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A Young Man Returns to the West — The 1880 Letters of Leonard Herbert Swett
A Young Man Returns to the West — The 1880 Letters of Leonard Herbert Swett
By DOVE MENKES
Leonard H. Swett returned to his home in Chicago after spending the summer of 1879 with a United States Geological Survey team based in Kanab, Utah. The team had conducted geological and topographical reconnaissance surveys of the Arizona Strip and the canyons of the Colorado River in northern Arizona. 1 Chastened for publishing his letters of the team’s sojourn in Utah, and suffering under the ill will of Sumner H. Bodfish, the team’s leader, Swett had come close to leaving the team and returning home. 2 His father encouraged him to complete the 1879 fieldwork, which he did. The following spring, Swett was anxious to rejoin the survey Robert E. Jones (1858-1929) was and, as he had done the previous year, the a topographer with the USGS in senior Swett once again wrote letters seeking 1880-1882. to obtain a position for his son. In the first to Charles D. Wallcott, with whom his son had worked in 1879, Swett wrote on May 16, 1880:
Robert E. Jones (1858-1929) was a topographer with the USGS in 1880-1882.
WILLIAMS COLLEGE ARCHIVES AND SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
If the younger Swett could not be paid or given volunteer status, his father offered to pay his son’s fare so that he could accompany Walcott’s geological survey to the Grand Canyon. Eight days later, on May 24, Swett wrote Walcott again requesting that he arrange for his son to go west with him. When Walcott’s trip was postponed, the senior Swett wrote to John Wesley Powell on May 30, asking that his son be permitted to accompany Powell. Since Powell was not going west Swett turned to Clarence King for help. 4 Swett received a prompt reply to his June 25th letter. Apparently, the difficulties that the younger Swett caused for Director King and the strained relationship with field supervisor Bodfish earlier were forgotten, if not overridden by political or other considerations. Leonard H. Swett was rehired and by mid-July had joined Bodfish, Richard Goode, Robert E. Jones, and John McChesney, the chief disbursement clerk for the USGS, to travel by train to Salt Lake City to commence the summer field work.
The following letters were written to his parents between July 12, and November 10, 1880, which describes his travels in Utah and his work with the United States Geological Survey.
Walker House Salt Lake City July 12th 1880
My Dear Mother
We arrived here safely at 8.30 this Evening. I have just had my supper and sit down to write. Some man has just been appointed commissioner of the land office and a band has been to Serenade him and he has just brought them up to the hotel and treated them to a drink, and now they are playing grandfathers clock which sounds very pretty 5 – Such are politics. At present it looks as though we would remain here till the last of the week. The journey here has been a very pleasant one and so far every thing looks favorable for a pleasant trip. Salt Lake City seems Very Natural, and as I am in good health & spirits I expect to enjoy my stay here. Tomorrow I shall probably begin reading barometer. We have come across a girl of course just our luck! Her name is Agnes, & she lives near Milwaukee. Mr. Jones is the one who is in deepest this time, and not - well somebody Else – I hear that Bootes is acting as guard in the penitentiary four miles out of the city. 6 Good night & pleasant dreams. The band is playing & marching away & as the music floats & dies away I will march too – to bed.
The weather is perfectly delightful. Adieu Love to Father
Leonard H. Swett
Walker House Salt lake City, July 13th 1880
Precision Mercury Barometer used to measure altitude. This is the kind of barometer used by Leonard Swett in 1880.
Precision Mercury Barometer used to measure altitude. This is the kind of barometer used by Leonard Swett in 1880.
EDWIN BANFIELD
Dear Father, Today has been a busy day and has developed some very unexpected things, or rather one, namely that I am for the present under the immediate command of Mr. Bodfish, and he has not failed to improve the opportunity to Exert his authority much and as a result I have taken Eighty (80) Barometric Readings between 10 AM & 5 PM. Besides I am to instruct Mr. Jones in the art of managing the barometers, and from the time it takes him to learn I think it is not such a very Easy task to do.We have four barometers with us, and the duty at present is to take a number of readings at the U.S. Signal Service Office in this City to compare them with the one which is supposed to be Entirely accurate and in comparing ours with it we designate these as “The Standard.” As Mr. Goode is here this year as a Topographer and is in charge of a party he has very little to do with the barometers.This morning Capt. Dutton asked Mr. Bodfish to see that suitable readings were taken at this place and so Mr. Jones & I were put to work reading every half hour so with five barometers to read together with six thermometers and being obliged to write & prepare proper sheets for recording (as our books are all packed) – I have been on the jump all day.
Mr. Jones _ Robert E – is 27 years old a graduate of Williams College (1879) & is thinking of preparing for the Ministry, and belongs to the Episcopal Church. He lives in Washington and obtained his position though Pres. Garfield. He is very delicate looking, wears glasses has black eyes & small black mustache, is very pleasant though quiet & seems to have spent all his time over books. He had never traveled much or mingled much with the world. Goode & I are both much pleased with him, and I think respectability and decency will predominate in our party this year.
I have spoken to Capt. Dutton about the “readings” and tomorrow we are not to do so much. Mrs. Bodfish is here and exerts a great influence over Mr. B. so I do not recognize him as the same person I knew last year, but Mrs. B doesn’t go into the “Field” so I expect Mr. B will show his true side before long. But I have determined never to let him know that I remembered the past.And as I shall be with him comparatively little I do not think he can surprise me into anything what a gentleman should not say or do.
In regard to Capt. Dutton I have little to say. I have not had much opportunity to talk to him, and he is not a man to become acquainted with easily, but as far as I know him I am well pleased – I am feeling well and enjoying myself. I know nothing farther in regards to our movements. I have invited capt. D. to go to call on Gen Smith tomorrow afternoon and he will go if he has time. The other letters I shall deliver as soon as I am rested and have time.With love to mother I am ever Yours & etc.
Affectionately L.H.S.
Walker House Salt Lake City July 14th 1880
My Dear Mother
Today has been pleasant in every respect and Capt Dutton notified us that we would start for Kanab Saturday morning the 17th. Tomorrow I expect to read barometers all day while Mr. Jones is to act as clerk to make vouchers for supplies & etc. I am well & happy and the weather is delightful. I wish you & father were here to enjoy the delightful climate. It is quite late, so Adieu. This will do to show that I have not forgotten you at least. Your Affec Son
Leonard H. Swett
Juab Utah, Sunday July 18th 1880
My dear Father and Mother
Yesterday morning at 7 o’clock our party left Salt Lake with the exception of Capt Dutton and a youngster Babcock, from Chicago. He is, I think a brother in law of the Captains, and is to accompany our party rather as a volunteer than a member of the Survey. 7
Juab is the place where we leave the Utah Southern R.R. and take our wagons. We arrived here yesterday at 12.30 PM & found Joe Hamblin, Col. Adams, Jerry Picket, Wilf Halliday and a new man, here from Kanab with two wagons and about a doz riding mules. 8 Ready to take us to Kanab.
