Utah Historical Quarterly Volume XX

Journal of the Iron County Mission, John D. Lee, Clerk, edited by Gustive O. Larson - 2

JOURNAL OF THE IRON COUNTY MISSION JOHN D. LEE, CLERK December 10,1850-March 1,1851* (continued) EDITED BY GUSTIVE O. LARSON Iron Co Mission Encampment No 161 Wed. Jan. 1st 1851 Morning clear Thermomenter stood at above at Yi Pa s t 6 Capt. O. B. Adams was sent as a committee to explore the country & learn the prospect for feed & camping facilities at the next creek 3 ms distance ahead, returned about 8 reported plenty of water & Saluratus Grass2 but little or no wood The camp was called to gather & a vote taken by Pres G. A. Smith-whether the camp was to role on to the next creek today & encamp there till the morrow or remain here today voted not to move till the morrow. Pres G. A. Smith then said that a guard should be around the cattle through the day as well as the night a request was made by some of the camp for the liberty of having a little dance,3 it being New Years the Pres replied that he would not object provided the Bishops would manage the af­fair & have it conducted with a single eye to the honor of their calling as Saints of God; through the day (which was fine) several lame cattle were shod-J. D. Lee had one of his cows shod the remainder of the day (or nearly so) he (J D Lee) spent reading the Poor Cousins in Pres G A Smiths waggon, while their families were preparing a New Years Dinner which they (the 2 families) partook togather in Pres G. A. Smith's Family House or waggon, it was reported that some Indian camp were but a short distance down the creek, where upon, Capt. Jas A. Little & some 6 of his *This installment of the journal covers the period January 1-18, 1851. 'The Iron Mission consisting of 101 wagons, 2 carriages, 119 men, 30 women, and 18 children, under leadership of George A. Smitii had reached Meadow Creek in Millard County on December 31, 1850. The livestock was greatly in need of feed and rest, so the pioneers remained over to celebrate New Year's day. John D. Lee, general clerk of die camp, continues his account •Commonly called salt grass. •Dancing was a popular diversion which the Latter-day Saints even in­dulged in on the trek from Nauvoo to Salt Lake Valley. 254 UTAH HISTORICAL QUARTERLY men were sent with the Interpreter-to confer with them should they be found & tell them our object & that we were their friends 6 that they must not disturb our cattle or Horses or we will use them up, but should they wish to trade their children4 or other articles for clothing or provisions to come to our encampment, the co refered too after a diligent search returned & reported no In­dians. About early candle light, the Dance commenced & about 7 Pres G A Smith & J. D. Lee (general clerk) walked to where the youngsters6 were amusing themselves in the Dance which was in the open air on the ground in the caral-& looked at them enjoying themselves for a few moments Saw all was right, then returned to his waggon, a few minets after, Jos Horn (pilot) & some 2 other persons were sent to wait on his Excellency the Pres & Lady & his clerk J D Lee & Ladies to the dance. The Pres Lady being some what fatigued from exercise declined attending-the Pres himself spent a few moments more at the circle, but did not participate in the dance. J. D. Lee & Lady attended, all was con­ducted in good order which produced a mild & pleasant Spirit, at 10 the Watchman cried all is well in camp, the Bishop, Presid­ing (Tarlton Lewis) called the dance to order & said for the benefit & health of the camp the recreation had better be brought to a close When it was dismissed by Elder J D Lee with a Bene­diction, each one sought their resting places. Iron Co Mission Encampment No 17 Thurs. Jan 2nd 1851 Meadow Creek Mild atmosphere Heavy Ther. 28, Deg, above Zero about &Y morning the Mis­sion resumed its travel & at the distance of l}/£ ms brought us to a grass or grazing country which in length is as far as the Eye can extend East & West, & about 3 ms in width this portion of country is free from Sage Brush or any other growth excepting 'Indian slavery had long been practiced on the Spanish Trail passing through southern Utah. Spaniards and some American trappers bought or stole Piute children to sell in Santa Fe or California. The natives often presented their children for sale as an alternative to starvation. Stronger tribes also raided the Piutes for their squaws and children to dispose of similarly. The Mormons at first bought Piute children under constitutional provisions for their education and ultimate freedom and later passed laws forbidding all slave traffic in Utah Territory. "Of 87 members of tiiis company whose ages appear in the Parowan Ward Record (exclusive of children under 14), there were 7 under 20 years of age, 32 in their twenties, 25 in their thirties, 19 in their forties, 3 in their fifties, and 1 age 64 (average age 32.8). George A. Smith was 34 and John D. Lee 39. JOURNAL OF THE IRON COUNTY MISSION 255 grass Bull Rush Flag6 & small willow on the stream which is about 3 ms distance in the Prairie & from the make of the country, one must conclude that this stream is a branch of Corn Creek which is 2 ms ahead about Y t n e land in this pretty prairie plane is very deeply tinctured with Salaratus, though there is some Ex­cellent rich spots of Land occasionally through this plain, Stream 13 feet wide 2 feet deep 2 ms further brought the camp to the South side of this handsome range of country where the Mission formed a carall on the South side of the Main creek.7 the face of the country here is almost solidly covered with small willows the banks being low the water over flow & spread over a large tract of country-which is the cause of the young willow growth. This is inevitably the best prospect for a large Settlement that we have discovered on the [trip] since leaving the Settlements. This stream upon examination is found to be sufficiently large for Mill purposes and Machinery of any kind-5 will Erigate a large body of land. The soil on this creek is hard to be surpassed. The camp arrived here about 12 noon which afforded a Y day's time at least for Exploring which was cheerfully improved by many in camp J. D. Lee was the first that reported the discovery of aggro-culture on this creek brought a corn as an evidence of the fact. | Said that about 2 acres of land was fenced with willow poles < sticking them in the ground at the distance of about 3 feet apart, & with bark tied willow poles horrizontally across them & in those little gardens or patches corn wheat & Beans had been cul- V tivated Brought to maturity & harvested this present season (that is now past) & from the appearance of stocks cobs & stubble the '. crops were of a Rich strong growth-which is evidence sufficient that Mormons can raise grain & do well here (or rather) question is if indians can raise such grain-what will Mormons do.8 Soon after Capt Call, Cherry & Newman returned Specimens of the same & was highly pleased with what they had discovered on the North Side of this Stream near the field refered too, were signs of an heavy Encampment of Indians-from appearance had been •Bull rush flag is probably the clerk's expression for tgpha or the common cattail. 'Corn Creek near the present town of Kanosh. This was the homeland of the Pauvan, Chief Kanosh, who later befriended the Mormon settlers and wel­comed agricultural progress for his people. 'As elsewhere in American expansion, the white men took native dispos­session for granted. Every stream and cultivatable acre was assumed available to them regardless of traditional ownership. 256 UTAH HISTORICAL QUARTERLY encamped during harvest time & had left some time in Autumn- from the no of Wickeups it was supposed that there must have been near 500 Indians-Now comes the report of Peter Shirts9 who it was said assended to the Top of high peak (of the moun­tain) & viewed the land Scape over discovered in a Western di­rection a large lake10 which he supposed to be about 75 ms long & beyond it seemed to an opening between two Mountains, led the Eye into another valley the extent of which was lost the dis­tance being too great to survey with naked eye-he also dis­covered a large body of Ceder Timber on a gently elevated Hill which gradually sloped down into the valley which he supposed was 3 ms in width & from 5 to 15 in length he also reported an outlet from the Lake running south The country in this region bore the resemblance of good Farming Lands-next we find him down from the peak in the kanyon of Corn Creek11 which was the name given to this creek after the discovery Made (Farming) Here he reports of finding ceder trees that would make 2 rail cuts to 1 tree or 20 feet long-straight & handsome & considerable Oak & some Maple & above all Iron ore12 of the best quality & thinks silver ore also the stream he says is abundantly capable of propelling Mills & Machineries & that the Kanyon will be easy of access, this evening the Pres advised the Horses to be guarded in the carall for said he when you think you are most safe then is the time of danger in an Indian country J. D. Lee in the Eve­ning reading a book titled the Poor Cousins in Pres G. A. Smith waggon-abundance of fire wood from this point from the