Hezekiah Mitchell

Hezekiah Mitchell (1810 - 1872), son of Thomas Mitchell and Martha Haigh, was born 31 May 1810 at Simondsley Gloss, Derbyshire, England; he died at the age of 62 on 25 Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah Territory, and was buried at Salt Lake City Cemetery, Map G-6, Position 9. He married (1) Sarah Mallinson (1810 - 1883), daughter of John Mallinson and Mary Ellen Shaw, and (2) Elizabeth Bowers, married circa 1 January 1857.

Marriages and Children

1. Sarah Mallinson (1810 - 1883), daughter of John Mallinson and Mary Ellen Shaw
   1. Frederick Augustus Herman Mitchell (1835 - 1923)
   2. Lavinia Sarah Mitchell (1837 - 1905)
   3. Priscilla Victoria Mitchell (1839 - 1894)
   4. Maria Mitchell (1843 - 1923)
   5. Elizabeth Mitchell (1846 - 1935)
   6. Ebenezer Israel Mitchell (9 May 1849 - 6 June 1849)
   7. Sarah Ann Mitchell (1851 - 1928)
2. Elizabeth Bowers, married circa 1 January 1857
   1. Henry Mitchell
   2. Hezekiah Mitchell (born c. 8 July 1863)
   3. Heber Mitchell (born c. 30 March 1864)
   4. Margaret Selma Mitchell (born 19 March 1867)

Biographical Sketch

Hezekiah Mitchell did not keep a journal until 1845; consequently, little is known of his childhood except bits of information from stories told to his children. From his writing and activities, he appears to have been a man of sincerity, honesty and great pride. His artistic talent became evident when he was ten years old. At this time his father broke his leg. The first day his father was able to come downstairs and rest on a couch, Hezekiah was told by his mother to sit on a chair and be quiet. To amuse himself he found a piece of paper and pen and ink and sketched his father as he lay resting. Hezekiah probably forgot all about the sketch until the day he was married, when his mother gave the drawing to his wife. It was brought to America with them on the sailing vessel, traveled across the plains in a wagon and was protected during moves. It was eventually framed by a descendant and is remains one of the family's greatest treasures.

Hezekiah attended Oxford University. At one time he was a school teacher. Also handed down in the family is a ruler he used - not a measuring rule, but a hardwood round ruler about 14 inches long.

All Went Well Until...

His parents were fairly well-to-do and Hezekiah made a very good living as a young man. He married Sarah Mallinson, who was born 16 November 1810, in Sheffield, Yorkshire, England. All went well until November 1839, when Hezekiah joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His family and friends turned against him. His father told him never to come to his home again. He was unable to get employment and his family suffered in many ways, but nothing shattered his faith. Sarah was compelled to do dressmaking to help support the family. Hezekiah was told repeatedly, "If you will give up Joe Smith, you can work for us at any time." He was compelled to write his father and brother for money, but only once in his journal is there a record of him going to the post office and receiving a small amount of money from Ruben, his brother.

Soon after he was baptised, he was called to serve as clerk of the LDS Sheffield Conference, which convened every three months, and at each conference thereafter until he left England. Sarah finally joined the church two years after Hezekiah's baptism, about February 1846.

Later that year, on 27 December 1846, he was called to preside over the Darnell Branch of the Sheffield Conference. This branch had just been organized. This is when his journals start. There aren’t many personal items unless they pertained to church affairs. "Sunday, 4 July 1847 – Baptized daughter Lavina. 10 years old."

To God Be All The Praise

He tells of one occasion when he and two other brethren journeyed to Catcliff to preach. They stopped at the square, knelt down, had prayer, and sang "How Firm a Foundation." A good crowd gathered to hear them. While there was no outward disturbance seen, "there was a feeling of danger felt by me as I was talking on repentance and baptism; I felt impressed to make this condition known. I told the group there were some persons there that had evil in their souls and were there for no good and asked them to not disturb those who wanted to hear the truth. There was about eight individuals who sneaked out like they didn’t want to be seen. Others listened to the sermon. I bore a strong testimony telling them I knew what this gospel meant for before I heard this truth I was a Methodist preacher for eight years. I know what I am talking about. Several came to us after the meeting and wanted to hear more. To God be all the praise."

He worked diligently as president of the small Darnell Branch. Many joined the church and the branch was active. Two new branches in the Sheffield Conference were organized, namely Pilley and Strombol. Hezekiah Mitchell was made president of these two new branches and he walked from eight to twenty miles per day attending to his duties as Branch President. On 11 March 1848, he baptized Priscilla Victoria, his daughter.

