Monday, September 18, 2017

All alone


Kerry and I have been doing a family project like "Find a Grave" for our own families.  We both have early pioneers in our family.  We have searched in parts of Utah and Colorado and began some in Idaho this summer.  It has been such an amazing experience as we have visually seen some of the sacrifices made by these people.  We have been brought to tears at times as we have looked at dates and events occurring around them. Clearly some are buried in old west cemeteries with old rotted wood crosses and unknown grave sites.  Many did not stay in the Salt Lake area for long because they were called to go to settle other places and help settle land and areas for those still coming to Zion.  My grandfather, George Essex, was born in Paragoonah (now Paragonah) but as a baby his father, Silas Sanford, was called to settle the San Juan Area of Utah and Southern Colorado.  This led him to be called as the Captain of the Hole in the Rock Expedition.  Eventually this lead the family to Manassa Colorado.  George later met and married  Vista May Rogers and they proceeded to raise a family.  The high altitude made raising crops very difficult with new families constantly coming into the area.  Why George and May went to Central Idaho I still have not learned.  I assume it was the hope of a farm and land and also to be closer to George's parents who had moved back to Utah for health reasons.  During the time in Idaho three children were born in various locations.  Two passed away shortly after birth, Martha who only lived one day is buried close to her Grandparents in Kaysville Utah.  Silas Bennett who only lived nine days was buried in Blaine Idaho. Margaret, Madge, lived a long life and died in Manassa.  George was injured in an accident with a horse rearing and striking him in the leg.  From what I have learned his leg probably should have been amputated but a plate was put in and he dealt with pain the rest of his life. George and May returned to Colorado after the accident.  Enroute my Father was born in Duchesne Utah.   George loved and worked well with animals so this had to be heartbreaking.  I am told that he was patient and kind to his horses and he loved them very much.  But in his sleep he would cuss at them and carry on about how stubborn they were, my Mother loved to tell this story about him. 
As we entered the area of Blaine we quickly found the cemetery and began to look for this lone grave.  Kerry went to the directory but before he found it I walked right to the grave.  I have learned the styles of the headstones for time periods and it was all by itself.  I was kind of surprised to see the condition and type of stone because they were far from wealthy to afford the stone.  Little Silas, I wanted him to know that he wasn't all alone, we had found him. (I am sure there are other family members who have visited that grave but I have never talked about with anyone else. And so to me it felt as if we were finding a lost and lonely family member.)  I never had a baby boy but I would love to have named one Silas for many reasons after learning about my family, One day I will get to meet them all and I have so many questions.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Silas, Sanford Smith (journal entires 1854)

(Family Search sent me an email with information about my pioneer ancestors.  Opening some of them I got lost for the afternoon.  So fun to read and learn more.  Also learned of ancestors on my mothers side that I never knew were on the pioneer trails as well.  I may be checking out for awhile just to read these.)
Smith, Silas Sanford, Journal 1854-1906.

Trail Excerpt

*      Related Companies


*      Related Persons

*      S. Dolten

*      [Brother] Waters

*      Levi Evans Riter

*      John Conrad Naegle

*      [Brother] McCartha

*      [Brother] Call


*      Source Locations

*      Church History Library, Salt Lake City

Aug 25th I made a start for home, am going to drive a 4 mule team for bro Naile [Naegle] who is also driving cattle to carson valley[.] the teams are wild had two run away scrapes[,] done but little damage[.] drove 10 miles[,] found no feed[,] stood guard[,] with difficulty restrained the animals from running back

Aug 26th Started early drove through a pleasant valley for about 10 miles when the road led into the mountains through a rugged defile[.] bailed [baited]one hour at noon—afternoon quickened our pace made 15 miles camped on a slough near the San Joaquin River

Aug 27th the horses wer gone this morning[.] found them and started at 10 A.M. drove 5 miles to the ferry crossed without accident—came on to within 4 miles of Stockton[.] Naile [Naegle] and I went into the town[.] returned again

Aug 28th resumed our journey passed thro' Stockton. The teams are perfectly crazy to day[.] drove 20 miles and camped on the Mc Casma