dis­tance of 5 to 10 ms level road Iron Co Mission Encampment No 18 Corn Creek Frid Jan. 3rd 1851 Cloudy heavy atmosphere cold Ther. 12 D. above heavy Frost on the grass & herbs all day the camp this morning made an early start all things safe, the Horse Teams & Capt John Bernard with his 10 who had equalized their loads "A tireless explorer of southern Utah resources, who later participated in Iron manufacturing in Cedar City and for whom Shirts Creek was named. "Sevier Lake probably was not visible, so his "lake" must have been the appearance of water against the distant range or the residual of streams flow­ing across valley into marshland, like Clear Lake to the north. The Iron Mission appears to have first applied the name Corn Creek to the stream now occupied by Kanosh. "Shirts was inclined to exaggeration. He probably found some tuff or iron colored lava flow from an extinct volcano. JOURNAL OF THE IRON COUNTY MISSION 257 according to the strength of their teams were permitted to role on to watter as soon as they thought proper, the remainder of the camp followed on the snow here is not to acceed 3 inches in depth at the distance of about 5 ms brought the co by a smawl Mountain on the left which plainly indicated from the large mass of huge rocks & broken fragments that lay scattered in every di­rection- that the convulsive groans of nature had tested the firm­ness of it deep laid foundation upon examination the whole moun­tain had been doubtless subjected to the action of Fire; there being the appearance among the mass of burnt Lava & Pouris stone & even the large stone that remained partly whole appeared as though at some period of time that a welding heat had been taken upon them leaving them the colour of Rich Iron ore13- frequently through the day on the left such rocks would appear but at no great distance could the passing object be discovered on account of the immense heavy Fog which filled the valley & the sun its self was not to be seen till near its sitting, about 4 P. M. brought us to the foot of a Mountain shrubed over with ceders-here we commenced crossing over smawl spurs of this mountain and ascended some pretty steep hills, till at the dis­tance of one mile further we found the camp in the mouth of a kanyon, that about Y t n e c o the remainder having ascended the kanyon and encamped in a smawl valley beyond, about 5 ms distance ahead-the remainder of the co were compeled to stop from the fact that their teams were already exhausted & could go no further. Some little time after this co had stoped for the night the pilot sent a messenger back, to inform the rear that the horse teams that were ahead had taken the wrong rd he feared, & where it lead he had no idea-large mountains appeared be­fore them-and the result of taking this road with all in the fu­ture- 9 deg above zero Iron County Mission Encampment No 19 Bakers Pass Sat Jan. 4th 1851 Morning clear, cold thermome­ter at zero.-This morning early Capt S. Baker was delegated to look out a new pass, returned about 9 o clock and reported a pass14 through the mountains about Y m' ' e t o t^e " 9 ^ °t ^ e There are several volcanic cones in this area. The surrounding valley is Strewn with lava. "Present Bakers Canyon. 258 UTAH HISTORICAL QUARTERLY present encampment, which led directly into the little Basin15 where the forward company were encamped, the pass is without a single hill to cross, on hearing this report Pres G A Smith ord­ered the camp to role on, at the distance of Yz mi^e t^i e ^ r s t ^ by advice of the Pres halted on a splendid spot of grass and let the teams bait about one hour, during which time Capt Love arrived. He having returned in search of a cross cut saw which had been lost from his waggon the evening before His co had gone on. The Pres thought it best not to move on till he overtook the camp-at the distance of about 5 ms we found ourselves on the ground (in the basin aluded too) where the forward camp had been this morning the snow this pass and basin is about 10 inches, this basin is about five miles in circumference no water emptying into it. The road passes directly through the center of this Basin and ascends another pass or kanyon to the S. E. & at the distance of about 3 ms or less we reached the summit at one place in ascending this kanyon some of the waggons were drawn up with ropes & at the distance of 2 ms further, brought us to a creek in a smawl valey resembling a cove feed good abundance of ceder Timber around on the mountains and even down on the bottom, a little after dark the rear of the co roled in camp, here the whole mission encamped togather. Thermometer at 12 noon 50 above zero, at 6, 28 above This evening Pres G. A. Smith gave orders to have the horses put, & guarded in the carall and to notify the mission that should Providence favor there will preaching in the caral on the morrow. Iron County Mission Encampment No. 20 Cove Creek16 Sund. Jany. 5th 1851 Morning cloudy Thermometer stood 28 above orders were given by the Capts for every man to see that their teams are all on hand as the Pres justly remarked to wait till the following morning, to ascertain that all is well in camp would be giving the Indians too much the start. Pres. G. A. Smith around the camp among the brethren animating and encouraging them about 12 noon the Saints assembled in the carall for Public Worship. A short interview with the several Bishops The Pres "Dog Valley. Old road still visible north of Cove Fort. "Present Cove Fort which was built on Cove Creek in 1867. The Henry Lunt diary states, "Camped on small creek which we gave the name of Cove Creek." JOURNAL OF THE IRON COUNTY MISSION 259 then addressed the assembly, in substance said Brethren the mo­tives that has prompted us, at this inclement season to undertake this Mission is very different from the view of the world, their motives are selfishness and self aggrandisement and their spirit 6 disposition is to obstruct and pull down to retard the progress of every one but themselves, but with us it is not so. Our sole object is or should be devoted at least, with one united exertion to build up Zion & this I believe is the unanimous feelings this camp. W e have as yet had no written camp rules, still I am per­suaded Justice and Righteousness is written upon every man's Heart. Law was never intended to govern a wise and upright people, they are above the [law,] righteousness being stamped in their hearts what need have we with a long roten of Bye laws or camp Rules, when every man knows his duty & should any be at a loss to know, let them inquire of these Bishops of men of experience that know more than themselves I have frequently cautioned the Brethren and now repeat this caution never to lay a loaded [gun] up in their waggon without first taking off the cap17 or empting out the powder from the pan as the case may be & putting in or on the tube a piece or leather or woolen cloth to prevent accidents But notwithstanding when I happen to go to a waggon I once in a while find a gun laid up regardless of the caution that I have so frequently given-But the trouble is some men think their judgement is as good as any other man's & con­sequently take their own way thinking there surely can be no danger when the cap is removed. I now and again warn you not to tamper with the Lives of one another lest their blood be found in our skirts. Such accidents have happened where the cap was removed, but leaving some of the percussion or composition on the tube it took fire & was near killing or wounding several per­sons, in the camp that I led from Pottowatomy county18 & I tremble daily for fear some of you (through some man's neglect) gets wounded. An other caution about guarding my advice is to have a good and sufficient guard placed around the horses in par­ticular, it is better to put the horses in a separate heard 6 take turns at guarding, if each man should stand 2 hours each night would not be verry heavy guarding we have 100 head of horses "As used in percussion-lock guns of that period. "George A. Smith was one of those who had directed the Mormon mi­gration from the Pottawattamie lands of Iowa in 1848. 