Being a direct descendant of William and Solomon Wood who were killed along with their brother-in-law,Charles Stallcup, this has always been of great interest to my family. Currently my twelve-year-old son is making the "Mountain Meadows Massacre: Rights and Responsibilities" the subject of his national history day project this year. Your website is invaluable. Additionally, my mother, Freddie (Wood) Cash enjoyed the annual meeting. We are all looking forward to a trip to Utah to visit the monument site.
We moved to the Ozarks in 1995. While looking around the court house in Harrison I noted the Mountain Meadows Massacre monument and began searching for information about this event. I read Judith Brooks book as well as other materials. Just began reading Will Bagley's book Blood of the Prohets and have been looking at the info on the internet this afternoon. The photos by Terry Fancher and his material made it easier to conjure up the terrible event in my minds eye. I lost the connection to the site that the Fancher family set up. While reading the Bagley book about the mindset of the religious folk who committed this atrocity I think about the atrocities our government is whipping our nation into committing against another set of folk, themselves caught up in religious hatreds. It seems that we humans never learn but just keep committing terrible deeds and justifying it all in the name of religion. It seems that we conviently overlook the part that greed, self righteousness and propaganda play in the hate and killing.
I had never heard of this horrible incident and just happened to run on to it while searching Genealogy information. The news media should develope at least a one hour story and let people know what happened in our own country. Sixty Minutes would be a good one to develope and present to the world. Wonder just how much the Mormons had to do with this tragidy. Would be interesting to know who all was really involved and what was their motive in killing all of these pioneer, Hard working people. I'm sure the answer is out there somewhere. Maybe if this was publisized more and get more people interested in trying to fine the reason for this terrible slaughter. Bill Parris
I am writing my thesis paper for my masters degree on the concepts of Manifest destiny and the Mountain Meadow Massacre. I was raised Mormon and have since parted with the church. Ironically I never heard about the incident until I left the church. Such a sad thing and to think that the villians still haven't taken blame. It's too bad. Thanks for the website, it was very helpful.
My grandfather introduced this webpage to me as I was doing a research paper on the Healing done now from the wounds of Mountain Meadows. I'm greatly impressed with all of the time and energy that has gone into this association and feel that it's ultimate purpose may never be met, but has helped tremendously in helping console the past.
I am amazed that this sweet site that was formed for the purpose of healing,is being used by so many HATE filled people,who are so blinded by their HATE,that they fail to see that HATE itself has always been the ENEMY that can work within ANYONE that is HUMAN,and if we do not EACH OF US,deal with these feelings,to replace them with CHRIST-LIKE FORGIVENESS,ANYONE can become a murderer.I pray that none of these people will learn the truth about themselves when it has grown to late.
Great, I get your News letter already. But your web. page is great. I'm kin to William Twitty Baker. My husband is the one kin to the Larrmore, would love to know more about them. He spells his last name Lairamore. He has a lot of info. on his family.Thank you again for a great Web. Page.Gloria
My great grandparents, Daniel & Melissa Hinderliter, started out with this wagon train but Melissa became ill so they dropped out and left the group while still in Kansas. We are delighted to see this bit of history remembered and made available for the future.
It was one of those tragedies during the US growth which ought never to have happened. I learned of it from my daughter who has a friend descended from the victim families.
Lewis Tackitt was my GGGG Grandfather. Lewis>Elizabeth>William P. Davis>Joseph L. Davis>Lonnie H.Davis> I recently began my search for my ancestors. I could not believe my ancestors were killed in the MMM. Thank you for site and helping all of us to understand the history.
whoever said that Mormons should pay for this (Kenneth) you're an ignorant fool!
Becuase certain people in the Mormon church do something wrong, doesn't mean all Mormons do!
Get a clue!
Thank you so much for this beautiful memorial! How very sad it all was. Thank you again.
My family was one of the only two wagons that left the wagontrain in Utah and therefore escaped the massacre. These two wagons went on alone to California using the "Nothern Route". Peter Henry Campbell and family were related to the wagon master. Do you have the letter written by my Great Aunt, Nancy Ann Campbell Lowell as to the events remembered by her?
I went to Mountain Meadows for the first time in May of 2002. I was mesmerized by the beauty and peace of that place, and astounded at the violence that must have occurred. I did not know about the Baker part of the "Fancher Party," and I nearly fell over when I saw the name, John T. Baker, as one of the leaders. My father's name, and grandfather's is John T. (for Thomas) Baker. They were from East Texas, and we have some Arky connections, so I don't know if there are any family connections. I could go to the Mesa temple where there is a geneological research center and find out, I suppose. The Rand McNally Road Atlas I use had the place marked, but the first sign on the roadside is only a mile from the place, and it is a very small sign. I believe it only says, "Massacre Sight, 1 mile." There is another sign where you turn off the road, and it gives little information. It seems that the spot where 120 Americans were murdered by 19th century terrorists would be deserving of more notice. I was utterly alone at that place. The day was beautiful, but icy. It was so quiet, but there were times I was sure I could hear gunfire and weeping. I don't want to hear about how the emmigrants agitated the citizens. Look at the ages of the dead. Too many children died, and that puts the lie to any excuses. May the dead rest in peace, and those of us who remain never forget. And I pray that those who distort, cover-up, or lie about what happened will be more compassionate than their forebearers were when they murdered women and innocent children.
The mormons should have to pay for this. Just like Osama Bin Laden should.
Great site! I'm related to the two young Prewit men killed in the massacre: John, age 20 and William, age 18. I already have a trip planned to Zion National Park this summer, so I will be sure to make a detour to see the monument. Thanks for keeping us informed.
Cover-ups and scapegoating are not new activities, but the guilt will burn until the Mormons admit it to their God, to themselves and to the rest of us. And to the Paiutes, who are now the most deserving.
The Mountain Meadows Massacre was a terrible event. Even tho it happened 150 years ago the responsible church leaders should not continue to hide from responsibility. May GOD bless us all with HIS forgiveness.
Keep the memory of those who died alive. The Mormons will never take responsibility for the tragedy when they double talk around the differences in their scriptures. Furthermore, most Mormons have never heard about Mountain Meadows.
