Transcript

Transcript for John Oakley journal entries in William C. Staines journal, 1852 August-1860 May

June 2nd Meeting cal[l]ed at Bro. Taylor's House for the purpose of reorganizing his Co[mpany]. Jos[eph]. Horne was elected Capt[ain]. & J[oh]n. Oakley cl[er]k. Ariah Brewer [Brower] Capt[ain] of 1st 10. Ab[raha]m. Hoogland [Hoagland] of 2nd 10[.] Archibald Gardner 3rd[.] W[illia]m. Taylor 4th & Tho[ma]s. Orr of the 5th 10. Bro[ther] Taylor remarked that the Captains duty was to examine his ten & see that the waggons teams, provisions &c was sufficent[.] Bro. Jonathan Pugmire to go as Blacksmith on condition of the Co. fitting him out[.] J[oh]n. Taylor subscribed 400 lbs Bread Stuff - 1/2 corn & 1/2 Wheat[.] Abm. Hoogland 2 Bush of Wheat & 2 of corn[.] Jos[eph]. Horne 2 of Wheat & 2 of corn. J[oh]n. VanCott $5 E Oakley $3 - Jos[eph]. Cain 50 lb Flour 1 Bush Wheat 2 do corn. J Oakley 1/2 Bush Beans Bro. Pugmire proffered to do work at the expiration of our journey to the am[oun]t. of subscription if he did not do it before[.] meeting adjourned till june 4th evening meeting of Co. business

12th P.M. started again for Cal traveled 5 mi.

13th Sunday Co cal[l]ed tog[e]ther for prayer[.] Bro. A Hoogland prayed & Elder Taylor made some remarks on our situation[.] traveled 2 mi.

14th 15 mi. & came to a branch <of the> Elk Horn River

15th 7 mi. & camped on the E H River

16th cros[s]ed the E.H.R on a raft Camped 3/4 mi[les] from the River

17 * 18th occupied in organizing another 50th to the Co.

19th> now denominated the 2nd 100 in the Great Camp <traveled> to which Bro. [Jacob] Foutzs [Foutz] was Elected Captain <Edward Hunter elected captain of the 100> & Bro [Henry] Doremus Cl[er]k of 2nd 50 & 3rd 100

19th 15 mi[les] Camped on the Big Platt[e] River[.] Meeting Bro. Taylor spoke[.] insisted on strict order - voted that all Dogs, Pigs, & Bulls be tied up at night - also voted that 1 man & 2 Boys from each 10 be herdsman when in camp

Sunday 10th Attended general meeeting Bro. P[arley]. P. Pratt spoke on the Prospects of our journey

21st Meeting of the Military or all persons able to do military duty - Bro Taylor gave some instruction - voted that we have prayers every night & morning that all heads of families call their families to go there at the sound of the horn

22nd 14 mi[les] & camped with the general camp on the P[latte] river

23rd 13 mi[les] cros[s]ed a Smal[l]. creek & camped on a slow [slough] with many fish in - meeting Bro. Taylor gave some good advice concerning econemizing our provisions - that it would be better to ration ourselves now than come short at the far end - that dependance on Buffalo &c was hazardous - urged a strict observance to the order of the Camp & Prayer every night & morning - that if we did not call on the Lord for his protection our efforts would be in vain - that there was a thousand co[n]tingenc[i]es that might happen to destroy us or thrawt [thwart] our prospects

24th 11 mi[les] & camped on the river with the general camp. 5 <O.C.> P.M. meeting of the general camp

25th 15 mi. & camped on the river[.] Saw a species of snake cal[l]ed a viven also wild currants growing on the bank

26th 18 mi. cros[s]ed a bridge & camped on a stream cal[l]ed Beaver.

Sunday 27th general meeting

28th 9 mi[les] forded Beaver - two stores & pas[s]ed by few houses inhabited by white men under employ of the U.N[ited].S[tates]. planting corn for the Indian of the Pawnee Nation

30th 15 mi.