260 UTAH HISTORICAL QUARTERLY say worth $75.00 each would be $7500 & unless we do take strict measures the first thing we know when we get up some morning all our horses will be gone My discourse is scattering but those things I wish to say & realizing that it is not verry pleasant to stand in the snow long with wet feet this is the 1st Sabbath that we could lye by since we started. It always so happened that we had to travel for the want of feed or water & this point I was determined to make, so as to rest today & for this reason I in­structed the horse teams and Capt Bernard with his company to make this point as soon as they thought propper & that we would follow on as fast as the strength of our poor teams would allow, and should the rear of the co fail to make this point by last evening the front of the co would be sufficiently strong to guard and be safe-but to this arrangement some was not pleased with, but so long as I am the leader of this Mission I shall take the liberty to divide the co where it is for the best. I lay bye on New Year's day when it was contrary to my feelings because quite an honorable portion of this company was in favor of staying, they ruled for they were men of feeling and wanted to favor their weak teams and decided with them-we have had first rate feel­ings generally still I was accused of causing National feelings by speaking of great battles that had been fought by the Ameri- . cans.191 hope never again to excite that kind of National Feelings j all governments on earth but one are corrupt & that is the govern-j ment of God that is my National Interest (Mormonism) closed by the speaker Evening mild Ther 28 above P. S. Bro. Robert Wiley was unanimously chosen chorister to preside over the singers of Iron County Mission about 7 (eve­ning) the Brethren assembled around camp fire & spent some 2 hours together singing. Pres G. A. Smith with the co. Iron County Mission Encampment No 20 Cove Creek Mond. Jan. 6th 1851 Cloudy and mild theremoneter 28 morn noon 32 at 6 evening 28 cattle scatered in every direction. Re­ported this morning that an ox belonging to Jacob Hoffeins had been killed and mostly ate up by the wolves &-Several cattle "The Iron Mission included many iron workers recently from the British Isles, some of whom apparently took exception to glorification of America. It became- a Mormon ideal to fuse the nationalism of its many foreign converts into one brotherhood of "the-Kingdom." JOURNAL OF THE IRON COUNTY MISSION 261 lame in camp feet worn out sliping on the snow, one of Pres G. A. 'Smith's oxen quite lame from a snag in one of his feet, which was soon taken out by J. D. Lee and a shoe placed on his foot by Bro. Whiteley & others, about 9*/£ the camp commenced roling out & at the [distance] of 2 ms the 1st 10 by order of the Pres called a halt and waited for Capt E Whipple who was delayed, one of his oxen was missing, about 12 noon Capt. Whipple found his ox & came & took his place in line, here we crossed a ravine thence through sage and over occasional cobblestone. 3 ms fur­ther where we gradually descended a narrow neck of first rate farming land on the west side of this valley which we called Ceder Valley this valley is about 15 miles20 in length and from Y t o 2 miles in bredth and nearly shut down on both sides with scrub ceder in many places the bottom is mostly a sage plain But little grass save what is on the side of the mountains. This neck of land refered to is about 2 ms in length Y m ^ e & near in width at the distance of near 7 miles from cove creek, we found the front of the mission encampment on a small creek about 1 rod wide and 1 foot deep-This creek runs about 2 ^ ms from the canyon into the valley and sinks in earth near the west side-the soil is of a ridish cast and abundance of cobble stone through the sage -on the east mountains are seen at a distance large bodies of pine and furr timber which from the shape of the mountains and kanyons would be accessible. This being the first pine and fur timber of note, that we have discovered since leaving Salt Creek. Hence this creek took its name (Pine Creek) on the west side of this valley opposite the mouth of this creek kanyon appears to be an opening through the mountains that leads into another valley -But we had no time to explore. At this point a splendid wranch might be established (J. D. Lee) quite unwell. The Pres. through the day in his waggon reading as usual and the camp stops he is around among the brethren inquiring into the welfare of the camp etc. Iron Co Mission Encapment No 21 Pine Creek21 Tues. Jan. 7th 1851 Morning cloudy ther. 28 morning noon 36 eveng 28 About 7 Pres. G. A. Smith at J. D. Lee's waggon en­quired of his health and proffered any assistance within reach of ' "This valley is not over five miles long at the most. aU S Highway -91 crosses Pine Creek about five miles south of Cove Fort. 262 UTAH HISTORICAL QUARTERLY his cable Toe22-This morning some of the co was deleyed on account of not being able to find all their teams in season one of J D Lee's oxen was not found till about 9 morning the co to which he belonged had all roled on save the Pres and his waggons who did not leave till all was ready to role-from here we traveled about 5 ms through a sage plain scrub ceders and over cobbl stones and crossed 2 smawl ravines which brought us to the head of this valley where we ascended up a smawl kanyon about 1 mile to the top Hill gradual though many were obliged to double teams One mile further we descended down a narrow ravine or kanyon two places very sidling and slippery and with care and skillful driving & managing dangerous to waggons here we turned to the left up another smawl kanyon Y m ^ e t o ^e summit then crossed a deep ravine steep rocky descent, But gradual ascent, then the road winds around the heads of hollows on a divide the distance of \Y m^ e there descends a steep hill into a narrow kanyon Road sideling bad traveling-then crosses a deep ravine descent sideling & ascent steep which brought the camp into a little rough broken barren valley covered with a few smawl willows at the head of the same-or nearly so-Splendid feed on the bluffs which at this place were low.23 The snow generally through day has been from 12 to 26 inches deep & in this valley it is about 12 inches a light skift of the snow through the night of the 6th. at every bad place Pres. G. A. Smith was out & had hold of the waggons assisting to get them over, using every care & precaution to prevent accidents, each ten with their Capt. in the rear assisted one another. Ther. 20 above z. about 8 the horn or bugle was sounded for meeting Bro Wm Mitchell spoke of the first introduction of the Gospel in Liverpool England & concluded with an exhortation on the word of wisdom24-followed by the Pres. who illustrated the nature of the word of wisdom to the satisfaction of all. Iron Co Mission Encampment No 22 Sage Valy Wed. Jan. 8th 1851 Cloudy Ther. 24 above Z. noon 34 Eveng 20 Snow fell during the night about 2 inches about 7 oclock •"Probably refers to a chain or rope used for pulling or towing purposes. "A strenuous day had brought the company through Wildcat Canyon. "A Mormon health code found in the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 89. JOURNAL OF THE IRON COUNTY MISSION 263 morning quite a squall of snow & high wind N W which rendered it verry unpleasant blustery and disagreeable, which made it difficult to gather the cattle, as they could scarce be seen more than 100 yards the air being darkened with the clouds of flying snow. This morning J. D. Lee presents Pres G. A. Smith with a ham of pork worth about $4 which was thankfully received as they had but little on hand. About 10 the camp took up the line of march all but Capt. Dame and his ten The Capt. having re­turned to Pine Creek in search of one of his cows, found his cow at the camp ground, returned and started with his co about 12 noon. From this the road leads south through a narrow vally mostly covered with sage & greasewood distance about 5 ms. There the road then turns down a deep ravine 6 follows the bed about 100 yds then ascends a steep bank which brings the traveler upon other table of higher land the soil is of a green blue clay, the vegetation is shorter plain level rather descends south 3 ms to a smawl stream about 10 feet wide with scattering cottonwood timber along its banks-Sage in abundance but no feed the bot­tom is narrow this stream we suppose to be a tributary of Beaver Creek, hence called it the North Fork (of Beaver) or Indian Creek.25 from this the road begins to ascend a hill gradual ascent to the summit about 2 ms. at the foot of this hill 3 Indians came to the rear of Co said (by signs) heap Wickeups East & West, pointing up and down the creek and over onto Beaver Creek here on this summit you have a full view of the surrounding country, of the kanyons that makes into the valley of Beaver, which appear to be well clothed with Pine and Fur timber. The vally is extensive, land good & well adapted for iregation with occasional springs breaking out through the vally immediately on the bottom is aboundance of grass. Some of which is a rich growth. The hill and S [p] urs of the Mountains are covered with large sage greasewood and rabbit bush; with smawl bunch grass growing among the shrubs. The ceder timber commences about 6 ms from the center of the body of farming land & then continues over the spurs & mountains & in the kanyons & inexhaustible quantity easy of access waggons can be drove among the groves almost in any direction-This is also a splendid situation for a They would first come upon Indian Creek, tributary of Wildcat Creek, and then North Fork. They apparently traveled nearer to the mountains than does Highway 91 which does not cross North Fork. 264 UTAH HISTORICAL QUARTERLY heavy settlement & is about 220 Ms from the S. L. City.26 3 ms from the summit brings the traveler to Spring Creek,27 a tributary of Beaver Creek, at which place the Mission Encamped on the North Bank. Tied up the horses and posted strong guards around the cattle; as the Red men were in our vicinity. This creek is about 1 rod wide and 1 foot deep banks high & steep Iron Co Mission Encampment No 23 Spring Creek Thurs. Jany. 9th 1851 Clear mild Theremometer 13 above Zero noon 38 eveng 7 This morning the pilot Jos Horn and Capt S. Baker were instructed by the Pres. to examine the