Paul Cox
Found your site while searching for geneology on Robert Wilson, and his wife Telitha Cuma Wharton. Interesting to see their names shown, but there is something odd in the fact that they had a son Joshua P. Wilson born after the massacre on Dec. 20, 1859 - two years later. Could they have left the train prior to the massacre? Robert Wilson was born 1818 in So. Carolina, His wife Telitha Cuma Wharton was born in Tenn. 1827. Anyone know what happened there?
Two days ago I visited the Monument, and I was angered at what I *DIDN'T* see: no mention of the perpetrators of the crime. It is an abomination that the LDS church were allowed to errect the monument instead of some other organization--- the LDS church therefore has the power to prevent the fact of its role in the slaughter from being placed on the monument. I would like to see the current monument replaced and the LDS organization denied the ability to "rewrite" history.
I had never heard of this massacre until today, October 12, 2002. I find it very interesting and very very sad. God bless those who can forgive.
Twenty-five years ago the grandson of Etta (Juanita) Brooks told me the story of the Mountain Meadows Massace and of his grandmother's role in telling the story. Ten years later I had the opportunity to read her book and became fascinated with the complexity of the story and the dilema it presented to the Church of Latter Day Saints, the Federal Government, and to the citizens of southern Utah.
I just finished Wil Bagley's new book on the massacre. I consider it very well done. He is a member of the LDS Church and some leadership is not happy with his conculsions. The LDS Church is coming out with the "offical" Mormon version next years. It will be interesting to compare. clay
This is my first knowledge of such a horrific event. Just one more reason I'm adamantly opposed to radically religious groups, here or abroad! People use God for so much violence. So sad.
I am an historian and historical reenactor. I am also a theologian and retired military chaplain. In doing research for a graduate degree in theology, and again more recently, researching the military history of this area (Kern Co.California), I had read various accounts of the Mtn Mdw "massacre". A recently article in the local news paper gave your web site. I am interested in the part played by the soldiers from Fort Tejon, Kern County California. And so I have visited this web site. Ken Varley, MA, ThD
I have never visted the site, but have read an account of the massacre. I would like to visit Mountain Meadow someday.
An interesting and well laid out web site about a tragic incident in history.
Why do the artifacts from the gravesite belong to the LDS and not the State (people) of Utah?
My husband's great grandfather, Mr. Davies, was a Morrisite Mormon, fooolowing Mr. William (?) Morris and there wea sa slaughter. The survivors fled, some relocating in the Walla Walla area of Washington territory. I don't know if this is the same battle or not. Have you any information or do you know about this one? I have access to some documentation in some history books at Whitman College at Walla Walla, WA. I could not send this unless I used a family name but this is the family name I know. I don't know the other families that got away.
Very much interested in the Asso. My Family of Tackett lived in VanBuren Co AR 1870 They are from David T Tackett Line out Wayne Co Tn They are related to Lewis Tackett
My cousin, Anna Jean Backus wrote the book "Mountain Meadow Witness". She believes that Priscilla Kling- ingsmith - Urie is a survivor of the massacre. I read Anna Jean's book, Will Bagley's and am at this time reading Juanita Brooks' book. Remembering the comments that I overheard as a child, I tend to agree with Anna Jean. Your site is very informative. Thank you! I will join your organization in the near future. I am bogged down with business responsibilities right now. Joan
Our historical legend says that my paternal great grandfather (William Tillman Miller, b. 1856/1857?) was an infant on the MMM wagon train. His oldest son was named Joseph Miller and my grandfather was named Thomas Tillman Miller. I know that records show Joseph as being the infant who survived and William as the older child who was killed (or not). I would appreciate any information to prove or disprove my heritage/link to the Millers on this train. Our geneology ends here at this point. Thanks.
I have been researching my family for about 2 1/2 years now, and just today I discovered from another researcher that I had relatives in the Mountain Meadow Massacre. I did not even know much about it, but have read all through this wonderful site here and learned a great deal. It saddens me to know that this happened to 17 members of my family, but I am still glad I discovered that it did, so I can share this story with my descendants, and those who died such a horrible death won't be forgotten.
My 3rd great grandmother was Prudence Elizabeth (Wharton) Warren. My relation to this is through her. Prudence's father had been married once before he married Prudence's mother, so Prudence had some older half-siblings. Her two half-siblings, Mary (Wharton) Dunlap & Nancy (Wharton) Dunlap (who married two Dunlap brothers) were killed in the massacre. Not only did my 3rd great grandma lose her two sisters in the massacre, but she also lost 13 of her nieces and nephews, who were the combined children of these two sisters. I just can't even begin to imagine the despair that families went through.
To clarify further, 2 of the people killed (the two Dunlap wives) were my half 3rd great grandaunts. And, all of their children were my half 1st cousins 4 times removed.
I have a picture of Prudence (the sister of the two Dunlap women who died). It's not the same as having a picture of the women themselves, but if anyone is interested in the picture of Prudence, I'd be glad to share.
Joanie (Bean) Long of Oklahoma. (formerly of Arkansas)
My family is looking for any information on whether any other Hamblin's (besidesJacobs) were involved in any way or any Stoddards.We will be glad to help in any way we can. I will discuss this with my family and will be helping with donations. Thank you.
I Live in Connecticut and am a Mormon trail/history buff and recently visited the meadows site in aug 2002. I researched the history before I went but nothing can prepare you for the stillness and importance of this sacred site. Your organization has provded a valuble service to the memory of the victims and and the preservation of this special place. Thank You!
Dear Sirs, I am full professor of English and American Literature at Naples University, Italy. At presente I am translatig Jack London's THE STAR ROVER into Italian. In chapter 13 there I met with a moving account of the Mountain Meadows Massacre. So I started doing some research to know more about such a terrible and useless butchery. Thank you for what you do.SIncerely Yours, Stefano Manferlotti, University of Naples, Italy
Family and Friends, Today we are remembering with great sorrow the terrorist attack on America. On this day, Sept 11th, we as a family, are also remembering our ancestors that died at Mountain Meadows.Pray for peace and love all over the world. May God continue to Bless each of us and GOD BLESS THE USA.
