--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Brown, John collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 13 number: 9 published: 1910-07 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'John Brown, "Pioneer Journeys," *Improvement Era* 13, no. 9 (July 1910): 802–810.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera1309unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera1309unse start_page: 802 end_page: 810 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1910-07) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera1309unse publication_year: 1910 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1910, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Pioneer Journeys Pioneer Journeys. From Nauvoo, Illinois, to Pueblo, Colorado, in 1846, and Over the Plains in 1847. Extracts from the private journal of the late pioneer John Brown, who for a period of twenty-nine years was Bishop of Pleasant Grove. ARRANGED BY HIS SON, JOHN ZIMMERMAN BROWN, OF THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH. On July 29, 1845, I returned to Nauvoo with my family, purchased a lot from William Hyde, and commenced to build a house. But as soon as I had collected the material the mobs began burning the homes of the Saints out in the country, and all business was suspended. As destruction threatened the Saints on every hand, a council of the leading brethren was held, at which it was decided to leave the state of Illinois in the spring. But, as my house was so nearly completed, I finished it, and soon after William Crosby, my brotherin-law, came with his family and lived with us while we remained in the city. Before we could go to the wilderness it was necessary for us to return to pioneer john brown. our former homes in the south and arrange our business affairs. However, we did not leave Nauvoo until PIONEER JOURNEYS. 803 we had received our endowments in the temple. I rented my home to a brother and left it in charge of William Hyde, authorizing him to sell it if he could, and to use the means in preparing for his journey to the west, which he afterwards did. We left the "City of Joseph" on the 14th of January, 1846, going by land, and reached our old home in Monroe county, Mississippi, February 22. We had been instructed by President Brigham Young to leave our families here, take those families that were ready for the journey, go west with them through the state of Missouri and fall in with the companies from Nauvoo in the Indian country. In accordance with this instruction, we started from Mississippi on April 8, 1846, with fourteen families. William Crosby, D. M. Thomas, William Lay, James Harmon, George W. Bankheai and I formed a mess, having a wagon to ourselves. Our plan was to return to Mississippi in the fall. We crossed the Mississippi river at Iron banks and traveled through the state of Missouri, arriving at Independence on May 26, a distance of six hundred and forty miles. Here great excitement prevailed over a rumor that ex-Governcr Boggs, of Missouri, had started for California; that the "Mormons" had intercepted and killed him on the way; and that they had also murdered and robbed several companies of emigrants, etc. The people of Independence tried to persuade us not to go to the plains, as we would surely fall victims to the revengeful "Mormons." But we told them we were not afraid. At this point we were joined by Robert Crow, from Perry county, Illinois, and William Kartchner, together with some emigrants en route to Oregon. We had in all twenty-five wagons and here our company was more fully organized. William Crosby was chosen captain, with Robert Crow and John Holladay as counselors. It was not until we reached the Indian country that our Oregon friends learned they were traveling with a company of "Mormons." This fact gave them some uneasiness, and they began to think we did not travel fast enough. One day they left us and went ahead, but the next day we passed them. They were a little afraid to go on alone, not thinking their company strong enough, so they remained with us until we reached the Platte 804 IMPROVEMENT ERA. river. Here we met a company of six men who had come all the way from Oregon, and when our friends saw this, they were no longer afraid to travel alone, as their company consisted of fourteen men. They left us on the Platte, where we rested a day for repairs. We now had twenty-four men and nineteen wagons, having lost one yoke of oxen belonging to George Threlkil, which was stolen by the Fox Indians. We had followed the Oregon trail from Independence, Missouri, and upon reaching the Platte expected either to have fallen in with the companies from Nauvoo, or to have found their trail. But we heard nothing from them whatever. Not knowing but what they had gone up the north side of the Platte, we continued our journey along the south side; some of our company, however, were reluctant about going on. On the 25th of June we came