Andrew Jackson Allen

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Utah War of 1857

ANDREW JACKSON ALLEN, Nauvoo Legionaire, Journal entry, Oct. 19th 1857: "Coald and windy snow ten inches deep, we here the soaldiers scouting tryed to surround some of our boys and fiard after them them when thay faled to accomplish there ame no one hurt, one of our boys had a ball pas thro his hat." [Lot Smith, with about forty of his scouts, had unexpectedly encountered Captain R. B. Marcy with a company of soldiers on mules a short distance from Ham’s Fork. The two commanders rode out parleyed for a short time, but Smith, seeing the soldiers preparing their rifles for action, rode back to his bunch, getting there just as the shooting began – all from the soldiers. The poor marksmanship of the troops paid off as one horse and one hat were the only impacts. The hat was that of Mark Hall of Ogden. By a great coincidence, Mark Hall's great-great-granddaughter met the great-great-grandson of Andrew Jackson Allen at BYU. They married and their children are descendants of those two legionaires that served together in that wintry effort to stop "Johnston's Army" from entering the Salt Lake Valley in 1857.

George Benjamin Wallace Emigrating Company, June-Sept. 1847 Daily History

[excerpted and compiled from several pioneer journals that recorded the trip]

Friday June 18th 1847 Capt Geo B. Wallace called his company to move a mile from [Elk] Horn River and camp for the night and be Ready the next morning to move in order to Platte River (15 miles from Horn River). we were organized into companys of Hundreds and of Fifties and of tens[.] The calculation <is> for two fifties to form a ring when they encamp and keep the Cattle inside in the night time and keep up a guard and herd them well in the day time when we are not a travling[.]

Saturday the 19 Started stopped at noon and travled on again and arrived at the Platte river at about 5 oclock same place as the pioneers first did encamp. We already see the good of this river <way> of encamping which is very <good> if every <man> will only do his duty. Signs of a killed man was found here and two letters in the pocket of his pantloons fore Pawnee and one for the Point.

Sunday the 20 Fine weather. Remained in camp and news came that Jacob Weatherbee Who went back yesterday on an expedition with an ox team was attacked by 3 Omahaws and that he was deadly wounded... after suffering severe pain died the next morning it being the first death in Capt. Wallaces camp and great loss to the company. Public meetings were held this day.

Tuesday the 22 Pleasent. Left Platte River with all the companies... to journey into the wildirness... Stoped again after sundown. Watered our cattle in the river by the light of the moon and then took them out to feed awhile. Three <Indians> have been seen to day.

Thursday 24 This <morning> crossed the creek and went on in the pioneers track. We who travled on the off side suffered much from the dust from the others. We were glad to camp near the river so that we could get a good washing of "All is well"

Friday the 25 Windy. Margret Turnbow Daugter of Sameul and Sylvia Turnbow was born at the mouth Loup Fork River on the Platte, the first birth in the company. Last night court was held. Elder John Taylor chargedCapt. Grant and President John Young for being disobedient and insulting the priesthood; they acknowledged and the good spiret prevailed again[.] We understand that we are now 30 miles from the place where we expected to cross the river, but the water is too high and we will have to go up higher where is called Loup Fork[.] Our cattle got mixed with others this morning Because the slothfullness of some individuls. Stoped to noon on the river where there is some large cottontrees[.] The gras is but thin on the prarie. This evening on camp on the river not far from an old camp trading house. This after noon met some traders coming from Pawnee.

Tuesday the 29 This morning two Pawnee Indians came to our camp[.] Some of our cattle is sick with foul feet[.] Started over the creek and passed a Pawnee village Burned down by the Sioux and built up again[.] At 3 oc'lock crossed willow creek and encamped for to night on the Platte river

Wednesday 30 Fine weather. The banks are very high here so we have to let our cattle go with out water. Past another Pawnee villeage and the burned ruins of one. As the region above seemes to be rather broken, we wait here expecting to cross the river

Saturday, the 3rd Pleasent. Before noon we came to a muddy creek[.] We cut grass and throwed in and went over by doubling teams[.] Near night night we got into the Pioneers track and camped on a creek not a greatway from the river[.] came 18 miles today

Monday the 5th Pleasent[.] Crossed a stream called Woodriver Being detained by the drawback of one of the wagons[.] We had to encamp to night far from wood or water. Sarah Ellen Smithies <daughter of> James and Nancy Smithen was born in the wilderness... about 200 miles from Winter Quarters and about one mile from Platte River as we journed in the wilderness over hills and valley.

Wed. 7th Very warm. Watered in the Platte at noon, and to night camped near the head of Grand Island. It is a dreary looking country around here: the feed very poor.