Just finished reading Bagleys Book and saw reference to your orgazination.
I am preparing a report on the massacre for the International Assoc of Torch Clubs. I plan to tell about the extraordinary Association you have created, as part of the story. It is certainly a positive response to a sadly negative event. MAYBE MANKIND REALLY IS IMPROVING !!
Thank you so much for this excellent site!
For me, doing a genealogy of my family, the site is extremely informative!
The memorials and the Will Bagley book are excellent testimonials to the victims' memories.
To my Great-Uncles, William and Solomon Wood, you are always in our thoughts. Someday we will be together again. Love Your Great-Niece Verna Irene Doshier
(b. 1912, Marion Co., Ark., Daughter of Silas Price Dozier and Sarah Alabama "Bama" (Henderson) Doshier, Great-Granddaughter of Elihu and Sarah A. Wood)
My Great Grandfather's two brothers, Solomon and William Wood was were killed in the massacre and I was just wondering if I am close enough kin to be a member of this organization?
Freddie wood Cash
Though I have been aware of this massacre for years I only recently learned that 4 of the emigrants were kin to me. I was made aware of it while discussing family genealogy with my 95 year old Grandmother who was told so by her mother, she was not even certain of their first names but through this site I was able to track them down and tell her.
I pray for those who died at the hands of the Mormon killers. We live in times when we mourne those who died by the hands of Moslem fanatics on 11th sept 2001. But Christians also mourne those killed by Mormon fanatics on the 11th Sept 1857. We pray in Jesus' name, that we will be delivered from both fanatical religions.
I have always been interested in this tradgedy. I have many friends over here in Carroll County whose folks were in this wagon train.
It is great that you created this site. I am outraged that after the victims remains were discovered the Utah authorities did not conduct a full Bosnia-style evaluation of the massacre site using the latest physical anthropology and scientific techniques as they would for any other war crime site. I will always hold the Utah authorities and Mormon cult in great contempt for their continued cover-up 145 years after Brigham Young's fanatical followers killed my ancestors in cold blood. I have always been keenly interested in the Mountain Meadows Massacre yet I never heard about this reinternment until I read the October 2001 American Heritage Magazine. The secrecy and shame by the current Utah and Mormon authorities confirms their ancestors guilt.
I enjoyed your web site. Every human will stand before their God and be judged, the Mormans, priests and etc.Thats one day noone can escape.
This event is mentioned in Dougan's Arkansas Odyssey: The Saga of Arkansas from Prehistoric Times to Present (1994) both because it was a national event with an Arkansas connection and because it started a strong anti-Mormon sentiment that long endured. Persons are invited to review the text (prior to a new edition) and make comments or suggestions.
This is an "update" comment re: my e-mail address...my computer wasdown for a while an of course..the first place I had to go is this site...To Donald Ray...thank-you for the message abut my e-mail...I think it's straight now...would love to hear from any decendents of the Baker family.I am the GGGrand-daughter of William Twitty Baker who was a baby on the wagon train.My great-grand mother was Josephine(Josie) Baker-Taylor..my Grand-mother is Ruby(Taylor)Haton..she is alive and well at 81 yrs.young......The site is Great!...you all are doing a great job!...Lori
Thank you for the page, and for the research you have done.
I am married to Chauncy (I do not know why his name is spelled differently than his grandfather and great grandfather) Price Haight. We have four sons and a daughter. Our oldest son directed us to this site. We are from Cedar City, Utah, now living in the Washington, D.C. area. GBH
I had Mormon ancestors who arrived in Utah in 1847, and others in 1849, but the ones I'm descended from left the church later. I had visited the massacre site several years ago, and found it most moving, and a little eerie, as if the souls were still nearby. Later I read a book about this event, and found that my great-great-grandfather, Asahel Bennett, (not of the Mormon family) had passed through the area in 1859 while trading in Utah, and had seen remains still around the site. Again, a little eerie.
I was given a book that is the mtn Meadows Massacre it is so old i can not open it ,it mite fall apart its one of the first ones that was prainted i just thought you mite like to know there is one still around. thanks for putting this togather
I am convinced that it is not Heavenly Father's desire that we find out, for once and for all time, who is at fault; rather, I believe it is His wish that both sides of this issue truly forgive one another and lay all bitterness to rest. I hope this monument will accomplish that purpose.
It is very sad. So many people were killed by the killers who declared they are living prophets. Chlidren women were killed. There is no diference between Islamuc funtamentalism and this church. They still hide truth from the people. The church colleges always track and check thier students. They are afraid of truth. If the church are trying to change everythiing even Bible. When they are kiling innonecent people they were Mormon.
It must be banned.
Thanks for putting this site together.
Not much is known about the Lafoon family, and I can't find anyone in my family who knows about relatives coming through Utah at this time. Lafoon is not a popular name so it is believed that we are somehow related. Any information would be of great value to me.
I like your web site. This is the first time I have looked at it.
I was reviewing the genealogy and found an error. We are asked to send corrections to the web master, but I couldn't find who that is. Perhaps you could forward this message to the web master.
The geneology lists me as being the son of Lorin T. Gremaux, Jr. This is incorrect. He is my brother. My father is Lorin T. Gremaux, Sr. I would appreciate it if this could be corrected.
Thank you, Donald E. Gremaux
I am beginning to learn about my family history. My great grandfather's name was Charles Fancher and I know he moved from Kentucky to Butler, Oklahoma in the early 1900's.
I'm interested in finding information on my family's survivors. If anyone can help me with this I'd appreciate it. There is already a post on by Jeff Trimm that I'm interested in. I'd like to know more on the accounts of this William Miller who supposably didn't die at the massacre. Please email me direct at rjdubal@attbi.com
My family members are the Millers and the Pleasant and Armilda Miller Pleasant family.
My wife and I visited the Mountain Meadows massacre site a few days ago and I noticed there was no mention of who murdered the emigrants, just that it had had taken place.
highly informative site keep it up GUYS I AM HERE
I'm a tour bus driver from Las Vegas and on many occasions have had the oppertunity to travel through so. Utah and have heard bits and pieces of the story of MOUNTAIN MEADOWS and have so wanted to learn the true story of what happened there and really haven't been able to find much. It's such a hush hush subject. Thank you for putting together such a lovely site. And if you have anymore information that you would like to share I would really enjoy reading it. For when I'm on tour I really only like to relate true facts. Thank you again for your most interesting and truthfull site. And I know that each and everyone of your relatives would be very proud of it.