among the buffalo, and laid in a supply of meat. The hunting delighted us; our eyes had never beheld such a sight; the whole country was covered with them. One day a buffalo calf came running into the train of wagons when the dogs and teamsters came running after it. Several times it dashed through the train, and finally it ran in among our loose cattle where, after the dogs were called off, it became contented. A Spaniard, whom we had taken in a few days before, caught the calf with a lasso and tied it up; but it killed itself in a few minutes. This Spaniard, whose name was Hosea, had started down the river on a boat with some traders, but as the water was too low they had become lodged on the sand. He being afraid to stop in the Pawnee country, joined our company to go back to the mountains. He was of great service to us in doing camp duty and in caring for the animals. He also taught us how to approach the buffalo. One night, as we were camped opposite Grand Island, our cattle, being closely corraled, suddenly stampeded. The horses also broke loose and ran away. The running of the frightened animals, with the bellowing of the cattle and the ringing of the cow-bells, threw the whole camp in commotion. Men, women and children were seen rushing in every direction, frightened almost to death, supposing, of course, the Pawnees were upon us. One man was so sure of this that he fired his gun in the midst of the PIONEER JOURNEYS. 805 confusion. But orders were given at once not to fire, and after quiet was restored, it was found that no damage was done exceptixig the breaking of a cows's leg and the tipping of a provision box down from the rear end of one of the wagons. At the crossing of the south fork of the Platte we encountered such a severe storm that our tents were blown down and many of us suffered intensely with the cold. On June 30 we crossed the south fork of the Platte-; and next day, July 1, we reached Ash Hollow, where our Spaniard was bitten by a rattlesnake, which laid him up for a week or more. That night we camped near the brush in the hollow, not knowing that we were so near the north fork of the Platte river. I went on guard at the second watch, and was warned by the first guard to "look sharp," as the mules were very uneasy. One of our men, seeing something near one of the mules, threw a bone at it, supposing it to be a dog, but it ran in the darkness like a man sneaking away. At the same time I discovered a horse going loose across our corral and, upon examination, found that its rope had been cut. I immediately gave the alarm, when all of our men rushed out of their lodgings. We found several horses that were cut loose, and one mare and two colts were missing. A close watch was kept until morning, when we discovered a trail up the hollow where the three animals had been driven away. Besides the footprints of the horses there were nine moccasin tracks in the trail. We moved our camp down to the river and six men followed the trail that day, but learned nothing of the lost animals. At this time we were met by a company of men from California, from whom we learned that there were no "Mormons" on the route ahead of us. On receiving this intelligence some of our members became dissatisfied and wanted to turn back, while others thought it best to go on; but after due consideration we decided to continue our journey. We reached Chimney rock on July 6, and at Horse creek stopped one day to repair wagons. A few miles below Laramie we met a Mr. John Kershaw, who was camped in "Goshen Hole." He told us-he had heard reports to the effect that the "Mormons" had gone up the south fork of the Platte. We then held a council and concluded to go no further west, but to find a suitable place on the east side of the mountains, where the company could 806 IMPROVEMENT ERA. winter. Mr. Kershaw said that the head of the Arkansas river was the best place, as corn was being raised there and it was near the Spanish country, where the company could get supplies. He further informed us that in a few days he would start for Pueblo with two ox teams. There being no road, and he being acquainted with the route, we concluded to wait and go along with him. So, on July 10, we broke camp and resumed our journey. Mr. Kershaw proved faithful to us, and rendered all the assistance he could. One niecht it was necessary for us to camp without water, and fearing our cattle should stray off, we corraled them for the first time since the big stampede. About ten o'clock all the animals in camp suddenly became so excited that they were unmanageable. The horses pulled up their stakes and ran away. A mule that was close by me, however, did not succeed in getting away before I caught his rope. Not being able to hold the animal, I quickly mounted him and away he dashed, in spite of all my efforts to control him. His determination to follow the other frightened animals quickly impressed me with the fact that if the Indians got our horses