Aug 29th got a late start in consequence of lame cattle[,] 4 head gave out[.] took aim at dry creek passed thro' a pleasant tho dry country[,] drove 20 miles and camped on Jackson Creek

Aug 30th one of the cows ran back and I rode to last camping place for her[.] returned at one P.M. without the cow[.] started at 2 drove 8 miles camped in a small deserted village[.] this is a mining country the inhabitants will doubtless return at the approach of winter or of the rainy season[.] found water only in a very deep well

Sunday Aug 31st commenced ascending the mountain[.] passed lone valley[.] this is the first place where vegetation looks green and fresh that we have seen. got some beautiful melons. found no water for stock—nooned at mountain Springs—passed thro' a mining country to day[.] the beds of all the streams have all been turned up by the adventures in search of the shining ore. camped near a Quartz mill driven by steam power; made 18 miles. I went into the mill[.] the Quartz Rock with Earth is pounded then passes thro' a washer where the "Dust" is collected on cleates arranged for the purpose. The ground in this vicinity is so full of holes as to render it difficult to walk about at night

Sept 1st 1856 started early. heavy up hill road passed through Grass valley, also aqueduct city which derives its name from an aqueduct about one mile in length built across a Kanyon [canyon] for the purpose of bringing water to a mining district[.] drove 18 miles the most of the way through densely timbered country

Sept 2d continued to ascend the mountain[.] very steep hills to day[,] doubled teams several times drove 12 miles camped at antelope springs no feed[.] wood and water plenty

Sept 3d 1856 drove hard all day made 6 miles[.] ascended some very steep hills[.] stoped and watered at some springs then drove on one mile and camped on a little spot of grass

Sept 4th the road continues to get worse[,] hiched 8 mules to a waggon in some places; nothing can equal the dust on this side of the mountain[.] drove 12 miles to coral flats[.] feed and water[.] rather cool this evening

Sept 5th resumed our journey at 8 AM[.] the ascent becomes more difficult as we near the summit[.] passed a very steep hill one mile long at the junction of Hangtown and Volcano roads[.] passed Tragedy Springs about sundown took in some water drove on one mile to feed[.] camped in the timber[,] weather cool[,] campfire comfortable

Sept 6th passed two small lakes this morning also an ox train bound for Carson valley. road very rough full of bolders[.] saw a bank of old snow passed Rock valley[.] feed and wattr good[.] drove on ‘till dark camped within two miles of the Summit after a drive of 12 miles no water but good grass

Sunday Sept 7th Started early continued to ascend untill we arrived at the top of the first summit[.] found the atmosphere very light felt a dizziness accompanied with bleeding at the nose[.] Lakes of fresh water abound near the summit. we found the descent rough and difficult[.] drove 4 miles to day and camped[.] good feed, water and wood

Monday Sept 8th Found the road very bad[,] doubled teams unloaded one waggon camped part way up the mountain—

Sept 9th drove over the second summit[.] abrupt descent met Bro S. Dolten who returned with us[.] encamped at Silver Lake

Sept 10th crossed hope valley and down this Rocky Kanyon [canyon,] rightly named, broke a waggon tongue drove 15 miles camped

Sept 11 Started at 10 AM road soon led us into the open country[.] passed farms with flocks of cattle [and] horses[.] We drove 20 miles to Mormon Station Carson Valley—Carson is a good grazing country but too cold to farm to advantage

Sept 12th drove 14 miles to Eagle valley a very pleasant location

Saturday Sept 13th I went back 8 miles to get some mules shod[.] Took dinner with Simon Baker[.] evening returned to camp

Sunday Sept 14th making whips preparing for the plains[.] did not attend meeting

Monday Sept 15 went to Washo[e] valley met Bro Orson Hyde and several Brethren from Salt Lake[.] Washo is a pleasant valley[,] has a lake of fresh water[.] Bro Hyde is building a saw mill. The pine trunks covers the Benches low down to the valley[.] the country has the appearance of early and late frost[.] returned to camp[.] Broke down a wagon wheel

Tuesday 16 Started on our journey drove to Washo having decided to take the Truckey [Truckee] route[.] got some tire set. lost a band of the carriage which I went back for and did not reach camp till late at night

