Snellen Marion Johnson (1827 - 1900) Profile

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Snellen Marion Johnson

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Edward Wallace East, Biographical information relating to Mormon pioneer overland travel database, 2003-2017

Edward Wallace East, Biographical information relating to Mormon pioneer overland travel database, 2003-2017.

Remeniscence by E. W. East



I was born in Henry County, Va., October 11, 1814...By this time I had the spirit of gathering and all seemed anxious to prepare for the long, arduous journey to Salt Lake. I felt that it was a great undertaking to start two thousand miles with ox team with such a helpless family. We hen had six children and four of the six were helpless, two little girls (twins), then but a little over one year old.



We left Port Sullivan, Texas, set out for Salt Lake on the 14th of March, 1855, thirty-seven in company, wagons heavily loaded with a considerable number of loose oxen and cows and about seventy head of horses. Had no rain to raise the rivers as had been predicted Elder Blair, forded the Brazos, Trinity and Red Rivers, it is extremely rare that either of those rivers can be forded in the spring season. Got along pretty well excepting some trouble with the Johnson family; had a very fatiguing trip, landed at Camp two miles from Atchison on the second day of June, remained in Camp twelve or fourteen days receiving a stock of goods purchased by Blair and Greer, fitting up wagons and etc. During our stay there were frequent cold rains, weather very disagreeable. Some of our company occasionally visited Mormon Grove and learned that the cholera was in the different comps and that several died each day. We set out for Salt Lake City about the 14th of June, having been organized under the direction of President Erastus Snow, Elder S.M. Blair was appointed to lead the Company. We had been joined at Atchison by some elders who had been on missions, who assisted as teamsters for their passage and also a number of families augmenting our company now to over one hundred with, I think, forty-six wagons. the cholera broke out in our Camp on the 18th, some twenty-three miles from Atchison. Brother M. R. Jones daughter was taken in the night and Brother Jones in the morning, and my children, William, over twelve years old, and Mary nearly five, were taken the same day. Brother Jones died first, sometime in the forenoon. Our little Mary who was a promising and lovely child, died about sun-down She sank away calmly and peacefully, as though she was going to a sweet sleep and was buried on the South side of the road before daylight, a rude board with the initials of her name was set at the head of her grave. Brother Jerry Sangford and wife both died during the night and the four were buried at this camp, on the hill some two hundred yards from the Creek on the West side of the road. On the next day Eliza Jost, Mary York, Susan Greer, Martha Allison, Sarah Jones, James Jones, and Elisabeth Langford died and were buried at the same place. On the following day which was the 22nd Sister Middlemas, Eliza Greer, and sister Priestly died and were buried together. On the same day sister Bagley, M.A. Jones, Julia A. Bagley, Fanny Phillips, Emma Middlemas and Hugh A. Phillips. On the 24th John Greer, N.H. Greer died and were buried a half-mile east of the big Nimeha (on the hill), James Rollins died on the next day, also Margaret Jones and William N. Middlemas on the same day on the West Side of the big Blue.



We camped at this place about noon to was and clean up until noon the next day, my son William, died at this camp and I have the date marked on my minutes on 27th. He had been hauled along for eight or nine days speechless the greatest portion of the time. He was buried in a rude box on the hill on the West side of Big Blue three-fourths of a mile from the place called Maryville. Eliza Wright died on Sunday, 1st of July;  our daughter Nancy, who had been speechless for several days died on the 4th of July at the second camp on the Little Blue or Sweet Water and was buried after two hours, being about seven years old. In consequence of the loss of so many, and those who survived being so worn-down by digging graves, burying the dead, and attending the sick, and his own feeble health, Brother Blair wrote and sent by express to Brother Andrews who presided at Mormon Grove for help, accordingly on Sunday night, 24th, Brother Stevenson with several men came up with our camp, Brother Stevenson having in consequence of Brother Blair's feeble and worn-down condition to take the Presidency of the company. On Saturday evening, the last day of June, on arriving at the camping ground late, it was announced that George Woods who had had the cholera was missing from the wagon. As soon as the camp was struck almost all of the company turned out to hunt and next morning our company assisted by another company which camped near-by resumed the search and continued it until about noon, but without finding the least trace of the lost man.



Many things occurred during the remainder of the journey that might be interesting to those who may see this sketch, but I cannot now recollect them in their order so as to detail them correctly. We landed in Salt Lake City, after an extremely arduous and fatiguing journey on the eleventh day of September.

Transcript for Edward Wallace East, Biographical information relating to Mormon pioneer overland travel database, 2003-2017

Emigrating journal

Emigrating journal, June 1855.

Transcript for Emigrating journal, 1855 June-September in Edward Stevenson collection, 1849-1922, 1-39

Emigrating journal.

Greer, Dickson Hamblin, Autobiography and biographical sketches [ca. 1865-1940], [2-3]

Greer, Dickson Hamblin, Autobiography and biographical sketches [ca. 1865-1940], [2-3].