situation of the land on the south side of Beaver and if possible to look out a rout to avoid crossing the swamp (a wet piece of land made by springs spreading over the land) About 9 bros Horn and Baker returned & reported favorable. Said by driving about Y m^e down the stream and making a bridge or rather filling up a smawl ditch with sage brush through which the water runs, the whole camp can go over dry shod. In the mien time Capt. Anson Call by order of the Pres. engaged as many men with picks and spades on the banks of Spring Creek as could work to an advantage digging down the banks which were very steep. Another portion of the co were collecting the teams about 10 the horse teams commenced crossing and was followed by the 2nd 50. The 1st 50 in the rear today about % of a mile is the distance between Spring Creek & Pure Creek,28 another tributary of Beaver. This stream is about 8 feet wide & 1 deep water clear as christale bottom gravely banks hard; but steep bad crossing, less than a % mile distance brings you to the main creek. This is about 2 rods wide and 2 feet deep at the ford, banks low and hard bottom gravely. Good crossing-Some willow on the banks near the crossing and about 3 ms up the stream appears to be a considerable body of cottonwood timber. South of the crossing from Y t o 1 m i k *n width is the springy wet land before spoken Here the road turns to the right down the stream about Y ™i'e t o avoid the swamp, thence south about Y m^ e further brings you to the outlet of this swamp, a smawl creek about 8 feet wide, banks about 3 feet "Present highway distance from Salt Lake to Beaver is 210 miles. This stream, retaining the same name, flows on the south margin of pres­ent Beaver. "Now known as South Creek. JOURNAL OF THE IRON COUNTY MISSION 265 deep, which we filled up with sage and rabbit brush, the crossing good. The road then commenced winding over uneven ground, covered with greasewood and sage shrub gradual ascent for about 3 miles and at the distance of about Y m n e from t n e spring outlet, this road comes into the old one again & at the distance of about 2 ms the road crosses a hollow ascent & descent gradual, here we have been traveling through ceder and scrub or a dwarf pine about Vi of a mile, about \Y miles further brought the co to the summit of a spur-passed through heavy bodies of dwarf pine and ceder-in fact the whole face of the country is covered with timber for 10 ms at least. There a new pass was discovered to the right by the Pilot (Jos Horn) to avoid crossing this moun­tain which is high 8 roughf. The road here turns to the right, crosses the head of a kanyon then descends a gradual hill & at the distance of about % of a mile brought the co into a kanyon up which was a smawl trail made by some of the California Emmi-grants29 probably last Fall. This trail appears to have been made from the Beaver, and it is quite probable a better rout. We traveled up this kanyon about \Y miles, which brought us to the foot of the main mountain. Snow about 10 inches deep, at which place, the Pres being ahead, called a halt & encamped-(E I) the 50 that [were] his waggons knowing that the Broken remmants of the 2nd 50 were in the rear, & could not possibly cross the moun­tains this evening. The 2nd 50, such as had strong teams, and the horse teams had already crossed. Feed good on the sides of the mountains & ceder in abundance & snow for water here. Iron Co Mission Encampment No 24 Horn Pass30 Frid. Jan. 10th 1851. Clear Thermometer morng 15 noon 34 eveng 28. About 9. odock the co doubled teams & commenced roling up the mountain promiscously as circumstances required without regard to the organization. This was done to facelitate the opperation, with instructions to fall into line in their respective places, when over the mountain, the ascent of this mountain is steep rocky & on account of snow, slippery and sideling, hard on waggons & teams & about % of a mile to the summit with a ravine to cross about Y waY gradual descent & ascent, in ascending this T h e Southern or Mormon route to California had been taken by a com­pany of gold seekers in the fall of 1849 piloted by Captain Jefferson Hunt. T h e designation "Horn Pass" has not been preserved in general usage. 266 UTAH HISTORICAL QUARTERLY mountain one of J. D. Lee's waggons by neglect of the driver was near being disrobed of its covering by sliding down against a tree dwarf pine. Philip B Lewis shared the same fate at the place-Pres. G. A. Smith assisted with his own hands in getting up his waggons about 12 noon the rear of the co on top of the mountain here an iron boalt which supports the tonge and hounds of one of Pres Smith's waggons were broken & an other boalt was found & substituted in its place Here Pres. Smith ascended to the top of one of the highest dwarf pine trees at that place & from it had a view of the Little Salt Lake Vally. through the intervening spires of the mountains a head; on the top of this mountain down its sides and in fact as far as the eye could discover heavy bodies of pine and ceder timber appeared-about Y m ^ e distance from the top brought the co to the foot, in a smawl basin covered with timber; descent steep, road crooked winding among the timber some rocks, at this place the foreward part of the co encamped the previous night, but had left before our arrival. Here the 1st 10 (all except one waggon Richard Benson) called a halt to see that all was over the mountain safe when Pres. Smith arrived all the 10's had roled on for Little Salt Lake save the 1st 10 & the broke down teams of 4 other 10's; about 1 pm the remnants of the co renewed their journey; over a continued succession of hills and hollows & over rocks for the distance of about 3 ms especially the latter part of this distance is very rough. Especially the descent into the kanyon that leads into the vally31 after the road enters this kanyon you cross 3 or 4 ravines none of them bad cross­ing cobble stone in abundance. The vally on entering it seemed rather forbidding to a farmer especially. Scarce any thing to be seen but sage and greasewood. Mountains moderate height roughf especially to the north & but little timber. At the distance of about 1Y mile We encamped in the northeast end of the valley No wood but dwarf sage. No water but snow-Smawl bunch grass among the sage. About 8 oclock the rear of the company came in. Previous to their arrival Pres. Smith instructed Capt. A. B. Cherry and Bishop Lewis to return until they would meet those in the rear with weak teams to let them know that the camp was but a short distance ahead & encourage them to follow on to camp. During this time J. D. Lee read camp journal to the Pres. •Buck Horn Flat JOURNAL OF THE IRON COUNTY MISSION 267 Capt Call present. The Pres. then remarked that we were the weak broken fragments of the co and should there be any stragling band of thieving Indians around watching our moves it would be well for us to bring out our fire arms & maneuver according to military discipline & will give them to understand that we are not asleep. This being done under the direction of Capt. Edson Whipple the Brethren were anxious to fire of their guns which when granted only increased their anxiety for the sport and elated their feelings to that pitch that they must fire of the cannon 6 few rounds of smawl arms by platoons and celebrate the day in which we entered the vally. Finally sanctioned by the Pres. John D. Lee Adjutant, was appointed to take command of the performance. The brass piece was loaded and discharged by Bro Bastion. The adjutant formed the co into 6 sections & marched them a few paces in the rear of the cannon which when dicharged was followed by volleys of rifle rounds32 which produced no smawl alarm to the camps ahead of us as well as the natives of which we will speak of hereafterwards. The first camp33 was about 6 ms ahead & the main camp about 15 ms & in less than one hour from the time the fireing ceased an express came in full speed of 2 men Zachariah Decker and Peter Lish from the first camp to learn the cause expecting that we had been attacked by the Indians. The cannon was also heard by the 2nd company on head 15 ms & some 20 started for our assistance but was met by an express about Y waY informing them of the true state of affairs. All returned home rejoicing in that the alarm was false Pres Smith sent a request by the express that the cos ahead would send back teams and help up those of their co that were not able to come without help. The Pres in first rate spirits and express gratitude to the God of Iseral for his providential care over this mission thus far Iron Co Mission Encampment No 25 Little Salt Lake Vally Celebration Sat. Jan 11th 1851 Clear Ther. 28 above noon 38 eveng 24 "'Henry Lunt reports in his diary, January 10, 1851: "The canon was fired and 24 stand of small arms followed by three cheers for Iron County and 3 for die governor of Deseret." T h e first camp here means the first company as organized in original for­mation. Some of the company, including the best teams in Captain Baker's Fifty, had already reached Red Creek. Lunt diary of January 10, 1851. 