This year Capt. D bought all our supplies in Salt Lake City and they were shipped here by rail, day before yesterday. Joe Hamblin brought four wagons to sell in Kanab, and we shall use them on our way down.Yesterday Mr. Bodfish had two wagons packed and is quite hot because he cannot get into the freight house to work today. All our supplies have not come yet, but the rest are expected Monday.We shall probably leave here Tuesday (the 20th). From what I can judge our outfit will be much more complete than last year and although the Season may be short, we will be abundantly provided for while we are in the field. But all I really know is that we had ham for supper last night instead of bacon and that Mr. Jones saw a large quantity of condensed milk, some raisins & canned goods in the freight house which looks hopeful. None of our tents were brought from Kanab so we are sleeping under the open sky, last night being our first night. I slept very soundly and find it very much easier to adapt myself to the necessities of Camp life than I did at first, last year.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CRYSTAL HALLADAY
This morning Goode, Jones, Bodfish & myself are in a smoking car, which is standing near our camp. Goode is reading, Jones writing, Mr. B. Talking, Swearing, singing and succeeding only in making a nuisance of himself. He reminds me of a dead body, which in winter while surrounded by ice & snow emits but little odor and is hardly noticed, but which changes completely under the burning rays of the summer sun and “Smells to Heaven” So Mr. B’s temperament is affected by the ice of civilization and the sun of freedom from restraint. His wife is a very pleasant lady, and he was so pleasant on the UP R.R. that I thought he had changed and that some of my remarks of him had been unjust, but then I saw through the glass darkly, now face to face. But let us drop him and if you forget he is a member of the Survey his name will never be called to our minds by any farther words of mine.
Last night just before sunset I tried my gun once, and at 60 yards came within six inches of the Center of our target. I am Very much pleased and satisfied with it, and thank you very much for it. I bought 100 more cartridges at Salt Lake (making 200 in all). Besides Goode’s Winchester one of our new men [?] by name has a Kennedy Repeating gun/ 14 shots/ which I like. But of all the magazine guns I have seen Wilf Halliday has a Winchester. Goode bought a revolver at Salt Lake and there are two Springfield needle guns belonging to the outfit at Kanab. So we are much better armed than last year. Joe Hamblin says his father Jacob is at Kanab so I am very glad I have the watch the last days of my stay at S Lake.
I have not told you as I was too busy to write.We arrived there Monday night.Tuesday spent most of the day at Signal Service Office teaching Jones to read barometer. Wednesday I read barometer all day. Thursday I read barometer half the day and in the afternoon I bought some things for the trip and invited Capt. Dutton to go to Camp Douglas to call on Gen Smith to whom, as you know, I had letters. I ordered a carriage at quarter of Seven and we started.The Post is 3 miles away and the ride was delightful.
The clouds were illuminated by the bright tints of sunset and the mountains alternations of violet-blue, and steel gray, in the fading light.While the waters of the distant lake glittered like burnished gold in the Sun & lay like a plate of silver under the moon. The view was so fine that Capt D asked the driver to stop that we might enjoy the moon. As we started again, we heard the sunset gun of the fort and in a few moments we were at the gens door. General Smith was not at home having gone to Fort Cameron with Gen. Crook. I then asked for Mrs. Gen [?] and found she was staying in the city at Dr. Hamiltons. Then as Capt Dutton knew several other officers at the Post we made four or five calls and passed a very pleasant hour before we returned to the City. One call I enjoyed specially on a Lieut Twintin & his wife who are very nice and great friends of Capt D.
The next afternoon when I got back to the hotel, after reading barometer, I found the Twintin’s card, and intend to call on him when I return. Friday I read barometer and delivered my letters to Mr. Hills of the Deseret Bank, and to Mr. Hoppe, who is the Bank President. I had a very pleasant call on each of the gentlemen. I then tried to find [G.L.?] Cannon but he was not at his office and he lives in the suburbs. At four Pm In company with Goode, Jones & Mr. Bodfish I went to Lake Point 22 miles on Salt Lake for a bath.We went in open cars by the Utah Western R.R.Which is a narrow gauge road.We arrived at the point at 6.10, had a delightful bath & swim or rather float for it is utterly impossible to sink, and arrived at Salt Lake at 8.20 & packed my baggage for an early start in the morning. I Shall tell you about the outfit in my next.With Love Your Affec Son
LHS
Swett wrote to his mother on July 31, 1880, from Kanab:
We arrived here safely last Thursday about noon: The journey tired me very much. Since my arrival I have been resting all the time when I have not been at work. 9
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROCK BURGOYNE
This year I have practically the Entire Charge of the barometers (There are four in the party) and Jones, Babcock & Brind – a young man of 30 engaged at Salt lake to read barometers for Goode 10 – The other Readers have never used barometers so I have had to teach them all and on our arrival here I have been oblidged to find a room in which to hang the instruments, arrange the wet bulb thermometers, set the time Each shall read, and see that everything goes smoothly & well. 11 Then I have to copy all the Salt Lake readings taken on Slips of paper into the book. So you see I am promoted in responsibility if not in pay and I am trying to do my work well. The Camp this year is pitched in the East part of town (a new place) and a Mr. Crosby who is a Very old man who lives near by has given me a room for the barometers, and I am writing in that room. 12 All the barometer readers use it as a place to write & loaf in. Still it is cool and pleasant. Since I began this letter Mr. Crosby has started on Mormonism to Brind and they make so much noise I can hardly think. On my arrival here I found three letters from you one from father (of the 18th) & one from Mrs. Calhoun and this to you is the first I have written.
PHOTO COURTESY OF RAMONA RIDER MURRAY
I still like Capt Dutton exceedingly and though I have been home sick several times I am getting along very well. I find it very hard to keep a note book for in coming a second time into the same country seeing the same people Towns, Hills, Rocks & Rivers, etc. things do not strike me in the same forceable way they did at first. The only things Easily described are the new ones and after the new wears off I know of no Region I have Ever visited which is so dead and where things change so little. So that a cliff or mountain stream dashing down its rocky bed here and there, covered with foam and sparkling in the sunlight though they make a deep impression first, after a little while one thinks no more of describing them, than you do of a beautiful sunset or the fantastic shape of a Summer cloud.