July 1st cros[s]ed the Louip [Loup] Fork by fording & traveled 7 mi.

2nd 15 mi. camped on a slow

3rd 14 mi. & camped near the P[latte] river

Sunday 4th July we find ourselves 175 mi. from Winter Quarters at the head of Grand Island - having been much prospered by the Lord thus far on our journey[.] general meeting[.] Bro. P[arley] P Pratt 1st spoke of our prosperity in our journey but was fearful that we would forget our dependence on God - Bro. Taylor followed on the same - & spoke of the union & good feelings that ought to exist amonst us - that we ought to do away with all sectional feelings Co. on party spirrit - that if any had a better Capt. than another they ought to thank God for it

5th 15 mi[les] Camped on the Platt[e]

6th 14 mi. do.

7 15 mi. Do. on a slow pased through a Dog villiage inhabited by a species of Dog though the head is not much unlike a squirril - by some are cal[l]ed Paraire [Prairie] Dogs they burrough in the ground like a rabbit

8th 15 mi. some rain through the night

9th 15 mi.

10th 5 mi[les] & camped on the Platt[e][.] the very hot for 3 days past - making 80 mi[les] for the past week[.] 255 mi[les] from W[inter].Q[uarters]. Considering ourselves much prospered by the Lord having very little sickness[.] no serious accident except 2 Boys falling out waggon and being run over[.] one was Bro. Pugmires son about 7 years old[.] the other Robt. Gardner's 5 year old[.] they are both in a fair way of recovery - lost 1 Horse supposed to have been mired or stolen[.] 2 Oxen having died - have seen for the past 2 weeks several varieties of beautiful flowers & 3 kinds of root - good for the food of man Sue root is a bulb root deep in the ground - top not much unlike the English Been with a blue Flower[.] also the wild Potatoe well known[.] the other kind I have heard no name for - the root is long somewhat like a Parsnip - kind of vine top bearing a dark red delicate Flower resembling the Holly Hawk also the Prickly Pear on Cacti bearing a large light yellow Flower on the leaf - also a delicate fine leaved species of rose of a pink color - saw some Buffalo & Antelope

11th Sunday General meeting

12th 12 mi. & camped on the Platt[e][.] Some Buffalo was killed[.] a substance a composed of Salt and Soda as near as I could tell was found on the ground [.] our cattle was fond of it[.] by some it was supposed poisonous as some of the cattle sweled up & died

13th 10 mi[les] & camped on the Platt[e]

14th 13 mi[les] & camped on the Platt[e] - kil[l]ed more Buffalo

17th 17 mi. camped on the N[orth]. fork of the Platt[e][.] some persons from a band of Mountineers from the opposite side of the river came to our camp informing us that they had letters in their camp for us from our pioneers[.] Bro. Hofman & my self was sent after them[.] by the letters we learned the situation of the Pioneers above Ft. John[.] immense heds of Buffalo rangeing over the Platt bottom & the adjoining hills causing fear in our camp lest the might run over us & frighten our cattle away

18th Sunday general meeting[.] men & Horses sent to hunt cattle for Bro. Grant's co. some 75 head having strayed away

19th still hunting the cattle

20th 10 mi. the cattle hunters returned having found no cattle - meeting cal[l]ed of our Co. to ascertain how we could help Bro. Grants Co. - Bro. Taylor motioned that each 10 give one Ox for the use of the journey[.] it was unanimously agreed upon & arrangements made accordingly

21st sent the oxen to Bro. Grants Co. Some Buffalo kil[l]ed for drying[.] Buffalo numerous[.] 100.000 might have been seen in one days travel

22nd 7 mi. Camped in sight of an Indian camp[.] saw the carcases of about a Doz. Buffalo - Hides tongues Brains & some hind quarters taken of

23rd 2 mi[les] Camped on the river waiting for Bro. Grants Co - a band of Souix [Sioux] Indians, men, women & children on horses come to our camp - danced, feasted & smoked[.] their camp was on the opposite side of the river[.] supposed to be 3 or two in no.

