--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Kimball, Solomon F. collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 14 number: 3 published: 1911-01 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'Solomon F. Kimball, "President Brigham Young’s Excursion Party. I," *Improvement Era* 14, no. 3 (January 1911): 189–200.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera1403unse 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: improvementera1403unse start_page: 189 end_page: 200 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1911-01) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera1403unse publication_year: 1911 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 1911, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # President Brigham Young’s Excursion Party. I IMPROVEMENT ERA. Vol. XIV. JANUARY, 1911. No. 3 President Brigham Young's Excursion Party. BY SOLOMON F. KIMBALL. I. Many old-timers will remember with pleasure a trip made by President Brigham Young and company to St. George, Utah, in 1864. It was customary in those days for the authorities of the Church to visit every settlement of consequence throughout Zion, at least once a year. There were no railroads then, nor telegraph communication, to make travel easy, or to disturb the quietude of the people, and every settlement constituted a little world within itself. The Saints always looked forward with joy and satisfaction to these annual visits. Notwithstanding their straightened circumstances,they did what they could to make pleasant the presence of those who had come so far — frequently under trying circumstances— to feed them the bread of life, and to teach them how to prosper as citizens in a land so far from civilization. They realized that none but men of God would leave their owa home affairs, and spend the greater portion of their time helping to build up others, to whom they were in no particular way obligated. During the early 60's the Saints of Southern Utah had grown so prosperous that they urged President Young to bring along JOHN TAYUIK. with him more of the younger people than usual in his visits, as they were then in a position to entertain them. They believed that a change of this kind would go far towards making their long and often tedious journey more pleasant and prove a blessing to all concerned. Their great leader listened with interest, looked wise, but said nothing as to what he intended doing. The next year, however, he dispatched messengers on horseback to notify the gdji I^flkjg ■ Saints of Southern Utah that his large W m excursion party was ready to start to m Hjj* V "the land of cotton," and for them to ™ l ,:.'/'*' govern themselves accordingly. They ^H W-' were asked to announce that the party was to consist of thirteen light vehicles, and two baggage wagons, and would be composed of the following persons: Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, George A. Smith, Ezra T. Benson, Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Eliza R. Snow, Vilate M. Kimball, Robert T. Burton, John R. Winder, Theresa Burton, Amelia F. Young, David 0. Calder, Anna H. Calder. John T. Caine, David McKenzie, Philip Margetts, Harry Bowring, Sarah Alexander, George D. Watts, Hamilton J. Park, Agnes Park, Willard Richards, A. Milton Musser, Peter Horrocks, Catherine D. Horrocks, John Squires, Lewis Robinson, Seymour B. Young, Fannie Young, Thomas Jenkins, Janette Young, Louis S. Hills, Ella Young, Emily Young, James T. Little, Leonard Rice, William VanNetta, Theodore Calkins, Mary E. Kimball, Elvira F. Kimball, Richard J. Taylor, Byron Roberts, Chariton Jacobs, Oscar S. Young, Hyrum S. Young and the writer. On Monday morning, September 1, 1864, at 9:45 o'clock, one of the jolliest crowds that ever left Salt Lake City started on its WILFORD WOODRUFF. PRESIDENT BRIGHAM YOUNG' S EXCURSION PARTY. 191 journey. They drove to pleasant Grove without a stop. Between Lehi and American Fork they encountered one of the severest hail storms that ever visited that part of Utah. The next day they reached Payson. As they passed through Provo, they picked up William B. Pace, and a first-class string band. Wilson and Warren Dusenberry were two of the members. A meeting was held in the evening, at which Apostles Lorenzo Snow and Franklin D. Richards were the speakers. At ten o'clock on the morning of the 3rd, the company arrived at Salt Creek, now Nephi. The farther from home, the greater the enthusiasm became, and the more anxious the people were to see them. By this time things were growing attractive. Even some of the older members of the party began to have their interests awakened. It seemed as if every man, woman and child in the place was out in holiday attire. They lined both sides of the streets for blocks, and shouted praises to their leaders as they passed by. A brass band at the head of a company of cavalry, with colors flying, came out to meet the party, and discoursed sweet music to the satisfaction of all. Enthusiasm was at a high pitch, and all enjoyed themselves to the fullest extent. Two meetings were held during the day, and a dance at night ended the third day's program. The next morning there was anothe r meeting.and Presi dent Young delivered an excellent discourse, which gladdened the hearts of hundreds. By this time the excursionists were becoming better acquainted, and a spirit of mirthfulness began to crop out in various forms, WILSON DUSKNBERTiY Born April, 1811. WAKEEN IHSENBEKKY Bora Nov. 1, l&iG. LORENZO SNOW. FRANKLIN D. RICHARDS EZRA T. BENSON. After dinner they kidnapped the Salt Creek brass band, body and breeches, taking it right along with them. This amusing incident, in connection with other pranks that were indulged in, added to the feeling of merriment that possessed the whole company. For the remainder of the trip the band was an important division of the party. The party drove to Round Galley that