Thomas E Ricks (1828 - 1901) Profile

Thomas Edwin Ricks (1828 - 1901) Profile

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Thomas Edwin Ricks

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A Gamble in the Desert: the Mormon Mission in Las Vegas (1855-1857), Woods, Fred Emmett 1956-, M277.93 W875g 2005, Church History Library

A Gamble in the Desert: the Mormon Mission in Las Vegas (1855-1857), Woods, Fred Emmett 1956-, M277.93 W875g 2005, Church History Library.

Historical Department journal history of the Church

CR 100 137: Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008, April 6, 1855, Page 1-9.

Historical Department journal history of the Church.

Las Vegas Mission Historical Record, 1855-1856, CLR 5691 21 F 1, Church History Library

Las Vegas Mission Historical Record, 1855-1856, CLR 5691 21 F 1, Church History Library.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 1, Page 16, Line 655.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 2, Page 17, Line 655.

Mormon Indian Mission-1855, Law, Wesley Ruane, 1929-: M273.4 L416m

Mormon Indian Mission-1855, Law, Wesley Ruane, 1929-: M273.4 L416m, Page 40.

Mormon Indian Mission-1855, Law, Wesley Ruane, 1929-: M273.4 L416m.

Ann G. Marriott diary

Ann G. Marriott diary, April 1866.

Transcript for Ann G. Marriott diary, 1866 April-September, 17-32

Ann G. Marriott diary.

Baird, Alexander, Autobiography of Alexander Baird, 23

Baird, Alexander, Autobiography of Alexander Baird, 23.

I had a great time on the plains, I can tell you. When we got to Florence, I asked the captain I was to come to the valley with for a team to drive, as we had some extra wagons coming along. They were new wagons. They were loaded with dried fruits. I got one to drive and three yoke of cattle. This was a job for an old sailor, you bet. I had never seen a yoke of cattle in my life, and knew as much about them as they did about me. In fact, they probably knew more. But my brother Peter and the young man helped me to herd them along. I got along alright after I got the yoke up, but you bet that was a job and no mistake. Many a time I got them head and tail and it was a job to get them straight again. Sometimes the pin would work out on the road and one of us had to carry the yoke and trudge along for miles in the sand. Oh, I tell you, we were pictures.
We had a couple of guns in our wagon, one, an old English musket my father gave me before I left Glasgow. It would hold half a pound of small shot. So we always had something extra to eat. My gun never missed if you had it loaded with small shot. It held so much and scattered, it broadcast. I have killed as many as forty blackbirds in one shot. All you had to do was let drive east, west, north, or south and you were sure to hit something.
When we got to the Indian country the captain would always want me to stand guard at night around camp. This was fun for me as I had been a man o'war so long and I liked excitement. And if I do say it myself, I knew not what fear was. Captain Rex [Ricks] was good to me because I was always willing to obey orders.
We arrived in Salt Lake City the twenty-fourth of October, 1863. I had made lots of friends on the road with the valley teamsters. One of them was Chester Southworth a jolly fellow like myself, fond of his bitters and always in good humor.

Transcript for Baird, Alexander, Autobiography of Alexander Baird, 23

Davis, Thomas A., Autobiography

Davis, Thomas A., Autobiography.

Haderlie, Charles Henry, Autobiographical sketch, [ca. 1932], 1

Haderlie, Charles Henry, Autobiographical sketch, [ca. 1932], 1.

After resting a few weeks in camp [Florence, Nebraska] and waiting for the organization of the company going West and give the mules a chance to rest up a little for the trip, we started on our journey. We were fortunate in being assigned to my Uncle's [Jacob Zollinger] outfit, consisting of four mules and one wagon and assigned to Thomas E. Ricks Company. In my Uncle's wagon were Father [John Ulrich Haderlie], Mother, Sister, Louisa, 
<s xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Emily,</s>
 <Anna> the baby and myself of our family, he also had another family in his wagon consisting of two aged people, two sisters and a Brother and with my Uncle as driver there were eleven persons in our wagon. 
With four head of mules we left for the overland journey July 15, 1866, everything went well without any serious mishaps except while crossing the Platte River in Neb., one of the mules laid down in the water which was over three feet deep and it took considerable time to get him on his feet again. Proceeding on, our trip, my little Sister <s>Emily</s>, &lt;Anna&gt; took seriously ill of fever and ague and died somewhere in the neighborhood of Evingston, [Evanston] Wyoming. A little casket was made out of a mess-box of a wagon and she was laid away in a lonely grave. 
We arrived in Salt Lake City, Sept. 16, 1866.

Transcript for Haderlie, Charles Henry, Autobiographical sketch, [ca. 1932], 1

Hadley, Lorenzo, [Interview], in "Utah Pioneer Biographies," 44 vols., 12:14-17

Hadley, Lorenzo, [Interview], in "Utah Pioneer Biographies," 44 vols., 12:14-17.

On the tenth day of August we were loaded up and started for Utah under the direction of Captain Thomas E. Ricks. There were seventy covered wagons in our train and some of the teamsters driving the ox-teams were John E. Bitton, Miles Jones, Hammond Green, Bill Shafer, Caleb Parry and others. When we came to the Platte River it was so high they concluded the only way to cross was to make a ferry. They swam the cattle across all ready yoked up so they could pull the wagons onto the bank when they reached the other side. Everything went along just fine and we continued our journey across the plains. The next time we came to the river it was so low we could easily cross by fording. We were very fortunate in only having one death along the way and that was a little girl who ate some poison berries from a cedar bush. They buried her along the way.	
I think it was between Cheyenne and Laramie, Wyoming that we came to a river and the water was so low that the fish had accumulated in one place. Captain Thomas Ricks concluded they could get the fish for the benefit of the people. We didn't have any too much to eat along the way unless the men could shoot rabbits or wild chickens. Captain Ricks had some of the men take one of the new wagon coves off and using this for a seine they must have taken out one ton of fish with just one drag. There were mostly cat-fish, suckers, chubs and there were also two sawfish. One of these was three feet long and the other was about three feet six inches. The men had to be careful getting them out on the bank because right down their backs they had teeth just like the teeth of a saw. We had all the fish we could eat for several days.	
Daddy [George Hadley] would often stop and mend pans and buckets along the way as he was handy with a soldering iron. He did this in exchange for food. One of those times I was with him and returning to our wagon, daddy got quite a little ways ahead of me and I found a red leather purse. On opening it I saw some green papers (I didn't know at the time they were green backs and had the value of money) and some coins that looked like our English gold. I took it back to the wagon and showed it to mother [Hannah Brown Handley] and she said she would let father see it and see what we should do with it. When daddy came back he said he would see if anyone claimed it. That night they had a meeting and a doctor in the camp heading for California gave out that he had lost a purse and would give five dollars for anyone finding it. Daddy told him that I had found a purse and if he would come over to our wagon in the morning he could get it. The next morning he came over and asked me where I had found it and I told him but he only gave me one dollar for it.	
We didn't see any large wild animals along the way with the exception of one elk. At one place though some Indians came up and asked Captain Ricks where we were going and Captain Ricks told them to Utah. Then they wanted to know why we were going to Utah and Captain Ricks told them we were going for the Big Spirit. We didn't have any trouble with Indians along the way. At one place our teamster told my brother, sister [Mary Ann] and myself that if we went just on the other side of a large mound we would see an Indian burying ground. We went over to see it and we found a big cedar tree under which were all kinds of Indian bones, fingers, toes, skulls, arms and legs. They had evidently been burying their dead for years there and on looking up in the tree we saw a body. It apparently had just recently been placed there and when we saw it we got scared and ran back to the wagon.	
At Ft. Bridger about ten soldiers came up on horseback and asked at every one of our seventy wagons if we had any powder. I don't know if they got any or not but we didn't have any extra. Continuing on we came to Coalville, Utah where we camped over night. My brother and I always slept under the wagon at night and this night we had a snow storm and mother hollered to us to cover up our heads. In the morning daddy got some sage brush to brush the snow off our bed with. There were about four inches of snow on it. We went on down Emigration Canyon into Salt Lake City and we arrived there on the fourth day of October.

