John Gabbot (1842 – 1926) & Emma Twiggs (1850 – 1878)

John Gabbott Born: 4 October 1842 at Nauvoo, Illinois Exodus from Nauvoo: 1846 - 1848 Died: 10 November 1926 at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Co., Utah. MARRIED: 2 May 1868 at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Co., Utah.

Emma Twiggs Born: 9 March 1850 at Sykemill, Pembrokeshire, South Wales Emigrated During 1854 - 1856 Died: 22 Oct 1878 at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Co., Utah. CHILDREN Sarah Ellen Gabbott (1869-1933 William Edward Gabbott (1870-1950) John Twiggss Gabbott (1872-1949) Martha Twiggss Gabbott (1875-1880) Baby Gabbott ;Stillborn (1878-1878) MARRIED: 27 March 1879 at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah Olive Raymond Crossgrove (1845-1888) Born: 31 March 1845 at Centerville, New Castle County, Delaware Pioneer: 1857 Jacob Hofheins/Matthew McCune Company Died: 5 July 1888 at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, CHILDREN Lewis Crossgrove Gabbott (1880-1901) Adam Gabbott (1882-1952) Bayard Crossgrove Gabbott (1884-1892) Emma Gabbott (1886-1957)

http://www.archive.org/stream/historyofutahcom04whitrich/historyofutahcom04whitrich_djvu.txt History of Utah JOHN GABBOTT (1842 – 1926) JOHN GABBOTT, of Farmers' Ward, Salt Lake county, is a native of Nauvoo, Illinois, but has been a resident of Utah since he was six years old. His parents were Edward and Sarah Ann Rigby Gabbott, who emigrated from Leyland, Lancashire, England in 1841. They were baptized by Heber C. Kimball during his first mission to England (1837 – 38). The father, Edward, was in poor circumstances, employed in a bleaching works in England, and followed farming after coming to America. His son John, who was born October 4, 1842, was between three and four years old at the time of the exodus from Nauvoo, Illinois. Among the incidents which made a vivid impression upon his mind was the death of his mother, who was run over by a wagon while traveling across Iowa. On the journey across Iowa, John’s mother was attempting to get into the wagon and fell backwards frightening the team, and she was run over and killed. This was on October 30, 1846 at a place called Little Pigeon Creek on the Missouri River near Council Bluffs, Iowa. They remained one year. In the spring of 1848 they made their way westward, arriving in Heber C. Kimball’s Company to Salt Lake City on September 22, 1848, They settled in the Seventh Ward, but prior to that they lived in the Fort, where Father Gabbott built an adobe house of one room, covered with poles, canes and earth, but having no floor. In that humble domicile they spent the first two winters. The first school that John attended was in the Fort. He afterwards went to the Seventh District school, attending school in the winter season, and in the summer he worked with his father on the farm. Says he: "Events of interest to children in those times were the training days of the Nauvoo Legion and the celebrations of the Fourth and Twenty-fourth of July. I remember also the riot on Christmas day, I think it was 1855, between the citizens and the soldiers of Colonel Steptoe's command. I was on Main street at the time and saw the soldiers fire on the crowd across the street."

Salt Lake City, Utah - 1850

In 1851, John was baptized in the church, and was ordained a deacon when about thirteen or fourteen years of age. In 1858 the family moved south because of the encroachment of the United States Army under General Johnston being sent toward Utah to put down the so-called “Mormon Rebellion” in 1857. But since the army was stopped from entering Salt Lake Valley, the Gabbott’s returned to their home in July of 1858. On June 27, 1859 , John was ordained an elder in the Endowment House, and received his endowments the same day. John taught one term of school in the Ninth Ward in 1861.

