William Butler (1827 - 1905) Profile

Individual

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William Butler

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British Mission manuscript history and historical reports, 1841-1971

British Mission manuscript history and historical reports, 1841-1971, November 4, 1853.

British Mission manuscript history and historical reports, 1841-1971.

First Presidency missionary calls and recommendations, 1877 - 1918

First Presidency, Missionary calls and recommendations, 1877 - 1918, September 20, 1880.

First Presidency missionary calls and recommendations, 1877 - 1918.

Journal of William Butler

Journal of William Butler.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, October 4, 1885, Vol. 1, Page 74, Line 3194.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, April 7, 1881, Vol. 1, Page 54, Line 2299.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, April 7, 1881, Vol. 2, Page 58, Line 2299.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, October 4, 1885, Vol. 2, Page 81, Line 3194.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959.

An enduring legacy

Butler, William, [Autobiography]

"Butler, William, [Autobiography]", An enduring legacy, 8, Page 76-77.

An enduring legacy.

Andrew Smith diaries, 1853-1856

Smith, Andrew, Diaries, 1853-1856, fd. 2.

I think this is the Journal of Brother Andrew Smith, formerly travelling Elder in Liverpool Conference, who came to Iowa City in my Company in 1856, and died on the plains in the Hand Cart Company led by Br. D[Daniel] D[uncan] McArthur[.] Bro. S[picer]. W[ells]. Crandall will know probably.
James Ferguson G. S. L. City 	Sept. 4. 1858
<center>Journalfor 1856</center>
. . . Monday June 8th The 1st division of the Handcart Company. Started under the Presidency of Elders E Ellsworth, Oakely &amp; Butler.

Transcript for Smith, Andrew, Diaries, 1853-1856, fd. 2

Andrew Smith diaries, 1853-1856.

Archer Walters diary, 1856 March-September

Archer Walters diary, 1856 March-September, Item 15, Page 9-16.

Transcript for Walters, Archer, Diary 1856 Mar.-Sept., 9-16

Archer Walters diary, 1856 March-September.

Brigham Young office files, 1832-1878 (bulk 1844-1877)

William Woodward letter to Heber C. Kimball

"William Woodward letter to Heber C. Kimball", Brigham Young office files, 1832-1878, June 11, 1856.

<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">L.D.S. Camp Nr. Iowa City, 
Iowa June 11th 1856.</center>



Prest. H[eber]. C[hase]. Kimball: Dear Brother, Thinking you would like to hear of the emigration of the European Saints, &amp; the progress of the "Hand-Cart" companies, I have concluded to write to you from this point, &amp; tell what little I can about the Emigration of the "Mormons" on their way to Great Salt Lake Country. In the first place, our camp ground is about two miles west of Iowa City, on a rising point of land. It is a good location &amp; was selected by bro. D. Spencer.



This place was selected in the early part of May, &amp; several of the Saints came here. James Ferguson's company came on the ground on the 14th of May, numbering about 531 souls. In company with James Ferguson were Edmund Ellsworth, S[picer]. W[ells]. Crandell[,] W.B. Hodyetts, John A. Hunt, J.D.T. McAllister &amp; D[aniel]. D[uncan]. McArthur. Since that time this place, has been an important place for business, such as making "Hand-Carts," "Ox yokes," "Ox-bows" &amp;c.



Dan Jones' company came into camp June 2nd numbering about 500 souls, mostly from Wales. Health of this company tolerable good. Up to this time 16 infants of Bro. Jones company have died, since they left Liverpool, &amp; one adult; total died in Capt. Jones company 17 souls. I came in this company. Riding in the cars was very trying to the infants. Up night &amp; day after crossing the sea is very trying to weak persons.



