oxen in charge, in addition to three families, viz., Grimshaw, Cook and Barnes, whom he had turned back towards Laramie, deeming them too weak to pass in safety, Br. Rockwell accompanied us to Fort Laramie, where we arrived on the morning of the 19th. Col. Huffman received us with much kindness, as also did J. W. Tutt, the sutler. Here we received a small recruit of mules and provisions, and purchased some good buffalo robes for the P. E. Fund passengers in the rear.



On the 23d inst. we parted, at the Platte bridge, with Capt. Dan Jones, who met his brother and remained to recover a cached thrashing machine. Here also we purchased a few more robes for Capt. J. G. Willie's company.



During the forenoon of the 24th, after leaving our camp at Willow Springs, we met Messrs. Hawley, Lambson, Amy and party on their way to the States, and advised them to wait at Laramie for the company of missionaries reported in their rear.



Same day, and near Independence rock, we nooned near Patriarch John Smith and two other brethren, who had come out with flour for the companies. Br. Smith returned with us. The same evening and about 8 miles further on, we camped with Elder P. [Parley] P. Pratt and company, all in good health and most excellent spirits, and promising fair for an honorable and successful mission.



On the 27th, 15 miles east of the Pacific Springs, we nooned with br. Wm. Smith and two other brethren from Farmington, with 2 wagons and flour for the companies. We counseled them to cache their flour and go on to meet br. Willie and his company, which they agreed to do.



On the 28th, 3 miles east of Big Sandy, we camped with br. Talcott, who also had flour for the companies. We gave him the same counsel, to go on with his teams to help br. Willie.



On the 29th we camped with br. [Jacob] Croft's company, consisting of 58 persons, 14 wagons, 80 yoke of oxen, 30 horses, and 130 loose cattle; they are principally from Texas and the Cherokee land. They were healthy and in good spirits, and gave us a most hospitable reception. This was the last company passed by us on the road.



At Bridger, on the 1st of Oct., we were welcomed by Major Burton and a small party of the mountain boys; and on the evening of the 4th were happy to receive your welcome and blessing at home.



Assuring you of our continued exertions to promote the welfare of God's kingdom, and praying that your life may be spared long to God's people, as also the lives of your Council, we remain, sincerely and obediently, yours in the Christ, F. D. RICHARDS, 
DANIEL SPENCER, 
Agents P. E. Fund.

Transcript for "Journey from Florence to G. S. L. City," Deseret News, 22 October 1856, 258

Deseret News.

Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008

Historical Department journal history of the Church, September 1, 1856, Page 1-2.

CR 100 137: Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008, October 28, 1856, Page 1-2.

Historical Department journal history of the Church. Supplement after 31 December 1850: Page 7.

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

Martha S. Heywood reminiscences, undated

Martha S. Heywood reminiscences, undated, Journal, January 1850.

Transcript for Martha S. Heywood reminiscences, undated, Journal, 1850 January-1856 August

Martha S. Heywood reminiscences, undated.

Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company financial accounts, 1849-1886

Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company financial accounts, 1849-1886, Vol. A, Page 145.

Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company financial accounts, 1849-1886, Vol. A, Page 54.

Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company financial accounts, 1849-1886.

Robert T. Burton diaries, 1856-1907

Record book

"Record book", Robert T. Burton diaries, 1856-1907, October 1856.

Transcript for Robert T. Burton diaries, 1856-1907; Record book, circa 1856 October-November

Robert T. Burton diaries, 1856-1907.

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Nathaniel Preston Felt

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Joseph Henry Felt

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