Wednesday 17 waiting for Blacksmith work till 12 drove 12 miles over some rough hills passed some hot Springs encamped at 5 P.m. Bros Call & Waters joined us here[.] resumed guard service

Thursday 18 started early 6 miles to Truckey River thence down the stream[.] roads sandy and rough have to double teams occasionally[.] met several immigrants trains all report Indians hostile on the Humbol[d]t[.] camp on the river good feed pleasant & warm

Friday 19 Started at Sunrise continued down the river crossing frequently[.] very rough fording rocky bottom[.] encamped at Sundown having traveled 20 miles. met Bro Brown of Carson with a load of Iron from the desert who reported a band of Hang town Robbers near the upper crossing of the river. he had a negro with him who as believed once belonged to the band[.] guarded the animals across the river[.] feed good[.] I got very wet while on guard

Saturday 20 lay in camp till 1P.m. in order to start on the Desert near night crossed the river for the 20th time[.] saw a few white men. they came near but did not speak. we made the best display in carrying what arms we had that was possible expecting to be attacked while crossing the Desert. it being known that Naile had money. the road was heavy sand for ten miles. we had a terific thunder shower. commencing about dark and lasting three hours. an old lake bed some two miles wide in the desert became a sea of water, the night was so dark we could not keep the course and had to stop. at 1 A.m. the moon rose and we resumed the journey through the water. the mud had not had time to soak soft or the old lake bed could not have been crossed. near day light we stoped at a boiling spring of fresh water. the water is very hot. though fresh enough to make tolerable coffee[.] got some breakfast and resumed our march[.] reached the Sink of the Humboldt at noon having driven 45 miles. We saw nothing more of the Robber Band, they had no shelter and the tremendious shower doubtless left them too wet to make an attack on the train. At this point the water is so strongly impregnated with alkali that we dare not let the mules drink[.] drove 5 miles camped found feed but no water

Monday Sept 22 started at 2 A.M. drove 20 miles found a spring watered the mules for the first time since leaving the Truckey. water not good[.] Some Indians in camp. for better protection we organized the company by appointing J. C. Naile Captain and Levi E. Ritter [Riter] Sirgt [Sergeant] of the guard. Mc Cartha was appointed Chaplain and for the first time we had camp prayers since starting

Tuesday 23 Started early drove 28 miles camped on the river bluff near the river

Wednesday Started 7 A.M. good road made 30 miles camped at the foot of the Lawson meadows.

Thursday Sept 25 drove 25 miles sandy road crossed to the north side and camped

Friday 26 made an early start and drove pretty fast[.] at 10 A.m. met two men who had been robbed by Indians[.] they lost one man killed[,] a wagon load of Indian goods[,] 9 horses and their whole outfit[.] one of them is wounded with a ball through the shoulder. they were very hungry. we gave them provisions and they went on down the river. we drove 35 miles[.] in crossing the river to camp Bro Call broke an axletree. several Indians came in to camp.

Saturday 27 mended Call's wagon[.] Indians in camp—10 A.M. an ox train with a drove of sheep passed[.] we were off the road[.] two men came to camp[.] they had been robbed by Indians[.] had several wounded men along[.] were living on mutton[.] we fed those who came in but had no flour to spare. the Indians had taken a large number of sheep from them. as soon as they came to camp the Indians left and we saw nothing more of them. Started at 1 P.m. road rough drove 10 miles[.] camped away from the river found feed went for water with a light wagon

Sunday 28 made an early start drove 30 miles[.] Indians are burning the grass as signal fires ahead[.] we crossed the river to avoid a narrow dugway where we were afraid of being attacked[.] took possession of a clump of willows for camping[.] the guard heard Indians approaching in the night[.] the camp was called up and all the animals tied[.] we slept on our arms. I was awakened several times in the night and was I believe the only one in camp who slept

Monday 29 hooked up the teams without turning out[.] when we were 100 rods from the camp ground about 70 Indians came out of the brush and occupied the spot where we camped. they were only [waiting] for us to turn the mules loose to feed in the morning as was the usual custom. found the road good to day[.] crossed the river to avoid stony point, saw several places where emigrants and Indians have had engagements. the Indians fired the grass by the road as we passed near the willows but it was not dry enough to detain us. drove 30 miles camped 4 miles below gravelly ford