Transcript for Hadley, Lorenzo, [Interview], in "Utah Pioneer Biographies," 44 vols., 12:14-17

Heber C. Kimball journals

Heber C. Kimball journals, June 1848.

Transcript for Heber C. Kimball journals, 1848 June-July and 1848 July-September, in Heber C. Kimball papers, 1837-1866

Heber C. Kimball journals.

Heber C. Kimball, Autobiography, circa 1842-1858, in Heber C. Kimball papers, 1837-1866

Heber C. Kimball, Autobiography, circa 1842-1858, in Heber C. Kimball papers, 1837-1866.

Journal of President Heber C. Kimballs division of Latter Day Saints Emigrants, journeying from Winter Quarters, Omaha Nation, to the valley of the Great Salt Lake during the summer of 1848



This division commenced leaving Winter Quarters about the middle of May and moved out about six miles, where they encamped untill a sufficient number arrived to proceed to the Elk Horn in safety, which required several days. Soon as a company was formed they proceeded to the Elk Horn and made preparations for crossing. During this time other companies also moved out and proceeded to the Horn as above.



On the 29th May Prest. Kimball accompanied by his family; Bishop N[ewel]. K[imball]. Whitney &amp; family and some others, left Winter Quarters &amp; encamped at the usual place about six miles out. On the following day several other wagons arrived, and on Wednesday the 31st the company proceeded on about 9 miles and again encamped for the night.



On Thursday June 1st the company proceeded onward and arrived on the banks of the Elk Horn at 3 o clock P.M. where an encampment was again formed. On arriving at this place we found nearly all the wagons which had previously arrived had safely crossed the River and were then encamped on the West side, except one company under Es Snow, who have this day proceeded to the Platte River. There were at this time over three hundred wagons on the west banks of the River all waiting and the saints anxious to proceed on their long journey.



Friday the 2nd June Prest. Kimballs commenced crossing and at 2 o clock all were safely landed on the west bank. On our arrival at the Horn Es Egan was dispatch back to Winter Quarters to urge Sister Mary [Fielding] Smith (widow of the late Patriarch Hyrum Smith) to come on as speedily as possible, and also to attend to some other items of business.



On Sunday the 4th most of the saints assembled for prayer meeting near Prest. Kimballs wagon, and were addressed by Bishop N. K. Whitney and Prest. Kimball on various subjects of interest, touching the journey before us, and the necessity of walking humbly and righteous before God, that we may realize the blessings we need during our journey &amp;c.



On Monday the 5th it was purposed to move on, but a heavy thunder storm arose, which rendered it necessary to postpone our removal till tomorrow.



Tuesday 6th about 8 o clock an alarm was brought to camp, by one of the herdsboys, that Indians were driving off some of the cattle, from the herd about two miles below. A number of the brethren immediately started in pursuit, some on foot and some on horses. Howard Egan and Wm. H[enry]. Kimball went in company, and were afterwards joined by [Thomas Edwin] Ricks &amp; [Noah Willis] Bartholomew all having horses. They proceeded at a rapid pace about six miles down the river and as they went heard a number of shots fired which created much anxiety for the safety of those on foot. When about six miles from camp, they came suddenly upon a party of about ten armed Indians who appeared very hostile, but the brethren did not anticipate any danger, their object being to hunt for the cattle and if they found any to drive them back. However, immediately on the arrival of the brethren amongst the Indians the latter fired several shots, one of which took affect on Ricks, who fell from his horse to the ground apparently dead. At the same instant Howard Egan observed an Indian standing about 20 or 25 feet from them, and taking a dead aim with his rifle at Wm. Kimball, quick as thought he levelled his pistol and fired at the Indian to save W's life. The rifle fell from the Indians hands, but in falling it exploded the ball passing through the fleshy part of Wms. horses hip. The Indian then ran off, but during this scene another Indian had fired upon Egan, the ball passing through his right arm above the wrist, mangling it severely, which caused his pistol (a six shooter) to drop to the ground. Another ball passed through his horses neck which caused him to wheel round making it difficult for Egan to keep the saddle. The brethren then saw it was best to retreat on account of lack of numbers and arms, and seeing that the Indians were determined to fight. All this scenery was but the work of a moment, during which time shots were heard in several other directions. The brethren then drew off towards camp, some distance, leaving Ricks on the ground, and on looking back, they observed one of the Indians proceed towards where Ricks lay &amp; they feared it was to scalp him. However he only picked up the pistol and then followed the others down the river. Es [E]gan soon grew faint with loss of blood and had to be held on his horse by Wm. Kimball, who also bound up his arm with his handkerchief to staunch the blood. They then proceeded onwards towards the camp untill they arrived at the place where they crossed the river (being now on the East side) and here they found several other brethren and informed them of Ricks's situation, requesting them to fetch him to camp, which they agreed to do, and started accordingly by Es Egan and Wm. Kimball then proceeded slowly towards camp taking a circuit towards the bluffs, to avoid the timber, untill they saw some wagons going towards the camp, which proved to be a company with Martin H[orton]. Peck. On arriving at the wagons Es Egan was put in one of them being very faint with loss of blood, and they soon after arrived at the Ford of the Elk Horn. Here Dr. [John Milton] Bernhisel was sent for, and he dressed the wound, and ascertained that no bones were broke. The facts above being made known in camp brother Joel Ricks and T[homas]. [Levi] Whittle with one or two others, took a light wagon, and started to fetch up brother Ricks’ son, proceeding down the East side the river. On arriving near the place where they expected to find the wounded, they were surprised and taken prisoners by a party of 20 or 30 Indians, who took them some distance down the river. The brethren had a trunk or trunks in the wagon which the Indians ransacked, taking a number of articles, and a good coat, worth fifteen dollars. After doing this, and making many signs and gestures of a hostile character, they let the brethren go without farther harm, and they immediately returned towards camp, learning by the way, that the wounded man, had already been taken to camp by the route on the other side the river. Those brethren who started at the request of Es Egan and Wm. Kimball, together with others who joined them went back to this place, where the affray took place, and found brother Ricks still laying in the same place and alive. They took him up and proceeded with him towards camp, and were met by a carriage, in which he was placed and about two o clock arrived with him at his fathers wagon. Dr Bernhisel examined him and found that he was wounded by 3 large buckshot having penetrated the small part of his back. The Dr dressed his wound but it was generally believed that he could not long survive. However Prest. Kimball and one or two others laid their hands on him and prayed for his recovery. The Lord heard their prayers and he revived immediately. There were still one or two brethren missing who went out on foot, and much anxiety was felt on their account, but towards evening they arrived safe. The Indians succeeded in killing and carrying off an ox belonging to Br John Pack, but on starting away from the Elk Horn, a stray ox came to his wagon for which no owner could be found, so that the loss was in a measure made up. About 3 o clock the camp commenced moving off from the River, as it was considered wisdom to leave the timber as soon as possible, and all the wagons being over which had then arrived, so that we should not be in so much danger from the attacks of Indians, who, it is pretty certainly ascertained are of the Omaha and Ottoc [Otoe] tribes, and from every circumstance are doubtless in the neighborhood for the purpose of plundering us of cattle &amp;c. Brother C[ornelius]. P[eter]. Lott, Joseph Fielding, sister Mary Smith and families had been expected at the "Horn" soon after dinner and as it was known that they were not far distant some anxiety was felt for their safety, after the camp had moved about 2 miles, and the encampment had been formed, Prest. Kimball sent back 10 footmen, well armed to meet brother Lott and company, and about 5 o clock they arrived all safe with the exception of having broke an axle tree and being very short of team. The wagons were soon ferried across, the chains attached to the raft taken up, the raft made fast, and the last wagons composing this company on their way to camp, and before dark we had the satisfaction of seeing &lt;about&gt; 210 wagons formed in one Carrol [corral] preparatory to our proceeding on our long journey West. Those who were wounded felt as well as could be expected after the short journey.



