Philemon Christopher Merrill (1820 - 1904) Profile

British Missionaries, Liverpool, 1855 - discussed plans to utilize handcarts to bring some Saints to Zion during 1856 season.

Individual

death-date-qualifier-death

Philemon Christopher Merrill

birth-date-qualifier-birth

British Mission Records 1853:53

British Mission Records 1853:53.

Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008

CR 100 137: Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008, April 8, 1853, Page 1-19.

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

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 1, Page 37, Line 1558.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 2, Page 40, Line 1558.

Nauvoo Restoration Inc., comp., Nauvoo Seventies list

Nauvoo Restoration Inc., comp., Nauvoo Seventies list, Vol. 2, Page 304.

Nauvoo Restoration Inc., comp., Nauvoo Seventies list.

Temple Records Index Bureau, comp., Nauvoo Temple Endowment Register, 977.343/N1 K29c

Temple Records Index Bureau, comp., Nauvoo Temple Endowment Register, 977.343/N1 K29c, Page 173.

Endowment Jan. 21, 1846

Transcript for Temple Records Index Bureau, comp., Nauvoo Temple Endowment Register, 977.343/N1 K29c, p. 173, Family History Library

Temple Records Index Bureau, comp., Nauvoo Temple Endowment Register, 977.343/N1 K29c.

Camp of Israel schedules and reports, 1845-1849

Ezra T. Benson's 100, report

"Ezra T. Benson's 100, report", Camp of Israel schedules and reports, 1845-1849, September 24, 1849, Page 8.

Silas Richards company

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

Camp of Israel schedules and reports, 1845-1849.

Crook, John, Autobiography, in Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Collection, 1828-1963, reel 12, item 6, 8-10

Crook, John, Autobiography, in Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Collection, 1828-1963, reel 12, item 6, 8-10.

By the time I was ready to start on my journey I had $10.00 left. Elder Cunningham from Salt Lake City had charge of the Church Affairs, so the Giles folks and myself, some 4 wagons of them, gathered in Hang Hollow and prepared for our Journey. 
About the 1st of June 1856 we left Hang Hollow for Florence Nebraska. We were to gather at Bluff City about 6 miles across the Missouri River. We crossed the river on a ferry boat the 2 day of June. 
The first company of saints to cross the plains was organized about the 4 of June under direction of Phils Merril [Philemon C. Merrill]. The company consisted 50 wagons divided into 10 companies. E[noch]. B[artlett]. Tripp was the sub captain over the Giles and my self company. The first day’s drive was 6 miles and the next day to the river ferry which was a trying time to all who were green hands with cattle. 
 In going down a steep hill to the ferry my 2 wild yoke started to run and ran the wagon into deep gully and broke the axle. After all repairs and crossing the river we were organized with camp and cattle guards. All went very peacefully until one night something stampeded the cattle overturning wagons in their mad rush. It was supposed that the stampede was caused by some roughs who followed us from Council Bluffs. We had to stay here 3 days gathering up our cattle some never being found, having mixed up with the Buffalo. This season thousands of Buffalo were seen every day. One time a herd of Buffalo charged our train and stampeded the who[le] train causing accidents to some of the people. Sometimes we traveled on the north side and sometimes on the south side of the Platte River. In going over the Black Hills we had to camp without water a drive of 35 miles. 
 In traveling through the Black hills the train was divided into three divisions, we traveled about one half day’s drive apart until we reached the Big Mountain. In going over this Mountain we had our first view of the Salt Lake valley. 
 On the 14 of Aug we mooned [nooned] in a little valley at the head of Parley’s canyon there was no road so we had to travel over Little Mountain[.] We had a hard time getting over this mountain. as we passed what was termed as Hogs back a road cut through a hill we had a full view of Salt Lake valley, oh what joy filled each of us at the sight. 
About noon on the 15 of August we rolled into Salt Lake City and camped on Emigration square.

Transcript for Crook, John, Autobiography, in Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Collection, 1828-1963, reel 12, item 6, 8-10

Higbee, Emma Isabelle Carroll Seegmiller, Biographical Sketch of Kazia Giles Carroll, in Family histories [n.d.]

Higbee, Emma Isabelle Carroll Seegmiller, Biographical Sketch of Kazia Giles Carroll, in Family histories [n.d.].