"On June 11, 1866," says Mr. Gabbott, "I started with General D. H. Wells and escort for Sanpete County, where I spent six weeks of that summer in the Blackhawk Indian war. We assisted the people of Circleville on the Upper Sevier to remove to Sanpete County for safety from the Indians." When at home he was occupied with farming, teaming, wood-hauling and canyon work. Latterly he has engaged in gardening and in the nursery business. In the fall of that year John’s father moved a part of his family to his farm in Sugar House Ward in a house that he had built to give John when he married. John Gabbott MARRIED: Emma Twiggs on 2 May 1868 at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Co., Utah. http://welshmormon.byu.edu/Resource_Info.aspx?id=3018 EMMA TWIGGSS - Biography

Emma Twiggss, the daughter of William and Mary (Reed) Twiggs, was born March 9, 1850 at Rickeston Mill, Roch Parish, Pembroke, Wales . Her father died in January of 1854, and in November of that year, when four years of age, joined with her mother, uncle, aunt, and siblings and sailed to America on the Clara Wheeler. [To see the account of this voyage see the history of her mother Mary Reed Twiggs]. She was orphaned at the age of five, 1855, when her mother & 4 siblings died (Cholera epidemic) at Mormon Grove, Kansas en route to Utah .

Her uncle and aunt, John and Martha Twiggs, brought her and her brother, Thomas, across the plains to Salt Lake City in 1855 and settled in the Seventh Ward, where she was baptized in 1858 as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Never were children loved more by their own parents than they were by their aunt and uncle.

Emma Twiggs became acquainted with John Gabbott, and they were married on 2 May 1868 in the Endownment House in Salt Lake City by Heber C. Kimball.

JOHN GABBOTT & EMMA TWIGGS – COMBINED BIOGRAPHIES John wrote, 1868 “I took my wife to the house on the farm in Sugarhouse Ward where we lived until the fall (October conference) of the same year when we were called to go on a mission to the “Muddy” in Nevada to assist in building up that section of country.” It was Brigham Young who set them apart for their mission. On the way to Muddy Waters they were stopped by an Indian who wanted Emma as his wife, but John explained to him that she was his wife. He gave the Indian a gold coin and he left in peace. They remained there until in the spring of 1869 the government selected that area to be an Indian reservation and so they returned to Seventh Ward in Salt Lake and lived with her uncle John Twiggss, where their first child, Sarah Ellen, was born on May 14, 1869. They remained until 1869, when, the place being selected by the government as an Indian reservation, he returned to Salt Lake City. He had previously lived in Sugar House Ward, but in 1870 when having exchanged property with my father, we moved into our new house in 7th Ward,” John wrote. This home was on the northwest corner of First Street West in Salt Lake.“While we lived there we were blessed with two sons, William Edward, born September 25, 1870, and John Twiggs, born October 9, 1872. Being by occupation a farmer owning land in the “Big Field” in Sugarhouse Ward, we concluded we would build on our land, so on August 10, 1874 we entered our new home at Farmers' Ward. Brother (John) Twiggss’ building also on his lot adjoining us. Here our fourth child was born, Martha, born October 4, 1875. In 1877 the Presidency of the church requested for all of the members to renew their covenants and live nearer the Lord, and John was re-baptized on July 26 of that year and Emma in August.

On the same day he was re-baptized, July 22, 1877, John was ordained a high priest by Daniel H. Wells and was set apart as second counselor to Bishop Lewis H. Mousley,of Farmers Ward (newly formed when Sugarhouse Ward as divided), and on September 12, 1886, (Bishop Mousley having moved away and the Ward being re-organized) he was made first counselor to Bishop Henry F. Burton, a position he held for many years.

