Judge Roger V. Logan, Jr. Wrote the following article
which was subsequently published in the Utah Historical Quarterly. It gives a lot of
insight into the people on the Baker side of the wagon train.
LONG OVERLOOKED DOCUMENTS IN NATIONAL
ARCHIVES REVEAL DETAILS ABOUT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS MASSACRE VICTIMS FROM NORTH ARKANSAS
By Roger V. Logan, Jr.
Accurate detailed information about the victims of
the Mountain Meadows Massacre has, for many years, been scarce. Many writers have studied
the event, attempting to place blame, to expose complicity, draw meaning or teach lessons
from the tragic details of the killing1. But, even with a considerable amount
of literature on the subject, reliable information about the Arkansas emigrants has
remained hard to find. It is, therefore, difficult to describe my joy when, after having
collected information about the Massacre for many years, Ron Loving, a descendant of John
Fancher (brother of emigrant Alexander Fancher), called me and said that he had found
depositions taken in 1860 from close relatives and friends of the victims of the Massacre.
Loving read from one of the documents signed by an ancestor of mine, James Douglas Dunlap.
It contained information about one of his two brothers who had fallen in the massacre. In
all, there are depositions signed by seventeen people. They provide a glimpse of what the
caravan was like.
Loving discovered the depositions while reading
microfilm copies of the original records in the National Archives filed under the
rather uninviting title Territorial Papers of the United States Senate 1789 - 1873,
Roll 15, Utah December 31, 1849 - June 11, 1870. Amongst a number of other items on
the roll were the sixty pages of depositions. The documents were made as part of a futile
effort by Arkansas's U. S. Senator William K. Sebastian, apparently prompted by State
senator William C. Mitchell, to get the Federal Government to reimburse seventeen of the
surviving children of the Mountain Meadows Massacre for the financial losses they had
sustained in the event.
JOHN T. BAKER
The organizer of one of the main contingents of the
emigrant caravan was Captain John T. Baker, a farmer, cattleman and slave owner who lived
on Crooked Creek near modern Harrison, Arkansas. His wife Mary, in her depositor made
October 22, 1860, said: "My name is Mary Baker. I was lawfully married to John T.
Baker in the county of Madison and State of Alabama [in] ...1823; we emigrated to Arkansas
in the year 1847 where we resided together ...until the said John T. Baker left his home
in Carroll [now Boone] County...with a lot of cattle, horses...and I am informed and
verily believe that after the said John T. Baker had proceeded as far as a place in the
west known as "Mountain Meadows" he, together with a large number of persons in
company with him, were murdered, and their property all stolen or appropriated by the
murderers. The object my husband had in going to California was to sell a large lot of
cattle with which he had started, and when he left here in April 1857, for California he
was the owner of, and started with 138 head of fine stock cattle, 5 yoke of work oxen, 4
yoke of work oxen extra, two mules, one mare, one large wagon, provisions, clothing and
camp equipage for himself and five hands. The cattle were all good stock, and all three
years old and upwards were picked cattle and such as in this market at the date of his
departure from this place were worth at the lowest cash price twenty dollars per
head...[here follows a list of property and value] amounting in all as far as I now
remember to the sum of $4148.00 … in this market. …"
John T. Baker and his son Abel Baker and his married
son George W. Baker were all victims of the Mountain Meadows tragedy2. Another
of Bakers sons, John H. Baker, also gave a deposition verifying what his mother had said.
He added that his father had taken guns, saddles and bridles and gave detailed information
about his cattle. John H. Baker said that he was familiar with livestock prices in
Arkansas and in California. He said: "I have been in California -- was there
in the latter part of the year 1852, stayed there until the month of September 1854, and
from my knowledge of the country, and the price of property I think the property that the
said John T. Baker left here with in April 1857, would have been worth at Mountain Meadows
the full sum of ten thousand dollars. This statement, however is only made from such
general knowledge as I have from the western trade, and also from the information of other
traders. I cannot now state what amount of money my father started with, but I know he had
money with him but as to the amount I do not know."
John Crabtree, a neighbor who lived about half a
mile from John T. Baker said: "Mr. Baker was a very industrious man, and a shrewd,
good trader. ... I was at the house of the said John T. Baker, frequently while he was
collecting the cattle, and I was present in April 1857 when the said Baker started for
California... . I...aided and assisted him on his way a few miles when he started."
Hugh A. Torrance said: "In April 1857 I was
living on the farm of the said John T. Baker and while he was gathering cattle for his
intended trip to California, I helped take care of the cattle and to feed them. They were
a good stock of cattle, well selected and likely."
One of the facts which becomes readily apparent from
the depositions is that John T. Baker was the organizer and leading character in the
contingent of the Mountain Meadows Caravan which originated at Crooked Creek. Most of the
depositions mention the other victims as having gone west in company with Baker. It is
interesting to note that none of the 60 pages of depositions mentions Alexander Fancher,
the person traditionally thought to have been the leader of the caravan. There is other
evidence which shows that Fancher was in the caravan when it passed through Utah and that
he was referred to as its leader by a number of persons who saw it there3.
GEORGE W. BAKER
Another leading citizen of the caravan was John T.
and Mary Baker's oldest son, George W. Baker. He took his wife and family along on the
trip west. Only three of his children would return4. Joseph B. Baines, a
neighbor of the Bakers, testified on the 23rd of October, 1860, as follows: "I...was
living in one fourth mile of John T. Baker when the parties all left for California in
April 1857. I now reside at the same place I did then and within a quarter of a mile of
Mary Baker the widow of John T. Baker. George W. Baker was the son of said John T. Baker
and Mary Baker and I know that the said George W. Baker left here about the same time of
his father in April 1857. When George W. Baker left he was the owner of in his own right
and had in his possession a considerable amount of cash and personal property, and had
sold out his lands and was moving to California. He had a wife and four children when he
left here. [ Baker's wife Manerva Beller Baker and children: Mary Lovina Baker, Martha
Elizabeth Baker, Sarah Frances Baker and William T. Baker.] He was guardian of Malissa Ann
Beller and she was also in the company with him and he had in his possession as guardian
of said Malissa Ann Beller the sum of seven hundred dollars in cash. I had paid him as
guardian that amount for the said Malissa Ann, and know he had that amount. I think
Malissa Ann had a bed [?], bedding, evening apparel &c but of what value I can not
say. The amount of personal property within the possession of the said George W. Baker,
and which he carried off with him as well as I can make an estimate from my knowledge and
information, recollection and belief was as follows [:] 2 ox wagons, chains &c each
worth $125, ... [He] Had in cash in hand about [$]500. He had beds and bedding, evening
apparel for himself and family, provisions for himself and family worth [$]500, 3 young
mares at $100 each, ... 1 rifle gun [$]25, 1 double barrel shot gun [$]25, 136 head of
cattle (or about that number)... [total value $] 4,320. He had oxen, but how many he had I
do not know. Neither do I know their value. Baker had a good outfit, and his family was
well provided for in the way of evening apparel, provisions, &c, and I have placed the
estimate at a sum that I am satisfied is a low estimate of what said property was worth in
this market. The cattle were a very good lot... . Three of his children are now living
within one quarter mile of me at their grand mother's Mary Baker. The oldest of the
children were recognized by their friends and relations here as soon as they returned, and
this fact convinces me that said Baker and family except the children were all murdered at
Mountain Meadows... .
William C. Beller, George Baker's brother-in- law,
said: "...I was present when he [George W. Baker] started to move to California in
April 1857, and saw his cattle and outfit for the trip. I think that George W. Baker had,
when he started from here, one hundred fifty or sixty head of cattle, in which was
included about eight yoke of work oxen. I think the cattle without the oxen were well
worth in cash in this market fifteen dollars per head. ..." "He was moving to
California, and had his wife, 4 children, Malissa Ann Beller, D[avid]. W. Beller, and 2
hired hands with him and was well supplied with provisions, clothing, etc for the trip.