Thank you again Mrs. Claudette Morgan
PS Any information you could share with me would greatly be appreciated and that way and I share it with the guest on my tours. I can be reached in care Coach USA 4020 E. Lone Mountain Rd. North Las Vegas Nevada 89031 Attention: Claudette Morgan Driver
I enjoy visiting this site often. I feel blessed to have been able to attend the ward project to take the old monument down, the dedication of the new monument and the reinternment. My mother's family lived in the Central, Utah area when John D. Lee was executed so it was often talked about when I was growing up.
sorry i wanted to correct the mistake i left before, i am related to Manerva Beller Baker. her mother was Martha Lovina Wilburn
i'm really into geneology and i recently found out that i'm related to the beller's. i found this information online and honestly i was never told about this, This website has to be the most touching that i've seen. Thanks so much. i am related to martha lovina beller, her mother is a wilburn. Thats what led me to her, i am a descendant of one of Martha's Brothers
The second murder in Iron County, UT was my g.g. grandmother, Olive Olivia Curtis Coombs, who was murdered by George Wood, in Cedar City in September 1862. The connection to the massacre is that it was reported that the motive was the she was asking questions and writing information in a "black ledger" about men that were involved in the massacre. It was reproted that she was going to give the book to a New York newspaper. There was a cover up in the case of the murder by the LDS Church. For example The book "History of Iron County" had no mention of this murder as Janet Burton Seegmiller, the author, found nothing about it during her research. Through a petition circulated by the Local LDS Stake and signed by over 200 men George Wood was pardoned by Gov. Doty after serving less than 3 years in prison. Anyone iterested in knowing more feel free to contact me. Regards: Clayton Wray Anyone interested in this murder
Mark Lafayette Baker was my grandfather,William Edward was his father,Mathew was his father,Isaac was his father and William Baker(1750) was his father.
It is nice to see a site dedicated to the victims of a terrible atrocity. Hopefully, more people will become aware of this historical event through your site. I personally became aware of this tragedy and your website from the book "One Nation Under Gods" by Richard Abanes. It is an excellent read for anyone interested in a well-documented history of the Mormon church.
To Whom It May Concern---Hi...I heard from one of my friends that there is a new book out on shelves now or soon to be on shelves concerning the Mountain Meadows Massacre published by the University of Oklahoma Press but I am not sure what it is exactly titled. I would like to own a copy of it and my Sunday School teacher at the church I attend would like to look at my copy once I get it. I don't really know that much about the Massacre but I would like to learn more about it because I am fascinated with history and by culture. You have a nice site!
I have visited the site and it is wonderful, I am greateful that we can forgive and move ahead as our ancestors would have us do. I live in the Mormon Colonies in Mexico and am currently doing research, family info. I would love to help if you need. Thanks
I visited the Mountain Meadows site for the first time in June 2002. This is a very peaceful place. My thanks to those who have given so much time and effort in perserving our ancestors history.
John and William Prewett were 3rd great uncles. My Aunt Lennie Wright Ferguson, who migrated from Arkansas to Washington State and lived to be over a hundred said "Papa didn't like Mormons because they killed two of his uncles." Have family letter asking what happened to them and how much gold they were getting in California. Have traced some of the Prewett/Downs lines. Have picture of David & Eli
interesting memorial. a just and respectful cause
Hi everyone, I am a Mormon, and you? I am here want to make more friends, and by the way, I found an very interesting website a few days ago, maybe you can try to visit it! If you enjoy it, please tell your friends!
Link removed by webmaster. We only link to family and Mountain Meadows Massacre informative sites.
I have been working on my family history for 20 years. I learned about this site from the family history library in Salt Lake City. I want to exhaust every possible source in locating members of my family line's. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for posting this information so new generation's can learn about mistakes of the past.
Considering that Mormons in the last century murdered cousins of my 2nd-great grandmother Nancy Ellen Dunlap (and her oldest grand-daughter was named "Jessie" Collins) (in 1861 Nancy was robbed of everything by Kansans at Osceola), and in this century, several years ago I got Russians out of this country before they stole the rest of Silicon Valley blind courtesy of a Mormon con-man at the Soviet Silicon Summit, and just had to close a business and lost $200,000 in it, and in a consequential lawsuit, etc. just to be left alone, to another Mormon swindler/thief, please excuse me if I have mixed feelings, some not too good about Mormons these days. It rather seems they've done a lot of damage to me and my family that has yet to be adequately repaid. I appreciate the genealogy libraries, and the fact there are a lot of decent and good Mormons around, including businesspersons, but I'd appreciate it if neither I nor the rest of my family ran into any of the thieves for awhile--like at least a century or two.
The religious fanaticism that took place then by Mormon extremists is similar to the fanaticism of the Islamic fundamentalists today...
I'm sure I will get a lot of unfavorable remarks to what I am going to try to say...but I am speaking how I feel.
I thouroughly regret (for more than just this reason) joining the LDS church many years ago. I had no clue that I had distant ancestors who were part of the Baker/Fancher emmigrants. I didn't know about the Mountain Meadows Massacre until AFTER I left the church.
Someday I hope to visit this place. Thank you for all your work and dedication to the victims of the Massacre and preservation of what remains.
I live near the site the massacre and have visited there many times. For those of you who are related on the Klingensmith/Urie line, Anna Jean Backus has written two excellent books. I found a list of participants in one of her books that lists a Behunin and a Tyler involved. No first names were listed for the two men. Does anyone know of a list of participants or who these men were ?? I am interested to know. This web site is fantastic and very much appreciated. Thank You so much for all you are doing.
I just discovered that I am related through my grandmother. Her maid name was Ida Coker. She grew up in Arkansas and was cousin to the Wood family.
In July, I shall conduct Kids Trek for the Annual Gathering of Mensa in Scottsdale, Arizona. As a part of the program, on July 4, I'll teach about the Old Spanish Trail. If you or any of your colleagues would like to offer suggestions that would enhance the program, please contact me, marthafeld@earthlink.net.
