Transcript

Transcript for Frederick W. Hurst autobiography and diaries, 1855-1877, Journal, 1857 April-1860 April

[12 October-13 November 1857]

Monday Oct 12th 1857 at the request of Father [William] Lunceford I commence a Journal of our Travels to GreatSalt Lake City via San Bernardino[.] about 8 Oclock A.M. we started[.] Our Company was Composed of 11 persons—as follows Sister Mother Sister [Mary Trent] Lanceford her Daughters, Emeline, Sarah and Sintta Lunceford and Samuel Lanceford[,] Edward L. Barnes[,] Charles C. Hurst[,] F.W. Hurst[,] Marian Outhouse[,] George F. Henlay[,] his Indian Boy William,] I presume an adopted Son, 3 wagons 11 Horses and 3 large Dogs[.] all seemed in high spirits[.] Father Lunceford staid behind in order to sell the Ranch. Bro Owen Williams staid with him for Company. we traveled as far as the Wire Bridge on the Car....... [Carquinez] River[,] distance from Pleasant Hill 22 Miles. here we got one of the Horses shod[,] found Plenty of wild grapes. Paid 1½ Cents per pound for hay Bought[,] $3. & 75 Cents worth for the horses[.] some very suspecious [suspicious] looking Men Came into Camp. however we loaded up the guns and Pistols and set a watch[,] half a night each Clem goes on till twelve then I will relieve him etc the People are very inquisitive, some ask if we aint Mormons[,] some take us for emmigrants from the states. I had almost [illegible] to state that, previous to starting this morning we sung a Hymn When Shall we all meet again, then had prayers, asked our Father Blessing on the journey etc some of the folks think it will be unlucky to start on the 12th and more especially as the Moon is on the wane, but I feel that when the Lord Commands, it is most lucky! (as they Call it) to Obey, wether it be new Moon or Old

Tuesday Oct 13th 1857 there were some fellowes haneing [hanging] round Camp all night. we started at sunrise[,] had some little trouble getting some of the Horses to start[.] the sun has been perfectly scorching all day. we forded the Makelumen [Mokelumne] River at Staples Ferrey just before sundown and Camped near by Mr. Carpenters Ranch (an apostate[),] his Wife is still a Mormon, she was very glad to see us. she had been confined of a little Boy[.] one of their little Boy's was very sick. at her request, we consecrated a Bottle of Oil and administered to him by laying on of hands. Traveled 30 Miles to day.

Wednesday Oct 14th 1857 after a drive of 12 Miles we arrived in Stockton City and camped at Mormon Slough[.] I spent the rest of the day trying to by a light wagon for Sister Lunceford[.] we succeeded better than we anticipated[.] she not only bought a wagon but 1 one span of horses[,] Harness etc for $375 out but Mother beat him down $15[.] Bought them of a Mr <James> Buhanan[.] He said Mother was hard to trade with[,] in fact she regularly Jewed him[.] we were all so interested in [the] matter that Bro Henleys Horses strayed off[.] we all started out to hunt them but in vain. finally just as we were about to retire to rest I heard one of the horses a winnary [whinnying]. I answered it as well as I could and presently they both Came into Camp. this raised our spirits again, for my part I felt truly thankfull[.] I have been troubled with griping pains all the afternoon.

Thursday Oct 15th 1857 Clem and I Bought some gun Powder and caps[,] Lead etc[.] Clem Bought Yauger or Military gun for $11. I also bought and fixed false sides to the new Wagon. I also wrote to Father Lunceford & Bro Shearman[,] addressed the latter to San Juan, sent both by Express. we started about 11 A.M. crossed the San Joacquin Ferrey[.] they Charged $1½ each Team[.] after traveling about 25 Miles[,] we Camped near a small Lake[,] saw Plenty of wild duck & geese. Samuel shot at one and missed it, we picketed the horses out as there was a little grass etc

Friday Oct. 16th 1857 after a very wearisome day[,] March through Livermors [Livermore] Pass[,] we Camped in Livermors [Livermore] Valley[.] we have traveled full 30 Miles to day. grass poor. Could get no hay. Marion & I went to a Spaniards Ranch and tried to get some Corn stalks[.] he wanted to Charge us 50 Cents for about one dozen stalks[,] doubtless thinking that we had no feed, and he had a chance to fleece us however we had Barley[.] I told him I would give him 50 Cents for as much as I could pack but Oh! no! he could not think of such a thing. Consequently we did not buy[.] I was very much fatigued for it was my watch last night, and I have walked most of the day. we occasionally take a ride which proves a great help.