The Lord's Will Be Done

"On Wednesday, May 9, 1849, my wife was delivered of a lovely healthy baby boy. I named him Ebenezer Israel." On Wednesday, 6 June 1849, when about eleven miles from home he was told there was sickness at home. He hurried as fast as possible to the family and found his baby son had died. He was overcome with grief but "the Lord’s will be done." It took courage to carry on his missionary work the next two days, but he did it and visited his branches as usual. Then on Sunday, 10 June 1849, between afternoon and evening services the child was interred in St. Mary’s. "The minister used some very strange expressions that are not found in the Bible or anywhere else in the religion of Jesus Christ but found in Mystery Babylon." It seems strange for a minister from another church to conduct services for the baby, but perhaps it was necessary for church burial, as the LDS church was not recognized in England at that time.

I Remain Your Loving Son

His father and brothers still remained bitter toward Hezekiah and the LDS church. On Wednesday, 24 April 1848,Hezekiah recorded that he'd written a letter to his father, "…You say that Joseph Smith was murdered, yes he was, but not for whoredom and thieving as you say, but for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. You say he deserved it, but I say he did not. He was the best man that has been on the earth since the days of Christ and I know he was a true prophet of the Lord. I would advise you to be careful what you say with reference to Joseph Smith for he was one of the Lor’d annointed."

"You say if you was with me you could read me a lesson. I suppose it would be false as all the rest are, for the devil is never fast to make use of apostates to believe the truth. You say you are astonished that any of your children are Latter-day Saints but I rejoice in being one and you will never get into the kingdom of God until you are born of the water and spirit and then you will be a Latter-day Saint. I have read Galatians 1:8-9, Second Epistle of John 9, 10, 11. The truth always makes people uneasy, obey the truth and it will make you free."
"You ask if my religion teaches me to turn my back on my wife and children. No but on the contrary it says, ‘Husbands love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it.’ It says also ‘Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands as unto the Lord, for the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church and he is the savior of the body."
"Now my dear Father, I testify unto you that Joseph Smith is a true prophet of the Lord, that the church of Jesus Christ is the only true church upon the face of the earth. I mean that of the Latter-day Saints and out of it there is no salvation in the celestial kingdom of God. The saints of God have had persecution in all ages of the world, they have it now. I have my portion with the rest and I rejoice in it to be counted worthy to suffer for Christ’s sake, before I will part with my religion, even that from heaven I will lay down my life as Joseph Smith did for it is of God and all hell and wicked men are against the truth , let them kick, the kingdom will never be destroyed, but it shall progress. We intend going to America as soon as we can. Do you ask why; because the Lord has commanded us to gather. If you loved Christ you would keep his commandments."
"Father, it is not with any ill feelings which makes me talk so plain, but it is with a sincere desire for your salvation. Read those passages which I mentioned in my first letter. Go and hear the saints for yourself and prove them by the word of God."
"I remain your loving son"
"Hez. Mitchell"
"P.S. Brother George is not a Saint yet, but I wish I could say you were all such an one as myself, then I know you would be heirs of the salvation and sons of God. H.M."

To Sail for America

Hezekiah, among other things, was a poet. He often recorded his verses in his journal. He also wrote and taught shorthand. He states it is the Pitman system; however, although it is written beautifully, it is much different than today's Pitman and is difficult to read.

He speaks of visits from Orson Hyde, P.P. Pratt, John Taylor, and others; and felt blessed to have them in his home.

"Saturday, October 27, 1849, made ready to go to Liverpool to sail for America on the first of November. I have written for my family to come to see us off for America, we will never see each other again."

The family left Sheffield by railway on Tuesday, 30 October for Liverpool. Many friends were there to bid them goodbye. At the Liverpool station, he was disappointed at not seeing his family. Next day they received their clearance to enter the sailing vessel 'Zetland' and sail for America. It was rather crowded, but they were thankful for the occasion. Because of weather conditions, the vessel could not leave for six days; then at 3 o’clock they left "Handy Dock" and sailed into the river. Members were chosen in groups with a leader over each group. Elder Hawkins was chosen as President over the entire group with Hezekiah as first assistant. A group of Irish men caused occasional roughness and disturbance.

Aboard the Zetland

It was Saturday, 10 November 1849, that anchor was lifted and the steamer tugged them for fourteen miles into the open waters and they were finally on their way to New Orleans. Only a few hours after, several were seasick, Hezekiah included. Each day his journal reported conditions and activities, giving distance traveled, longitude and latitude of the vessel.

"November 16, 1849. It is five years today since I was baptized into this church. A very beautiful day, about 1000 miles from Liverpool. Very pleasant on deck."

He recorded ships that passed them; also reported seeing different types of fish. One day a whale followed the ship for some time. There were also flying fish, porpoises, and many others. Thomas Maycock and Selina R. Peaton were married by President Hawkins on the day they were 120 miles off Madeira Island. It was not visible, but Hezekiah had studied about this island and he described the people and activities.

Hezekiah's shipboard reading included "History of Russian War", "World History", "Works of John Milton", and many others. He studied civil engineering. He also studied astronomy, and each night, both on the ocean and plains, a group would gather around him to hear about the stars, moon, and the heavens.