Besides working his farm, on which he raised asparagus, John also served as Justice of the Peace and from 1876 to 1895 was elected as school trustee of 40th District. 22 October 1878, witnessed the death of Mrs. Emma Twiggs. Gabbott, who had borne to her husband four children, two boys and two girls. On October 20, 1878, Emma was churning butter when she called out for her six year old son, John, to fetch his father. He did so and Emma was taken to the bedroom. John wrote, “My wife and sharer of my joys and sorrows who had labored so hard and faithfully for her family was stricken with pneumonia and was delivered of a still born child being within two and one half months of her time.” Emma passed away at 6:45 am on October 22, 1878. “Oh what misery of that moment,” John continued. “She died in my arms unconscious. As her spirit was leaving her body I kissed her cold lips and bid her good-bye until we should meet again. And at that very moment I received the assurance as though her spirit whispered to mine that it was all well with her and know if I am faithful we shall meet again never more to part, for she was sealed to me for time and eternity by God’s servants on the earth, holding the everlasting priesthood. She will come forth in the morning of the first resurrection, for that is the promise to the Saints of God who are sealed in the new and everlasting covenant and keep their covenants they have made with God. May I prove faithful and true to my God that I may be worthy to meet her in that world where sin and death can never come.” Emma was buried with her baby on October 24, 1878 in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. John Gabbot wrote: “I now approach a time when the great sorrow of my life takes place” The year following Emma’s death was taken up with business as school trustee and being elected water master for the ensuing year, which pertained to the water ditches known as the Turnbow ditch. On March 27, 1879 John married in the Endowment House, Olive Raymond Crossgrove, daughter of Charles and Theresa (Raymond) Crossgrove, born March 31, 1845 in Centerville, New Castle County, Delaware. Olive Raymond Crossgrove who also became the mother of four children, three boys and one girl. She died in 1888, and since that time Mr. Gabbott has remained a widower. Olive Raymond Crossgrove crossed the plains during 1857 Jacob Hofheins/Matthew McCune Company Departure: Iowa City 6 June 1857 Arrival: Salt Lake City 21 September 1857 About 204 individuals and 41 wagons were in the company when it began its journey from the outfitting post at Iowa City, Iowa. Refer to SOURCE’S at the end for further details Several excerpts from John’s journal during 1879 read: May 6: “Great demonstration of respect to Daniel H. Wells on his return from prison where he had been incarcerated for refusing to answer certain questions in relation to the clothes worn in the Endowment House in the trial of John Miles for polygamy. June 12: “The first heavy rain storm since the middle of April which will be of great value to the farmers as the mountain streams have become very low as low as they have been for twenty years. We have cause to be thankful and praise God for all his mercies.” July 4: “Independence Day. Very warm weather. Spent the day at home.” July 5 & 6: Attended Quarterly Conference of Salt Lake Stakeof Zion. July 17: “Commenced to harvest wheat.” August 3: “Attended the funeral service of Elder Joseph Standing who was killed by a mob in the state of Georgia while performing a mission to that state. The service was held in the large Tabernacle, Salt Lake City. President John Taylor and George Q. Cannon preaching the funeral discourse. ”August 7: “My oldest son William was baptized by Jacob Peart. Brother (John) Twiggss being mouth at the confirmation.” Sept. 1: “Commenced to cut and haul corn.”

Oct 22: “One year today since Emma my wife died. Oh, Emma my darling, I will never forget you but look forward to a joyful reunion with you when my life work is done. May God spare my life so that I shall rear our children to man and womanhood.” Oct. 24: “Finished harvesting potatoes, but a light crop – 100 bushels per acre.” Nov. 27:“Thanksgiving Day but very little moisture in the ground yet this season. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MNSK-XY4 1880 John Gabbott, "United States Census" name :John Gabbott event place:Farmers, Salt Lake, Utah, United States gender:Male age:36marital status :Married relationship to head :Self birthplace :Illinois, United States birthdate :1844 spouse's name :Olive Gabbott spouse's birthplace :Delaware, United States father's birthplace :England mother's birthplace :England Household Gender Age Birthplace Self John Gabbott M 36 Illinois, United States Wife Olive Gabbott F 35 Delaware, United States Daughter Sarah Gabbott F 11 Utah, United States Son William E. Gabbott M 9 Utah, United States Son John T. Gabbott M 7 Utah, United States Son Louise C. Gabbott M 0 Utah, United States --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1880 John wrote in his journal: Jan 8: “Heavy snows have fallen during the last month. Prospects for water good next season. Martha (his four-year-old daughter) taken sick this morning, very severe headache.” Jan 15: Daughter “Martha been very sick, some kind of fever, some better today, think the worst is past.” Jan 18: Martha taken worse last night, high fever, restless, appears to be on her lungs.” Jan 22: “Martha died at 45 minutes past 4 o’clock today, afternoon. I will here record a few of her last words during the night before she died. She talked of her playthings, of her brothers and sister, requested her father to bend down for ‘I want to tiss papa’ she had done many so repeatedly. ‘Papa is a good man, he buys me everything I want.’ She also called her ‘Mama’ (stepmother) and throwing her arms around her neck as she had done mine, kissed her. ‘Me loves papa and mama’ seeming to have an intuition that we were about to part.

