"Book A - Levi Mathers Savage": The Look of Utah in 1873

"Book A- Levi Mathers Savage": The Look of Utah in 1873

EDITED BY CHARLES S. PETERSON

IN MANY WAYS 1873—one hundred years ago—was not an auspicious year for Utah. Without the goad of Johnston's army or of some threatening piece of antipolygamy legislation Utahns of that year paid little heed to its course of affairs. But here and there evidences crop up suggesting that 1873 was a year of considerable interest if not of first line importance. Among these evidences is a diary by Levi Mathers Savage from which relevant extracts are presented below. A young Mormon from the southern Utah town of Toquerville, Savage recorded his impressions of the Utah he saw around him as he traveled from Dixie to Salt Lake City and as he did a four-month stint in a sawmill camp east of Kamas.

Enjoying the hindsight of a century, modern observers can see a number of things about 1873. The initial adjustments to the advent of the transcontinental railroad had been made. Railroad trackage was spreading through the territory. The Utah Central was well established. The Utah Northern and the Utah Southern along with local feeder lines had pushed well into the mining and agricultural hinterlands. Utah mining which was sufficiently rewarding to enable its promoters to raise the bonanza cry was spreading through much of the territory and into neighboring districts of Nevada. During much of the year railroading and mining provided a level of remunerative employment not often enjoyed as well as markets for agricultural goods and timber products.

Many of Utah's villages had passed through the first stages of pioneering. Indian wars seemed to be at an end and more thought and time were now available for home improvement and matters of civic concern. Utah's farms were beginning to produce a surplus of farm goods which were being shipped to the gold fields in the Intermountain states and California. Livestock was on the verge of a quarter-century' boom that saw Utah become a great livestock producer and suffer an irreparable depletion of its grazing resources.

Salt Lake City was taking on the airs of a mining and transportation center. It boasted a street car system, fine hotels—one with accommodations for three hundred fifty people—the famous sulphur baths, two institutions of higher education—Morgan's Commercial College and the University of Deseret—at least four banks and many other amenities. In its early months 1873 appears to have been prosperous. Among other things attracting the attention of Salt Lake City's daily papers were: the first typewriters to appear in Utah, brisk sales of carriages, and business leases bringing up to $100 per frontage foot.

Until September Utah promoters could rhapsodize about the future with some confidence. Calling the territory the "rising star of the continent" one editor went so far as to predict a doubling of the population in the coming year. Visitors often reflected this optimism and joined in the sounds of praise. One, a member of a touring group of agricultural editors, admired Salt Lake City's setting, its industrious citizenry, its streets, irrigation system, homes, and its farmers' market and other facilities of distribution.

However, after word of Jay Cooke and Company's collapse and the great Wall Street Panic was received in mid-September sounds of promotion and admiration were muted by an overburden of anxiety. On the other hand the Panic of 1873 struck only minor chords in Salt Lake City newspapers and other contemporary sources while the continuing themes of the Mormon conflict received full orchestration. News of the Panic was in every day's paper, but it was in the main news from distant places. Evidence of its local impact is sparse, and a somewhat forced optimism prevailed in the Salt Lake City press. The fact that people were anxious is apparent in editorials of assurance. One Salt Lake City bank closed its doors on October 1 after several days of heavy run on its currency reserves but denied that it was going out of business. Other banks appear to have fared better. A number of enterprises died aborning during the first months of the Panic. Such a one was Iron County's Great Western Iron Mining and Manufacturing Company boasting a proposed capital stock of two million dollars. With its projected subsidiary the Iron Mountain and Utah Valley Railroad it made brave sounds of beginning in the weeks before the Panic but no more was heard of the development after September 20. But in the main the press of 1873 suggests that the Panic had only minor effects upon Utah.

Edward L. Sloan's Gazet[t]eer of Utah and Salt Lake City Directory for 1874 shows even less evidence of the impact of the Panic of 1873 than do the period's newspapers. Its tone and the very fact of its publication suggest that business is booming and the future rosy.

If contemporary sources yield only meager information, secondary sources offer little more. Nineteenth-century Utah writers were almost universally preoccupied with the Mormon conflict. Modern sources point to the Panic's effect in sweeping generalizations but add little in the way of detail.

