)

CONVERSION STORIES AND MIGRATION EXPERIENCES

of

Elijah Funk Sheets & Susanna Musser James Fackrell, Sr. & Amy Crumb Nathan Davis & Sarah Woolley Joseph Howard & Ann Shelton

O
Great & Great Great Grandparents of Ralph Howard Davis

Compiled by
Ralph Howard Davis

1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS

List of Illustrations
Acknowledgements
Introduction

iii

iv
v

Chapter I Migration Trails 1847-1864

II Elijah Funk Sheets & Sussana(h) Musser Converted, 5 July 1840 Emigrated, 1847 III James Fackrell, Sr. & Amy Crumb Converted, abt 1845/6 Emigrated, 1846-1848 IV Nathan Davis & Sarah Woolley Converted, 2 April 1850 Emigrated, 1851 V Joseph Howard & Ann Shelton Converted, 27 November 1851 Emigrated, 1864

1
21

27

32

41

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

1. Mormon Trail map ~ Nauvoo to Salt Lake Valley (Ensign Magazine, August 1997)

...

Page 8

2. Winter Quarters, by Greg K. Olsen (Ensign Magazine, Sept. 1997)

3. Old Ft. Laramie, Wyoming, by Ralph H. Davis, July 1997

9
10

4. North Piatt River, Ft. Laramie, Wyoming, by R.H.D., July 1997

11
11

5. Military Bridge, Ft. Laramie, Wyoming, by R.H.D., July 1997

6. Devil's Gate, Wyoming, by R.H.D., July 1997

....
.... . .

12
13

7. Historical Signs at South Pass, Wyoming, by R.H.D., July 1997

8. South Pass, Wyoming, by R.H.D., July 1997

14
15

9. Crossing the Weber River, just below Echo Canyon, Utah, by William Keith, (Ensign Magazine, July 1997)
10. Entering the Salt Lake Valley, by C. C. A. Christensen, (Ensign Magazine, July 1997)

15

11. First Plowing, by Valoy Eaton, (Ensign Magazine, July 1997).

16

12. Historical Signs of Bridger-Overland Trail and Stage Route, by R.H.D., July 1997

. .

17
18

13. Bitter Creek, Sweetwater Co., Wyoming, by R.H.D., July 1997

14. Point of Rocks Stage Station, on Bitter Creek, Sweetwater Co., Wyoming, by R.H.D., July 1997
15. Bitter Creek, flowing through Rock Springs, Sweetwater Co., . Wyoming, by R.H.D., July 1997 16. Susanna Musser and Elijah Funk Sheets

19
20

21 27

17. James and Amy Crumb Fackrell

18. Nathan and Sarah Woolley Davis
19. Joseph Howard and James Howard

.....
32

41

in

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I wish to express my appreciation to all who have given encouragement to this project:
To my son, Richard Hyatt Davis, for searching the Church Emigration records at the Historical Department Archives and for giving continual support to my many requests for additional information.

To my wife, Anita Hyatt Davis, for believing in the project and making suggestions all along the way. Thanks also needs to be given for her volunteering to type the document on her computer and for giving it the professional touch that Ilack, and for her willingness to give up her time from that which she loves so much, her Family History research.

Thanks to those ancestors who gave up so much to join the great Latter-day movement. Some buried loved ones at Winter Quarters and on the plains while all exercised great faith, "Faith in Every Footstep." To them we owe a great debt of gratitude for showing us the way and setting the example for us to follow and build upon.
R.H.D.

iv

INTRODUCTION

Throughout my life, Ihave had within me a great appreciation for the Mormon Pioneers. My mother would share frequently the story of my grandfather, James Howard, v/A T/-*n ar\U T-T fU n/4 n-raof Li' anu. my giuai giaiiuiamw, jusupii nuwaiu'o, juimiig uic Li.!. hi .Diigiaiiu. anu uidi struggling for ten years to finally join the Saints in the Salt Lake Valley. My only regret was that Idid not listen more intently and that more had not been written down and preserved for my generation and my children's generation.
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With the commemoration of the Sesquicentennial of the arrival of the pioneers, I found myself wanting to know more about those dear ancestors who gave up so much to join the Church and gather in the mountain valleys of the Great Salt Lake.
had a misconception about my ancestors' coming across the I suddenly realized that I plains. As a boy, Ihad only heard the Howard story. Therefore, I had assumed that they had that were pioneers. In reality, all of my great grandparents were the only ancestors I had come across the plains between 1847 and 1864. The Howards were the last to cross in the fall of 1864. The first were the Sheets in the fall of 1847, followed by James Fackrell, Sr., who arrived in 1848, and Nathan Davis who came in 1851. Realizing what wrong assumptions can do, Iwas stimulated to identify the conversion story of each of these great and great great grandparents along with the story of each family's migration to the Sale Lake Valley and see that my children have a written record of those two important events in the lives of their ancestors.

In 1994, Iprepared a history of my father and mother. It contained some of this information concerning the conversions of the family and some of the migration stories. I have added to that information and expanded with documentation that was not used in 1994. I hope this document will provide a source of information and appreciation for those of the past. We have a rich heritage which was left to our generation and generations to come, a legacy that needs to be remembered.

o
MIGRATION TRAILS OF MY GREAT GRANDPARENTS

During the early 1800s, the western part of the United States was being explored by numerous groups of men. As more knowledge was brought back to the eastern regions,
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the country, holding rendezvous with the Indians as well as the white men. Fur trappers formed large companies that tried to satisfy a developing desire for fur pelts from the vast regions of the west. The government started sending surveying teams, and soon, crude maps were being made of the western areas. By 1847, there were seventy-five different maps covering the areas of the westward migration.

With the opening of the west by explorers, mountain men and fur traders, groups of people started moving west into the fertile lands of Oregon and California. By the mid 1800s, a steady stream of immigrants was moving west and making trails for others to follow. Three major groups developed the trails, each with different reasons for doing so. There were those who were seeking riches of gold in California and those going to Oregon to settle on the rich lands of the Northwest and to establish homes. Then, there was a major migration of Mormons who were seeking a place to establish a permanent home which they called Zion.
Each of these migrations helped to build major trails. Each summer found modification to the previous year's trails. Short cuts were developed such as the Hastings cut off. The major need was the same no matter where the trail went. Therefore, the Oregon-Mormon-California trails provided the three essentials: (1) Good water daily, (2) A dependable supply of grass for the animals, and (3) A passable, natural grade to and through the mountains. Some groups tried sailing around the Horn of South America, and up the coast and then inland by wagon train.
The most efficient way that was found was to follow the waterways, using the Ohio, Mississippi, and Missouri Rivers to Nebraska and then following the Platte River to the Sweetwater and on to South Pass, crossing the Continental Divide where the flow of the waters divided to the west or east. At Ft. Bridger, the trails divided, the Mormon Trail going into the Salt Lake Valley, while the Oregon Trail went to Fort Hall in Idaho. Southern trails were developed through Kansas and Colorado and South to California. The Donner party, in an effort to establish a faster route to California, went through the Salt Lake Valley in 1846, and on across Nevada to the Sierra Mountains where they met with disaster.

Each year the trails had to be re-evaluated as to water, feed, Indians, etc., and changes were made as necessitated. One of those changes came in 1864-1868. The Indians were always a concern to the immigrants, and during this time the Indians were making attacks on the wagon trains, particularly on the Oregon wagons. Ft. Laramie had been taken over by the Government from its original owners to protect the immigrant trains, but the Army was so spread out that they felt they could not adequately protect these wagon trains. They were urging the groups to turn off at Julesburg, on the Nebraska-Colorado border, and
1

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take the Overland-Bridger Pass Trail which followed closely the modern 1-80 as it passes through Wyoming. The Indians were not active in this area, and it also cut off a hundred miles for the Mormons which saved about a week's travel time.

Hearing of the shift to the Overland-Bridger Pass Trail answered a question Ihave
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discovered that Bitter Creek flowed Creek, Sweetwater, Wyoming. " In studying the map, I westward, through Southern Wyoming, and entered the Green River just below the present wondered how they had gotten so far south if they were town of Rock Springs, Wyoming. I going over South Pass as the earlier Saints had done. The use of the Overland Trail was the answer1. In checking the 1864 record of the immigration trains to Salt Lake, we found the following:

"In the year 1864, three ships, especially chartered by Elder George Q. Cannon, president of the European Mission, to carry companies of Latter-day Saints across the Atlantic Ocean, left Liverpool, England, namely, the Monarch of the Sea. General the three large ships from Liverpool landed in New McClellan. and Hudson York City. A total of 2,633 emigrating saints [from Great Britain and Europe] crossed the Atlantic in the three large vessels mentioned, the length of time in which the voyage was made being 36, 33 and 46 days respectively.
"From New York City or Boston, [this group of] emigrants traveled by rail, via Albany, N.Y., to St. Joseph, Missouri, where they boarded river steamers to Wyoming, Nebraska, a village situated on the west bank of the Missouri River, 7 miles north of Nebraska City and 40 miles south of Omaha, which had been selected as an outfitting place for the L.D.S. emigration to the Rocky Mountains that year. (Millennial Star 27:16; Church Chronology)."2

......