A portion of our company left Milam Co Texas March 5, 1855 with a company of 8 Families, Father N H Greer[,] Jery Langford the same that has charge of Saltair resort, Marvin Jones[,] G. D. Greer, E. W. East. Widow Johnson & 6 grown children. 3 boys—3 girls S. M. Johnson & wife James York & wife—John Lyford old Batch [bachelor,] George L Woods Young Batch[,] Will Crawford " and 12 waggons one Buggy—105 head of cattle 75 or 80 horses & mules was Bound for Salt Lake as new converts to Mormon Faith abt 35 soles all told–—
arrived at Atchison about 1st June a distance of about 12 or 1300 mils from s[t]arting place where we previously arranged to load 35 waggons with merchandise which were purchased at St. Louis by my Father N H Greer &amp; in addition to our company was aded there was about 70—emigrants mostly English
One Lady from California [Eleanor McLean], I mention her on acc[oun]t of the sad history in which she was connected[.] that was death of Parley P. Pratt which he met about 1 yr latter &amp; not verry many miles below near Kansas City M[iss]o[uri]. By [Hector] Mclean a former husband but I believe he had no Just Cause for the Murder as I know what the woman often said she left a dirty Drunkon brute and would die rather than be his wife again &amp; as she traviled the entire Journey in our company &amp; was assistant to my mother in camp duties &amp; learned from her converse that she intended to marry Parley P Prat when we arrived in Sa[l]t Lake City which a portion of us did about 10th sept but we had a hard time to reach the valley as we used to say we laid away 35 out of the 105 about 1/3 cholera struck our camp one days jo[u]rney from Atchison &amp; stayd untill we reached the Platt[e], then had measles—

Transcript for Greer, Dickson Hamblin, Autobiography and biographical sketches [ca. 1865-1940], [2-3]

Sylvester H. Earl diary, 1852-1856

Sylvester H. Earl diary, 1852-1856, Page 6-8.

June 7th—Elders Snow and Spencer organized our company, being the third Sixty. Elder Seth M. Blair is our Captain. Elder East Church - - I was appointed counselor and also captain of one ten and also chaplin.



We started our camp on the 11th of June—traveled eight miles when we camped and staid until the 17th. This is a sickly place. Most of the camp left [t]his day but I had to stay until the next day, when I left with the remainder of the camp. When I got within about one mile of the camp, a messenger run to me stating that Brother Jones was taken the colary and wished me to hasten to his relief by administering the ordinance of the house of God to him, but having a very hard river to cross I was detained sometime. I found Bro. Jones cold and cramped. I called Brothers J[ohn]. M[e]yer, George E. Riser, and Oscar Tayler [Tyler] to my assistance, for they were men who had had their endowments. We approached the sick and dying for by this time four more were taken. But the spirit forbade me rebuking it at this time, yet I felt to pray the Almighty to stay the pleg [plague] if it be his well. Bro. Jones soon died and in the evening Sister Leungford [Langford] died. This night Bro.Easts child died also. Bro. Lankford [Langford] and some others on the 18th. We buried six persons. This is indeed a doalful time to us all.



This day we met the brotheren from the valley on missions. They were under Captain Hait. We started our camp—a number of the missionaries returned with us to where we nooned. Sister Eliza Poast [Jost] died this forenoon in the wagon. We buried her the same hour and did not stop the train. At noon we had a goodmeeting during which time several more died. We parted with the missionaries and hauled our dead until night, when a number more were dead. Some, however, were taken and when I administered to them they got well immediately. We continuedto travel a little every day and still bury the dead.



Sunday, the 15th, we camped on a small stream called the Hermileon where we buried Old Father [Nathaniel Hunt] Greer and several more died and were burried. I then spoke to Bro. Blair of the propriety of rebaptizing those who wished it and baptizing those that had not been baptized. Accordingly I went to the persons. We then traveled six miles. This evening Elder Stenson [Edward Stevenson] came to us from the Mormon Grove with some bretheren to help us. In the morning I called the Saints together. Captain Blair then red a letter from President Ballentine, stating that Bro. Stenson [Stevenson] was appointed to take charge of our company.



E. Stenson [Stevenson] then chose myself and Brother [James M.] Barlow to be his counselors. A man by the name of Wood from Texas got lost from the camp. He was ill with colery. The mules wandered all night with him lying helpless inthe carriage. We are still moving in the midst of death.



On Saturday, June the 30th, this same Wood got out of his carriage just at dusk and unknown to driver and left unaware near the camping place. We soon made a general hunt nearly all night and nearly all the next day but we found him not and with much sorrow pursued our journey without him.



Sunday, July 1st—the camp is in better health.



Sunday, July 8th, we got to Ft. Carney [Kearney] all in good health and spirits except a little difficulty between Brothers Middlemuss [Earl Middlemass] and Right [Thomas H. Wright] which we took into council and strove to settle.