24th 14 mi. & camped a heavy wind and Thunder Storm while camping some rain the Indians follow us trade with us Steal from us Pots, Kettles Pans &c[.] as fine looking & behaved Indians as I ever saw[.] 375 mi[les] from Winter Quarters

Sunday 25th Some persons from Ft. Purbulo & from the Pioneers arrive at our camp bringing letters from the Twelve

26th 15 mi[les] Bro. Taylors Son George was run over by a heavy loaded waggon[.] hands was laid on him - he was also bled - is in a fair way of recovery

27th 16 mi. camped on the river

28th do. do. do.

29th 15 mi. evening heavy wind & Thunder shower[.] Camped on the river

30th 18 mi.

31st 17 mi[les] mornings & evenings begin to be cold[.] very hot in the middle of the day[.] no more Buffalo seen for the past week - Some Mountain Goats shot - much cacti & a large root shaped like a sugar Beet bearing a flower resembling a morning glory cal[l]ed "Man root"[.] also some sma[ll]. white Flowers unlike any I ever saw before [.] the grass quite salt - water bracky - 97 mi[les] for the past week[.] 472 mi[les] from W[inter] Quarters

August 1st Sunday meeting

2nd 19 mi.

3rd 19 mi.

4th 10 mi.

5th 10 mi[les] camped near an Indian villag[e] Sioux Nation

6th 8 mi. forded the river at Ft. Larimie [Laramie][.] pas[s]ed the river & camped

7 burned coal[.] repaired waggoons

8th Sunday

9th repa[i]ring waggons

10th 10 mi. & Camped on the Platt[e][.] Trees scant

11th Left the Platt[e] to cross the Black Hills[.] some of our cattle staggering[.] supposed to be occasioned by eating wild sage (artemtia)

13th 15 mi. assended the highest hill on our route by doubling teams[.] Camped on the road[.] feed wood and water scarce

14th 7 mi. Camped on a creek[.] remains of an Indian with blanket leggins &c found in a wigwam

Sunday 15th 4 mi. Camped on a creek with Springs 685 mi[les] from Winter quarters

16th 12 mi. & camped on a creek 2 mi[les] from Camp found a natural Arch over the creek of Sollid Stone 17 feet high 140 feet from base to base 12 feet wide forming a bridge over the creek though inaccessable to travel in consequence of high walls of Stone 100 feet high on either side - met Bro. E[zra]. T. Benson from the Salt Lake

17th remained in camp repaired waggons &c

18th 12 mi[les] & camped on the Platt[e][.] here Rob[er]t. Gardner's Boy died from injury received by being run over by a heavy loaded waggon

19th burried Bro. Gardners boy on the bluff near our camp it being the 1st camp ground on the Platt[e] after leaving the Bl[ac]k Hill[.] Boys age 5 years 7 mo. & 18 days - traveled 5 mi[les] & camped on Deer Creek[.] much rain through the day

20th 13 mi. heavy road[.] meeting in the morning[.] Bro Taylor spoke of noncompliance of persons to laws pased in the co. - that such things should not be - or he would leave the co. - that it was principle he had reference to - the principle of rebellion was the cause of Lucifers being turned out of Heaven - said he would not promise this Co. safety over the mountains unless the principle of unity existed amongst us & obedience to council[.] voted that Capt. Horne with the Captains of tens have authority to take cows to strengthen teams according to their best judgement[.] also that the 10's except the 1st travel alternately ahead of each other[.] also that 10's help each other in bad places breakages &c also that the whole Co. should wait at the first feeding places if any should be left behind[.] also that the Co. wait for last cattle

21st 13 mi. & camped on the Platt[e]

