--- 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: 17 number: 3 published: 1914-01 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'Solomon F. Kimball, "Belated Emigrants of 1856—III," *Improvement Era* 17, no. 3 (January 1914): 201–210.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera1703unse 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: improvementera1703unse start_page: 201 end_page: 210 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1914-01) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera1703unse publication_year: 1914 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 1914, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Belated Emigrants of 1856—III Belated Emigrants of 1856 V.Y SOLOMON F. KIMBALL III [Albert McCann, Smithfield, Utah, corrects an error in a name which appeared on page 12, of this volume of the Era, in the article, "Related Emigrants of 1856." He writes, "November 18, 1913: "In the November Era, in the article entitled, 'Belated Emigrants of 1856,' the name of Ellen Cartwell is misspelled. It should be Ellen Cantwell. If convenient to correct this in the next number I would appreciate it very much. I was much interested in the article, as my mother was one of the company, and, unfortunately, the one bitten by the snake." — Editors.] On the morning' of October 22, 1856, fifteen members of the relief party, under the leadership of Captain George D. Grant, bade farewell to the hand cart folks, at Rocky Ridge, and proceeded on their journey to the east. After four days' hard driving, they arrived at Devil's Gate, sore, stiff, and disappointed. Here they found Joseph A. Young and Cyrus H. Wheelock, the expressmen sent on ahead from Green River, to let the emigrants know relief was coming. Brothers Young and Wheelock, having received no word from the belated companies, deemed it wise to remain there until their companions should arrive, as their food supply was nearly exhausted, and their animals worn out. Sunday, 26th, was a day of rest in very deed, a good, necessary thing for both men and beasts. After traveling more than three hundred miles, in a little less than nineteen days, over almost impassable roads, the boys were so completely exhausted that Captain Grant was compelled to call a halt. The day was spent in fasting and prayer, and in preparing themselves to receive the mind and will of the Lord in relation to their future movements. Early the next morning, Captain Grant sent Joseph A. Young and Abel Garr to locate the Martin, Hodgett and Hunt companies, while the remainder of the party were engaged in repairing wagons, mending harness, doctoring mules, nursing chilblains, and getting ready for the mountain of work that lay before them. The boys felt no particular uneasiness concerning the Willie company, as it was in good hands and had the South Pass pro- GROUP OF RESCUERS Toj>, Kit to right: Cyrus H. Wheelock, Robert T. Burton; mid, Ik-: Heber ". Kimbal Chauncey C. Webb; bottom: Ira Nebeker, and Wm. Broomhead. BELATED EMIGRANTS OF 1856 203 visions to draw from until other arrangements could be made; but they felt alarmed concerning the other companies that had not been heard from since they were passed on the plains by the Richards' party, more than six weeks before. What a tremendous responsibility rested upon the shoulders of these young men, and what a picture of discouragement was here presented ! Here they were, three hundred and thirteen miles from home, hemmed in on all sides by the drifting snows of an early winter, with instructions from President Brigham Young not to return until every emigrant on the plains was accounted for. They had already endured hardships greater than the ordinary individual could endure; but it was a matter of small moment compared with the work yet to be accomplished. Many jo;eph a. youxg and abel garr, Couriers sent to locate the Martin, Hodgett and Hunt Companies (From a sketch by Mahonri M. Young.) trying experiences the boys had passed through during the earlyday settlement of Utah, but their burden, on this occasion, seemed greater to them than they could bear. After waiting several days the faithful expressmen made their appearance with looks that indicated hard service. After warming their benumbed limbs and eating a lunch, they made in substance the following report : "The first night out our animals wandered into the hills with a herd of buffalo, and it was nearly noon the next day before we were able to overtake them. After several hours' hard riding, we spied a man's track in the snow, some distance ahead. Urging our horses on, we soon came to the Martin camp, which was 204 [MPRl IVEMEN I ERA about two miles from where the road leaves North Platte for the Sweetwater. A