Wednesday June 7th About 9 o clock A.M. the camp was again in motion. The day was cool and pleasant, but the roads soft in places, caused by the late storms. On arriving at the Liberty Pole on the Main Platte river, we found Es Isaac Higbee's company encamped, they being a part of this division and numbering about 60 wagons. We halted to water our teams and brother Higbee’s company prepared to proceed with us. We then travelled on 5 1/4 miles further and formed our encampment on the banks of the "Platte," having travelled 15 1/4 miles.



Thursday June 8th we travelled only 8 miles and formed our encampment early on the banks of the river. After sundown the brethren of the first Fifty in this division were called together in front of Prest. Kimballs wagons, and Prest. Kimball addressed the company. He referred to the necessity their is for a reformation in our camp, in regard to our conduct, and then exhorted the brethren to commence it by reforming ourselves in the first place and then reforming our families. He knows their are but few who attend to family prayers, but he would exhort them to begin and have prayers with their families at least twice a day,—to pray for our cattle, for our wagons, for our stock, for the camp, and the presidency; and if we will do this, the Lord will remember us and we shall go safe and have the blessings of the Lord with us day by day; but if we do not we shall have trouble by the way. He wants the brethren also to refrain from swearing and using profane language, for he knows that it is practised in the camp, and he wants it put a stop to, for it shall not be suffered in the camp. He wants the men to keep their women and children in subjection and not suffer them to use profane language, nor to suffer their women to ramble away from camp, nor go a visiting from wagon to wagon, but to stay at home and keep themselves clean and their children and wagons clean. He wants the brethren not to abuse their cattle, nor get angry with them, nor with each other; but cease murmuring and control our angry feelings towards man and beast and we shall get along much better. If men will not cease to abuse their cattle they shall suffer the penalty, for it shall not be allowed in this camp. He would also advise the brethren not to sit up late at night, but got to rest early and see that their families also observe good hours.



After a variety of remarks and observations on these and other subjects connected with them, he asked the company "Shall we begin from this night to have a reformation-to cease from swearing, profane language, murmuring, angry feelings to our cattle and each other, and begin to attend to family prayers &amp;c." It was decided by unanimous vote that we will do so. It was also voted, that from henceforth that all Dogs, Hogs, Bulls, and Cows shall be tied up at nights; and that the Guard who watch the camp, and those who herd cattle shall go armed with loaded guns, but not to bring them in camp with caps on the tubes, but put leather on the tubes and in the pans to keep them dry &amp;c. Every man to stand guard in his turn, commencing at the 1st ten and going round to the last Ten, till all have stood their turn, then begin at the 1st Ten again &amp;c. The last watch to wake up a guard to take out the cattle before sunrise, said guard being previously selected by each Capt. of Ten. No firing of guns in camp to be allowed, nor near it, unless by permission from the captain. There has been some accident already by firing guns and he wishes it to be avoided.



The camp was then organised as follows



Henry Herriman, Captain of the Hundred or DivisionTitus Billings[,] Capt. of 1st Fifty 
William Burgess[,] Capt. of 1st Ten 
Joseph G[rafton]. Hovey[,] Capt. of 2nd Ten 
Newel K[imball]. Whitney[,] Capt. of 3rd Ten 
John [Jehu] Cox[,] Capt. of 4th Ten 
Albert P. [Bailey] Griffin[,] Capt. of 5th Ten 
Joel Ricks[,] Capt. of 6th Ten 
Norton Jacobs[,] Capn. of Guard 
Wm. Clayton[,] Clerk 
John Pack[,] Capn. of 2nd Fifty



The following is the report of the several Captains of Tens setting forth the names and numbers of persons, wagons, horses, mules, Oxen, Cows, Sheep &amp;c. &amp;c. &amp;c. in each company of Ten in this division. . . .



Friday June 9th. This morning the camp again proceeded onward about 9 o clock and travelled about 12 1/4 miles. Found no difficulty in crossing Shell Creek. The day was warm and pleasant. We formed our encampment between the road and Shell Creek about 2 miles above the crossing place.



Saturday June 10th The day was very hot and the roads dusty. We travelled 10 1/4 miles and formed our encampment early, on the banks of the Platte to give the females a chance to do their washing &amp;c., which was attended to with alacrity, the camp generally feeling well.



Sunday June 11th This A.M. at 11 o clock a meeting was held beween the 2 Carrol’s, and the company were addressed severally by Bros Herriman, Billings and others, and afterwards by Prest. Kimball on the subject of observing good order in travelling, cleanliness &amp;c. He also reprimanded several, especially females, for bathing in the river at a late hour last evening some of whom are sick in consequence.



At 4 o clock the saints again assembled and were addressed by Prest. Kimball on various subjects, after which Es Gibson was appointed the Marshal of the Camp, and he was also appointed to receive all property found on the road, that the owners may know where to apply to for it.



Monday June 12th We travelled 19 1/4 miles, the day very warm and dusty. We formed our encampment on the "Loup Fork" of the Platte near a large lake, but it was late in the evening before all the wagons arrived.



Tuesday June 13th We travelled only 9 3/4 miles and formed encampment on the West bank of Be[a]ver River, it requiring considerable time to get all the wagons across the stream. This evening all the companies consisting of about 220 wagons formed in our Carol for the first time.



Wednesday June 14th we travelled 12½ miles and crossed and camped on the West banks of Cedar Creek. While crossing Ash Creek, brother [Peter Wilson] Conover broke one of his axle trees, but some of the brethren having a spare one, he was soon able to proceed on his journey. Also when we arrived on and were crossing Cedar Creek one of the wagons was upset on the east bank, and another on the West bank, but no damage done except breaking some bows and tearing the covers.