day, and arrived at Fillmore the next afternoon. Here they remained two days and nights, enjoying a continuous feast of pleasure. When they arrived within two miles of Fillmore, they met one of the jolliest escorts that ever led a presidential party into a Utah town. Judging by the number it consisted of nearly every man and boy in Millard county — each of whom was mounted on some kind of an animal: narrow-backed horses of wide experience, and long-haired mules that mocked the Missouri mob — played prominent parts in the procession that proceeded down Fillmore's principal avenue. When this gallant gang of armed guardsmen galloped into line at the head of the president's party, and proceeded on their way through a cloud of dust, peals of laughter rang out from a hundred throats. This was the comical straw that broke the camel's back, and everybody was convulsed with laughter. As this peculiar procession passed down Fillmore's main street, terrific blasts from the kidnapped brass band, PRESIDENT BEIGE AM YO UNG' S EXCURSION PARTY. 193 EMILY YOUNG, ill 1863. Born March, 1849. playing one of their fantasias in B., caused the excited crowd to wonder what thing was coming next. Just before the procession reached the Capitol Building, anvils boomed, cows bellowed, horses bucked, donkeys brayed, women shouted, youngsters yelled, and dogs yelped; while savage red men looked on, wondering what pranks the pale face people would play next. After the deafening din died down, the squawking of yellow-legged chickens and the quacking of big,fat ducks could be heard in all parts of town, as the high executioners of Fillmore were dexterously performing the ax act. At that time Fillmore was the home of the Lymans, the Callisters, the Kings, the McBrides, and many other good and broad-minded people who never did things by halves. Before the president's party had fairly time to arrange their toilets, the big feast began in earnest. Brother John Squires, the rough and ready razor man of the company, was so rushed that when it came the boys' turn to be shaved, he dexterously, but not very mildly, made the fur fly from their fuzzy faces. Great preparations for the banquet had been going on for days, no other incident of like importance having occurred before, south of Salt Lake City. Armful after armful of the choicest fruits, meats and vegetables of every variety were placed upon the tables before them, until the master of ceremonies was compelled to call a halt for further arrangements to be made. Waiters actually groaned and tables tottered under the FANNIE YOUNG (THATCHER) Born January 25, 1849. 194 IMPRO \ rEMENT ERA . DAVID MCKENZIE, Horn December 27. 18'W heavy weight of custard pies, frosted cakes, preserved fruits, and scores of other delicious delicacies awaiting the hungry Salt Lakers. Before darkness brooded over this land of good things, a grand ball was opened in honor of this eventful visit, which was so far ahead of the ordinary country dance that comparison would be out of the question. It took place in the large and commodious twenty-eight thousand dollar Capitol Building, which had been thoroughly renovated and elaborately decorated for the occasion. Excellent music was furnished by the famous "Fillmore Fiddle-band," under the superior leadership of Daniel Olson, one of the noted violinists in the western country. Prominent citizens came from far and near to have a good time, and the spirit of dance seemed to be in the very air. The older members of the party retired early, leaving the dance to the middle aged and young, who moved things along with vim and dispatch. After a late supper, it was hard to tell which division of the party was getting the best of the situation, as all seemed to be enjoying themselves to the very limit. "Highland Flings," "Pigeon Wings" and other fancy steps taken by the Fillmoreites, surely demonstrated that they were more than equal for the occasion. Phil Margetts. Harry Bowring, Sarah Alexander and a dozen other fun-makers, in the way of innocent amusement, captured the best corner in the Capitol, and such capers as they cut were never before dreamed of by the unsuspecting citizens of Southern Utah. Daylight finally brought everything to a standstill, and what few live roosters were FRANCIS. M. LYMAN THERESA BURTON. Born March 26, 1848. PRESIDENT BRIGHAM YD UNG' S EXCURSION PA RTY. 195 LOUIS S. HILLS, IN lfcGS. Born March 8, 1836. left in town were exerting every vocal power imaginable to impress upon the minds of the happy party that the time was fully ripe for them to be moving on. At 5 a. m. the kidnapped brass band came to life, and played "Oh, Dear, What can the Matter Be?" so long and loud, that everybody gathered from every direction to learn, if possible, what was the matter. Brother George A. Smith, the only 300pound man in town, mounted an old workbench, and, with stentorian voice, informed the feasting excursionists that there were other settlers south of Millard county anxiously awaiting an opportunity to entertain them on the fat of the land, and that the frightened fowls of Fillin >re were right — that it was about time "for them to be moving on." Saturday evening put a stop to the festivities. Everything of a liyht-minded nature was dropped. The Sabbath of the Lord was at hand, and the Saints, who had enjoyed themselves to the utterimost,were now ready for the solemn change. The authorities, thus far, had done what they could to make the journey a joyful one, but they never permitted recreative pleasure to interfere with sacred things. While visiting the Saints in these faroff settlements } where there were no amusements to capitol building, fillmore. speak of , it was nee- 196 IMPR 0 VEMENT ERA . GEORGE A. SMITH. JOHN SQUIRES. Bom December 23, 1820. Died November 13, 1901 DANIEL OLSON. Born at Copenhagen in 1831: Died May 9, 1893. essary to say and do things that would bring cheer to the hard-working settlers. Even