A hand written note on the record says, "Went on a new route. Crossed Platte at Julesburg. Up Pole Creek 180 miles. New route to counsel. Feed and water is more plentiful than route via Ft. Laramie. "3 This indicates that counsel had been given to use this route which apparently was used from 1864-1868 after which the transcontinental railroad was completed and the wagon trains were discontinued. The Pony Express also used the Overland Trail along with the Overland Stage Coach. The trail up and over South Pass was soon a thing of the past. The Army found it easier to protect the wagon trains from Indian attacks if they went on the Overland Trail.
The Mormons had little trouble from the Indians along the trail. The Indians respected the Mormons and were sympathetic to them because they had been driven from their lands and homes. The Indians were treated differently by the Mormons, as Brigham Young's policy was to feed the Indians and to be friends. It prevented much grief.

From experiences of earlier immigrant groups, modifications to procedures were tried. The L.D.S. Church established an Immigration Fund which helped to pay the costs for those without funds. In turn, they would pay back to the fund what they had received for the benefit of others wanting to come to the valley.
2

o
Another system was used after the problems with the handcarts. In the spring, the L.D.S. Church would send wagons, teams, and cattle with trained teamsters and guards to bring groups across the plains. Each year a place was selected as a gathering place. This made it so the Saints coming during that year would gather together and be organized into companies with teams, wagons, supplies and personnel to move them across the plains. As
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warehouses of three stories each [that] were erected, besides a store, the immigration office, a corral and two or three dwellings. Elder Joseph W. Young was in charge of the station and also of the immigration and proved himself a very capable manager and leader. "4
The Emigration Record for 1864 says:

"Nine companies of immigrating saints crossed the plains and mounains in 1864, namely, six church trains in charge of Captain John R. Murdock, Wm. B. Preston, Jos. S. Rawlins, Wm. S. Warren, Isaac A. Canfield, and Wm. Hyde; two independent companies led by Captains John D. Chase and John Smith, and the last companies of the season in charge of Capt. Warren S. Snow. Of these 2,697 emigrants who crossed the ocean this season, 71 were Perpetual Emigration Fund emigrants, 118 provided their own teams, and about 2508 crossed in church trains. (See Mill. Star 27:16)
!-

"This year the Church sent out from Utah 170 wagons, 1,717 oxen, 58 horses, and 28 mules, in [the] charge of six captains, 27 mounted guards and 244 experienced teamsters. The method employed to secure this tremendous aid to the migration of emigrants, especially the poor Saints, in crossing the plains and to show the generosity of the Saints in Zion, is explained in the following letter, addressed to Apostle Erastus Snow, in charge of the settlements in Southern Utah, is of great value: "G.S.L. City, Feb. 15, 1864. "Elder Erastus Snow.

"Dear Brother:

"President Brigham Young has called upon us to furnish three hundred teams and wagons to send to Florence [later selection was Wyoming, Nebraska] for freight and the poor, this spring; and in the appotionment among the wards of the Territory, you are requested to furnish from all the wards and settlements in Washington County, twenty-eight ox, mule or horse teams and wagons and two mounted guards each team, if oxen, to consist of four yoke good oxen, of proper age; or four mules or horses and a wagon strong enough to bring thirty hundred pounds; good Chicago wagons being preferable. "Bro. Joseph W. Young has been appointed to go to Florence to superintend immigration there. our
3

"If your wards have not the requisite number of wagons to send conveniently, they are at liberty to purchase in the states, to supply the deficiency, and he will purchase them for you, provided you deposit in Pres. Young's Office $150 in currency (Treasury Notes) for a wagon
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forward such molasses, grain, meat, cotton, etc., as may be on hand, whether due the tithing office, P.E. Fund, Missionary Fund, or Deseret News. The wheat and flour will be particularly needed, for we have to depend upon what will be brought in for supplying the amount to be sent back on the road for the emigration

"You will be as careful as possible and select honest, temperate, good, upright and responsible men for teamsters and guards; men who will conduct themselves properly on all occasions, demeaning themselves as they would if on missions preaching the Gospel. For they are called to fill important missions. If team sters and guards use obscene or profane language, or get intoxicated, or otherwise conduct themselves improperly, the captain of the company will be authorized to try them for fellowship and discharge them.

"The outfit for teamsters and guards last year was very good and you will use the same list for the outfit of this season

"You will get your teams ready and forward them to this city in readiness to cross the mountains, at as early a date as the grass and weather will permit; probably about the 25th of April. Your immediate and prompt attention is called to the accomplishment of this object.

"You will report as soon as possible how many mule or horse teams you can furnish to enable us to complete our arrangements "As ever, we remain your brethrenand fellow laborers in the Kingdomof God. (Signed EdwardHunter, L. W. Hardy and J. C. Little)."5

Similar letters were sent to other officials to respond to the needs.

Not only immigrant trains were formed, but a large amount of freight needed to be transported to Utah from Wyoming. This included "general merchandise, ironware, stoves, glass, etc., ordered from the East by merchants, contractors, and private individuals to be freighted through the Church Emigration office." In 1864, "Pres. Joseph W. Young (in charge of the immigration for 1864) stated that after all the wagons had been loaded, there were still one hundred tons of freight in the warehouses ready for shipment. He had great difficulty in securing suitable wagons and cattle, the migration westward to California being very great that year, including gold seekers and families desirous of making homes in California, Oregon or Washington. "6

The Record of 1864 shows the following:

"Pres. Joseph W. Young left Wyoming [Nebraska] with the last company (Capt. Warren S. Snow) which left the station in August, 1864. The company did not arrive in Salt Lake City until November 2nd, but Pres. Young, though having his
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were united for a time in passing through a part of the country in which the Indians at that time were giving trouble). At Julesburg, on September 11, Pres. Young left these companies and arrived in Salt Lake City, September 25, after a prosperous season's work. 1,7

We see from the forgoing explanation of the 1864 season of immigration that the immigration became much more efficient and that the groups of people were better equipped to make the journey, than in earlier years. We also see that the trails did change from season to season. We also see general merchandise along with machinery was being shipped to the growing communities in the Great Basin. Another development that assisted the immigration was the telegraph. Communication between the immigrant trains and Salt Lake City was now possible. The 1864 Record shows how valuable this became. Elder Joseph W. Young telegraphed from Julesburg, the following:

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"Left trains yesterday. All well. Expect to be home by 28th [September]. These are the last two trains. Capt. Hyde and Snow need 50 yoke of oxen to meet them as soon as possible, at head of Bitter Creek certain. They are coming on that route and several of their cattle have the hoof ail. "8
It was the desire of the Church leaders to have the Saints gather to the Rocky Mountains as quickly as possible. In 1851, the Emigration record shows that the Brethren were concerned that some Saints were staying in the Pottawattamie country around Kanesville and now Council Bluffs, Iowa. The First Presidency wrote a special epistle, 21 September 1851, followed by five other epistles dealing with emigration, to these Saints. The following is an extract:
"We send unto you our beloved brethren, Ezra T. Benson and Jedediah M. Grant, for the special purpose of counselinf and assisting you to come to this place, and we desire you to give heed to their counsel in all things, and come to this place with them next seson; and fail not.

"Come all ye officers in the Church, and all ye officers in the State or county. There is no more time for Saints to hesitate what course they will pursue. We have been calling to the Saints in Pottawattamie ever since we left them to come away; but there has continually been an opposing spirit whispering, as it were: Stay another year and get a better outfit until many who had means to come conveniently have nothing left to come with. ...
5

"We say again, come home. And if you can get one good wagon and team to five families, and five teams to 100 souls, or no teams at all, more than cows and calves to your hand-carts, you can come here with greater comfort and safety than the Pioneers came here who had nothing to come to, while you will have everything; and here is the place for all Saints to get their outfitfor Zion, even from all nations; U/NmA n/4 \"XTs\ A aim i/umc nuino aay again, .niiac vVc wimi yuu iu OVaCucUC Liiuiviuic/, Pottawattamie, and the States, and next fall be with us, all ye Saints of the Most
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High, and it shall be well with you, if you will keep all the commandments."9

The earnest call from the First Presidency of the Church had the desired effect, and the year 1852 witnessed such a stream of "Mormon" emigrants crossing the plains and mountains n route for Great Salt Lake Valley, as had never been seen before. The Pottawattamie lands were vacated, the organization of the Church there discontinued, and nearly all the Saints who had lingered there came to the Valley. The emigration of Saints from other parts of the United Satates, where they had scattered, was also quite large that year, while that from Europe was small compared with the operations of the preceding and following seasons.10

NOTES ON MIGRATION TRAILS

Map 12 of the Overland-Bridger Pass Trail, 1862-1868, by Stanley B. Kimball,

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Church Emigration Record of 1864, Eistorical Dept. Archives.