About dusk Daniel H. Wells and Daniel Wood arrived from Prest. Young's camp, having been dispatched with a letter to Prest. Kimball &amp; company of which the following is a copy to wit:--

Transcript for Heber C. Kimball, Autobiography, circa 1842-1858, in Heber C. Kimball papers, 1837-1866

CR 100 137: Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008, September 24, 1848.

Howard Egan, Pioneering the West, 1846 to 1878, edited and compiled by William M. Egan (1917), 140-45

Howard Egan, Pioneering the West, 1846 to 1878, edited and compiled by William M. Egan (1917), 140-45.

On the 24th of May, 1848, the First Presidency organized the main body of the Saints on the Elk Horn, preparatory to the second journey to the Rocky mountains. The camp consisted of over six hundred wagons, the largest company that had yet set out to cross the plains, and were under the care and supervision of Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball. We have no Family Diary of this trip, but Howard R. writes from memory as follows:



I recollect getting in the covered wagon that took us away from Winter Quarters, but don’t remember of seeing Father till later. We had arrived at the Horn River and crossed the ferry and camped for the night about two hundred yards from it. That evening there was much excitement in camp, as a report had come in from the herders that a band of Indians were running off all the stock. The next morning we heard that the men had saved the stock, but a couple of our men had been wounded. Before noon, as I was sitting in the front of the wagon. I saw two men holding Father up and leading him towards our wagon from the ferry. His arms were hanging down and his chin was on his breast. I heard the men say that the Indians had shot him through the wrist, He had swum the Horn River that way, and had lost so much blood he could not do it again, so they had to bring him around by the ferry. I now could see him every day and watch Dr. [John Milton] Bernhisel dress the wound and trim the ends of the cords with a pair of scissors where they stuck out of the flesh. Father had been shot in the wrist of his right hand, and the bullet cut every cord of the thumb and fingers in the course, but broke no bones. It was here that Thomas Ricks was shot in the back with buckshot, but not killed.



 



14.– SCENES BY THE WAY.



We left the Horn River, and the next I remember was seeing Fort Laramie. We were on the opposite side of the Platte River from the fort. We saw it for the most of two days, first in the west and then in the east.



Buffalo Stampede.–The next thing I remember was one day we had camped for noon. I was playing near the end of the wagon tongue. Our wagon was the first on that wing of the corral. Mother caught her boys, and before I knew anything more we landed in the wagon, and she followed, and just in time, for a stampeded herd of buffalos was coming straight for the camp. They divided just a little way from the camp, some passing the back, some the front of the corral. Some of them passed over the end of our wagon tongue, doing no damage, but the part that passed the back end struck and broke a hind wheel of the last wagon in our wing. We staid there to repair damages till next day.



Prairie Dogs.–I remember the first colony of prairie dogs we passed through. The whole earth seemed to be covered with little mounds, on which we could see the dogs sitting sometimes. There was a warning given out that if anyone shot one of these dogs and the body fell into a hole, not to reach for it with the naked hand, as the rattlesnakes lived in the same holes as the dogs did.



When a dog was shot, while standing on one end on top of a mound, it always fell into the hole, and it was dangerous to try to get it, other than with a stick. These dog colonies would cover acres, but the colonies would be miles apart. It seems to me now that we could see dozens of the dogs at a time all sitting upright and watching our train, and if a person started towards them there would be a general barking chorus and instantly every dog would disappear and not appear again till the intruder had left to a safe distance.



Antelope.–One day as our train was passing the open part of a bend in the river, I was sitting in the front end of the wagon, when Father, who was driving, ran to the side of the wagon and said, “Mother, quick, my gun,” Mother was as quick as she could be, but before she could pass the gun out Father said, “too late.” There had been an antelope in the bend and as the train reached from one point to another he could not pass out only by running between the river and the train, in doing this it brought him within five or six rods of us, and all the train back of us. I saw the animal and Father told us it was an antelope, and, if he could have got his gun quick enough we could have had some nice meat. Mother said it was a shame to kill such a pretty animal as that. We heard a number of shots but I did not know till suppertime that someone had killed it, when Mother said. “This is some of that pretty antelope you saw when Father wanted his gun.”



One afternoon we camped close to the river bank. There was a large island at this place separated from our bank of the river by a slough or small stream of very clear and deep water and about three rods wide. The men wanted to see if the grass was better on the island. It was very poor everywhere else, having been grazed off by the large herds of buffalo and other grass eating animals.



The bank of the river here from the water to the top was higher than a man’s head. I was standing on this bank when one of the men volunteered to swim over and see how it was on the island. I saw him go down  to the water edge. There was just enough room for him to stand between the bank and the water. He took all his clothes off and slipped into the water. That was the first time I ever saw every motion a person makes while swimming. I saw him get out on the other side and disappear in the timber, but remember no more about this affair.



One day our wagon was the  last in the train and Mother, who was driving the team, let me get out and walk behind the wagon. I took my time and gradually fell back till I could hardly see the wagon, when I noticed this it scared me so I ran at my fastest speed, but soon was out of wind and went very slow again to gain my breath, and took another run, but I was getting farther behind all the time. As the train was nearing rolling country, where I couldn’t be seen, Mother got George Redding to come back and get me.



He took hold of my hand and tried to make me run the whole distance to the train, but finding I was about all in he swung me on his back and tried to rattle my teeth out by running at a dog trot, stamping his feet as hard as he could to give me a good jolting, and something to remember him by, which this proves I do, for I never got very far from the wagon again.



I remember of helping Mother gather “buffalo chips” for fire material, as there was nothing else and they made a good fire. When we camped where there was plenty of them we would collect a couple of sacks full and carry them to the next camp, for sometimes they would be very scarce.



Now this is what I heard at the time, but did not see: Some one in the camp had lost part of a sack of beans. Some one had stolen them. Part of them were found in the feed box of a certain man, where he had placed them for his team to eat, thinking it was corn. He had stolen them after dark and by his mistaking beans for corn was detected. I could mention the man’s name, but think it best not to.



I recollect seeing Chimney rock. It was on the opposite side of the river, but quite plainly seen from our side. Some of the men went across to get a close view of it.



One day we camped a little ways from a dry Salaratus Lake. Mother took me along with her to get some. it was very hard and smooth and we had only table knives to dig it out, but I remember we got as much as Mother could carry to the wagon. It lasted for a number of years after we arrived in the valley. This place is not far east of Independence Rock, which I remember very well. The road passes around the southern end of the rock and only a couple of rods from it. To me it appeared to be the shape of the Salt Lake Tabernacle, only very much larger. There was hundreds of names of people written on it. Some in large letters and far out of the reach of anyone standing on the ground. The men had been warned about climbing on top, as there were a number of large cracks running crossways that were very deep and to fall in one of them was sure death and probably the body could never be found.



Next we came to the Sweet Water [Sweetwater], that runs through the Devil’s Gate. Traveling up this stream, which was very crooked, Mother was driving when the next wagon ahead of ours turned over into a creek or bog hole. The driver (a man named Holt, I believe), did not swing out far enough to strike the bridge fair, so two wheels missed the bridge. There were two children in the wagon sitting on top of boxes and bales, but in a twinkling this was reversed, children under and only the wagon cover to keep them from drowning. The man called for help and soon the men came running from both ways. The children had not been severly hurt and all was on the move again soon after.