I will here record phenomena that I witnessed shortly after listening to the words above and saw that a change for the worse had taken place. It was between three and four o’clock in the morning. I went out of the house to call Brother and Sister Twiggss and as I stood for a few moments by the corner of the coal house with my back to the house there seemed as though a light burst forth illuminating the surroundings for a certain distance from me. The center of the light appeared to be behind me. I turned my head quickly to ascertain the cause and it seemed to me that it settled down upon the house. The night was dark, sky overcast with misty clouds, it being calm and very cold. After the occurrence I looked about to see if I could see anything that would rise to the light that I had seen. There was no noise, it did not seem like a meteor in that a meteor lights only one portion of the heavens while this light was on the earth lighting up the whole circumference within the range of my vision, and as the center was behind me I suppose the circle was complete. I do not pretend to say what it was. I have

all my life been skeptical in regard to spiritual manifestations, although I have sat and listened to my father tell what he had seen and heard from time to time again, yet I always doubted the existence of such things. Since the death of my wife I have had a desire to see her on some manifestation of presence and in my disappointment I have said that I did not believe that I could see anything, my mind not being spiritual enough. Although I have had dreams which interpreted were warnings to me both before my wife’s death and after. I will here record one that I had shortly after my wife’s death, in regard to my little daughter who has just died. She being in delicate health very often, I was solicitous about her as whenever she would catch cold. It always settled on her lungs. I dreamed that I saw her, her mother and father (who was also dead) in the same bed together. I could never banish that dream from my mind. In regard to the light that I saw, I interpreted it to mean first that there was such things, second that when we die some of our friends come to accompany us to our Father in Heaven. Third, that although my little girl was about to leave me she would go to a more bright and glorious sphere than this on which we dwell and was sent as a comfort to me that I might know that all was well with her, she having gone to her mother, all was well.” During the coming year John sowed barley, planted potatoes, corn, cabbage, turnips and parsnips, and since his fall wheat had been winter killed he commenced to plow and resow wheat. On October 2, 1880 John was elected delegate to the territorial Democratic convention to nominate a delegate to represent Utah in the United States Congress, and four days later was present at the Semi-Annual Conference for the church when the first presidency was organized with John Taylor as President, with George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith as Counselors. Wilford Woodruff was sustained President of the Quorum of the Twelve.

Salt Lake Temple -1880’s On May 21 his wife Olive, who had been suffering from heart disease since the birth of their daughter Emma in January of 1886, was stricken with paralysis, losing the use of her limbs of the left side and was confined to her bed for five weeks. She then recovered somewhat so as to be able to sit up in her chair and move about the room a little with assistance. “We felt encouraged,” John wrote, “and hoped that she would regain her strength although knowing the serious nature of her complaint, we scarcely dared to hope.” On May 24th at twenty minutes past ten in the evening, John’s next door neighbor John Twiggss died. “He was my first wife’s uncle and foster father. He had not enjoyed good health for 20 years. His wife survives him. It was their habit, while my wife was sick to come over in the evening and stay til bed time. The evening of his death they stayed till 9:15. Went home apparently in his usual health, although not feeling well, was taken with pain in his side, supposed to be his heart and died before his wife realized that death was so near.” On July 4, 1888, Olive, while sitting in her chair tasting a little ice cream was taken with another attack and stricken with unconsciousness and remained so until she died on the morning of the following day. John wrote, “Thus twice in my life have I been called upon to lay in the grave a dear and beloved wife. Why is it that we should part? We lived together in perfect harmony. Our tastes being alike and nobly

she performed the part of a mother to the children left by my first wife now four little children are left by her to be cared for by my daughter who will I hope be able to pay the debt, love and kindness which my first wife’s children ever received at her hands. What are the joys of this life? Nothing. It is a continual struggle with labor, sickness and death. If it was not for the hope we have of another and better existence our life here would be almost unendurable. But we hope if faithful to meet my loved ones when our work is done in this probation, but how lonesome I am, how little there is in life to live for; but our children must be cared for and I realize that there is a duty in this regard that must be attended to.”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Salt_lake_city_main_street_c1890_ug.jpg

Salt Lake City, Utah 1890s ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In February 1891 John served on a committee to secure plans to purchase a lot and build a meeting house for the Latter-day Saints of Farmers Ward. The work was commenced in the spring of 1891 and ready for use by the first of September. The cost of the building and furnishings was about $6,500. John and William Wagstaff were also charged with erecting a new school building that was completed in August of 1892. John later engaged in gardening and in the nursery business. On January 28, 1900, John took part in the organization of the Granite Stake, with which Farmers Ward became connected. J Among the offices held by him are those of school trustee and justice of the peace. The former he held continuously from November, 1876, for a period of nineteen years. In politics he is a Democrat and has represented his party in County and State Conventions as a delegate. Ecclesiastically he took part in the organization (January 28, 1900) of the Granite Stake of Zion, with which Farmers' Ward is now connected. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ John Gabbott died 10 November 1926 at his home at 1548 South West Temple Street in Salt Lake City.