Thurs. 8. Very warm and dusty. Stopped to noon; went on again and crossed a dry creek with large elm trees on it, and encamped on another creek to night. The companies traveling behind us got in sight to night after not seeing them for some days. Better feed here; found an inscription on a buffalo scalp stating that the pioneers were here on the 4th of May.

Tues. 13. Warm weather. In the forenoon it happened that a wagon broke down and we had to turn to the first camping place on the river

Fri 16. Very warm. A letter done up in a chunk of wood gave us intelligence from the pioneers and advised us to look for more such as we passed along. We encamped on the river (the north fork).

Sat. 17. Cool weather. We crossed three muddy places, and some messengers came over the river to see us; they belong to a company <from Oregon> encamped on yonder side of the south fork; they had encamped with the Pioneers at the South Pass fifteen days ago. They brought some letters with them for our people, and four men on horseback was to go over and get them, but they did not go for fear that they might be detained and get too far behind us[.] One wagon broke down in crossing a muddy brook, and while repairing it, a large buffalo came up almost to the wagons. He was fired at & run off. Some of our company saw this morning numerous herds of buffaloes over the river & also over the bluffs. Encamp on the river.

Sunday 18. Pleasant. Started & went up to the big camp; here is very scarce for wood. We learn that Capt. Grants companies herd had got frightened & broke out & 75 head got away. 12 men is appointed to go back & hunt for them. Order given not to go hunting without appointment, also not to waste any game, as it is a disgrace to the people & displeasing to the Lord.

Wed. 21. Strong cold wind this morning. We crossed Black River, after which we went up over the bluffs while 2-3000 head of buffaloes were passing by us on both sides. In the afternoon we went over some other sandy hills & encamped on the bottom tonight.

Thurs. 22. Warm weather. Crossed a creek & went up on the bluff which was hard on the cattle because of the loose sand. After traveling on the best kind of road in the latter part of the day we encamped on the river. Parley's company is the only one ahead of us. Understanding that Indians was about us we put on double guard.

Fri. 23. Rain this morning. Went on to Parley's camp 3-4 miles. Opposite of here on the high bluff is the first cedar trees seen on this route. A little way above is an Indian camp. This afternoon nearly 300 men, women & children are here visiting us. They came here singing & are very neetly dressed, they danced for us & some of our folks turned out & danced for them after the music of a violin, a fife & two drummers; one of the cannons was fired off for them twice & they were very much pleased. Single guard again tonight.

Mon. 26. Cool & cloudy. Went over the sandy bluff which was hard on the cattle, after which we had best kind of road; crossed two muddy brooks & in the afternoon forded a river & traveled till sun down. Encamped on the river.

Tues. 27. Warm weather. As we were about to start we were again visited by a company of sioux. The Capt. Selected some bread & carried it to the chief. & they were much pleased. Their camp on the other side of the river consisted of about 50 tents & about 300 horses was feeding there. To night cold rain, we encamped on the river. Good feed is scarce.

Wed. 28. Warm weather. This morning about 20 men on horseback came down along the river on the other side & 5 of them came over to see us. They were Kentuckians who has been to Oregon on expedition. Stopped a little while at noon & went over the bluff & while traveling amongst the hills a strong wind arose & it rained some & the sand flew from the hills like dust. When we got down to the river we encamped opposite of what is called Bluff ruin.

Sat. 31. Cool weather. Met a company of men on horseback & a family with a carriage coming from Oregon, being disappointed & went back to the States by the way of Winter Quarters; they were mostly mecanics & sailors. Bro. Davenport was with them from the ferry above fort Laramie. In the afternoon passed Scotts Bluff which is 20 miles above the Chimney rock; we traveled on table land level as standing water & covered with buffalo grass only 3 inches high & a great many prickly pears. Encamped on the river tonight with good feed for our cattle. We have experienced that the cattle does travel smaller when they don't eat at noon, when the weather is hot & the feed good.

Sun. Aug. 1. Fine weather. This afternoon Capt. Smoot called a meeting in his company of hundred. He gave many instructions & exhorted the Brethren to obedience that we might be united the captains to stand intheir places, respect their officers as well as the Priesthood, as they were given to them on the same principles as it, to handle anybody who was out of the way with ease, and with kindness; and in case that was not sufficient, then it was time to command them. The brethren should consider this journey a great school to them, and that they might expect to be called to lead companies this same way to Zion, in which case they would expect these companies to be subject to them.

Thurs. 5. Warm weather. Traveled on and crossed the old river at the old fort called la Platte, it is two miles north of the new Fort John which lies on the fork called Laramie. On the south side we got into the Oregon Trail and went on about 2½ miles. Plenty of wood, but very poor feed.