It is in the light of this short fare that the diary extracts presented here make a contribution. Levi M. Savage was remote—in both personal and financial circumstances—from the halls of finance, but the spirit of pessimism that pervades his diary after the Panic broke is not to be mistaken. His reaction and that of his fellows also suggests that the Panic had a substantial influence on the activities and fortunes of many Utahns.

But Savage's diary does more than throw light on the Panic of 1873. He took a close look at the Utah of his era. In it he saw evidences of material and moral strength—and in it he saw evidences of material and moral weakness. And while he is very much the product of his society he is frank and honest in what he records. As reflected through his diary the Mormon church is strong—both as an organization and in its effect upon its adherents. The church he reveals is setting its face to a great new colonizing venture, one that ultimately carried Mormon settlements into Colorado, New Mexico, and Mexico as well as to Arizona, which was the immediate object of the 1873 colonizing effort. In addition to its organizing capacities Savage's church engendered great though by no means absolute enthusiasm and idealism.

Savage's 1873 diary—"Book A"—is a product of the sense of mission stirred in one Mormon by his call as an Arizona colonizer. It is evidently his first effort as a diarist. With a few interruptions he kept a diary for the rest of his life. The original of the 1873 diary is owned by Joseph Savage, a son living in Chandler, Arizona. Copies are at the Utah State Historical Society and the University of Utah library.

Like the year 1873 Levi Mathers Savage was in many ways inauspicious, but his diary gives a rare glimpse into our past. The pages that follow represent something less than half the total diary and relate most directly to the look of Utah in 1873. Omissions have been indicated with ellipses. Some paragraphing has been changed, but punctuation and spelling of the original have been retained.

BOOK ATOKERVILLE KANE Co TERRY OF

UTAH U.S. JULY FOURTH (4) 1873

I Levi Mathers Savage, have this day concluded to keep a Journal. . . . I was born at Sugar House Ward Salt Lake City in this Territory on the 11th (eleventh) day of January 1851 (eighteen hundred and fifty one) My Fathers name is Levi Savage Jr. and my Mothers name was Jane Mathers. My fore fathers on my Fathers side first came to America in 1759 with General Wolf at the time he took Quebec from the French. Have not got the origin in America of my Mothers folks. . . . In December 29th day 1851 my Mother died near Salt Lake. In the fall of 1852 My father started on a mission to the East Indies leaving me with my Aunt Hannah Eldredge where I lived until 1856 when he returned and two years after he married an English widow whose name was Ann Cooper She had two little girls whose names were respectively Mary Ann & Adelaide. . . .

In the general move of the Mormons from Salt Lake, father came to Lehi and in 1859 to Cedar Springs or Holden in Millard County where he took some 40 cows and a small flock of sheep belonging to Bro David Savage to keep on shares of one half of the increase for the term of three years.

In 1863, having given up this stock and having quite a little of his own he moved to this place (Tokerville) keeping his stock at Kanab, until the spring of 1866 when the Indians became very hostile. . . .

On the fifteenth (15) day of July 1860 while living at Cedar Springs I went to Fillmore Millard Co and was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and So far as I understand Mormonism to day I am a firm believer in its principles. . .

On the 20st day of July 1871 started to school at Morgan College S L City Remained there as pupil and assistant teacher until June 20 1872 when hear[i]ng of my father being very ill I returned home to this place, found father recovering, remained until the first (1) day of September 1872 then returned to Salt Lake hired out to Latimer Taylor & Co, for whom I worked until the fifteenth of March 1873.

During the months of January and February—1873 there was a conclusion arrived at by the authorities of the Church to settle Arizona Territory, and I was one selected to go from the 14th Ward Salt Lake City where I was living with Elder John Taylor's family Accordingly I made preparations to go with Wm N. Taylor and wishing to visit father a short time before starting on my final mission I left Wm Taylor to bring the team while I went on before him to Tokerville and there would wait for him. And here I wait Still; But I received a letter from him saying that he was counseled to wait until fall I have just learned that the Brethren who has got to Arizona are returning [. They] have got to the south banks of the big Colorado and find that river very high Boat gone and the Little Colorado, the stream we calculated to settle on has dried up according to reports, so I think that the prospects for going to Arizona soon is extreemly doubtful. While attending the celebration of this National Day of the 4th of July a Telegram was handed to me from Wm W. [N.?] Taylor asking if I would come immediately and work with him on his fathers Saw Mill near Salt Lake City. ... I sent the following. . . . "Yes, if it will pay well. . . ." This conclusion was arrived at by father's sanction and aprobation. So I think I shall go north and either work for Bro Taylor, or seek some other employment; as times are quite dull here. No money to be had. If the Missionaries go and settle in reality the land of Arizona next fall, I really intend to accompany them.

