Samuel Amos Woolley (1825-1900)

Samuel Amos Woolley (1825-1900) Profile

Individual

death-date-qualifier-death

Samuel Amos Woolley

birth-date-qualifier-birth

Andrew Jenson, "Woolley, Samuel Amos," Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia

Andrew Jenson, "Woolley, Samuel Amos," Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, Vol. 1.

Andrew Jenson, "Woolley, Samuel Amos," Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia.

East India Mission history, 1849-1914, Church History Library

East India Mission history, 1849-1914, Church History Library.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 1, Page 16, Line 664.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 2, Page 17, Line 664.

N. V. Jones, "Foreign Correspondence: Hindostan," Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 17, no. 6

N. V. Jones, "Foreign Correspondence: Hindostan," Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 17, no. 6, February 10, 1855.

N. V. Jones, "Foreign Correspondence: Hindostan," Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 17, no. 6.

Samuel A. Woolley journal, 1853-1854, Church History Library

Samuel A. Woolley journal, 1853-1854, Church History Library.

Samuel A. Woolley journal, 1854 April-1855 December, Church History Library

Samuel A. Woolley journal, 1854 April-1855 December, Church History Library.

Bitton, Ronald Davis, Guide to Mormon Diaries & Autobiographies [1977]

Bitton, Ronald Davis, Guide to Mormon Diaries & Autobiographies [1977], Page 394.

Bitton, Ronald Davis, Guide to Mormon Diaries & Autobiographies [1977].

Deseret News

Emigrants For Utah

"Emigrants For Utah", Deseret News, August 6, 1856.

EMIGRANTS FOR UTAH.



COMPANY WHICH LEFT FLORENCE, IOWA, JUNE 5TH. ELDER PHILEMON C. MERRILL, CAPTAIN. 
James Cooper, W. F. Fream, A. Maltha, E. Brunson wife and 2 children, George Russell; S. A. [Samuel A.] Woolley, L. H. Mausley [Louis Henry Mousley], F. Raymond, S. [Stephen] Golding, wife and 3 children, E. Steele, James Steele, H. M. Turner, wife and 2 children, A. J. Turner, J. W. Hammer, Jeter Clinton, B. P. Brown, Henry Eckells, wife and 2 children, Samuel Cursley and wife, Abraham Hayes, Charles Hammer, Frances Nash.



Elisha Edwards, David P. [Pinkney] Rainey and wife, Thomas Singleton, wife and 2 children, Archibald Kerr, wife and 2 children, McCaslin Frost and wife, Charles Singleton, William Maylett and wife, Samuel Rudd, Edward Rudd, Matthew Moore; William Sanders, wife and 3 children, George [Sloan] Bailey, wife and 3 children, William Smith, wife and 4 children, Joseph Clark, wife and 2 children, John [Henry] Craghead, wife and 5 children.



E. B. [Enoch Bartlett] Tripp, Phebe Weltan, Daniel Munns, wife and 3 children, John Simperley, wife and 4 children, Francis Miller, John Ashcroft, wife and 4 children, Samuel Philips [Phillips], Joseph Roe, Thomas H. [Huskinson] Giles, wife and 4 children, Thomas Rasband, wife and 2 children, William Giles, wife and 6 children, George Giles, wife and 1 child, Harriet Green, John Crook, George Spratley, James Haggard [Hoggard] , wife and 4 children, Ann Roe.



Francis A. [Almon] Brown, wife and 2 children, Augustus P. Canfield, Hannah H. Brown, Joel A. [Almon] Bascom, Lucina A. Burton, Henry I. Runnels, wife and 4 children, Colinan Toplin [Joplin] and wife, [Benjamin] F. Wood[w]ard, Susannah [Pilling] Laycock and 3 children, George and Eliza S. [Sophia Brown] Rust, M. C. Kinsman, Nancy Kilbreath and 1 child, Catherine Brown and 2 children, William Black, Frederick Spat and wire, Lawrence Fry, Samuel Vowels.



Edwin Whiting, Samuel Crain, wife and 5 children, Gilbert Avery, wife and 4 children, [Thomas] Jefferson Dimick, wife and 6 children, William G. Palmer, wife and 3 children, Joseph and Henry Field, William Nowell and wife, James McCloud, Jesse [Askew] Tye, John Burlston.



 



HANDCART COMPANY, E. ELLSWORTH, CAPTAIN. 
LEFT CAMP NEAR IOWA CITY, JUNE 9, 1856. 
Edmund Ellsworth, Thomas Fowler, Thomas Passey, Eliza Robinson, Mary Ann Bates, Mary Ann Meadows, Andrew Galloway, wife and child, David Bowen, William Harmon, Edward Frost, wife and 2 children; Elizabeth Franklin, Eleanor Hill, Sarah Ann Sprig, James Shinnsen [Sheen], and 12 children; Ann [Perkins] Price and 2 children, Eleanor Vaughan, Mary Mays [Mayo], Alexander Stevenson, wife and 7 children, George Clark [Clarke], wife and 3 children; Thomas Ivins, John Powell, wife and 6 children; Daniel Jones, wife and 6 children; Mary Ann Baker and 5 children; John Lloyd, wife and 6 children; Wm. Green.