Journal History of the Church, 1864.

Church Emigration Record of 1864, Historical Dept. Archives.

Ibid.
Ibid. Ibid.

Ibid. Millennial Star, Vol XIV, page 29.

Church Emigration Record of 1852.

10

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North Platte and Laramie Rivers. Directly down the opposite slope, on the banks of the Laramie about a mile above the confluence of the streams, stands Fort Laramie. It is about eight miles from here as the crow flies, but twelve miles by road.

Founded in 1834 by fur traders William Sublette and Robert Campbell, who named their log structure Fort William, the post was acquired by the American Fur Company in 1841. That company built an adobewalled complex nearby which they named Fort John, but the moun tain men called it Fort Laramie. This latter name stemmed from the river on which it was located and which, in its own turn, got its name . from the trapper Jacques LaRamie, who is believed to have trapped and died in the area in the early 1800's.
years it became the most famous military post protecting the Oregon Trail and. served as a forward base for many campaigns of the Indian Wars. The fort was deactivated in 1890, the land sold into private ownership and the buildings sold at auction or abandoned and allowed to fall into ruins. In 1937 the State of Wyoming purchased the propertyland and building ruinsfrom private owners and gave By presidential proclamation in if back to the federal government. 1938 Fort Laramie National Historic Site became a unit of the National Park System.

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Remains of Old Fort Laramie, Wyoming

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North Platte River by Ft. Laramie, Wyoming

Military Bridge across the North Platte River at Ft. Laramie

Devil's Gate, near Martin Cove, on the Mormon trail in Wyoming

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SOUTH PASS
The South Pass, In which you ore now located, U perhaps the most significant transportation gateway through tho RnHty Mountain?, -Indtonir-mountaln men: Oregon ~Trall emigrants. Pony Express riders, and miners all recognized the value of this passageway straddling the Continental Divide. Bounded by the Wind River Range on the north and the Antelope Hills on the south, the pass offered overland travelers a broad, relatively level corridor fcetween the Atlantic and Pacific watersheds. Mining plays a fundamental role; In the history of the South Pass region. Gold may have been discovered as early as 1842, but gold fever did not strike until 1867 when a sample of South Pass ore arrived in Salt Lake City. News of 1hc discovery spread swiftly and hordes of expectant millionaires descended on the new towns of South Pass City. Atlantic City, and Miner's Delight The boom played out quickly. The easily obtained placer gold was rapidly exhausted end miners began leaving the area In the early 1870s. Despite the brief duration of the boom, mining activity did not cease. In 1884, an enterprising Frenchman named Emllo Granler began organizing the construction of a hydraulic gold mining system which employed many local residents over a ten year period. The Fisher Dredge Company recovered considerable gold ore from the bed of Rock Creek during the 1930s. More recently, the United States Steel iron ore mine operated near Atlantic City from the early 1960s until 1983. Hard rock mines" also reopen periodically and some are presently operating. Until the next boom arrives. travelers can experience the flavor of a Rocky Mountain mining town by visiting nearby South Pass City, which has been restored by the State of Wyoming.

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THISJS AN OLD TRAIL USED BY THE INDIANS AND THE TRAPPERS QF.THE FUR PERIOD. A SHORT CUT TO THE SNAKE RIVER COUNTRY. IT WAS PROPOSED AS AN IMMIGRANT ROAO BY MOUNTAIN MAN JOHN HOCKAOAY IN I854.<N0IMMI GRANT TRAILS CROSSED THE MOUNTAINS NORTH OF HERE.IT WAS IMPROVEO AS A WAGON ROAO FOR THE GOVERNMENT BYEW.LANOER.IN 1859 TO AVBUk. DRY WASTES OF THE ROAOSTO THE SOUTHANO PROVIDE MORE WATER. WODfr AND FORAGE.HERE IT COMMENCED THE CROSSING OF THE SOUTH ENDDF THE WINORIVER MOUNTAINS AND THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE ANO ONTO THE PACIFIC

OREGON TRAIL LANDER CUTOFF-" SOUTH PASS AREA

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USEO AS HEAVILY,SETTING THE DESTINY OFAN EMPIRE/THESE WAGON TRACKS ANO LONELY GRAVES FOR MILES BEYOND,A GREAT UNO MARK OF HISTORY HAVE BEEN RECOGNIZED FOR PRESERVATION BY. U.S.pEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU DP LAND MANAGEMENT SUBLETTE COUNTY HISTORICALSOCIETY

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THIS TRAIL HAS BEEN MARKE0 AT ALL ACCESSIBLE POINTS WITH BRASS CAPS.

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South Pass Continental Divide, Wyoming

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16

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OVERLAND TRAIL
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The Overland Trail, passing between the Poinfof Rocks stage station arid stable; served at a inajort;astwest transportation route between the years 1862-1869. However, archeological discoveries in the vicinity . . ; of the trail indicate use by prehistoric people as early as 500 A.D. In 1812 Astorians under Robert Stuart crossed Wyoming from west to east along the course that would become the Oregon Trail. Trappers also traversed the area around Point of Rocks and In 1823 fur trade entrepreneur, William H. Ashley, recorded his east-west expedition through Wyoihing along the path that was to become pari of (he Overland Trail. The John C. Fremont government expedition of 3843 took the same general route as Ashley but it .was not until seven years later that an official description of the trail was recorded by Captain Howard 5tans~bury after mountain man, Jim Bridger, guided the Captain east over the. pathway in search of a transcontinental railroad route. Familiarity with the Overland Trail was not limited to trappers and government explorers however. It had been known as the Cherokee Trail because of Indians who, beginning in 1849, used part of the same route. Under the leadership of Captain Lewis Evans of Arkansas the Cherokee people traveled to California in search of gold and land upon which to relocate. Early in 1862 the Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express experienced a reorganization when Ben Holladay look overthe stage business and the overland mail subsidy contract. The earliest central stage route had followed the Oregon Trail through Wyoming but in July, 1862, Holladay abandoned it in favor of the Overland Trail farther south and renamed the C.O.C, and P.P.E., the Overland Stage Company. Withdrawal of troops from various western forts during the Civil War made the Oregon Trail vulnerable to attacks by Indians. Also, the 1859 gold rush spurred economic development in the Colorado Rockies, resulting ina demand for daily mail and stagecoach service to connect Denver with the maintranscontinental line. Finally, the southern route was 100 miles shorter than the Oregon Trail. Overland travel was not restricted to stagecoaches. Thousands of emigrants-drove or walked beside covered wagons along this route as they sought new lands to settle in the West. Point of Rocks station, a well-used resting place and water stop for thirsty horses, did not see the last ofOverland emigrants,until : '' after 1900. .

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.....

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OVERLAND STAGE ROUTE

Point 01 ocks

At the beginning of the Civil War military strength in the West declined and often it was impossible to safeguard stage* carrying the United States stall along the Orcgon-Californla-Mormon Trail. Early In IQG2 "Stagecoach King** Den Holladay acquired the transcontinental stage business and the United States aoll subsidy contract. He naaed his new conpany the'Ovcrland Stage Line and soon abandoned the central trail. Holladay detcrntned that a route further south was better because it would be safer, shorter and closer to Denver where economic growth was taking place due to the 1B39 gold rush The new route, established by trappers and explorers, became known as the Overland Trail. The Overland spilt off froa the elder Oregon Trail near North Platte. Nebraska. Fron that point coaches paralleled the South Platte, rolling west through Colorado before turning north to

through mountain passes, the troll entered the Green River IJasin Traffic passed through this valley, following Bitter Creek to' Its confluence with the Green River. It then branched north to Join the Oregon Troll near the junction of the lllocks fork Hams Fork rivers. From there the troll continued west and and south toward Salt Lake City and eventually. Piacerville. California. but e*c',ln9 Period or Overland Trail transportation ycnr* ,Q69 when the Union Pacific 1un,iI Railroad replaced the transcontinental Overland stage as the major ea*t transportation systco. Nevertheless, emigrant* and continued in, the .nil Mil .ricr .Iho lur

again. After crossing plolns, rivers and streams and winding

begin a steep and rocky climb Into southern Wyoming where the trail flanked the Medicine Bow Hange before turning westward

liVtL 2r4ucv.cn

J!lV.hort

'

eit?c if.c ""r "

17

o
The Bitter Creek drainage area is the largest drainage area in the United States, even larger than the Ohio drainage area.

