William Benjamin Hodgetts (1831 - 1860) Profile

Individual

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William Benjamin Hodgetts

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Cantwell, James, Autobiography, in Joel Edward Ricks, Cache Valley Historical Material [ca. 1955], reel 3, item 29

Cantwell, James, Autobiography, in Joel Edward Ricks, Cache Valley Historical Material [ca. 1955], reel 3, item 29.

It was the 17th of August that we started for the valley.
The captain’s name was James F. Willie. His asistants were Jesse Haven and Mellen Alwood [Millen Atwood]. The company was composed of 76 handcarts and 10 wagons. 5 of the wagons belonged to Andrew L. Siler, John A. Joste [Jost], William Wilford, James S. Cantwell and William Kimball. The other 5 wagons belong to the handcart company and were to hawl the tents, provisions and extra baggage and when there was anyone that was sick and could not walk they were put in the wagons.
On the handcarts the bedding, cooking untensils, rations for the day, vessels to hawl water to use along the road, and such changes of clothes as was necessary; also firearms for we were continually watching for trouble with the Indians.
Between the 17th and the 29th of August we had traveled about 170 miles, and that night camped with the Pawnees. They were almost the only Indians that were friendly on the plains. They informed us that the Cheyennes had killed 4 men and a child and taken a woman prisoner. Her name was Wilson but she was never heard from afterwards.
Their wagons belonged to Almon Babbit and they were camped waiting for a company to travel with—thinking there was no danger being so near Fort Kearney.
The Pawnees buried these bodies but so shallow that the wolves were digging them up. So we threw a [m]ound of dirt on top of their grave.
On the 31st Almon Babbit overtook us. He was carrying the mail and had a man with him as guard by the name of Sutherland. when he was [saw] what the Cheyennes had done he was wild with rage, and swore he would kill the first Cheyenne he was [saw].
There was a woman traveling with them, but being as the indians were so bad she stayed with us. We brought her as far as Fort Larimie [Laramie]. Her name was Nancy Stewart.
Babbit started on ahead of us but in a few days we came to there [where] both men had been killed, and the mail torn and scattered over the ground.
The night of the 4th of Sept some of our cattle ran off with buffalos and we neve[r] got them again. So it left us in a weak condition. 
On the evening of the 5th Porter Rockwell come to our camp, he went to recover our stock but failed. He was with Smoots camp. A short distance a head.
On Sept 17th near a place called Scotts Bluffs [Bluff] my sister Ellen was bitten by a large rattle snake. It caught her by the first two fingers as she was pointing at it. They tied her arm between the elbow and wrist to keep the poison from going [i]nto her body. By the time she got to camp the poison was above the wrist. The flesh dropped off the back of her hand and she never recovered till the next summer.
We arrived in Larimie [Laramie] on the 1st day of October, and owing to my sisters condition and our cattle being very poor, those owning 4 of the independant wagons stayed a while to recriut. Captain [James G.] Willie went on and my brother Frank [Francis Robert Cantwell] went with them. We stayed there when Captain Benjamin Hodgett’s wagon and Edward Martin’s handcart company came in and we went on aga[i]n with them.
On the 19th it stormed with rain, ahil [hail], and snow. We hurried and camped at a place called Buttes and stayed there 8 days during which time it stormed almost incessently. It was there that the people began dying from hunger and cold. After the storm we broke camp determined to travel as fast as possible but we made but slow progress for the weather was cold, roads were frozen and the feet of our oxen soon were cut up and made blood tracks.
Those pulling handcarts began to lose heart and felt that life had no object. Our death rate increased, Ma[n]y of our cattle died, but we kept on, 
and on the 4th of Nov. we arrived at Devil’s Gate
and on the 5th Captain John Hunts company came in. To give a description of what we suffered while there is beyond my power for the weather continued very severe, and the people were discouraged. It snowed and blowed for days and many more of our remaining cattle died. So the only thing left for us to do was to leave everything that could be left and travel on. There were about 1200 men, women and children with scarcely anything to eat.
Many dying every day, and I do not believe half that number ever got into the Valley. I do not believe there could be any account kept but the most I remember of dying in one day was 14.
We had little order in our traveling from Devil’s Gate to Fort Bridger, for those who came from the valleys told us to go as far as we could, so we were strung along for many miles and the most of our living was on the cattle that had died.
We left Devils Gate on Nov 8 and arrived at Fort Bridger Dec 1st. All of our cattle being dead and very few of anybody else’s left.
On the afternoon of the 4th some teams came to us from the Valley. There were 7 or 8, two span of horses on a wagon; the snow was 20 in. deep.
I remember the names of 4 of the men and they were from Lehi—William Dawson, Alonzo D. Rhodes, John Skeen and George F. Merrill.
William Dawson was acquainted with my father, so we rode in his wagon to Salt Lake City. We left Bridger on the morning of the 6th of Dec. and arrived in the City on the 14th. The snow was 18 to 20 feet deep on the mountains. We camped between Big and Little mountains on the night of the 13th. The road was kept open by men from the valleys with shovels and teams. The wind was blowing and drifting the snow every day so they had to open and pack the snow every few hours.
I have before me a history of that terrible time and will copy that part of it that relates to that part of our history. This history is entitled “Forty Years Among the Indians” and was written by Daniel W. Jones one of the men who came to our rescue. He has described it much better than I can but there are a few items in my experience that I wished to leave to those that will follow after. This history I will copy and begin at the XI chapter, as follows:—