But I have enough of other things to last for a long time for as yet I have told you nothing of my new companions new acquaintances, etc. For even two trips to the same place cannot be exactly alike.
I have finished my science primer on geology and am ready to take up “La Cont.” 13 I have read one sermon by Phillips Brooks & like it very much. 14 It was on the Use & purpose of “Comfort.” Your letters are not at hand and I do not remember if you asked any questions but I like the advise and will follow it.
With a great deal of love I am as Ever your affect Son. I wish you would send me the Sunday Tribune if you think of it. I find I am as anxious for mail as I was last year and want to keep up close correspondence with home, love to Father
L.H.S
Kanab October 10th 1880
My Dear Father
It is a long time since I have written you, the last being to say that I would not go to San Francisco with Jacob. 15 I did not think I was quite wise to spend all my money on a trip of that kind, not that it is not well worth the money under ordinary circumstances but where you wait to Earn it, and it is all you have, it then seem to have a new value, and as though it ought only to be spent to the very Best advantage. I grasped with eagerness the opportunity to remain in Kanab, till the arrival of Mr. Goode as it prolongs my stay in this healthy locality. I am sure that I have gained more this year than last, for I have had many opportunities to improve in other things than health.
Being associated with a gentleman is a great thing on a trip of this kind making the Entire camp one of respectability rather than rowdyism. I am indebted to Capt. Dutton for many things and more than all for the manly though thoroughly kind way in which he always treated me. 16
During the Entire time I have been with him, he never ever spoke sharply to me or acted the part other than that of a gentleman. He is – as I have seen him – Strong, brilliant, and cold.Yet somehow magnetic and just the man for a leader, but with too strong a character to be a friend. A man almost perfect. Yet wanting sadly a peculiar something which always accompanies perfection.
The advantages of his Society have done me much good. His campfire talks are always interesting and never without instruction And this is a measure I have made up for the loss of your absence which I always feel when away from you.
Know that the entire party are gone and I am alone. I try to fancy that I am on a physical level with the Kanab boys, that is, that my prospects are only what theirs are and what my past Experience has given me. I wear the Same kind of clothes they do. I eat the same food and sleep in the same kind of a bed. So the illusion is not as surreal as it might be. It has a wonderful Effect in making me Economical of the minutes, and I act with more care and Each step becomes one of more consequence if I act on the principle that I must depend Entirely on my self for what I become.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LA RUE P. HUGOE
I find that as my health & rigor increase, my mind also works with more Ease and pleasure and less fatigue; that my whole mental tone is changing, becoming Stronger and quieter. I seem to be nearing the point in life where boyhood Ends,
John Jeremiah “Jerry” Picket and fiancée, Lurany Iness, c. 1880. and Manhood begins, where ambitions takes a firm root. And the prizes of life come into
full view and the real Struggle begins.Where I must decide in what direction I will lay my course,What books I will read what men I wish to know. What pleasures I want to enjoy and what kind of power I wish to wield.
But what nonsense I am writing. I don’t often talk so of myself, but I just want you to know that the seeds of knowledge you have sown in my mind are beginning to sprout and the latent powers are beginning to start.“Hold the Fort for I am coming” Etc, if nothing happens
At present I am devoting all my time to geology and it is a wonderful study for broadening the mind and enlarging the ideas. The Capt advises me to study Chemistry for the culture it will give, and I hope to sometime.
I hope you will have a place for me at the office on my return as I want to come in.What are you doing? Did you go to Kansas? Is business good? Are you interested in politics? How is your health?
Write me when you can. I have not heard from you for 3 weeks. I shall receive the letters, as before leaving I shall telegraph to Salt Lake to have letters held. Now good night, the darkness is falling.With love to Mother. I am your Affec Son Leonard H. Swett
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GRAND CANYON MUSEUM
Kanab Oct 12 1880
My Dear Mother
At last I am thoroughly comfortable. I have hired a room of Mrs. Rider and I moved into it yesterday. 17 It is a front room, newly papered and painted. With a good large old fashioned fire place, two windows, and a door opening onto a porch; So I go out or in without going into Mrs. R’s part. I have 3 of the mattresses I had made in August and my sheets on my bed, so I sleep very comfortably. I have capt Dutton writing table, a table cloth and the Capt’s chair. The floor is bare So I have Navajo blankets scattered for rugs. I have a fire, So the room has a very cheerful look. I take care of my horse still, feeding, watering & cleaning him Every day. I also build my own fires cut & bring my own wood and go a block and a half for my meals. I take a horseback ride or a good walk daily and the rest of the time I spend over my books. The last 3 days have been rainy & cold but the clouds broke away and I took a lazy ramble up the cliffs, which are about 800 ft. high. I found much of interest geologically and Saw for the first time green purple sand stone, also petrifid wood. The time still flies as each moment is occupied. I go out very little finding my books abundant company. This is the first time I have even taken up the branches of science. I am now studying Natural Philosophy Physical geography & geology. I find them very Entertaining, but no more so than Medicine and Mathematics.
I received two very pleasant letters a few days ago one from Dr. Kittridge, the other from Mr. Walcott [I enclose both for you to read. Please give save them as I wish to keep them] The Drs is very characteristic but very kind. (Mr. Walcotts speaks for itself flowers and all.) 18
When I began this letter I did not intend to tell you of the Kaibab trip, but I have been looking over my note book and as it is not in good sending Shape I Send you an abstract of it. It is very hard to Express this scenery in words and I fear that my descriptions are at best only glittering generalities, but the letter is written for you and Father and if it gives you pleasure I am more than Satisfied.
Our party left Kanab Utah for the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River September 17th, 1880. Kanab lies five miles north of the Northern boundary of Arizona and the Grand Canyon about 60 miles South of the Utah line. Our party was composed of 8 men all mounted, and a pack train of five mules with bedding, and rations for 15 days. Kanab lies directly on the edge of a vast desert, which extends about 30 miles South, to the Kaibab Plateau or mountain lying down, as the word means, its name being translated – through which the Colorado cuts its way.The first night we camped in this desert using waters from kegs brought from Kanab. The sunset was very brilliant, and the view of the north one of great beauty. “Looking back” across the ashy waste of Sage desert over which we had come, the bright cliffs of Utah loomed up like frozen waves one above another, there being four layers in sight. The first, the Red, which Surround Kanab, The Second 8 or 10 miles beyond being white.The third, still farther being the Pink Cliffs of upper Kanab. Then rising sharp and blue just Beyond rises the divide whose summit forms a water shed between Salt Lake basin and the district drained by the Colorado. Soon after dark the moon rose from a bank of heavy clouds which lay on the Eastern horizon. It was full and hung like a Silver Shield on the dark wall of night. Off in the north the lightning flashed occasionally from a dark ragged cloud and during the Early part of the night one or two showers swept over our camp but not severe enough to wet us much.