Sunday 22nd 3 mi[les] & camped near the upper ferry[.] found some of the Pioneers waiting at the ferry

23nd 14 mi. & camped near the Sma[ll]. Springs[.] Supposed the water to be poisonous as a no. of Cattle died the next day

24th 16 mi[les] & camped at the Willow Springs

25th Camped on a rappid clear stream traveled 10 mi[les] 6 feet wide Buffalo & Bear seen

26th 9 mi[les] loose sandy road[.] Camped on the Sweetwater near Independence Rock[.] more cattle dying

27th more cattle dying[.] meeting cal[l]ed[.] Bro. Taylor spoke[.] gave much good advice concerning our future movement - that it required a united effort at this time for we were in a very precarious situation - re[a]d a letter he had written to send to P[arley]. P. Pratt concerning the loss of cattle in the hindmost Co's requiring a halt & consultation what was best to do &c

28th heavy frost[.] more cattle dying & sick - meeting AM concerning dividing loading &c voted that Capt. Horne in connection with the Capts. of tens be authorized to change teams divide loading as their best judgement should dictate[.] after meeting F[rancis] Pullen [Pullin] said no person should have his cow without his consent - that he would first shoot her [.] Bro. Taylor said such conduct should not be allowed & sharply reproved him also Bro W[illiam]. Symons for his unthankfullness to those he was beholden to[.] when time came to yoke up F Pullen made resistance when Capt. Horne came for his cow - by taking out his knife making threats &c Bro Taylor ordered him to be bound - that he was a dangerous man - meeting was then cal[l]ed & testimony cal[l]ed for concerning the difficulty [.] Capt. Horne testified that F Pullen refused to let his cow go in a team according to co. arrangement - said he told him that the cow must be had according to the decision of the meeting[.] F Pullen then drew his knife <[..ats}> on him & he lifted a bridle he had in his hand in defence[.] told Pullen if he struck him he (Capt. Horne) would strike him with the bridle[.] F Pullen then drew the but[t] end of his whip stock as he Capt. Horne approached him Pullen drew a large pocket knife & opened it - Pullen was then seased [seized] by Bro. [William] Field standing behind & thrown on the ground[.] Capt. Horne then took the knife from him. Bro[ther] Field testified similar to the above & thinking that Bro. Horne might get stab[b]ed attempted to take the knife from him & got his hand cut[.] Wm Jos[eph]. Cain & Jonathan Pugmire testified to the same & was of opinion that F Pullen tried to draw the knife through Capt. Horne's hand[.] F Pullen was then cal[l]ed on to say what he had to say in defence - he stated that Bro. Horne drew the Bridle first - the above was cal[l]ed on & they testified that it was not so that the statement made by Capt. Horne was correct[.] Judges was then cal[l]ed to decide on the case[.] Capt W. Snow's 50 of Capt. Grants 100. being the only Co. near - Capt. Snow & the 5 Captains of Captain Horne's 50 was chosen as Judges[.] Capt. Snow spoke at some length on the duties of Captains & men under them - concur[r]ed in what had been done - except that he should not have dealt so litely with him[.] decided that he continue bound till he make reconcilliation or any length of time the captains may dictate[.] decided that he be bound 3 days[.] traveled 9 mi[les] past the Devils Gate & camped on the Sweetwater

Sunday 29th 10 mi.

Sept. 1st 10 mi[les] & camped on the Sweet Water - twice crossed it

2nd 12 mi. & camped on the Sweet Water

3rd 9 mo [miles] & camped on the Sweet Water

4th Saturday remained in camp for the purpose of worshiping God recruiting our cattle &c Meeting P.M. Bro. Taylor spoke - said it was better to stop & worship & give thanks to God if we had neglected it - than to go on for all we would gain by - that he would rather trust in God than in [Pri...] Horses Oxen or anything else - spoke of the time when "nothing would destroy" - that man must first set the example - that we were illy prepared to bring about this time but must do what we can & teach our children to do what they can