“I attended the October conference of 1856. When conference was opened President Young arose and said: “There are a number of our people on the plains who have started to come with handcarts; they will need help and I want twenty teams to be ready by morning with 2 men to each team to go out and meet them. If the teams are not voluntary furnished there are plenty of good ones in the street and I shall call upon Brother J. C. Little, the marshal, to furnish them. Now we will adjourn [adjourn] this conference until tomorrow.” Brother Young was in earnest; he seemed moved by a spirit that would admit of no delay.
“A few days before this a few elders had arrived from the old country reporting that the handcart company were on the road but they did not know how far they had advanced.
In those days there was no telegraph and mail from the east only reached Utah monthly, they being many times delayed by high water, Indians or other causes.
“Brother Young called upon every one present to lend a hand in fitting up these teams. As I was going out with the crowd, Brother Wells spoke to me saying “You are a good hand for the trip; get ready.” Soon after Bishop Hunter said the same thing to me. Also Brother Grant met me and said: “I want you on this trip.” I began to think it time to decide, so I answered “all right.”
“I had a saddle horse. We were instructed to get everything we could ready and rendenvous between Big and Little Mountains, a short day’s drive out from Salt Lake. Next day teams and volunteer men were ready. A better outfit and one more adapted to the work before us I do not think could have possibly been selected if a week had been spent in fitting up. Besides the wagons and teams several men went horseback. But best of all, those going were alive to the work and were of the best material possible for the occasion.
“As soon as we were all together we organized and moved on. George D. Grant was selected captain, with Robert Burton and William Kimball as assistants: Cyrus Wheelock, chaplain; Charles Decker Guide. I was given the important position of chief cook for the head mess.
“I was quite proud of my office, for it made me the most sought after and popular man in the camp. The rest of the company was made up of the following persons: Joseph A. Young, Chauncey Webb, H. H. Chiff, D. P. Kimball, George W. Grant, Ed Peck, Joel Parrish, Henry Goldsbrough, Thomas Alexander, Benjamin Hampton, Thomas Ricks, Abe Garr, Charles Grey, Al Huntington, “Handsome Cupid,” Stephen Taylor, William K. Broomhead, Ira Nebeker, Redick Allred, Amos Fairbanks and Tom Bankhead, a colored man. These are all the names I remember, if there were any more I have been unable to find them.
“The weather soom [soon] became cold and stormy. We traveled hard never taking time to stop for dinner. On getting into camp all were hungry and ready to help. No doubt many of the boys remember the hearty suppers eaten on this expedition. There was some expectation of meeting the 1st train, Brother Willie’s on or about Green River.
We began to feel great anxiety about the emigrants as the weather was now cold and stormy, and we, strong men with good outfits, found the nights severe. What must be the condition of those we were to meet. Many old men and women, little children, mothers with nursing babies, crossing the plains pulling handcarts. Our hearts began to ache when we reached Green River and yet no word of them.
Here an express was sent on ahead with a light wagon to meet and cheer the people up. Cyrus Wheelock and Stephen Taylor went with this express.
“At the South Pass we encountered a severe snowstorm. After crossing the devide we tuned down into a sheltered place on the Sweetwater. While in camp and during the storm two men were seen on horseback going west. They were hailed. On reaching us they proved to be Brothers [James G.] Willie and J[oseph]. B[enson]. Elder. They reported their company in a starving condition at their camp then east of Rocky Ridge and said our express had gone on to meet the other companies still in the rear. We started immediately thru the storm to reach Brother Willie’s camp.
“One [On] arriving we found them in a condition that would stir the feelings of the hardest heart. They were in a poor place the storm having caught them where fuel was scarce. They were out of provisions and really freezing and starving to death. The morning after our arrival nine were buried in one grave. We did all we could to releive them. The boys struck out on horseback and dragged up a lot of wood; provisions were distributed and all went to work to cheer the sufferers. Soon there was an improvement in camp, but many poor faithful people had gone too far—had passed beyond the power to recruit. Our help came too late for some and many died after our arival.
“William Kimball with a few men and wagons turned back taking the over sight of this company to help them in. Capt. Grant left a load of flour with Redrick Allred to guard it. There were several hundred people with Brother Willie. They had a few teams but most of them had become too weak to be of much service. When we left Salt Lake it was understood that other teams would follow until all the help needed would be on the road. The greater portion of our company now continued on towards Devil’s Gate, traveling thru snow all the way. When we arrived at Devil’s Gate we found our express there awaiting us. No tidings as yet were received of the other companies.
<center>CHAPTER XII</center>
“Having seen the sufferings of Brother Willie’s Campany, we more fully realized the danger the others were in. The Elders who had just returned from England having many dear friends with these companies, suffered great anxiety, some of them feeling, more or less the responsibility resting upon them for allowing these people to start so late in the season across the plains.
“At first we were at a lost [loss] what to do for we did not expect to have to go further than Devil’s Gate. We decided to make camp and send on an express to find where the people were and not to return until they were found.
“Joseph A. Young, Abe Garr and I were selected. (Some histories give other [text missing]