The next morning we were in the saddle at Sunrise and reached the base of the mountain by ten O’clock. In the foothills, we passed the summer camp of the Paiute Indians. Here the Capt. Had a short talk with Frank, their Chief and I saw several Indians who had been in Kanab a month before. 19 At eleven we passed Nails Lower Ranche where, last year, I spent the 2nd of Sept. with Mr. Bodfish and others with nothing to eat but cooked beef and pickles. We camped at noon in Castle Rock Canyon, which is a beautiful place, the ground being covered with moss grass and flowers with here and there little groves of tall white Aspens and tall slender fir trees. The ride during the afternoon was mostly on the Summit of the plateau which is a great natural park, covered with groves and little praries of mountain grass. We reached Stewarts Ranche at dark, having come 40 miles that day. There we found the Bodfish party to whom we brought mail, and the Evening was spent in telling our adventures at Mt. Trumbull and hearing theirs of the Cañon. We remained at Stewarts Ranche till Tuesday the 21st, inst., passing the time in hunting and horseback riding – racing and target practice. Tuesday noon both parties went to Thompsons Spring 13 1 ⁄2 miles South East and four from the Canon. Wednesday the Capt. with Holmes, Fred & myself spent the day on the Canon edge where I found a number of well preserved fossil shells.
Thursday our party separated from Mr. Bodfish and went 16 miles to Station z. (I mean Fred & I, the Capt being on a trip to Marble Cañon.) where the magnificence of the Scenery surpasses anything I have yet seen. It is really the first Topographical Station as it is situated at the upper End, or beginning of Grand Cañon, which by the way the river runs, is 217 miles long terminating at its lower end in what is called Grand Gulch. Grand Cañon begins at the mouth of the Little Colorado, which enters from the South, while z is about a half mile farther down on the opposite side of the river. It is a small button shaped knoll, set on the Edge of the Canon wall.
The Colorado River here changes its direction from South to West and z being at the vertex of the angle it commands a river in both directions.The distance here from wall to wall is about 8 miles, while the vertical distance to the water below is 6000 ft.The view Embraces nearly 270° of horizon.
To the North East, on the north side of the river rise the Paria cliffs while just opposite on the South side may be seen their reflection in the Echo cliffs, and winding between the two, the upper edges of Marble Canon, occasionaly appear. Just to the South of Echo cliffs and far to the East on the horizon, Stands Navajo Mountain, while in the foreground, lies a vast expanse of desert, marked here and there with lines of low cliffs, and their shadows, brought into view by the lowness of the Cañon wall on the South East Side of the river, which is nearly1000 feet lower than at z. Directly opposite z lies the great gorge through which the Little Colorado flows to join the main river. Just at the South Side of this great gateway the East wall begins to increase in height and curves to the West, rising rapidly in altitude – by what is called a monoclinal fold – to the Elevation of 6400 feet, the highest point of the cañon.
As we follow this curve directly in the South and over the highest part of the wall about 60 miles away – though not looking half that distance - rise the beautiful San Francisco Peaks, like a silhouette of solid blue, against a band of pearly sky. And stretching along the Southern horizon to the West as far as the Eye can penetrate.
So much for the frame, the picture lies below. Far, far below in the depths. So far, that pine trees, 100 feet high look like sage brush. The river (nearly 400 feet wide) appears in view for a short distance looking like a mere ribbon. The water can be seen in two places only, it being hidden generally by the Steepness and depth of its walls. Where the water appears in view the first time, there is a little mound, a volcanic cone of pure basalt, and perfectly black, looking sadly out of place amid the bright Sand Stones. 20 Farther to the South the water runs in Sight for about half a mile and just beyond it, is a larger majestic butte, named by the Capt. “Pagoda Butte.” Its form and outlines are very picturesque, while its color is a rich “dregs of wine.” The Sandstones are so brilliant here, that at Sunset one may see in reality the rich imaging of Tennysons “Bugle Song.” 21 For the purple of his glens is here; and Surely the Splendor never fell with more magnificense on “Castle Wall and Snowy Summits” than when it guilds the top of Pagoda Butte, or glistens on the domes and minarets of “The Temple of the Destroyer” — a Butte at Station [R? ] about 15 miles away.
Besides the beauties of form and color at z the rocks themselves are of great interest geologically.
The lower part of the Canon is Silurian Rock, and perhaps Devonian. The Strata being much tilted and dipping strongly to the East. Among these rocks are volcanic rocks. Above this deposit, the rocks are Carboniferous to the top of the wall and are laid down nearly horizontal and the Story they tell is this.
First, long ago when this country was a Sea bottom, instead of dry land; a bed of Silurian Rock was deposited on the Sea bottom.This bed became the Vent of a Sub-marine volcano. Thus mixing lava, and basalt with Silurian. The volcano then became extinct and the deposit of Silurian still continued. Next this whole compound mass was Elevated above the Surface of the water.The Strata probably being tilted at that time.
In this condition it was again submerged and over it was deposited a thick bed of Carboniferous Rock. The Mass was again Elevated, this time to it’s present position.The carboniferous remaining horizontal, thus giving us a vast Plateau.Then the river makes its appearance, and the work of cutting the Grand Canyon was commenced. At first probably very slowly as the river then did all the work, While now it is aided materially by the action of the atmosphere, of rain, and of frost.
The work of these latter agents is seen everywhere in the amount of debris at the foot of every cliff, and in the vast number of loose rocks and boulders which every where lie on the Edge of the upper wall.And often a slight push is sufficient to Start a larger rock which in turn Starts others and sends hundred of tons of Earth and rocks thundering into the depths below. We left z the next afternoon and Marched 12 1 ⁄2 miles towards Thompsons Spring, camping for the night at Forrest-Lagoon, which is a small rain water pond. So full of vegetable matter that the water is not fit for drink without straining.