About the 1st of June 1856 the family with many others began their toilsome journey across the plains. The captain of their one, Captain [Philemon Christopher] Merrill, was a splendid man. 
Having made the trip several times, he was well acquainted with the route, which made it easy in the selection of camp sites, and watering places. Hardships were fewer on this account. As with most companies, they passed many evenings in music, song and dance, with the camp fire alone to furnish light. It was a welcome change and a rest after the toil of the day’s travel. 
 It was on this trip across the plains that Kezia [Keziah Giles Carroll] received attention from her first suitor. "Mother did you enjoy it" we would ask her. "O go along" she would reply with a smile. She admitted, however, the thrill of the pleasant hours spent together, and the nice little attentions he gave her helped to shorten the journey. 
The Indians gave them no trouble. They saw but few buffaloes. One night the cattle were stampeded, and the family lost two good milk cows. Their names were Stoney and Susy, and these have been perpetiated in family cows, mother owning one a pretty jersey, named Stoney, shortly before her death. 
It was supposed that the Indians caused the stampede, as one of the men in persuit of the cattle, lashed his whip around, and it struck what sounded like a slicher, or buckskin jacket. It was a very dark night. 
At Fort Laramie an exciting incident occurred. One evening a young Indian Buck rode up to the camp fire around which they were gathered. He said little but kept watching Kezia. Finally in the best manner he was able he made them understand he wanted the young girl for his squaw. He offered her father his best poney in the trade, remarking "He is heap good poney better than white mans." Kezia had stood by her mother, but now becoming frightened climbed into the wagon. 
After arguing the question to no purpose the Indian rode away apparently angry and much disturbed. Some apprehension was felt in the camp, and close guard was kept through the night, but nothing more occurred to alarm them. The captain had told the girl never to lose sight of camp, as it was not safe. One day a group of girls decided to walk to Chimney Rock, as it did not seem very far away. They walked and walked and walked, but seemed to get no nearer to their goal. It was quite a level country and the distance was deceptive. 
When they returned to camp, the Captain reproved them for their disobedience. 
 They arrived in Salt Lake City Aug. 16, 1856, remained there a few days, then moved to Provo.

Transcript for Higbee, Emma Isabelle Carroll Seegmiller, Biographical Sketch of Kazia Giles Carroll, in Family histories [n.d.]

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

Merrill, Philemon Christopher, Autobiography [ca. 1890], 6

Merrill, Philemon Christopher, Autobiography [ca. 1890], 6.

Philemon C. Merrill autobiography, circa 1890

Philemon C. Merrill autobiography, circa 1890.

. . . when I started home. Went to Sacramento, at Sutters Fort, then known by that name. In company with Captain Jefferson Hunt and seven others, arrived in Salt Lake on October 11th 1847.

Transcript for Philemon C. Merrill autobiography, circa 1890, 5

Samuel A. Woolley papers, 1846-1899

Samuel A. Woolley papers, 1846-1899, Vol. 6,7.

Transcript for Samuel A. Woolley papers, 1846-1899, Volume 6, 213-44 and Volume 7, 1-15

Samuel A. Woolley papers, 1846-1899.

Silas Richards diaries

Silas Richards diaries, May 1846.

Transcript for Silas Richards diaries, 1846 May-1855 July, Diary, 1849-1853, 1-36

Silas Richards diaries.

Silas Richards letter to Brigham Young

Silas Richards letter to Brigham Young, August 24, 1849.

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



 



President B Young &amp; Council



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



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



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



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



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



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



 



Silas Richards



 



[enclosure]



To President Young &amp; council



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



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

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

Silas Richards letter to Brigham Young.

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

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

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

"Thatcher, Arizona: Philemon C. Merrill Dead," Deseret Evening News, 22 Sep. 1904, 9

"Thatcher, Arizona: Philemon C. Merrill Dead," Deseret Evening News, 22 Sep. 1904, 9.

The Mormon Battalion: U.S. Army of the West, 1846-1848

The Mormon Battalion: U.S. Army of the West, 1846-1848, Page 23.

Norma Baldwin Ricketts. The Mormon Battalion: U.S. Army of the West, 1846-1848.

Treasures of Pioneer History

Treasures of Pioneer History, Vol. 6, Page 60.

Treasures of Pioneer History.

Tripp, Enoch B, Autobiography, in Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Collection, 1828-1963, reel 17, item 13, 19

Tripp, Enoch B, Autobiography, in Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Collection, 1828-1963, reel 17, item 13, 19.

At Florence, I was assigned to Phileman [Philemon Christopher] Merrill’s company as captian of one of the ten. Brother Merrill was captain of the company with S[amuel]. A[mos]. Wooley as captain of the guard. When fully organized we started westward traveling on the average about fifteen miles per day. The company was called together for prayer every night and morning.
One night, while we camped on the Platte, our cattle stampeded. It was so dark we had to wait for daylight before we could go in search for them. The men mounted their horses and covered the plains looking for the stray cattle. They found them in small bunches scattered here and there. Many of them were among the buffalo that roamed the area by thousands. We spent several days rounding up the lost cattle and when all but a few head had been gathered, we resumed our line of march with more care and caution every night when making camp. We would drive our wagons into a round circle. Every ten wagons were in their places with each wagon tongue to the hind part of the wagon ahead forming a corral for the cattle at night. Every man cooked by his own wagon outside the corral. We continued on our journey day by day with peace and safety until we reached the mountains where for convenience for traveling the company was divided. Our ten wagons went with Brother Samuel Woolley. After this we made better progress in traveling through the mountains and in getting feed for our animals. Thus we continued onward day by day with peace and safety. Our animals held up well in spite of the length of our journey. We reached Salt Lake City without incident where I found my wife and children well. Hearing of my arrival, Presidents Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball rode down in their buggy to welcome me home and to bless me.

Transcript for Tripp, Enoch B, Autobiography, in Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Collection, 1828-1963, reel 17, item 13, 19

Philemon Christopher Merrill

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Death Date

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