Sunday July 6th 1873. . . . This afternoon has been held sacred by some drunken boys, gambling and racing with horses.

Monday July 7th 1873. . . . Since I came home I have spent most of my time working for father. This AMI began to cut his lucern (a kind of tame hay) which we rely on here for provender for our animals. It was quite heavey and awkward to cut, so father got Bro Thos. Forsythe to cut part of it with his Machine Thus by paying a reasonable price for three or four hours work we save as many days. . . .

On the 27 of January 1867 at this Place (Tokerville) Bro Elisha H Groves gave me a Patriarctral Blessing. In which he exhorted me to hearken to the counsels of my father and those whom my Heavenly Father hath placed over me in the Priesthood. On conditions of faithfulness he promised that I should be called to defend the Kingdom of God on earth and to avenge the Blood of Innocence upon them that dwell upon the earth Will be strong and mighty in the day of battle—become great in the knowledge and sciences of the day— a judge in Isreal—a counselor in Zion a statesman in the Kingdom of god, and etc. Behold the coming of my Redeemer Be numbered with the 144,000 and etc

Saturday July 12th. . . . This evening, Fredrick Mullins of Pannacca formerly of this place came here to by chickens eggs and etc to peddle at Pioche, a mining burg in south eastern Nevada. He, Mullins, was intoxicated as he usually is when he visits this place of wine. He used very severe and unbecoming language for a man, to say nothing of a gentleman. He indulged in a ridiculously maudlin peice of blasphemy, full of egotism and pride (Pride, of the beastly drunkard of course, and not that pride that is calculated to enlighten and purify our tabernacles of human depravity. [) ] Well there are quite a number of the youth of this place following his example of self destruction,

Sunday July 13th 1873 To day I heard a telegram read from President Young saying it would be wisdom for the Brethren who are in this part of the country and intend to go to Arizona, to remain here untill fall helping the citizens of this part harvest and etc. instead of going back to Salt Lake Gave instructions for D P Stewart of Kanab to have a boat built for the ferry at the crossing of the Colorado recomended it to be about 12 x 40 ft He intimated that he would go to Arizona himself immediately after Confrence of October next wished the brethren be ready to go with farming tools and etc

Monday July 14 To day Sister J. C. Naile of this place sent me a letter to read from Jacob Hodge one of the Arizona missionaries. He arrived on the Little Colorado on the 23 of April last. Soon after that river dried up leaving them with no water on a hot barren deseret They dug wells but the water got so unwholesome that it was not fit to give even to animals. Feed was very scarce, and he said they were obliged to feed their animals their flower to keep them from starving. I would judge from his letter that he thinks the enterprise a complete failure—as he talks about going home (back north) by way of the Seviere river. Though he does not know how long he will be obliged to wait before a boat can be procured in which to cross the Big Colorado River

Tuesday July 15th Nothing of much importance to day employed my time about the place This evening as I was going up in town I saw a group of boys and girls playing together a dozen or so in number, whose ages ranged probably from five to twelve years They were running from the street into the side walk and back across the ditches and etc. Some of them were indulging in very profane language for little boys and girls, Thus "Dam you to hell, come here if you want to fight." Boys daring girls and vicer versa Soon one of the rude little misses accosted me thus, "Cousin Levi come and help us dingbruse these boys." and other simular expressions of vulgarity. Is this the heritage of the Lord? the reliance of the Kingdom of God?

Wednesday July 16th To day have been busy arranging things to start for Salt Lake. . . .

Thursday July 17th Kanarrah Kane Co Utah Arrived this evening 6:30 P.M. on our journey to Salt Lake, left home about 8 oclock this A.M. . . .

Near Summit Creek Iron Co. Friday July 18th .... Traveled about 25 miles to day.