SOURCES https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MCS6-RG3 1850 Edward Gabbut in household of Edward Gabbut, "United States Census" name: Edward Gabbut event place: Great Salt Lake county, Great Salt Lake, Utah Territory, United States gender: Male age: 48 birthplace: England estimated birth year: 1802 Household Gender Age Birthplace Edward Gabbut M 48 England Mary O Gabbut F 26 Illinois John Gabbut M 8 Illinois Sarah Ann Gabbut F 6 Illinois Sarah Elizabeth Gabbut F 2 Mexico ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MH2W-TS2 1860 John Gabbott in household of John Gabbott, "United States Census" name: John Gabbott, residence: , Great Salt Lake, Utah, ward: 7th Ward Great Salt Lake City age: 17 years, estimated birth year: 1843, birthplace: Illinois, gender: Male -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MMRP-7QN 1900 John Gabbott, "United States Census" name: John Gabbott event place: ED 65 Farmers Precinct, Salt Lake, Utah, United States birth date: Oct 1842 birthplace: Illinois relationship to head of household: Head race or color (standardized): White gender: Male marital status: Widowed father's birthplace: England mother's birthplace: England Household Gender Age Birthplace Head John Gabbott M 58 Illinois Son John T. Gabbott M 27 Utah Son Lewis Gabbott M 20 Utah Son Adam Gabbott M 18 Utah Daughter Emma Gabbott F 14 Utah mother-in-law Martha Twiggs F 80 Wales ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M5XZ-FXN 1910 John Gabbott, "United States Census" name:John Gabbott, birthplace:Illinois, relationship to head of household:Self, residence:Farmer, Salt Lake, Utah marital status:Widowed, race :Whitegender:Male father's birthplace:England mother's birthplace:England Household Gender Age Birthplace Self John Gabbott M 67y Illinois Son Adam Gabbott M 27y Utah ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M8PB-K1Z 1920 John Gabbott, "United States Census" name:John Gabbott residence:, Salt Lake, Utah estimated birth year:1843 age:77 birthplace:Illinois relationship to head of household:Self gender:Male race:White marital status:Widowed Household Gender Age Birthplace Self John Gabbott M 77y Illinois Son Adam Gabbott M 37y Utah ========================================================== Gabbott, John and Emma Twiggss - Biography http://welshmormon.byu.edu/Resource_Info.aspx?id=3018

Resources Gabbott, John and Emma Twiggss - Biography Emma Twiggss – Photo http://welshmormon.byu.edu/Immigrant_View.aspx?id=1627 John Gabbott – Photo http://welshmormon.byu.edu/Immigrant_View.aspx?id=5662 BIOGRAPHIES LINKS TO BIOGRAPHY http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/orson-f-orson-ferguson-whitney/history-of-utah-comprising-preliminary-chapters-on-the-previous-history-of-her--hci/page-24-history-of-utah-comprising-preliminary-chapters-on-the-previous-history-of-her--hci.shtml ABOUT 1/3 OF THE WAY DOWN THE PAGE work. http://books.google.com/books?id=C0cOAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA131&lpg=PA131&dq=Edward+Gabbott+Leyland+Lancashire,+England&source=bl&ots=hMU49DEkH4&sig=PE9Qv5xZhFzd4uy5iZ-BSmrqBpw&hl=en&sa=X&ei=_FHDUMm_Iqnk2wWnmYCQAw&ved=0CFEQ6AEwBTgK#v=onepage&q=Edward%20Gabbott%20Leyland%20Lancashire%2C%20England&f=false http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~utsaltla/archive/obit_DeseretNews_1880s.html Deseret News 28 Jan 1880 Died, Salt Lake City, 22 Jan 1880, Martha Twiggs daughter of John & Emma T (deceased) GABBOTT, 4 years 3 months 18 days. Deseret News 11 Jul 1888 Died, Salt Lake City, 05 Jul 1888, Olive wife of John GABBOTT and daughter of Charles & Theresa CROSSGROVE, born 31 Mar 1845. http://archives.utah.gov/research/agencyhistories/436.html PRESIDENT, BOARD OF EDUCATION, 1905-1976, 1987-PRESENT Amos S. Gabbott, July 1, 1905-January 13, 1914

Your tombstone stands neglected and alone. The name and date are chiseled out on polished, marbled stone.