Arthur [Archer] Walters, wife and 5 children; John Devenoux [Devereaux], Thomas Richins, wife and child; Mary Ann Jones, Thos. [Thomas Bradford] Bourne, wife and 6 children; John Robinson, wife and 4 children; George Hanson, wife and child; James Birch, wife and 3 children; Absalam [Absalom] Frisby, Ann Ham, Hannah Baldwin, John Ash, Jr., wife and 2 children, Richard Preater [Preator], wife and 2 children; Hester [Esther] and Hannah Jones; Hannah [Chapman] Goodworth, and 4 persons; John Chapman, James Murray, Henry Moss, George Warding [Waring], George Williams, James Bowers, wife and 6 children.



Samuel Bond, wife and 2 children; Walter Sanders and 3 children; Eliza Jeffries, Richard Sheltar [Shelton], Joseph Argyle, wife and 6 children; William Pratt, wife and 4 children; William Morriss [Morris] and wife; James and Sabina Jones; Jas. [James] Bailey, wife and 5 children; C. H. Briggs [Charles H. Bridges], William Birch and wife; Elizabeth Walker, Abraham Hurst [Hunt] and wife; John Lee, wife and 6 children; Sarah and Joseph Ash; Jon Wellings [Job Welling], wife and child; John [Rowe] Moyle, wife and 5 children; John Bunney and wife; John Dunney [Doney] and wife; William Yeo, William Butler and wife; John Oakley, Robert Stodart [Stoddart], wife and 12 persons.



Elizabeth Taylor, Henry Walker and wife; John Kettle, wife and 6 children; Thomas Eldridge [Eldredge], wife and child; Joseph Rasdell and wife; Sarah Marshall and 6 children; Maria Good [Goode], John A. Phillips, George Nappriss [Neppress], John Lewis and child; Thomas and Benjamin Lloyd; John Henwood, Jane Lewis, Elizabeth Henwood, and 2 children; James [Constable] and Ann [Miller] Warner; Sarah T. [Sarah Jane] Miller, William Brough, Elizabeth and Emma Walker, James and Mary Commonder [Commander], Alice Brough.



 



HANDCART COMPANY, D. [DANIEL] D. McARTHUR, CAPTAIN. 
LEFT IOWA CITY CAMP, JUNE 11, 1856. 
Walter Grainger, wife and 5 children; William K. [Knox] Aitken and 2 children; Ellen Wandles; Ellen Wandles, jr.; Mary Mathierson [Mathieson]; Thomas Gallup [Gallop] and wife; James Reid, wife and 4 children; George Muir, wife and 2 children; John Frew, wife and 4 children; Alex. McDonald; Agnes Stewart and 3 children.



Hugh Clotworthy, wife and 4 children; Mary McGowan; Joseph McDougall [McDougal]; John McDonald; William Johnstone [Johnston]; wife and 4 children; John Bell, wife and 2 children; Elizabeth Shields; David Chambers, wife and son; A. M. [Anna M.] Randall and son; Elizabeth and Emma M. Burdett; William Hall; Samuel Hargraves, wife and 7 children; William Finlay [Findley], wife and child.



William Meikle, wife and 2 children; Mary Hay; Agnes [Adamson] Anderson, wife and 2 children; Richard Kennington, wife and 5 children; Mary Ann Bone; Robert Parker, wife and 4 children; Bedson Eardley and wife; Mary Bathgate and daughter; William Lawson; George Peacock; John Gray, wife and 4 children; James Crawford; Elizabeth [Cumming] Reed [Reid].



Elizabeth Twiddle [Tweddle]; Catherine Grainger; James Dechman [or Dickman]; John Dreany [or Dramey], wife and 2 children; Isabella Park; James Gardner, mother and 4 children; Neil P. [Peter] and Georgeina [Georgine Maria Keller] Ipson; Sarah Smart; Hannah Hodgetts; Peter and Elizabeth Richardson; George Johnstone [Johnston], wife and child; Janet Hardie, and 5 children; Andrew Smith; Anna Furer [Furrer]; Josephine Ludut [or Ludert] and child; Henry E. [Ebenezer] Bowring, wife and child.