Paragoona July 19. . . . Just arrived here 12 N Enjoying the liberality of Hyrum Stevens. Who lived at long valley during the indian troubles of '65 and 66 He was shot through the breast in the fall of 66 while hauling grain out of Long Valley after it had been vacated several months. At this time the indians stole our teams cut our wagon covers helped themselves to anything and every thing they desired and we were obliged to return to the settlements of the interior on a few horses which we had managed to save leaving our wagons and all behind. Those times have passed—I hope—no more to return. . . .

Monday—morning 21st Last evening One Stanger of Ogden north of Salt Lake camped with us He has been on the Arizona mission Speaks very discouragingly of the country, The whole face of the land is full of mineral. Land and grass are alike full of the stuff. Every thing is parched up and the heat is intense during the day—thermometer at 136° in the shade—and during the month of June ice froze quite often during the night. This seems to me to be rather unreasonable and I must say that I can scarcely believe it When he arrived at the little Colorado there was quite a stream of brackish and unheal thful water but suddenly dried up. He said however "If the whole Sevier was running down there there could not be a settlement made there in consequence of the mineral heat—frost—the unfertility of the soil—and etc.—In relation to what Pres. Young sent by telegraph about the brethren remaining here till fall he said they would not stay if he should come with Jesus Christ himself (he is going to Ogden). . . .

Friday July 25—in camp .... We passed through Nephi the county seat of Juab Co. I noticed some marks of celebrating the 24 of July as the day on which the Pioneers arrived in Salt Lake Valley 1847. . . . But few people were seen in the streets Some 20 or 30 boys and men were lying and lazily sitting in groops in front and on one side of the public meeting House. I judge this to be that pcutiar [peculiar] clap of humanity, who, having no respect for themselves, nor anybody else; are always contented and even anxious to appear as ludicrous and ungentlemanly as possible; for there they sat upon the door steps, and ladies going in were compelled to carefully pick their way—winding up through this ill-mannerly group who gazed pertinately at them as they passed probably making disrespectful remarks corresponding with their illbred conduct. Another oncall group staggered along the sidewalk passing a bottle from one to the other, and as each youth turned the contents down his throat he would pull a wry face, shake his head sneeze and etc. then stammer out some maudlin expression neither elegant nor sensible. Some were riding horses with and without saddles little barefooted boys ran playing through the streets climing trees playing in the ditches and etc.

The doors of the meeting house were partially open. I suppose the more refined portion of the population were celebrating this day in a respectable manner within its walls. Similar scenes were obvious as we passed through Willow Creek village, except the meeting. Saw no meetting[.] . . .

Near S. L. City Saturday July 26 (Evening) just camped here All well We have been on the road ten days, traveling through Settlements of various sizes situated generally upon small streams flowing from the neighboring mountains. Accompanying these settlements are very visible, the marks of thrift and prosperity Good crops of wheat corn oats barley potatoes and etc fill the feelds

Showing a bountiful harvest and an ample reward for the toils of the husband man But one fault I wish to record is this. There seems to be in some places a great lack of energetic enterprise in building and improving. Miserable little huts "shingled with mud" are almost a universal sight in some places, fences, graineries, out-houses, yards and etc. all bear the same marks of confusion and bad taste. There are some places however whose most striking peculiarities are quite opposite to those mentioned above. And when I compare the marks of industry as seen in and out of "Dixie" especially considering the facilities of the two places for making comfortable homes the contrast is strikingly in favor of the enterprising men of our "sunny south" Any impartial person to take a tour through the Territory will unhesitatingly sustain me in the assertion. But we are getting back into the heart of "business & bustle"

Salt Lake City Sunday July 27 Arrived here this a m all well Found Wm Taylor and folks well. . . .

Hardie's place on Kanyon creek S L County. Wednesday July 30 1873 Yesterday 29th I was busy until 3 PM. arranging my affairs for going to the Mill. . . , Our company was composed of Bro John Taylor and four or five of his family and myself one Mr Godfrey and an engineer Thos Mace. . . .

