Transcript

On the 23^rd June his health being restored he [Homer Duncan] was appointed by Elders Jacob Gates[,] Claudius Spencer and Milo Andrus Captain of the Fourth Company (letter D) of Saints crossing the Plains of which the following is a detailed account:

Fourth Company (letter D) organized—Sunday June 23^rd 1861

Elder Homer Duncan, captain: Henry Talbot. chaplain: Thomas George Odell secretary; Henry Talbot jun Captain 1st ten; Daniel Miller captain 2nd ten; Benjamin P[earce] Evans, captain 3rd ten; Edwin Stratford captain 4th ten; Thomas Green captain 5th ten; Joseph Foster sarjeant of guard

June 24^th company preparing

June 25^th Rolled out at Eleven o clock and camped at Little Papill[i]on at four. Elders Gates and Andrus visited the camp in the evening. Camp called together when it was resolved that we sustain each other through to the Valley.

June 26th Rolled out at twelve and camped at ½ past four. Met a portion of the Church Team under charge of Captain Eldredge

June 27^th Rolled out at ten and camped at four. Met some more Church Teams. In the evening a train under charge of Captain Snow camped alongside us A meeting was held; addresses by B^r Stodart[,] B^r Biggler and B^r [Charles William] Penrose.  B^r Taylor’s cow cart stampeded and upset

June 28^th Rolled out at eight[.] road very heavy. Taylors cow cart came in early. Gillespie’s wagon in mud hole[.] got out by extra yokes—Camped at ½ past 3. Received a letter at Fremont for Brigham Young

June 29^th Rolled out at nine. Some rain. camped at ½ past four at the North Bend

June 30^th Cow missing—delayed the rolling of the camp till half past ten.  Camped at five at Shell Creek. Some Pawnees camped close to us

July 1^st Rolled out at 8. Four waggons belonging to Stodart left us and crossed the Platte[.] Camped at five

July 2^nd Rolled out at seven[.] Crossed the Platte at Loup Fork[.] A young heifer the property of B^r H. Talbot jun. drowned[.] Camped at four

July 3^rd Rolled out at ½ past 7[.] Camped at ½ past 1

July 4^th Rolled out at 7.  Camped at ½ past 3[.]  B^r [William Henry] Gampton and B^r Smith sick with fever[.]  Sister Caroline Britton in getting from B^r Luff's waggon fell and the forewheel passed over her body

July 5^th Rolled out at seven[.] Camped at ½ past two at Parkeer’s—B^r Gampton better Sister Britton very ill

July 6^th Rolled out at six[.] Camped at three at Shoemaker’s. Sister Britton able to sit up in the waggon

July 7^th Rolled out at six[.] camped at two. Sick much better. Meeting in the evening. Address by B^r Penrose. Several Emigrants returning from California present

July 8^th Rolled out at six[.] Camped at three. Day very hot and cattle much fatigued

July 9^th Stopped at Wood River Centre for repairs. Forwarded a letter to President Young with list of names of the Saints number of waggons, stock. etc. etc. Rolled at four in the afternoon[.] Camped at six

July 10^th Rolled out at ½ past six camped at three. Two mule waggon and Eight ox waggons passed containing apostates bound for the States

July 11^th Rolled out at seven. Heavy thunderstorm. Camped at three.

July 12^th Rolled out at seven. Camped at three. The coupling pole of B^r Spencer’s waggon broke. B^r J. A Kelting’s mules frightened ran off and strained the axle[.] Sister Britton and B^r Smith continue very ill

July 13^th Rolled out at seven Camped at four. B^r [Benjamin] Lang added to the List of Sick

July 14^th Rolled out ½ past six Camped at ½ past three. Rain Storm. Baptized by B^r James Edg[e]hill in the Platte[.] William Wanless aged 40 had formerly been in the Church in Missouri. Prayer by Elder Thomas George Odell. Confirmed by Elder Homer Duncan

July 15^th Rolled out at seven[.] Camped at ¼ to four. Antelope shot.