... I could pick [the Baker children] out of the crowd of children when they were brought
back here. I know they are the children of George W. Baker."
John H. Baker, already mentioned, testified about
the composition of his brother's family and estimated the value of his 136 cattle, 8 yoke
of oxen, 3 mules, and other possessions at $3,815.00. He also said that he knew that the
three children returned to Arkansas were his brother's.
Irwin T. Beller, a brother-in-law of George W.
Baker, swore that he had accompanied Baker for two days at the start of the trip west and
that he was familiar with his stock and other possessions. He estimated the value at
$5,135.00.
MILAM L. RUSH
Lorenzo D. Rush, Sr., was one of the earliest
settlers of the area which is now Harrison, Arkansas. His son Milam L. Rush died at
Mountain Meadows5. The elder Rush testified October 23, 1860, as follows:
"I am the father of Milam Rush and know that he left here in the month of April 1857,
bound for California; he left in company with John T. Baker. When my son the said Milam L.
Rush left here he was the owner of from ten to twelve head of cattle. He had one rifle
gun, three blankets, knives and his wearing apparel, and also about twenty five dollars in
cash. I think his cattle were worth at a low cash price at least fifteen dollars per head.
…. [total] $268.00."
H. A. Torrance testified that he was well acquainted
with Milam L. Rush and knew that he had left with about ten head of cattle. Torrance said
he was a neighbor to Baker, Rush, and Deshazo who were all emigrants in the Mountain
Meadows Caravan.
JOHN M. JONES, NEWTON JONES, PLEASANT TACKITT AND
CYNTHIA TACKITT
Francis M. Rowan, testified about members of the
Jones and Tackitt families. He said: "My name is Francis M. Rowan: I reside in the
County of Carroll and State of Arkansas. In April 1857, I was residing in the County of
Washington in this state, and the said John M. Jones and his brother Newton Jones, on
their way to California camped some 10 to 15 days within five or six miles of where I
lived at that time. I had been acquainted with the Jones boys for a number of years
previous to that time, and when they camped there, I was frequently with the boys; I was
at their camp and saw their property, and being well acquainted with the boys, Milam
Jones, and Newton Jones particularly pointed out the property that they owned, showed me
their cattle and oxen. ...My recollection, and belief is that the two Jones boys owned
four yoke of work oxen, one large ox wagon. John M. Jones was married and had his wife and
two children with him, and was moving to California. He had with him the widow Tackitt and
three or four of her children; Newton Jones, John M. Jones, his wife and two children,
Widow Tackitt and three or four children and Sebron Tackitt constituted one company in
family groups. The Jones boys owned the wagon, oxen and outfit, and the others seemed to
be traveling with them and depending on the Jones boys for their support. The wagon was
large and very heavily loaded; I suppose John M. Jones had a gun and other fire arms but
of what value or number I do not know. Newton Jones had a fine rifle gun. They appeared to
be well supplied with beds and bedding and wearing apparel for an excursion of that kind,
and also with Provisions."
Rowan said that the Jones herd consisted of eight
head of cattle and four yoke of oxen. With their equipment and other possessions he
estimated the value of their property to be $1075.00. Rowan thought that the Jones each
owned half interest in the wagon and that Newton Jones had one yoke of oxen of his own. He
said John M. Jones had a gun. He also said: "There were several other persons along,
and who had separate wagons. There were three men by the name of Peteat [perhaps Poteet],
or Petteats. The oldest one of the Peteats was a married man, had his wife and children
along; They had a separate camp and wagon; There was another man Pleasant Tackitt who had
a separate wagon; and before they started George W. Baker drove up and camped near the
others. The Peteats and Pleasant Tackitt had oxen and other property but I can not say how
many. They had horses, and camp equipage, provisions, and appeared to be well fixed for
the outfit. ... I have no doubt but what all the parties were murdered at "Mountain
Meadows" in September 1857, except a few children who have been sent back to the
states." ...
Fielding Wilburn also testified about the Jones and
Tackitt group. He said: "I was living near the Indian line in Washington County,
Arkansas, in the month of April 1857. I was personally acquainted with John M. Jones, and
Newton Jones, Pleasant Tackitt, and the Widow Tackitt mentioned in the foregoing
deposition of Francis M. Rowan. When the parties above named, were on their way to
California, and while they were in camped on Indian Line in Washington County, Arkansas, I
was at their camp and stayed with them two or three days. I was well acquainted, and on
intimate terms with the Jones boys, and saw their property. . . . John M. Jones and his
brother had to my own knowledge: one large good ox wagon, 4 yoke of first rate work oxen.
Their wagon was very heavily laden with clothing, beds and bedding, provisions, &c.
..."
Wilburn went on to say that the Jones had six or
eight stock cattle and that there were other cattle totaling about sixty but he did not
know to whom they all belonged. He mentioned that the Widow Tackitt, Pleasant Tackitt,
Peteats and others were in the crowd and said that they all left Arkansas for California
together. He said that this all took place sometime in the month of April, 1857. He said
that the Peteats, Basham and Tackitts had three wagons, several yoke of good oxen to each
wagon and had one horse and provisions. Felix W. Jones testified that he was a brother to
the two Jones men who have been referred to. He said that John M. Jones was married and
went west with his wife and two children. He said that Newton Jones was a young man and
was going with his brother to California. Jones gave further details about the property
his brothers had taken with them and confirmed a lot of what Wilburn had already stated
about them.
ALLEN P. DESHAZO
James DeShazo, who lived in the same neighborhood as
John T. Baker, lost a son, Allen DeShazo, in the massacre6. On October 23,
1860, he testified that his son had left for California with Baker in April of 1857 and
that he believed he had been murdered at Mountain Meadows. "He had seventeen head of
stock. The most of the cattle were likely heifers, and were worth in cash over two hundred
dollars the morning he left here. ... This together with his evening apparel worth fifty
dollars, and a violin worth ten dollars was all the property that I can remember that the
said Allen P. had when he left."
James DeShazo said his son's property was worth
three hundred dollars. Hugh A. Torrance said young DeShazo's cattle were well selected and
"likely" and worth $15.00 per head at least.
CHARLES R. MITCHELL AND JOEL D. MITCHELL
One of the most interesting depositions is that of
State Senator, later to become Confederate Colonel, William C. Mitchell7.
Mitchell had the melancholy job of describing his murdered sons' property. Earlier, he had
written to Senator Sebastian (December 31, 1857) and said: "Two of my sons were in
the train that was massacred, on their way to California, three hundred miles beyond Salt
Lake City, by the Indians and Mormons. There were one hundred and eighteen unmercifully
butchered; the women and children were all killed with the exception of fifteen infants
--- one of [my] sons, Charles was married and had one son, which I expect was saved, and
at this time is at San Bernardino, I believe in the limits of California. I could
designate my grandson if I could see him. "
Mitchell felt strongly that something must be done
to punish the guilty in this matter. He continued: "From all accounts the President
has not made a call sufficient to subdue them; the four regiments together with what
regulars can be spared is too small a force to whip the Mormons and Indians, for rest
assured that all the wild tribes will fight for Brigham Young. I am anxious to be in the
crowd --- I feel that I must have satisfaction for the inhuman manner in which they have
slain my children8."
Colonel Mitchell believed that his infant grandson,
John Mitchell, had survived the massacre. He wrote about the boy on different occasions
and worked tirelessly for the return of the surviving children. Mitchell was appointed
agent of the U. S. Government to go to Fort Leavenworth, in Kansas Territory, to receive
the surviving children. He went there in August of 1859, and he, with others from
Arkansas, brought the children back to Carrollton where they were distributed to their
families, and in one case, to a friend. Two of the surviving children who had been kept in
Utah to serve as witnesses should the guilty be prosecuted, were taken to Washington, D.