I notice while traveling through the settlements—by ranches and farm houses—the marks of industry are quite visible in some respects. There seems to be considerable attention paid to farming and stock raising. A great many chickens geese ducks and pigions are seen all up the Weber river; but I think Schools, meetings, etiquette, and mental culture in general are somewhat neglected. I render this judgment from the fact, that, as we passed by a house it was almost a universal occurrence for a group (mostly young folks and children) to gather at the doors and windows to gaze at us staring as if they had never seen a wagon load of men and a carriage before. A goodly number of these uncouth creatures wore ragged dresses which was even better than the dirt and filth that covered their costumes Probably they washed their faces once a month, and their hair hung in rat tails down their shoulders

Silver Creek noon July 30. ... oh what a beautiful scene we have witnessed this morning! This is what is called "Parley's Park" and it most certainly is most a beautiful park All kinds of verdure is waving in the delightful summer breezes which are only sufficiently cool to; bring joy and comfort to all who witness the charming scene (magnificent Summer place. . . .

Taylors Mill on head of Weber Thursday July 31st 1873 Evening Just arrived here all well. A terrible lonesome looking place. . . .

Friday August 1st 1873 Evening Spent this day in rigging up the mill which has been neglected, and in exploring for Timber that will do to saw. But very little of the millions of this beautiful timber is large enough to Saw into lumber so that it will pay well. We talk of moving the mill in a few days to some other part. In my strolls to-day I saw a great many fresh indications of deers and mountain sheep but only got sight of one young deer who gracefully bounded away as if it fully appreciated the delightful and romantic country it inhabits with unbound freedom and liberty. . . .

Saturday August 2nd Evening Busy today arranging matters for moving the mill Bro Taylor and wife started back to Rhodes' valley this A.M. to make some arrangements for running the mill in that vicinity. . . .

Thursday August 7th Today three wagons arrived from Chamoises [Kamas] Prairee in Rhoads Valley to move the mill into a canyon near that place. We have got them nearly loaded. Probably will start tomorrow fore noon.

Saturday August 9th 1873 Near Chamois Prairee 2.30 P.M. Just camped for noon left the old mill site yesterday A.M. as previously calculated. So far, ordinarily good luck, Of course that means occasional breakage of coupling poles, getting stalled in the river and etc. . . .

Chamois Prairie Sunday August 10th 1 p.m. Just returned from Sabbath School. Bro War superintendant. Some thirty, healthy and happy looking children, and about a dozen adults composed this school. . . .

The universal complaint of a scarcity of teachers is also here quite apparent. As almost all the youth of America or Utah in particular, are inclined to shun Sunday schools So the youth of this little village c[o]nduct themselves, Young America is altogether too far advanced in modern civilization to Spend their time in Sunday school[.] I refer to young men aged from 15 to 22 years. Chamois is quite a prosperous settlement of about 50 families The settlement is situated nearly in the centre of Rhoades Valley. A beautiful valley some 6 or 7 miles in length.

The Provo River runs through the South end of the valley and the Weeber through the north. The former flowing off southwest into the beautiful Utah lake and the latter into Salt Lake.

This is a lovely little habbitation for a summer home; but it is, So I am told, most a bitter cold place in the winter. Snow falling deep and laying a long time Considerable good blooded stock here. But in consequence of the Snow all the domestic animals are fed all winter thus involving a great amount of labor in cutting and putting up hay. Considerable grain here but the greatest crop seems to be hay. Dairying is a great item of home productions. The settlement is situated in a sagebrush plain on a hard pebble foundation. Almost surrounded with a beautiful green meadow

No Public buildings except one log Schoolhouse. . . . The youth of Chamois are somewhat degenerated—indulging in profane language. As I passed quietly along a back street, "taking items" one of the Chamois Braves, a youngster probably about 12 years of age, thus interrogated a group of about his own age, "Who the hell is that," Staring quite impudently at me, and assuming very ingentlemanly attitudes, his coligues indorsed his speech and conduct by similar gestures and some low murmuring which I could not deffinitely understood. Some of the young population however are not so rude. Some seem to take pleasure in conducting themselves like gentlemen and ladies attend meetings and schools and are quite polite in almost all circumstances

Tuesday August 12th. . . . Monday morning we left Settlement of Chamois and commenced climbing the canyon it rained occassionally through the day: making it quite disagreeable breaking road through a new district of heavy timber and herbage (tall grass weeds underbrush and etc). . . .