Devil’s Gate, we could see as we climbed the bluffs to the west. The very deep and narrow cut through which the water ran, it seemed to me, was over a hundred feet deep, with almost perpendicular walls and about twenty-five to forty feet apart at the top.



Fort Bridger is the next place remembered, with its low dirt covered houses near the bank of the river. Indians and white men all dressed in buckin [buckskin] clothes, and more dogs, halfbred wolf, than you could shake a stick at. It was here that Father traded for the same pistol he had held in his hand and dropped, when shot, in the fight at the Horn River. It had passed from Indian to Indian and arrived at Bridger long before we did.



I remember Echo Canyon, the high perpendicular rocks on the off side of the road most of the way through. We could hear the men calling and dogs barking from one cliff to another, although the ones starting the sound was far ahead of us, it went bounding from cliff to cliff, repeating the sound perfectly.



Mother has related the following many times about Echo Canyon: At the head or summit, before entering Echo Canyon, Father was called to assist in some repairs that were necessary on Heber C. Kimball’s wagon, which made it necessary for Mother to drive the team until he should catch up, which he expected would not be long.



She had two yoke of cattle and a yoke of cows, which she drove down that canyon, and she missed more stumps and rocks than any other driver, so it was said, crossing the stream twenty-seven times. Some times she would be ahead of the team, some times between the cattle and wagon, to pass brush, trees and rocks.



Her son Erastus was in the wagon, having been run over. It seems he was being lifted into the wagon, but slipped in some way and fell under the tongue and would have escaped all right, only on account of a pig that was tied under the back of the wagon. In trying to get out of the way of the pig his foot got under the wheel.



Those of the family who could walk were on ahead and Mother’s was the lead team. Those ahead would hollar out, “Here is another creek,” and Mother would say, “D—n the creeks!” This she used to tell many times. Howard R. further states:



Then we came to Weber River and when we left the camp here Father said we had to climb a mountain for seven miles, and I thought before we did get to the top we had come seven hundred miles, for he had us walk up every step of it, and not only that, but down the other side, where it was awful steep, and everthing loose in the wagon was liable to attempt to pass the team. The ne[x]t day we were on the little mountain, where Father took us to one side of the road and pointed out the place where we would live in the great Salt Lake Valley. It was two more days when Father drove the team and landed the wagon near to the door of a house, near the middle of the south side of the north fort, where we lived for a couple of years.

Transcript for Howard Egan, Pioneering the West, 1846 to 1878, edited and compiled by William M. Egan (1917), 140-45

Jonathan Pugmire autobiographical sketch, circa 1878, 2

Jonathan Pugmire autobiographical sketch, circa 1878, 2.

During the remaining portion of this year and the winter and spring of 48 I was busy engaged in making preparations in Florence to move with my family to Salt Lake Valley. So anxious were we to leave that we started with a wagon not ironed as they usually are (the iron not being in the region around). The only iron about the wagon at this time of starting was the king bolt, draw bolt and the linch pins [linchpins]. In the latter part of May we left Florence for Elk Horn where on our arrival we were organized into President [Heber C.] Kimballs hundred and Captain [Henry] Herimans [Harriman's] fifty. While in camp at Elk Horn our second son was born on the fourth day of June 1848, whom we named Jonathan McKay [Pugmire]. While we lay in camp at Elk Horn a band of the Omaha Indians attempted to drive off our cattle in which our temporal salvation to a very great extent lay.



In connection with the brethern of the company I was engaged in repelling the attack thus made us and we recovered our stock. Howard Egan and Thomas Ricks were wounded and two horses belonging to H.C. Kimball. Thomas Ricks was severely wounded in the back and lay not far from the Indian Camp. Many of the brethern felt a little afraid to try to rescue T. Ricks. I was riding an old horse belonging to H. C. Kimball and feeling somewhat vexed at the brethern being so slow to go to the resuce [rescue] of T. Ricks and the slowness of the old horse that I was riding, I jumped off the old horse and made better headway on foot to the wounded man and we brought him safely to camp and with good nursing he recovered. During the excitement my wife got out of her bed still being weak, but feeling anxious for my safety, she ventured beyond her strength, which gave her a heavy set back, and she did not fully recover her strength until she arrived in Salt Lake Valley. On account of the late attack made by the Omaha's we left Elk Horn a little sooner than we intended, and moved westward. As we were traveling one of H.C. Kimball's wagons broke down, which circumstances enabled me to get a couple of tires, which I put on two of my wheels, which enabled me to dispense with two of my hickory tires. A short time after that I got two more iron tires and arrived in safety in Salt Lake Valley in the month of September 1848.

Transcript for Jonathan Pugmire autobiographical sketch, circa 1878, 2

"Names of Persons Who Volunteer to Go as Teamsters" in Offerings for the assistance of the P. E. F. immigrants

"Names of Persons Who Volunteer to Go as Teamsters" in Offerings for the assistance of the P. E. F. immigrants, October 1856.

"Names of Persons Who Volunteer to Go as Teamsters" in Offerings for the assistance of the P. E. F. immigrants.

Norton Jacob reminiscence and journal

Norton Jacob reminiscence and journal, May 1844.

Transcript for Norton Jacob reminiscence and journal, 1844 May-1852 January, 110-115

Norton Jacob reminiscence and journal.

Peter W. Conover reminiscences, undated, 6-7

Peter W. Conover reminiscences, undated, 6-7.

One day as I was sitting beside the house, thinking of my hapless condition and of my departed wife, and such a wife. Never would I find another such a mother for my poor children [ten in number]. Brother Brigham [Young] and Heber [Chase Kimball] rode up to see me. After shaking hands and inquiring after the welfare of my children, they told me they had a widow lady for me to take to the Valley with me, to take care of my children. I did not like the idea but they insisted as they knew I needed someone to take care of the children. At last I consented to take her across the plains. Her name was Percilla Pearson. She afterwards married Samuel Thompson and settled in Spanish Fork. She was very good to my children and they all thought a great deal of Zilla as we called her. Zilla and Jane McCarl made my children clothes to cross the plains in.



I started with three yoke of oxen and one yoke of cows. We came out six miles south of Winter Quarters and organized two companies under Brigham and Heber. They organized them into tens and fifties. Brigham started one day and Heber on the following day. I was in Heber's Company. The second day we came to the Elk Horn river. It being high, we had to build a raft to ferry our wagons across the river. While we were getting them over, the Indians came and stole our cattle. Heber's boys and mine were herding them. We had to swim the wagons. Heber came and asked me to get some men and go after of the men went down within a half mile of three hundred lodges. Thomas Ricks was the cattle. I raised some men and went right after them and had a fight with them. Four shot, and fell from his horse. I took ten men and went after Tom. We put him on a buffalo robe and started for camp.



There were about three hundred warriors up on a bluff and they started after us yelling like demons. We stopped and laid Tom down. After Ricks was shot, a man ran and told his father that Tom was shot, but did not tell him that a man had been sent after him. He took a light spring wagon and a man by the name of [Thomas L.] Whittel [Whittle], also a boy by the name of George Boyd. They drove down to where Ricks was shot. The Indians took them prisoners, held a council of war over them and decided that they be shot, as there had been ten or fifteen Indians killed. They appointed the Indians to shoot them but when they tried to raise their guns, they could not. They told their Chief that they could not raise them. The Chief then told the men to get in the wagon and go home. They left Tom's trunk and a valuable two year old colt with the Indians.