It reaches out to all who care. It is too late to mourn. You did not know that I exist. You died and I was born.

Yet each of us are cells of you in flesh, in blood, in bone. Our heart contracts and beats a pulse entirely not our own.

Dear Ancestor, the place you filled so many years ago. Spreads out among the ones you left who would have loved you so.

I wonder as you lived and loved, I wonder if you knew That someday I would find this spot and come to visit you.

Author Unknown

John Gabbott Memorial# 77257434 http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=77257434

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Gabbott&GSfn=Emma&GSby=1850&GSbyrel=in&GSdy=1878&GSdyrel=in&GSst=47&GScnty=2791&GScntry=4&GSob=n&GRid=77257308&df=all& Memorial# 77257308

Emma Twiggs Gabbott Birth: Mar. 9, 1850, Pembrokeshire, Wales Death: Oct. 22, 1878, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Co., Utah http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-

bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Gabbott&GSfn=Olive&GSby=1845&GSbyrel=in&GSdy=1888&GSdyrel=in&GSst=47&GScnty=2791&GScntry=4&GSob=n&GRid=94238221&df=all&

Olive Raymond Crossgrove Gabbott Birth: Mar. 21, 1845, New Castle, New Castle Co.,Delaware Death: Jul., 1888, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Co., Utah

Olive Raymond Crossgrove (1845-1888) Born: 31 March 1845 at Centerville, New Castle County, Delaware Died: 5 July 1888 at Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneerdetails/1,15791,4018-1-41780,00.html Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847–1868 Crossgrove, Olive Raymond Birth Date: 31 Mar. 1845 Death Date: 5 July 1888 Gender: Female Age: 12 Company: Jacob Hofheins/Matthew McCune Company (1857) Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847–1868 Jacob Hofheins/Matthew McCune Company (1857) "New York Company, later the St. Louis Company" Departure: Iowa City 6 June 1857 Arrival: Salt Lake City 21 September 1857 Company Information: About 204 individuals and 41 wagons were in the company when it began its journey from the outfitting post at Iowa City, Iowa. Crossgrove, Theresa Raymond (54) Crossgrove, James Ashburton Bayard (25) Crossgrove, Mary Ann (18) Crossgrove, Sarah Theresa (15) Crossgrove, Olive Raymond (12) Crossgrove, Olive Raymond (12) Crossgrove, Josephine Langley (8)

Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847–1868 Company: Jacob Hofheins/Matthew McCune Company (1857) Narrative: When it left Iowa City on June 6, 1857, this company also known as the New York or Delaware and Philadelphia Company, consisted of 19 ox-drawn wagons and 2 carriages. Its leader was Jacob Hofheins, an elder who was returning to Utah after serving a mission to the German-speaking population of New York. The party included American Latter-day Saints and a few British converts from India. At first, progress was slow; cattle had to be tamed and drivers had to be trained. Four days into the journey some of the wagons got stuck in a large mud hole; one of them broke an axle that had to be replaced. The company went through Brooklyn, Iowa. Then when it stopped on an open plain where there was no fuel, a kindly old man with a wagonload of firewood gave them all they needed. Other locals attended an evening meeting and listened attentively to the preaching.

Near Newton, the train camped by some Kansas emigrants. Again, respectful locals attended the Mormon services. Before reaching Fort Des Moines, the travelers experienced a violent two-day thunderstorm; fires were impossible and roads became muddy. People from Des Moines visited the company. Animals strayed and were recovered. Bad roads became worse, but the prairies were abloom with wildflowers. While the train was camped on the North Raccoon, a child fell from a wagon and was run over. At Lewistown (modern-day Lewis), local people tried to hire the emigrants as laborers. Some were tempted to stay, but none did. The next few days were so warm that the cattle suffered greatly. The train camped at Bluff City.