William and Maria Wright; Rebecca [Wood] Sanderson and 2 children; William Hillhouse, wife and 8 children; Elizabeth Maxwell, and 5 children; Elizabeth Dorrech [Darragh]; Ellen Russell; Elizabeth Maxwell, Mary Gale; Patrick [Twiss] Birmingham, wife and 3 children; Thomas Lucas, wife and 3 children; William Lawrenson, wife and 2 children; Mary Baranigan [Brannigan]; Elizabeth Morehouse; William Heator [Heaton], wife and 2 children; John McClare [McCleve], wife and 7 children; Henrich Elliker, wife and 7 children; John Schies, and wife; Susannah Bruner; Ralph Ramsay, wife and child; Margaret Dowule [Downie].



DANIEL D. MC'ARTHUR, Captain. 
TRUMAN LEONARD,SPICER W. CRANDALL, Counselors.

Transcript for "Emigrants for Utah," Deseret News, 6 August 1856, 176

Deseret News.

DUP Pioneer History Collection

Carl Eric Lindholm diary

"Carl Eric Lindholm diary", DUP Pioneer History Collection, Page 11.

July 1—Arrived at Florence 9 A.M.


2—My wife is very poorly.


3—Moved up town today.


4—Wagons were distributed.


5—Wagons were distributed.


6—Oxen distributed.


7—Moved a mile out and made camp.


8 to 11—No entry.


12—Drove 2 English miles and made camp. I could not continue my journal daily because I was sick at the stomach and felt constantly tired and ill and only craved rest when we arrived at Zion.


July 1861. I will note that we completed the trip from Florence, Nebraska, to Salt Lake City in 10 weeks. We have a very good captain, his name was [Samuel Amos] Wooley. He exercised solicitude for us both by day and by night. God bless him for all of his kindness to us.


Sept. 22. We arrived at Salt Lake City, Sept. 22, 1861, at 4 P.M.

Transcript for "Carl Eric Lindholm diary," 11.

Brief Biography of Rachel Emma Woolley Simmons

"Brief Biography of Rachel Emma Woolley Simmons", DUP Pioneer History Collection, Page 11-14.

The time soon passed and then we were gtting ready to go still farther west. We left Winter Quarters the first part of May 1848. We travelled a few miles the first day and camped on what was called Horn or Elk Horn. We had three wagons and a light spring wagon for Mother [Mary Wickersham Woolley] to ride in as her health was rather delicate at that time. Her wagon was fixed very comfortable so she could have her bed made all the time and could lie down if she wished. My Brother Frank[lin Benjamin] was to drive a wagon, he had to drive mother, as one of our teamsters left soon after we started, so then I had to drive. I did so in fear and trembling, as one of the horses was very vicious. She used to kick up dreadful until she would kick the board of the wagon all to pieces, but it made no difference, I had to go at it the next day just the same.


When we got fairly started on our journey, there was a very large company—I think there was two hundred wagons traveling up the Platte River. The wagons were divided into sections as the road ran parallel. President Young headed one section. <s>I don’t know who was the head of the other.</s> That was a dreary part of the journey. For miles and miles, one could see nothing but the unbroken plains. Not a tree or a shrub in sight, nothing but the white dusty road as far as the eye could see. At night when the camp was reached, myself and companions would always make a rush for the river to bathe. It was great enjoyment after the warm dusty day.


How Camps were Formed


While travelling, there was always someone sent ahead on horseback to search out the best place for a camp, then when it was reached, the wagons at the head of each line would stop and the next one would drive just as close as possible to it, then the next and so on until they were all in each row formed into a semicircle with an opening at the beginning and end. These gates or openings were left so the animals could be driven out and in. There was a guard placed both in the corral and out and I often think of the cheery call of the guard when all was quiet in camp. It was in this wise, “Twelve o'clock in the corral and all is well.” Then the next would take up the call each one of the guards had given the hour.


There is one thing I must mention in regard to my bathing in the Platte. I had one of the most indulgent of mothers, but she had told me many times not to go in bathing so often, (my run-away practices clung to me yet) but I was disobedient and went with the girls as usual after the many warnings I had received. We staid longer than usual and the night being dark I lost my way. I suppose I must have passed the wagons and not recognized them. The grass was very high and the dew very heavy. I was wet to my knees, but after what seemed to me a very long time, and after I had repented my disobedience, I found our wagons and also found Father with a rope in his hand waiting to receive me. I received a deserved very warm reception. I think it had the desired effect. I don't remember any more escapades of that kind during the rest of the journey. In consequence of getting so wet that night, I had a crick in my neck the next morning. My head was drawn on one side. I tried to make myself believe it was because Father had whipped me and thought he ought to be sorry, but it didn't seem to strike him that way. I had to lie in bed all day. Mother petted me some, I remember. Disagreeable results always follow disobedience whether in young or old.