Bro. Spencer is President of the emigration to Deseret from Europe &amp; is constantly on hand attending to his business. James Ferguson assists him. J.D.T. McAllister is commissary of the "P.E. Fund" store, which is at this place[.] Daniel Tyler is Bishop of the camp—Daniel Spencer &amp; James Ferguson his counsellors. C.G. Webb superintends the making of Hand-Carts. E[dward]. Bunker the making of ox yokes, ox bows &amp; the hauling of timber from the woods some six miles distant from camp. Wm. Walker is going to haul luggage from this place to the Valley at $12.50 pr. hd. lbs. if two thirds of the cash is paid down; if it is paid in Utah when the things arrive there, it is to be $15.00 pr. hd. lbs.



The best of feelings exist in camp. The "Hand-Carts" are thought considerable of by all of us, &amp; the bad feeling if such a thing you can call it is, we wanted to go by the First companies—that is the boys that are left.



The First "Hand cart" company rolled from this place on the 9th of June, in fine spirits. This company has a band with it, &amp; is led by Capt. Edmund Ellsworth—he is assisted by John Oakley &amp; William Butler. This company was greatly cheered by all present as it was leaving the Ground: it numbered 278 souls[.] they had with them 6 yoke of cattle, 3 mules &amp; 1 horse &amp; 3 wagons &amp; 56 hand carts. Five persons to each cart.



The second Hand-Cart company left this point to-day about 11 A.M. led by Capt. D.D. McArthur assisted by S.W. Crandell &amp; T. Lenord. McArthur's company left in fine spirits—they are generally hardy scotch &amp; fine travellers.



The Third company is now fitting up—they are "Cambrian-Americans." We call everybody here, "Americans"!



J. Van Cott, W.H. Kimball &amp; G.D.Grant are purchasing cattle for the company. I guess they are in Missouri.



A Dependent Company of ox teams will start when they get their cattle. The wagons that are here &amp; those that are gone by the two "Cart" companies, came from Chicago and cost from $75.00 to $110.00 dollars. Flour at this point is worth about $3.50 pr. hd. lbs. Bacon about $9.00 pr. hd.



We have heard that another ship load of emigrants have arrived at New York by the ship "Thornton" numbering when they left Liverpool 764 souls. James G. Willie, Miller [Millen] Atwood, &amp; Moses Clough preside over the Thornton's company. We expect them at this point by the 16th or 17th of June.



We have meetings twice on Sundays &amp; occasionally thro' the week. Many strangers attend our meetings on the Sabbath &amp; listen attentively to what is said. We have many "hand cart" sermons preached; &amp; a "hand-cart" song sung, the chorus of which is the following:—"For some must push &amp; some must pull, As we go marching up the hill. Then merrily on the way we'll go, until we reach the Valley."



Seventeen lbs. of luggage is what is allowed to each person with the "Hand-Cart" companies. Much luggage will have to come by Wm. Walker's freight train.



I have but little to say about the difficulties in Kansas, or the nominations for president. Buchanan late ambassador to Gt. Britain &amp; Beckenridge of Kentucky have been nominated by the Democrats of Iowa City, the former for President of the U.S. the latter for vicepresident.



The best of feelings exist amongst us that are left on the camp ground. We are only waiting for the word "Up &amp; go to the Valley".



I am clerk to the camp; &amp; Postmaster; that is, bring &amp; take letters to &amp; from the Post Office.



Our camp is now rather quiet since the two first companies have left us. Occasionally a Gentile or two visit us enquiring about our strange religion, &amp; the reasons we are moving westward. I have heard thro' Bro Tyler that times are rather hard in the Valley—Bro Tyler has received a letter from his wife bearing date March 28th 1856. When difficulties commence with the Saints what must they be when the[y] reach the Gentiles.



Give my kind love to bros. Brigham &amp; Jedediah &amp; Sister Kimball &amp; all of the family. Tell Lucy that her Bro. Loren from Nauvoo is in camp &amp; is going to the Valley this season. Remember me to the young folks &amp; all enquiring friends. I enjoy tolerable good health &amp; I am in good spirits



 



<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Yours truly, in the Everlasting Covenant, 
William Woodward</center>



 



I have sent a letter to Laura M.H. by the mail that I send this one



June 16th. Our camp is busy turning out the Hand-Carts. Yesterday we had good meetings. The Spirit of the Lord was with us &amp; we felt well. Bro. Spencer is gone to St. Louis on business. James Ferguson has gone out to see how the hand cart companies are getting along. Peace prevails here.