"Monday, December 3, 1849 – Spent part of the day reading Dr. Kalton’s work The People of Persia. Also saw a small vessel pass heading for California called ‘Sam & Ben.’ Our captain spoke to their captain." This ship was en route to San Francisco, around Cape Horn at the tip of South America, a trip requiring over four months.

On Wednesday 12 December 1849, they came in sight of St. Domingo Island and came near to the Rock Alto Vela Beta. He described it as being very high with no vegetation on it. No life of any sort except large birds. They also saw the Jamaican Islands. Hezekiah's journal has sketches the rock; also the Island of Jamaica and the Dominican Island which he records were discovered by Columbus in 1492. The sketches show a mountainous country with three levels of mountains with trees. On the lower level, there were green fields which remind him of England. Also plantations of vast gardens with "...some small white houses with green doors and shutters. We could see movable objects but could not perceive what they were. That part which we were nearest to was very pleasing to the eye. The larger mountain in the distance whose tops were now and again encircled in clouds gave in imposing effect to the whole view. Smoke ascended now and then from a chimney which told us there must be a house or sugar refinery, at least there must be a cause before there can be an effect."

"December 14, 1849 – A death on board. Elder Liggetts’ son passed away. His body was cast overboard. I saw his body sink in the water at north latitude 18"20 west longitude 66"20."

An interesting but a sad note followed, "Move that a contribution be taken up for John Martin to furnish him with a pair of trousers, etc. A clear vote."

On the 20th of December, the vessel struck a sand bar at the mouth of the Mississippi River and was lodged there for three days until larger ships could pull it off. They continued up the river to New Orleans. The plantations along the river were beautiful. Hezekiah describes the ‘Black Sons of Canaan’ as not being overworked.

New Orleans to St. Louis

The vessel arrived in New Orleans on 24 December. The deck hands were given a holiday, but all were anxious to get their luggage transferred to the riverboat ‘Ben West’—a very miserable boat for passengers, very crowded and uncomfortable.

At this point, Hezekiah complained of feeling miserable, which continued the entire river trip. He was unable to keep his journal, was weak and compelled to stay in his berth. A child died on the river and was buried in the side of the river bed. Mississippi River traveling was very dangerous—loose logs on the river and fallen trees were a menace to the water paddles of the boat.

Two Years in St. Louis

The part arrived at St. Louis on Friday, 11 January 1850. Hezekiah fainted as he was trying to leave the boat. He was carried from the boat and was believed to be dead. Several had suffered with cholera, and that may have been his trouble. When the family arrived in St. Louis he had 35 cents in his pocket. "Members of the church have attended to my temporal wants as far as they could for which I am truly thankful, then they laid my case before the Ladies of the Benevolent Society. They have done much for me and my family in administering to our wants. They have paid the expenses of a doctor, wood for fire, sugar, tea, some bedding, clothing and other necessary things and with all recommending us to the City Hotel where we should have vitals for a time, that is till I might get employment, and also taking a great interest in finding our Frederick work in etching. God bless them all."

He continued to feel miserable for some time. In spite of ailing, he attended church when possible, attending to his duties. Hezekiah never fully recovered from this illness.

In August in St. Louis, he recorded that he "…opened up a school today." This is the only mention of the school in his journals.

Daughter Lavinia left to go up the Missouri River with Mrs. Barnard to work. Hezekiah was upset about her leaving the family and offered a sincere prayer for her safety and safe return. She was only about 12 years of age, but the family was in dire financial straits and it was necessary for everyone to contribute. As soon as possible after arriving in St. Louis, Hezekiah opened a small store. Sarah earned money with her sewing. Son Fred was employed by McClelland & Scruggs Company as a bookkeeper. All did their share in helping the family survive.

In his journal dated 7 October 1850, Hezekiah wrote, "This day 18 years ago I married my dear wife Sarah. Time flies away and waits for none."

On Monday, 31 March 1851, a daughter named Sarah Ann was born. Six month later on 3 October 1851, the family moved to a farm in Jersey County, Illinois, to obtain means to travel to Utah. Still not well, Hezekiah had chills and fever. He traded for a yoke of oxen about eight miles away but one of them died, which was a great loss to him.

Jersey County Farmstead

When the family moved to Illinois, Frederick, the only son, remained in St. Louis because with his good position as a bookkeeper he could help the family financially.

"On the 3 February 1852, went to the mill with one ox in the wagon, about 4 miles, exceedingly bad road through the woods. In crossing Otter Creek the third time my wagon was turned on one side and the box burned upside down and my wife under it in the mud. She was not hurt in the least not even her bonnet crushed. I jumped out into the mud on the edge of the water, lifted the box up and set my wife at liberty and told her to get out of the way. Poor Turk was almost throttled in the water with the wagon being on one side. I set the wagon right, got on the ox’s back to liberate him but could not, consequently had to jump off his back into the water, then with difficulty I got him out. Thank God for his care over us that we were not hurt. To Him be the glory."