Birth of Mary—Mother of J. Reuben Clark


July the fifth we were camped on a small stream called Goose Creek. It was here that my sister Mary [Louisa] was born. The place was not localized at that time, but since the Territories have been recognized, it is in Wyoming Territory. We never laid over a day in consequence of Mother's sickness. The Lord blessed her and fitted her to bear the journey as He did many others at that time. I have heard her say she never got along better in her life. Mary grew so fast, she was one of the finest of Mother's children, even if she was born under difficulties.


We had to burn buffalo chips while coming up the Platte. I used to get out just before camping, take a sack and fill it as our journey progressed.


When we got into the Black Hills our companies were divided into tens, as they were called, because the facilities for camping were not so good for so many in one place.


Landmarks


There are some land marks I remember. We heard so much of Independence Rock long before we got there. They said we should have a dance on top of it, as we had many a dance while on the plains. We thought it would be so nice, but when we got there, the company was so small it was given up. We nooned at this place, but Father staid long enough for us children to go all over it. I went with the boys and with Catherine . It is an immense rock with holes and crevices where the water is dripping cool and sparkling. We saw a great many names of persons that had been cut in the rock, but we were so disappointed in not having a dance. Our company was so small, and we had not a note of music or a musician. I was told afterwards by some of the girls that we had travelled with that they had a party there, but President Young had all the music with him. I think we camped that night on the stream of water called Sweetwater. The companies ahead of us lost a great many animals at this place. The stench was awful, and the wolves were as thick sheep. It seemed as though they had gathered for miles around. There wasn't a wink of sleep that night for any of us. I was staying with Aunt Catherine [Woolley] that night for company as Uncle Sammy [Woolley] was out on guard with the rest of the men to keep the wolves from attacking the animals or stampeding them. They were so bold they would come right into camp and some of them would put their feet on the wagon tongues and sniff in at the end of the wagon. This was my birthday, I was twelve years old. The next day we passed Devil's Gate, another landmark of very high rocks with an opening at the top with water pouring down to a great depth.


The next I remember was crossing what was called Rocky Ridge and I can truly say that the Belview road isn't a circumstance to that road. I was driving as usual, and to make matters worse we had an old pig that was in trouble that day and she had to ride in the buggy, as father was very anxious to save the little pigs, but they all died in consequence of the rough road. I remember I was so glad when we camped that night, because I was so completely tired out with the road and the frisky horse.


Big Mountain


I don't remember anything else of note until we drew near our journey's end. We came to what is called Big Mountain, and it is rightly named. We had to double teams to get up, that is, take all the teams in camp and put them all on two or three wagons, take them up to the top, then go back for others. Then coming down put them on the back of the wagons to hold them back. Those that came when we did know something of the difficulties of traveling. Five months of that kind gets monotonous after awhile, but we were near our journey's end that we could rejoice even withal.


Coming down the mountain, the axle tree on Mother's wagon broke, which caused some delay. Father cut a young tree and fastened it under the wagon so that it could be brought into the Valley.


First Glimpse of Valley—Arrived 22 September 1848


With what gladness we got our first glimpse of the Valley. We camped just at the mouth of Emigration Canyon in the afternoon to wash and fix up a little before meeting our friends that had preceded us the year previous. Uncle John had been here a year and was living in the Fort, as it was called. His wife had supper ready—corn, cucumbers, and other vegetables. I have no doubt but what we did justice to that supper, being the first in a house for five months. We went to Brother Ensign's who kindly offered us the hospitality of their one room until we could do better. So we pitched our tent in his yard and settled down to rest after our long journey.

Transcript for "Brief Biography of Rachel Emma Woolley Simmons," 11-14.

Daughters of Utah Pioneers. DUP Pioneer History Collection.

Historical Department journal history of the Church

CR 100 137: Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008, September 22, 1861, Page 2-11.

CR 100 137: Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008. Supplement after 31 December 1848: Page 9.

Historical Department journal history of the Church.

"Journal of Rachel Emma Woolley Simmons," Heart Throbs of the West

"Journal of Rachel Emma Woolley Simmons," Heart Throbs of the West, Vol. 11.

THE JOURNEY WEST



The time soon passed and then we were getting ready to go still farther west.  We left Winter Quarters the first part of May 1848.  We travelled a few miles the first day and camped on what was called Horn or Elk Horn.  We had three wagons and a light spring wagon for Mother to ride in as her health was rather delicate at that time.  Her wagon was fixed very comfortable so she could have her bed made all the time and she could lie down if she wished.  My Brother Frank was to drive a wagon, but he had to drive mother, as one of our teamsters left soon after we started, so then I had to drive.  I did so in fear and trembling, as one of the horses was very vicious.  She used to kick up dreadful until she would kick the board of the wagon all to pieces, but it made no difference, I had to go at it the next day just the same.