Part of the Bitter Creek drainage area, east of Rock Springs, Wyoming, and south of Interstate - 80. This is the area in which Joseph Howard's wife, Ann Shelton Howard, died and was buried. The exact location of her grave is not known.

18

O
The Point of Rocks Stage Station and stable abt. 23 miles east of Rock Springs, Wyoming. This was part of the Overland-Bridger Pass Trail of 1862-1868. It shortened the journey to Salt Lake City by 100 miles if traveled over the South Pass Trail.

O.

O
Point of Rocks Stage Station with a modern stage coach in the lower right hand corner of picture.

19

O
Bitter Creek passes through the town of Rock Springs, Wyoming. The water from Bitter Creek flows into the Green River at the west end of Rock Springs. Although the water level was very low in July, but during times of heavy rains, it has overflowed its banks.

20

21

CONVERSION AND MIGRATION

OF ELIJAH FUNK SHEETS AND SUSANNA MUSSER

Elijah Funk Sheets - Susanna Musser Martha Musser Sheets - David Franklin Davis, Sr. David Franklin Davis, Jr. - Luella Howard Ralph Howard Davis - Anita Belle Hyatt
Elijah Funk Sheets was born on 22 March 1821 at Charlestown, Chester County, Pennsylvania, the son of Frederick Sheets, born in Germany, and Hannah Page, daughter of Nathaniel Page and Barbara Rinker of Chester County, Pennsylvania. In 1828, when Elijah was seven, he, his two brothers, John Samuel, age 15, and Thomas, age 13, and his two sisters, Elizabeth, age 14, and Mary, age 12, were orphaned.1

'

'

Elijah, and most likely his four brothers and sisters, were taken in by their Page grandparents. He remained with them until 1830 when he began working for Edward Hunter, "a prosperous merchant and farmer" of Chester County. Elijah lived with the Hunters for nine years where he learned much about farming and stock-raising, skills which would serve him well in the future. Afterwards, he was employed by Taylor Dilworth.
Shortly after the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in 1830, missionary work was commenced, and missionaries were sent to Pennsylvania. In the spring of 1839, Lorenzo D. Barnes and his companions labored as missionaries in Chester County and baptized many people. The Church continued to grow in Chester County. The Brandywine Branch grew from 80 members in May 1840 to 180 by April of 1841. During this rapid growth, Elijah came in contact with the missionaries and members of the Church and began an investigation which led to his conversion. His journals did not tell of any religious interest or activities prior to coming in contact with the LDS Church, but were filled with his activities following this contact.
Sheets first heard Mormonism preached by Edwin Dilworth Woolley and Elisha H. Davis, companions of Lorenzo D. Barnes. Woolley was a native of Chester County who was converted to the LDS Church while living in Ohio, and began talking to all of his relatives and friends about Mormonism. At one point, Edwin contacted his uncle, Joel Dilworth, of West Nantmeal, who was the father of Taylor Dilworth, Elijah's employer. The Dilworths became great supporters of Edwin's cause, housed and fed him and supplied him with a building in which to preach. After hearing Woolley preach, Sheets was impressed with his message. Sheets later said of Woolley, "I first heard him preach the gospel in the home of his uncle, Joel Dilworth, in Chester County, Pennsylvania. His
22

discourse was plain and simple. It riveted the truth upon the minds of many who heard them. It was the starting point of raising a good branch of the Church. "
c\

Even though Sheets first heard the Mormon missionaries in the early part of 1839, it took until 5th of July 1840 before he joined the Church. Erastus Snow, an energetic missionary and leader in the LDS Church, arrived in Chester County at that time, and is credited for finalizing Sheets' long investigation into the Church. Snow wrote in his journal, "In Chester Co. were about 100 members of the Church. We tarried one week preaching in different places. Ibaptized two on Sunday a.m. Monday, July 6th went into the city of Philadelphia. "
Sheets' mentioned nothing in his personal journals about his activities from his baptism in July of 1840, until he left for Nauvoo, Illinois, late in the summer of 1841, but undoubtedly, he continued his work with Taylor Dilworth. Since its organization, the LDS Church encouraged the members to gather to a central location so that its membership could be both physically and spiritually close to its leaders. They first had gathered at Kirtland, Ohio, then were driven out of Ohio, and settled in Missouri. In 1839, the Mormons were driven from their homes in Missouri and purchased land in Western Illinois on the Mississippi River. Nauvoo became their new home, and the Saints gathered there from all over the world. Sheets, like many of his associates, obeyed the call and left his home in Chester County, arriving in Illinois in September of 1841.

While at Nauvoo, Sheets became involved in the building of the temple. He volunteered to work six months on the temple without pay. He was still single and could devote his time to his work on the Lord's House. After laboring for six months on the temple, he was called on a series of missions, first back to Pennsylvania for twenty months and then to England. While laboring in Herefordshire, he met and taught a young woman by the name of Margaret Hutchinson whom he married on the ship returning home at the end of his mission. Elder Wilford Woodruff performed the ceremony.
Sheets found Nauvoo to be a very different place than the one he left. Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum had been killed by the mobs while they were gone, and the Saints were preparing to leave Nauvoo or had already left in search of their "Zion. " He wrote in his journal, "I say it did not seem much like home either as the Saints were leaving dayle & making preparations to do so. " He had brought his new bride to America just in time to participate in the mass migration from Nauvoo. Sheets purchased a wagon for sixty dollars and a pair of oxen for forty dollars in preparation for the journey westward. His former missionary companion, Joseph Stratton, also lent him his oxen until the following spring, since he was going to St. Louis to preside over the branch of the Church there.
On May first, only twenty-five days after arriving in Nauvoo from England, Elijah and Margaret crossed the Mississippi River. They stayed near the river for three weeks until Wilford Woodruff arrived, and then started out across Iowa, "traveling on when the wether
23

would permit, throw the swoulps & mud holes fore the road was very bad part of the way. But we meet with no ser[iou]s accedents."
On the fifteenth of June they arrived at Mt. Pisgah, a temporary settlement along the trail and stayed there for two weeks. On July fourth, they went through an Indian village in the Iowa Territory. Sheets described the Indians as a very friendly group. They continued on to Council Bluffs, a Mormon settlement established on the east bank of the Missouri River, arriving on July ninth. A ferry was built to shuttle the wagons across the river, where the Saints had settled an area in the Nebraska Territory, known as Winter Quarters. It was here that Elijah and Margaret spent the winter of 1846-1847.

By the time the body of Saints reached the Missouri River, it was considered impractical to send a company any further west that year. Supplies were low and the season was late. Houses were built very close together and the space between them was filled with pickets to form a fort. The majority of the houses were covered with sod. Each room had one door and a window with four panes of glass. Many had no floors. Sickness prevailed in the fall and winter months, and it was reported that six hundred people were buried before the cold weather brought the camp relief. Among the sick was Margaret Sheets. On December twenty-sixth, she gave birth to a daughter, whom they named Margaret Hannah Sheets. She never recovered from the pregnancy or delivery, and on January twenty-fourth, Sheets wrote, "My wife was very porly. Not likely to live long, fore shee had been sick and bed fast fore beter then tow months, So that shee count hardley turn hire selfe. " On the twenty-fourth, Brigham Young was called to come to the Sheets' home with Wilford Woodruff where they sealed Elijah and Margaret together for time and eternity, "withe the Blessings of Abraham Isac & Jacob And to build up kingdoms and rule over them &c"
On the morning of 1 February 1846, Margaret died. Elijah wrote in his journal, "Shee Died easy without a strugel. And hire happy spirit has gon to the manshions of bliss where she will rest till the morn of the Resurection of the Ritious, when Ishall have the unspeakebell joy of seeing and having hire a gain, whare Deth will never seperate us a gain." After Margaret's death, Sheets took the baby to the Malins, a family he had known in Pennsylvania. Sister Malin took care of little Margaret who grew and remained strong for three weeks, and then became sick. She too passed away on the 14th of April 1847.

Sheets was determined to carry on with his life in spite of his grief. On 6 April 1847, he married Susanna Musser of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, of whom he said, "And althow my losses hase been grate Ibelieve that she will make me happy. Bro. fore time and fore all Etirnity." Susanna Musser was born Brigham Young Marries us Pennsylvania, on 2 September 1827, the daughter of County, Lancaster in Bart Township, Samuel Musser and Anna Barr. It is not known if he met Susanna during his missionary labors in Lancaster County or if he knew of the Musser family and was introduced to Susanna shortly after the death of his wife.