I just finished reading a book about the massacre and was hoping to find some additional information. Your site has been very helpful.
I visited the Meadow & Monument a few years ago and it was a very touching and emotional expierence. At the time I was there the monument was still standing and I was not aware that it had fallen. It is actually my husband who is related to the Tackitt family but he was not with me at the time. I do hope all is going well with replacement. I hope some day that my husband will be able to see it Nila Allen
I think your site and organization is wonderful and needed to help us remember this unfounded slaughter of husbands, wives and children by religious fanatics. To your credit, you seem to show little or no animosity against the organization that perpertrated this act, eventhough in my opinion their deception continues to this day. Most recently, when a backhoe operator inadvertently dug up several remains, (which by state law must be examined by the state medical examiners office) which were reburied the very next day by order of our governer Micheal O Leavitt, A mormon, originally from Cedar City.
This message is for Lori Kreighbaum. Your e-mail address does not work. Why don't you try it with someone that you know that lives close to you that can be contacted by phone. Hope to hear from you soon after your e-mail address is corrected. DRB
I am intereseted in knowing if any of these Dunlap's went to North Carolina, Stokes county. Thank you
My GG-Grandfather was William Twiddy Baker, G-Grandmother was Josephine(Baker)Taylor,...would love to hear from any decendents..and for the one I have heard from before, now you have my new e-mail..(sorry my computer was down for a while)...and to the ones who keep this site going...GREAT JOB!! I am always so proud to introduce my friends to this site..and they are always amaxed at the info and dedication of all involved...May the memory of our loved ones never be forgotten....Thank-you.
I have recently visited the monument in Utah. I would love to know more about the 2 Pruitt brothers that died. My grand-mother's maiden name was Prutt. She was born in the Indian territory in Oklahoma in 1888. Her name was Ida Mae Pruitt. Her parents were John Edward and Martha [Clayborn] Pruitt.
i think this is a very good website. you can even find out about the california gold rush. every day there is something new. i hope they keep on adding more!!!
good
John T. Baker was my grandfathers greatuncle. My grandfather was Albert L. Long his Mother was Sarah Couch...daughter to Mary Polly Baker Couch the sister of John.
A great site, and my congratulations! I am interested in Mountain Meadows as a symbol in contemporary Mormonism. How does it figure in current Mormon understandings of the faith? Do people worry about it? If so, why?
Thanks very much,
Charles W. Nuckolls, Ph.D. Professor Department of Anthropology University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
MY REALATIVES ARE FROM JOHNSON COUNTY ARKANSAS AROUND THE OZARK AREA. MY FATHER CAME FROM THERE TO UTAH ABOUT 1948. I'VE BEEN TO THE SITE WHEN I WAS A STUDENT AT SOUTHERN UTAH ST. COLLEGE. AT CEDAR CITY. IT MAKES MY HEART VERY SAD THAT THIS HAPPEND.
In reading my grandfather Charles Uel Keeles' memoirs, I found reference to his grandfather Willden as having claimed to have been present at the massacre. He also claimed that Grandfather Willden was responsible for hiding two little girls beneath bodies in order to save them. Supposedly the two girls were able to exonerate him and he was declared free and innocent. At least that is how it reads in my grandfathers story. As to what the truth is,... who really knows. Grandfather Willden was a converted Mormon from England who was sent to Cedar City by Brigham Young, he later built the original fortress across from where Cove fort now stands. He later built a home in Beaver Utah which still stands. I use to drive by the original monument years ago. Every time I did, I couldnt help but wonder why man is so cruel and stupid. Mikki Sage Harper
My ggg grandmother was a "Yarb" doctor. She left Arkansas in May 1857 and came across the massacre.. day, two, I don;t know. One woman was still alive, naked, and scalped. They took her to California with them. Six months later they returned to Arkansas, but she would not go with them, as she was very scared and still a little funny in the head. That's about all I can remember at the mement without searching thru the somewhere files. We still have the cooking pot and biscuit skillet from those trips (she made two round trips). There might be some mutual information. Contact me at Lela O. McQueary Foundation, POB 030458, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33303, or (Jun-Nov) POB 1475, Lyons, CO 80405.
I read of one account of the massacre that indicated that there were two other Wood's, first names unknown, who were killed. My gg grandfather, Charles L. Wood, disappeared around the time of the massacre. According to family legend, he left to go to California "to the goldrush" after marrying Elvira Meeker in Independence County, AR, in 1852. He fathered two sons, William Asa and Charles Ruben Wood. Does anyone have even unproven evidence to connect Charles L Wood to the wagon train massacre? Bill Wood, bjwood@ipa.net, Searcy, AR
My great-great grandfather (James Chism Chaney) was a friend and neighbor of Captain Fancher's in Osage Arkansas.
I just wanted to say that I am grateful for this site. I have an intrest in the affair due to some of my family history. My gg-grandfather, George Calvin Williams lived in Carroll & Boone County Arkansas for a time before coming west to New Mexico and Arizona in the 1870's. He was an itinerant Baptist preacher there. In his autobiography he stated that one of the issues that he wrestled with before joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was the Mountain Meadows Massacre. He states that he had "kinfolk" who were killed in the massacre and that he had a hard time coming to understand the whole affair. He did eventually join the church, but left it later in his life when he saw that one of the "mormon" participants was allowed back into full fellowship into the church while he lived in the Mormon Colonies in Mexico. Some of his children stayed with the church after his death and some did not. My gg-grandfather's reference to "kinfolk" has intrigued me. He could have meant actual blood kin or some of his fellow worshippers or settlers in Arkansas, either way, I'd like to know. He had a brother, Pleasant Samuel Williams, and possibly other family members that were in the same area of Arkansas before and after the Civil War. George Calvin's wife, Martha Bearl Easterly's mother's surname was FARMER Again, I appreciate your web site and wish you luck in the healing process. Some day I'd like to visit the site.
Were you aware that all of Issac C. Haight temple blessing were later restored?