Monday, 9th, we camp up the first camp under the care of Capt. Hincey. Found them all in good health and spirits. We held a council with them:



Elder Conud read some instruction from Erastus Snow—undecided to travel on the next day, and went accordingly.



Sunday, 15th, we got to the Cottonwood springs, about 80 miles from Carney [Kearney], all in good health. But still we persue our journey.



On Monday and Tuesday and Wensday we were detained on account of Bro. Stenson’s [Stevenson] having to go back some six miles for his coat. ..During this time. Brothers L. Blair and T. Geer being wagon master concluded to stay all day. This gave some dissatisfaction in the camp. In the evening Bro. Stenson and Myself held a private council and determined to set all right before we left. We then called a council meeting of the whole camp and we both spoke to the Saints and soon got a good spirit and in the evening we held a testamony meeting. Felt well.



Friday we crost the south fork of the Platt[e], had no bad luck.



Saturday we got to U.S.A. hollow, here we stayed until Sunday, 25, shoeing oxen, holding meeting, and fixing to go.



Monday, Tuesday, Wensday, and Thursday—the road is very sandy—teams failing.



Sunday, 29th, traveled 8 miles then camped on a nice place and had a good meeting.



Monday and Tuesday traveled hard, got to Ft. Laram[i]e.



Wednesday past Laram[i]e 10 miles, came to a small trading post. Here we bought 10 yoke of oxen at one hundred dollars, four yoke. This enabled us to go on our way more comfortable.



Sunday, the 5th of August, we are in the Black Hills about 50 miles from Ft. Laram[i]e, here we stay all day. Guarding not well done. E. Stenson [Stevenson], Elder Barlow and myself had a private council, agreed that Elder Mager be released from acting as assistant Sargent, with a vote of thanks, and that Bro. Bancroft take his place. We had a good meeting in the evening, all feel well.



Thursday, 9th, we got over the Black Hills, no wagons broke, one ox sick and left behind.



Friday, 10th we got over the Black Hills all in fine spirits.



Sunday, 12th, we got to the last crossing of the Platt[e].



We crossed and traveled up the river 13 miles. Left the river, camped on a small creek. The feelings of the camp hard towards E. Stenson for bad management, wishes expressed to divide the camp.



Monday, 14th, E. Stenson and myself went and held a private counsel, then called the officers of the camp and had a general counsel. The decision is to go on all together.



Wednesday, 15th, we are on the Sweetwater. This my birthday. I am now 40 years old, and now crossing the plains for the fifth time.



Sunday, 19th, we are laying by for the day. This week the feelings of the camp are all confusion and they have little or no regard for Brother Stenson [Stevenson]. Brother Bancroft feels dissatisfied and desires to be released from the office of assistant sargent; him and the captain had a dispute. Some hard words about fasting. Henry said his health was too pore to fast. Brother Stenson said if he had more faith in his dumplings than he had in his God then he might take them, for, said he, you have got a hard spirit. Henry said he has not, and so forth. Told them that they being the anointed of the Lord should not dispute before the Saints. At 10 a.m. we have a meeting, also in the evening—the feelings of the Saints bad towards Bro. Stenson [Stevenson].



Wednesday camped near the upper crossing of the Sweetwater.



Thursday, 22nd of Aug., we got to the Pacific Springs, Brother Greersten having got there some time before the balance of the company. They camped before Bro. Stenson [Stevenson] came up. This made him mad and he then said the camp should go on a five miles farther. This we done with much hard feeling in the camp against him for his unwise course and rough talk, which causes much unpleasant feelings. Brothers Stenson, Barlow, and myself then went into counsel by ourselves and we praid for power to control the camp and we felt well. We then tried Elder Larmont Bancroft for his rebellion and cut him off from the church.



On Monday, the 27th, we got to Greenriver [Green River].



28th—we held a counsel on other things.



29th—About 30 a.m. Elder Charles Basset came into our camp in good health and spirits. Gave us some good instructions. Report from the Saints in the rear is good. They staid five hours. We gave them food and changed and gave them three fresh mules. I sent some letters and went with them 3 miles on the way.



Sunday, 2nd—Elder Blair came to us from the valley and this morning Elder Stenson [Stevenson] started to the valley. But meeting Bro. Blair he concludes to stay. We are now camped at Ft. Bridger, which is now settled by the Saints. We then pursued our journey and when I got to Bear River I mashed my little finger very bad. Sunday, we are at the Weber. I now leave the Company and start for home in company with Brothers Johnson, Bancroft, and the two Sister Johnsons.



We arrived into the valley on the 10th of September, being 3 years lacking 5 days absent from my family and home. I find them all alive and well and all in fine spirits, and with joy to my soul I feel to thank the Lord for his parental care over me and my family while I was on my mission.

Transcript for Sylvester H. Earl diary, 1852-1856, 6-8

Sylvester H. Earl diary, 1852-1856.

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