Sat 7. Warm weather. Some of the brethren went up into the mountains to make tar; built several killns but produced only a few pints while others who took the pine roots down and built their killns in the river bank produced a number of gallons. The reason was that those made in the mountains could not be made light enough to keep from catching fire and burn up.

Sun. 8. Warm weather with rain & thunder. The brethren & sisters are hard to work, blacksmithing, wagon making, tar making, washing, soap making, etc. Our cattle is over the river doing well.

Thurs. 12. Pleasant. Stopped today for the benefit of our cattle. But in the afternoon learning that there is a better place for the cattle 2 miles ahead we got up our cattle & went on.

Fri. 13. Cold morning. The second fifty which is here also had 11 horses & 1 mule stolen last night by the Crow Indians. Bears has been seen here. Having some trouble to find our cattle we got a rather late start & soon had to stop again while fixing a wagon wheel & went on again at noon & traveled in the dry river 2 miles & crossed it 5 times which makes it 11 times in the whole length. Went up on to a very high hill with some very large stone on & going down again the road was very bad & a wagon broke down. Encamped in a cotton grove. Here is a spring called Kimballs spring.

Sat. 14. Cloudy morning. Went out from here & up on very high hills by doubling teams & it was noon when we all got up; one wagon broke. Went down again & crossed a creek, went up again & encamped at a spring where there was good feed.

Sun. 15. Pleasant, cool. Started after noon when we got up on the high hills a hurricane did arise & we stopped until it was over. The top blew off from one wagon. Encamped tonight with the rest of the hundred in a pleasant valley on a fine stream. Bro. Glines had arrived here from the great basin with the news that a city was laid out & fields planted 30 miles southeast of the Salt Lake.

Tues. 17. Cloudy weather. Traveled on & at night encamped in a pleasant valley, with a fine stream & a good quality of timber. This is the largest stream we have seen since we left Platte river. In the evening

Elder E. Benson preached to us, telling about the beautiful land that the Lord had given to the Saints etc. He said that he felt like a little child & that he could go by himself & weep for joy; gave many good warnings & bid farewell. Elder Taylor spoke some & sang, "The Upper California" & it was a joyful evening unto us all. Hunters & Richards companies present.

Wed. 18. Some rain while traveling. Stopped at noon & arrived at the Platte river to night. We learn that the Crow Indians has took 8 yoke of oxen from Bro. Grant's Company.

Fri. 20. Cloudy & cool. Bros. Benson & Rockwell started for the great Basin. This forenoon one wagon broke down by crossing a deep place. In the afternoon crossed a swift running creek with some difficulty.

Mon. 23. Warm weather. Started & crossed the river & had to stop because the accident happened that one of Capt. Nebekers little sons had his thigh broke under the wagon. Our cattle has here been on good grass, but here is some poisonous mineral which has killed two good oxen[.] After coming 12 miles we encamped on a green place[.] Another ox and cow dead.

Wed. 25. Very cold and foggy in the forenoon and windy in the afternoon. Crossing a creek it happened that a wagon tipped over and broke down. Encamped a few miles further down on the same creek, where there was plenty of very large sage brush.

Fri. 27. Pleasant. According to agreement the teams were regulated on the principle of equality because the cattle had become very weak. Crossed the river at Independence Rock and encamped tonight on the river where it runs through the rocks. An ox <died>

Mon. 30. Pleasant morning but dusty roads[.] After we had encamped to night on the river some the Pioneers arrived at our camp with horse teams and on horseback, among them were Elder Taylor and Captain Snow. They stopped with us over night. Cold winds during the night.

Tues. 31. In the morning the officers of the company were called together and informed by Elders Taylor and Snow that Captain Snows company could not move unless they could receive more help from others. We turned them out one more yoke of oxen. The day was pleasant. We crossed the river 3 times with difficulty, after coming ten miles encamped on the river. Met some pioneers. Meeting this evening in which Bro. [Henson] Walker made a good speech about the valley etc.

Thurs. 2. Pleasant. Started over the river & up the hills & met Bro. Pack & some more of the brethren from the Valley with 10 or 12 wagons. Stopped at noon, crossed the river twice more & encamped in it to night. Bro. Little & others arrived at our camp.

Fri 3. Cold & misty. Traveled over some high mountains, stopped at noon, & encamped on an almost dry creek called Strawberry creek.