C., and then delivered to Mitchell at Carrollton, Arkansas, in January of 1860.
It is because of William C. Mitchell that we have
most of the original written records of who the emigrants were. He was present at the
taking of most, if not all, of the depositions, and appears to have been the one who
forwarded them to Senator Sebastian in Washington. Mitchell's own deposition tells about
his sons and their property: "I was personally well acquainted with said Charles and
Joel Mitchell---they were my sons, and I assisted them in making their outfits for the
trip in the spring of 1857. They left in company with John T. Baker and many others and
were murdered as I am informed and believe at "Mountain Meadows" in September of
same year. They were on their way to California, and when they left here they had in their
possession and under their control the following personal property. They had cash when
they left this county in April of 1857 about the sum of two hundred and seventy five
dollars. They had thirteen yoke of good work oxen. They had sixty two head of other cattle
and when they reached Washington County in this state, they wrote to me that they had
bought ten head more and intended getting two more so as to make one hundred head in all.
... They had one large ox wagon, log chains &c. They had their wearing apparel, beds,
and bedding and cooking utensils. The property they had with them when they left for
California in April 1857, was worth in this market, at the date of their departure ... [as
follows:] 13 yoke of work oxen @ $60.00 per yoke $780.00, 74 head of other cattle, cows,
steers &c @ 12 $888.00, cash on hand when they left here [$]275.00, 1 large wagon,
chains &c [$]120.00, 1 horse, saddle bridle [$]100.00, guns, firearms, knives &c
[$]50.00, clothing, beds, and bedding, provisions, cooking utensils, camp equipage &c
[$]300.00 [total]$2513.00. ... I believe that said property at Mountain Meadows would have
been worth the sum of about five thousand dollars."
Sam Mitchell, one of William C. Mitchell's other
sons, did not go west with the wagon train. He also gave a statement about his brothers.
He said: "I am a brother to Charles R. and Joel D. Mitchell mentioned in the
foregoing deposition of William C. Mitchell. I was well acquainted with the outfit of the
parties, and acquainted with all the property set forth in the tabular statement made by
the said William C. Mitchell and from my knowledge of the property and its value I believe
that the value therein given and estimated is a fair cash valuation. "
JESSE DUNLAP, JR. AND LORENZO DOW DUNLAP
William C. Mitchell's wife Nancy was a sister of two
victims of. the massacre, Lorenzo Dow Dunlap and Jesse Dunlap. Jr9. The Dunlap
Mitchell family had twenty - six members in the caravan and only five orphan children
survived the massacre 10. Senator Mitchell gave a second deposition about his
brother-in-law Lorenzo D. Dunlap. He said that: "He was well acquainted with Lorenzo
D. Dunlap who left for California in John T. Baker Company and that the said Dunlap had a
wife and eight children who was all killed at or near a place called the Mountain Meadows,
Utah Territory, except two small daughters who is at this time in my care and the said L.
D. Dunlap had at the time he left Arkansas, the following described property to wit: four
yoke of oxen worth sixty dollars each, twelve head of cattle worth fifteen dollars each,
three guns, pistols, knives &c worth fifty dollars, one wagon, log chains, wagon sheet
&c worth one hundred dollars. Provisions, cooking utensils, tent, bedding &c worth
three hundred and fifty dollars. This statement is what property was worth at the time
they left Arkansas in the spring of 1857. I am informed and believe it was worth more in
Utah Territory. I was appointed special agent to receive and take charge of the children
survivors of the Mountain Meadows Massacre and received the children above mentioned at
Fort Leavenworth in Kansas Territory in August A.D. 1859 and returned them to Carrollton,
Arkansas, in September 1859 and have no doubt of the death of L. D. Dunlap and [that he]
was killed at or near the Mountain Meadows in Utah Territory. . . "
Three other family members verified that Mitchell's
statement about Lorenzo D. Dunlap was correct. They were Samuel Mitchell, already
mentioned, James D. Dunlap, and Adam P. Dunlap, both brothers of Lorenzo D. Dunlap.
My great, great, great grandfather, James Douglas
Dunlap was, himself, helping to raise three of the orphaned survivors of the massacre. He
also made an affidavit. He said: "Jesse Dunlap and family left Marion County...en
route for California in April, 1857 and was in company of Capt. John T. Baker and all of
his family with the exception of three small daughters, I have no doubt, was killed at or
near the Mountain Meadows in Utah Territory. And said Jesse Dunlap left with the following
described property belonging to him, to wit: nine yoke of oxen worth sixty dollars per
yoke, thirty head of cattle worth twelve dollars per head, five head of horses worth one
hundred dollars each, three wagons, log chains &c worth one hundred dollars each,
three guns, pistols and knives worth fifty dollars each at the time of departure...
provisions, camp fixins, cooking utensils &c worth four hundred dollars. The said
Dunlap family contained at the time he left a wife and nine children. The three youngest
was delivered at Carrollton, Arkansas, in charge of William C. Mitchell special Agent in
September A. D. 1859 and said survivors of said Jesse Dunlap is at this time in my
possession. The said Jesse Dunlap deceased was my brother".
In a short statement, William C. Mitchell added that
James D. Dunlap had the three children of Jesse Dunlap at his house "which is their
home at this time."
In their affidavits, Robert H. Mitchell and William
C. Dunlap tell how they were with William C. Mitchell, special agent for the U.S.
Government, when he received surviving children from the massacre at Fort Leavenworth,
Kansas Territory11. These men said they were well acquainted with Jesse Dunlap
and knew his outfit having traveled with him the day of his departure for California in
the Spring of 1857. They said that the statement made by James D. Dunlap was correct. An
additional affidavit made by Adam P. Dunlap and Samuel Mitchell also verified the accuracy
of James D. Dunlap's statements.
CONCLUSION
The depositions, while not the only contemporary
records of the Arkansas emigrants12, are some of the best. In reading them one
can sense the concern that the affiants felt for the well being of the orphaned survivors
who were bereft of parents and estate and who faced the prospect of great adversity. The
depositions failed to accomplish their primary goal of securing government assistance
under some sort of Indian depredations compensation act. Such laws were passed but none
were made applicable to the Mountain Meadows survivors.
The documents are valuable for the detail which they
add to the body of knowledge about the emigrant caravan, its composition and leadership.
They also give some of the best statements of the purpose many emigrants had in making the
journey west and also give an accurate account of the property owned by the emigrants.
Since all the adult emigrants were killed there are few statements by persons who knew
first hand what the emigrant caravan consisted of.
Footnote.
1. Lee, John D., Mormonism Unveiled; Including
the Remarkable Life And Confessions of The Late Mormon Bishop, John D. Lee; (Written by
himself.) ...Also the True History of the Horrible Butchery Known as The Mountain
Meadows Massacre. Illustrated, St. Louis, Vandawalker & Co., Publishers, 1892, and
Brooks, Juanita, The Mountain Meadows Massacre, University of Oklahoma Press,
Norman, Oklahoma, 1966, Gibbs, Josiah F., The Mountain Meadows Massacre. Salt Lake
Tribune Publishing Co., Salt Lake City, 1910, Carleton James H., and Mitchell, William C.,
Report on the Subject of the Massacre at Mountain Meadows in Utah Territory in
September 1857 of One Hundred and Twenty Men, Women, and Children, Who Were from
Arkansas. And Report of the Hon. William C. Mitchell, Relative to the Seventeen
Surviving Children Who were Brought Back by the Authorities of the U.S. After Their
Parents and Others with Whom They Were Emigrating Had Been Murdered. [Arkansas State
Senate Document] Little Rock, Arkansas, True Democrat Steam Press, 1860. There are many
other books which deal with the Mountain Meadows Massacre and scores of newspaper articles
and even some fictional books about it. See: London, Jack, Star Rover, Valley of
The Sun Publishing Co., Malibu, California, Second Printing 1987, (originally published
1915).