...

24

During this period of time, preparations continued for the trek west. Within a few short months, and after extensive preparation, Elijah and his bride became part of the second emigrating company to head toward the Salt Lake Valley.
+u ~ uic

(~)

The emigration of the large body of Mormons was accomplished much the same as _ x/ 10/1-7 t jt r i 1 a t0 xt - . jlj.uj.1i \jll INauVuu. cXuuuS i4 jEnuaiy io4/, Diigiiam i uung aniiuuiiucu inc vvuiu aiiQ Will of the Lord" to the Saints in Winter Quarters. This revelation stated that groups were to continue under the organization of the previous year wherein there were captains of hundreds, fifties, and tens with Brigham Young as the commander and chief of the entire migration. Captains of each of the companies were to decide how many could go west in 1847, and also which able bodied men could go as a pioneer company to prepare the way for the rest of the Saints. On April seventh and eight, the pioneer company of Saints started out on their journey west with 143 men, three women and two children.
j

___ __ ___ _ ___

_____ __ _ _____

Elijah and Susanna left Winter Quarters on 5 June 1847 with the first of the large companies of Saints. Sheets was assigned to be captain of the first ten. Both women and men became involved in the day to day activities of the camp, driving the ox teams, getting and preparing food for the company, and caring for the sick. Patty Bartlett Sessions, one of the women in the company, kept extensive records of their journey. She wrote about the first day, "We left Winter Quarters and started for the mountains. Idrove a wagon with a four Ox-team and we encamped for the night after traveling 4 miles."

The journey across the plains was not altogether unpleasant, as simple pleasures such as dancing and just having fun were enjoyed along the way. There were, however, experiences that created some difficult times and tense situations. Sheets said the trek was "a long and a [tedious] journey but we got throw safe. And we thanked the Lord fore it. " One of the most common mishaps was wagons turning over.
Susanna Sheets also kept an account of their travels, although it is very sketchy. In July, she said they "crost the Look Fork; one Child was kild in crossing; the wagon ran over it." The frequent appearances of Indians in the camp also created moments of stress. Susanna wrote on several occasions about their encounters. One time she wrote, "O painfull thought one Brother shot by the Omaha Indians; his sufferings was soon over he left two sisters in our Camp to lament his loss not only them but the whole camp." On other occasions she wrote of more positive experiences: "The Indians visetted us again we had some music & Dansing the trading was done out of Camp." A few days later, she wrote, "Indians visited us in number about 100 they left us friendly." In September, she stated, "Indians visetted us of the Snakes they are not as noble looking as the Sues yet well."

'y

The journey from Winter Quarters to the Salt Lake Valley took from 5 June to 24 September 1847. When they arrived, many fields had already been planted, streams had been diverted for irrigation, and a city was beginning to take shape. It must have been an exciting moment to view the valley and know that this was to be the place where they would live and raise their families in peace, away from the contention and hatred they had felt in the east. In their view, this was the place that the Lord wanted them to settle.
25

I f~)
NOTES ON ELIJAH FUNK SHEETS AND SUSANNA MUSSER
1

Richard H. Davis, Biography of Elijah Funk Sheets. (Master's Thesis, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1987), pp 39-62. (All the quotes in this section are taken from this reference).

' f ")

i
I

o
26

James and Amy Crumb Fackrell

(3

CONVERSION AND MIGRATIONOF JAMES FACKRELLSR. AND AMY CRUMB

James Fackrell, Sr. - Amy Crumb Joseph Crumb Fackrell - Clarissa Dempsey Juliett Fackrell - James Howard Luella Howard - David Franklin Davis, Jr. Ralph Howard Davis - Anita Belle Hyatt
The Fackrell family traces its roots and conversion to James Fackrell, Sr. , who was the son of John and Joanna Bradford Fackrell of North Petherton, Somersetshire, England. James was born 2 February 1787 and was the third child in his parents' family. James and his younger brother, Richard, emigrated to America. They lived in the state of New York. James married at age 32 to 20-year old, Amy Crumb, daughter of Joseph and Prudence Lanphear Crumb. James and Amy had five children and lived in Grafton, Windham County, Vermont. The first three children were born in Vermont, and the last two in Moriah, Essex County, New York. The second son, Joseph Crumb Fackrell, born 9 September 1822, is the ancestor we come through.

In 1837, James Fackrell moved his family, which then consisted of himself, his wife Amy, and three boys and two girls, to the state of Michigan and settled in Bertrand, Berrian County, and there lived and prospered in the world's goods until the year of 1845.
About 1838, the oldest son, David, then 18 years old, ran away from home and went to Wisconsin to live. On 28 August 1845, Joseph was married to Clarissa Dempsey, daughter of John Dempsey and Betsey Jane White, also of Berrian County, Michigan. This left but one son at home, James, Jr., who, at age sixteen, had become interested in religious affairs. "He attended camp meetings of the Methodist Episcopal Church and was baptised by sprinkling. He remained in the Methodist Church for six months and became very dissatisfied and withdrew his membership."1

"At this time, two Mormon missionaries from Nauvoo came to their community and held meetings. James, Jr. attended these meetings and became convinced that their doctrine was scriptural, but having been previously taken in by the Methodists, decided to wait and see if these people practiced what they preached."2 His parents refused to listen to the missionaries at first, but as James, Jr. became more interested, he invited the two missionaries, Elder Richard Sprague and Elder Phelps, to talk to his parents. The missionaries convinced his parents of the truth, and shortly after, James Sr. and his wife, Amy, and daughter, Lucy, were baptised into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
After the martyrdom of their prophet and leader in Nauvoo, the Church leaders sent out a call for all of the Saints scattered abroad to go to Nauvoo and prepare for a trip to a new home in the west. Answering this call, James, Sr., sold his farm at a sacrifice of about one-half of its value and started to Nauvoo. They left behind, David who was living in
28

Wisconsin and the newlyweds, Joseph and Clarissa who did not want to have anything to do with the Mormon church at that time.
James, Amy and daughter Lucy arrived in Nauvoo the last of March 1846, but their was very short because of the persecution and hardships inflicted upon the Saints. After stay just three weeks, they cast their lot with the Saints and started for the west. Nothing worthy of note occurred on this journey until they reached Council Bluffs. While in Nauvoo, Lucy had become ill. She had been exposed to severe storms and cold which proved too much for her delicate constitution, and upon their arrival in Council Bluffs, she became very ill.
"On 20 June 1846, Lucy passed away. She was a lovely girl of twenty years, a good Latter-day Saint and dearly loved by all who knew her. They laid her body in a grave and with sad hearts turned their faces to new trials."3

It was shortly after this that 500 men were asked to volunteer to fight for the United States in suppressing the uprising in Mexico. This left the Saints in dire circumstances. Many did not have roofs to cover their heads or food enough to sustain life. Those who were left, bravely set about preparing for the winter. James and his son, James, Jr., built a log cabin in which to move his family. They also went out onto the prairie and cut wild hay for their cattle. The son took a team and went down to Missouri and secured work. For this work, he was paid in provisions, which amount was enough to last them through the winter.
When spring 1847 came, those residents of Winter Quarters, who were ready, were putting forth the final preparations for the trek to the Salt Lake Valley. However, because James, Jr. had not been able to find work during the winter, the Fackrells were not prepared to take this long journey at this time. They planted a small crop, and again James, Jr., with his sister, Betsy Jane, went to Savannah, Missouri, by team where they both secured work. Betsy found work spinning and James secured employment with his team. They were gone about six weeks and returned to their parents loaded with provisions. James, Sr. and his son then set about cutting hay for the winter. They stacked most of it on the prairie, but hauled some few loads home. They cut about 15 tons, but early in the fall, the prairie caught fire and burned one stack, and they were left with very little hay with which to feed their cattle.
As hay was scarce that fall, James, Jr. took three yoke of oxen to Missouri, partly to provide feed for them, but mostly to make a "fit out" to go west in the spring. He secured work hauling logs to a sawmill and bought corn for ten cents a bushel and fed it to his cattle. In this way, his teams were kept in good condition all during the winter. He was

also successful in making a "fit out," so when spring came, he was well prepared for the long journey. When some of the men from the Mormon Battalion returned in January 1848, there was a young man by the name of George Washington Hancock, who commenced courting their daughter, Betsy Jane. They were married on 14 May 1848, and James, Sr. with his wife, Amy and their son, James, Jr. started on their journey across the plains the next day. Upon arriving in the valley, they were directed to a beautiful spot in West Bountiful and took
29

o
up 92 acres of land. According to Bancroft's history, "James Sr. became the first settler in this place," meaning, probably, the West Bountiful area.