After laying Tom down, I yelled at the Chief that we did not want to fight but had come after one of our men that the Indians had shot, and we had him and was going to take him home and if they did not stop and let us alone we would kill some of their men. If they would let us alone we would not hurt them. They stopped and seemed to hold a council. While they were parleying we took Tom and started off with all speed. We went about a mile when they came on again at full speed but we had got close to the timber, each man hiding behind a tree. When they saw us they stopped and we talked with them again. We told them that if they did not let us alone we would surely hurt them and they believed it for they turned and went back. I then sent two men to hunt a ford, then we took Tom and carried him to the river. We held him up at arm's length over our heads so that he would not get wet. I held the end of the buffalow robe in one hand, my gun in the other, and my ammunition on my head. The water was up to my chin. [Howard] Egan was shot in the wrist at that time.



After reaching camp and dressing Tom's wounds, we broke camp and started on. Traveled eight miles in two hours and camped when sun was about an hour high. I placed fifty men on guard for the night. We had two alarms during the night and two shots were fired at skulking savages. It caused quite an excitement, but they fled after we fired.



[Also in Chronicles of Courage, 8 vols. (1990-97), 1:207-9]

Transcript for Peter W. Conover reminiscences, undated, 6-7

Record of the George Hadley family, undated

Record of the George Hadley family, undated.

record of the George Hadley fameley when they imagrated to Utah{.} Sailed from Liverpool, on the twenty second of May in the year sixty three on sailing vessel named Cinasure {Cynosure.} they were eight weeks &amp; three day on the water, Landed in newyork {New York} and came by Boat &amp; train to omaha and came from there to Salt Lake by ox teams{.} the ships company was devided in too companys to come from there to Salt Lake{.} the too oldest sons George &amp; Walter drove in Captain Malen Weilers and wooley train{.} the other members of the familey came in Captain ricks &amp; captain miles Jones train{.} arived in Salt Lake city on the third of October, 1863.

Transcript for Record of the George Hadley family, undated

Smith, Alexander Hale, "'We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet': Joseph Smith's Son Tells of First Hearing the Hymn," Vision, no. 45

Smith, Alexander Hale, "'We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet': Joseph Smith's Son Tells of First Hearing the Hymn," Vision, no. 45, December 2003.

After entering the fort, on inquiry, I found a Brother Atwood, a member of the Church, in the commissary department, a soldier. He was thoughtful to ask if our supplies were running short, and supplied us with sugar, tea, and bacon, which we sadly needed. He took us and introduced us to the commandant, who received us very kindly, asking why we were going so late, and many other questions. He told us to be on hand about two o'clock, as the train was to pass examination then, and he would see that we could travel with it. We drove out to where the train was lined up. I met the captain, one Thomas Rix [Ricka], and asked him if I could join his train, and travel with him. He told me I could, if I paid him ten dollars. Now, I knew if I had to pay him ten dollars to travel in that train I would have to remain; for I did not have that amount about me. I asked him what it was for. He said to pay the herdsman to herd our stock at night.
I said, "We propose to care for our own stock."
He answered very shortly, "Well, sir, without the money, you can't travel in this train."
The officer who reviewed the train came along, and seeing us standing out of line asked if we were going in that train. I told him what the captain had said. He ripped out an oath, and said, "I'll see about that. You remain right here."
He passed up along the line, some fifty teams, two hundred and fifty emigrants; and, as he came along back in company with Captain Rix, said, pointing to us, "Is this team with these men going to travel with you?"
"They can if they comply with the rules of the train."
"What are the rules of the train?"
"They will have to pay ten dollars, and stand their proportion of guard."
"Oh, I guess you better take them along. They look like good stout fellows and will make a good addition to your train, as they are well armed."
"No, sir. If they can't come down with the money, they can't travel in this train."
"Say, look here! I think you better let them go."
"No, sir." And the captain turned away as if that ended it.
The officer then said, "Look here, my fine sir. I'll tell you what you will do. You will take these men along with you and treat them well, or I'll send a guard of soldiers with them, and you will have to feed those soldiers at least as far as Fort Wagoner. Now, sir, what do you say?"
"Well, when the train drives up they can drop in behind."
The officer then said, "You will pass several Government stations. I want you to report to me your treatment; it will cost you nothing."
(It seems a long story to tell to get to the experience of hearing a hymn; but I was requested to tell a little story in connection with it. This is my excuse for the length of this article.) 
The train moved right on that afternoon, and of course we drove on with them. We did not pay the ten dollars. We cared for our own stock.
We had been a number of days on the road, had been called upon to stand our share of guard duty, when one morning I was called upon to form part of the advance guard. I rode a small pony, and was in advance of the train. I came to a small mountain; the road wound around its base. The mountain was sugarloaf shape, two or three hundred feet high, and so steep I had to get off my horse and lead him, as I wished to reach the top, where I surmised that I would have a fine view of the road to the west. I reached the top and was enjoying the fine view of the plains and road ahead, for I could see it for miles beyond. As I stood leaning against my horse, I heard music. It sounded right above me. It was the sound of the human voice. Under the circumstances it was simply grand. The emigrants were mostly (LDS) Welsh and English converts bound for Salt Lake and were fine singers.
They had reached the base of the little mountain, and as they walked they sang, and I could distinctly hear every word. It was beautiful. I have heard that hymn sung by good choirs, with organ or piano accompaniment; but never have heard it sung so sweetly as I heard it then:
"We thank thee, O God, for a Prophet To guide us in these latter days; We thank thee for sending the gospel To lighten our minds with its rays; We thank thee for every blessing Bestowed by thy bounteous hand; We feel it a pleasure to serve thee, And love to obey thy commands.
"When dark clouds of trouble hang o'er us, And threaten our peace to destroy, There is hope smiling brightly before us, And we know that deliv'rance is nigh; We doubt not the Lord nor his goodness, We've proved him in days that are past; The wicked who fight against Zion Will surely be smitten at last.
"We'll sing of his goodness and mercy; We'll praise him by day and by night; Rejoice in his glorious gospel, And bask in its life-giving light: Thus on to eternal perfection The honest and faithful will go; While they who reject this glad message, Shall never such happiness know" (Autumn Leaves 22 [March 1909]: 98-101).

Transcript for Smith, Alexander Hale, "'We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet': Joseph Smith's Son Tells of First Hearing the Hymn," Vision, no. 45 (Dec. 2003): 14-15

Smith, Alexander Hale, "'We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet': Joseph Smith's Son Tells of First Hearing the Hymn," Vision, no. 45.

Smith, Alexander Hale, "Without Purse or Scrip," Restoration Voice, May

Smith, Alexander Hale, "Without Purse or Scrip," Restoration Voice, May, June 1995.