July 16^th Rolled out at seven[.] Camped at three. Some Sioux visited the camp

July 17^th Sister Wanless fell from a waggon and injured herself (she being with child) which delayed the rolling till three. Camped at five

July 18^th Rolled out at seven. Sister Wanless better. B^r Kelting’s Waggon pole broke. Camped at six

July 19^th Rolled out at ¼ past seven—Camped at five.

July 20^th Rolled out at seven. Camped at one[.] Heavy rain

July 21^st Rolled out at nine. Storm at midday. Camped at six[.] The tongue bolt of B^r [Frederick] Dark[e]’s waggon broke

July 22^nd Rolled out at ½ past six Camped at ½ past five. The pole of B^r Penrose’s waggon broke

July 23^rd Rolled out at ½ past six[.]  Heavy sandhill. All teams doubled camped at ½ past four

July 24^th Rolled out at ¼ to six and camped at 10 o’clock at Ash Hollow in order to celebrate the Anniversary of the entrance of the Pioneers into the Valley. The day was spent in rejoicing singing music and dancing and various sports. The weather was fine and the amusements were continued till a late hour.

July 25^th Rolled out at 7. Camped at ½ past 4

July 26^th Rolled out at ½ past six. Camped at five—All in good health except Sister Britton

July 27^th Rolled out at ½ past six.  Camped at twelve. Mary S. [Estella] Jenkins aged three years fell between the waggon cover and the hind wheel cutting her head and face

July 28^th Rolled out at seven. Camped at eleven opposite Castle Rock. Meeting in the evening. Addresses by B^r Duncan. B^r Penrose and B^r David John.

July 29^th Rolled out at ½ past six. Heat excessive.  Camped at one.  An ox belonging to B^r Joseph [G.] Robinson died

July 30^th rolled out at seven. Camped at seven opposite Chimney Rock. Storm.

July 31^st Rolled out at ½ past six. Camped at six o’clock

August 1^st Rolled out at seven. B^r Jones broke a wheel. Camped at twelve in order to repair. B^r Jones[,] B^r Gates and B^r Spencer drove into camp. B^r Jones addressed the Saints in the evening. Antelope shot.

August 2^nd Rolled out at seven. Camped at ½ past six. B^r Gates addressed the Saints in the evening

August 3^rd Rolled out at seven. B^r Jones[.] B^r Gates and B^r Spencer left the camp. A cow belonging to B^r [George] Coombes gave out and was left behind. Heavy thunder storm. Camped at seven.

August 4^th Rolled out at eight. Crossed the Platte at Fort Laramie. Camped at one

August 5^th Rolled out at four p.m. Camped at ½ past seven. Repacked some of the wagons[.] Useless articles thrown away. B^r [Samuel] Russell’s horse waggon turned over in descending a hill[.] One bow and a chair broke

August 6^th Rolled out at seven. B^r [Henry] Sharp’s axle broke. B^r [Thomas] Cairns left at Center Station with B^r Andrus mule waggon. Camped at four

August 7^th Rolled out at nine. B^r [John] Turner’s coupling pole broke. Thunder storm. Camped at ½ past 7

August 8^th Rolled out at eight. Crossed the Platte Camped at six.

August 9^th Rolled out at ½ past seven. Camped at seven. Attempted to cross the Platte; found the water too high. B^r Talbots horse wagon crossed but the horses fell; were unhitched and the waggon drawn across by the brethren. Heavy rain.

August 10^th Several of the cattle missing. Part of the camp rolled at 9, the remainder not till twelve. All the cattle found. Two teams stampeded but no accident. Camped at seven

August 11^th Rolled out at eight. Storm of wind and rain. Camped at seven.

August 12^th Rolled out at nine. Crossed the Platte. Reached Deer Creek at twelve and camped. Two yoke of oxen brought to camp to be passed forty miles on, with leave to work them.

August 13^th Rolled out at twelve. Camped at ½ past. B^r [Samuel] Russell’s spokes of his wheels gave way and had to be spliced before he could reach camp. B^r Kelting’s mule waggon left the camp

August 14^th Rolled out at nine. Crossed the Platte. Camped at six. Repaired B^r [Samuel] Russell’s wheels

August 15^th Rolled out at seven. Camped at two. B^r [William] Hughe’s cow died

August 16^th Rolled out at ½ past seven[.] Camped at ½ past three. Cattle drove three miles to feed. B^r Talbot’s daughter ill.