Tuesday Sept 30 Some Indians attempted to come to camp this morning but were not permitted to come in being constantly warned by travelers we have not let them come to camp to ascertain our strength. heard the bleating of sheep last night as before the Indians occupied the camp ground soon after we left it. the road today leaves the river and crosses the hills.—rough—passed mountain Springs at noon[.] reached the river again at Sundown[.] Camped at the forks. saw Indians on the other side

Wednesday Oct 1, 1856 found a wagon tire which was set on a wheel in place of a broken one. left camp at 10 A.M. drove 18 miles[.] river bottom narrow[.] cross the river frequently found good feed

Thursday 2[.] the mules feel the effects of the rapid travel[.] road good[.] followed up the river most of way the ascent steeper. drove 20 miles camped near the willows. poor feed

Friday Oct 3[.] 15 miles brought us to the head of the river, watered—filled the kegs &c and drove on[.] the Indians are burning before us. saw several as we passed along[.] made a dry camp[,] feed good

Saturday 4 Started early followed up a dry kanyon found plenty of water and timber near its head, a good place for a Small Settlements[.] the frost has not killed the leaves on the willows, passed several warm Springs drove 12 miles camped in the kanyon

Sunday Oct 5[,] 1856[.] made an early start, met travelers to day[.] passed through thousand spring valley reached some springs at a late hour[.] made 42 miles went to bed with the sick head ache, could not sleep

Monday Oct 6. left camp at 8 A.m. commenced the ascent of Goose Creek Mountains found the road good though hilly[.] crossed the summit broke down a wagon and camped[.] made 18 miles[.] repaired the wagon and got it to camp after dark

Tuesday 7 made an early start followed down Goose Creek some distance crossed some dry hills and camped near the Summit. night very dark and windy

Wednesday 8. commenced snowing at sunrise lasted till 11 A.m. at which time it was 10 inches deep, an axletree which had been spliced failed but was soon repaired—very cold—passed the junction of the emigrant route, reached the De Casme creek and camped[.] made 20 miles[.] there has not been much snow in this valley

Thursday 9 resumed the journey at 8 A.m. down the stream. weather cold—mountains covered with snow[.] Came in Sight of Great Salt Lake[.] reached deep creek and camped making 45 miles[.] bridged the creek with a wagon tongue for the guard to cross

Friday 10th Started at 9 A.m. drove 25 miles and camped at warm springs Bro[.] Call and 4 others went on—water poor

Saturday 11th Started early halted at Sidehill Springs 4 miles from camp. Saw that Call had gone by the Bear River ferry—followed his trail but on reaching the boat could not cross and had to follow up the river 12 miles[.] crossed the ford and camped[.] drove hard all day. making only 21 miles

Sunday 12[.] ten miles brought us to Calls Fort passed Boulder stoped at Willow creek[.] 30 miles[.] some of the party slept in the house

Monday Oct 13 resumed our journey at 8 A.m. passed through Ogden[,] Weber[,] Kays Creek and other Small Settlements[.] reached Farmington near night met Father Ricks thence 4 miles to his farm near Centerville where I met Sarah Ann in good health[.] also my Son John A now 2½ years of age having left him when two months old[.] We drove 40 miles, all shared the Hospitable board of Bro Ricks

Oct 15th[.] I drove the team to the City for Naile that I had driven from California and assisted in unloading. I expected something for the active part I had taken in taking of Nailes property[,] guarding every other night for the protection of his family and animals[,] ever ready to stand in the breach to repel hostile savages besides driving and taking care of a team the whole way, besides merlly [merely] the passage with him having worked at repairs before and after starting and been constantly on hand to do what was necessary to be done. But instead of giving me anything he was disposed to keep my coat which was packed in one of his boxes[.] he however gave it to me. I did certainly do more labor and take more interest in taking care of every thing on the plains than those men who get 40 dollars per month—however I was glad of any chance to get home. I met several relatives and friends. Staid with Cousin Elias Smith, Called to see President Young but he was abscent


 

Enoch Milton Rogers-a history

(I had a very difficult time getting this document on here from the original so it is a very imperfect post but the history is there still the same!)
ENOCH MILTON ROGERS (1846-1927) ,

     Enoch Milton Rogers was born 23 October 1846, in Alexander County, North
Carolina to Jesse Turner and Leannah Chapman Rogers~. He was the second son and
child in a  family of ten children, seven boys and three girls.

