Simmons Philander Curtis (1818 - 1880) Profile

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Simmons Philander Curtis

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Condie, Gibson, Reminiscences and diary, 1865-1910, 33-35

Condie, Gibson, Reminiscences and diary, 1865-1910, 33-35.

<xhtml:p xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">. . . .Bro' Orson Hyde Came along and organised us in a Company[.] we were in Captain [Thomas Charles Davis] Howell Company[.] he had charge of 100 wagons. they were divided into Fiftys and tens. Bro McCulloch [Levi McCullough] was the Captain of our ten. Bro [William] Banks was in our ten also Bro Simeon [Simmons Philander] Curtis and Joseph Hunter and others. it was advisable by Bro Hyde. that the hundred wagons should go as a body untill they pass the Hostile Indians. the Paunees [Pawnees] and the Omaha nations. we continued our journey as a Whole body[.] it Looked a grand sight to see the wagons at camp. circle. if they were attacked by the Indains [Indians] they were ready. they had their guards out. we had guards to watch our cattle every night[.] at nights we would have prayers. everthing had to be in order[.] no confusion whatever[.] on Sundays they would rest and have meetings[.] generaly good attendance[.] good spirit prevail. they took an Interest to help an assist one another. Sometimes they would have a little amusements. dancing &amp;c[.] everything to cheer and Comfort them on their journey. I remember well on the Camping ground. a few Omaha warriors with their cheifs came into camp[.] they were very Friendly. we were very Kindly to them[.] gave them something to eat and some presents. we knew we were passing through their Country[.] we wished their good will. Captain Howell called the Bretheren together and wished the saints to sing a Hymn or so. to the Braves or Warriors. We sung. O stop and tell Me Red Man. Bro John Toone took the lead of singing. the Indians were in the Centre of the Circle[.] the singing took like a charm upon them. Singing about there Forefathers. they listend very attenively[.] the spirit of God rested upon them. there murderous spirit. seemed to vanish away. from them. they were pleased in our company and thanked us. we did all rejoice to see the good spirit prevail. while we were singing of a fallen race. while their forefathers was once a white and delig[h]tsome people and Chosen people of the Lord. I wonder why people has been Blessed[.] has seen and know for themselves while our Saviour visited them on this land. the good Teachings and counsels he gave to them. and the Lord Blessesd their labours. And now we see the results of disabeying the Commands of the Lord[.] a curse Came upon them. a dark skin and became Idilent, plunder and Steal. &amp;c[.] we continued our journey crossing the rivers with flatt Boats taking our wagons across[.] swiming the Cattle across Elk Horn and Loupe [Loup] fort [Fork] rivers[.] all went safely across[.] we continued our march. we would continually see Indians from the war path having Scalps with them. hanging on poles the ones they have Killed[.] they are continually fighting while they are out a hunting. they intrude on there lands[.] Kill their game &amp;c. they then fight it out. generally they woed [weild] the Bow and arrow. The arrows are poisoned / their weapons. And guns if they can get them. they would trade anything for a gun. sometimes for exchange poneys. Buffalo robes. Buckskins. &amp;c[.] we Bought or traded[.] gave them some sugar and flour for buckskins, mocasens Buffalo robes &amp;c. we arrived at Fort Larime [Laramie]. we had travled along the north side of the platte river and now we are in Sioux Country a pouerfull tribe numbering many thousands warriors[.] it is said to be the most powerfull tribe from the missouri to the rockey mountians[.] it is a Beautifuly Country all around the platte river for hundreds of miles. they were no white familes living around. only a few mountainers living amongst the Indians[.] their living. buying furs, robes, Buckskins and take them to the cityes and do well. we would somtimes go Hunting for Buffalo five or six miles from the roads. it was a grand sight to see hundreds of them grassing on the plains. when they run it made the earth almost tremble before them. we Killed a number of them. generally we had horsemen to follow them up. they ran so swift. we would follow the horsemen[.] they would shoot them down. we then would cut the best parts[.] the hind quarters and pack it in sacks and carried for miles untill we get to camp. we Cut the meat in slices and hang the meat befor a slow fire. untill it was dry. I was very fond of it. when it was cured. it was so sweet I could be eating all the time. we were camping alongside the platte river. I went with a large tin pail. for water to the river[.] I reached over the Bank. the earth gave way. Bucket and I went into the river[.] it was very deep. I regained my sences. I tried to get the bucket but it was gone. I had done a little swimming while i was boy. I was very thankful to my Heavenly Father that I was spared from being drowned. we continued our journey and passed Pike peak a high mountain. and traveled and came to the sweet water. we crossed this stream fourteen times. our cows and oxen were, sore footed, the hooffs cracke. we used. Tar for there hoffs. we passed tar springs on the road side and continued traveling untill we came to Green River[.] we all crossed in wagons. the river was low. it is a very fine country round there[.] we continued and came to Fort Bridger. ther were no Soldiers. only Bridger himself a trader or mountainer[.] there were around Bridger a large Band of Indians very peacebly[.] had ponnys to trade and Buckskins &amp;c. I understand. Bridger did say if the mormons could raise a bushel of corn in Salt Lake Valley he would give them a thousand dollars. the mormons did raise corn. in the valley. I do not suppose Bridger gave the money[.] we traveled untill we came to Bear River[.] crossed in wagon and traveled down Echo Kanyon [Canyon] untill we came [to] Weber river before us[.] they were a chain of Mountains for us to cross. we cross the river in wagons and traveled up by Hogs Back and got into East Kanyon Creek[.] traveled up the stream untill we came to the foot of the Big Mountain[.] we traveled up the Big Mountain five miles[.] very rockey, untill we got to the top[.] we could have a veiw part of Salt Lake valley and decended down the other side. untill we came to the foot of the Little Mountain. we again traveled up the mountain[.] had to double untill we got to the top about one mile and half in length. we could have a good view in the valley. and decended down the little Mountain[.] lock both wheels all the way untill we came to emigration Kanyon [.] we passed Captain Smoots Company[.] they were Camping[.] we traveled down emigration untill we came to the bench[.] now we had a beautifully veiw of the Valley and its surroundings[.] I marveled to my[s]elf. how the poiners [pioneers] could find their way cross the mountains making roads cutting brush and timber to come to this beautifully Valley. surely the Lord opened thier way for them to pass through the chain of mountains and Kanyons[.] our Company of 13 wagons arrived in Salt Lake Valley September 2:1852. the rest of the company would be in a few days[.] we left part of the Company 500 miles back. it was considered to do so on account of feed and being scarce water to go in small companies. I consider we had a good time, free from sickness[.] enjoyed Health &amp; Strenght traveling over one thousands miles across the plains[.] we had no trouble with the Indians whatever. generaly very friendly toward us. I am very thankful to my Heavenly Father for preserving us</xhtml:p>