 



<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">W. Woodward</center>

Transcript for William Woodward letter to Heber C. Kimball, 11 June 1856

Brigham Young office files, 1832-1878 (bulk 1844-1877).

Daughters of Utah Pioneers collection, 1828-1963

Butler, William, Journal

"Butler, William, Journal", Daughters of Utah Pioneers collection, 1828-1963.

We started from Iowa City with the hand cart companies. we travelled through Jackson County some apostatizing by the way.—a distance of three hundred miles till we came to Council Bluffs. here we stayed ten days, waiting for the companies to organize and proceed further on their journey. I had a silver watch that I had got in a trade for a gold watch that I brought from the valley.—I gave this silver watch for a Cow that gave us milk while crossing the plains. I was appointed to drive thirty head of Milch Cows and Beef Cattle. I drove them and went on foot.—When I come to streams I pack from an hundred and fifty to two hundred women and children across the streams, and then haul the handcarts over, and afterwards would have to gather the stock together, my clothes at the same time being <my clothes> wet. and in this condition would start on again with the stock,—while on the plains, there was a man killed by lightening and we had to travel knee deep in water in consequence of the very heavy rains produced by the thunderstorm.—as we came to Fort Laramie my shoes gave out[.] I got them new at the Bluff.—I got another pair here and they gave out when I got into the valley. and through the constant travel on foot that I was subject to.—We lost on our journey seven men and one woman. and some children 
When we got to Echo Kanyon [Canyon], there came another heavy thunderstorm. litghtening and heavy rains[.] knight coming on and the people very weary travelling. our Captain persisted in continuing our journey over a divide, which made it very hard to ascend and descend a distance of six miles, and all in the dark—and no light only as the lightening flashed[.] the &lt;rain&gt; pouring down in torrents all the time.—I had been taken sick the day before which made me very weak and unable to follow the train and drive the stock. my wife Emma had to take and drive the stock for me.—I was left behind to travel or die.—after a while I rose on my feet and lifted my voice with uplifted hands in token of the priesthood, and said these words.—having been commissioned by the King of Kings.—I command this spirit to let loose his grasp, from this very moment, and depart from my tabernacle, in the name of the messiah[.] from this very moment the pain left me and I was able to resume my journey, it being very dark, insomuch that I could not see the road. I fell down a great many times over all manner of rocks, steep places and holes, after awhile I came to an Italian with his little girl. I tried to get him to come along with his hand cart, but not understanding his language, nor he mine, so he did not follow me.—he died during the night, and they fetched him into camp in the morning.—soon after leaving the Italian I came across a young english girl by the name of Clark.. who was alone and had lost her way—she was crying and in great trouble.—I went to her, and fetched her into Camp,—the gratitude of the girl and her parents and relatives. was unbounded towards one. for what I had done.—she considered that I had saved her life and next day we gathered up the dead and buried them. and I gained strength gradually.—we then travelled allong till we met with president Young and company. at the head of emigration Kanyon [Canyon].—he felt very bad for the sufferings of the people 
We travelled into Salt Lake City, about the last of September in the fall of fifty six. We were meet on our way going into the city by a woman wife of John Pannel Wright. from south willow creek.—she used her influence to induce my wife to leave me and go home with her. her Man was three days waiting in the City to take my wife home with him

Transcript for Butler, William, Journal, in Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Collection, 1828-1963, reel 11, item 3

Daughters of Utah Pioneers collection, 1828-1963.

Deseret News

Emigrants For Utah

"Emigrants For Utah", Deseret News, August 6, 1856, Page 8.

EMIGRANTS FOR UTAH.



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



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



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



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



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



 



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



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



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



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



 



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

Deseret News.

DUP Pioneer History Collection

William Butler, reminiscences

"William Butler, reminiscences", DUP Pioneer History Collection, Page 1-2.