     Enoch had acquired about two years of education when the Civil War broke out
and he suddenly found  himself the soul support of his mother and younger brothers
and sisters. His father end older brother,  were inducted into the Confederate army.
(Neither ever returned home). When Jesse Turner had fought about four years. he
wrote a letter to his son, Enoch, cautioning him to not let himself be caught up
in the war, saying, "This is not our fight ••• " However, Jesse went on to fight and
die an unheralded hero in the Spotsylvania Battlefield at Fredericksburg, Virginia,
and young Enoch was drawn into the Confederate Army, serving out the remainder of
the war as a  Home Guard.

     What Enoch lacked in academic training he made up for in determination and
dexterity. He became a carpenter as his father and grandfather had been before him.
He became an excellent Wheel-wright end blacksmith. Later, when he married and
started a family of his own, he settled down as a farmer, raising tobacco and wheat.  His success
in wheat production induced him to take up flour milling, at which he
became very proficient. But whether it was making caskets as a carpenter, shaping a
 plow share as a blacksmith, or turning wheat into flour, Enoch lived to the hilt
one of his favorite maxims, "Whatever is worth doing is worth doing right." he
took great pride in his work, whatever the nature of it.

     Enoch Milton married Margaret Jemima Reese, August 10,1871. To this union
nine children, were born. Gervacious Wayne, Erasmus Clay, Doctor Carr Vesta May,
Pearlie Effie and Texy Jane were born in Alexander County, North Carolina. Jesse
Franklin, Jacob Milton, and a baby girl who died in infancy were born in Manassa,
Colorado.

     Enoch, a quiet, profound man, loved the scriptures, and his well worn Bible
with it's multiple underscorings attested to that. So it. was, when his brother,
Doctor Carr, came for an over-night, visit with him, Enoch became excited as Doc
told about a pair of "preachers" he had entertained over-night, who were, in" his
word., "The most educated fellers I have ever seen. Why,  said he, "they could
quote the Bible from lid to lid!"

     But Doc, it would seem, was more interested in the ability of the young men
to quote scripture than he was in the content of their message, and found Enoch
asking all sorts of questions he could not answer. He couldn't  remember where they
came from except they had said something about living near 8 big lake that was very
salty .As for their church affiliation he said, "It had something to do with latter
days. When he took his departure Enoch requested Doc to send  the preachers out his
way the next time, he saw them as he would like very much to converse with them.

     About noon one days few weeks after Doc's visit, two Mormon elders knocked
at the Rogers' door. They were made welcome and invited to join the family for the
noon-day meal. The conversation quickly turned to religion and it was some time
after the meal before Enoch excused himself to his guests explaining that he was
in the middle of his wheat harvest and must get it done before the rainy season
came on, but if they would stay they would continue the discussion that evening, and
they were welcome to spend the night. The  Elders not only accepted the invitation:
but offered to assist in the wheat harvest.

     That summer night in 1885 was to be a turning point in the, lives of the Rogers
family. When the evening meal was cleared away Enoch brought out his Bible prepared
to do verbal battle with the strange visitors. The conversation continued well into
the Wee  hour. of the morning, as one by one his defences on such issues as: infant
and sprinkling baptisms were  put  down finally, Enoch closed his Bible, rose  to his
'feet and said, "Elders  you have convinced me, You have the truth I" •• ~.

     Persecution begen at once, even though it would be two years before they became
members of the Church. Then on  May,22. 1887, the little creek by the house was dammed
 off to form a pool where Elders John Dixon and John Harper baptized Enoch and
Margaret, and conrifmed them members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints.