On the 3rd day of August we drove into the fort. Here we found Brother Richard Atwood, quartermaster of the commissary. Weren't we glad when he said, "Boys, how are your provisions holding out?" He gave us tea, sugar, and bacon, which he said he had a right to do. He said, "How did you ever travel alone on the north side for such a distance? Why, the night before last the Indians stole one hundred and twenty-five head of horses from the fort." We saw no Indians, but one we met at the river, for at least ninety miles.		
We turned our attention to getting into the train, which we learned was waiting to be examined. No train was permitted to leave the fort for the West unless it was well armed and was a strong train in men because of trouble with the Indians. Brother Atwood introduced us to the inspecting officer and made known our desire to cross the plains westward. The officer examined our guns and team and remarked, "There will be no trouble at all; fellows like you, without any women incumbrances, will be a desirable addition to any train."		
He told us to hitch up and drive out where he and his aides were inspecting the train. We did so and found the train numbered about fifty wagons, laden with merchandise and the dunnage of the emigrants, who numbered about two hundred and fifty souls. These teams had been sent down to Omaha by the (Mormon) church authorities at Salt Lake City to bring out the emigrants. I learned that all, or nearly all, the drivers and the men in charge were faithful Mormons, who had passed through their endowments. The train was in the charge of Thomas Ricks.		
We had been on the ground but a few minutes before the captain of the train and the officers from the fort came up to our team.		
"Do you intend to travel with this train?"		
"Yes, sir, that is our desire; but there seems to be some objection to it."		
"What is it?"		
"They require us to pay them ten dollars for the privilege."		
"What is that for?"		
"They explained that it is to help pay their herders for taking care of the mules at night; but we propose to take care of our own mules."		
They passed along up the line. Soon they came back; and the officer said to the captain of the train, "Are you going to allow these men to travel with you? I think you better; they are well armed and will be quite an addition to your fighting force if you should have trouble with the Indians."		
"No sir. They can't travel with us unless the ten dollars is in hand."		
"Well, now see here; you can do one of two things—either take these men along and treat them well, or I shall be obliged to send an escort of soldiers along with you as far as Fort Bridger, and you'll have to take care of the soldiers, also. Now you can do as you please."		
After consultation with his aide, Mr. Ricks said, "You can fall in as the train pulls out and go with us."		
The officer said, " I thought so." He then instructed us to telegraph back at every station and let him know how they treated us; and if they did not treat us right, they would hear from him at Fort Bridger. Once more we were made conscious that the good Father was watching over us.		
Having been forced upon them against their will, it was but natural they should show some resentment. We expected it and were on our guard. What was there to hinder their working their will upon us when we should find ourselves hundreds of miles from settlements or the soldiers who were so kind to us at Fort Laramie? We counseled that it would be best not to reveal our identity, nor to let the emigrants know our mission, but to treat all with the utmost kindness, and do our part in all camp duties just the same as any other member of the train.		
It seemed that the same power which had so markedly attended us all along was still with us. While we were watching the inspection of the company, a young man came up to me and shook hands but whispered to me, "Don't seem to recognize me. I am the driver of one of the teams in the train—am a Josephite (a follower of Joseph Smith III instead of Brigham Young)—will see you later!" I was surprised, but soon fixed the young man. He was indeed a member of the Church, had relatives in Bear Valley, Utah, and was going out to visit them.		
At last the train was in motion, and we drove in behind and were on the road. We soon discovered that we were watched very closely, and speculation was rife as to who we were. At our first meal after joining the train we were watched; and when we asked a blessing upon our food, it was immediately reported to the captain that we were either apostate Mormons or Josephites, as no other class of religionists continued to have prayer and ask a blessing upon the food so long after striking the plains.		
About the third day out from Laramie, one of their number came to me. He said he was in charge of the corral guard and was making a list of all the names of the able-bodied men in order to organize more perfectly for the protection of the train. I at once recognized that it was a subterfuge to learn who we were. I told him any time he wanted one of us men, to let me know; and I would furnish the man. This did not satisfy Captain Ricks, so I gave them our names, except that I only gave him my first and second name—Alex Hale. My purpose was to avoid any undue curiosity among the emigrants. If it was known there was a son of the martyred prophet in the train, there might be too many questions—and confusion ensue—or a collision on religious matters.		
For a few days all went smoothly; then we were called to take our turn as advance guard. I was placed with several others far in advance of the train. As I was riding along, the captain rode up alongside. He had heretofore seemed to avoid me, but now he said:		
"Where did you say you hailed from?"		
Instantly I was aware of what he wanted and resolved to tell him and evade nothing. 
"I came from the state of Illinois," I answered.		
"What part of the state?"		
"The western part."		
"What country or town, may I ask?"		
"Certainly, sir; I came from Nauvoo, Hancock County."		
"Ah! I thought so," and he looked me straight in the eyes. We understood one another.		
I explained my object in withholding my full name, and he confessed the wisdom of it. From this time forward, Captain Ricks treated me with the utmost kindness.		
About this time a little incident occurred which left a pleasant memory to relieve some of the strain which affected us. I was assigned the position of advance guard. As I rode along, I noticed a beautiful little mountain to the right of the train. The idea occurred to me that I could obtain a fine view of our route from its top, so I climbed its sides. As I stood taking in the beauty of the scene, there came upon me a feeling of awe and reverence for the magnitude of the works of God. While this feeling was upon me, I became conscious of sweet musical vibrations filling the air around me. Gradually the music seemed to draw near, and tune and words came out full and distinct. It was human voices, but I am sure angelic singing could not have affected me more just then. It was the emigrants as they passed around the base of the mountain. Whether they saw me and had been informed of who I was, I had no way of knowing; but the words of the hymn led me to think so. They were singing, "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet."		
Having passed through the Indian country and arrived within the radius of the settlements in Utah, we were told we would have to take our mules five miles away from camp for grazing. It being my watch, I took them and started; but something said, "Don't do it. There is danger!" I turned about, returned to the wagon, and tied the animals to it.		
I had noticed, as we drove into camp, some grass cut and raked up in the yard of a farm not more than three quarters of a mile away. I took a rope and started back. I went into the yard. A big dog came towards me barking and acting quite ugly, but I paid no attention to him. I walked up to the door and knocked. A voice said, "Come in."		
I went in and found a man sitting beside a fireplace. I made my errand known and asked him if he would sell me an armful or two of hay.		
"No, sir. I have no hay for sale."		
After some little talk, he said, "Do you belong to that train camped down on the river?"		
"Yes, sir."		
"They tell me a son of Joseph Smith the martyr is in the train. Do you know anything about it?"		
"Yes, sir; you are rightly informed."		
"Well, I don't believe it. Do you know the man?"	
"Yes, I am tolerably well acquainted with him, as I am the man myself."		
"What, you?" and he sprang to his feet and grasped my hand. "You the son of Joseph Smith? Which one of the boys?"		
I told him, "Alexander." All the time he was looking sharply at me.		
"Yes, I see it. You are like him. Yes, sit down, sit down."		
We had a long talk. He was a Josephite—belonged to the Reorganization. Finally he said, "Yes, you can have all the hay you want for your mules. Tell the brethren to come up. I want to see them. Say, how would you boys like some nice fresh potatoes, and some good cheese?"		
And when I went back to the wagon, I carried some fresh potatoes and some of the finest cheese I ever ate. And I could not help thinking that God was good and was still watching over us. Praise His holy name

Transcript for Smith, Alexander Hale, "Without Purse or Scrip," Restoration Voice, May-June 1995, 22-24

Smith, Alexander Hale, "Without Purse or Scrip," Restoration Voice, May.