In the morning we took an Early breakfast and rode over to Thompsons Spring, after some things left there then on 9 miles to Milk Springs where we arrived at noon, and again met the Bodfish party who were just starting for the west end of the plateau. After dinner Mr. Holmes with three men Started for Station R ten miles West. Milk Spring is the nearest water to R and as all the water taken there has to go on a pack mule, the party was divided. 22 The Capt, Mr. Babcock and myself, with “Col” Adams for cook, Staying at the Spring till Monday noon, when we went to R. Expecting Mr. Holmes would be through his sketching, and that we would go to Stewarts Ranche the next day. On our arrival, however we found he would not be ready to go till Wednesday morning, So we all Remained till that time. Capt Dutton calls R, “Point Sublime” but I do not think it is as fine as z but it is Very grand.
The Cañon at R is a series of long promontories & deep bays on the edge is like sawtooths. From point to point (across the Cañon,) it is about 8 miles wide from bay to bay on the root of the sawtooth. We made our beds on the very brink and I fixed mine So that while lying down I could see the bottom of the Canon and the river more than 6000 ft. below and I doubt if a bed Ever before commanded such a view.
Wednesday morning we started for Stewarts Ranch., distant 20 miles and arrived there about 4 PM. The next morning the 14th day of the trip we Started for Kanab, arriving there Saturday morning the 2nd of Oct. having had a very pleasant trip. 23
Since my return and the Capts departure on the 7th I have been busy with my books. I am very well and happy. Mrs. Riders husband returned from his mission to England about a week ago. He is a large jolly good hearted man and I like him very much. Last Evening the People gave him a public reception at the school house and I was invited to attend a privilege very seldom Extended to a gentile. I went and had a pleasant time. The Early part of the Evening was devoted to Speaking being an address of welcome to “B” Rider, a speech from the Bishop – who did not know when or how to stop. —A response by Mr. Rider and singing by the Choir, then a few recitations, then a Pic-Nic, as they call it here. Each family brings a basket of Eatables, they gather into little groups and have their Supper. This they call by the odd name of Pic Nic. 24
I had five invitations for Supper all so pressing that I had to eat a little at Each place. First with Mrs. Adams and Jacobs wife. Second with a Mr. McAllister who has two very pretty young wives, neither of them looking as though her school days were over. Third with Mrs. Broadbent No. 1 – who is the lady who has done all my sewing and made my buck Skin clothes. 25 Then with Mrs. Rider and finally with [Moberman ?] and wives. I had a very jolly time at Supper and plenty of Mince apple, custard & squash pie, rice puddings, cake, tarts, cheese etc. Ending with grapes.
After Supper dancing was commenced. The Church does not allow round dancing So it is all quadrelles. 26 I left at 10:30 o’clock and was quite tired and the room very warm. Today I have Spent most of the day over the letter, and now I feel Better and as though I had written up to date.
With love to all at home I close ever your affectionate Son. Leonard H. Swett
Life in Kanab was tough and people worked hard to make a living. The surveys brought in much needed revenue, as Kanab supplied guides, packers, blacksmiths, seamstresses, animals, food and lodging. The relationship wasn’t entirely commercial however, as the survey people formed friendships with the hospitable Kanab pioneers and participated in the social life of the community. Kanab people fondly remembered Powell’s visits. 27
HISTORY OF KANE COUNTY
Mary and Nathan Adams.
HISTORY OF KANE COUNTY
After completing the season’s work, Swett traveled to Beaver where he wrote his parents the following letter.
Beaver Utah
Wednesday, Nov 10th 1880
My Dear Parents I am well: happy and comfortable: and at the Centennial hotel where I am likely to stay for several days. Fortunes wheel has been turning rapidly and strangely in the past four days, but when anything strange or unexpected happens here, we only sigh and say “such is life in the far west.” Mr. Goode, Fred Brind and myself left Kanab for Salt Lake Thursdy Nov 4th, with a good four mule team, our own new wagon and two spring seats Navajo blankets for robes, w[ith] large quantity of baked beans, rice puddings & cake. Mr. Adams for cook, Joe Brown for teamster and Mrs. Adams for company. Our intention was to go directly to Juab then to Salt lake by rail.
The morning we left Kanab, the weather which for several days had been mild and pleasant, turned cold and a strong North wind began to blow. Thursday & Friday though cold, passed with out Events worthy of note and Saturday morning found us on our way from Little’s Ranche, where we had spent the previous night, to Panquitch, at which place we arrived at about four O’clock, and stopped intending to stay but a moment at John Clark’s one of the cooks of last year. Mr. Goode and I went to the door and were received by the prettiest girl we had seen for many a day. Soon Clarke came in and was so glad to see us I think he wanted to hug us both and he would not hear of our going another step that night. So the wagon was unhitched, the mules put in the Stable, and Mr. Adams began getting supper in the yard, where Clark insisted on Eating with us and wiping the dishes, and bringing us out potatoes and a pan of cream. Mr. And Mrs. Adams were invited to pass the night in the house. Goode & I made our bed in a little work Shop, while Brind slept in a shed.And we all passed the Evening in the house talking over old times and telling ghost stories. Besides the pretty girl who opened the door (whose name was Miss Henny Clarks daughter) and was very nice, were two little ones. Flossy & Pearl aged 6 and 4. Flossys hair was long and the richest gold while her eyes were deep blue. Pearl was darker but very pretty. Flossy took a great fancy to me, while Pearl admired Mr. Goode. Mrs. Clark is a very nice appearing woman, and everything was so pleasant that the next morning we hated to start. During the night Mr. G was taken sick with bowel complaint and in the morning I proposed going to the R.R. via Beaver which is much nearer, though more expensive but Mr. G said no. but when we got to the forks of the Juab & Beaver roads 6 miles from Panquitch, he turned to me and said “Lets go to Beaver, what do you say Swett.” I said yes, So away we went. We camped that night in the mountains at an elevation of 8000 ft. and were waked just before daylight by a Snowstorm which was very severe but lasted only a short time.About 2 pm, when within 12 miles of Beaver a very strong North wind Storm Struck us. We were in a sage brush desert and the dust was fairly blinding.We lost a 5 gall Keg which was tied to the side of the wagon and a rubber coat off the seat.
On arriving at Beaver Mr. G was feeling very badly. We stopped at a Drugstore where we found McBride (Mr. Bodfish’es cook) who took us to a Mr.Thompsons, where we Stabled the animals and cooked in the house. There we first heard of the election, and the defeat of Mr. Goode in Virginia.That night we slept in Mr.Thompson’s hay loft and in the morning Mr. G was so sick he was obliged to go to the hotel and to bed. I then hired a wagon and drove to Fort Cameron for the Army Surgeon who came down. He said Goode was not dangerously ill, but must stay in bed for a few days. The Dr’s name is Cowdrey, we both like him very much. After dinner Mr. G gave McBride two $100 checks to cash while Brind and I made a list of articles to be sent back to Kanab by Mr. Adams and afterwards I went to the Fort with the wagon to buy Brown, a couple of overcoats. I found my friend Edwards still in the old clothes business and got them three overcoats for $12.00 much to their delight. Soldiers are not allowed to sell their clothing So after the men were fitted Edwards told the men to drive by the Entrance of the fort and he would bring the coats.