268 UTAH HISTORICAL QUARTERLY About 8 the camp resumed their travel & at the distance of about 3 ms met a Bro Town from the camp returning for a cow said that an Indian came to their camp very much alarmed and wanted to make friends said there was a large body of Indians south west & that they were affraid when they heard so many guns & such a big gun last night & at the distance of about 3 ms farther we encamped in the vally at the Buck Horn Springs-this name originated from the fact that a Buck Horn was found in the bottom of the spring about 4 feet deep-water brackish Pres Smith & Capt. Call rode ahead from camp in search of water & feed for the camp & found this spring. The road level through sage & greasewood several rabbits were brought to camp through the day by the boys & several cattle were shod & many more needed shoeing but were forced to do without for the want of shoes. The Pres. shoes & nails were all gone & shoes & nails to put them on were used by one man. The Pres. not only turned out ox shoes but the shoes that he had for his own feet when he saw a French man34 almost bare foot handed out the last pair of shoes he had, save the boots that were on his feet. The land here is low & strongly tinctured with saleratus, coarse roughf grass and saleratus plenty, day warm. About 6 evening Bro. Jos. Walker & a boy drove 6 yoke of oxen in camp from the cos a head to help up the invaluds. J D Lee gave them their supper and lodging etc. Iron Co Mission Encampment No 26 Buck Horn Spring. Sund. Jan. 12th 1851 Clear Ther. 24 noon 40 eveng 26 About 20 minutes to 9 the camp took up the line of march the Pres. thought it best not to stay any longer in that saleratus swamp He in co with Capt. Call, rode on to the main camp which was at Red Creek.35 the road is mostly level & at the distance of about 4 or 5 ms some mound [s]36 spring to the left of the road & at the distance of about 6 ms from B Springs the Road runs through a first rate piece of land mostly covered with wire grass heavy coat, this land is low and rich and is made by a creek from the mountains "Apparently the Paul Royls mentioned previously by Lee as a member of the company. "Present Paragonah. '"North of Paragonah and between Highway 91 and the mountains lies a field of ancient mounds. Some have been opened by the Smithsonian Instu-tute and others exposing mud walls of prehistoric buildings and various native artifacts. JOURNAL OF THE IRON COUNTY MISSION 269 (South East Side) which over flows its banks and spreads over the bottom. Soil redish cast, road muddy, & at the distance of 2 ms further, the road through some sage rich growth Y of a mile then comes to a heavy growth of young willow sprouts The road here turns to the left up the creek about Y m ^ e then crosses at which place the camp was caralled. water soft, mountains red covered with shrub ceder, feed plenty The rear of the co roled into camp about 3 p. m. When Pres. G. A. Smith rode into camp he found that the Brethren were scattered in different directions (not all) Some were hunting others exploring & soon he had an invita­tion, himself, but he declined by observing that he was too weary. His saddle and bridle was soon borrowed some 8 more were ready to start when he remarked cautiously too should they chance to meet any Bishops or Elders of Israel by the way please remind them to return & keep the Sabbath His gentle caution gave a respit to the horse already saddled as they were soon turned. Pres. Smith in a first good humor to scold & did it up scientificly The Brethren knew they were wrong & therefore felt & appreciated the might of this remark. For many of them had doubtless rushed ahead to examine the country & should it not just please them, to influence a majority to opose the settlement at that point & move for one further south. At 6 the Pres. was at J D Lees waggon talked over the fedings of the camp & said that he wished to see the Capts. together J. D. Lee notified them The Pres stood in the door of his waggon & laid before them his feelings on the subject. Said that without having the first camp law-excepting council & advice this camp has traveled near 260 ms over mountains snow & ice, at this inclemant season, without a fight or even one single quarrel, with only what he had done himself, & that he hoped that the same good spirit that was with them on this mission might remain & he cherished with them always & that the Pres B. Young ex­pected them to settle on Center Creek37 and the only thing that would induce him to look further for a location, would be the lack of the necessary facilities to answer our present location, & that he was of the opinion that the whole mission had better move on to the next creek & there remain till the necessary explorations could be made & that he would like to see a genteel carall made & the whole mission to be in their proper places as they were organ-a7Five miles south of Red Creek. 270 UTAH HISTORICAL QUARTERLY ized. & that the Capts should notify their men to that effect. At this encampment a silver watch was found by a Bro Hall sup­posed to have been lost by the California Emigrants or gold diggers. Iron Co Mission Encampment No 27 Red Creek Mond. Jan. 13th 1851. Cloudy Ther. 20 above zero noon 36 eveng 24 About 8 the first 50 roled out 1st 10 in front. Pres G. A. Smith Capts Call, Baker Bishop Lewis Q others started on horse­back to explore-at the distance of about 5 ms the camp reached the mouth of the kanyon on center creek at which place the whole mission Encamped38 at this point considerable snow on the ground & much higher than Red Creek The land is a gradual ascent from Red Creek Has red gravely soil Bunch grass & grease wood is the principal growth & within one mile of the creek quite rocky Center Creek is about one rod wide & 2 feet deep swift rapid current rock bottom & banks-Kanyon oppen for three ms which is the distance that it has been explored-Mountains covered with ceders -about 1 p. m. the mission carralled & about 3 p. m. the explorers returned. Reported abundance of range (bunch grass) & large bodies of bench land but of a good quality & some good bottom [land] also several specimens of antiquity39 gums & some thing like Epsom Salts or fine saleratus was discovered in the clefts of the rocks. About 4 Pres Smith called the Brethren to gather and reported what discoveries he & others had made & said that he was well satisfied with what he had seen. Still he wanted to explore further & learn the facilities that are wanted to be known. Let some 3 men go on the morrow up this kanyon with Bishop Lewis & examine for timber iron ore coal mill stone grit etc & bring anything that is strange & unknown-a specimen of any 88Above present site of Parowan on Center Creek. Below this point Parley P. Pratt's Exploring Company had camped the previous winter. The Lunt diary of January 13 states, "President Smith formed a tract of land which pleased him. Not so with most of our company. They pronounced the upland in this valley worthless." George A. Smith's personal diary for January 13, 1851, states, "The whole camp moved on to Center Creek and camped at the mouth of the canyon. A very fine rapid stream larger than that of North Cottonwood. Red Sandy soil covered with bunch grass, sage and rabbit brush and grease wood. I found a track [sic] of land which pleased me, but not so witii a great majority of our farmers who make up rye faces and say they can see no facili­ties here. I called a council of the camp and appointed Bp. Tarlton Lewis, Dr. Moss and several otiiers to explore Center Creek Canyon." "Not clear whether the writer means archaeological or geological speci­mens. Both would have been available. JOURNAL OF THE IRON COUNTY MISSION 271 curiosity serves to talk about if nothing Let Capt. A. B. Cherry & some 4 or 5 examine the next kanyon ahead & some explore the lake build a good permanent bridge over Center Creek & have the camp cross over & carrall about Y m ^ e below near the liberty pole40 & let some man cut out a couple of grindstones for public use & let Capt. Jacob Hoffiens have the cannon mounted, then called on Lieut. T. Smith for escort of 15 mounted with 3 days provisions to accompany him on a short exploration of about 25 or 30 ms south to start by 8 oclock tomorrow morning-& con­cluded by saying that Bishop E H Groves will act as Pres. during his absence & let no persons start out without first reporting themselves to him that he may know who are absent. About 4 pm the Pres. had some conversation with (J. D. Lee clerk) with reference to the explorations & said that he wants him to go along on the morrow. Middle Creek Tues. Jan. 14th 1851 Iron Co Mission Encamp­ment No 28 Clear wind high south cold Ther. 12 noon 34 Eveng 14 At 10 oclock the exploring co with Pres. Smith left camp being about 20 in No namely G. A. Smith Pres Thomas Smith Lieut. Thos Wheeler interpreter & John D. Lee Clerk rode together in J D Lee's carriage drawn by 4 horses. The Pres J D Lee messed and slept togather. Escort Capt. Almon Fulmer, Lieut Smith Seargeant W. H. Dame E. Brown Capt. A. Call John Dolton Chas Dolton, Leaman Brunson Z Decker G. D. Wood Geo. Wood Lawson Thos Corbit M Ensign, Jos Horn Simon Baker Capt C A Harper Webb & Harmerson was the co that composed the Pres escort. Previous to leaving the Pres instructed the clerk to prepare himself with paper pen & ink to take observations & do such writing as may be necessary The Pres took with him a thermometer, books & candles-& while driving along in the fore part of the day he had the clerk read a few pages in Comstock's Geology the first six ms of the road was through dwarf sage & greasewood plains. "Pratt's Exploring Company of the previous season had raised a high pole on which a flag was hoisted. Here Pratt had offered the following toast before his company started the return trip. "May this, the 8th of January [1850], be kept as the anniversary of the founding of a city of The Little Salt Lake which will hereafter be built." Autobiography of Pioneer John Brown (Salt Lake City, 1941), 112. 