2. Letter of William C. Mitchell to A. B. Greenwood
Commissioner of Indian Affairs dated April 27, 1860, in Microcopy 234 Letters Received
By The Office Of Indian Affairs 1824-1881 Roll 899 Utah Superintendency 1849-1880-1859-1860
M-244/1860, National Archives, (Microfilm Publication) Washington, D. C., 1957.
3. Brooks, Juanita, The Mountain Meadows Massacre,
supra, pages 44, 49, 52, 69, 142 and 151 refers to the caravan as the Fancher
Company, and see Lee, John D., Mormonism Unveiled, supra, page 242.
4. Mitchell, William C., Report on the Subject of
the Massacre at Mountain Meadows, supra, page 32.
5. Ibid.
6. James DeShazo was a pioneer citizen of Boone
County, Arkansas. He was killed during the Civil War and was buried at the Old Milam
Cemetery northeast of Harrison, Arkansas.
7. Allen, Desmond Walls, The Fourteenth Arkansas
Confederate Infantry. Arkansas Research, Conway, Arkansas, 1988, pages 9, 10, 12 and
42.
8. Letter of William C. Mitchell to Senator William
K. Sebastian in 36th Congress, 1st Session. Senate Executive Document 42. Message of
The President of The United States, Communicating, In compliance with a resolution of the
Senate, information in relation to the massacre at Mountain Meadows, and other massacres
in Utah Territory, Washington, D. C., 1860, page 42-43.
9. Ibid., page 47.
10. Carleton, James H. and Mitchell, William C., Report
on the Subject of the Massacre at Mountain Meadows, supra, page 32.
11. Letters of William C. Mitchell to A. B.
Greenwood in 36th Congress 1st Session. Senate Executive Document 42, supra,
page 90.
12. The following letter from William C. Mitchell to
fellow Arkansan Alfred B. Greenwood, Commissioner of Indian Affairs in the Buchanan
Administration, is one of the best sources of information on the identity to the Arkansas
emigrants who were involved in the massacre at Mountain Meadows. It is from the National
Archives collection of letters received by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Utah Territory.
Crooked Creek, Arkansas
Apl 27, 1860"
Sir
As there is no list of the names of the survivors of
the Mountain Meadow Massacre of 1857, which was conveyed to their relatives and friends in
Arkansas. [They are:]
Martha Elizabeth Baker
Sarah Frances Baker
William Twitty Baker
Rebecca Dunlap
Louisa Dunlap
Sarah Ann Dunlap
Prudy Angeline Dunlap
Georgeann Dunlap
Saphrona Huff
Christopher Carson Fancher
Triphena Fancher
John Calvin Miller
Mary Miller
Josiah Miller
Felix Jones
Mariam [Milam] Tackett
William Tackett
All of the above is in the care of their relatives
and friends in Arkansas except Saphrona Huff who was taken by her grandfather Brown who
lives in Miggs Co. Tennessee to Tennessee. There was two of those children wounded in the
battle. Sarah Frances Baker shot through the left ear and Sarah Ann Dunlap shot through
the right arm and her shoulder dislocated having no use of it and much less than the
other. Those children vary in age from ten years to four years old. Also included you will
find a list of the killed and missing as far as we can obtain them. All of the children
that was large enough to recollect state that they were never in the possession of the
Indians but kept by the whites.
I am Yours Respectfully
WM C. Mitchell
Spc. Agt.
Hon. A. B. Greenwood
Commissioner of Indian Affairs
Washington City D.C.
The following is the names of those that was
massacred at the Mountain Meadow in September 1857[:]
Capt. John T. Baker From Carroll County Ark.
George W. Baker, wife & 1 child " " " "
Abel Baker " " " "
Milum Rush " " " "
Allen Deshazo " " " "
Melissa Ann Beller " " " "
Robert Fancher " " " "
Charles R. Mitchell, wife & 1 child " Marion " "
Joel D. Mitchell " " " "
Lawson McEntire " " " "
William & John Prewett, two brothers " " " "
Jesse Dunlap, wife & 6 children " " " "
L. D. Dunlap, wife & 5 children " " " "
William Wood " " " "
Solomon Wood " " " "
Richard Wilson " " " "
Milam Jones, wife & 1 child " Johnson " "
Pleasant Tacket, wife & 2 children " " " "
Cinthia Tacket & 3 children " " " "
Josiah Miller, wife & 3 children " " " "
William Cameron, wife & 5 children " " " "
Alexander Fancher, wife & 4 children " Benton " "
Peter Huff, wife & 3 children " " " "
The above is correct as far as we have any information.
WM. C. MITCHELL
"Special Agt."
The following depositions are as they appear in the
National Archives, Spelling, punctuation, and grammar are kept as close as possible to the
original documents.
State of Arkansas (1)
SS
County of Carroll
Be it remembered that on this 22nd day of October,
1860 personally came and appeared before me the undersigned, John Bunch, an acting and
duly commissioned Justice of the Peace, and duly qualified as such within and for said
county, Mary Baker, the widow of John T. Baker Deceased, to me, personally, well known to
be the widow of said John T. Baker, deceased, and who after being duly sworn according to
law, to testify the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, in regard to the
matters in and about the amount, kind, and quality of property which the said John T.
Baker had in his possession, and owned in his own right when he left the county of Carroll
and state of Arkansas in the month of April A.D. 1857. Deposed as follows, to wit;
My name is Mary Baker. I was lawfully married to
John T. Baker in the county of Madison and State of Alabama on or about the ------- of
------ A.D. 1823; we emigrated to Arkansas in the year 1849, where we resided together as
man and wife, and until the said John T. Baker left his home in Carroll County as
aforesaid with a lot of cattle, horses, etc as herein often particularly specified; and I
have been informed and truly believe that after the said John T. Baker had proceeded as
far as a place in the west known as "Mountain Meadows." He, together with a
large number of persons in company with him, were murdered, and their property all stolen
and appropriated by the murderers; and I here state that I have not at any time incurred
any pay, or return of any of the property that the said John T. Baker left here with as
aforesaid. The object, my husband, the said John T. Baker had in going to California was
to sell a large lot of cattle with which he started, and when he left here in April 1851
for California he was the owner of and started with the following described personal
property that is to say:
138 head of fine stock-cattle
5 yoke of work oxen
1 yoke of work oxen, extra
2 mules
1 mare
1 large ox wagon
Provisions, clothing, and camp equipage for himself
and five hands. The cattle were all good stock, and all three years old and upwards, were
picked cattle and such as in this market at the date of his departure from this place were
worth at the lowest cash price twenty dollars per
head and which would amount to the sum of $ 2,760.00
The nine yoke of work oxen were worth in
this market at the date of departure, fifty
dollars per yoke. $ 450.00
The ox wagon was worth $ 100.00
The mules were worth each $125 $ 250.00
The mare was worth $ 100.00
He had in cash the morning he left, the sum of
$98.00 in cash. $ 98.00
The clothing, provisions, tents, camp equipage,
etc, was worth here $ 350.00
Fine rifle gun worth $ 25.00
One Colt repeater. $ 15.00
------------
$4,148.00
Amounting in all as far as I now remember to the sum
of Four thousand one hundred forty eight in this market. I have placed this estimate of
the cattle and oxen at low figures, as I know that such oxen as those my husband left here
with could not have been purchased at a lower price than from fifty five to seventy
dollars per yoke. The stock cattle had been bought with the view to make quick sales on
arriving at California, and were a well selected lot of cattle. My husband was a good
trader and would not, and did not puchase any inferior cattle for the outfit. I believe
that the foregoing statement of amounts, numbers and descriptions of personal property, is
a true and correct inventory of the property that the said John T. Baker left this county
with in the month of April 1857 and I am fully persuaded and really believe that the said
property was worth at "Mountain Meadows," where my husband, as I am informed and
believe, was murdered, the sum of about ten thousand dollars. I can only make this
statement from information received from others, and heresay of course, that I only form
my opinion from "heresay." But be this estimate over, or under the amount that
the property was worth at Mountain Meadows, I have stated in the above facts truly, and
faithfully upon my own knowledge, and upon such information as I deem reliable, and I make
this statement upon a full knowledge of the facts stated in the annexed schedule as being
within my own knowledge, so help me God.