Stuart, David M., Reminiscences, in David M. Stuart, Pioneer Missionary, True Life Story of David M. Stuart [1988], 50

Stuart, David M., Reminiscences, in David M. Stuart, Pioneer Missionary, True Life Story of David M. Stuart [1988], 50.

The next day, July twenty-ninth, we arrived in Quincy, Illinois, where we took the steamboat for Florence near Omaha. Here the responsibility I had borne was put upon the captain of the companies and I was appointed chaplain in Captain Thomas Rick's company and acted as doctor and commissary all the way across the plains.
We had the same band that played "Home Sweet Home" in New York City with us all the way to Ogden. it is today the "Ogden's Pitt Band." We left the Missouri River August tenth and arrived in Salt Lake City October fifth, in time for fall conference.

Transcript for Stuart, David M., Reminiscences, in David M. Stuart, Pioneer Missionary, True Life Story of David M. Stuart [1988], 50

"The Brass Band," Ogden Standard Examiner

"The Brass Band," Ogden Standard Examiner, March 13, 1886.

In 1861, in Cardiff, Wales, I organized a brass band of ten instruments. The following are the names of the members:: Wm. Pugh, A. Pugh, T.K. Thomas, H. Hancock, William Gibbons, Dan Tozer, Wm. Evans, Jas. Wilkes, Wm. Davies, and G. Packman [Parkman]. These young men did not know anything about music or playing instruments. We practiced two nights a week, and in about six or nine months[,] they were able to play in public. About this time Mr. Toozer, that fine cornet player, joined the band. He and I had been together in a band for eight years.
 In 1862 we took a trip to Bristol, England, and played in the Zoological Gardens. By this time, the boys could play pretty well, and in the fall of the same year Mr. C.W. West, Bishop of Ogden City, came to Cardiff, and the members of the Church gave an entertainment, in which the band took part. Bishop West was well pleased, and said he would like very much if the band was in Ogden. Next day he came to my house to find out my opinion about the band emigrating to Utah, as there was no brass band in Ogden. We called a meeting to talk the matter over, resulting in all agreeing to go, except two. From that time we took extra anxiety in studying music, until June 4th, 1863, when we left Cardiff for London, and shipped on board the ship Amazon, which on a future trip was burned.
On reaching New York there were several gun-boats in the harbor, it being the time of the Southern rebellion, and when we began playing, other bands began also. In a short time[,] a boat, with officers and men, pulled alongside of our ship. One of the party asked for the leader of the band. On introducing myself, he said he was told we were from London. On being informed, he offered us a position on board one of the ships, but as we were going to Utah, we refused his offer with thanks.
Landing in New York[,] we took a train to St. Joseph; from there we went up the river Missouri to Omaha, making many friends at the several stopping points. At Omaha[,] my little daughter died suddenly. While at this place we were engaged to play, and I think we stayed eight or nine days.
On the 4th of August we started to cross the plains. Mr. Thomas Ricks, of Logan City, was our captain, with Mr. Miles H. Jones, his assistant. We had a good time at Forts Kearney, Laramie, Three Crossings of Sweetwater, Bridger, and on the Platte—giving at each place a vocal and instrumental entertainment.
We arrived in Salt Lake City on October 3rd, 1863. . . .

Transcript for "The Brass Band," Ogden Standard Examiner, 13 Mar. 1886, 1

"The Brass Band," Ogden Standard Examiner.

Thomas Ricks, Biographical sketches, 1891-2013

Thomas Ricks, Biographical sketches, 1891-2013.

Vida E. Smith, Biography of Alexander H. Smith (Independence: Price Publishing, 2007), 34-48, 49-50

Vida E. Smith, Biography of Alexander H. Smith (Independence: Price Publishing, 2007), 34-48, 49-50.

Transcript for Vida E. Smith, Biography of Alexander H. Smith (Independence: Price Publishing, 2007), 34-48, 49-50

White, Eliza Brown, Autobiographical sketch, in Genealogical Charts and Biographical Sketches of Members of the L.D.S. Church, Ogden Stake, 26 vols., 26:79-80

White, Eliza Brown, Autobiographical sketch, in Genealogical Charts and Biographical Sketches of Members of the L.D.S. Church, Ogden Stake, 26 vols., 26:79-80.

From St Joseph she went up the Mis[s]ouri River on a Steamer to Florence Nebraska, six miles from Omaha, where they met the Oxteams from Utah, sent out by the Church to assist them across the plains, but had some difficulty in getting in with the right train and not knowing, got in with the Dixey Train and finaly had to transfer at considerable difficulty to the Ogden Train, which was directed by Thomas Ricks, a thoroughly competent and kind hearted Captain.
Here in mingling with this company, she formed an acquaintance wit one of the Teamsters, a hansome young man, several years her Senior, who became her <s>future</s> husband, John White, having also been born in England June 24, 1835 of Isaac and Mary White and was baptized in his native Land by Levi Jeffries in his 9th Year and emigrated in due and located in North Ogden where he Married Eliza Brown, who bore him 3 children, Mary Eliza, Nov. 3, 1864; Sarah Jane, Dec. 5, 1866 and Ann L, June 10, 1869, the latter being born 4 months after her Fathers death which occurred at North Ogden, Feb. 11, 1869.
Hense her other wise arduous travels across the plains were made pleasurable by the joys that come to one in the experiences of love making, she being more or less associated with him during the journey, riding upon his wagon and partaking of his hospitality.
The company consisted of 75 heavily loaded wagons, each drawn by 6 steady oxen, carrying hundreds of light hearted Saints filled with fond anticipations upon reaching the "Promised Land," now only a thousand miles away, Instructions and propper rules of Order were regularly enforced, evening and morning devotions engaged in at the sound of the bugle and the order and system of circleing the wagons for protection was adhered to and when appropriate Dances and various other amusements were indulged in to break the monotony of the arduous days travel, which on the average only meant about 25 miles nearer their "haven of rest"
The line of travel lay for 300 miles along the Platt[e] River, which abounded with plenty of fish in the shallow pools as the river at that time was so low that they traveled much of the time in the River Bed, but for lack of salt and the hot weather but little of the fish could be used
Our Rations were one pound of meat per week and one pound of flour each day, with nothing else except River water, while great herds of buffalo were seen in the distance, providence did not favor us with any of their meat. Just prior to commencing the journey on the East slope of the Rocky Mountains, some sickness from Cholera was encountered, but through the blessings of the Lord and kind and attentive nursing, only one death occurred from that dread disease and the trip through the Mountains was greatly enjoyed, seeing many soldiers at Fort Laramie and Fort Bridger and numerous Indians along the rout and saw much Attractive scenery in the Mountains.
October 4, 1863 she reached Salt lake City, with the whole Company

Transcript for White, Eliza Brown, Autobiographical sketch, in Genealogical Charts and Biographical Sketches of Members of the L.D.S. Church, Ogden Stake, 26 vols., 26:79-80

William Burton papers, circa 1837-1851, Journal

William Burton papers, circa 1837-1851, Journal, June 1848, Vol. 11.

Transcript for William Burton papers, circa 1837-1851, Journal, Volume 11, 1848 June-July

William Burton papers, circa 1837-1851, Journal.

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Donaldson Creek, Trigg, Kentucky, United States

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William Ricks

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Farmington, Davis, Utah Territory, United States

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Logan, Cache, Utah Territory, United States

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Thomas Edwin Ricks

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