Hezekiah speaks of tapping maple trees to make sugar. In preparation for the trip to Utah, Hezekiah intended to make a wagon. On Saturday, 2 February 1852, he writes: "Prepared some parts for a new wagon, a very strong desire to go to California." [All western territory was considered to be California.] "Oh! Lord open up my way for me and family. Oh!! How I long to be there and be instructed in the truth."

Preparing For the Journey

"February 20, 1852 – Engaged to make about two thousand rails for Mr. Noble at 80 cents per hundred. He advanced me two dollars for present use. Had the subjects of natural philosophy and astronomy in mind. How wonderful are the works of God." Hezekiah was usually able to split about a hundred rails each day. One day he recorded that he was only able to cut the wood and split 26 rails. Another day while he was on his way to split rails, he heard a rattlesnake more than three feet long, got a stick and killed it. Then he took it home to show his family because its markings were so beautiful.

He bought another ox for $17. Now he had two and traveling would be easier. Within the next few days he bought a cow and calf for $11. He was very grateful to the neighbors who were not members of the church but who had charity and kindness in their hearts and who recognized their situation and need and brought them food such as bacon, vegetables, beef, corn and many other necessities that filled their needs.

Hezekiah recorded this recipe: "Recipe for making cistern cement – ashes two parts, three parts of clay, one part sand, mixed with oil, will make a cement as hard as marble and inpenetrable (sic) by water forever."

Watching the Wagon Grow

He worked often on his wagon but made no mention of it in his journal. His children, however, watched the wagon ‘grow.’ One daughter remembered going with her father to cut the wood for the wagon, watched him season the wood, turning it often towards the fire so that it would season evenly, and how she stood on the wheel rims while he set the metal tires. She watched every move he made in constructing the wagon. To her it was a wonder. Hezekiah brought parts to repair the wagon on the journey west, but used them all to repair other family's wagons.

"Monday, January 3, 1853 – Talked to my family about the possibility of trying if we could get to California next spring. If we can get three yoke of cattle and two cows and my wagon finished, we think we may try to get a start. Read President Fillmore’s message to Congress. Was pleased with it. He is a very fine man. Also read an interesting tract to my family, the subject "The Gold Makers Village" from the German of Hunruch Zschokke. Bought a little male hog today for 2 ½ dollars. A high price."

For days the family cut and dried peaches that they might enjoy them later. "Spent evening reading Hadley’s "Life of Napoleon Bonaparte and his Marshalls." His journal often records, "Heard Mr. Morgan or others in their lessons." His journal includes a detailed sketch of a locomotive steam whistle, with all parts numbered and described in detail.

"August skies displayed a beautiful comet." It was seen for several nights and he described the difference in its appearance and length of tail as the time passes. In September, he saw the Northern Lights and took the family out to watch them, describing the cause and effects.

"Put wagon together, tried it out. Everything seems okay. Took parts apart and painted them... Traded with J. Samson for a sorrel mare, let him have one steer, my old wagon and gave him $10... Traded my old yoke of cattle with Dr. Parry for a gray mare... Bought a harness, Dr. Parry loaned me $4.25… Returned home with my wagon and horses."

Bound for Utah At Last

And so on Tuesday, 23 May 1854, they left Jersey County for Utah. First they joined a company in Missouri. Son Fred had given up his work in St. Louis and joined the family in Jersey County to come west with them. They hadn’t traveled five miles before trouble started—they were caught in a gully in the mud. The horses balked and the cows got stuck in the mud. They had to stand in the mud all night in a heavy rain. Soon a man passed with a team who helped them out.

Hezekiah went to see a Mr. Watson to see if he would trade for cattle. "He wanted my new wagon, horses, and harness for two yoke of his cattle and his old wagon, very unreasonable… Traded my sorrel pony for one yoke of cattle… Traded our gray mare for a yoke of cattle with a man living near Carr place… We rejoiced at our prosperity."

The wagon tongue broke and they had to stop and repair it. It rained constantly and they were all soaked. The roads were bad and traveling was slow. The young yoke of cattle were showing signs of fatigue. Hezekiah tried to trade but was not successful. Each evening they looked for a comfortable place for the cattle where there was good food and water. They stopped and purchased new supplies at each town. Hezekiah tells of crossing the rivers and comments on the bad condition of bridges that need to be repaired. One new bridge was built in a poor manner; it needed to be torn down and be rebuilt properly. He tells just the proper way of building it so it would be safe.

It was necessary to ford small streams and ferry over the larger ones. When they neared Brunswick, which is located on the Missouri River, they were stopped by a man who warned them there was an epidemic of cholera there. They said they would take a chance. They came to the ferry on the Grand River and crossed over into Carroll County and camped on the banks of the Grand River. They laid down and watched the heavens which were beautiful to behold, went to sleep and woke up and found it had rained a good bit and that the yoke of cows had strayed off. Hezekiah and son Fred dressed hurriedly and searched for cattle, found them and returned at daybreak in time to have breakfast and start again on their journey. It was about 3 p.m. Thursday, 22 June that they arrived in Richmond after crossing more bridges that creaked as they crossed so that Hezekiah said his "heart was sick with fear."