James, Jr. finally decided to join the Church and was baptized on 8 February 1849. Chapman on 13 January 1850 and left his father's home. Thus, the He married Martha Ann __ T~\ : 1 1 i-1 1 OCA 1~n -I, , ~ oju, uicii uiucSi. Sun paieiiiS weie iCn aiOne, uui nui iOi lung. ljulmg luc Suxiiiiici ui i David Fackrell, came into the Valley on his way to California and stopped off for a visit. They had not seen each other for 12 years, and indeed it was a happy reunion.
J.
X
J.

__ ___

___ __

__ _____

__ ___

In October 1849, their daughter, Betsy Jane, with her husband and small son, Charles, then a few months old, arrived in the valley and located at Bountiful. Their hearts, however, were soon again bowed in sorrow, as their only living daughter, then aged 27, passed away three weeks after the birth of a baby girl, Betsy Jane Hancock, on 22 February 1851. She was buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
In the spring of 1852, their son Joseph and his wife and family came into the Valley. Their conversion story, as told by Leona Howard Arbuckle, was also an interesting one:

'

"While yet in the East, one day while plowing, Joseph was visited by the missionaries. Impressed by their message, he dreamed that night that he went to Utah. He saw the log home where his father and mother had located in West Bountiful. On the corner of the lot was a beautiful spring with a yoke of oxen. There were green cultivated fields in the valley and snow topped mountains in the background. The dream was so impressive and disturbed him to such an extent that he could not sleep the rest of the night. The next morning he decided to make ready for the long journey to Utah, and earnestly sought the Lord in prayer that Clarissa would be impressed with the truthfulness of the Gospel. "When Joseph told his wife of this dream, she replied, "Joseph, Iwill go with you, but if this dream you had isn't true, we will return to our people. "At this time, they had four children (one being my grandmother, Juliett Fackrell). With a covered wagon, one yoke of oxen and a few necessities, they started their journey to Utah. They were six weeks on this trip and came in the Biglow company in the Spring of 1852. When they reached West Bountiful, his dream was fulfilled, even to the part of his father watering his oxen. They were both baptized in Utah, 9 July 1852. They settled in West Bountiful until the Fall of 1852, and then went to Farmington, rented some land and remained there for five years."4
James, Sr.'s son, David, prolonged his visit, became converted to the Church also, and was married on 6 July 1852 to Susannah Summer, took up land in Bountiful and made it his residence. Once again the three sons of James, Sr. and Amy (Crumb) Fackrell were united as a family.

30

NOTES ON JAMES FACKRELL SR. AND AMY CRUMB

1

Myrtle Ballard Shurtliff, History of James & Amy Crumb Fackrell, Sr., Pioneers of 1848, Unpublished history, submitted to DUP, 1936.

Ibid. Ibid.

Leona H. Arbuckle, Unpublished History of Juliette Fackrell Howard, submitted to DUP, 1952.

Howard, by

(For additional details, see, Family History of David Franklin Davis and Luella Ralph H. Davis, 1994).

31

Nathan and Sarah Woolley Davis

CONVERSION AND MIGRATION OF NATHAN DAVIS AND SARAH WOOLLEY

XTotVip-p T"qt 71 c j-sCLVio

v_Gjl Cu.1

Qoroli

ot; nuuiiwy

David Franklin Davis, Sr. - Martha Musser Sheets David Franklin Davis, Jr. - Luella Howard Ralph Howard Davis - Anita Belle Hyatt
Nathan Davis, son of David Davis (Isaac, Thomas, John, and John who was of Wales) and Rachel John (daughter of Griffeth John and Sarah Cope), was born 2 October 1814, in Hanover Township, Columbiana Co., Ohio. In 1806, his grandfather, Isaac Davis, had brought his wife and four children from Pilesgrove Township, Salem Co., New Jersey. It was in Columbiana Co., Ohio, where their son David was married and raised his family. David Davis built the Davis Mill about 1820. In the "History of Columbiana County," it says, "This is one of the best appointed saw and grist mills in Columbiana County. " Being the eldest son, Nathan was privileged to learn the milling business from his father.1

Sarah Woolley, daughter of John Woolley, Jr. (John, Thomas) and Rachel Dilworth (daughter of John Dilworth and Phebe Taylor) was born 14 April 1815, in Newlin Township, Chester Co., Pennsylvania. At the age of 11, she was left motherless, and her father died oil 13 August 1832, when she was but 17 years of age. The children ranged in age from 25 to 7, and the responsibility for their care fell upon the shoulders of Edwin Dilworth, the eldest. Shortly after her father's death, she and her brothers and sisters moved to Columbiana County, Ohio, where several Chester County families had moved to take up new land and follow the frontier, and settled in the little town of East Rochester. It was in Columbiana County, Ohio, on the 31st of March 1836, that Nathan Davis married Sarah Woolley. It was on the 24th of December 1837 that Edwin Dilworth Woolley was converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was baptised. He and two younger brothers, John and Samuel Woolley, who were baptized 7 October 1840, moved to Quincy and joined the Saints and followed them to Nauvoo, to Winter Quarters and to Salt Lake.2

O
Nathan and Sarah both were raised in strong Quaker families, and Nathan was a zealous member of that denomination until 2 April 1850, when he was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by his brother-in-law, Edwin Dilworth Woolley. The conversion of Nathan and Sarah to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is described by Albert Wesley Davis, their son, in the Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, Vol. 17, No. 4 (Oct. 1926), as follows:
"The last winter we were in Rochester [Ohio], we lived in a brick house, two miles away from the farm. It was a comfortable little brick house up on a hill, where we could look over the country in all directions. My uncle, Edwin [Dilworth] Woolley came through the country that winter on his way east. He had become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and was on business, but
- 33

stopped and preached the Gospel to father and mother. Then as he was on his return journey, he called at our home again, and mother told him she wanted to be baptized. Father gave his consent, but did not say anything about his own feelings in the matter. They went down to a small stream not far from our house, where they could find water enough to perform the ordinance of baptism; and Uncle Edwin baptized
rnorifQ/ rvnllinn* xauiCx , "fofhpr jpLtxxixx off his coat and vest and said that he wanted to be baptized. So Uncle Edwin went back into the water, and father was also baptized. After returning to the house, both
i-v-i

a** i xin./ LixCx ill liiw ouLwam.

rffaotn

iio

oiiv

cT-io nmn nrr r/-\-rn i vvao \v_/ii.iing,

rvpf rvFflio u;otor uui ui uiv vvavui

i/vyxxiixxwxxL'i/u.

father and mother were confirmed; and Uncle Edwin continued on his journey to the Rocky Mountains. This was in the year 1850 [2 April 1850], three years after the pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley."3
A year after joining the "Mormon" Church, Nathan "took his family and emigrated plains in Isaac Allred's company, which left about the 19th of June 1851 and arrived in Salt Lake City, 3 October 1851." The steamboat trip encompassed nearly a thousand miles by river. "They traveled over six hundred miles down the Ohio River, to its mouth, more than one hundred miles up the Mississippi River, and about two hundred miles up the Missouri River to St. Joseph, Missouri. "4
to Utah, crossing the

Albert Wesley Davis recalls the trip to Salt Lake Valley as follows:
"The next year [1851], father fitted up three wagons and got everything ready to start for the Salt Lake Valley. We came up the river in a steamboat to St. Joseph, Missouri. There we bought cattle, and father set his wagons up, and we went on to Council Bluffs. When we left for the west, from Council Bluffs, there were one hundred wagons in the company, but they were divided into two companies of fifty wagons, with a captain over each. There was also a captain over each ten wagons. The water that season was very high and had spread over the valley so that we could not follow the old road after we were west of the Missouri river. We followed up a creek to the northwest for about two hundred miles before we could cross and get on the emigration road. We arrived in the Salt Lake Valley that fall without any particular accident although we had some difficulties to meet on the way. "5
One could begin to wonder what the difficulties might have been. To give a flavor for the day's activities on the trail, we have the personal journal of Howard Thomas who was a member of the Ten of which Nathan Davis was the captain. This comes from the Church Emigration Record of 1851:

34

v/uurou

Captain Easton Kelsey* s Company*' Arrived in G.S.L. City Sept. 23, 1851.
The Easton Kelsey Company was organized on the east bank of the Missouri about River/June 10 1851, one hundred wagons having been assembled with their

inigra.tion 01 moi.

occupants, Saints desiring to to join the main body of the Church in Great Salt

Lake Valley.

Easton Kelsey was appointed Captain of the Hundred, Luman A.