few hundred yards beyond was the Hodgett wagon train. Neither company had made a move since the 20th of October, on account of sickness, death and the deep snow. "We found the Martin company in a deplorable condition, they having lost fifty-six of their number since crossing the North Platte, nine days before. Their provisions were nearly gone, and their clothing almost worn out. Most of their bedding had been left behind, as they were unable to haul it, on account of their weakened condition. We advised them to move on, every day. just as far as they could, as that was the only possible show they had to escape death. "The next morning, we rode over to the Hunt camp, twelve miles further on, and found them almost out of provisions, and their cattle dying for want of food. The majority of them had become so discouraged that they knew not what to do. We explained to them how impossible it was for us to give them substantial aid, as we had but nine loads of provisions left, which amounted to very little where there were so many to feed. We urged them to move on towards the Valley, every day, no matter what the sacrifice might be. We gave them to understand that the authorities at Salt Lake City had no idea that they were so far from home, and had made no arrangements to meet such conditions. The clouds were gathering for another storm, and just as we were leaving, it commenced to snow quite hard. "When we overtook the Martin company, we found them strung out for miles. Old men were tugging at loaded carts, women pulling sick husbands, children struggling through the deep snow, and so it went. They camped that night in a place where there was neither wood nor shelter, and the weather was bitter cold. Several deaths occurred that night, and others were dying. When we left this morning, they were at Greasewood Springs, about thirty miles away, and just getting ready for another start." As soon as these facts were made known to Captain Grant, he ordered his men to hitch up their teams at once, and go to their relief. The next day, the boys were busily engaged in helping the struggling emigrants through the deep snow ; and by noon, the third day, the Martin company was safely landed at Devil's Gate. Two clays later the Hodgett company arrived. The following notes from Captain Hunt's journal will explain why the wagon trains were not "on the move" from October 19 to 28, when they were so nearly out of provisions and upwards of four hundred miles from home. They give also a brief account of their journey from North Platte to Devil's Gate : MEMBERS OF THE MARTIN COMPANY Top: Captain Edward Martin, Assistant Captain Daniel Tyler, Thomas Dobsou: center Samuel S. Jones, Alice Walsh Strong; bottom, John Walsh, Alicia Read Arnold, and Annie ilicks Free. 206 IMPROVEMENT ERA "October 20 — The snow,- which is- about eight inches deep, has completely stopped us from traveling. "Wednesday, 22 — Forded North Platte by doubling teams, and cut down trees for cattle to browse on. "Thursday, 23 — Weather very cold, and several cattle died. "Friday, 2-1 — More trees cut'Jown for cattle to feed on. One ox died, and others not able to stand. "Saturday, 25 — Wind drifting snow, and ground bare in places, so that cattle are getting some feed. "Sunday, 26 — Slight thaw, aftil cattle looking better. "Monday. 27— Snow still meting. "Tuesday. 28 — -Weather very cold. "Wednesday, 29 — Joseph A. Young and two other brethren arrived from the west. Continued our journey, at 2 p. m., and traveled three miles. Left one wagon behind. "Thursdav, 30 — Traveled seven miles. "Friday, 31 — Remained in camp all day. "November 1 — Traveled twelve miles and were overtaken by another storm. Met Cyrus II. Wheelock and William r>roomhead, sent to learn our condition. "Sunday, 2 — Moved on fourteen miles, and cut down willow? for cattle to browse on. "Wednesday, 3 — Traveled eleven miles, and left fifteen cattle behind. "Thursday, 4 — Traveled twelve miles. Found some grass along bank of creek, and brethren scraped snow off, so cattle could get at it. "Wednesday, 5 — Traveled ten miles, and reached Devil's Gate about 8 p. m. A meeting was called, and the speakers were George D. Grant, Cyrus H. Wheelock and Robert T. Burton. Captain Grant informed the emigrants that all baggage would be left at Devil's Gate, except that which was absolutely necessary to take along, and about half of the wagons. All voted to sustain Captain Grant in carrying out this important movement, and be thankful to get to the Valley with our lives." During the next twenty-four hours, confusion reigned supreme around Devil's Gate. Cattle bellowing, mules braying, men shouting, women weeping, and children crying, could be heard in every direction. Wagons, hand carts, horses, cattle, mules, mess kits, bedding, baggage, and every variety of article one could imagine, were scattered around in one confused mass. Whatever was done had to be done quickly, as the food supply was nearly exhausted, and there were no signs of help, until word could be sent to the Church authorities who were more than three nun- Rfc *■ - nap** MEMRERS OE THE JOHN A. HUNT COMPANY Left to right: Captain John A. Hunt, Margaret Whitehead Young; bottom: Abel Garr, Joseph Angell Young. Captain John A. Hunt was born in Gibson county, Tennessee, May 16. 