When we got fairly started on our journey, there was a very large company—I think there was two hundred wagons travelling up the Platte River.  The wagons were divided into sections as the road ran parallel.  President Young headed one section.  That was a dreary part of the journey.  For miles and miles, one could see nothing but the unbroken plains.  Not a tree or a shrub in sight, nothing but white dusty road as far as the eye could see.  At night when the camp was reached, myself and companions would always make a rush for the river to bathe.  It was great enjoyment after the warm dusty day.



 How Camps were Formed.  While travelling, there was always someone sent ahead on horseback to search out the best place for a camp, then when it was reached, the wagons at the head of each line would stop and the next one would drive just as close as possible to it, then the next and so on until they were all in each row formed into a semicircle with an opening at the beginning and end.  These gates or openings were left so the animals could be driven out and in.  There was a guard placed both in the corral and out and I often think of the cheery call of the guard when all was quiet in camp.  It was in this wise, “Twelve o’clock in the corral and all is well.”  Then the next would take up the call until each one of the guards had given the hour.



 There is one thing I must mention in regard to my bathing in the Platte.  I had one of the most indulgent of mothers, but she had told me many times not to go in bathing so often, (my run-away practices clung to me yet) but I was disobedient and went with the girls as usual after the many warnings I had received.  We staid longer than usual and the night being dark I lost my way.  I suppose I must have passed the wagons and not recognized them.  The grass was very high and the dew very heavy.  I was wet to my knees, but after what seemed to me a very long time, and after I had repented my disobedience, I found our wagons and also found Father with a rope in his hand waiting to receive me.  I received a deserved very warm reception.  I think it had the desired effect.  I don’t remember any more escapades of that kind during the rest of the journey.  In consequence of getting so wet that night, I had a crick in my next the next morning.  My head was drawn on one side.  I tried to make myself believe it was because Father had whipped me and I thought he ought to be sorry, but it didn’t seem to strike him that way.  I had to lie in bed all day.  Mother petted me some, I remember.  Disagreeable results always follow disobedience whether in young or old.



 Birth of Mary—Mother of J. Reuben Clark.  July the fifth we were camped on a small stream called Goose Creek.  It was here that my sister Mary was born.  The place was not localized at that time, but since the Territories have been recognized, it is in Wyoming Territory.  We never laid over a day in consequence of Mother’s sickness.  The Lord blessed her and fitted her to bear the journey as He did many others at that time.  I have heard her say she never got along better in her life.  Mary grew so fast, she was one of the finest of Mother’s children, even if she was born under difficulties.  We had to burn buffalo chips while coming up the Platte.  I used to get out just before camping, take a sack and fill it as our journey progressed.  When we got into the Black Hills our companies were divided into tens, as they were called, because the facilities for camping were not so good for so many in one place.



 Landmarks.  There are some land marks I remember.  We heard so much of Independence Rock long before we got there.  They said we should have a dance on top of it, as we had many a dance while on the plains.  We thought it would be so nice, but when we got there, the company was so small it was given up.  We nooned at this place, but Father staid long enough for us children to go all over it.  I went with the boys and with Catherine.  It is an immense rock with holes and crevices where the water is dripping cool and sparkling.  We saw a great many names of persons that had been cut in the rock, but we were so disappointed in not having a dance.  Our company was so small, and we had not a note of music or a musician.  I was told afterwards by some of the girls that we had travelled with that they had a party there, but President Young had all the music with him.  I think we camped that night on the stream of water called Sweetwater.  The companies ahead of us lost a great many animals at this place.  The stench was awful, and the wolves were as thick as sheep.  It seemed as though they had gathered for miles around.  There wasn’t a wink of sleep that night for any of us.  I was staying with Aunt Catherine that night for company as Uncle Sammy was out on guard with the rest of the men to keep the wolves from attacking the animals or stampeding them.  They were so bold they would come right into camp and some of them would put their feet on the wagon tongues and sniff in at the end of the wagon.  This was my birthday, I was twelve years old.  The next day we passed Devil’s Gate, another landmark of very high rocks with an opening at the top with water pouring down to a great depth.



 The next I remember was crossing what was called Rocky Ridge and I can truly say that the Belview road isn’t a circumstance to that road.  I was driving as usual, and to make matters worse we had an old pig that was in trouble that day and she had to ride in the buggy, as Father was very anxious to save the little pigs, but they all died in consequence of the rough road.  I remember I was so glad when we camped that night, because I was so completely tired out with the road and the frisky horse.



 Big Mountain.  I don’t remember anything else of note until we drew near our journey’s end.  We came to what is called Big Mountain, and it is rightly named.  We had to double teams to get up, that is, take all the teams in camp and put them all on two or three wagons, take them up to the top, then go back for others.  Then coming down put them on the back of the wagons to hold them back.  Those that came when we did know something of the difficulties of traveling.  Five months of that kind gets monotonous after awhile, but we were so near our journey’s end that we could rejoice even withal. 