August 17^th Rolled out at eight. Met a mule train from Springville going to Laramie. B^r [Joseph G.] Robinson’s axle broke[.] Camped at two

August 18^th Rolled out at eight. B^r [Frederick] Dark[e]’ s axle broke camped at ½ past three[.] Meeting in the evening. Addresses by B^r Duncan[,] B^r [Jonathan ] Heaton [Jr.] and B^r [George Thomas] Luff

August 19^th B^r Dark’s axle repaired. Several oxen shod[.] Rolled out at twelve[.] Camped at five. B^r Dean’s tyre came off

August 20^th Rolled out at ten. Met a body of U.S. troops returning from Utah. Horse and foot, baggage, cows, guns, etc. Heavy rain all day. Camped at four[.] At nine o clock this morning Anne Jane John daughter of David and Mary John from South Wales died from inflammation of the bowels aged eight months five days.

August 21^st The body of Anne Jane John was placed in a coffin and buried at the foot of a bluff between two projecting points about twenty miles east of the second crossing of the Sweetwater[.]  A pile of stones was placed on the grave and a board with the following inscription at the head:—"Anne Jane John, daughter of David and Mary John died August 20^th 1861.” Number of the brethren and sisters followed the body to the grave. B^r Penrose officiated. Camp rolled out at eight. Camped at ½ past five. Several oxen shod

August 22^nd Camp rolled out at ½ past seven[.] Passed the three Crossings of the Sweetwater. Camped at six. Several oxen shod

August 23^rd Rolled out at seven. Camped at four[.] An ox belonging to H[enry James]. Talbot jun. died

August 24^th Rolled out at eight. Camped at five. Several oxen shod

August 25^th Rolled out at eight[.]  Crossed the rocky ridges to Sublette’s Offcut on the Sweetwater. Camped at two

August 26^th Rolled out at ½ past seven[.] Camped at six. Two antelopes shot.

August 27^th Rolled out at nine[.] Camped at two. Crossed the South Pass. Nine ox and 4 mule teams passed through the camp: they reported B^r [Milo] Andrus company to be about four travels behind.

August 28^th Rolled out at ½ past six. B^r Andrus overtook us on a mule and accompanied the train to Dry Sandy where we left him. Camped at five at Little Sandy. B^r Packerd’s mule train camped alongside. Sister Gillespie delivered of a girl at ½ past ten p.m. The Captains of Tens met and passed a resolution to present Captain Duncan with a written testimonial and also a substantial present for his kind attention to the wants of the company during the journey.

August 29^th Rolled out at ½ past nine[.] Camped at six. An ox belonging to B^r Jenkins died in yoke

August 30^th Rolled out at nine[.] Camped at two. Several oxen shod. B^r Andrus’ train came up about nine p.m. and camped alongside at Big Sandy. B^r Packerd’s mule train left

August 31^st Rolled out at eight. Camped at Green River at four. B^r [William] Gwynn’s horses strayed and he was left behind. B^r Andrus loaned him a span of mules and he caught up at night. B^r [Evan] Jenkins and B^r [Samuel] Russell brought the horses in; they had strayed to former camp.

September 1^st Rolled out at eight[.] Camped at four at Black’s Fork. Meeting in the evening[.]  Addresses by B^r [Homer] Duncan and B^r [Charles William] Penrose

September 2^nd Rolled out at nine. Camped at ½ past three. Presented 31½ dollars to B^r Duncan the voluntary subscription of the camp.