Hezekiah's story of the journey ends abruptly on 23 June 1854, when he ends that volume of his journal. There were more pages in the book, but he just stopped writing. The next volume did not begin until after they are in the Valley. However, son Fred kept a journal in a very small notebook. It is written in pencil and is hard to read. It was started the day they left Jersey County, Illinois, on the trip west.

Fred's Portion of the Story

"On 25th June, passed through Liberty, Clay County, Missouri. Saddened by the fact that it was here the leaders of the church had been persecuted and suffered. We journeyed on toward Platte City and crossed Platte River." Later, they met a company of Swedish and English saints. They also met Orson Pratt who was on his way to the Valley, which was thrilling, and Brother Fielding whom they had known in England. That, too, was a wonderful experience. Their wagon was placed next to Hezekiah's. They spent the evening together rejoicing.

The family continued to meet obstacles. On 3 July 1854, they prepared to start about 8 a.m., but one of the cattle refused to be yoked. It was 11 a.m. before they got on their way. Then all went well. The Kansas Camp started a few hours before them; hence they were ahead. They traveled until sundown.

"Tuesday, July 4, 1854 – This morning all the camp was awakened to gather around the Liberty pole on which was hoisted the glorious Stars and Stripes. A couple of guns were fired over it. Our Captain Brown delivered a brief but very appropriate speech and solicited volunteers with tame cattle to go [to] the last camping place for the wagons which were left there. Those that had teams went willingly. I spent the day doing odd jobs to help those here."

On Wednesday, 18 July 1854, Fred was appointed clerk and historian of the company. He proceeded immediately to taking the names of the company; also a record of a death. Each male member was appointed to take turn to stand guard of the cattle and horses during the nights and resting period on the entire trip. Some of the wagon tongues were showing signs of wear, so Hezekiah and Frederick spent one day making new tongues in case of trouble.

Indian Trouble

"After preparing to travel one morning it was discovered that several yokes of cattle were missing. Several looked for them but unsuccessful. They traveled on, then suddenly Captain Russell rode up quickly, said that seven Indians had been seen with our cattle by Charles A. Lanson who approached the Indians and made it known he wanted the cattle, but the Indians presented guns and they were compelled to leave. Brother Pratt was ahead but retreated and all men who had arms were requested to go in search of the cattle." There were thirty volunteers, including Fred. After searching for three hours they were forced to return. Tracks indicated that the Indians had separated in four different directions. The company went on without the cows.

While resting, Uncle Fred climbed to the top of a hill, stopped to admire the beauty, and made a sketch of the area.

On one occasion, they were nearing a creek; the road was rough and narrow, not wide enough to take the heavy wagons. All men with axes and shovels worked to cut logs and lay them side by side, with brush and dirt between them. This made a safe road for all future wagons to cross. They saw two graves in the area of the repair work. One was hardly covered and the odor was terrible. Soon after they started traveling again, an oxen on Mr. Friel’s team dropped dead. No warning symptoms were seen to prepare them for the death.

On Tuesday, 14 July 1854, a council meeting was held and it was decided to let the family wagons go ahead of the freight wagons which travelled more slowly. The family wagons were those whose owners travelled in their own wagons; the freight wagons carried paid passengers and extra freight. Provisions were getting low, which was why it was necessary for the company to split.

Thieves in the Night

When about to cross the Big Blue Creek, they were advised that all wagons should travel fast and not to stop in the middle because of quicksand. All crossed safely, but at times it was necessary to hitch extra horses to wagons. The creek was 18 or 20 inches deep. After they camped for the night, "...two men who said they were from the store came to hang around us. Captain Brown politely told them they were not welcome and to please move on, but extra guards were appointed to guard the cattle and camp that night. The cattle and horses seemed troublesome all night."

The next day, Captain Brown had heard that Brother Fields’ company had been robbed of provisions and clothing. They had none to spare so were advised by Captain Brown to travel fast and the men should travel with gun and whip in hand. At one time they could see something approaching them but it turned out to be a pack of mules from California.

About eight miles from Cotton Creek, they were overtaken by a company of saints from Kansas, who camped across the creek. They were not very clean but seemed healthy. Captain Brown adopted them, but gave them rules and regulations to follow and warned them to obey. "About 11 p.m. this date, I was asked by Captain Brown to witness a wedding and record same. George Chandler and Hellen Matilda Bozer were married." The same day, a son was born to Sister Stiles in a drenching hard rain.