Transcript for Cantwell, James, Autobiography, in Joel Edward Ricks, Cache Valley Historical Material [ca. 1955], reel 3, item 29

Dan Jones Emigrating Company journal

Dan Jones Emigrating Company journal, May 1856, Page 2.

Transcript for Dan Jones Emigrating Company journal, 1856 May-December

Dan Jones Emigrating Company journal.

DUP Pioneer History Collection

Emily Hodgetts Lowder, reminiscences

"Emily Hodgetts Lowder, reminiscences", DUP Pioneer History Collection, Page 5.

Ben [William Benjamin Hodgetts] was put in charge of the emigration to see the emigrants to Iowa City. There were forty-nine wagons, ours being the first. While we were on the plains, we came across John A. Hunt with eleven wagons. The Indians were very hostile and my brother told him it was not safe to travel alone and invited to him to travel with our company, which he did.


We camped in these camp grounds twenty-one weeks. I was very much upset over the separation in our family and my health was poor, so my brother put me in a boarding house for twelve weeks. During this time, he was in Missouri on Church work.


Miss Brenchley, Squire [Thomas] Tennant and our mother's money bought two hundred heifers, which were afterward used in helping to feed the handcart company. We never got our heifers off the plains.


I did not walk across, the plains. I rode a horse and a good animal it was.


We then came on the plains. My brother, William Ben Hodgetts, was appointed Captain of the last independent wagon company in 1856. Nathan Tanner Porter was his assistant. There were 33 wagons led by Ben. At this time, the Indians had become very hostile.


Squire Tennant died on the plains. Ben left the train and traveled 60 miles with his body to have him buried at Laramie, Wyoming. Later his body was taken to Utah for burial.