Saturday Oct 17th 1857 the Wolves were howling all night[.] we started at dawn[,] traveled 5 or 6 Miles then bought some hay and stoped to feed the Horses while the Sisters washed[.] Just as we were ready to start Bro. Carlow[,] 4 Sons and 1 Daughter and Mr Michael Wahlen (who intends to Join the Church) we traveled on together[.] our Company increased to 5 wagons 15 Horses 18 souls[.] we [illegible] begin to [illegible] quite strang[,] in fact we raise quite an excitement every little Villege or Town we pass through[.] we reached San Jose Mission about 12 Oclock A.M. here are we with quite an adventure. as we were driving up the street we meet several Spaniards on horse back[.] one of them stoped the train and claimed one of the horses that Mother Lunceford bought in Stockton. however we would not give it up till it had been tried by a Magistrate[.] Consequently we traveled on to San Jose City[,] 15 Miles further so here we arrived about sun set. Bro. Geo. F. Hendry and myself went to Judge Daniels to try the case[.] the claimant Jose Maria Sesena bought a horse 40 witnesses to prove the horse[,] two were duly sworn Namely Peter—Depote, Jose Castro. The Case seemed to be proved quite clear that the said horse belonged to Jose Marion Sesena. we paid half the cost which amounted to ten Dollars. The Judge gave us a Certificate and signed and next morning Sunday we went to the Clerk of the Court to signe and put the seal of the Court on it which Cost another Dollar[.] I then went to Bro John Abbott at Stockton and enclosed the Bill of sale and Certificate giving him power of atorney to recover the Money etc Bro. G. F. Henley signed Mothers Name to it etc. we then traveled on about 25 Miles[.] the Country we have pass through has is very dry[,] water very scarce, in fact we had to pay 12½ Cents for each span of horses to drink[.] I have been troubled with a pain in my side most of the day[.] we Camped on an Old Ranch[,] held meeting after supper. I felt like getting the Bre & Sisters together to talk over a few matters for some were beginning to harbour hard feelings and then we had no Kind of order[.] for instance some would be praying, some singing, talking etc and I felt my duty to talk about it[.] the Bre & Sisters all felt well[,] all were willing to try and do their best for the future etc.

Monday Oct 19th 1857 after traveling about 18 Miles we arrieved at San Juan about noon Camped an the east side of the Town at the mouth of a Kanyon [canyon,] plenty of wood & water, feed scanty. we have traveled 198 Miles since last Monday[.] on our arrival here we heard various reports Concerning a Company of 20 Wagons, being Organised at Silinas [Salinas]. I went to the Office and got the letter I wrote from Stockton addressed to Bro Shearman[.] we have pushed our horses rather fast thinking or fearing we would be behind but we soon asscertained that we were first. some of the Company thought that I had misunderstood the Name of the right place. I pulled a letter out of my packet to prove that we were right[.] while doing so[,] Bro Marion Shelton arrieved[,] stated that Bro M.H. Shearman had rode after us[,] reached here shortly after us but hearing that we passed through on a brisk trot[,] he dispaired of ever catching up[,] therefore put his horse in the Stable and walked a back five Miles to Tather Ferrey [Ferry] (where by the by we were Charged 50 Cents each Wagon for crossing a small Bridge) this Morning he also stated that their [group] <was> composed of six men Namely W.H. Shearman, Wm. Preston, Marion Shelton, John B. Thatcher, Aaron D. Thather. Moses Thatcher one wagon[,] six Harness etc. at Bro Sheltons request I saddled a Horse and accompanyed him back to his Company[.] we met them Just west of the Town about two Miles from our Camp. I tried to Pilot them to our Camp but owing to my being on horse back and dark[,] I missed the right road, however after some little difficulty we reached Camp[.] we spent the evening very pleasently talking about the times reports, the great excitement etc etc