Her
Mary "X" Baker
Mark
Sworn and subscribed to before me this day and year
first herein written, and I do hereby certify that the above statement of the said Mary
Baker was made by her, reduced to writing in my presence, read over to her and by her
sworn to and subscribed in writing whereof I have hereunto set my hand as such Justice,
the day and year of foresaid.
John Bunch J P
And at the same time and place came also John H.
Baker to me personally well known, and who after being duly sworn, according to Law, to
Testify and the truth to speak in requard to the matters in the captions hereof mentioned,
deposed as follows that is to say;
My name is John H. Baker, I am a son of the witness
Mary Baker (whose Deposition is hereto annexed) and John T. Baker, deceased. I have had
hearing of the deposition hereto annexed of my mother, Mary Baker and I have of my own
knowledge and recollection, full belief that her statements and calculations therein made
and given are correct. I was living one half mile from my father when he started to
California in April 1857, and know that he had the number of cattle and other personal
property in said schedule set forth by the said witness, Mary Baker. I was well acquainted
with the price of stock at that time, was also well acquainted with the kind, quality and
worth of the property as mentioned in the tabular statement made in the deposition of the
said Mary Baker, and I know that the personal property, therein mentioned was the property
of my father, and that he started to California with all and more personal property than
mentioned herein. He had more guns, saddles, bridles etc. than is mentioned in said stated
estimate, etc. Know that such oxen as John T. Baker took with him could not have been
purchased in this market and got fixed and ready for the trip under a cost of from Sixty
to Seventy dollars. I know also that the mare and mules are put down at a fair estimate,
and as to the amount of provisions and camp equipage, my opinion is that it is below the
real value, but of this I can not say with so much certainty. I have been in California. I
was there in the latter part of the year 1852, stayed there until the month of September
1854, and from my knowledge of the country, and the price of property I think the property
that the said John T. Baker left here with in April 1857, would have been worth at
Mountain Meadows, the full sum of Ten Thousand dollars. This statement however is only
made from such general knowledge as I have from the western hands, and also from the
information of other traders.
I cannot now state what amount of money my father
started with, but I know he had money with him, but as to the amount I do not know. The
stock cattle were a well selected lot of cattle, and were sold in this market at twenty
dollars per head. I have a good knowledge of the quality of cattle, for I helped my father
collect the cattle and also went a few days travel with him when he started to California,
and have of my own personal knowledge gave the statements as regards the value of this
property here. So help me God.
J. H. Baker
Sworn to and subscribed to before me this
22nd day of October 1860.
John Bunch J P
And at the same time and place, came also John
Crabtree a witness known to me to be of lawful age and who, after being duly sworn to
testify the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, in regard to the matters in
the caption hereby mentioned, upon his oath deposed as follows, to wit;
I was well acquainted with John T. Baker in his life
time, and was living about a half or three quarters of a mile from him when he left, in
April 1857, for California. Mr. Baker was a very industrious man, and a shrewd, good
trader.
I saw the cattle and property that the said John T.
Baker owned and started with to California. I cannot give the exact number of cattle he
started with, but he had somewhere between one hundred and thirty and forty head of
cattle. He had two mules, one mare, one large ox wagon, provisions, camp equipage, and a
general outfit for a trip from here to California. As to the amount of money he started
with, I do not know. I believe the cattle he had and started with were worth in cash in
this market the sum of Twenty dollars per head. I think the oxen he started with would
have been worth fifty five or sixty dollars per yoke. I think the mules were worth at the
time he left here one hundred and fifty dollars each. The mare was well worth in this
market one hundred dollars. The ox wagon was worth one hundred and twenty five dollars.
And from my knowledge of the outfit, and the amount of provisions needed for the support
of the said John T. and his five hired hands, I would say that the estimate made by the
witness Mary Baker at Three Hundred and fifty dollars is a very low estimate, and I think
it would more nearly have reached the sum of Five hundred dollars.
I was at the house of the said John T. Baker,
frequently, while he was collecting the cattle, and I was present in April 1857 when the
said Baker started for California, and I had a good opportunity to notice the quality and
condition of the stock and outfit, and I have made the above estimate of the prices and
value of the stock of cattle, oxen, mules, wagon, mare, and etc.
On my own judgement, and from my knowledge of the
value of property at that time and I think and believe that the estimate as made by the
witness Mary Baker, is below the real value of the amount of property that the said Baker
owned, had in his possession, and took away with him when he started to California in the
spring of the year 1857; I was present when he started, and aided and assisted him on his
way a few miles when he started. The John T. Baker of whom I speak was the same Baker of
who Mary says, was murdered in the west at a place known as "Mountain Meadows".
I also know that the witness of the said John T. Baker is the identical Mary Baker, the
witness who has first deposed herein; she now lives at the same place where she did, where
the said John T. Baker started in April 1857, for California, and I have been acquainted
with the family and have lived a close neighbor for over 4 years next, before Baker left,
and have lived a close neighbor to his widow ever since, so help me God.
John Crabtree
Subscribed and sworn to-before me this
22nd day of October 1860.
John Bunch J P
Depositions herein was again resumed, and thereupon
came Hugh A. Torrance, a witness known to me to be of lawful age, who after being duly
sworn in accordance to law, to testify the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the
truth, in regard to the matters in the caption hereof mentioned upon his oath deposed as
follows, to wit;
"My name is Hugh A. Torrance, I reside in this
county. In April 1857, I was living on the farm of the said John T. Baker. I was then in
the employment of the said John T. Baker, and while he was gathering cattle for his
intended trip to California, I halped take care of the cattle and to feed them. They were
a good stock of cattle, well selected and likely. I know that the cattle he left here
with, when he started to California in April 1857, were worth Twenty dollars per head, and
perhaps had cost more to buy them and gather them up and feed them while he started with
them. The oxen were worth from fifty five to sixty dollars per yoke. The mare was worth
one Hundred dollars; The mules about one hundred and twenty five dollars each, the ox
wagon was well worth one hundred and twenty five dollars, and from my knowledge of the
outfit, provisions, clothing and camp equipage, I am satisfied that the same was well
worth from three hundred and fifty dollars to five hundred dollars. He had one hundred and
thirty five, or forty head of stock cattle worth twenty dollars per head, and I think he
had nine yoke of work oxen worth per yoke from fifty five to sixty per yoke. I have been
shown and had hearings of the tabular statement made by the witness Mary Baker, whom I
know to be the widow of the said John T. Baker, and from my close and intimate knowledge
of the property therein mentioned, I am satisfied that the estimate therein made is below
what the property was worth in cash the morning that the said John T. Baker left for
California and further this deponent saith not.