We got as far as an old fort known as Devil's Gate. There we were called upon to help the Martin handcart company, which we gladly did. It was bitter cold. We were snowed in for ten days. The Martin handcart company camped by us and we shared with them. Then Joseph A. Young and Brother Grant, George I think, came back to meet us from Utah. We gave up our five wagons and 20 yoke of oxen to the handcart company and moved into the old fort. We stayed there 10 days and the handcart company went on. Brother William Carter from Utah came and helped us on. Hundreds of teams came. We left our belongings in the old fort in our four blue chests.


The next summer Ben went back for them and for some freight for the church. Of the four chests, we only got one back. The blue box is the only relic of my childhood home.


As you know, I still have this blue chest which was made in England by John Newman, father of Callie (Caroline) Newman Mitchell, my dear life-long friend, wife of John T. Mitchell of Parowan.


I must tell you about one thing that was in that chest. It was 16 yards of the very best satin which had been bought in Paris, France, by my father to make dresses for Mother and we girls. But in taking things from the ship, it had been left for Maria and me. After Maria went home, I fell heir to this, and I feel I put it to good use. I have had that material made into almost every style from polineau to hobble skirt and have been a well-dressed woman each time. I have worn this satin in some style to the christening of each of my nine children.


As to the blue chest, it has been my shrine and many times I have knelt before it in humbleness and tears. It always contained my best clothes, for clothes closets were not as plentiful then as now.


We reached Salt Lake City, December 15, 1856.

Transcript for "Emily Hodgetts Lowder, reminiscences," 5.

Daughters of Utah Pioneers. DUP Pioneer History Collection.

Handcart Veterans Association scrapbook, 1906-1914

Handcart Veterans Association scrapbook, 1906-1914. Scrapbook Part 7, 1907. Page 11.

Handcart Veterans Association scrapbook, 1906-1914.

Historical Department journal history of the Church

CR 100 137: Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008, December 15, 1856, Page 2.

CR 100 137: Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008, December 15, 1856, Page 16-37.

Transcript for Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1896-2001, 15 December 1856, 16-37

Historical Department journal history of the Church.

Hodgetts, Emily, Autobiographical sketch, item 3, 37-39, in Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Garfield County Chapter, Biographies and History of Garfield County Pioneers

Hodgetts, Emily, Autobiographical sketch, item 3, 37-39, in Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Garfield County Chapter, Biographies and History of Garfield County Pioneers.

I did not walk across the plains. I rode a horse and a good animal it was. [William] Ben[jamin Hodgetts] was put in charge of the Emmigration to see the emigrants to Iowa City. We Camped in the Iowa Camp Ground 21 weeks. My health being rather poor he took us to board at the boarding house for 12 weeks. During this time he was in Missouri on church work. 
Miss Birchley, Squire [Thomas] Tennant and mother bought 200 heifers to take across the plains. Squire Tennant died on the plains. Ben left the train and traveled 60 miles with his body to have him buried at Laramie Wyoming. Later his body was taken to Utah for burial. We never got our heifers off the plains. 
We then came on the plains. My brother William Ben was appointed Captain of the East independent wagon Company in 1853 Nathan T[anner]. Porter was his assistant. There were 39 wagons led by Ben. At this time the Indians had become very hostile. We got as far as an old fort, known as Devel’s [Devil’s] Gate, here we were called upon to help the hand cart company. It was bitter cold we were snowed on for 10 days. The Hand Cart Company camped by us and we shared with them. Then Joe A. Young and brother Grant George, I think, Came back to meet us from Utah. We gave up our five wagons and 20 yoke of oxen to the hand Cart Company and moved into the old fort. We stayed here 10 days and the hand cart company went on. Brother William Carter from Utah came and took us on. Hundred of teams came. We left our belongings in the old fort. Our four blue chests (1 of them I have now.) The next summer Ben went back for them and for some freight for the Church. Of the four chests we only got one back.

Transcript for Hodgetts, Emily, Autobiographical sketch, item 3, 37-39, in Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Garfield County Chapter, Biographies and History of Garfield County Pioneers

Jesse Haven journals, 1852-1892, folders 4-5

Jesse Haven journals, 1852-1892, folders 4-5.

Transcript for Jesse Haven journals, 1852-1892, folders 4-5

John Bond, Handcarts West in '56

John Bond, Handcarts West in '56.