Transcript for Condie, Gibson, Reminiscences and diary, 1865-1910, 33-35

Deseret News

3rd Company

"3rd Company", Deseret News, September 18, 1852.

<p xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><i>3rd Company, F. C. D. Howel, Capt</i>., and family; Elijah Wilson; Thos. Lee and family; Henry Egleston and family; Stephen White [Wight] and family; Mary Smith and family; John Toone and family; Polly Pulsephur and family; Jane McKishney and family; Theadotia Hubbard and family; John Gornman [Goodman] and wife; John Ellison and family; Josiah Nichols; Mary Folker; Joseph McKinley and family; Frederick Wright [Weight]; Edward Bramain [Brain] and family; Edward Smith; Henry McCarthy; Geo. Shell; Thos. Hollis and wife; Henry Devonish and family; Thos. Neever and family; Elijah Tuttle and family; John Tuttle and family; Alexander Clark and family; Richard Button [Britton] and family; Thos. Barnes and family; John Burrell and family; Murdock McKinsey [McKenzie] and family; Robt. Yates and wife; widow Manson; Elizabeth Coolidge; Saml. Housley; Wm; Whitehead and family; W. Wm. Watkins sen; Wm. Atkin [Watkins] jr; Richard Slater; Mary Spencer; Alexander Stan[d]ley; Chattering; Jas. Clinger and family; David Osborn;Jefferson Osborne; Widow [Nancy Jane] Hammer; Josiah Hammer and family; Hannah Huntsman and family; Dudley Drollinger; Widow Drollinger; Wm. Jones; Capt. [Levi] McCullough and family, John Buckannan and family; Thos. Richarson and family; Sim[m]ons Curtis and family; Wm. Banks and family; T[homas]. Condie and family; J[oseph]. Hunter and family; — [Charles] Wil[l]den and family; J[ohn]. Boice and family; J. Newman and family; Albert Merrill and family; Andrew Moore and family; John H. Moore and family; Amos Moore and family; Daniel P. Young and family; Wm. A. Follet and family; Lewis [Louis] Sauntiseed [Saunsocie]; James B. Bracken; Mrs. Aldridge; James Maycock; Roswell White; Chas. Wilden; James Bevon [Bevan]; John Shields, John Smith[;] Widow [Sarah Curry] Head; Robert Walker and family.</p>

Transcript for "3rd Company," Deseret News, 18 September 1852, 90

Deseret News.

Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008

Historical Department journal history of the Church. Supplement after 31 December 1852: Page 16.

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

Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company financial accounts, 1849-1886

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

Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company financial accounts, 1849-1886.

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