Tuesday Oct 20th 1857 San Juan remained Campt all day waiting for the Company. we have spent the day shooting, fixing up etc[.] in the evening we had a Kind of Organization meeting. Bro. John B. Thatcher <was> Chosen Captain, W.H. Shearman Chaplain, Edmund S. Barnes Seargent of guard, F. W. Hurst Clerk etc etc etc

Wednesday San Juan Oct 21st 1857 dispatched Bro M. Shelton to Silinas [Salina] in search of Bro Boyle. He returned in the evening, stated (that he heard) Bro Boyle was going with Bro Whitlock etc in Bro Wandels Company however next morning

Thursday Oct 22nd Elders H.G. Boyle & Bull arrieved[.] we held meeting and reorganized the Company. Bro H. G. Boyle was unanimously Chosen Captain, E. T. Barnes, Sergeant of the guard, W. H. Shearman Chaplin and F.W. Hurst Clerk etc as before[.] the Company rolled out about noon[.] I accompanied Elders Boyle[,] Bull & Shearman to Silinas. (we rode on horse back) they had previously appointed meeting at Bro Benetts after riding about 8 miles we called at Bro Styles[,] found him about ready to start for Utah[.] after resting a while[,] we rode 8 or 9 Miles futher to Bro Bennetts[.] He was gone to the City. we then rode two miles futher to Docter Whitlocks[.] after supper we held meeting. most of the Brethren & Sisters spoke their feelings in regard to the journey to the Mountains[,] living their religion etc[.] I cant say that I felt very well[.] it seemed to me that the Saints felt a Kind of luke warm etc etc

Friday Oct 23rd 1857 spent considerable time this morning Ferreying the Horses over the Slough (about 4 400 yards across etc) about nine Oclock we we started from Bro Whitlocks. M.P.W. and Bro Garey accompanied us to shew us the nearest trail across the Prairie[.] after riding about 4 miles we lost Bro Boyle[.] we waited hallowed and Bro Shearman [illegible] his [illegible] but all to no purpose for they did not notice when we left the road and galloped fast to try to Catch us. however we found the Camp about 12 Miles from San Juan[.] the Bre [Brethren] & Sisters felt very bad indeed because we did not get here sooner. I felt very bad myself but not on my own account but on theirs for I do love to see the Saints exercise patience. I know that Traveling is calculated to try our tempers. again Bro Barnes and I went to buy some hay[.] it was thought that we did not get enough and then I was charged with being Careless. well the Lord knows my heart[,] I have tried to help the folks all I could ever since I have been released[.] in fact Bro Shearman told me that I ought to be [illegible] to my own interests but I feel it to be my interest to help my Bre[.] I must Own that it makes me feel discouraged when I have done all in my power and then to hear it said or hinted. well I will not say more on the subject, however I will try and do my best. I almost forgot to state that that I gave Bro John B. Thatcher lent Clem and I $80 to get us a fit out[.] I gave Bro Bull $15 and promised to get $20 from Bro Cannon and I would return it when we get to San Berna[r]dino[.] He <Bro. Bull> is to get $35 worth of Clothing such as Pants[,] Shirts etc also an overcoat[.] each Packs Mittens etc.

Saturday Oct 24th 1857 this Morning we made our final start for Los Angel[e]s. we number 25 souls & Bro Wandels Company expect to start in about one week[.] Sister Lanceford traded off one of her Colts and $300 for one span of Mules[.] our course is about south[,] the road lay over the Silinas plains[.] We Camped within one and a half mile of Saleda Close by the River[.] No feed, plenty of wood, paid 3 Cents for hay etc.