H.A. Torrance
Subscribed and sworn to before me this the
13th day of October, A.D, 1860
John Bunch J P
State of Arkansas
SS
County of Carroll
I, John Bunch, an acting, commissioned, Justice of
the Peace, duly qualified as such within and for said county, do hereby certify and make
known, that the annexed and foregoing depositions of Mary Baker, John Baker, and John
Crabtree, and Hugh A. Torrance were sincerely taken before me on the days therein named.
That the statements, dispenses, and evidences of
said several witnesses was reduced to writing in the presence of said several witnesses,
and respectively read over to them in their presence, and hearing, and by them, severally
sworn and subscribed to by them, I further certify and make known, that I am personally
well acquainted with each witness, and know them to be reputable persons, and to be the
identical persons who they represent themselves to be. In witness whereof, I have hereunto
set my hand officially as such, Justice of the Peace, this 23rd day of October 1860.
John Bunch J.P.
State of Arkansas
SS
County of Carroll
I, Sam W. Peel, as the clerk of circuit court, and
ex officio clerk of this county court of Carroll County and State aforesaid do hereby
certify that John Bunch, whose genuine official signature appears to the answered and
foregoing certificate, was at the time of taking said depositions and the making of said
certificate and now is an acting Justice of the Peace duly commissioned and qualified as
such within and for said county, and that his said certificate is in due form of law and
by the proper office. That his signature thereto annexed is genuine and in his own proper
hand unto, and that full faith and credit are due all his official acts as such Justice of
the Peace.
In witness whereof I, Sam W. Peel, as the clerk of
said court as aforesaid hereunto set my hand and seal.(The public seal of said court
having been destroyed by fire) This 25th day of October A.D. 1860
S. W. Peel, Clerk.
State of Arkansas (2)
SS
County of Carroll
Be it witnessed that on this 22nd day of October,
A.D. 1861, personally came and appeared before me, the undersigned, John Bunch, an acting
Justice of the Peace, duly commissioned and qualified as such within and for said county,
William A. Mitchell, of the county of Marion, and State of Arkansas, who after being duly
sworn according to law, to testify the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth,
in regard to the matters in relation to the property of Charles R. Mitchell and Joel D.
Mitchell, who it is supposed were murdered at a place known as "Mountain
Meadows" and whose property was taken my the murderers. Upon his oath aforesaid
deposed as follows;
I was personally well acquainted with the said
Charles and Joel Mitchell. There were my sons, and I assisted them in making their outfit
for the trip in the spring of 1857. They left in company with John T. Baker and many
others, and were murdered, as I am informed and believe, at "Mountain Meadows",
in September of the same year. They were on their way to California, and when they left
here they had in their possession and under their control, the following personal
property. They had in cash when they left this county, in April 1857, about the sum of Two
hundred and seventy five dollars. They had thirteen yoke of good work oxen. They had sixty
two head of other cattle and when they reached Washington county in this state, they wrote
to me that they had bought ten head more and intended getting two more so as to make one
hundred head in all. I have no doubt from all the information I have on this subject, and
I fully believe that when they left the state they had with them one hundred head of good
saleable cattle. They had one large ox wagon, log chains, etc. They had their wearing
apparel, beds, and bedding, and cooking utensils. They had guns, pistols and Bowie knives.
The property they had with them when they left for California in April 1857 was worth in
this market, at the date of their departure, at a fair and reasonable cash valuation as
follows, to wit:
13 yoke of work oxen @ $ 60.00 per yoke $ 780.00
74 head of other cattle, cows, steers @$12 $ 888.00
cash on hand when they left here $ 275.00
1 large wagon, chains, etc $ 120.00
1 horse saddle & bridle $ 100.00
Guns, fire arms, knives, etc $ 50.00
Clothing, beds, and bedding, provisions,
cooking utencils, camp equipage, etc., $ 300.00
-----------
$2513.00
Amounting in all, the property that the said Charles
and Joel D. Mitchell left this state with, for California in the year 1857, to the sum of
Twenty five hundred and thirteen dollars. I have made the above estimate at what the said
property was worth here, and know all as did know all the property above valued except the
ten head of cattle that was bought in Washington County, of which I have no knowledge,
only from heresay. But I believe that the amount above stated is a fair estimate of the
value of said property at "Mountain Meadows," where the parties were murdered
and robbed. I have no knowledge and from heresay but am informed and believe that said
property was of double the value there to what it was here and from all the information I
have been enabled to obtain I believe that said property at Mountain Meadows could have
been worth the sum of about five or six thousand dollars. This last statement is only
given as the information of others. So help me God.
Wm. C. Mitchell
Sworn to and subscribed to before me this
22nd day of October 1861.
John Bunch, J.P.
And at the same time and place came Samuel Mitchell,
an other witness known to me, to be of lawful age, who, after being duly sworn in, in
relation to the matter in the caption herein mentioned, deposed as follows:
"I am a brother to Charles R. and Joel D.
Mitchell mentioned in the foregoing deposition of William C. Mitchell. I was well
acquainted with the outfit of the parties, and acquainted with all the property set forth
in the foregoing statement made by the said William A. Mitchell, and from my knowledge of
the property and its value I believe that the value therein given and estimated, is a fair
cash valuation of the property and its value in this market at the date of the departure
of said parties for California. They left this county in company of John T. Baker and many
others, all bound for California, and I have no doubt but what they were all murdered at a
place known as "Mountain Meadows", so help me God.
Samuel Mitchell
Sworn to and subscribed on this 22nd day of October
1861 .
John Bunch, J.P.
State of Arkansas
SS
County of Carroll
I, Samuel W. Peel, as the clerk of the circuit court
and exofficio of the county and state aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified as such
within, and for said county, do hereby testify that John Bunch, whose official signature
appears to be annexed, and foregoing depositions of Wm C. Mitchell, and Samuel Mitchell,
was at the time said depositions were taken, and now is an acting Justice of the Peace
within and for said county, duly commissioned, and qualified as such, and that his
official signature thereunto annexed is genuine and in his own proper handwriting, and
that fullfaith and credit are due all his official acts as such. In witness whereof, I
Samuel W. Peel, as clerk as aforesaid, have hereunto set my hand as such clerk, and
affixed my private seal (The Public seal of said court having been destroyed by fire).
Given under my hand this 22 day of October 1860.
S W Peel, Clerk
State of Arkansas (3)
SS
County of Carroll
Be it remembered, that on this 23rd day of October,
1860, personally came and appeared before me, John Bunch, an acting Justice of the Peace,
duly commissioned, and certified as such within and for said county, Joseph B. Bains, who
after being duly sworn according to testify the truth, the whole truth, in regard to the
amount, quality and value of certain property which was in the possession of George W.
Baker when he left here in the month of April 1857, and in company with John T. Baker and
others bound for California, upon his oath as aforesaid deposition as follows;
I have lived in Carroll County, Arkansas for a
number of years, and was living here in the month of April 1857, and was living in 1/4 of
a mile of John T. Baker when the parties all left for California in April 1857. I now
reside at the same place I did then, and within 1/4 of a mile of Mary Baker, the widow of
John T. Baker. George W. Baker was the son of the same John T. Baker and Mary Baker, and I
know that the said George W. left here about the same time of his father in April 1857.
When George W. Baker left he was the owner in his own right, and had in his possession a
considerable amount of cash and personal property, and had sold out his lands and was
moving to California. He had a wife and four children when he left here. He was Guardian
of Melissa Ann Beller and she was also in company with him and he had in his possession as
Guardian of the said Melissa Ann Beller, the sum of seven hundred dollars in cash. I had
paid him as Guardian that amount for the said Melissa Ann, and know he had that amount. I
think Melissa Ann had a bed, bedding, wearing apparel, but of what value I cannot say. The
amount of personal property within the possession of the said George W. Baker, and which
he carried off with him as near as I can make the estimate from my knowledge,
information,, recollection and belief was as follows, that is to say:
2 ox wagons chains, each worth at $125.00 $ 250.00
Had in cash on hand about $ 500.00
He had beds, bedding, wearing apparel for
himself and family, provisions for himself
and family, worth $ 500.00
3 young mares worth $100.00 each $ 300.00
1 rifle gun $ 25.00
1 double barrel shot gun $ 25.00
136 head of cattle(or about that number)
(worth in this market @ 20.00 each) $ 2720.00
-----------
$ 4320.00
He had oxen, but how many he had, I do not know.