"Sunday, July 23, Sister Stephens gave birth to a child." They crossed the Platte River, camped on its banks and traveled to Kearney. After they were on the road again, they saw several buffalo. They had difficulty in killing two, which were divided among the company. Sarah salted part of their share for future use.

A Daughter's Recollection

Daughter Elizabeth recalled an experience with the Indians, "At one point, the wagons were told to travel fast. To make the wagons lighter, the older members of the family were to walk by the side of the wagon. I, being only 8 years of age, was to stay in the wagon with Mother and [older sister] Sarah. I thought I was as big as anyone and capable of walking. I quietly slid to the end of the wagon unnoticed. Just when I was on the end of the wagon an Indian appeared out of the brush and placed his hands on my waist and was carefully edging me out of the wagon. I was so frightened I couldn’t speak of make a sound. Priscilla’s shoe came untied and she lagged behind to tie it. As she raised she saw the situation. In another few seconds I would have been missing. She screamed to Father who cracked the whip high over his head. The Indian did not release me. Again he cracked the whip near his head showing the Indian he was serious. At that he let me go, and I certainly was glad to climb to the front of the wagon and stay there."

All Felt Very Much Edified

They passed nine wagons heading for the States filled with apostate followers of Gledden Bishop. They had very little to say to each other.

Fred's journal continues, "One of the oxen on Hezekiah's team was lame, suffering from hollow horn. Our wagon lagged behind. Sister Warberton also stayed behind. One of her cows was calving. By permission of Captain Brown, they hitched her sister cow to the place of our lame one and traveled on to the end of the day."

"Thursday, August 3, 1854 – Stood guard from 2-4 o’clock, got on the road 28 minutes before 7 o’clock. Traveled well until noon. Our steer gave out in the afternoon, he had traveled as far as his strength would let him. We untied him from behind the wagon and I stayed with him until 8 o’clock. In the meantime, I went off the road a piece toward the river and cut him some grass which he ate. While I was with him the Danish Company passed me. They have 60 wagons and 500 persons all in good health. After they had gone by, I managed with great difficulty to drive him about a mile which brought me to the Danish Camp and finding him not able to go any farther I had to leave him. I was then about 4 miles from our camp. I met father coming to meet me. The night was very pleasant and favored with the light of the moon. We traveled 18 miles today. Grass here was not of the best but some good cold spring water. I got in camp at 9 o’clock p.m."

Next day, they traveled until six o’clock. They met E.T. Benson and Ira Eldredge coming from the Valley to relieve Brother Pratt and H.T. Eldredge, Elder E. Snow to St. Louis, Orson Spencer to Cincinnati, H. Linit to England, Doctor Rust and son with the U.S. mail all in fine spirits. After supper, O. Spencer and E.T. Benson preached to the saints touching on different subjects of the gospel. All felt very much edified.

This Trip Has Been Hard and Tedious

They crossed the south fork of the Platte River. It was one-half mile wide and two feet deep including six inches of sand. All wagons crossed safely, but it was very heavy hauling. They camped in the area after crossing. The next day, Fred tells of picking three quarts of chokecherries so that Sarah could make jam. It was delicious. Later that day, Brother Fielding’s wagon tipped over, spreading their belongings all over the road. Fred helped pick it up, but it was not an easy task.

"The trip has been hard and tedious not only for the saints but the animals are showing effects of the strain. This day, two oxen have died in their places on the team."

"Friday, August 11, 1854 – After traveling 16 miles we camped in view of Chimney Rock. Next day we hitched ‘Hornet’ our lead ox alone because Sister Thorp did not like her cow to be worked." After dinner, they were overtaken by Brothers Benson, Eldredge, and Kesler who told them to rest. Brother Benson told them that Brother Eldredge’s camp had stampeded and he had lost 122 head and wanted five yoke [pairs] of their cattle to go and help them. The brethren complied with their request gladly. After hours, they were on their way again and traveled past Chimney Rock. They were again overtaken by some of the brethren on their way to the Valley, including Brother O. Pratt, who came to their wagon and spent the evening with them. They were happy to see him.

Fred’s journal ends here. Daughter Elizabeth remembered that when they reached the Great Salt Lake Valley they camped the first night on the old 8th Ward square. She remembered Hezekiah writing in his journal while on the journey to Utah and described the book’s size, shape, and color. He usually wrote after calling the family together for prayer, and often showed them the beauties of the heavens and nature.

Salt Lake and E.T. City

Hezekiah’s journal begins three months after the end of Fred's, "Having arrived in Great Salt Lake City, it was about 10 days before we got into a house, rented one from James Ure. Hauled sand, clay, and did other work for almost a month as much as the cattle could stand it. Then I saw Brother Crosland, came with him to Richville, Tooele County, saw Brother Peter Maughn at E.T. City. Spoke to him about getting 10 acres of land, a city and garden lot. Made some arrangements with him for the same. I am tolerable sick. Saw Brother Gillette and Bro. Bryan, haven’t seen them since I landed in St. Louis in 1850. Returned home in Salt Lake with the government wagons. Stayed in Salt Lake a few days then returned to E.T. bringing my wagon, oxen, and two cows with me to commence to build me a house. The lot was on the east side of E.T. My cattle were too weak to haul logs from the canyon. Bro. Gillette and Bro. Maughn hauled a load for me which cost me $16 for same. Built me a house as soon as possible and moved my family here on Saturday, November 25, 1854."