I then told them I would go over to Lt. Goodwins a moment and they might wait. I was gone Sometime and when I came back I found Mr. Adams frightened nearly to death. He said two parties of soldiers had come by and he thought they were after him or that they would see the coats and then take him. He had hardly seen a soldier before and was very much frightened. Mr. Goodwin is off on a hunt and will not Return for several days. I am invited to dine with Mrs. Goodwin at 3:30 today and as Goode is much better today I think I shall go. But to return to McBride, after I returned from the Fort, Goode said Mc had not returned so I started to find him taking Jo Brown, who is strong as a Lion and perfectly devoted to Goode and myself, for company and aid in case of need. I stopped in the first Saloon I came to and found Mc playing billiards he was very drunk, but said he had the money in his pocket. 28 I waited till he finished his game then we Started. I asked him to give me the money, he refused. I then asked him to bring it to Goode. he replied he wanted to go to a Mr. Fennemores store first. 29 So I had to follow him there. I there found he had sold Fennemore one check for $90.00 cash and a promise of $10.00 and was after the other $10.00.They told Mc they had no more change that night. I asked Mc where the money was, and he pulled a roll of bills out of his overcoat pocket. Mc then started to leave the store so I said to Fennemore “Stop McBride the check he sold you is no good get your money back and give him the check.” This startled him very much, and got Mc Very angry who said all I wanted was to get the money and ruin his good name. By this time there was quite a scene. Mc talking very loud and drawing in a crowd. Fennemore got Excited and Mc offered a bet ten dollars I was trying to rob him and that the check was good. So as coolly as I could I said, This man is drunk and spending our money or rather yours, for in one minute I can prove the check to be worthless so you had better get it back. Just then Mc Started away followed by a crowd on getting in the Street we met two drunk men who came up to Mc and another crowd was with them. I then Enquired where an officer could be found and was told at a dance in the School house.After telling Brown to keep Mc in Sight I started and found the officer selling tickets, he immediately followed me but on our return Fennemore had got the money, but found Mc had given check No. 2 to a great big burly fellow who was drunk too.
Then the entire crowd went into Fennemores where we induced the man to show his check then to give it up. I then told Fennemore to look at his check and he would see the difficulty, which was that it was payable to the order of R.U. Goode and not indorsed by him, (which was true Goode having forgotten to indorse) Fennemore said he had sent the check to Salt lake but could get it out of the mail. I then asked Fennemore to step over to the hotel and Goode would tell him he had not signed. This he did. Fennemores man had great difficulty in preventing McB & Friend from following as they had determined to trash or shoot me to vindicate their honor. They had told Brown this while I was after the officers.After a short interview with Goode Everything was made Straight only it was found Mc had spent $12.00. We then went to the Postmaster got the check. Goode signed & Fennemore went home and I to bed.
This morning I heard that both men were still vindictive and that I had better be quiet, but I have been about town as my business required but have not met them. Everyone speaks well of Mc and says he will be up and apologise as soon as he is sober, and that he will make the twelve dollars good. But as Goode says we have had a narrow Escape and lots of experience. We discharged all our men this morning Brind going by stage 35 miles to Milford then by R.R. to Salt Lake. Mr. & Mrs. Adams and Brown as we gave them the use of the wagon & etc. have started for Salt Lake to make a visit and do some shopping. So we are alone. We hope to leave here Saturday and reach Salt lake Sunday night and leave for Chicago about Tuesday. 30
With Love I remain Your Affectionate Son Leonard H. Swett
Swett left Utah and employment with the United States Geological Survey late in 1880. In the spring and summer two years later, Swett and his father wrote letters to John Wesley Powell once again seeking employment. Swett was appointed an assistant topographer to work with A. H. Thompson at Fort Wingate, New Mexico, at a salary of fifty dollars a month and was in New Mexico during parts of 1882 and 1883. 31 Swett spent part of 1882 and 1883 in New Mexico. From 1884 to 1888 Swett traveled to Europe, visiting France and Switzerland. In addition to his European excursion, he also traveled to Texas and Louisiana and apparently worked for the USGS in the summer of 1887 and was apparently approved for employment during the summer of 1889, although there is no documentation that he worked with the USGS that year. From 1888 to 1903 Swett attended Cornell University.
In December 1889, Leonard H. Swett married Rose Maria Skillings of Auburn, Maine. They had a daughter, Laura Rose in 1897. In 1905, they moved to Ft. Collins, Colorado, where Swett was involved in investment securities. Rose Maria died in Denver in December 1914. His daughter eventually moved to El Centro, California, where she married Harold Burnham. Swett apparently led a lonely life after the death of his wife. In 1927 Swett responded to a Cornell Alumni questionnaire asking him for his address. Swett responded: “Have none; have been a homeless tramp for seven years.” Swett eventually visited his daughter, Laura Swett Burnham in El Centro, and was listed as a “boarder” in Los Angeles in 1930. Swett died on February 27, 1934, of carcinoma of the bladder. He left an estate worth approximately ten thousand dollars. 32
NOTES
Dove Menkes is a retired aerospace manager who has researched the history of the Colorado Plateau for more than thirty years. He is a coauthor of Quest for the Pillar of Gold: The Mines & Miners of the Grand Canyon published in 1997 by the Grand Canyon Association. The author thanks Julia Hoyt, Deanna Glover, Clay McCulloch, Linda Williams of Williams College, and the staff of the Fullerton Public Library for their assistance.
For the letters and accounts of the 1879 trip,see Dove Menkes,“The Letters of Leonard Herbert Swett,1879,” Utah Historical Quarterly 75 (Summer 2006):204-19.The author has kept the original spelling and punctuation of the original letters which are at the Huntington Library.
2 The relationship between Leonard Swett and Sumner Bodfish was complex.Swett was given and accepted privileges due to his father’s position and connections.The younger Swett also had an unusual relationship with Clarence Dutton—Bodfish’s superior.As an officer in the United States Army,Bodfish was used to working within a chain of command which Swett seemed to circumvent because of his and his father’s connections.