Wednesday Aug. 13 morning The whole of yesterday spent in moving Six wagons probably not more than one mile and a half; and, in clearing away the timber and under brush for the road. . . .

Taylor's Mill Saturday Aug 16 Bro Taylor left for Salt Lake day before yesterday leaving Wm. his son in charge of business. Five of us here now, engaged in setting the mill, cutting and housing timber and etc. ... I am now reading a book entitled "The history and philosophy of Marriage or, Polygamy and Monogamy compared" By "A Christian Philanthropist" The writer appears to be a man of considerable age and experience having traveled a great deal and observed as much as possible the different races of mankind, their customs, habits, laws, and etc. And finally come to the conclusion that Polygamy is altogether the best system of social life. Says the laws of God (the Bible) not only tolerate, but encourage it. It is perfectly harmonious with the laws of nature and under the present circumstances of the Christian world would be a great improvement upon the present system of Monogamy. . . .

Monday August 18th Still at work sitting the mill It requires a great amount of labor to tear up one of these huge iron monsters; remove it over a long rough road; and set it down again all ready to run Our company is now composed of nine men and boys. Three of Bro John Taylor's sons. Wm, Hyrum and John. Two Choppers,—John McGregor and Wm. J. Hill—One logger Jefferson Huff. One engineer Thomas Mace one cook Charles Hillmore and myself. Mostly merry and gay and but very little profanity is heard. . . .

Friday August 22nd 1873. . . . We have enjoyed beautiful weather for some time passed—warm enough to be quite comfortable during the day— and cool and refreshing through the night—almost all the time being clear and still. But last evening about dark the black clouds gathered thickly about these proud peaks, lowering gradually untill in a very short time we seemed to be in the midst of a dense fog; the rain began to fall gently and easily, and continued drizling all night. . . .

Hill and McGregor had the good luck of having a small tent which accomodated three of our number A few old wagon bows set under some tall balsam trees covered with old blankets afforded a very insufficient shelter for four more of us. Then my bedfellow William T, and myself were still out in the storm. We set to work digging and shoveling the dirt from under our table (a rude frame with a few lose planks for a top) which stood in a grove of beautiful green trees; a delightful place for a clear warm day, with its shady bowers rendered sweet and melodious by the warbling of the happy birds and the murmuring of the brook of pure cold water. But it is not so nice a place to make ones bed in such a soaking rain as this However we finally settled ourselves in this romantic bed, but before morning we concluded that all the "romantic tales told of mountaniars and men who inhabit the wildest places of Nature Sink into insignificance when compared with a comfortable home that will not leak. Arrose this A.m. bundled all our clothing into the little tent, ate a cold lunch, and here we still lay some in one place and some in another all striving to avoid the drenching rain which is still poring down as if it took particular delight in saturating us and every rag upon us. Oh how miserable and provoking; and what a contrast with the past few days of beautiful weather. But I must not get home sick as I exclaim, "All is right and the goose hangs high[."]

Saturday August 23rd 1873 The storm broke away yesterday afternoon, so that we managed to work about a half a day. But last evening about dark the storm began to rage again; we piled into the little tent altogether; all our bedding extra clothing duds traps and our general stock of "plunder". We were so thick that we were almost double; but no great harm except a little grumbling, a few elbow "hunches", and a large stock of comic expressions social songs, riddles and odd tales went to make up the total of our "romantic" pass times during that miserable night. Brothers Hill and McGregor are quite accommodating; They freely share their tent with us even to their own great discomfortature. . . .

Sunday August 31st 1873 Slow business in the lumber line. First the pump with which we fill the boiler, begins to leak. Then the drive or gig wheel belt runs of [f] by stretching until it is loose or breaks or something else is the matter.

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday were spent bothering and fining up the "concarned concern"! and only about 300 ft of lumber yet got out. . . .

Sunday September 7th 1873 Enjoying another ramble through the forrests this morning; drinking in the beauties of nature so delightful and pleasant. . . . we keep jogging merrily along,—some chopping timber—others logging others cooking—others, keeping "steam up"—others saving—measuring and piling up lumber and etc. . . .