 Coming down the mountain, the axle tree on Mother’s wagon broke, which caused some delay.  Father cut a young tree and fastened it under the wagon so that it could be brought into the Valley.



 The New Home



With what gladness we got our first glimpse of the Valley.  We camped just at the mouth of Emigration Canyon in the afternoon to wash and fix up a little before meeting our friends that had preceded us the year previous.

Transcript for "Journal of Rachel Emma Woolley Simmons," Heart Throbs of the West, Vol. 11, pp. 161-63

"Journal of Rachel Emma Woolley Simmons," Heart Throbs of the West.

MS 14290: Camp of Israel schedules and reports, 1845-1849

First 100, report, June 1848.

MS 14290: Camp of Israel schedules and reports, 1845-1849.

Our pioneer heritage

Our Pioneer Heritage, Vol. 5.

Our pioneer heritage.

Peter Nielsen journal

Peter Nielsen journal, June 1854.

July 3rd We drew lots about the cars; I was sent out to find some cows which had gone away, about 32 head, and we found about ten of them. A meeting was held in the afternoon, and Brother Erastus Snow gave many fine teachings. Elder S. [Samuel Amos] Woolley was appointed captain of the whole company, N. [Niels] Wilhelmsen as chaplain and O[le]. Hansen as captain for the guards and counselors to S. Wooley. Then the company was divided into 10 and a captain appointed for <s>captain</s> every fourth. G. Olsen was appointed for the 1st, I. P. Nielsen for the 4th, J[ohan] Fagerb[erg] for the 3rd. Fixed various things.



July 4th: Tried to get everything in order, but it takes such a long time for the agent.



July 5th Down to receive oxen; the day passed by yoking them and marking them.



July 7th: Sunday. Received our oxen and drove about 4 miles outside the city. We camped here at a spring[.] Received the captains of the 10 companies. It rained and thundered during the night.



July 8th: Two of my oxen got away; I went far to seek for them, but they returned themselves. I fixed my company and wrote down the names of all the individuals and what provisions they wanted and turned it over to N. Wilhelmsen; I had a lot to do to arrange all the necessary details for our trip across the plains; a child died here. On the journey from Copenhagen and up till now the following have died: 17 children and 3 women, 6 children have been born.



July 12th: We continued our travels for about 8 miles and camped nere [near] a spring. Apostle Erastus Snow gave us many fine teachings today.



July 13th: We traveld about 12 miles and camped at Little Papion [Papillion]; the water and grass here are excellent. The first Indians visited us in our camp.



July 14th: We continued our journey and traveled about 5-6 miles; it was raining heavily in the afternoon. We had great difficulty in coming down a hill. We camped for the night at Elkhorns [Elkhorn] Bridge; there were several Indians here and they visited us and asked for food from us.



July 15th: Brother Erastus Snow visited us in the morning; this visit made us rejoice; a company was organized and many instructions and teachings were given, after which we traveled for about 12 miles on the plains; the weather was rather bad today and it continued that way for some days, but everything turned out alright according to the prevailing circumstances; we had some trouble with the oxen; otherwise nothing special happened. I was somewhat sick.



July 19th: We came to a city by the name of Columbus and crossed the river and camped here for the night. Apostles Orson Pratt and Erastus Snow came to see us; they had been released from their missions and were returning home; they spoke to us and gave us many great blessings if we would do right and be humble.



July 21st: Sunday afternoon. We have covered ten miles from Florence. a meeting was held in the evening. All is well. However, we have had a little sickness in the camp.



July 22nd: We left the camp at 7 o’clock and at 5:00 p.m. we camped at the Platte river. The pasture is fine here.



July 24th: Wednesday we journeyed 17 miles and camped on the Wood River.



July 25th: We crossed the river and traveled 14 miles and camped at the same river.



July 26th: We travled 14 miles and camped at M Lan’s; we stopped here for the afternoon, so that the women had time to wash.



July 27th: We continued our journey in good order and continued thus the following days, and nothing extraordinary happened.



July 30th: An old woman died and she was buried the next day, after which we continued our travel in the usual order.



August 2nd: Inger Marie Thomassen, a girl of 18 [16], died in the morning and was buried at Skunk Creek; we started again in good order; the weather is nice and also the road. Three Indians visited us this evening in our camp; they were peaceful, and we gave them flour and pork. The company was divided into two; Brother [R.H.] Porter became the captain of 28 oak wagons and was to come after us, and we were to be gathered in one again, before we arrived in the Salt Lake valley. I remained in the company of Wolley’s [Wooley's]. We traveled forward with good speed.