Shurtleff , Captain of the First Fifty and Isaac Allred, Captain of the Second

Fifty. James Allred, father of Capt. Isaac Allred was appointed Captain of Ten.
Amos Musser, Secretary.
Other captains of tens were chosen.

The company crossed the Missouri River to the west side and went on to Six

Mile Grove, where they remained until all the wagons were safely over and ready
to start on their long journey.

At this time the Elkhorn River was very high

and it was the advice of Pres. Orson Hjde that the companies should try to head the "Horn" and Loup Fork and get a nearer road to Fort Laramie, if possible. So turned north and after spending one night at the Elkhorn Ferry the company/traveled up the river in feapt. Allred' s company knocked over a very bad road. Rain fell in torrents and two of the

brethren/were

down while standing by a stove, which was struck by lightning.

About the 20th

of June the company came to a large stream, which they thought was a branch of

the Elkhorn.

Although the water was very high they concluded to build a bridge
After great effort a temporary bridge was built

taking wood from a grove nearby.

and the expectations were to cross the next morning. But during the night another
terrific storm deluged the camp of the Saints situated on a hill near the bank of

the

river. The

water ranrdown the hill, under the wagons, carrying frying pans

and other loose utensils

, hanging

on the wagons

and in the morning the bridge

upon which the brethren had labored to industriously, had almost entirely
disappeared.
from Winter Quarters to the camp with a letter from In the morning a company of armed

men/came

Pres. Orson Hyde informing them that a difficulty had arisen between the Indians and the Mormons by which the emigration was threatened and his council was for us
to return to or near the river

(Missouri) in oars of

this escort.

A meeting

was called to ascertain the feelings of the oompany in regard to returning to

Six Mile Grove.

The camp had seen nothing of the Indians and were unable to
But Capt. Kelsey thought it would be

sense danger as Pres. Hyde evidently did.

better to return and obey the instructions of

Pres. Hyde

than run the risk of

a possible sacrifice of the lives of the oompany.

So the oompany, very reluctantly

turned baok and arrived at Six Mile Grove again on June 27th.

35

[ ) v.y

i I I

Church Emigration of 1851.

hird

'Isaac .Allred' s fifty

Company

c!
'
X)
Capbv Isaac Allred' s company of emigrants arrived in G. S. L. City.
m.

- tha' jfii'Ut fifty ef the first hundred of Thia mo

vnX--J..-

"

C$pt. Easton Kelsey's

Company.

Hoyimrd Thomas, a member of the Mormon Battalion who arrived

in G.S. L. Valley July 29, 1847, and had returned to Winter Quarters
Bresident Brighsm Young and company in the fall of 1847, and -who
was

returning to Great Salt Lake Valley with Capt. Allred's company writes s

"I remained at

the Bluff's until the spring of 1851 and left my heme

on Mosquito Creek for Salt Lake Valley on the 24th of May, 1351, -with a
and one yoke of
oxenj

encamped near the Missouri River for tiro -weeks,

organized into two companies of BO -wagons each. I was in the second oompany,
Isaao Aalred'was the captain of the oompany. Hathan Davis -was the

oaptainj)

of the len that X was in. On the 9th of June we orossed~the Missouri River.
On the 10th we moved out six miles and encamped. On the 12th we orossed the

Pappea

on), and arrived at the Elkhorn and encamped. On the 13th (Papill

we traveled up the Horn about 18 miles to find a place to oross on account

of the High water. Encamped an the prairie, a very heavy rain at night. 14th.
Heavy rain in the forenoon} remained in the oamp all day; very heavy rain
through the night, with very heavy thunder and lightning.

In the evening

lightning struck our

hurti

oampj

some wore knocked down, but none were very badly

15th, Sunday, S-fcaid in oamp j weather mora settled.

16th, Remained in oamp.

17th. Day more pleasant. Camp moved on In the evening a company of

horsemen from Kanesville overtook us, with word for us to return to the

Missouri River, that the Indians were collecting to oppose our maroh.
18th Remained in oamp. Very heavy rains in the evening.
19th,., Staid in camp.

20th. Rain in the morning. Commenced our return to the Missouri River.
Very heavy atom of hail and rain, thunder and lightning in the' evening.

21. Romninnrt In. <ump +o dry

*l-9%ho i

&4i*.

22nd. Continued on our return; arrived at

ou/ oamp

old

ground 6 miles.

3-6

upixuy

Captain Eastern Kelsey's Company

Isaac

Allred's Fifty

from

Missouri Eiver an the 23rd.

24th-, Sent for more flour. Eemained in camp 5 days

Heavy rain scroo part of

the time
27th of June, Comnenoed our journey again for the Valley. 28th and 29th. Con
tinued our journey and enoamped beyond where -we Tiers -when we turned hack r.EgMined ia camp to mend a wagon broke by the cattle being

frightened in the sight,

July 1st, Continued our Journey,

2nd. Keturned book 5 miles, being on the wrong course j

on our Journey

ire

then continued

struo!c the trail of

brethren (-who had gone oa sons time before)

end encamped near the Horn, Elder Orson Hyde and company encamped -with us , he being oa his nay to the Valley.

3rd. Continued on 'with a fins day.

4th. Bain ia the morning, Moved on.

6th, Moved

on. We -were

not 1SS miles from Kanesville. Wo traveled all the

time, oa the Divide between the Horn and the Missouri.

6th, Camp moved

oa. This day no crossed a small stream of -water, Weather

very warm,
7th Moved en. Crossed a slough; had to double teams. Terrible stom of wind
and rain ia the evening,
a
8th, Fair day.

Arrived at Urn large branch of the Horne,

9th

Remained ia oamp,

'10th, Crossed over the Creek; had to unload the -wagons; encamped on. the

other side,
11th, Moved

cm. Crossed tiro other streams and enoamped, 197 miles from.

Xsnesville,
12th, Crossed same sloughs,

13th. Arrived at the main branoh of the Horn.

14th. Crossed the Horn oa a bridge, and encamped,

15th Moved on aad crossed a small oroek over a bridge j heavy, sandy roads.

16th. Continued on. Very heavy roads j hard an teams,

17th,

Moved on. Very heavy, sandy roads j arrived at the north branoh of the

Loup Fork,
18th, Very heavyj Bandy roads, A long and hard day* a maroh. 19tli, Arrived at the main branoh of the Loupe Fork.

20th Crossed the river and encamped.

21st Continued on; a long day's drive; arrived at the west branch of the
Loupe -Fork,

22nd*. Grossed
afternoon.

the river and continued on. A fine shower of rain ia the

37

mira

company

23rd, Crossed 2 other large oreelcs j bad to cross j high banks.

24th, . Ecniftlned In camp,. Very

25th. 'Moved on.
2ffth

"warm

day.

Remained in camp

to hank for lost cattle.

27th. Arrived "ttt Buffalo Crock,

28th, Hemalaed in camp. to hunt oattle, having lost about 50 head,

29th. Found the oattle,

30th., Bsmcdned in oamp to -Tradt the return of some of the oattle hunters,

31nt." Moved on, Encajnpad la-be at night nithout grass or -water,

.August 1st* Arrived *fc the Platte River, 266 miles from. Winter Quarters ,

2-3-4-5.

Aijved

to oroas -the Horth Bluff Fork,

Camp moved on,

13th Passed Chimney Book.

16th 'Passed Scott# Bluff..

19th 'Bused Fort Laramie.

24th 'Remained In oamp to set nagon tire.

27th Ditto

51st; Crossed the upper forH of the KLatte Elver.

September 3rd. Arrived at the S-neetna-ter Elver, at Independence Book.

15-th. We arrived at the Pacific Springs

.
-Barm

I9th Arrived at, and crossed 0 reen Elver. Weather continues to be very
pleadanfc.

23rd. Arrived at Fort B ridger. Weather

and pleasant.

28th. 'Arrived at the Bed Fork of Weber River,

Oetober 2nd. Arrived at the Great Salt Lake City, all Troll j considerable rain,
roads.'trniddy.

Copied from personal journal of Barnard Thomas loaned by Mrs. Beita L.

Smith of Wilmington,. Polanard . D, 3,

(Granddaughter?)

38

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When the family arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, Nathan "located in the western part of the city at 157 West North Temple Street, and resided there until his death, 29 December 1894. 18 December 1852, he was ordained a High Priest, having previously been ordained an Elder, and had also received his Endowments, together with his wife, 7 February 1853. He was appointed by President Brigham Young to take charge of the machine shops of the public works, a position which he occupied for a number of years."6

o
39

o
NOTES ON NATHAN DAVIS AND SARAH WOOLLEY

Preston W. Parkinson, The Utah Woollev

Family, p.

143.