I am a member of the LDS Church and a life long resident of Utah. I found this site about 3 years ago and have been a regular reader of your newsletter since then. I don't usually sign your guest book, because I want to let new visitors have the space. This time I wanted to leave some comments in response to a couple of people who left what I feel are counter-productive comments earlier this year.
First, Kirby Hickman wrote he doubts many LDS people even know about the MMM. I want him and others to know that I have known about this horrible event since childhood. It has been used as a teaching tool by my parents, teachers and church leaders to show me what intolerance and religious zealotry can do. As a teenager we studied about the massacre in LDS Seminary.
Secondly, I would like to respond to Tonya Smit and let her know I think her comments were counter productive and not at all in harmony with the spirit of this web site or organization. She seems to not be aware that this organization is made up of descendants from both sides of the massacre. The LDS Church has provided many resources to this association to help with the memorial. Also, it is unfair to condemn LDS people today for an isolated incident perpetrated by a few religious zealots whose actions have been condemned by LDS leadership for decades starting with Brigham Young. You say Brigham Young did nothing about the massacre, but the record shows that John D. Lee was excommunicated from the LDS Church as a result of his participation in the massacre. Your comments are and open portal into your soul which is obviously filled with bitterness. The chip on your should you carry as a result of this bitterness will only get bigger the longer you carry it. If the descendants of this awful event in history can find it in their hearts to reconcile and live in peace, why can't the rest of us? You say if you leave Utah, the Mormons win. As if we are engaged in some sort of conflict or contest. This could not be farther from the truth. You compliment this association and their website while advocating the very type of hatred toward other people which brought about this horrible event. I wish you could see that your own attitude is nearly identical to that of John D. Lee and the other perpetrators of this massacre.
I've only heard about the Mountain Meadows Massacre in the past couple of years. I'm looking forward to learning more and possibly doing a little genealogy... Great website!
I absolutely enjoyed visiting! We hope to come back soon!
Thank you for a site to gather discuss and remember and learn about our past.
I have a photocopy of the Report titled :Report of the Subject of the Massacre at the Mountain Meadows in Utah Territory, in September, 1857, of one Hundred and Twenty Men, women and Children, who were from Arkansas. By Brevet Major james Henry Carleton, US Army and Report of the Hon. William C. Mitchell ..... Little Rock: ???? Democrat Steam Press Print. 1800. I am sure that one of your books on you booklist is the same but I couldn't tell for sure. When I was a study I worked in serials at the U of U library and was searching for LC numbers on a truck of rare books. The original book is in the rare book section at the U of U so I am sure you have it. But just in case you don't, let me know an I can send you a copy unless I'm in trouble for having it.
I am looking into the history of the events surounding the Moutian Meadows event. My great grandmother, Angiline Dunlap was a surviver of the attack and my father was given the Dunlap name at her request. His name was James Dunlap Koen. Angiline married FDL Koen in Arkansas. I can supply some family background on her if you would like to have it.
Dear editor, My great-great grandfather and his parents were among the Arkansas immigrants. His parents were killed and he was among the infants returned to Arkansas, where he was adopted by a German couple. His name was Still, but it looks as if that is his adopted name, since there are no Stills on the memorial. We don't know the name of his natural parents. When he grew up, he married a Cherokee lady with the surname Wilson. I would appreciate help in researching this, since it seems my family is a lost puzzle piece! Sincerely, dgfur@yahoo.com
My mother-n-law's maiden name was Haight. Do not know if we are related to Issac Chauncey Haight or not.
Until the news story about the lead tablet attributed to John Lee, I had never heard about this before. What a terrible tragedy. I am heartened to see that the two sides are reconciled and are working to remember the victims.
I appreciate all the quality work you've done!
My wife (Brenda Montgomery Taylor) is the great-granddaughter of Sarah Frances Baker, young survivor of MMM. Sarah Frances married a Gladden, whose daughter Pearl Gladden Barnes was the mother of Betty Lee Barnes Montgomery, mother of my wife. We have been doing some research about MMM and are pleased to find out about the Association. We plan to join in the near future. Steve Taylor
The Denver (CO) Rocky Mountain News did a story about this on Monday 25 Feb. 2002; pages 7A - 10A. http://www.RockyMountainNews.com
What i think is you done very well on the its confusing to me in my life i read many,many books in my life.im 12yrs.old and im releated thourgh my grandmoyher,on my dads side.
You All hve done a beautiful job of keeping these family members alive. May we never forget.
I thank all of the volunteers for their work on restoring my ancestory and would appreciate any help on finding my lost aunts and cousins. I showed this site to my mother who is a Fancher and she cried about it all.
MY DAD'S NAME WAS BAKER, HENCE MY MAIDEN NAME.
This site interesting. I am a decendent of John Twiddy Baker. My Grandmother was a daughter of Pleasant (Pleas) Baker who was a son of John Twiddy Baker. Pleas was not on the wagon train - apparently he stayed back in Arkansas (good thing or I would not be writing this!). I see from the geneolgy tree that he would have been seven when the massacre occured. My Dad used to tell me stories about the "Mormon Massacre" when I was young. He always told us that the Mormans were disguised as indians - a very exciting story. My father passed away in 1996 before we had any idea that whole web sites were devoted to this subject. I'm sure he would have enjoyed your site too.
I am researching this for a report in my english class at NMC. If you have any further informaiton please send it my way. Thank you for this web site.
Mountain Meadow-Another September 11th
Last night I spent the night in St.George, Utah. I woke up early this morning, before the sun came up, and drove about 30 minutes, to a small meadow in the mountains. When I arrived it was still dark. This meadow has special significance.
