Transcript

Transcript for Wilbur, Elisha, [Interview], in "Utah Pioneer Biographies," 44 vols., 30:5-8

10. At what place did you join the company or wagon train with which you came to Utah?
10. Council Bluffs, Iowa. Mr. Wilbur's father started west in 1846, but was delayed due to joining the Mormon Battalion. This the trip west and in the meantime Elisha and several other children were born. During this time Elisha Wilbur's mother died in childbirth and the dead babe and its mother were buried together. Mr. Wilbur's father started to Utah again in 1852 with his 5 little motherless children. Mr. Wilbur's older sister and brothers helped the father with the younger chil[d]ren.

11. When did it leave for Utah?
11. 1852.

12. What was the place of your destination in Utah? Why did you come to Utah?
12. Salt Lake City, Utah. Came to Utah for religion.

13. When did you arrive there?
13. In October 1852.

14. Who was the leader of your company or train?
14. J.C. Little was leader of the company.

15. Method of travel (handcart, ox team, mule team, horseback, etc.)
15. Came by Oxteam. Had three oxen and a cow to pull the wagon.

31. Do you recall seeing any buffalo or hunting any wild game? If so, tell about some incident.
31. Mr. Wilbur saw plenty of buffalo crossing the plains. The Indians killed the buffalo and traded the skins to the emigrants for food stuffs. His father killed antelope in Utah.

34. Tell about coming to your state in a covered wagon.
34. Coming across the plains they ate considerable dried buffalo meat. They were friendly with the Indians. When crossing at night, when they camped on the plains they would build large camp fires and all Saints would sing and pray. One thing that impressed Mr. Wilbur, then a lad of 7, was the unlimited vastness of the Sun flowers, then in bloom. He thought it then and still does, one of the most beautiful sights he ever saw.