August 4th: We came across a great many Indians, but they were peaceful; the road was very sandy and hilly and had to travel far to get water and pasture. I worked till after darkness to get my ten to the camp. We had to use several teams for most of the wagons as the oxen were very much exhausted.



August 5th: We traveled a few miles and camped at the Platte river at 10 o’clock.



The sisters are busy washing and baking; all is well in the camp.



August 11th: Sunday. We camped at the Platte river and all is well; the road has been sandy and hilly, and in consequence of this we have not traveled as much the last seven days, but according to the circumstances we make pretty good progress, and nothing has hindered us, but we have been much blessed.



August 18th: Sunday. At noon we camped at the Platte river; the journey has been good the last week; all is well and very little sickness. We have come across quite a few Indians who have been very kind to us. Yesterday for example we had a heavy hailstorm and some of the sisters had gone ahead of the company when the storm rose; some Indians were near them and they took their hats made with tarpaulin off and held them over the heads of the sisters. We camped near their camp in the evening; they came over to us and got some bread and flour and pork, and were very much satisfied.



Today I wrote to K.H. Bruun in Jutland, Denmark.



August 25th: Sunday morning early we crossed the Platte river; it was very sandy. 2 divisions passed us. Captain Porter passed us; at noon we passed a soldiers’ camp; some bullets came from that direction, but they did not make any harm. We camped for the night at a very high place; we had to walk very far to get water and grass. This week we have crossed a lot of hills, but all is well. Have passed Fort Laramie.



August 26th: The road is bad. Passed Deer Creek. Camped at the Platte river.



August 27th: We left early. Drove far before we came to grass and pastures.



August 28th: We crossed the Platte river on a bridge; it cost 40 cts. a wagon; the road was very rough. Camped early in the afternoon.



August 29th: Several of the oxen have strayed away so we could not leave till 11 O’clock. We went up a steep hill so the brethren helped push the carts by tying ropes to the oxen. Passed a posinous [poisonous] creek. W[e] drove very late, but found no grass. We camped.



August 30th: Left very early; we drove for six miles and camped at a creek, where there was good grass and plenty of water . Drove 9 miles and camped at a creek.



August 31st: All well today. Drove 8 miles and crossed Sweet Water[.] the road has been very heavy and bad; camped for noon, only little grass here. In the afternoon we passed Devil’s Gate; we camped for the night at Sweet River; good grass.



September 1st: Sunday morning passed by shoeing the oxen. Drove about 11 miles; camped at the river.



September 2nd: Drove 19 miles; crossed the river and camped at the same for the night.



September 3rd: Crossed the river three times and camped near Ere Spring; good pasture but no water.



September 4th: Left at 5 o’clock; drove 10 miles before we reached good water and grass, where we stopped for 2½ hours; then we covered 7 miles and camped for the night at Sweet Water.



September 5th: Drove 4 miles before lunch and then 15 miles. The road was ver[y] hilly. Camped for the night. Not very much grass.



September 6th: Drove 9 miles before noon; the road is good. Camped at the last crossing of the Sweet Water. Crossed the river; drove pass [past] the second division; some of the brethren nearly had a collision. Camped for the night at the South Pass; together with Captain Wolley attended a meeting, where he chastised the brethren for their unwise conduct; about 22 oxen had died in this division.



September 7th: Drove a long ways; camped at a high place; little grass but plenty of water; I was on guard, the night was very cold.



September 8th: Sunday. Drove 14 miles before we reached water; rested and then drove on to Little Sandy, where we camped.



September 9th: Crossed Big Sandy and camped for the night; little grass and far to water.



September 10th: Drove 14 miles before we reached water. (Big Sandy). Again travled some miles and camped for the night at the same river.



September 11th Drove 4 miles; stopped for four hours at Green River; crossed it and drove 10 miles. Camped, little grass and no water.



September 12th: Crossed Hams Fork and Blacks Fork and camped here; good grass and water.



September 13th: Drove 14 miles.



September 14th: Passed Smith’s Fork and Fort Bridger, where we camped for this day and night; one of my oxen died here.



September 15th: Sunday. The trumpet was sounded early. I got one of Brother Ekholm’s [Lars Petter Edholm’s] oxen. Drove 14 miles.



September 16th: Drove 12 miles; camped at a spring for the night.



September 17th:Drove 19 miles; camped for the night at the mouth of the Echo canyon. 2 oxen died today.



September 18th: Drove about 16 miles; one ox died; the road is bad.



September 19th: The road is rather hilly, but all is well. Crossed a creek several times.



September 20th: About the same as yesterday.



September 21st: Brother Erastus and others had come to our camp during the night; good news from Salt Lake. Brother Knudsen who had also come to meet us loaned me two of his oxen and drove himself my wagon, for which I am very thankful as P. Hansen who generally drives it is not a good driver. Passed Big Mountain. We managed with exception of three wagons who needed help. Camped for the night at Little Mountain.