"In April, planted 10 acres of wheat and corn but grasshoppers ate most of it. Got only 2 ½ bushels [of wheat] from the lot but got 15 bushels of potatoes." Daughter Elizabeth remembered how they fought the grasshoppers to protect the wheat and corn and also the potato bugs in the potato plants to save the crops in much the same manner as they fought the cricket plague in 1847.

They had been in the valley 1½ years and son Fred had just been married. At a conference held in Salt Lake, Fred was called to go on a mission to the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii).

Hezekiah was appointed as clerk of the E.T. Branch and later was chosen as President of E.T. Branch. E.T. is located just around the point of the mountain southwest of Garfield. Richville is located between this point and Grantsville. E.T. is named after Ezra T. Benson. These places were small farming branches and each was presided over by a Branch President. Tooele Stake was not organized until 1866.

These were trying times. In May 1856, Hezekiah signed to the Bishop five acres of his land valued at $9 per acre for his tithing. He made frequent trips to the canyon for wood for the family, selling the extra whenever possible. He often drove to Salt Lake or Ogden selling his wood for as low as $3. Sometimes it was traded for small items. It was a two-day journey each way from E.T. to Salt Lake in a wagon driven by cows and oxen. It was almost impossible for him to support his family on the ground he had.

These Were Trying Times

Hezekiah was handy and could do almost anything he tried; consequently, he was in demand in the county to do many odd jobs but he received very little pay. He journeyed to Ogden in July to see if he could get some work harvesting but was unsuccessful. He went with Brother Friel to see if he could find a piece of land. He located one that was desirable but found it was spoken for, settled on another one and put some stakes around it and made a claim on it. He worked for Brother Brown at labor for three days and was paid three bushels of wheat. While in Ogden, he witnessed the 24th of July celebration—parades, speeches, bands, dinner, dancing and singing, which he described in detail in his journal. Returning home one day he picked half a bushel of service berries in the canyon. On some occasions, the family went into the neighboring fields to glean the wheat left after harvest. Much of Hezekiah's own wheat had been destroyed by grasshoppers.

Often he was compelled to stay in Salt Lake and Ogden for weeks at a time exchanging his grain for "foodstuff." While there he did odd jobs to buy a few necessities. At times the family diet was reduced to pigweed and milkweed greens. The youngest daughter Sarah was sick because of lack of proper food. Daughter Elizabeth found work helping a woman in her home for 50 cents a week plus one biscuit each day for her lunch. Each day Elizabeth would put her biscuit in her pocket and after lunch dishes were done would run home with the precious food for her sick sister. Sarah later said because of this that Elizabeth saved her life. One day the lady noticed what Elizabeth did and the next day she was refused a biscuit. That night, she cried herself to sleep and dreamed that the next morning she saw her father coming along the road driving the wagon and it was piled high with sacks of precious food. When she left the house the next morning, she saw her father coming just as she had seen him in her dream. She ran to meet him, told him of her experience with the woman and also her dream. He told her she should never go to that house again and she never did.

Hezekiah traded his good strong wagon and bows he had made for eight acres of standing corn, one-and-a-half acres of squash and melons and about four acres of wheat. He exchanged work for some unused wheels and other odds and ends and started to make another wagon, which was necessary to take his grain to Salt Lake. He describes helping Brother Maughn prepare to move to Cache County, "Assisted him until he rolled out and was on his way, received as pay for the work 1-½ bushels of barley, 40 lbs of flour, 26 lbs of short irons for a wagon, half a bushel of wheat, and a quantity of old iron to use for my wagon."

They received a letter from Captain James Brown from Ogden that he had married his daughter Lavinia on 7 September 1856.

Sarah Rebelled At First

On one of Hezekiah’s trips to the city he spent the night with the Richards family, who introduced him to Elizabeth Bowers, newly-arrived in Salt Lake. Brother Richards suggested that Hezekiah marry this girl. Hezekiah suggested this to her but she didn’t give an answer. Upon returning home to E.T., he talked the situation over with Sarah, who rebelled at first, but later agreed because she felt it was one of the commandments of the gospel. So on Tuesday, 30 December 1856, Hezekiah and Sarah made a trip to Salt Lake to deliver some goods. Afterwards they went to Brother Richards' home to again meet Elizabeth Bowers. Elizabeth agreed to become a plural wife of Hezekiah Mitchell, and on 2 January 1857, all three started for their home in E.T. They traveled in a heavy snowstorm and were compelled to stop at the point of the mountain for the night.