3 Leonard Swett to Charles D.Walcott,May 16,1880,Charles D.Walcott Papers,Smithsonian Institution Archives,Washington,D.C.
4 In his letter to Clarence King on June 25,1880,Leonard Swett wrote:“Several friends have,as I understand interceded with you in favor of my son,who was last year upon the Northern Arizona Survey. He has a great desire to go this year with Mr.Walcott.And Mr.Robert Lincoln informs me that he saw you at the Chicago convention and said he could go provided the appropriation was made.The object of this note is to inquire whether the appropriation you had in mind was made & whether he can go & when.Yours Truly,Leonard Swett.”Charles D.Walcott Papers,Smithsonian Institution Archives.Robert Todd Lincoln was the Secretary of War under President Rutherford B.Hayes.
5 My Grandfather’s Clock was written in 1875 by Henry Work.“My Grandfather’s Clock was too tall for the shelf,so it stood ninety years on the floor…”It is still popular as a Bluegrass tune.
6 Construction of the Sugarhouse Prison was authorized in 1853 and completed by the end of 1854 in time to house nine prisoners behind its twelve-foot high,four-foot thick adobe walls.The prison served first as the Utah Territorial Prison then,after 1896,as the Utah State Prison.It was used until 1951 when a new state prison was built at the Point of the Mountain in southern Salt Lake County.
7 William Babcock,age twenty,was the youngest brother of Emeline Clark Babcock,whom Dutton married in 1864.Steven Babcock, Babcock Genealogy,(New York:Eaton & Manins,1903),and Federal Census,Chicago,1880.
8 Joseph Hamblin,(1854-1924),the son of Jacob Hamblin,worked with the Powell and USGS surveys for over thirteen years as a guide and packer - even when the surveys were far from Kanab.He was also a guide/packer for Neil Morton Judd,a Smithsonian archaeologist,in the early twentieth century.In a letter to Raymond T.Stites,October 5,1926,Dellenbaugh writes:“… I knew Jacob Hamblin… and his son Joe… The latter was wonderfully expert as a youngster in throwing the lasso.He could catch any animal by any portion of it he chose.The Hamblins were all sterling,reliable men.They were with our outfit in the 70’s and gave us good work.”C.Gregory Crampton,ed.,“F.S.Dellenbaugh of the Colorado:Some Letters Pertaining to the Powell Voyages and the History of the Colorado River,” Utah Historical Quarterly 37 (Spring 1969):,220.
Nathan William Adams (1832-1916) was born in Ontario,Canada.The family then moved to Missouri,then Nauvoo,Illinois.They came to Utah in 1849.He was a member of the 84th Quorum of Seventy,and ordained a High Priest in 1894.He died in Kanab.He signed his letters to Powell “Col.N. Adams,”and was known as Col.Adams in Kanab.A biographical sketch of Adams is included in Andrew Jenson, Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia (Salt Lake City:Andrew Jenson History Company,1914), 2:131-32.Adams worked with the Powell Survey in the early 1870s.Mary M.Plunkett Adams was born in Ontario,Canada,in 1835 and died in Kanab in 1924.Wilford Hyrum Halladay (1853-1917) was born in Bedford,Warwickshire,England,and died in Garfield County,Utah.Halladay also accompanied Jacob Hamblin from Kanab across the Colorado River to the settlements along the Little Colorado,and to the Hopis in Northern Arizona.The route usually passed Houserock Spring,crossed the river at Lee’s Ferry and then went past Willow Springs on the way to Moencopi.Halladay’s name,among other travelers is inscribed near Willow Springs:“Wilford H.Halladay,Oct.9,’78.”It is also recorded at Houserock Spring. The travels are described in James A.Little, Jacob Hamblin,a Narrative of his Personal Experiences as a Frontiersman,Missionary to the Indians and Explorer (Salt Lake City:Juvenile Instructor Office,1881),135-36. Halladay apparently kept in touch with L.H.Swett,as he asked F.S.Dellenbaugh for Swett’s address, which implies that Dellenbaugh knew Swett.W.H.Halladay to F.S.Dellenbaugh,July 24,1904, Dellenbaugh Collection,University of Arizona Library,Tucson.Halladay information also supplied by Terril J.Halladay.Jerry Pickett was John Jeremiah “Jerry”Pickett (1856-1929).He helped build many homes and businesses in Gunnison Valley,Utah,including the first rock school,the Relief Society hall,the tithing office,and the Co-op store.He helped plan and lay out canals and roads.Because of his skill in handling horses and mules and in keeping a trail,he was valuable to the USGS.LaRue P.Hugoe recalled her grandfather telling her about surveys in Southern Utah,“He surveyed with a rifle on a tripod and a spirit level to level the gun.”
9 Swett’s father wrote to him on July 29,1880:“….All your letter have been received.The last we had was a postal,stating that you were teaching some of the party how to “cinch”a mule.What is that,if you can think to explain.The last we heard from you,you were just leaving Juab for Kanab.Wherefore before this reaches you,I suppose you have left from Mt.Trumbull if that shall prove to be your destination….”
10 Frederick Brind was born in Umballa,India,on December 29,1849.He attended military schools in England and subsequently emigrated to America.In May 1875,he married Lizzie J.in Omaha,Nebraska, and was later divorced.Later,he married Ellen Miller in Utah and was baptized into the LDS church.He died on October 22,1939.Obituaries in the Deseret News,October 23,1939,and the Salt Lake Tribune, October 23,1939.Brind wrote a letter describing his experiences to historian,Nels B.Lundwall quoted in Pearson H.Corbett, Jacob Hamblin Peacemaker,(Salt Lake City:Deseret Book Co.,1976),330-34.Corbett has the events in the letter as occurring in the 1870s.This is an error,as Brind was with the USGS in the 1880s.
11 Wet bulb thermometers were used to measure humidity.
12 William Crosby was born September 19,1808,in Indiana.He was a slave owner in Missouri and one of his slaves,Oscar Crosby,preceded him to Utah and secured land and planted crops before William Crosby and his family arrived in May 1848.Crosby helped pioneer settlements in Utah County,San Bernardino,California,and southern Utah before locating in Kanab where he died on October 5,1880.
“La Cont”was Joseph E.Le Conte,an American naturalist.He wrote a geology text, Elements of Geology, A textbook for colleges and the general reader (New York:D.Appleton & Co.,1879).
14 Phillips Brooks was an Episcopalian minister and noted lecturer.
15 The Jacob that Swett refers to is not known.There is no record in the Jacob Hamblin literature that indicates he made a trip to San Francisco.Perhaps the individual was a member of the USGS and Swett absent-mindedly wrote “Jacob.”