Wednesday September 10th All well in camp still. Last evening a wheel belonging to the Engin, which had been broken before and very poorly fixed up again came to pieces while she was under motion The pieces dropped down, and wedged between the piston rod and the boiler. Snap went the iron and the way the chunks of[f] of this hard stuff flew around there was truly astonishing. This is quite a sad breakage As we have just got the machinery under way, and have sawed only some 10,000 feet of Lumber, and now must let the mill lie idle probably 10 days untill new parts can be procured from town (Salt Lake) I am thankful that there was nobody hurt, But the engineer Thomas Mace had a very narrow escape from being knocked down by a chunck of iron that whizzed by his head like a senty four pounder. Then after we had all quietly fallen to sleep last night, the noise of a fire in the thick timber near by awakened some of the camp. They gave the alarm and soon we were all out fighting it some with clothes on and some naked. The fire ran up through the oily leaves of the balsams and streamed out above, like a mighty plag of the fairies that was wafted in the night breezes. Presenting most a magnificent spectacle. This was a beautiful scene. But not a very pleasant sensation to be suddenly startled out of a peaceful slumber and find a large fire raging so close to a thick grove of timber in which we were sleeping. The fire I suppose started from the bellows of the blacksmithshop a few yards from the mill lumber logs and etc. However a few minutes of desperate exertion in falling trees and clearing away underbrush brought his majesty under our control, and we finally succeeded in putting him entirely into the shades, and then retired again, thankful that things were no worse. . . .

Thursday Sept. 18th All is right. No particular news. Yesterday, "Thomas" (our engineer) returned from Salt Lake bringing the part of the engine that was broke, having got it fixed, but it is not true, and therefore will not work. I am afraid we will be obliged to send it back to "Town" before we can run. This is quite unlucky as it is so late in the season, and but very little done as yet I am assisting to erect a shed over the engine and sawframe while the mill is lying idle. Thomas brought another man with him to fill the place of sawyer

Friday Sept 19 Yesterday William and Bro John arrived here all is still well. By bending and filing they think to make the old engine work. Bros Hill and McGregor, (so I understand) yesterday bought Jefferson's Huff's logging team of two yoke of oxen and his wagon on 90 days credit for the sum of $400. They intend to chop and log, and Huff is going to chop for them. . . .

Sunday September 28th. ... the same old routine[.] . . . Arise in the morning, shivering with cold, get breakfast. Cuddle around the fire to eat it. Then all start to work. Gather together again about noon, eat our lunch back again to the bustle of our business, continue without cessation until dark. Then gather around the campfire eat supper (each devouring almost enough for a horse) and then commence our yarns to pass time. All kinds of comic expressions a few songs, riddles and laughable jokes pass the evening away. Then prayers are attended and we curl up in the blankets, and are soon dreaming of our more comfortable homes; which by the way are; scattered from Bear Lake to "Dixie". ... the "boys" are a firstrate set. With but few exceptions all are willing to do their portion, are merry and gay, kind and generous, and blasphemy and profanity are unknown to the entire camp. I wish as much could be said of every Saw mill party in Utah. The most delightful wether we enjoy clear cold and dry But the old mill does not come up to our expectations. She is nearly worn out, in some places and it is one continual "toggle and tinker" to run her. Instead of six or eight thousand, feet cut out in a day, about two is our largest.

Tuesday September 30th. . . . Bro John Taylor came up again today. Reports a great financial crisis, and breaking of banks and other branches of business, throught the eastern states. It has reached Utah. His debtors fail to pay him as they formerly agreed and seeing his condition he came to let us know that he could not keep us employed any longer He proposes however to rent us the mill for a share of one eighth delivered in Salt Lake I think the men will not accept, in concequence of not being able to meet some cash engagements which they wish to fill; and they think that they can make money at other places, but if things are as Bro Taylor reports I believe men will seek in vain for cash jobs So goes the world today we know not what tomorrow will bring forth. . . .

Wednesday October 1st 1873 Bro Taylor and William left here for Salt Lake to day. Judging from what he says, it is quite doubtful about our getting cash for our work immediately But for those that wish to use lumber near by their working the mill is a very good opening for them. What I shall do I do not know, until William returns Probably he will bring some word that will settle my future calculations and movements in regard to Arizona.

Things are very dull here and a low spirit prevails among the mill hands. Bros Hill and McGregor design starting for home tomorrow. But the result of this panic I cannot fore tell As near as I can Judge, whoever runs the mill in the future will come out in debt.—that is unless it does better than it has hither to done.