1830. lie became acquainted with the great "Mormon" Prophet, Joseph Smith, in 1840. and three years later joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1850, he came to Utah, and filled many prominent positions during the remainder of his active and useful life. lie was loved and respected by all who Knew him, and died at his home in St. Charles, Idaho, January 23, 1913, in which place he presided as bishop for twentyeight years. Joseph .\ngcll Young and Abel Garr were sent with the relief party, by President Young, with a good outfit, their special mission being to carry all important messages. When sent from Devil's Gate to North Platte, to locate the three belated companies, Joseph A. Young, on arriving at Captain Hunt's camp, again met Margaret Whitehead, whom he first became acquainted with in England, (daughter of Richard Whitehead and wife, who were among the eai liest members of the Church in England), and whom he married, in February, 1857. She was born in Blackburn, England, January 1, 1838. She is the mother of Major kichard W. Young, and is now living in t..e Twentieth ward, Salt Lake City. Abel Garr was a prominent scout in early days, and had charge of the Church herds on Antelope Island. He later removed to Millville, Cache county, where he died, and where members of his family now reside. BELATED EMIGRANTS 01- 1856 209 dred miles away. The boys of the relief party were so crowded with work that they scarcely knew which way to turn. On the morning of November 3, Captain Grant sent by couriers the following dispatch to President Brigham Young: "There is not much use for me to attempt to give a description of these people; for this you will learn from your son, Joseph, and from Brother Garr, who are the bearers of this message. You can imagine between five and six hundred men, women and children, worn down by drawing carts through mud and snow, fainting by the wayside, children crying with cold, their limbs stiffened, their feet bleeding, and some of them bare to the frost. The sight is too much for the stoutest of us, but we go on doing WAGON TRAIN NEAR INDEPENDENCE ROCK, ON THE SWEETWATER (From a sketch by G. M. Ottinger.) our duty, not doubting, nor despairing. Our party is too small to be much of a help. The assistance v/e give is only a drop in the bucket, as it were, in comparison to what is needed. I believe that not more than one-third of the Martin company will be able to walk any further. You may think this extravagant, but, nevertheless, it is true. Some of the emigrants have good courage, but a o-reat many of them are like children, and do not realize what is before them. "I have never felt so much interest in any mission that 1 have ever before been called to perform, and all of the boys who came with me feel the same. We have prayed without ceasing, and the blessings of the Lord have been with us. Brother Charles ill) LMPR< >VEMENT ERA F. Decker, who has traveled this road forty-nine times, declares that he never before saw so much snow on the Sweetwater as there is at the present time. "Brother Hunt's company is two days back on the road, and Cyrus 1 1. Wheelock and some of the other brethren are with him. We will try to move towards the Valley every day, even if we have to shovel snow to do it, the Lord being our helper. I have never before seen such energy and faith among the hoys as is manifested on this trip." There has been so much said ahout Devil's (late and its surroundings, in connection with the belated emigrants of 1856, that a brief description of this historic old landmark may be of interest DEVIL'S GATE. 1860 (From an oil painting by George M. Ottinger.) to the readers of the Improvement Era: The fort at Devil's Gate was built in 1852, by mountaineers, and used by them as a trading post, until the government, some years later, had them vacate it, on account of Indian troubles. The owners, later on, received from the war department an indemnity of $8,000 for the loss they sustained. It remained unoccupied from that time until the belated emigrant companies of 1856 took possession. The perpendicular walls of Devil's Gate, as shown in the illustration, are about four hundred feet above the river, which