in meeting it was, therefore, not unusual, in those days, for the speakers lo refer to conditions, circumstances and situations that were both amusing and pathetic, often causing the congregation to alternate between laughter and tears. The talks, in this way, entered their lives, and consequently the instructions were long remembered, and aided greatly in keeping the people in good spirits until their leaders came again. President Young had brought this jolly crowd with him for this very purpose, and their presence did the Saints a world of good. Sunday morning, September 7, at 10 o'clock, the largest congregation ever assembled in Millard county gathered to listen to the inspired remarks of Apostles Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Ezra T. Benson, John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff. In the afternoon Apostle Orson Hyde, who joined the party at Sevier bridge, and President Brigham Young, occupied the time. Such an outpouring of the Holy Spirit was never felt before in that part of Zion. In the cool of the evening, in order to shorten the next day's drive, the company proceeded te Corn Creek, now Kanosh, Apostle Amasa M. Lyman accompanying them. The next day they reached Beaver, after the PRESIDENT BRIGHA M YO UNG' S EXCURSION PARTY. ] 97 hardest day's drive of the trip. All day long they faced a blinding dust storm. A meeting was called in the evening, but the majority of the company went to rest early, as they were pretty well tired out. Miss Mary White, a resident of Beaver, joined the party here, and remained with it until they returned to Salt Lake City. Tuesday, at 5 p.m., they arrived at Parowan, the home town of Apostle George A. Smith, and on the following day drove to Cedar City. Meetings were held at both places, and a spiritual feast was enjoyed by the multitude that came from far and near. The Saints throughout the country had harvested a bountiful crop, and the people on all sides were praising the Lord. It seemed like the very windows of heaven had been thrown wide open, and bles-ings poured out upon the Saints, until there was hardly room to contain them. Orchards and gardens were teeming with good things, and everybody had plenty and to spare. Wagon-loads of melons and choice fruits of many varieties were lavishly bestowed upon their welcomed guests, who richly enjoyed the gifts as they proceeded on their way from town to town. JANETTE YOUNG EASTON. Boru Dei/ember, 1849. HARRY BOWRING PHIL MARGETTS. ORSON HYDE. On the night of the 11th, the company stopped at a little place called Pinto, and the next day reached Pine Valley, a way up in the mountains, some six thousand feet above St. George. It was a perfect little paradise, surrounded on three sides by groves of pine trees and meadows of rich bunch grass. A more beautiful spot could scarcely be imagined. The company greatly enjoyed the change, and would have remained here several days had time permitted. A meeting was held in the afternoon, and a dance given at night. President Young, however, instructed the members of his par^y to retire to rest early, as the hardest day's journey of the entire trip lay before them. The next morning at daylight the company, which now numbered not less than one hundred, started on its down-hill journey. Many loads of hay, grain and provision were brought along by the thrifty settlers, to help feed the multitude that was already gathering at St. George. The distance was about forty miles, and the road in some places was well-nigh impassable. When they came to the "Washboard," just north of "Jacob's Twist," all but the drivers were compelled to walk, the road being extremely steep and rocky. As they neared the "land of cotton," the weather became quite tropical. The vo'canic rock, strewn over the country, shone like black diamonds, and the craters from whence they had come appeared like SARAH ALEXANDER. AMASA XI. LYMAN. PRESIDENT BRIGHAM YOUNG'S EXCURSION PARTY 1S9 mountains of coal. After viewing the crater for a short time the company drove near to the brink of a deep chasm, where they remained about thirty minutes. The timid excursionists peered into the rugged depths until their heads reeled. After throwing a ton or two of rock into the pit, the company drove on. They arrived at St. George just in time to see the sun hide his smiling face behind the rocky cliffs of Utah's "Dixie." Apostles Orson Pratt, Erastus Snow, and other distinguished citizens of St. George, were on the spot to welcome the president's party to their southern home. Their guests were soon distributed in carriage-load-lots over the town, where theywere made more than welcome for the next three days and four nights. The Saints of St. George were in comfortable circumstances, all things considered, and a more hospitable community of people never lived. The majority of them had comfortable homes, and seemed to be happy and contented. Their city was a little gem set in the midst of a sandy desert, surrounded on all sides by the rugged mountain cliffs. None but men of God, endowed with great wisdom and faith from above, could have built a city so beautiful in so remarkably short a time. It was located in 1861, in which year large companies of people were called from the northern counties of the territory to settle on the Rio Virgen and Santa Clara. The city of St. George stands today as a splendid monument to their honored names. OK SON PRATT. MARY WHITE. Born November 7. 1840 ERASTUS SNOW. DIAMOND VALLEY CRATER, TWELVE MILES NORTHWEST OF ST. GEORGE. Sunday, September 14, was a day of rest in very deed. After traveling three hundred and sixty miles over a dusty road, the president's party was pretty well tired out. Even the jaded animals showed their appreciation of the change, as they lay stretched out beneath the shady groves of the Garden City. At 10 a. m., a large congregation gathered under the spacious JACOB'S TWIST, NEAR ST GEORGE.