Later that month Hezekiah's daughter Priscilla married Erasus Christensen, on January 1857.

Every few days it was necessary for Hezekiah to go to the canyon or mountains for wood. His journal describes one occasion when he went to the mountains to get firewood how he climbed to the top of the mountain and admired the beautiful view—the beautiful Great Salt Lake, lovely Tooele Valley.

Better Land in Ogden

This volume of his journal ends 29 March 1857. There is a six-year gap and the next begins on 29 March 1863. During that six-year period, Hezekiah moved his family to Lehi to avoid Johnson's Army, where they stayed for about four months until the danger was over, then they returned. Hezekiah had planted potatoes before he left and upon his return found them almost ready to harvest.

Hezekiah thought he would make a better living where the land was better and in a place that was more heavily populated, where he could pick up more odd jobs to help with necessities. He had filed on a piece of land in Ogden so he moved his families there. Elizabeth remembered that she and Sarah drove a few sheep most of the way.

Elizabeth may have been left in Salt Lake where he provided living quarters for her, while taking Sarah and the two younger daughters to Ogden. On Wednesday, 8 July 1863, he tells of blessing his son Hezekiah, second son of his second wife Elizabeth Bowers. There is no mention at this time of the birth of his oldest son Henry by this wife. He helped his son Fred paint his store and did many other odd jobs before going to work in Fred’s store permanently.

A Great Reader and Perennial Student

Hezekiah made note of current events in his journal, as well as commentary on his ongoing studies of history. He made an extensive explanation of the July 1863 eruption of Mt. Etna. "Friday, December 18, 1863, the House Committee on Territories will soon report bills to bring Nebraska, Utah and Colorado as states also to create a new territory out of some portions of Nebraska…" On 2 April 1867, he noted that he had read Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and Italian to his daughter Sarah Ann and explained how he came to study each of these languages at some time in his life, mostly while in England. He read and made comments on Emperor Maximillian and gave rather an interesting bit of history concerning his life.

Many other bits of history are given all through his journal proving conclusively he was a great reader and perennial student, "Durability of Timber – The piles sustaining the London Bridge have been driven 500 years. In 1845, they were critically examined and found to have decayed but slightly. These piles are principally of Elm. Old Savory Place in the city of London is sustained on piles driven 650 years ago, they consist of Oak, Elm, Beech and Chessnut and are perfectly sound. The bridge built by the Emperor Trojan over the Danube built 1600 years ago recently had one of its piles taken up which was found to be petrified three-quarters of an inch deep and the rest had undergone no change."

On 30 March 1864, his second wife gave birth to another son which Hezekiah blessed and named Heber.

Moving to Salt Lake City

Late in 1867, he moved his family from Ogden and settled in the 11th Ward in Salt Lake. They later moved to the 1st Ward. He was the Bishop’s Counselor in this ward and he operated a store while living there.

19 March 1867, Elizabeth Bowers gave birth to a daughter, Margaret Selma. Sarah was midwife and tended to all of Elizabeth's children.

A new journal begins on 1 January 1870, "Attended the School of the Prophets in the old Tabernacle. Good instructions given on various subjects pertaining to the kingdom of God."

"Wednesday, January 12, 1870 – Attended the Utah Central Railroad Celebration Ball held in the theatre. A very agreeable party. Everything went off well, peace and harmony prevailed throughout. Many prominent persons attended. It is an important event of our history in these mountains, to commence and complete a railroad of some forty miles without any government aid. No other state or territory in the Union has accomplished as much under such circumstances as we have. God is with his people and his blessing is upon them."

His health was broken at the time of the cholera or malaria fever he suffered in St. Louis. Every entry stated, "Not well today, sick in my intestines and bowels," and yet he continued to accept calls to work in the church. Every week he walked to the Tabernacle and home from about 7th East and 5th South. Each day he walked to and from his work on Main Street at his son's store.

"Tuesday, February 14, 1871 – Read newspapers today after which I looked over my Italian and Greek grammars. Greek appears natural having studied it when young as well as Latin and Hebrew."

"Thursday, September 12, 1872 – Requested Brother Allen to be sure and gather some means together so we could pay our hands on Saturday. It must not be neglected. Not very well today." Just three days later on 15 September 1872, Hezekiah Mitchell passed away with intestinal disturbances.

His daughter Elizabeth said she never heard him speak a cross word but once in his life. That was when the last of the family's flour was on the stove to bake bread for the family’s lunch. She was supposed to watch it while her parents were working outside, but she busied herself with other things and forgot the bread. It burned black. When Hezekiah returned, he was upset because there was no bread for the meal so he scolded her and gave her a light slap on the shoulder. It broke her heart.

Sources

• Biography compiled From journals of Hezekiah Mitchell, by his granddaughter Adelia Horrocks Cameron
• Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel: Hezekiah Mitchell; James Brown Company (1854); Age at departure: 44.