5th 10 mi[les] rocky road - pas[s]ed 3 sma[ll]. Lakes

6th 13 mi[les] & camped on the Sweet Water

7th remain in camp to receive the Twelve with some 60 of the Pioneers - kil[l]ed a Heifer & made a feast of fat things for them - snow storm & cold

8th 13 mi[les]

9th pased Dry Sandy 9 mi[les] & 6 mi[les] further pased the forks of the Oregon & Cal. a road 22 1/2 mi[les] & camped on the Little Sandy

10th 8 1/2 mi[les] & camped on Big Sandy

12th 8 mi[les] camped on the Bank of the ford of Green River - here are fish cottonwood & plenty of currants 12 remain in camp to recruit our teams &c meeting in the evening Bro. Horne spoke of laws government &c as some had made objections in the matter of F[rancis] pullen [Pullin] - that persons within the boundary of a Kingdom or Country must submit to the laws that the majority in that Kingdom or Country made - that the minority must submit to the Majority - Bro. Taylor next spoke & said the the principle was correct - spoke at some length on the principles of laws & Government - why the gover[n]ment of the Earth was in confusion & why they would be overthrown that it was for want of respect to laws & officers & the principle of unity - that it would not be so in this Kingdom but law & order would be observed or men would loose their heads - question was then agitated - wither a co. of persons those that had weak teams & were not able to keep up with the rest & could recruit them & save them alive by so doing should stay behind & come on as fast as convenient & those that went on pledge themselves to send teams to their releif when they arrived at the Basin[.] it was voted & carried. F Pullen was cal[l]ed on to make reconcilliation according to sentence pas[s]ed 28th Augst[.] he did so <to> the satisfaction of the co.

14th 20 mi. & camped on "black's fork"

16th 14 1/2 mi. Camped on Black's Fork

17th 9 mo [miles]

18th 8 1/2 mi[les] & camped near Ft. Bridgers

19th Sunday 13 mi. & camped on Mud[d]y Fork

20th 12 mi. camped on Highridge

21st 8 mi[les] pas[s]ed the Oil & Tar Spring & camped on Bear River

22nd remained camped repairing waggons &c

23rd 9 1.2 mi[les] camped on a creek with springs

24th 8 mi[les]

25th 12 mi[les]

26th 10 mi. Camped on Weber River

27th 10 mi. over danderous [dangerous] & [Si..ling] road

28th 10 mi. & camped on Kanion [Canyon] Creek

29th 6 mi. difficult road - camped 1/2 way down the steep hills many waggons breaking

30th 5 mi. & camped on the cold Spring

Oct. 1st cros[s]ed the Summit of "last ridge" & camped on "last creek" 5 mi.

2nd 9 mi[les] came to "finale location"

33 Sunday continued to arrive having been scattered for the last 8 days[.] Bro. Adam McDonald died of disentary an hour before arriving at "Finale location"

Marriages Births & Deaths in the 2nd 50 of the 3rd 100.

Marriages 1. Abmm. Hoogland [Hoagland] to Agnes Taylor[.] Cerrimony by Elder Jn. Taylor[.] Witnessed by James Taylor Agnes Taylor & Mary Jones

Births 3.

Son born of Geo[rge]. & Abiga[i]l Whitaker Aug 21st 1847 named Geo. Willliam, Independence

Daughter born of Cha[u]nc[e]y & Mary West Sept 23rd 1847 named Margarat

Son born of Joseph <& Susan> Harker on the 26th of Sept[ember] named William

Deaths 2.

Robt. Gardner son of Robt. Gardner Jr. on the 18th day of Aug. from injury recd. by being run over with a heavy loaded waggon Age 5 y. 7 mo. & 18 days

Adam McDonald on the 3rd day of Oct. 1847 about an hour before arriving at "finale location" sup[p]osed to be of disentary nothing is known of his birth age &c