Sunday Oct 25th 1857 our road has been very rough all day[,] in fact some places all hard, had to assist. we traveled about 20 or 30 Miles, Camped in the [blank space] Pass[.] feed scanty, very poor water[.] after prayers Bro Boyle spoke his feelings as follows[:] Brethren & Sisters when our Chaplain Calls us to prayers let us attend whatever we may be doing wether it be frying meat even. let us attend to our duty[.] in all my experience[,] when I was in the Mormon Battalion[,] those who attended prayers were allways propered and I can tell you Bre & Sisters[,] men are stronger in the faith to the present day. again I want to see everything done in order when we are traveling on the road[.] let the Wagons Keep together. do not Cherish hard feelings[.] if we will do these things[,] I Know the Lord will Bless us etc

Monday Oct 26th 1857 had some trouble starting this morning[.] I am sorry to say there was some little confusion, what a pity it is that we as Latter day Saints get out <of> homor [humor] with each other, for my part I see the necessity of governing myself well. we had not traveled far before [we] came to a hill long and steep[.] had to hitch on a couple of Span of Horses to each Wagon besides all hands to push behind, block the wheels etc[.] this detained us so that we did not travel more than 15 or 16 Miles[.] Bro Boyle shot a fine Deer. Distance 190 yards[.] we have seen plenty of Grizzly Bear track, Deer etc all along the road[.] we have camped near the bed of what has been a large River[.] grass a little more plentiful[.] had to dig for water[.] held meeting in the evening. plenty of wood etc.

Tuesday Oct 27th 1857 as we were starting this morning[,] one of the Horses reared and Charged round and broke the tongue of Mister Lancefords light Wagon[.] were detained about an hour longer splicing on a new one[.] some of the Bre[thren] were on ahead hunting. Bro John B. Thatcher shot a fine Deer. saw no end to Grizzly tracks[.] we had to travel over hills & some of them very steep. we Camped for two hours about noon in a very pleasent place. plenty of grass and water. we traveled five or six miles after dark or rather by moon light. found excellent grass[,] Plenty of wood & water[,] all seemed to rejoice. I really do feel grateful for I realize the hand of the Lord is over us for good etc.

Wednesday Oct 28th traveled full 25 Miles. considerable sandy road[.] in the afternoon we bathe in a warm sulpher Spring[.] Camped near an Old Spanish Ranch[.] water rather scarce[,] wood and grass plenty.

Thursday Oct 29 took the Horses out early this morning to feed. Passed by an Old Spanish Fort. we found an Old Indian[,] only all the intelegence we could get from him was no [illegible] arrieved in San Lucia Ol[..]per before sun down had quite a feast of Prickly pears paid 2½ Cents per pound for hay and Barley. Mother sold one of her little mare Colts for ten Dollars[.] it was with great difficulty that it Kept up with the wagons as it was so lame.

Friday I made a new tongue for Mothers Carriage. I had to pay $1 for a pole[.] we laid in over 400 lbs of Barley etc[.] got the Mules shod also one of the Horses, one $1 per shoe[.] started after dinner[,] traveled 12 Miles Camped within one Mile of the seashore[,] grass scanty[,] Plenty of wood & water found plenty of Clams etc[,] Boiled some for supper. held meeting in the evening some of the Bre' & Sisters had some feelings toward regarding each other however Bro' N Carlow made a motion that all that was passed should be forgotten it was Carried unanimously.

Saturday Oct 31st 1857 our road lay along the sea Beach for 12 Miles[.] we started early but had to put back on account of the high tide[.] while waiting for the tide to go down[,] the following persons were [rebaptised] or renewed their Covenants[:] Marion Outhouse, Emeline Lanceford, Sarah & Sintta L. Lanceford[.] the following were Baptised for the first time Nathaneel Carlow, Sintta Lanceford, Caroline Carlow, Michael Wahlen. after noon we traveled 15 Miles and Camped 12 Miles along the sea shore, the last 5 Miles was over very heavey sand, in the evening we held a confirmation meeting.

Sunday Nov 1st 1857 traveled about 25 Miles[.] we are beginning to get in to a very mountainous Country[.] we camped in a very pleasent place[,] plenty of grass near what is called the all Saints Ranch. held Prayer meeting round the Camp fire.