Ibid.

Ibid, p. 145. Ibid, p. 145-146.

Ibid, p. 145. Ibid, p. 146.

..

40

Joseph Howard

James Howard (aged 16, Birmingham, England)

41

CONVERSION AND MIGRATION OF JOSEPH HOWARD AND ANN SHELTON

Joseph Howard - Ann Shelton James Howard - Juliett Fackrell Luella Howard - David Franklin Davis, Jr. Ralph Howard Davis - Anita Belle Hyatt Joseph Howard, son of William Howard (William, Alexander, Alexander) and Tamar Mills (daughter of Thomas Mills and Tamar Ashby) was born 12 Nov 1819 in Kings Norton, near Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. His parents were God-fearing and strict in raising their children, and as a boy, Joseph worked hard developing farming skills.1

Joseph met Ann Shelton as she was clerking in a grocery store. "He was attracted by her charming manner, beautiful blue eyes, glorious auburn hair and physical beauty." A long courtship was had, and they were married 24 November 1842, he being 37 years old and she, 35 years old. They settled on land next to his father's place in Gravely Hills, near Birmingham, England.
The Howard family had a natural feeling of spirituality and were readers of the Bible and attended Bible classes. The family was prepared to respond to the gospel tract that a Mormon missionary, Elder William Griffin, left with them. It impressed the family, and they felt as though they had heard this message before. James and Ann were baptized by Elder Griffin on 27 November 1851 "in a baptismal font constructed on his own farm." Following the baptism, "Joseph was ordained an Elder by Charles Jones. " He was made the Branch President of the Allison Street Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The record indicates that an upstairs room was used for meetings. Apparently this building was not adequate for very long because Joseph took out a 99-year lease on another building called the Hockley Chapel and presided over the branch for ten or eleven years before they left for America.

Joseph met with persecution because of his beliefs, and on one occasion was severely beat, until almost unconscious, but he was a rare type of individual. His conversion and subsequent devotion to the Gospel was complete. He spent time both day and night in the building up of God's work in the Branch of the restored church of Christ on the earth.
The family longed for the day when they could emigrate to America. To help speed up the acquiring of needed funds, the two oldest sons in the family, Thomas and William, sailed for America on 23 April 1861. Their purpose was to earn money to send to the family in England and to establish a place for the family to gather in the west.
Soon after the two sons left for America, Joseph changed his occupation by going to work at the Webb's Smelting and Refining Works. He sold his five acres of land that had
42

o
been providing his support. By June of 1864, they had sufficient means to bring the family to Utah. They sailed 3 June 1864 on the ship "Hudson, " and arrived in New York City, 19 July 1864. The journey was hard on the family with many seasick and in such a weakened condition, they were not in the best of health to go on. But, on they went, anyway. Again by ship, they went to New Orleans and up the Mississippi to St. Joseph, Missouri. At a little town called "Wyoming [now known as Nebraska City] Nebraska, on 2 August 1864, they began their journey westward with ox teams." It seemed that the passage across the ocean and from New York to St. Joseph as well as the trip across country was prepaid. "They traveled with many saints who swelled the amount of luggage to be transported so that few could ride. Most walked the whole distance. There were 170 teams in the company. "

p,

The 1864 emigration record from the Millennial Star 26:750 and Journal History for November 2, gives us a feel for the Warren S. Snow Company which included the Joseph Howard family. The record says that the company had 20 deaths, three of those being from this one family. Details follow:

"Capt. Warren S. Snow's ox train, the last of the season, comprising a number of emigrating Saints who had crossed the Atlantic in the ship "Hudson," left Wyoming, Nebraska, in the middle of August, 1864. With this train was a large quantity of freight, and on account of Indian depredations which had occurred to some non-Mormon trains, Pres. Joseph W. Young, and a number of other leading officials, who had assisted in the season's emigration, but who had their own outfit, traveled with this company until they united with Capt. Wm. Hyde's company and still remained with the companies until all danger was past, and did not leave them until Sept. 11th at Julesburg, Neb. on the Platte River. The two companies continued to travel together for a short time, when on account of scant feed for the animals, they again traveled about two days' journey apart and encamped at points not previously occupied by the company ahead."2
"When about two or three hundred miles out on the plains, James and his brother Joe [Joseph], accepted a job driving three yoke of oxen for a company of freighters, the William Hyde Company, receiving twenty-five dollars per month. " James got Mountain Fever during the early part of the trip which left him in a weakened condition when he accepted the job. He was eighteen years of age. "They lived on rations and were always hungry. At one time, rations were so low he was allowed only half a pancake at a meal. A small horse blanket was his only bedding. He would move the oxen and lay down where they had warmed the ground and cover the blanket over him. "3

One of the great love stories between a mother and her son occurred on the plains. Leona Howard Arbuckle (youngest daughter of James) and her daughter, Jean Arbuckle Brown, recorded the following:

"James's mother was worried because his feet were sore and he had no warm socks so she knitted him some socks as she walked beside her wagon. One evening after the socks were finished, she walked back to her son's camp and gave the socks to him saying, 'Take these, James. You may need them!' They had a good visit but
43

o
it was morning by the time she returned to her camp. This was the last time James saw his mother. She and two of his sisters died on the plains. He passed his mother's grave not knowing she had died and was buried in a place called Bitter Creek (Wyoming) about three hundred miles from Salt Lake in Sept. 1864. There was a great bond of affection between James and his mother. His mother said he was always devoted and obedient and thoughtful of her. Because his health was not as robust as his brothers she had to watch him. "4
Leona also gives us additional information concerning what it was like for James as he drove the freight wagon:

"In spite of weakness from lack of food they did a man's work and carried on in the spirit of the true pioneer. They traveled very slowley because of heavy loads and bad roads and arrived in Salt Lake in November, several weeks later than the rest of the family who came with the emigration train. The last part of the trip was extremely difficult because of heavy snow and short rations. His boots were worn out and he got a pair from the freight boss which were too large and they wore blisters on his feet. The cattle would stray away at night in search of food and it was sometimes noon or later before some could be found and yoked to some of the wagons. After taking the wagons some distance, they would be brought back and the rest of of the wagons would be brought up. This meant constant walking through deep snow with boots which did not fit and this was almost more than human strength could stand. It took three days to bring the train from the summit of Parley's Canyon to Eighth Ward Square. "5
The Joseph Howard family paid a heavy price emigrating to the Salt Lake Valley. Two of their children died. Tamar, three years old, the baby of the family, died 10 August 1864 and was buried about two weeks' travel after crossing the Piatt River. Ten days later, after the death of her sister, Matilda, age 6, died 20 August 1864. Matilda was the twin sister of Elizabeth. This must have been heart breaking to Joseph and his wife. Having traveled so far from their native land of England to have two of the younger members of the family die and to be separated from the four oldest sons, Thomas, William, James and Joseph. Ahead of them were some of the most difficult parts of the journey, through the mountains.

This was not the only tragedy the family faced. Ann, the beloved wife of Joseph became weaker and "exhausted in body and spirit," till she could no longer walk beside the wagons. She was put in a wagon, even though there was little room to lie down. Emma, her oldest daughter (14 years old) took care of her mother, watching her grow weaker, holding her head in her lap, trying to make her mother comfortable. Ann died the next morning, 8 October 1864, at Bitter Creek, Sweetwater, Wyoming, thousands of miles from her native land of England. She, as with her two daughters, was buried in a shallow, unmarked grave, covered with rocks, sticks and sage brush to keep the animals from digging up her body. Ann had joined her daughters, and the reunion on the other side must have been sweet.
44

IO
(
"

i
'

The trip across the ocean and continent came to an end at Pioneer Park on 26 October 1864 or 2 November 1864, where the family was welcomed by sons Thomas and William. The two boys had received reports that their father had died while crossing the plains. They were surprised but grateful to see him, but saddened to hear of their mother's death along with the two sisters.

|O

Joseph settled his family in West Bountiful on the W. S. Muir farm for the next seven years. He then homesteaded on what was referred to as the Upper Flats of Bountiful. This was at the mouth of Mueller Park. Two years after arriving in the Valley, Joseph married Caroline Richards Woodall who was a devoted wife who raised Ann's children.

"

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i

I
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o
45

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I

NOTES ON JOSEPH HOWARD AND ANN SHELTON

Ralph H. Davis, Family History of David Franklin Davis. Jr. . and Luella Howard. (Bountiful, Utah, 1994), pp. 40-52.
Church Emigration Record of 1864, Historical Dept. Archives.

O
4

Luella Howard Davis, Unpublished history of her parents. Leona Howard Arbuckle, Unpublished history, submitted to Daughters of Utah Pioneers (DUP). Ibid.

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46