What a man takes in by contemplation, that he pours out in love-Meister Eckhart
Nearly 150 years ago, a group of about 200 people left their small town in Arkansas and headed for their dreams in California. On the way they passed through this little meadow in southern Utah and stopped for some rest and relaxation. Some local Mormon leaders became concerned at the arrival of the outsiders. A meeting was called and it was determined that these settlers should be exterminated from the area. With the help of some Indians, they armed themselves and went to the meadow. They found the settlers wagons in a circle. They surrounded them from nearby hilltops and on September 7, 1857 the killing began. After 4 days, over half of settlers had been killed. On September 11th, the remaining survivors agreed to surrender if they were given safe passage to Cedar City. Their Mormon attackers agreed. The settlers gave up their weapons, were lined up under guard, and began their march to Cedar City. They had scarcely left the meadow, (about ½ mile) when their would be escorts turned on them and killed the remaining men, women and children over the age of 2 years old in a brutal and heinous manner. Seventeen children, ages 6 months to 2 years survived the 4 day ordeal and were left orphaned. Nearly all were returned to family or friends in Arkansas. Etched on the granite wall of this modest memorial were the names of those who were killed as well as the 17 surviving children. I couldn’t help but notice the Fancher Family. Only the two youngest children had survived. Their Father, Mother and 7 brothers and sisters had all been killed.
There are no hero’s here, nothing but bones in fall colors-
My purpose in going early in the morning was to have a chance to be alone, before other people arrived, and ponder the events of so many years ago. As I looked down from the observation area on this dark, somewhat dimly lit meadow I could begin to make out the outline of a large rock memorial off in the distance where the remains of the settlers had been laid to rest, a certain “valley of bones.” I searched my Book of Mormon for the words of that great Prophet, historian, writer and military leader, Mormon. After witnessing the self-destruction and annihilation of his people he recorded:
“…Their flesh, and bones, and blood lay upon the face of the earth, being left by the hands of those who slew them to molder upon the earth and to crumble and to return to their mother earth. And my soul was rent with anguish…O ye fair sons and daughters, ye fathers and mothers, ye husbands and wives, ye fair ones, how is it that ye could have fallen! But behold, ye are gone, and my sorrows cannot bring your return.” (Mormon 6:15-20)
And so with Mormon I lamented…The names and places had been changed but the result was all too familiar…
We may never know the full reasons why such a tragedy took place. But suffice it to say, these were Mormon terrorists plain and simple, led by Mormon leaders whose zealous faith had gone awry. So many dreams cut short.
A nearby spider spins his web in peace while humanity spins its world wide web of hate and destruction-
Now thoughts of Heiwa Koen in Hiroshima, USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Gettysburg, the War Memorial in Washington DC, the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem flood my mind. I have pondered “man’s inhumanity to man” for hours in such places; and now I add a meadow in the mountains of southern Utah.
Moroni, the last man standing, tried to warn us when he recorded:
“Behold, I speak unto you as though I spake from the dead; for I know ye shall have my words…give thanks unto God that he hath made manifest unto you our imperfections, that ye may learn to be more wise than we have been.” (Mormon 9: 30-31)
It all seems such a waste…then in the distance, shots from some hunters, breaks the silence and reminds me that the killing continues-
It seems we haven’t learned nor have we come very far in 1600 years. Certainly the time, places and names have changed, but perhaps our children will be pondering the same things in such places as; ground zero in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington DC, Belfast, Jerusalem, Eastern Africa and yes, even Kabul and Kandihar.
The stillness of the cool air is broken by a distant jet. In some places, a sound of horror-
September 11, 2001, reminds us all that religious terrorism is alive and well.
October 7, 2001, even as a prophet speaks for peace, the killing commences in the far away land of Afghanistan.
When will it end…Why do they hate us…When will we learn to “love our enemies” because they are ourselves…
Perhaps a partial answer lies right here in the meadow…
The sun begins to rise, first illuminating the peaks of the mountains to the west and gradually descending until in carpeted the entire meadow of sage and cedar with its rays below…Names etched in granite-
I begin to read the history of this place since that terrible day.
Several ranchers had owned the property and tried to preserve the monument, but it had been vandalized by souvenir hunters and was in disrepair. A small group in Arkansas (descendants of the survivors) formed an association and erected a memorial in a park in Arkansas. Not long after (1989), a group in southern Utah (descendants of the perpetrators) joined them, to form the Mountain Meadows Association. This association with help from the Mormon church, acquired the property and now cares for and preserves the meadow. An observation area was erected on a hill overlooking the meadow with the names of those killed etched in granite. A fence was built for protection, around the rock monument where their bones were placed.
This area now serves as a fitting final resting place for those who lost their lives in this tragic event. It also serves as a grave remainder to us all of what happened there, as the voices of the dead speak out, to never let such a thing happen again.
The blue sky…the rising sun…the occasional passing of a cloud…and the quiet still, give hope for a day and a future of peace.
Now I can hear the voices of the living…descendants of those long since gone. The voices of Arkansas, Cedar and Salt Lake City echo words of repentance and forgiveness. If they could forgive each other and create this place together, surely we can try to “just get along” in peace. Such is the purpose of this memorial. A demonstration of people overcoming hate through understanding, reconciliation and love. A meadow of bones in full resurrection.
(My thoughts as I visited Mountain Meadow the first time, on October 11, 2001)
I just found out about this heinous crime and although I am amazed, I cannot say I am surprized. I hope that the facts come out and that reparations, at least, are made to the families that lost loved ones to those domestic terrorists.
Hi all, my husband recently posted an entry here. I am the descendant of the Mormon side, and he is a Baker. We recently visited the monument with all five of our children, descendants of both sides. Anyway, a very good friend of mine has a Mtn. Meadows site that I thought may interest some of you, "The Other 9-11 Atrocity". The url is http://www.mazeministry.com/mormonism/mmmassacre/mmm.htm. It is a non-LDS site, so be forewarned if you are Mormon (I am an ex-member of the church myself). We do live in Utah, a few hours from the monument, and wouldn't mind assisting anyone with directions, etc. who is making a trip out here to visit the monument. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for your time and effort in adding a very personal dimension to this tragic eppisode.
I have a relative in Arkansas who has completed a lot of research in our family. She referred me to this site. She was at the dedication on 9/11/99. Her Email address is Mary1616@aol.com
We are working on the research now, but as for now, it is believed that I have married into a family that connects both sides. My wife may be a descendent of the Mormon side. In fact, we are sure she is, but we are locating the documents to prove it. This would make our five children descendents of both sides of the massacre. If this is true, it would be the first family link to both sides of the event that we know of.
I visited the site for the first time on Jan 17, 2002, and I have to say that I got goose bumps when I saw the meadows for the first time. My wife and children visited as well. We hope there will be some kind of ceremony that will mark 150 years in 2007.