After ferrying across the Missouri River on the 27th, the company stopped near a party from St. Louis that had been waiting for them. James H. Hart led the latter group. Eventually these two groups would combine, but they had a ragged start. The St. Louis contingent left Florence June 28 through the 30th and camped on the Little Papillion to await the easterners. One St. Louis wagon carried a threshing machine. As they waited, the Jesse B. Martin wagon train passed them. Rain, balky animals, a drowned ox, a broken axle, a missing boy, and a visit from Mormon apostates enlivened their days. The owner of the drowned animal dropped out of the train. Hart's group was on the road again July 1, struggling through mud holes, breaking a wagon tongue, and crossing the Big Papillion. The cattle were wild; teamsters were green. The party ferried across the Elkhorn, where the current was deep and swift, and camped at Raw Hide Creek. The New York contingent finally caught up with them at the Platte River. The easterners had passed through Liberty Pole, a Mormon way station (modern Fremont, Nebraska). The company now numbered 204 individuals, 41 wagons, 170 oxen, 17 cows, and 4 horses. Captain Hofheins became captain of the whole.

On July 4 the train celebrated Independence Day by washing, ironing, baking, listening to speeches by their leaders, and enjoying music and dance. On the 5th the train continued its journey, staying north of the Platte. One reason the parties had united was to guard against Indians, but the natives were friendly and were only interested in having some of the travelers' food. Lemonade was served on one occasion. Mosquitoes were hostile, however. By July 7 the train was on the Loup Fork, near Columbus. Here frightened oxen ran over a man, injuring him. The company camped at the Mormon settlement, Genoa. Here settlers sold an ox to a traveler. The train then crossed the treacherous Loup Fork by double-teaming and driving upriver at midstream before striking for the far bank. Forty-one wagons and three carriages crossed safely, but some of the women struggled as they waded across. A storm impeded progress for several days. During this time Captain Hofheins got upset with part of the company and had a violent altercation with a teamster. Expelled from the train, the teamster trudged back to Genoa and called upon settlers there to intervene on his behalf. Two of them did, and they managed to restore peace in the train.

The captain was sick on July 13. One stretch of road lacked grass for the animals because of an earlier prairie fire. The road was often sandy and hilly. One night, during a storm, about 50 head of cattle stampeded and had to be rounded up. Of this incident a woman wrote, "Of all the storms I ever witnessed I think this the most distressing." At Prairie Creek, an elderly woman died after seeing an ox kick her husband. After crossing Wood River via an old bridge, the train left the main trail in an effort to avoid another stampede. They had learned of Captain Martin's misfortune, losing numerous cattle and two lives in stampedes caused by buffalo. The company met members of Martin's train who were returning east. It also met returning Californians who reported on conditions in Utah. Company hunters were successful at securing buffalo for the travelers. July 24, the train passed the junction of the North and South Platte Rivers. On the 26th a wagon ran over James H. Hart's ankle and foot. Then the oxen again stampeded. According to an eyewitness, "men [were] thrown, women [were] leaping from their wagons, children [were] screaming as team after team ran on in wild confusion." Many injuries resulted and about 40 cattle were permanently lost. Sioux Indians soon visited the train and expressed deep sympathy for the injured, although one traveler blamed the natives for the stampede.

August 1, a wagon overturned in a creek, causing extensive damage, and the Christian Christiansen handcart company passed by. Hofheins and company camped at Ash Hollow. Later, there was another quarrel between the captain and company members. Rumor, although untrue, had it that the handcart people had smallpox, so the captain had driven his train unusually hard in an effort to get ahead of the carts. The disagreement was settled amicably. At this time many of the animals were exhausted. The train camped opposite Chimney Rock on August 6 while individuals crossed the North Platte to purchase buffalo robes and fresh livestock from a trading post. The train passed Fort Laramie on August 10; again men crossed the river to trade. The road through the Black Hills was hilly and rocky, and party members grumbled.