Therefore I think it would be better for me to withdraw from the company and make sure of what I have already earned. Under the circumstances I think nothing can be made by running the mill on the terms that Bro Taylor offers. Yet I say nothin of the kind to the others—but rather encourage them for I should like to see the old mill make something, but really / am afraid to risk it

Friday October 3rd Yesterday Bros Hill and McGregor left for their homes at Hoopervill. I think they are quite discouraged and considerably provoked in consequence of these disappointments. Yet I believe Bro Taylor will do his very best to settle with them according to contract, and, all others with whom he can make no different arrangements.

Bro Mace (the engineer) also left yesterday for Salt Lake I doubt his returning. Fillmore (our cook) has gone to Kamas leaving only four of us here now. Jefferson Huff who is logging Hyrum Neibour Hyrum Taylor and myself who are building a log house. Rather lonesome. . . .

Wednesday October 8 Day before yesterday we put the roof upon our old log cabin which we have been building since the mill broke; and yesterday we laid the floor. This was accomplished just in time, for the beautiful weather of the past month changed yesterday afternoon into the wildest snow storm that I have seen for many months. The old cabin without door [or] fireplace was quite comfortable compared with our former mode of living out of doors. All is quite well in camp . . . business is dull, but I presume when William comes back things will be changed. . . .

Monday October 20th Yesterday—Sunday, I visited the settlement of Kamas, on business and pleasure. It was indeed quite a delightful treat to me to visit again civilization. On the 11th of last August, I left Kamas, and ever since (two months and ten days) I have lived up here in the wilds of the mountains, Living the life of a logger and "roughing it" mountaineer like; I find it quite different from living at home among friends and good neighbors. And I confess that even the sight of a female face does me more good than almost anything that I have seen of late I did not know that I thought so much of women, neither did I ever before realize of how much worth a good woman is. Excuse such extravagant expressions, for I am sometimes apt to exagerate a little upon light and vain matters. . . .

Thursday Oct. 23rd All is well as usual. But we still fail to saw four or five thousand per day One thousand to day is our days work. Im afraid if we do not do a little better we shall be obliged to abandon the old machine. The old machine itself seems to be in better condition than it has been since we started it. But the cold freezing weather is converting the water into hard ice so that we can scarcely fill the boiler.

The clear cold weather turned into a blustering snow storm about six oclock this evening. It looks indeed like winter while under foot and dark and dreary over head. . . . Saturday Nov. 1st 1873 Just received a letter from Father. . . . He writes very kindly advising me to enter into no partnership saying that kind is a very uncertain Ship to Sail in especially where there are too many captains.

Tells me to quit this business and seek employment where there will be more exercise for my mind He says "Your Fathers fireside is your home whenever you wish." This is very good indeed and has almost induced me to go there, but if I should, I do not know what I can do to earn anything

Thursday November 6th 1873 All is well in camp at present. Tuesday evening Bro. John Taylor arrived here—he came to see how things are moving. Was not cappable of solving the mystery of our very small amount of sawing done per day. He watched our movements yesterday and to-day and started home this P.M. leaving word for us to go on with our work and do the best we could I told him that I was thinking of leaving, but he desired me to remain here, saying that it would not be long until we would all go home, He thought we had better hang together, and work along for a little while, until we can fill our bills, for apart of which he can get cash in payment.

Beautiful weather of late, but I am really getting tired of keeping "bachelor's hall" I wish we were going away tomorrow[.] . . .

Sunday Nov 16 1873 Another week gone, and nothing of importance to record. But the week has passed in the usual lonely monotonous miserable manner of a continual stoppage and tinkering. So Two-Thousand feet sawed (one days work) is the result of our five days exertions. Bad business, this. . . .

Tuesday evening November 1873 All is still well—but about the same discouraging results in making lumber continue unbroken. I am getting more and more tired of this lonely and monotonous place! But as long as the present beautiful weather continues I suppose I shall remain here and try to do a little for Bro Taylor. I could stop work to night but as both William and his father wish me to remain, and as they have been so kind and benevolent to me, I will try to work for them yet a little while. . . .

For full citations and images please view this article on a desktop.