While in Liberty I became acquainted with a family who were going to start for Salt Lake Valley. They treated me well, and so I decided to go with them and advanced some money to get their provisions with, otherwise they would have had to stay another year.


We traveled on to Council Bluffs. Here I found Orson Hyde organizing companies for the Salt Lake Valley. He being the first Mormon I had heard preach, I noticed particularly what he said to the people—the promises he made that they should proceed in safety on their journey to the end.

Transcript for "William Butler, reminiscences", DUP Pioneer History Collection, Page 1-2.

Daughters of Utah Pioneers. DUP Pioneer History Collection.

Edmund Ellsworth Emigrating Company papers, 1856

Edmund Ellsworth Emigrating Company papers, 1856, June 1856, Vol. 1.

Transcript for Edmund Ellsworth Emigrating Company papers, 1856, Folder contents: (1) Journal, 1856 June-September

Edmund Ellsworth Emigrating Company papers, 1856.

Handcart Veterans Association scrapbook, 1906-1914

Handcart Veterans Association scrapbook, 1906-1914.

<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Franklin, Idaho, Sept. 12 1906</center>



Albert Jones, Dear Bro.



Seeing an announcement in the Deseret News of Sep 3 I was anxious to correspond with you, My paper was mislaid and only last night I found it.



I belonged to the 4th. Hand cart Co. Jas. G. Willie capt. Or rather was called president when our company was organized: Millen Atwood Capt. Of 1st hundred; Levi Savage Capt 2nd hundred; William Woodward Capt. 3rd hundred; John Chislett capt 4th hundred; A H [Johan August] Ahmansen capt of 5th hundred.



Willie &amp; Atwood, are dead, Savage lived in Southern Utah; Chislett and Ahmansen apostatised



I was clerk of camp at Iowa City, and historian, two days after my arrival on the 2nd of June 1856.



Directly after our company arrived the 1st &amp;2nd Hand Cart companies were organized Some of our people were put in the 1st Co. Some in the 2nd Co the balance made the 3rd Co.



Edmund Ellsworth capt of 1st. Company John Oakley and Wm. Butter, aids. McArthur capt. of 2nd company, Spicer W Crandall, &amp; Truman Lenan aids Edward Bunker capt 3rd Company (Welsh) David Grant &amp; John McDonald aids. the 4th company as I have mentioned above. I was present when the 5th and 6th companies were organized, but subsequently they were merged into one.



The Relief Train came to us one night on the Sweetwater. The express met us two days before, composed of C. H. Whetlock[,] J.A. Young, Steve Taylor &amp; a bro Garr. They were away to take comfort to the 5th company and urge them to travel to meet the relief train. Geo D. Grant was in command of the relief train. He left some wagons with our company; W. H. Kimball in charge. Snow came on us the night we met the express about a foot deep. We had given all our flour out at the suggestion of some of the express as the relief train they said would soon be with us. We had lost half of our cattle this side of Fort Kearney, and we were in a poor fix to travel in the snow. So we staid till the relief train came. (two days later)



Some of you tell of hardships; hardships they were truly. We buried 68 . I kept the camp journal as our clerk gave out. Our butcher died, so I became butcher. In crossing the Rocky Ridge, two of our teamsters gave out in a bitter snow storm. Atwood and I had to take their places and we picked up the straglers. Our wagons were full of people, we got to camp away in the night; next day we buried 13 and the 2nd morning 2 more besides them.



We arrived in SL City Nov 9th.



To talk of our experiences is a thrilling theme. I was 8 weeks at Iowa camp. I have lived here more than 46 years. Yours t[ruly] W. Woodward



I approve of the move of Hand Cart veterans meeting. Will be at the meeting in the City if all is well. 



W T Wright &amp; wife of the 2nd hand cart co live here, but ha has left the Church. G. T. Marshall of one 1st company lives here &amp; his sister lives in the next settlement. Jas. [James] [?]ew, than a boy, lives on Bear River some 12 miles away. (A non member) 



G T Marshall was a child at the time of his coming - his mother a widow with some 6 childran.