Transcript for John Bond, Handcarts West in '56

"Oldest Resident of Southern Utah Passes at Age of 102," Garfield County News

"Oldest Resident of Southern Utah Passes at Age of 102," Garfield County News, January 28, 1943.

"Oldest Resident of Southern Utah Passes at Age of 102," Garfield County News.

Orson F. Whitey, History of Utah: in Four Volumes

Orson F. Whitey, History of Utah: in Four Volumes, Vol. 4.

"Upon our arrival at Iowa City, the point of outfitting for the plains, I found the company which had left me in New York many weeks before—they were still on the camp ground, engaged in making handcarts. I understood that a contract had been made with parties in St. Louis to furnish the carts, but the contractors had failed, and until about the 10th of August that the camp ground was cleared and all moved on in an organized capacity. I was appointed to assist Captain Benjamin Hodgetts, in what was called the Independent Company, fitted out by their own means with wagons and teams, and traveling in close proximity to the handcart companies. We reached Winter Quarters (now Florence) September 1st, and without delay moved on, with unusual anxiety for a successful journey across the plains. The first of November found us at the last crossing of the Platte, where we encountered a snow storm and were detained by it several days. Upon the experiences of suffering and death that followed I will not dwell. Finally all were made glad by meeting men and teams from Salt Lake City, bringing supplies and aid, which were much needed. The handcart workers, who were all worn out, were now released and with the other members of those companies conveyed the remainder of the way in wagons, as comfortably as circumstances would permit. On my arrival in Emigration Canyon, I was met by two of my brothers, who escorted me to my home, where I had the great joy of embracing the rest of my dear ones, after an absence of four years and three months; it being now December, 15, 1856."

Transcript for Orson F. Whitey, History of Utah: in Four Volumes, Volume 4 (Salt Lake City, Utah: George Q. Cannon & Sons Co., Publishers, 1904), 121

Orson F. Whitey, History of Utah: in Four Volumes.

Our Pioneer Heritage

Our pioneer heritage, Vol. 7, Page 424.

Our Pioneer Heritage.

Porter, Nathan Tanner, Reminiscences [ca. 1879], 94-99 or 225-33

Porter, Nathan Tanner, Reminiscences [ca. 1879], 94-99 or 225-33.

. . . surprised to find many of the former company who were my companions a cross the Sea—Still on the camp ground; on inquiering the cause of their delay; I was informed; That the hand carts ordered from St Louis had ben delayed; And finally their purchase abandoned; under the impression that they could manufacture them; with less cost; And So they were now constructing them; (Now—the mode of crossing the Plains in light cars—drawn by hand—was adopted by the recommendation and council of the first Presidency—which—with wise management bid fair to be a Success—But otherwise; or failure; which proved to be the case in this instant; By a dopting the pollicy of that would cause a prolonged delay at so late a date of the Season—It being the first of August ear [ere] the camp ground was cleared of its occupant—with 1300 miles before them 300 miles of which we made passing through the State of Iowa; arriving at council Bluffs Sept 1st which brought us on to the borders of the Plains. Here a council was called—by those having charge of the Emigration including the captains of componies—The council took into consideration the prop[r]iety of undertaking to cross the Plains So late in the Season. a desision <was> rendered in favour of continuing on without further delay[.] two manifested their disaproval; one declined going any further; the other submitted to the majority, and continued his servises; I felt to some extent the wait [weight] of the responcibillity—having ben appointed to assist Elder Benjamine Hodgit [William Benjamin Hodgett]—who was in charge of one of what was called independent companey (of which there were two—one in charge of Elder John Hunt)[.] they were composed of those who furnished their means for their own out fit in Wagons[,] teams and provisions; At the same time assisting those of the hand cart companies who were mostly suplied through the Emigration fund. I was not in the council—above mentioned as I was not invited by those <in> charge; I felt delicate in doing so at the solicitation of Captin Hodgit [Hodgett]; My own feelings according to my judgment was not in harmoney with the decision of the Council; Nevertheless I <felt> it my duty to comply with the request of those who were placed to direct the work in which I was ingaged; And thus I indevered to use my best energies; to make a Successful trip or cross the extended Plains before us; Not with Standing the lateness of the Season; Aall moved on in proper distance between the companies[;] [...] cievesnt [sufficient] of feed for our Animals; Elder Hodgits [Hodgetts] and my self took into consideration the proprierty of light[en]ing up the weight on our wagons and thus increas our speed without jaiding our teams; feeling that it was kneedful for us to do all that we could—even at a Sacrifice if nessasary in acomplishing what was needful[.] We were impressed to call the companey to gather and Show unto them our condition and dependence on the Lord to stay the Storms from over taking us; and that it was our duty as his children to use all the means within our reach to accomplish what is requiered of us and then if more is necessary he will come to our aid;</felt></in></was>