       Persecution immediately intensified with warnings and threats added to scornful
insults. Margaret's family openly disowned her, and at the little country school
Wayne, Clay and Carr were pushed, buffeted and derided. Even the teacher was abusive.
Enoch and Margaret saw the futility of trying to cope with such adversity, and in
1889 sold their home, land and everything they owned, and prepared to join the Saints
 in the Manassas Colorado settlement. Their possessions, needless to say, sold for
very little as their former friends end neighbors took advantage of' their situation.
Brother Doc and Uncle Tom, an elderly colored' man who had been with the Rogers
since before the war and still made his home with Doc, accompanied Enoch and family
to the train, and wept,as they said their farewells. They arrived in the San Luis
Valley on the sixth day of April 1888. How barren the Valley must have looked to
them, arriving as they did in a cold, high country six days after leaving the verdant
hills of North Carolina. Manassa Saints met them at the Romeo siding, greeted them
warmly, and offered housing until Enoch could provide a home of their own••••
Enoch bought a lot in the Northwest corner of town and built a small two-room ·
house where Jesse was born in 1889 and Jake in 1892.  In 1895 (22 November) Margaret
gave birth to a baby girl, Margaret Ann, both mother and baby died that same day.

      Enoch was a good father and kept his family together until each of them married
and made a home of his/her own. When Jake married, however, another room was added
to the little house, and Jake brought his bride home to live. Enoch's sons all raised
their families in Manassa, and so did daughter Pearl. May's first child was born in
Manassa, the others in, Utah and Idaho, but May was never happy until she returned to
Manassa with her family in 1921. Texy went to Oregon when she married, and remained
there throughout her life.

     When the Rogers family migrated to Manassa Enoch built a blacksmith shop on Main
Street, which he operated for many years. He also farmed North of town. After he no longer
had family responsibilities he turned the blacksmith shop over to Clay then built
a cabin on the Conejos River near the Ranger Station where he spent each summer
for the rest of his life. He raised potatoes and other vegetables which grew fast in
the fertile mountain soil and possessed outstanding flavor. He enjoyed fishing~in
the Conejos, and always had fresh trout for company, but never was he guilty of catching
over his limit or more than could be eaten at a specific time.  He returned each fall to spend the winter months in the old home with Jake and Artie. Artie was very kind to him. She baked biscuits for him every day because Enoch said he did not like light bread, and she always prepared his favorite foods. On the morning of November 7, 1927, Jake went to his father's room to start a fire
for him to dress by, but found him not feeling well. Enoch departed this life that
 day going as he had lived, quietly
.
      As Enoch's daughters grew up and began dating they became aware that and elderly neighbor, a
widower, was making a habit of following them and spying on them as they walked home with
their beaus after dances and parties. When they reported this to their father, Enoch marched over to
the neighbor and reminded him, among other things, that if there was a repeat of the incident that he
would have him to answer to. The neighbor went to the Church authorities and complained that
Enoch threatened him. Enoch was summoned to "come in and settle his differences." His reply was,
"I said nothing I did not mean. I am not sorry for what I said, and 1 will not apologize
for saying something I did mean." He did not attend the meeting and as a result
his name was withdrawn from the Church records. He never sought reconciliation,
but never denied the principles of the Church, nor criticized the authorities.
It was a very happy day, indeed, 1932 when members of his family met at the
temple end and his and their mother's work, and were sealed to them as a family for
all time and eternity.

      Enoch Rogers was noted for his honesty, integrity, withdrawn quietness, and sly
humor. He lived by his motto, "If you can't say anything good about a person, don't say anything." He left a large posterity now scattered throughout the United States.

(Foot notes)
  Previous to Donald Haynie' s research it was commonly believed that Jesse Turner Rogers died in the Battle of Wilderness, like the Spotsylvania Battle,
was hand to hand slaughter in which so many were killed they were buried in a
common grave.

•• In later life Wayne was to tell how he had sat with his mother, spellbound,
as the Spirit testified to him of the truthfulness of the Elders' message as they
answered his father's questions and explained the gospel. He said he did not once let
one of his heels drop from the rung of the chair over which they were hooked for
fear of disrupting the tranquility of the communication •

... Their first home in Manassa was the little log house, remodeled, but still lived in, known as the Jim and Lizzie Jenson home, on Main Street.

(Recorded by Margaret'Smith Chapman from talks and records of members of the Rogers family.)