My family will contribute all we can to research and doing something productive for the MMA effort to improve the site. I would like to thank the MMA for their efforts and to all the volunteers who have done, and are continuing to do a great job.
I am related to John T. Baker.
P. S. Until our research is complete, I will withold the family names that my wife is a descendent of. There are two names involved.
I have not yet taken time to read the contents of the page I have viewed. I am doing a college history term paper about the MMM, and am presently just searching the web for sources on the event. I have saved this page to disk (from a computer at a public library), and will read the contents on my computer at home. Due to problems with viruses on the home computer, my home computer is temporarily disconnected from the Internet. But, I can still do research, etc., from the library, or at the college. If you can make any recommendations of specific sites to view, books to read, or other sources on the subject of Mountain Meadows Massacre, or John Doyle Lee, please e-mail those recommendations to me. (I check my e-mail at least three times a week, from the computers at the college). Meanwhile, I will read what I have saved, and will probably be contacting you again at a later time.
Thankyou for the way you have built this beautiful memorial to our families.I found out about the Masacre on the internet.
I was born in Arizona, and lived there 30 years. I moved to Utah in 1997, after my maternal grandmother died so that my mother wouldn't have to bear it alone. I had never heard of the Mountain Meadow Massacre before, and I did not learn of it until I had been here THREE YEARS!! I have always had a very low opinion of Mormons and it hasn't improved despite my discovery that many of my ancestors were Mormon Pioneers. There can be no justification for what the Mormons did that day; and no "forgiveness" until the LDS Church admits they are guilty of this atrocity. Brigham Young may not have sanctioned it, but the fact that he did NOTHING after learning of makes him just as much a murderer as those who actually took those innocent lives.
That the Mormons would rather keep this part of their history in the shadows should not come as a surprise to anyone. They don't want to admit that they are anything but perfect. You should see them turn white as sheets whenever another one of their "Holy" Bishops or "perfect" church members is charged with child molestation.
Why do I still live in Utah? Three reasons. 1) My Mom is here. 2) 60% of my genealogical interest is here. 3) If I move, THEY WIN.
I applaud you and your web site, and all that you do with it. I have two web sites, one genealogy and one (are ya' ready?) dedicated to Utah. I will be placing a link to this site on BOTH of them.
No longer shall the secret be kept.......
most mormons, i think, don't even know about this tragic murder of innocent people by lds members.
Many people try to find a reason for what happened at Mountain Meadows. Mormons did not have a very easy time in the early days of this country. Most do not know that Mormons were forced to leave their settlement in Missouri after the governer made it legal to kill them. There is another lesser known massacre that took place in Missouri at Haun's Mill. My Grandfather was there and he saw his home and his farm burn... As they fled Missouri thousands died on their way to Utah. None of this justifies what was done later in Utah, but it certainly puts it in perspective. The American frontier was a brutal place. I am just glad that now, members from both sides of the tragedy at Mountain Meadows have found reconciliation. PEACE.
you guys are doing a great job,keep up the good work.
William and John Prewitt were my Great-great grandmother's brothers.
My great great grandfather was William Nephi Owens. He was about twelve years old when the event took place. He was the child that stayed in Utah, although there may have been another one. He was given to the Robert and Katherine Owens family and raised by them until his late teens when he came to Idaho. I would appreciate any information possible about him. I don't know what his original name was, but I do know that he was born in Kentucky.
I read a novel Fancher Train, and then another book called Red Water....I wanted to find out more of the facts and reasons for all the hatred and fear that led to this awful event....I appreciate this site and the information it has provided There are no words for what happened. But, by bringing light to the horrors, we can hope never to repeat them and can learn to live together.
I was searching the Beller name and found this site and it is very interesting it well be on my favorites list. Thank you.
I'm sad to hear this happenned to these arkansa people and especially of the same faith.May you be rested.
This story has touched my heart and has to make me ask the question, Why? If you look at this story and the also the story of the 9-11 tragedy, you see there are some similaritys. Not the least is the conflict of religion. Why?
My direct ancestor was Benjamin Franklin Johnson. I haven't quite figured out his relationship to Nephi, but I think he was either a nephew or more likely a cousin. I just finished reading "My Life's Review" by B.F. Johnson and I learned of the powerful forces affecting the early Morman pioneers in Utah. My father just died in mid December 2001. He was a Morman, but not active. I am not a Morman. But my Dad was always proud to be a descendent of B.F. Johnson and so am I. We have had quite a month because my Mother was also in the hospital at the time of my Father's death. While at the hospital, I picked up a copy of American Heriatage and saw the article, "What Happened At Mountain Meadows?" and now I am even more interested in learning about the times when my g.g. grandfather B.F. Johnson lived. He never said anything about the murders at Mountain Meadows in his book, My Life's Review, but he certainly must have know about it. As a former and now retired US history teacher, I am pleased that your organization is composed of both sides of the descendents of the murders and looking for the truth and most importantly working together to bring hatreds and misunderstandings to a close. If this could only be the same in Bosnia, Afganastan, the middle east and other nations around the world.
Ron Johnson
Facts about the truth of this tractic moment in our country's past should be reveled by those that clearly know and have the power to do so.
Though I didn't find him on your memorial list, it is commonly told in my family that my ancestor, I believe his name was John Skelton Mays, was a scout on the trip. He left a homestead in Searcy County, AR to go west. If this rumor has any evidencial support I would be pleased to know.
We visited Mt. Meadows in 1999 before the monument at the top of the hill was repaired (we found it lying face down) and before the mass grave was repaired. Elsewhere it was a sunny day in April, but at the Meadow it was cold and rainy, the location isolated... we felt like we were stepping into another world... It was easy to imagine the tragedy that had taken place there. I had just discovered my Miller ancestry, and with it this awful story. Josiah Miller was brother to my great-great-great grandfather, Felix Grundy Miller, who had come ahead separately to California, and so was spared... I wrote a song about it! I would enjoy contact by Miller relatives/descendants. Does anyone have information on the children who survived the Massacre? Our geneology goes back to the days of the Massacre but then the trail is lost - can you help? Thanks and blessings to all.