Therefore we had a propposition to make to them; which was for us to unload our wagons and take the clothing out of our hevy Boxes and put them into Sacks which we could prepare for that purpose; And thus make the burden on our teams more easy so as to increas our advance on the way; And as to our boxes and chests we would make a bond fire in token of the Sacrifice we were willing to make to gain the desiered Blessing; The propposition was unanimously sustained by vote on the part of the Brethren &amp; Sisters; Aall went to work overhauling their wagons[,] empting their Boxes[,] putting their contents into Saceks [Sacks] and bundels in the best possiable manner; Thus we made our way on, with more ease and grater speed. The hand cart componey was in our rear Under care of Elders Mosses [Edward] Martin and Daniel Tylar [Tyler]. Captain Hunts componey was in their rear[.] Thus <the> hand cart componey were between the Indipendent componeys—having—as <it> were—a front and rear gard; Captain Hodgits [Hodgett’s] &amp; my self Spaired no pains in Selecting campgrounds where the best feed could be found for our animals; by so doing our teams were cept [kept] in good condition—And it was for the care and regard we had for those more dependent ones be hind—That held us from making longer marches as <we> drew nearer the mountain reagion; Thare was not <a> noticable change in <the> tempiture of the atmosphere[.] the water in the Streams were vary cold; makaking [making] it a vary painful task for Men—mutch more so for W<s>w</s>omen &amp; Children; to wade in crossing them whis [which] was the case with those in the hand cart componey; </the></a></we></it></the>