they would certainly get me, too. But the animals stopped after running about a half a mile, and we succeded in recovering them. On the 19th of July twelve Cheyenne Indians came into our camp. We prepared a feast and gave them some presents, and next day we came to their village. Here they kindly received us, giving us a "feast" of stewed buffalo meat. We did some trading with them, and they appeared to be well pleased with our visit. Tvvo'of their lodges traveled with us for a few days. On July 24, we lay by on Crow creek, and some ten or twelve of us went out a few miles to hunt for some buffalo that had been seen at a distance the night before, but the supposed game proved to be a band of wild horses. An Indian who went out with us mounted his horse and gave them chase, but he could not come up to them. We then separated and wandered over the plains, which were literally covered with prickly pears, (cactus) and while we were thus scattered we were discovered by a large party of Indians, who had not seen us before. They immediately rushed upon us. We tried to get together before they could reach us, PIONEER JOURNEYS. 807 but were not successful. We were terribly frightened, but it was useless for us to try to get away, as the Indians were well mounted. As soon as our Indian guide, who was following the wild horses, saw the situation, he rode toward us with all the speed possible, meeting his countrymen about one hundred yards away. Their method of approach, with outstretched hands, was new to us; but Mr. Kershaw, who had accompanied us, betrayed no fear whatever, telling us that this was their symbol of friendship. He was well acquainted with their chief, whose name, in English, was "Slim Face." In general appearance this Indian chief very much resembled Andrew Jackson. A large circle was now formed around a fire, and after "the pipe" was filled, we indulged in a "friendly smoke." A good many of these Indians accompanied us to our camps, and next day the whole nation, with their women and children and lodges, met us at "Cash la Pood," where we made them a big feast and gave them some presents. After trading some with them we moved on to the south fork of the Platte river, searching in vain for the trail of the "Mormons," of whom we could learn absolutely nothing. We crossed the south fork of the Platte river on July 27, a few miles below a small fort, coming into a wagon trail made by traders en route to the Spanish settlements in the south. We continued our journey along this road, reaching Pueblo, a Mexican town situated near the Arkansas river, on August 7, 1846. Since leaving Independence, Missouri, we had completed a journey, as near as we could estimate, of eight hundred miles. Living in this fort were six or eight mountaineers, who had married among the Spanish and Indian women. These people received us kindly. It was here, at Pueblo, that we first learned that the "Mormons" had stopped at the Missouri river, and that five hundred of them had enlisted in the United Statss army, and were then on their way to New Mexico. Upon receiving this startling information a council was held at which it was decided for the company to winter in this place, and those men whose families were yet in the east should return and bring them out the follow- 808 IMPROVEMENT ERA. ing spring. The company was organized as a branch of the Church, and such council as the Spirit directed was given. The mountaineers said our people could have their surplus of grain in exchange for labor. Cabins, in the form of a fort, were built and active preparations for winter were made. The company was instructed to tarry here until they received word from the Church authorities where to locate. We remained at Pueblo with the Saints until September 1, ' wjtK), when we bade them good-by and started for the East, following uowii the Arkansas river to the Santa Fe trail. Our friends were very much disappointed in not having fallen in with the body of the Church. Only those who have experienced similar circumstances can appreciate the sadness of our parting, but we comforted our friends all that we could and left our blessings with them. On this return journey our party consisted of eight men, as follows: William Crosby, D. M. Thomas, John Holladay, William Lay, James Smithson, George W. Bankhead, John Brown and a man by the name of Wales Bomy, who had been to Oregon. On September 3, we came to Bent's Fort, where we learned that the reports concerning the "Mormons" at the Missouri river were true. We also were told that forty fine government teamsters had started from this part for the states just a few days before our arrival. We set out at once to overtake them, in order to travel with them through the hostile country. On September 7, we passed by the Arapahoes village and next day caught up with the government teamsters, who were under the command of Captain Dunigan. Almost every day we were met by troops and baggage trains that were on their way to Santa Fe. On September 10, Colonel Price came along, and on the 12th we met the Mormon Battalion, which gave us the greatest pleasure, for we were well acquainted with a great many of them. On September 13, we met John D. Lee, Howard Egan and James Pare. We saw plenty of buffalo, but could not kill many, as our horses were not fit for the chase, and it was difficult to approach the game on foot. At the same time our store of provisions was almost exhausted. Near a stream called Walnut creek a large herd of buffalo was seen feeding on PIONEER JOURNEYS. 