272 UTAH HISTORICAL QUARTERLY At 11 minutes to 12 noon we reached creek41 at which place we meet 8 Brethren with pack animals from California for the Salt Lake City Namely Capt. Jefferson Hunt,42 Levi Fifield John Berey, Jas Brooks, Henry Gipson, Marshall Hunt, John McKay & Byram Fifield They had 42 animals Capt Hunt reported that Isaac Brown had started several days previous to the time that they did he was alone & had 5 animals-they supposed that he was killed by the Indians, they saw where they supposed he met with his fate; there was signs where the horses were drove off. He also said that they saw Indians repeatedly & some were hostile but that they got through safe. From him we learned that Pres Brigham Young was appointed Governor of Eutah Territory,48 & that nearly all the Brethren that were at the gold mines44 from the beginning & had made fortunes were all broke & but few of them that can get credit for a meal victuals & have become poor worthless disapated creatures & that roberies & murders are common in California he said that it was reported that Brannan45 the richest Mormon in the mines was broken. After a short council with them Pres. Smith invited Capt. Hunt to accompany the explorers & that the re- "Summit Creek. "Jefferson Hunt had been Captain of Company A in the Mormon Battalion which invaded California in 1846 under command of Colonel P. St. George Cooke. His company had been ordered to Los Angeles to maintain an outpost of defense against marauders in Cajon Pass, about 50 miles to the east. Upon discharge from service in July, 1847, he came into Utah by way of the Spanish Trail. After reporting to Brigham Young in Salt Lake City, he was dispatched over the same route to secure seed grain and livestock in California. He re­turned through present Iron County early in 1848, with supplies for the Mor­mon colony in Salt Lake. Again in 1849 he led a company of California gold seekers over tiiis Southern or Mormon route to California. Daniel Tyler, A Concise History of the Mormon Battalion in the Mexican War (Salt Lake City, 1881); Leland H. Creer, Utah and the Nation (Seattle, 1929), Chapter "A copy of the New York Tribune containing information about the organi­zation of Utah Territory (September 9, 1850) and appointment of Brigham Young as governor had been secured in Los Angeles by Henry E. Gibson of Hunt's party, and it was he who first brought the news to Utah. Orson F. Whit­ney, History of Utah (4 vols., Salt Lake City, 1892), I, 452. "Most of the Mormon Battalion, upon being mustered out of the army on July 16, 1847, left for Salt Lake Valley via Sutter's Fort near Sacramento. About half of them remained here over the winter to participate the following year in the discovery of gold. Creer, op. cit.; Tyler, op. cit. "Samuel Brannan had brought a shipload of 238 Latter-day Saints from New York to San Francisco by sea. He made strenuous but futile efforts to persuade Brigham Young to lead the Mormon pioneers to California instead of remaining in the Great Basin. Success in California weaned him from the Church. He became a multimillionaire and a prominent figure in the develop­ment of the San Francisco Bay area only to die a pauper in Escondido in 1889. The report that misfortune had overtaken him as early as 1851 was mistaken. Paul Bailey, Sam Brannan and the California Mormons (Los Angeles, 1943). JOURNAL OF THE IRON COUNTY MISSION 273 mainder of his co go to our camp & rest themselves & animals a few days for by then we wished to send in a mail & returns of the organization of Iron Co Capt. Hunt & co accepted the invitation got into the carriage & the co proceeded to little Muddy46 the distance of about 14 ms mostly sage and rabbit bush-about 5 ms N. E. of the Muddy a low range of mountains puts in from the North 5 allmost divides the vally-on the west side of that range several springs brakes out & forms a lake47 (smawl) around it abundance of good feed & some good farming land. At 20 minutes to 5 PM the co crossed the Muddy & encamped for the night plenty of dry cottonwood & grass for the animals. Banks of this stream low water spreads over the ground abundance of cotton-wood timber & ceder in abundance easily of access & near by soil of the best quality Ther 29 degrees above zero Iron County Exploring Encampment No 1 Little Muddy Creek Wed. Jan. 15th 1851. Mild clear thermometer 29 deg. above zero The Pres. was up washed and down to brakefast before sunrise. The boys made & kept up a large camp fire of dry cotton-wood & around it most of them set & talked over old times till day. Pres. Smith & J. D. Lee retired to the carriage the Pres. offered a prayer they then retired to rest. At 11 oclock but did [not] close their eyes in sleep till near 2 oclock, consulting the interest of this people & the best policy to build up Zion. The Pres. seemed very ernest & much engaged about the present location for this mission, at 5 minets to 8 the co. renewed their mission. Capt Fulmer & some 4 men went & examined the sise & situation of the creek at the mouth of the kanyon at which place the stream was with in its banks. Seargeant Dame & a smawl co took down the stream while the Pres Lieut. Smith Capt. Hunt Thos Wheeler interpreter S John D Lee adjatant. In the carriage Capt. Call and 8 men (escort) drove through the cottonwood vally examining the soil and facilities for farming till at the distance of about 8 ms through sage & rabbit bush brought the co to a smawl ridge of mountains on the west side of the vally. At 17 minets to 11 o clock the horses were turned out at the head of a spring which run west (strong stream) At A minets to 11 Pres. Smith in co with some 10 others "Later, when coal was discovered along its course, the Little Muddy became Coal Creek. "Rush Lake. 274 UTAH HISTORICAL QUARTERLY (the remainder left to guard the horses) ascended one of those hills or smawl mountains of Iron Ore distance about Yl m ^ e f ° u n d large quantities of ore Some appeared to have been subjected to the action of heat & was pronounced by some to be dead. However specimens of the ore rock & to be tested by regular and proper process-in this vincity are 3 hills of ore48 & large amount of free stone suitable for buildings & ceder in great abundance-At 5 minets to 12 noon several horsemen were seen riding towards in full speed about 3 ms off when 1 st discovered. Soon they entered the camp & proved to be Indians of the Eutah tribe; they were 7 in no well clad & riding good horses they rode up & shook hands with the inturpter (4 others) who were well accquainted with them- The leading one was old Peteetneet after whom Peteetneet Creek was named from them we learned that Walker the Hawk of the Mountains49 was a short distance south about 25 ms near Euinta Vally60-they were quite friendly 6 seemed glad that we were settling in Little S L Vally Capt. Hunt & Webb gave them some tobacco which pleased them they then must smoke the pipe of ^eace at 1 P M the co started on the back trail for camp The Indians rode along some 5 or 6 ms with the co & chated said that they were all of that tribe. On our return home we passed through a First Body of rich land & quite a body of cottonwood timber but the creek from the report of Capt Fulmer & co was not considered sufficient to irriegate that quantity of land that this co. wanted to till about 28 minets to 4 the co encamped on or near the same place they left in the morning. At 5, the Pres. eat supper -after assisting to carry camp wood for the night. At 20 minets to 6 the Pres. G. A. Smith moved that this com. be resolved into caucus meeting & that Capt Alman L Fulmer take the chair & J D Lee act as clerk for the evening carried. Maj. G. A. Smith addressed the meeting said that it was necessary to organize Iron Co.51 & report the same by Capt. Hunt who will cary our returns to Head Quarters 6 in order to do this "Iron ore outcropping in the vicinity of Iron Springs. "The Ute War Ghief Walkara called on Brigham Young in June, 1849, inviting Mormon occupation of his homeland. He passed through Iron Gounty annually on visits to Navajos or to steal horses in California. In 1853 the Walker War resulted from Mormon interference with Ute slave trade. "Probably on Ash Creek or Virgin River often frequented by Chief Walker enroute to and from Navajos. "'Smith had been appointed chief justice by the Legislative Assembly of the State of Deseret witii authority to complete organization of Iron County. JOURNAL OF THE IRON COUNTY MISSION 275 we want to take into consideration the men to fill the difirent county offices & that he should like to hold a regular election.52 Get up a ticket & vote by ballot. On motion Maj. G. A. Smith Capt. Anson Call Adjutant J. D. Lee Lieut. Thoss Smith & Jos Horn Pilot was appointed a committee to nominate by selection & bring before the public such men as they in their wisdom, might think best qualified to fill the necessary offices of the county Iron. The committee retired for a short time & made the following selection (ss) For representative to the Legislator Captain Jeffer­son Hunt Edson Whipple & Elisha H. Groves associate Justices Capt. Anson Call & Tarlton Lewis Justices of the Peace, Jas Little Sherrif Wm H Dame County Surveyor John D Lee County Recorder Jas Lewis Clerk county court, Philip B. Lewis Sealer of weights & measures Zachreah B. Decker & Chas Hall Constables. J.D.Lee Chairman of the committee reported the above named persons to the convention On motion the report was accepted & committee discharged by unanimous vote. The supreme judge then appointed Lieut Thos L Smith, Capt. Simon Baker & Capt, John P Bernard Judges of Election which election be ordered to be held at Center Creek on Friday Jan. 17th 1851. At 10 am On motion the convention adjourned without preliminaries. At 15 past 7 the clerk then retired to his carriage to bring up the Journal of the day & minets of the evening The Pres. around the camp fire in turns with the boys relating anecdotes & circumstances con­nected with his preachings among the gentile53 priests etc. at Y past 8 the Pres. remarked that last evening he had prayre in the carriage but proposed this evening for all to unite togather in prayre which they did around the camp fire-Elder Anson Call offered the oblation. Ther. at 9 deg above Zero Iron Co Exploring Company Encampment No 2. Thurs. Jan. 16th 1851. Cottonwood creek64 (called Muddy) Morning clear cold air keen Thermometer stood at 8 deg above zero. At 11 minets to 8 morning Capt. Almon L. Fulmer Thos Wheeler interpreter Chas Dolton John Dolton Capt. S. Baker ""It was odd that the chief justice took initial action for an election while on Coal Creek and separated from the main company. MNon-Mormons were called "gentiles." "Cottonwood groves edging die course of Coal Creek suggested the name here used but the name was not adopted officially. 276 UTAH HISTORICAL QUARTERLY Capt. A. Call Jas. Lawson Chas A. Harper & Geo Woods were appointed a committee to examine the cottonwood kanyon, still farther than exploration amounted too on yesterday & at 16 minets to 9 the Pres. & the remainder of the explorers started for home (that is the main encampment) For after a fair & thorough exami­nation of the surrounding country the company agreed in one thing (& that was) this creek with all its advantages and facilities the richness of its soil etc was not the home of this mission at the presant. The face of country looked desolate and even the sur­rounding objects seemed forbidding & fearful threatening of future consequences was plainly depicted on the countenances of every man who felt the weight interest & responsibility resting on them (the building up of Zion) Therefore the spirit bid them return home it the only place that seemed like home to us. The Pres advised the escort to strike for the direction of the encampment in so doing the road would be shortened about 5 ms which would be quite an advantage to our encampment when we established an Iron foundary.55 We shall go back & forth occasionally as circum­stances shall require. At the distance of about 8 ms through sage and rabbit bush heavy growth brought the explorers to large beds of iron ore about middle of the north & south, But it was not of so rich a quality as the ore at the Iron Springs at or near this place Capt. Fulmer & co returned Reported as much water in the cotton-woods as runs in Center Creek which is about 1 rod wide 6 18 inches deep but that the kanyon was narrow & in its present state not accessible with waggons. At 20 minets to 12 noon the explorers arrived at Sumit Creek, day cool cloudy-here Capt. Hunt showed the Pres. a cash which he had made the season before, containing waggon wheels hand saw, planes chisels augers spades chains etc which he said Pres G. A. Smith might have & welcome & all he would ask was, if he (Capt Hunt) should remove to this county, & should need a spade or chain to give him. here the co stopped and watered their animals then steered for the camp & at 21 minets to 4 reach home, took care of our animals & refreshed ourselves. About 6 Pres G. A. Smith called a meeting of the inhabitants of Iron Co & resolved them into a caucus meeting Dr. Wm A. Moss was called to the chair & Jas Lewis clerk of the meeting Pres G A. Smith then addressed the meeting said that on yesterday the T h e Iron Mission settling on Center Creek (Parowan) would find com-pletlon of its assignment through iron manufacturing on Coal Creek. JOURNAL OF THE IRON COUNTY MISSION 277 inhabitants of Cottonwood Precinct66 held a convention & ap­pointed a committee to select such persons for county officers as they thought best qualified. The committee then reported the persons for each office which was sanctioned by the convention & the committee discharged-it is now left for this meeting to say whether the present nominations will be supported by the inhabitants of Centre Creek or not On motion from Wm J. Emppy the minets of that convention held by the inhabitants of Cotton­wood Precinct was read by the clerk of that meeting (JDLee) & the name of each man & the office for which he was before the public as a candidate was submitted sepperately apart & an expres­sion taken on them, & the nominations accepted.67 J. D. Lee the candidate for county recorder however arose & beged leave to withdraw his name from the list of nominations-said that should he be elected he would feel himself bound to magnify the office & that would interfere with his present arraingments as he would nessary be absent some length of time, to remove his family to this place Therefore he considered it better to elect some man that is an actual resident of this place & beged leave to nominate James Lewis, on motion his request was granted & the name of Jas Lewis was inserted. Pres Smith then added that it was his mind to have 4 Justices instead of 2 & the same Nom of con­stables. Then nominated Aaron Farr & John D Lee for the other 2 Justices & said if J D Lee should again object that he would have him put in a constable-next time The nominations were carried Chas Dolton & Samuel A. Wooley for the other 2 con­stables carried He then nominated Almon L Fulmer supervisor of roads-carried-he then reminded the inhabitants to be on hand at 10 morning 17th to vote. The caucus disolved Sine die by Pres The remainder of the evening was occupied by Pres G. A. Smith in Jos. Horn's waggons counciling & writing. Among the items the Pres proposed having a public dinner for the represen­tative of or from Iron Co & the Brethren that are here from Cali­fornia. All the arrangements necessary he said was for the Capts of 50's & 10's to notify their respective cos. that all who wish to aid in the dinner had the liberty Wind high S. W. Thermometer 8 above These "inhabitants" included the exploring party on "Cottonwood Creek" as Lee called it. (Coal Creek below present site of Cedar City.) e7Since only one ticket was presented the proceedings were in the nature of a sustaining vote. 278 UTAH HISTORICAL QUARTERLY Iron Co Mission at Center Creek Friday Jany. 17th 1851. State of Deseret58 Cold wind high south Ther. at 8, 16 noon 36 evng 20 Early this morning the Capts notified their respective companies to pre­pare for a public dinner by 2 o clock p.m. About 8 Pres G. A. Smith employed John Topham to butcher an ox and said to J. D. Lee (who owned one fourth of said beef) loan all of the meat to brethren save one quarter that I want kept for my own use & salt away & keep an account of it, in the mean time the tickets were prepared, pole books, ballot box & so on petitions were drafted many letters written & reports made by the several explorers. Among which or whom Bishop T. Lewis Capt. Newman & others reported that they had examined center creek kanyon the distance of 6 ms. at the distance of about 5 ms the Creek branched into 3 forks timber (bastard white pine) in all saw logs about 4000 or timber to make them & the only trouble was the trees were to large some of them being 5 feet in diameter. Kanyons open, Timber on the bottom where waggons can be drove up among them by mak­ing several bridges-feed in abundance up the kanyon the co also reported large quantities of plaster parris69-grindstone quarries building stone & some stuff resembling salt and saleratus, but was not pronounced to be either. Capt. A. B. Cherry & co made but little examination in summit creek kanyon from the fact the kan­yon was too narrow & rough to admit of ascending it any great distance, therefore the amount of timber in its kanyons are yet to us unknown. Peter Shirts reports considerable timber in Red Creek Kanyon & great quantities of aspen poles on the mountains & Mormon Lignam vitas60 etc At 10, A. M. Lieut. T. S Smith one of the judges of the election, cried three times in an audible voice, declaring the poles were opened & ready to receive votes. Pres G. A. Smith stepped up & handed in his ticket, & cast the first vote ever