<a>November was now passing in her cold days and chilly nights; And ear [ere] we made the last crossing of the Platt[e]—a Snow Storm was upon us; We made the crossing the night before; as we arose in the morning we saw there was an approaching Storm; and by the time we were in readiness to morrow the snow commenced falling; I was a were [aware] of a place three miles up the River—where there was low grass land serrounded by high bluffs and was well suplied with grass &amp; timber for fuel—when I came with the mis[si]onaries in 52—We therefore decided to make for that point. and wait the result of the storme; At this juncture—the hand cart Componey made its appearence on the opposite bank at the croossing—We instructed componey to move on—that we would stop and see <s>the</s> them cross—and soon over take ours: They had just commenced croossing as we rode up. it was no pleasant seen [scene] for us to behold Women and children waiding a bove their knees in the cold peircing eliment: We hastened acrooss on our Animals and began takaking [taking] them one by one behind us—across—the waiding soon stoped. they huddled like sheep. a waiting our return; as we made a trip—we neaver failed to return without a blessing pronounced upon us—in adition to one already received. All being over—We proceeded on and over took our Componey: passing on to the place we had Selected to Stop in till the storm was past[.] We <found> it well adapted to our condition there being plenty of grass and fuel serrounded with high table land and thick Bunches of willows interspersed in the little cove; thus it was a covert from the bleak winds of the plain that was now driving the falling Snow. here we rounded up our wagons; pitched our tents and gathered Some wood for the camp fires ear [ere] the day closed in;—I wonder how it is with the hand cart company: they must of remained at the crossing—I wish they were here with us—This was frequently exspressed duering the evening as we sit around our fiers [fires]; We arose in the morning with a bout 6 inches of snow on the ground[.] Elder Hodgetts returned to the crossing to learn the condition of the other companies—Elder Hunts not having come up when we left—and inform them of our Success and invite them up to share with us:—there being a sup[p]ly for all—he found them still in camp at the croosing—Capt Hunt having crossed soon after we left—they were vary mutch exsposed to the severity of the storm.—which we sorely felt—They listened with gladness to his report; and readily exxepted the invitation but as it was still snowing—they remained for the rest of the day. on the morrow our men turned out and met. assisting those with hand [carts] in pulling them in to our quarters—and shovling a way the snow and pitching their tents; as some of the men had become all most exausted and benumed; the cold having increased several degrees as the snow seased falling—being a bout a foot on the level; it was a trying time with us—on Man and beasts—it proved fatal to two of the hand cart componey duering the night &amp; one of the following day. They fell with their faces Zion ward; to a wait the Resurection day. After being there Several days—we were met by two of the Brethren from the valley who in formed us that Men with teams and provisions were coming to our assistance; and would meete us the Devils Gate—on Sweet water—30 miles a head—This was joyaful news to us and especially so to those of the hand cart Componey—who had been on Short rations—and now vary mutch exausted from exsposure and fatiegue; We lost no time in moving on the best we could; to meete our Brethren at the point designated—The snow had setled to a bout 4 or 5 inches—we were two days in making the point arriving late in the evening—in a terrific storm of wind—with intence cold &amp; which continued all night and the following day &amp; night—It was under these trying circumstances: that we met our Brethren who had come from the valley to our relief So far as it was in their power. But—alass—there were quite a number of our hand cart componey whoses physical powers were so far exausted as to be unable to indure more; and So they fell a sleepe in death untill the morn of the first Resurection. This was a trying hour in deed—Nevertheless there is consolation in knowing that they lay down with their faces Zion ward in full faith and fellowship with the Saints. While Some who Survived the<m> in those hardships to become associated with the Saints in Zion—have drifted a way from the path of the Gospel into d[a]rkness and the Spirit of unbelief—beter they had fallen with their Brethren in the light of truth. But to return—a council was called to consult the best meathod to take, to save life at any Sacrifice requ[i]site. It was decided; that those of <the> indipendent componies; Should cach[e] all their lug[g]age except what was really necessary for the remainder of the journey; and thus turn over to the use of the hand cart Componey a portion of their teams and Wagons so as to convey them on; as fast as possiabe; this decision was unanimously Sustained by a prompt compliance; Brother Dan Jones with three other Brethren were left in care of the cached goods. While the—Now—dependent componies proseeded on; resieving further aid from the valley as we advanced; our teams had become jaded and So reduced that on arriving at Green River; and Fort Bri[d]ger they were left with Some of the Brethren at those points to chance their Surviving the Winter[.] While we proseded on with horse and Mules teams sent to Bring us through in to the valley; Thus on the 15th of December 1856 I arrived Safe at my home in the imbrace of Wife and Children.... </the></m></found></a>

Transcript for Porter, Nathan Tanner, Reminiscences [ca. 1879], 94-99 or 225-33

Salt Lake Tribune

Strong Men, Brave Women and Sturdy Children Crossed the Wilderness Afoot

Josiah Rogerson, "Strong Men, Brave Women and Sturdy Children Crossed the Wilderness Afoot", Salt Lake Tribune, January 4, 1914.

Transcript for Josiah Rogerson, "Strong Men, Brave Women and Sturdy Children Crossed the Wilderness Afoot," Salt Lake Tribune, 4 January 1914

Salt Lake Tribune.

Stella Jaques Bell, Life History and Writings of John Jaques: Including a Diary of the Martin Handcart Company (Rexburg, Idaho: Ricks College Press, 1978), 118-22, 129, 134-37, 140-41, 143-44, 150

Stella Jaques Bell, Life History and Writings of John Jaques: Including a Diary of the Martin Handcart Company (Rexburg, Idaho: Ricks College Press, 1978), 118-22, 129, 134-37, 140-41, 143-44, 150.

Transcript for Stella Jaques Bell, Life History and Writings of John Jaques: Including a Diary of the Martin Handcart Company (Rexburg, Idaho: Ricks College Press, 1978), 118-22, 129, 134-37, 140-41, 143-44, 150

William Benjamin Hodgetts

Birth Date

Death Date

Gender

Sources