I would like to see a history of the companies of 1856 published I was a returning missionary at the time 23 years old. W.W.



Albert Jones, I think I saw you once in Franklin

Transcript for Woodward, W., to Albert Jones, Handcart Veterans Association, 12 Sep. 1906. Handcart Veterans Association, Scrapbook, 1906-1914, fd. 2

Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008

CR 100 137: Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008, September 26, 1856, Page 28.

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

John Oakley journal excerpt, 1856 June-August

John Oakley journal excerpt, June 1856.

Transcript for John Oakley journal excerpt, 1856 June-August

John Oakley journal excerpt, 1856 June-August.

Millennial Star

Foreign Correspondence

Daniel Spencer letter to Franklin D. Richards, "Foreign Correspondence", Millennial Star, 18, August 2, 1856, No. 31. Page 489.

<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">IOWA. 
L. D. S. Camp, near Iowa City, 
Iowa, June 22, 1856.</center>



President F. D. Richards.



Dear Brother—In reply to your favours of the 8th and 27th May, I am happy to inform you that everything moves along well with us, even better than I could have anticipated. . . . . .



The Thornton’s passengers I am expecting in a day or two. I received, on the 20th, a message of their arrival, but without date, and the telegraphic element becomes very lazy when it points its course westward. From New York a messenger will arrive here some days a-head of his own message sent to announce his coming.



It will give you much joy to learn that the hand-cart experiment is now being fairly, and so far, most successfully tested. Captain Edmund Ellsworth left here on the 9th, with 274 souls, accompanied by elders [John] Oakley and [William] Butler as assistants. Captain D[aniel]. D. McArthur left on the 11th with 221 souls, accompanied by Elders [Spicer Wells] Crandall and [Truman] Leonard as assistants. These numbering in all 497 souls, embraced 104 of the S. Curling’s company, and their fit-out was, together, 100 hand-carts, 5 wagons, 24 oxen, 4 mules, 25 tents, and provisions to Florence. Brother Ferguson visited their camps 35 miles out, and accompanied them during a portion of a morning’s march. He reports that, though their first two days’ travel were good marches for strong men, considering the sandy roads, he never visited a camp of travelling Saints so cheerful and universally happy. All were full of faith in God, and the fulfilment of His promises through His servants, and what few doubts existed in the minds of half-weakly believers, had all vanished when they saw the reality before them. The weak and feeble had already begun to gather strength; the sick were fast recovering, and the power of God was made abundantly manifest in the pouring out of His Spirit upon the people. Much credit is due, not only to the brethren in charge of the companies, but to the native Presidents of Conferences, who emulated each other in setting an example of putting in practice the theories they had taught their flocks in their fields of labour in their own country. The remainder of the S. Curling’s company of Fund passengers will leave to-morrow, numbering about 320 souls. They are organized with elder Edward Bunker as their Captain, assisted by Elders David Grant, John Parry, and Geo. W. Davis. To fit out these companies, brothers Grant and Kimball succeeded in purchasing, in the vicinity of Weston, a few cattle and mules, which, including travelling expenses, average nearly $85 per yoke for oxen, and $120 per head for mules. Since then cattle have lowered some in value, and brothers Van Cott and Grant have purchased about sufficient to fit out the independent hand-cart and ordinary dependent companies, at an average of from $38 to 65 per yoke, cows will cost from $15 to $18 each. These will be furnished at the Bluffs with the through fit-out. They have also contracted for young stock to supply the demands already made at the rate of $7 for yearling and $12 for two-years-old heifers ; dry cows $15 each. Brother George has also purchased and brought in 16 head of mules at $110, which with seven or eight which brother Van Cott has got, will make sufficient for a mule team to each 500 of the Fund companies, and for those who will cross the Plains with you. . . . . .