Neither do I know their value. The other specified property is all I now remember with
sufficient knowledge so as to give an accurate estimate of the amount and value. Baker had
a good outfit, and his family was well provided for in the way of wearing apparel and
provisions, and I have placed the estimate at a sum that I am satisfied is a low estimate
of what said property was worth in this outfit. The cattle were a very good lot, and
taking into consideration the demand for cattle at that time in this market, I think the
estimate is strictly within the cash limits of the market price here. The estimate of the
cash paid him as Guardian for Melissa Ann Beller, may have been paid out in the stock
purchased. But of this I am not positive; if the whole amount was expended in buying
cattle, then the amount of the annexed statement included the value of George W. Bakers
property and Melissa Ann Beller's estate. If perhaps all of said estate of said Melissa
Ann Beller was not expended here for stock, then the above estimate is below the real
amount of the value of said property. I have no doubt but what the said George W. Baker,
his wife, Melissa Ann, and all others in his family, except three children were murdered
at the massacre of Mountain Meadows. Three of his children have been returned to this
county, and now living within 1/4 mile of me at their grandmothers, Mary Baker. The oldest
of the children were recognized by their friends and relations here, as soon as they
returned and this fact convinces me that said Baker and family, except the children, were
all murdered at, Mountain Meadows, and further this deponent saith not, so help me God.
Joseph B. Baines
Subscribed and sworn to
before me this the 23rd day of October S.D., 1860
John Bunch, J.P.
And at the same time and place came, William C.
Beller, to me, personally well known, and who after being duly sworn according to law to
testify and the wish to speak in regard to the matters in the caption of these depositions
mentioned; upon his oath deposed as follows;
I was well acquainted with George W. Baker, and when
George W. Baker left for California, I was living about two miles from him. I was well
acquainted with himself and family and also with his property and I was present when he
started to move to California in April 1857, and saw his cattle and outfit for the trip. I
think that George W. Baker had, when he started from here, one hundred and fifty or sixty
head of cattle, in which was included about eight yoke of work oxen. I think the cattle
without the oxen were well worth in cash, in this market, fifteen dollars per head and I
think the work oxen were worth fifty five dollars per yoke. Now if the amount of cattle
the said George W. Baker started with, was one hundred and sixty head and then out of that
number the 8 yoke of oxen are taken, this would leave one hundred and fifty four head of
stock cattle which at $15.00 per head would amount to the sum of $2160.00
8 yoke of oxen @ $55.00 per yoke $ 440.00
3 horses, or mares 3 years old, and
worth in cash in this market, $125.00 each $ 375.00
2 ox wagons worth in cash & the cost
him here $ 260.00 $ 260.00
About $400.00 in cash $ 400.00
Beds, bedding, clothing for himself, & family,
provisions $ 500.00
1 shot gun, worth $ 30.00
1 rifle, worth (cost him $45.00) $ 30.00
I have made the above estimate from my own personal
knowledge of the property and its value in this market, and I believe that the above is a
low cash estimate of the property owned and carried off with him when he left here in
April 1857; He was moving to California, and had his wife, 4 children, Melissa Ann Beller,
D. W. Beller, and 2 hired hands with him and was well supplied with provisions and
clothing for the trip. I have no doubt but what George W. and all his family who started
with him were all killed at "Mountain Meadows" except three of his children, who
have been brought back to this county. All of who I could pick out of the crowd of
children when they were brought back here. I know they are the children of George W.
Baker, and from all I can learn from said children and other and sources of information, I
am fully satisfied that all were killed except children, who were in the train at Mountain
Meadows and further this deponent saith not, so help me God.
Wm C. Beller
Subscribed and sworn to
before me this 23rd day of October, A.D. 1860
John Bunch, J.P.
And at the same time and place came John H. Baker,
who being duly sworn according to law in relation to the matters in the caption, hereof
mentioned upon his oath deposed as follows:
I reside in the county of Carroll and State of
Arkansas and was living about a mile and three quarters from George W. Baker in April 1857
when he started to move to California. I was well acquainted with the property and outfit
with which he started, and had in his possession when he started to move. He left for
California in April 1857, and had with him his wife, 4 children; Melissa Ann Beller, D.W.
Beller, and two hired hands. He had about 136 head of stock cattle. He had eight yoke of
work oxen which he worked to his wagons and I think several extra yoke. He had 3 head of
horses. Two ox wagons, guns, provisions, clothing, camp equipage:
His stock cattle being 136 in
number was low at $15 per head $ 2040.00
8 yoke of work oxen @ $55.00 per yoke $ 440.00
3 young mares were worth $125.00 each $ 375.00
2 ox wagons $ 275.00
1 shot gun worth, in cash $ 35.00
1 rifle worth $ 50.00
His clothing, beds, bedding, provisions,
and general outfit for the move for self &
family was worth in cash here: $ 600.00
---------
$ 3815.00
As to the cash on hand when he started, I do not now
remember and can not say what amount he had. I know he had money but the amount I do not
know. I have made the above estimate at that I think the property was worth here; that is
at what it could have been cashed for.
I know the 3 children brought back here to be the
children of George W. Baker, and from what information I have been able to gather from
them, and from information received from others, I am fully satisfied that George W. Baker
and all who went with him, except the three children who have been brought back here, were
all killed at a place known as "Mountain Meadows" and further this deponent
saith not, so help me God.
J.H. Baker
Subscribed and sworn to
before me this the 23rd day of October A.D. 1860.
John Bunch, J.P.
And, at the same time and place came Irvin T.
Beller, a witness known to me to be of lawful age and who after being duly sworn according
to law in regard to the matters herein before deposed to upon his oath, deposed as
follows, to wit:
I was well acquainted with George W. Baker, and I
went with him when he started to move to California, two days. I was acquainted with his
property and outfit, and know the amount of peoperty he had with him when he stated to
move. He had the use of one hundred and sixty head of cattle, including work oxen and
stock cattle and they worth in cash in this market at the time he left here, at least
twenty dollars per head. $ 3,200.00
2 ox wagons, worth in cash $ 275.00
3 mares were worth, $125.00 $ 375.00
1 shot gun, worth in cash: $ 35.00
1 rifle, worth in cash: $ 50.00
His out fit including beds and bedding,
wearing apparel, provisions $ 700.00
He had cash on hand about: $ 500.00
------------
$ 5,135.00
I was there at the house of George W. Baker most of
the time he was making preparations to move, and was well acquainted with his
arrangements, and make the above estimate from my own personal knowledge of the amount,
quality and valve of his property and I think that the above estimate is the cash value of
said property at the time Baker left here with the same. And further this deponent saith
not, so help me God.
Irvin T. Beller
Subscribed and sworn to before
me this the 23rd day of October A.D. 1860
John Bunch, J.P.
State of Arkansas
SS
County of Carroll
I, John Bunch, an acting and duly commissioned, and
qualified Justice of the Peace within and for said county of Carroll, do hereby certify
that the annexed and foregoing depositions of Joseph B. Bains, William C. Beller, John H.
Baker, and Irvin T. Beller were all taken before me in the County of Carroll aforesaid,
and were reduced to writing before me, and separately read over to said witnesses in their
presence and hearing, and by them separately subscribed and swornto.