Sun. 5. Windy & dusty. Passed over the dividing ridge & encamped on the green or dividing Pacific springs after which the Pioneers arrived there & we had much pleasure. Meeting in the evening. Bros. Geo. A. Smith[,] Orson Pratt & Woodruff preached. They said that the land which was found was preserved for this people, & that any person who enjoys the spirit of God would know it as soon as he sees it. They gave many good instructions & warned to be faithful that we might not cause the wrath of God to come upon us etc.

Mon. 6. Pleasant. President B. Young proposed to stay here today and spend the day together, and all agreed to do so. Cold and windy tonight

Tues. 7. It was quite late when we separated and went on each our way. It commenced snowing but cleared up toward night. We crossed Dry Sandy at 2 o'clock p.m., and Little Sandy at 10 in the evening when we stopped. The road was good, and the cattle traveled very fast especially after sundown; 28 miles.

Fri 10 Pleasant; good road, crossed Green river and encamped. The crossing was difficult because of the gravel the wind and the swiftness of the water.

Sun 12. Warm weather. Traveled 8 miles, crossing Hams' Fork, or Muddy Creek, and encamped on Blacks' Fork after crossing it. Some Indians came here on horse back. Last week we traveled 107 miles.

Thurs. 16. Very cold. Traveled over high mountains, and going down into a valley, a wagon broke. Stopped at noon and went on again traveling until an hour after sundown, and encamped on a high mountain.

Fri. 17. Warm weather[.] As our cattle had scattered about much, we got a late start this morning. Going down a steep road, we met Father Sherwood and another man coming from the valley. Stopped for noon on a creek, and went on two miles further to Bear River which is a good place, and it was concluded to stay to-morrow over. We had to double teams to get here.

Mon. 20. Warm weather. Started, and a wagon upset on a sideling place and broke the tip. Another one broke down in the afternoon. Passed Cave Rock and encamped to nigh[t] on a narrow place between the mountains, after crossing a creek four times.

Thurs. 23. Pleasant. Passed a very bad sideling place and crossed one creek, often, and after noon came to Canyon Creek, which we crossed six times before we encamped at dark. A team came from the valley to lighten Bro Kimball's loads.

Fri 24. Pleasant. Crossed Canyon Creek 7 times; came to a muddy place where we had to double teams, and then we started up what is called the Five Mile hill. Some got over and some encamped on the top, and others were behind.

Sun. 26. Reached the site of the City in the Valley... Mr Savage and Mrs Eldredge was married by David Savage in the valley of Salt Lake and here the company disbanded for further organitiation in the valley however the last of the company arrived in the valley on the 29 Sept. 1847

[signed] Capt G. B. Wallace Clerk J C. Kingsbury

Born to Rial Easter Allan and Margaret Evans. Married Delilah Emaline or Bennett Andrews. Father to 11 children.

I wrote this first person account of Andrew Jackson Allen for a Utah Pioneer Day celebration July 2011. -Anjanette Lofgren:

"I grew up in Pulaski County, Kentucky. In 1834 Mormon Elders began preaching near our home. This is where some of my family members heard Wilford Woodruff preach. One night after his sermon, my sister went to her bedroom and prayed that she might gain a testimony of what Elder Wilford had taught. Right away there came a light in her darkened bedroom. She believed this was a sign sent from God and at the age of 15 she joined the church. Two of my brothers joined the church also after hearing Wilford Woodruff preach and were baptized by him. Our family was of the Baptist faith and our parents did not approve of my brothers and sister joining the church. I also believed the gospel message and desired to go to Nauvoo, Illinois and see for myself the prophet of the Mormon Church and the temple the saints were building. In June of 1844 my brother and I packed up our supplies and headed for Illinois. We arrived in Nauvoo just a few days after the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. and his brother, Hyrum, had been martyred in the Carthage Jail. The saints were in mourning and there was a heavy gloom throughout the city. I had planned to be baptized into the church when we arrived in Nauvoo but because of the situation I decided to wait until a better time and we traveled back home to Kentucky.

"In 1845 Mormon elders were spreading the news that the saints were preparing to leave Nauvoo for the wilderness in the west. I had felt the spirit prompting me many times before and upon hearing this news, I once again felt the spirit prompting me. I knew I needed to be with the saints in Zion. We sold everything we owned and with my pregnant wife and three young children, we immigrated to Nauvoo in February 1846. This was at the time the Saints were beginning their exodus westward to flee from the mobs. My wife gave birth to a baby girl on a very cold wintery day soon after arriving in Nauvoo. Two weeks after the first group of Saints left Nauvoo, the Mississippi River froze over, which is something it usually didn't do, and some of the Saints were able to drive their wagons over the ice safely to the other side.

"On April 22, 1846, after the Mississippi thawed, my wife and I were finally baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Aug 2 2016, 23:29:23 UTC