On August 14 the train divided-ostensibly so the cattle could more easily find feed, but the two components were never far apart, sometimes camping together or passing and re-passing one another. August 16, the St. Louis group drove their cattle across the North Platte to feed; three days later this party forded to the south bank of the river to camp near Deer Creek Station (a Mormon outpost near modern Glenrock, Wyoming). Here, members of the party bought fresh cattle. That same day some 20 head of cattle belonging to the New York group who were still north of the river, strayed but were soon recovered. Men from Deer Creek who visited the easterners expressed surprise that the emigrants were traveling north of the Platte; the visitors said that the southern road was much better. In spite of this, the St. Louis group returned to the north side of the river. Here they followed the river road; it was rough and hilly and the alkali-heavy water was harmful to the cattle killing one.

On August 20 the New York party was at North Platte Bridge. August 21, the St. Louis group crossed Prospect Hill, from which they had a clear view of the Sweetwater Mountains. Meanwhile, the easterners camped with a company of Mormon emigrants from Texas. These groups reached Prospect Hill on the 23rd. The New York party camped at Independence Rock on the 24th and about three miles east of Devil's Gate on the 25th. Passing Independence Rock, the St. Louis party also stopped at Devil's Gate on the 25th. The weather had turned cold and on the 27th ice formed on the water pails. That day men from Salt Lake City, headed to Devil's Gate, passed the St. Louis group and shared the latest news. The St. Louis party camped on the Sweetwater that night. Also on the 27th, the New York party splintered. Three families broke away to travel separately, observing that some members of the larger party were too slow. Before the day was over, however, one breakaway family returned to the main group.

Meanwhile, Captain Hart of the St. Louis group bought nine yoke of cattle from the Texas emigrants, but the new cattle were wild and caused a lot of trouble. After crossing the Sweetwater for the fourth time, the St. Louis party took the south road, where they met 30 men from the Salt Lake Valley who were headed to Devil's Gate. These spent the night with the emigrants and then helped them catch an abundance of fish in the Sweetwater. On the 30th and 31st the St. Louis group camped very near the Texans and the easterners. September 1, the St. Louis party resumed its journey. Eleven government wagons headed for Salt Lake passed them. That night the New York splinter group camped on the Little Sandy. On the 2nd the St. Louis party stopped at the last crossing of the Sweetwater; the splinter group was on the Big Sandy.

On the 3rd the St Louis party crossed South Pass and camped on the Dry Sandy. It was very cold that night. On the 4th the St. Louis party passed the junction of the California and Oregon Trails and crossed the Little Sandy; the splinter group was on the Green River. On the 5th and 6th the St. Louis party passed the Parting of the Ways where the Mormon and Oregon Trails parted, and camped on the Big Sandy. The splinter group forded the Green on the 5th and then, on the 6th, took a wrong turn in the road-until a mountaineer set them straight and they had to retrace their steps. The weather was warmer.

On the 7th the St. Louis party crossed Green River and camped on its west bank. A dog frightened one of the teams, causing it to shy into a deep gully, damaging the wagon and almost killing the oxen. While the party was camped on Black's Fork, a strong, cold wind began to blow. The splinter group visited a trading post on the 10th; here they bought potatoes, cheese, and fresh beef before moving on to Black's Fork and Ham's Fork. Three companies of government wagons were camped on Ham's Fork. On the 11th and 12th the St. Louis contingent camped at Fort Bridger to shoe oxen. The splinter group arrived there on the 12th. Captain Hofheins and members of his party were "well pleased to see" them. On the 13th, the captain and the splinter group set out at different times. The latter party camped on the Little Muddy that night.

On the 14th they crossed the ridge separating the waters of the Great Basin from those of the Colorado, and as they descended a long narrow pass, both the St. Louis and the New York groups overtook them. All three parties camped together on the Bear River. The next day they crossed the Bear, but the splinter group "kept out of the way of the St. Louis [party] and Capt Hawfines [sic]," then camped two miles west of Cache Cave. The St. Louis group camped in Echo Canyon. It had rained for two days and the road was slippery. The St. Louis

party camped on the Weber River; the weather was frosty. They stopped at the eastern foot of Big Mountain. This obstacle was crossed without incident. As the emigrants camped at the foot of Little Mountain a light rain fell, but the weather cleared, allowing them to cross this last barrier and descend Emigration Canyon safely. The St. Louis contingent entered Salt Lake City on September 21. Reportedly Jacob Hofheins and James H. Hart were the captains (a few St. Louis wagons had arrived on the 20th). An elderly woman was the sole casualty during the journey.