I am looking for brother Van Cott daily, with the general drove of cattle, from which I expect to supply the ordinary passengers who are here, as well as those coming, with whose names you have furnished me. The first company of wagons left Florence about the 6th instant, of which, by my appointment, Elder P[hilemon]. C. Merrill took charge. Elder Peterson’s company were expected to accompany them. Elder Joseph France left in company with Captains Ellsworth and McArthur, with the appointment to take charge, on his arrival, of such of the Saints congregated there from St. Louis and other parts, as would form the second company of wagons.



Business having called me down to St. Louis a few days, I was much rejoiced, on the 14th, to meet brother Erastus, together with brothers G. A. Smith, E. T. Benson, Orson Pratt, and the other brethren bound eastward. Brother Erastus accompanied me here. He leaves to-morrow for St. Louis, and is in tolerable health. I expect he will meet the Horizon’s company at Boston, and, having a copy of that portion of your letter pertaining to the business of that company, will give it the necessary attention. I will continue to draw upon you, as heretofore, until I shall have completed the money part of the season’s operations. I shall expect to meet you at Florence, and will endeavour to have the mules harnessed and whip in hand on your arrival, and a crust of bread in pocket . . .



The health of the camp is unusually good this season. My own is also excellent. Truly the Lord has been with us, and has favoured the opening of the new route. Since we have taken the making of the hand-carts into our own hands, it is getting along beyond our best calculations. Brother Webb has been most faithful and successful in the charge of this department. The Church goods, sent by the Thornton, were already ordered to this place, and will have the proper attention.



Brothers Ferguson, McAllister, Grant, Webb and the brethren generally, join me in much love to yourself, brothers Cyrus, Little, Dunbar, Linforth, Calkin, Williams, Turnbull, and all the Saints. May success be multiplied to you in all your exertions.



<center xmlns:its="http://www.w3.org/2005/11/its" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Faithfully in Christ, 
DANIEL SPENCER.</center>

Transcript for Daniel Spencer letter to Franklin D. Richards printed in "Foreign Correspondence," Millennial Star, 2 August 1856, 489-90

Millennial Star.

Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company financial accounts, 1849-1886

Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company financial accounts, 1849-1886, Vol. 1, Page 89.

Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company financial accounts, 1849-1886, Vol. 1, Page 234.

Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company financial accounts, 1849-1886, Vol. B, Page 198.

Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company financial accounts, 1849-1886.

William Butler autobiography, 1850-1875

William Butler autobiography, 1850-1875, Page 3-5.

Myself and another man left the camp, packed our provisions and Blankets, and started on foot for Salt Lake Valley.—we had traveled one day—and at night the India[ns] Headed us just after we had crossed the Platte River.



The Indians were on horseback.—we both saw them at the [sa]me time.—we dropped down amongst the sage brush, in a …w hollow place.—the Indians going north to head us.—we [to]ok the contrary course, and traveled all night and thereby [m]ade our escape.—we suffered very much for want of wa[te]r, and also on account of the heavy loads we each had to [p]ack.—the first water we came to was alkali springs, w[e] [d]rank freely of it being then ignorant of bad effects, which[h] [r]esulted therefrom.—we became very sick and tired.—we [tra]velled on to the Willow Springs where we struck the roads [and] made some coffee, drank it, and laid down to rest in [the] blazing hot sun in August, after a while we heard a [voic]e calling on us to awake, we sat looking at each in sur[pri]ze.—we ask each other the question, did you hear anything?...[B]oth said we heard it.—which caused us to think and [ref]lect what to do.—we both thought it best, to get up and [pro]ceed on our journey, so we traveled and overtook a mormon company in the evening.—led by Captain Lake we stayed with them.—they gave us some milk, which helped [c]ure us of the bad effects produced by drinking the Alkali [wat]er.



[T]his year there was great destruction of life [and property among] the peo[ple] who were [mostly] …tes of Illinois and Missouri.—traveling on the plains to the gol[d] [mi]nes of California.



the next morning we left the train, and in [th]e evening passed by devils gate on sweetwater—we travelle[d] [a]ll night, because of the howling of the wolves who were very nu[m]erous, and followed on our track.—



on the morrow we overtook [a]nd camped with a small train.—they gave me some bone linement to rub my feet with which did me much good.