September 22nd: We passed Little Mountain in the morning; camped at noon about 4 miles from Salt Lake, where we washed and fixed ourselves, after which we continued our journey in good order and drove into Salt Lake City in tahe afternoon, where many friends and acquaintances met us and welcomed us.

Transcript for Peter Nielsen journal, 1854 June-1867 March, 358-363

Peter Nielsen journal.

Salt Lake City Property Index

Salt Lake City Property Index.

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.

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

Wilcox, Matilda Neilson, Autobiographical sketch

Wilcox, Matilda Neilson, Autobiographical sketch.

Father [Anders Nielsen] was able to earn a yoke of oxen, a wagon and a cow, also provisions necessary for our journey. We left Omaha in May 1861 arriving in Utah about Oct 1861[.] While crossing the plains a herd of Buffalo, also one of Antelope, at different times stampeded and our men had to divide the train to let the stampede go thru. 
The Indians were very docile this yr. and gave us no trouble. Another time, after traveling all day, and could find no water and could go no farther without it[,] after the company had made camp, the men dug deep holes in the clay soil hoping to get water but were disappointed, then they went away to a private place and prayed; in the morning all the holes were full of water we were all able to drink all we wanted, fill our barrels and canteens, this being another testimony to me that prayers are heard and answered.

Transcript for Wilcox, Matilda Neilson, Autobiographical sketch

William Carruth autobiography and journal, 1856-1863, 17-19, 26

William Carruth autobiography and journal, 1856-1863, 17-19, 26.

We Know {now} started on our jurney for G.S. Lake by way of Counsil {Council} Bluffs or winter quarters distance about 350 miles. Br. {Brother} James and I went by land with a span of horses. The rest of the family went up the Mossuri {Missouri} river by steamboat; meet at Council Bluf{f}s Bought oxen and wagons for our jurney across the plains. Started from winter quarters. June 1st 1848. In precedant {president} Brigham Youngs company, I could injoy myself the best those days that I could find leasure to go out into the hills and hunt Buffalo. I used to injoy myself in company with a young man named. Jarvis Johnston, one circumstance of a buffalo hunt may answer for the whole; one day before leaving sweet-watter {Sweetwater}. we stoped for the purpose of killing and drying some buffalo meat; Early in the morning 4 of us started namely Anw. {Andrew} Cahoon a Br. Wooley. Jarvis Johnston and my self we took with us a ox team. about 10 miles where we left it and struck out 2 and 2 promising to meet at this place at a cert{a}in time. Jarvis and I went together. we traviled untill we thought it time to return. when we saw 2 buffalos feeding at a considerable {distance} ahead{.} this was two {too} good a chance to let slip so on we went. by the time we got to them they were laying down in a hollow. We creapt along to the nighest point when we agread that. Jarvis should fire first and if he killed I should take a run{n}ing shoot at {the other} as soon as he fired a way they both went we followed and kept firing away at the same one. Untill he got mad when he stopt in a thicket of brush. we wa{l}ked up until within 25 yards. when I rested my rifle over the sho{u}lder of my partner and fired. but the first thing we saw he was bounding towards us. We run about 100 yards, when looking around we saw him laying dead. The next thing was to have him halled {hauled} to camp. But on our return to where we left the team, we found that. Bros. Andrew and Wooley had started for camp. we had know {now} 10 or 12 miles to travel before we could reach the camp on Sweetwatter {Sweetwater}. This seamed rather hard after traviling all day through the mountains, with nothing to eat only a small peice of sea bread in the morning, however we started. And arived at camp about midnight Tireder if not wiser than when we left. We got along very well throu{ghou}t the jurney. enjoyed good health. although a good many cattle died on the way by drinking elkeley {alkali} watter. we arr{i}ved in Great Salt Lake valey Sept 23rd 1848.



the distance on this rout{e} is about 900 miles

Transcript for William Carruth autobiography and journal, 1856-1863, 17-19, 26

Woolley, Samuel Amos, Diaries, 1846-1899, reel #1, box 1, fd. 3

Woolley, Samuel Amos, Diaries, 1846-1899, reel #1, box 1, fd. 3, Vol. 9.

Transcript for Woolley, Samuel Amos, Diaries, 1846-1899, reel #1, box 1, fd. 3, vol. 9

Woolley, Samuel Amos, Diaries, 1846-1899, reel #1, box 1, fd. 3.

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Newlin Township, Chester, Pennsylvania, United States

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Catherine Elizabeth Mehring

Samuel Henry Woolley

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Great Salt Lake City, Great Salt Lake, Utah Territory, United States

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Calcutta, Chinsura, Meerut, Delhi, and Agra, India

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To assist John Taylor in Mississippi

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Samuel Amos Woolley

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