given in Iron County, every man in his turn came up & voted & then went about his buisiness, having a plenty to do. At 2 mintes to 3 P. M. at the sound of the trumpet the citizens This is the first use by Lee of the name adopted by the Constitutional Convention which established the Provisional State of Deseret March 10, 1849. Its boundaries enclosed all of present Utah and Nevada, part of southern Cali­fornia, northern Arizona, western Colorado, and parts of Oregon, Idaho, and Wyoming. The name derives from die Book of Mormon, meaning honeybee. "Gypsum deposits. "Probably refers to Mountain Mahogany. JOURNAL OF THE IRON COUNTY MISSION 279 were assembled around the public dinner each man his lady (that is those that had any) in their respective places organizing as follows the judge at the head the gents on his left according to grade & the ladies on the right facing their pardners. Previous sitting down the Pres. delivered an oration suitable to the cir­cumstances of the citizens of Iron County, in celebrating the day in which Law 6 order was first established in Iron County. At 3 the whole citizens of Iron Co. sat down at once upon the ground around a public dinner which was spread upon Buffalo Robes next to the ground & table cloths clean & white up on which was spread a variety of refreshments of life. Though previous to eat­ing the Pres offered thanks in behalf of the people to the ruler of the universe for the kind & liberal care extended unto them & for liberty of partaking of that rich festival which was bounteously spread before them. They then with one heart all partook helping each other & thus in turn bore the burdens of oneanother & in one view of the subject if you please answered the demand of the laws, for they ate & drank with gladness & singleness of heart & never did I behold the same No. enjoy themselves better, & when they had eaten the Pres drank a Health of Tea (instead of liquor) to the inhabitants of Iron co which was responded by three cheers & followed by Adjutant J. D. Lee Capt. Whipple Wm. Laney & others, & a speech from Capt Hunt, the Iron Co Representative- & closed by benediction from the judge of Iron co Within 20 minets from the time that thanks were returned-the table & con­tents were removed & a person passing by there would never have mistrusted from what signs was left that any public arrainge-ments had been made for every man was again about his own buisiness as if there had been no public stir. At 6, the poles were closed, every man that wished had voted & nearly all had voted the Iron Ticket. A copy of which is as follows.61 IRON TICKET For Representative Jeferson Hunt For Associate Justices Edson Whipple & Elisha H Groves T h e first election of Iron County officials amounted to public approval by ballot of one set of officers nominated on Coal Creek under direction of George A. Smith, chief justice. One hundred seventeen votes were cast according to the Parowan Ward Record. William H. Dame, who had been nominated for county surveyor, does not appear in balloting results but did serve in that capacity. 280 UTAH HISTORICAL QUARTERLY For Sheriff Jas. A. Little For Assessor & Collector Jos Horn For County Recorder Jas Lewis For Supervisor of Roads Almon L. Fulmer Sealer of Weights & Measures Philip B. Lewis For Justices of the Peace Anson Call Tarlton Lewis Aaron Farr & John D. Lee For Constables Zachriah B. Decker Chas Hall Samuel A. Wooley & Chas Dolton At 20 minets to 7 evening a large portion of mission assembled near the center of the square or carrall at a place leveled of & prepared for a dance having 2 large camp fires & the place of dancing was between them. The Pres. with Capt. Hunt & the remainder of his company were the first that led in the dance & J. D. Lee called the figures. The rec­reation continued to about 10 evening when about one hour of that time had been spent in singing, the moon shone beautifully & the ground was level & room amply sufficient for 3 sets at a time all was conducted in good order & the best of feelings pre­vailed, among them. At 10 all retired to their several resting places. While the dancing was going the Pres & clerks were en­gaged in writing the Pres wrote & had written 4 petitions to the Legislature of Deseret, one for the controle of the water & timber in center creek for mill purposes62 & one for the Rail Road to pass by the Iron Springs in Cottonwood vally63 One for a Road to be located from Black Rock Toolee vally to Beaver Creek, & an other for a Road to be located from Fort Peetneet to the Iron Springs in Cottonwood vally. Jany. 17th 1851. Under the same date, 4 letters to his families one to Jas. Pace F T Peetineet, one to Isaac Furguson Salt Lake vally, one to Archabald Gardner & one to Pres Brigham Young64 of S. L. City all under date of Jany. 17th 1851. 02As indicated in a letter to Brigham Young (see Note 64), this action was "for the benefit of this colony." "See Note 54. "Cottonwood Valley" became known as Cedar Valley. "After giving an account of the journey from Fort Utah to Center Creek Smith said: We find ourselves in good health; not a person on the sick list (except some homesickness). Some do not like the soil, it is so "bloody" red; timber so scarce, grazing scarce. The fact is the timber is too large, the situations for locations fine, and none but the naturally uneasy would feel homesick and they are few. We shall proceed immediately to locate the camp; owing to the situation of our cattle. We have explored the iron regions the past few days, and Brother Carruthers pronounces it of fine quality. We JOURNAL OF THE IRON COUNTY MISSION 281 Iron County Mission at Center Creek Sat Jany. 18th 1851 Clear & cold wind sharp Ther, 28. noon 38. evg 26 This morning early the Capts gave orders to have the teams gathered & remove the camp about Y of amile down the kreek on the opposite side, in the meantime the Pres and clerks were exerting themselves to get the mail & county returns ready to send back to Capt. Hunt & co who were packing up their animals for a start, they having sold several of their weak animals to the Brethren in camp, in­tended to push through with the remainder in about 10 days. About 9 morning old Peteetneet & about 30 of his band & about 4 horses came to our encampment all friendly then struck up camp in the ceders some 200 yards south of our Encampment. At 10 Capt. Hunt & co Started for the Salt Lake City took with him a mail of about 100 letters, they having been supplied with provisions for their journey by the Pres orders went their way rejoising About 12 noon the Mission formed a carall on the west side of Center Creek,65 about % of a mile below, got up fuel to answer over the Sabbath day. Pres Smith Capt Cherry & J D Lee with a spade & pick went about 2 ms south to examine some springs which broke out up the side of the mountain to ascertain if they could be brought to a suitable point to supply the wants of the inhabitants when forted for drinking &c. had the pleasure of having the company of Capt. Hunt who arrived with his company on the 14th inst, and from him we learn that you are appointed governor of Utah Territory. Not wishing to be behind we have proceeded to organize Iron County. Capt. Hunt recommends this point (Center Creek) as most favorable for our location and was highly pleased to meet us here. Our potatoes seemed to have suffered much from cold but several bushels yet remain good. Salt is needed in camp, and if any passing this way can and will bring some, they will find a ready market. . . . On Friday last a scene transpired in camp, scarcely ever equalled. After a little consultation at the given signal, the whole camp sat down to an elegant repast given to Brotiier Jefferson Hunt and his Company. . . . The dinner passed off with many expressions of happy feelings towards their friends . . . we have drawn up a few petitions for die benefit of this colony which will be presented in due form. If those who are coming in die spring would bring a few potatoes they would do us a great favor; by this the colony would be blessed. We shall rejoice greatly to hear of your intending to pay us a visit at your earliest leisure. . . . We are content and happy. Our regard to all our friends and may the Lord roll on His work. This letter appeared in die Deseret News under date of February 8, 1851. T h e Lunt diary says ''soutii side" near liberty pole which Pratt's Ex­ploring Company had raised die previous winter. 282 UTAH HISTORICAL QUARTERLY On their way J D Lee ascended up into a mountain out of curiosity to learn the properties if any there in contained, while the Pres & capt. Cherry went on to the springs, found a bold running stream but could not easily be taken to a suitable point that would answer the object intended. Here the same anxiety led the Pres & Capt. to further examine the country Each set out alone in different directions neither of the three having arms while near the Pres passed a band of 10 or 15 Indians though he was unoticed by them. Still this gentle caution admonished them always to be ready. Returned about sunset, the Pres & Capt. Cherry brought some 8 head of cattle of strays which belonged to the brethren. In camp on those mountains were first rate bunch grass. [Journal to be concluded in October issue.]