September 3^rd Rolled out at ½ past seven Camped at ½ past three. In forming corrall B^r Duncan fell over a saddle and sprained his arm. Captain [John R.] Murdoch’s [Murdock’s] train passed through the camp at nine p.m.  B^r Snow and B^r Orson Pratt visited the camp at seven a.m. B^r [George] Coombes [Coombs] cow died on the road

September 4^th Rolled out at eight[.] Passed through Fort Bridger[.] Camped at four Murdock’s train camped alongside.  Several oxen shod. B^r Duncan’s arm better but compelled to carry it in a sling

September 5^th Rolled out at nine[.] B^r Morgan and three wagons stayed at Fort Bridger to recruit oxen[.] B^r Robert Gould’s team gave out, his wagon was unloaded and his goods distributed over the camp. B^r Coombes wagon had to be reduced in weight. Several oxen shod. Murdoch’s train left us. Camped at two

September 6^th Rolled out at nine[.] Camped at three at Big Muddy. B^r Martindale’s train camped alongside

September 7^th Rolled out at seven. Camped at four

September 8^th Rolled out at seven. Camped at five in Echo Cañon [Canyon.]  B^r Horne’s train camped alongside. B^r Duncan’s son met us. B^r Morgan’s waggons came up, he had left a steer at Fort Bridger and a steer died on the road. B^r [William] Coslett and wife stayed behind at a station. B^r Coombes cow stabbed in the hind leg with a knife

September 9^th Rolled out at nine. Camped on the Weber at five. B^r [Thomas George] Odell’s cow and B^r Jenkins <Coombs> cow died. Two oxen belonging to B^r [Evan] Jenkins and B^r David John lost. A calf belonging to B^r Wiggle [Wiggill] lost.

September 10^th Rolled out at eleven. Camped at three. Sister [Lucetta Stratford] Penrose delivered of a girl at nine a.m. B^r [Henry] Sharp, B^r [Edward] Stock and B^r Taylor left for Payson City with two waggons and a cow cart. B^r Penrose’s waggon pole broke and he stopped at the mouth of Echo Cañon for repairs. B^r Samuel Russell left for Salt Lake City on horseback

September 11^th Rolled out at nine. Camped at five. B^r [John] Turner and B^r [William] Bedinfield [Bedenfield] left to overtake Church train with two wagons; their intention being to settle at Cache Valley B^r [Frederick] Dark[e] and B^r [Charles William] Penrose overtook the camp. B^r [Thomas George] Odell’s cow left behind

September 12^th Crossed the Big Mountain in safety. B^r Odell’s cow brought in.

September 13^th Crossed the Little Mountain and arrived on the Public Square Eighth Ward Great Salt Lake City about four o’clock[.] Testimonial presented to B^r Duncan expressive of the high regard this company entertain of his kindness to them throughout the journey.

Testimonial presented to Captain Homer Duncan by the Fourth Company on the Plains September 13^th  1861.

           Beloved Brother Duncan—

As the time has nearly arrived when this Company will separate, to be scattered through the various settlements of Zion we feel it a duty incumbent upon us to express in some manner the gratitude and respect we feel towards you for the unwearied labors and unexampled kindness exercised by you towards us.

During the whole of our journey across the great wilderness that separates our mountain home from the habitations of the gentiles you have acted as a man of God—a gentleman—and a brother. Watched over our interest with a father’s care and treated both rich and poor with the same kindness and attention. Your counsels have been inspired by the spirit of wisdom and through obedience to them our journey has been a pleasure trip. Our cattle have not suffered for want of food and water and we have not been exposed to the chilly air of night through late camping. Peace has been with us and the spirit of Jesus Christ has brooded over us.               

Accept therefore this simple testimonial which in an imperfect manner expresses the feelings of every soul in this Company and with it our warmest affection and good will, wishing every blessing to rest upon you that mortal beings can desire for each other we say, with great regret, farewell!

Signed in behalf of the Company

 

Committee

                Joshua Taylor

                Charles W. Penrose

                Thomas G. Odell

               

Thomas George Odell

                Secretary

 

                 Names of the Company

 

 

               

 

 

                                                                                                                              

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summary

               

Number of Souls ------------------ 264

Number of Waggons--------------  47

Number of Cart --------------------     1

Number of Yoked cattle ---------- 214

Number of Loose cattle ----------   89

Number of Horses and mules----   15

Number of Tents-------------------   11

Casualties

Lost by Death:  Anne Jane John aged eight months five days

Increase by Births:   Sister Gillespie—a girl

                                        Sister Penrose—a girl

Lost by Death:

    “         “              Four oxen

    “         “              Five cows

    “          “              One Heifer

    “          “              Two calves