809 the low land. We stationed men in the bushes at the crossing while some of us went around and started the animals toward the creek. As the buffalo came up the men began shooting at them. Many of the terrified ones turned and jumped from the steep banks into the water, where they could scarcely get out. The whole herd then followed, running over each other in great confusion. The men ran up and continued their firing until the animals had got away. In all we succeeded in either shooting or drowning nine big buffalo, which were dressed for food. But in spite of our success here, our provisions soon ran short again. We continued with Captain Dunigan's wagon train until September 26, when we separated, he going to Fort Leavenworth, and we pushing on to Independence, Missouri, where we arrived on the 30th. Here Mr. Bomy left us, and we continued our journey southward, reaching our homes in Mississippi, October 29th. After a few days rest we began making preparations to move with our families, early in the spring, to Council Bluffs, and thus be ready to go westward with the Church. About this time Elders Bryant Nowlin and Charles Crismon came to our settlement direct from Council Bluffs. They carried an epistle from the council of the apostles instructing us to remain another year with our families, but to fit out and send all the men we could spare to go west as pioneers. We held meetings to consider the matter, at which we concluded to send some four colored servants as pioneers, one of us going along to take charge of them. William Crosby, John H. Bankhead, William Lay and I each furnished a servant, and John Powell arranged for his brother David to go along. It fell to my lot to go and take charge of the company. In order for us to reach Council Bluffs in time, it was necessary to make this journey of a thousand miles during the winter months. All arrangements being made, we left Mississippi on January 10, 1847. D. M. Thomas joined us with his family, and Brother Charles Crismon also accompanied us. We were well fitted out with two good wagons and supplies, but as we traveled northward the weather bf came extremely cold. At St. Louis, where we were joined by Joseph Stratton and his family, we purchased more teams and wagons. A few 810 . IMPROVEMENT ERA. days later Bryant Nowlin and Matthew Ivory overtook us, and we now had six wagons. But the mud was so heavy that we had to lay over several days. Finally it turned cold, giving us the severest kind of weather, which was extremely hard on the negroes. My servant, whose name was Henry, caught cold and took the winter fever, which caused his death. I buried him in Andrew county, Missouri, at the lower end of the Round Prairie, just eight miles north of Savannah. In this neighborhood we purchased some more cattle, and resuming our journey, we reached the Bluffs just a few days before President Brigham Young and the pioneers started for the West. While we were waiting here, John Bankhead's colored man also died with the winter fever. This journey from Mississippi was the hardest and severest trip I had ever undertaken. I left one wagon and its load here with Brother Crismon, to bring along with the families that were to follow, and took the other two wagons and the two colored men, Oscar Crosby and Hark Lay, who had survived the journey, and joined Pioneer Camp. Brothers David Powell and Matthew Ivory also enlisted as pioneers; and on April 11, when the pioneer company was organized, and I was chosen captain of the Thirteenth Ten, these four men were assigned to my ten. When we reached Fort Laramie, on June 1, we found Brother Robert Crow, who had come up from Pueblo with six wagons. He had been here two weeks, waiting for the first company of Saints to come along. He told us that the remainder of the Mississippi company were still at Pueblo waiting to come with a detachment of the "Mormon" Batallion that had wintered there. On June 3, Elder Amasa Lyman, with Roswell Stevens, Thomas Woolsey and John H. Tippits, started for Pueblo to meet the Saints and bring them along. Brother Crow joined our camp and came on to the valley with us. On July 29, 1847, a few days after the pioneers had entered the valley, the Mississippi Saints, whom we had left at Pueblo nearly a year before, together with a detachment of the "Mormon" Battalion, under the command of Captain James Brown, came into Salt Lake Valley.