16 Clarence Edward Dutton (1841-1912),a graduate of Yale,was a Captain of Ordnance in the army, and served in the Civil War.Dutton wrote monographs and papers for the USGS.He was interested in the Culture of India,hence the names he gave to landmarks in the Grand Canyon: Vishnu,Shiva.Dellenbaugh, among others,protested the use of names from “old world mythology”and promoted colloquial names, and those honoring Powell’s companions.The names,however,had already been in wide use in the literature,and therefore stuck.
17 John Rider was born in 1837 in Ireland.He came to America in 1866 and married Mary McDonald in Salt Lake City in 1867.Later he moved to Kanab,then went on a mission to England in 1879,and returned to Kanab two years later.He built many homes in Kanab;some are still preserved.He died in Kanab in December 1919.Mary McDonald Rider was born in Scotland in 1845 and died at Kanab in 1931.The homes in Kanab were generally very small and the Riders had seven children.Possibly some of the children slept elsewhere to provide the room for Swett.
18 Reverend Abbott E.Kittridge was a prominent Chicago clergyman.
19 “Frank,their chief.”Frank,or “Indian Frank”was Chuarumpeak,the Southern Paiute,who was a guide and informant to Powell in the early 1870’s.
20 According to George Billingsley,a geologist with the USGS and expert on the Grand Canyon,the formation is known as Lava Butte.
21 “Tennyson’s Bugle song”from his poem, The Princess.“The splendor falls on castle walls/And snowy summits old in story;/the long night shakes across the lakes,/And the wild cataract leaps in glory/Blow bugle,blow.Set the wild echoes flying.…”
22 William Henry Holmes spectacular drawings of the plateau regions illustrated Dutton’s reports.
23 Swett’s excursions can be traced for the most part,although some of his mileages are open to question.“Nails Ranche”was in Nails Canyon,sometimes referred to as Stewart’s Canyon in the vicinity of Big Springs.It was named after John Conrad Naegle,originally from Bavaria.(Naegle is German for nail.) “Castle Rock Canyon”was the colloquial for Castle Canyon,about two miles south of Big Springs.Castle Rock is at the mouth of Castle Canyon.“Stewarts Ranche”was probably in the vicinity of Demotte Park (They had a sawmill at Big Springs.) “Station z”was at Cape Royal.“Pagoda Butte”is Vishnu Temple. “Thompson Springs”are in the Demotte Park area.“Forest Lagoon”may be Greenland Lake.(Dutton mentions a “Lagoon”south of Demotte Park.) “Milk Springs”is in the Demotte Park area.“Temple of the Destroyer”is Shiva Temple,after Shiva,the Hindu God of Destruction.
24 It is interesting that Swett was not familiar with the word “picnic.”The word entered the English language in the mid-1700s from the French and German languages and appeared in books by Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.
25 Mary Ann Stewart Bunting Broadbent was the wife of Reuben Broadbent.In a letter from Frederick Dellenbaugh to Rose Hicks Hamblin on August 25,1934,Dellenbaugh wrote that Major Powell hired Mary Ann Broadbent to make coats,shirts,and gloves for him and his men out of buckskin which the Indians had tanned for him.Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Pioneer Pathways, (Salt Lake City:Daughters of Utah Pioneers,2002),111.
26 For another account of dancing in Kanab,see:Frederick S.Dellenbaugh, A Canyon Voyage (Tucson: University of Arizona Press,1991),173.See also Leona Holbrook,“Dancing as an Aspect of Early Mormon and Utah Culture,” BYU Studies 16 (Autumn 1975):117-38.“Jacobs wife”was Louisa (Bonelli) Hamblin,who hosted personnel of the Powell Surveys of 1871-1873.Dellenbaugh wrote:“Sister Louisa was the one I came to know best and she was a good woman.”Dellenbaugh, A Canyon Voyage,174.
27 There is a monument to John Wesley Powell in Kanab.For information on the Powell Surveys and their relationship to Kanab,see:Adonis F.Robinson, History of Kane County,(Salt Lake City:Kane County Daughters of Utah Pioneers,1970),44-46,49-54.For an insight into the economics of Kane County,see: Dean L.May,“People on the Mormon Frontier:Kanab families of 1874,” Journal of Family History,1 (Winter 1976):177-79.
28 William McBride lived in Beaver at the time.He was born in England in 1856.Despite his being rambunctious,he was considered a valuable worker and later worked for the USGS in New Mexico.See Gilbert Thompson to Powell,Nov.15,1881,National Archives Microcopy 590,reel 10;(590/10).McBride continued to get into scrapes,involving liquor. The Southern Utonian,August 14,1885,reported that “… Wm.McBride,together with some others,was under the influence of liquor…got into a fracas at “Stinson’s saloon.”
29 There were several Fennemores living in Beaver.Two were listed as merchants:Samuel and James. James Fennemore was a photographer with Powell on his second river trip.He also took the photographs at John D.Lee’s execution.He owned a two story building in Beaver,with merchandise on the first floor and a photo gallery on the second.He took photos of soldiers at Ft.Cameron to send to their sweethearts. The building eventually burned down.See the United States 1880 Federal Census for Beaver.The Utah Directory of 1881 lists the Fennemore businesses.
30 Letters sent by the USGS,1879-1895,(152/3) In 1880,Swett was paid $225 for the period July 9 –November 23,as an assistant topographer.Salaries did not change much in the early days of the USGS, unless someone was promoted.In the first year,King was paid $6,000,Bodfish $1800,Goode $1200,and Walott (assistant geologist) $600.Source:First Annual Report of the USGS.In 1883,Holmes was paid $2400,A.H.Thompson $2500,N.Adams a packer $60 per month,B.Hamblin a packer $55 per month, C.D.Walcott $1800,John Ryder,field assistant,$50 per month,and J.Hamblin,herder,$65 per month. Dutton received his army salary.The USGS budget for the first year was $100,000.In 1888,it was $503,000.Note that $6,000 is roughly equivalent to $104,000 in today’s money.
31 Letters Sent by the United States Geological Survey 1879-1895, National Archives Microfilm series: MC 152/3
32 Information from census records,probate and an obituary in the Ft.Collins Courier Express,February. 28,1934.The newspaper states that he was an instructor in the mathematics department of Colorado Agricultural College (now Colorado State University),however,He is listed as living in the YMCA in Ft. Collins in 1927.Information supplied by Karen McWilliams,Ft.Collins PublicLibrary and Doris Greenacre of Ft.Collins.