We traveled on till we come to two men traveling alone.—we [tr]avelled in company with them untill night, and then camped [I] in a low place amongst the brush.—one of the men was an Irish man, who got up, about midnight to light his pipe.—his comrade woke me and exclaimed, there is a Bear! Whereupon [I] called my comrade, when we got a pistol and a knife, with the [in]tention of going for the Bear, as we supposed. When to our [s]urprize, we found it to be the Irishman.—who seeing the dan[g]er he was in exclaimed—I am not a Bear! Whereat we had a hearty laugh.



Next morning at dawn of day, we prepared to travel again[.] this was about the sixth of August &lt;1850&gt;—We had not proceeded far on our way when we came across a man (from the State of Illinois) in a dying condition,— and no one near him—he [o]ffered me all he had, if I would but take care of him and see hi[m] safe to Salt Lake city.—life being as sweet to me as to him,— and wishing to make my journey as short as possible—I engage[d] the other two men to stay with him.—A day or two afte[ r]wards I heard that the man had died.—and left for the wolves [to] [pl]uck his bones.



I kept gaining strength daily, so that I was enabled [to tr]avel with ease.—my companion kept getting worse al[l] the ti[me].—with great difficulty I got him along as far as Gr[een] River, when we began to be short of provisions.—here [w]e found a Cow that had been left by a company on accou[nt] [of] its lameness.—we drove it about a mile to a camp, and sold it for five pounds of Bacon, and fifty cents in money which enabled me to get to my journey's end.—otherwise I sh[ould] [h]ave perished with hunger.—at the Green River crossin[g] the ferry man had been murdered for his mon[ey and the ferry boat] sunk by so[m]e m[oun]tain[eer] which necessitated us to make a raft of logs which we contrive[ed] to fasten together with willows. previous to this we tried to ford the stream, but found it impracticable. I took a pole and ferried ourselves across. the Logs sunk under the water up to our knee[s] and in this plight we got across.—our provisions also got wet.—we had to dry them the best we could.



We travelled on till we came to the head of echo Kanyon[.] here I left my companion (he being sick) with a company we had overtook.—I then took my knife and Pistol,— tightened up my belt,—(my provisions being about give out) and started out on a trot, realizing the importance of getting to the valley as soon as possible.—



the last day of my journey, I had but an oun[ce] of Pork (when I was in Parley's Park) on this I made my way t[o] the first House in the valley, where I was treated to a good supper and Bed—being the first bed I had lain on since the first of April &lt;1850&gt; (the time I started from Canada) till I [la]nded in the valley, on the 16th of August &lt;1850&gt; it was just sixteen days since I left Deer Creek on the Platte—a distance of four hundred and twenty miles.—making twenty five miles per day, carrying my provisions Blankets pistol and a knife.



Whilst travelling through Echo Kanyon.—it was terrible to see, and hear the echoing of the wolves, and to fee[l] the desolate situation I was in—in a strange country an[d] all alone at that.—(the company that I left at Deer Creek did not arrive till about the last of September)[.] it was sa[t]urday when I arrived—

Transcript for William Butler autobiography, 1850-1875, 3-5

William Butler autobiography, 1850-1875.

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Woodview, Gorey, Wexford, Leinster, Ireland, United Kingdom

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Went to Canada first and baptized many, and then served a mission in Liverpool, England. LR 1140 2 Image 14 Arrival in Liverpool: 4 November 1853 Departure: 19 April 1856 He left single, but married his first wife, Emma Harvey, while still in Cradley, Herfordshire, England, 23 Jan 1856.

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

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Emma Harvey

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Marriotts, Weber, Utah Territory, United States

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Marriottsville, Weber, Utah Territory, United States

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The Church History Biographical Database is a powerful research tool that contains biographical entries on over 100,000 early Latter-day Saints, such as pioneers who traveled to Utah and missionaries who served throughout the world from 1830-1940.

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William Butler

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