Monday Nov 2nd 1857 traveled 25 Miles[,] some of the Bre' think near 30 Miles. the road has been exceedingly rough[.] it was dark when we reached camp[.] no grass[,] very little wood[,] plenty of water etc

Tuesday November 3rd our road has been rougher than ever[.] we passed through the Garsiota [Gaviota] Pass, rocky Kanyan [Canyon] etc. Mother's light wagon broke down[.] one of the hind wheels smashed its axows [axles[.] we tied a pole under the Box and draged the Wagon into Camp[.] however it was thought best by all hands to devide and put the load into the other wagon[.] accordingly next morning we devided. Nov 4.th we all went to work[.] took the Break off the Old Wagon and put it on the new—also rig[g]ed a strengthening tongue etc[.] about noon we rolled out[,] traveled 18 Miles over exceeding rough road, Close by the seashore[.] Camped in a small ravine[,] grass scarce[,] good water etc[.] some of the Boy's shot some geese, the wind Blows very high etc

Thursday Nov 5th 1857 after traveling 24 Miles we arrieved in Santa Ba[r]bara about sunset. This is quite a large Town[,] mostly Spanish. we have had quite a shower of rain this evening[.] bought hay 1½ Cents per pound[,] Barley 2½ Cents etc.[.] still <very> windy

Friday Nov 6th 1857 had some Blacksmithing done[.] Bro. Carlow and I I fixed a pair of old springs on to the light wagon[.] in the afternoon we traveled 16 Miles[.] Camped by a small stream of good water but the place is entirely destitute of grass[.] the wind blows a perfect hurricane etc

Saturday Nov 7th 1857 traveled 25 Miles mostly along by the sea shore[.] passed through San Beneventure [Buenaventura.] some of us went to see the Catholic Cathedral[.] it was pretty [illegible] furnished with Images of Jesus Christ[,] Virgin Mary etc etc[.] grass scarce[.] we held meeting in the evening Cap Boyle Counselled us not to let the People in Las Angel[e]s Know what we are, and evasively answer questions which are continuously being put to us[.] he also advised those who wished to purchase good[s] at Los Angeles to make out a list etc in order to push on to San Bernardino as fast as possible for[,] said He[,] we Know not what is in the future. we may have to make a forced march through the Tahaan [Tejon] Pass.

Sunday Nov 8th 1857 traveled 25 Miles[.] Camped on a perfect desert[,] not a blade of grass[,] no indeed any description of vegetation[.] I have been very sick all last night and to day I feel as if I had been poisoned. I have suffered dreadfully from griping pains etc. I thought it best to fast all day. I feel that it has done me good already etc etc

Monday Nov 9th 1857 had good roads all day[.] traveled 30 Miles[.] Camped near a Spanish Ranch. bought corn fodder for the Horses. a number of us went down to the Ranch and spent the evening very agreeably[.] had grapes etc. two young Spanish Ladies and their Bro' could talk English very well. they seemed to be quite Clever folks etc

next day Tuesday traveled 24 Miles[.] Camped within two Miles of Los Angeles about 3 Oclock P.M. at Mother Luncefords request Bro N. Carlow and I searched all over Town for Wagons to price them as she wanted to buy one[.] found several from $200-$225 etc

Next day Wednesday Sister Lunceford bought one Wagon for $225 [illegible] 25 Cents. Harness $40 etc[.] I Bought off Bro' Mendenarf Neulenarf one Revolver <No. 52034> and etc for $25[,] also one Keg of Powder weighing 12½ lbs. $6 50 Cents [$6.50] also 11½ lbs. of Lead $2.0.0 I did want to buy a pair of shoes but I thought I would get all the ammunition I could[.] I wish all the Saints would do the same.

Next morning early we raised quite an excitement by driving through the City. Breakfasted at Maute[,] a very small Town 12 Miles from Los Anglelos [Angeles] it was after nine Oclock when we camped.

Next day Friday Nov. 13th we arrived in San Bernardino before sundown….