I further certify that I am personally acquainted
with all of said witnesses and know them to be reputable persons and that the evidence so
given in by them is reliable. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand as such
justice this 23rd day of October 1860.
John Bunch, J.P.
State of Arkansas
SS
County of Carroll
I, Sam W. Peel, as the clerk of circuit court, and
ex officio clerk of the county court of Carroll County and State aforesaid, do hereby
certify that John Bunch, whose genuine official signature appears to the annexed and
foregoing certificate was at the time of taking said depositions and the making of said
certificate and now is an acting Justice of the Peace duly commissioned and qualified as
such within and for said county, and that his said certificate is due form of law and by
the proper offices. That this signature thereto annexed is genuine and his own proper hand
write, and that full faith and credit are due all his official acts as such Justice of the
Peace.
In witness whereof, I, Sam W. Peel as the clerk of
said court as aforesaid have hereunto set my hand and seal, (the PublicSeal having been
destroyed by fire) This 25th day of October, A.D. 1860.
S. W. Peel, Clerk.
State of Arkansas (4)
SS
County of Carroll
Be it remembered that on this 23rd day of October,
1860, personally came and appeared before me, John Bunch, an acting Justice of the Peace,
duly commissioned and qualified as such within and for said county, James Deshazo, who
being duly sworn according to law, to testify the truth, the whole truth and nothing but
the truth in relation to the amount, quality, and value of certain property which Allen P.
Deshazo started with to California, in the month of April 1857, upon his oath deposed as
follows;
I was well acquainted with the said Allen P.
Deshazo, who left this county in the month of April 1857, bound for California. He left in
company of John T. Baker and I have no doubt but what he was murdered in the Mountain
Meadows Massacre. He left here with the following described personal property. He had
seventeen head of stock cattle. The most of the lot were likely heifers and were worth in
cash over two hundred dollars the morning he left here. I do not think he had but one
steer in the lot, and they were a likely well selected lot of cattle. This together with
his wearing apparel worth over fifty dollars, and a violin worth ten dollars was all the
property that I now remember that the said Allen P. had when he left. I believe that his
cattle, clothing and all he started with the morning he left here for California was worth
in cash in this market the sum of Three hundred dollars. The said Allen P. Deshazo was my
son, and I have a correct knowledge of his outfit, and further this deponent saith not, so
help me God.
James Deshazo
Swornto and subscribed to before me this 23rd day of
October A.D. 1860
John Bunch, J.P.
And at the same time and place came Hugh A.
Torrance, who after being duly sworn according to law to testify the truth, the whole
truth and nothing but the truth in regard to the matters deposed to in the annexed
deposition of James Deshazo, deposed as follows, that is to say;
I was acquainted with Allen P. Deshazo who left here
in company with John T. Baker in the month of April 1857, bound for California. He had
sixteen head of as likely young cattle as I ever saw in my life. They were all heifers and
young cows, and were a well selected lot of cattle. Taking into consideration the kind of
cattle he had, and the cost, trouble, and expense attendant on getting said cattle
together, I would say that the morning he left here with said cattle, they were worth at a
low cash price the sum of fifteen dollars per head, and I have no idea that the said Allen
P. Deshazo would have taken twenty five dollars per head for the lot of cattle when he
started with them and from my knowledge of his cattle, clothing, and outfit with which he
started, I suppose it would be a low estimate to put the amount of what his property was
worth the morning he left here, at three hundred dollars. And perhaps a larger sum and
further this deponent saith not, so help me God.
H. A. Torrance
Subscribed and sworn to before me this the 23rd day
of
October, A.D. 1860
John Bunch, J.P.
And at the same time and place came Lorenzo D. Rush,
a witness known to me to be of lawful age, and who after being duly sworn according to law
as required to the matters in the caption, hereof mentioned upon his oath aforesaid,
deposed as follows:
I saw the cattle the said Allen P. Deshazo, and was
well acquainted with the parties, or a great many of them who left in company with John T.
Baker in the month of April, in the year 1857. I had a son who left in the same crowd, and
who no doubt was with the crowd when they were all murdered at Mountain Meadows. From my
knowledge of the county, the price of cattle, etc, in the spring of 1857, I think the
estimate of one made by witness James Deshazo and H.A. Torrance as to the worth of the
property with which the same Allen P. Deshazo started with to California, is herewith
correct, and that the said estimate is a reasonable one, and further this deponent saith
not, so help me God.
Lorenzo D. Rush
John Bunch, J.P.
State of Arkansas
SS
County of Carroll
I, John Bunch, an acting Justice of the Peace within
and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified as such within, and for said county,
do hereby certify that the foregoing depositions of James Deshazo, H. A. Torrance, and
Lorenzo D. Rush, were all separately taken, reduced to writing in their presence and read
over to them respectively, and by them sworn and subscribed to before me this 23rd day of
October 1860, and I do hereby certify that I am personally well acquainted with said
several witnesses, and that they are all respectable persons, and entitled to full credit.
Given under my hand as such Justice the day and year where written.
John Bunch, J.P.
State of Arkansas
SS
County of Carroll
I, Sam W. Peel, as the clerk of circuit court and
exoficio clerk of the County Court of said county of Carroll and State of said, do hereby
certify, that John Bunch whose genuine official signature appears to the annexed on
foregoing certificate, was at the time of taking depositions and the making of said
certificate, and acting Justice of the Peace duly commissioned and qualified as such,
within and for said county, and that his said certificate is in due form of law and by the
proper officer. That his signature thereto affixed is genuine and in his own proper hand
writing, and full faith, and credit are all his official acts as such Justice of the
Peace. In testimony witness whereof, I, Sam W Peel, a clerk of said court as aforesaid
herein to, set my hand and private seal (the public seal of said court having been
destroyed by fire), This 25th day of October A.D. 1860.
S W Peel
State of Arkansas (5)
SS
County of Carroll
Be it remembered that on this 23rd day of October
1860 personally came and appeared before me, John Rush, the undersigned acting Justice of
the Peace, duly commissioned and qualified as such within and for said county, Lorenzo D.
Rush, who after being duly sworn according to law to testify the truth, the whole truth
and nothing but the truth in regard to certain property in possession of Milam L. Bush,
when he left his county in April 1857 in company with John T. Baker, bound for California,
upon his oath aforesaid dispersed as follows, to wit;
I am the father of the said Milam Rush, and know
that he left here in the month of April 1857, bound for California; he left in company
with John T. Baker and many others, all of whom were murdered, as I am informed and
believe, at Mountain Meadows, in Utah Territory in September of same year, and their
property all carried away, or disappeared by the murderers. When my son, the said Milam L.
Rush, left here he was the owner of and had in possession, and carried off with him, the
following described personal estate and which he started with him, when he left here; He
had from ten to twelve head of cattle according to the best of my knowledge information
and belief, he had one rifle gun, three blankets, knives, and his wearing apparel, and
also about twenty five dollars in cash. I think his cattle were worth at a fair cash price
at the morning he left here with them at least fifteen dollars per head. I think his
wearing apparel, rifle gun, and other articles were worth in cash the sum of sixty three
dollars. The estimate I make of the whold matter is this, I think that he had twelve head
of cattle at $15 per head: $ 180.00
Cash on hand: $ 25.00
His wearing apparel, gun, etc., $ 63.00
------
$ 268.00
and I make the estimate of the cash value of the
property, together with the cash on hand worth the morning the said Milam L. Rush left
here in April 1857, the sum of Two hundred and sixty eight dollars. I have no doubt but
what said property was worth a much larger amount than the above estimate at the place
where the said parties were murdered. I have given the above estimate according to the
cash value here, and think that the value is very nearly correct, and further this
deponent saith not, so help me God.
Lorenzo D. Rush
Subscribed and sworn to before me this the 23rd day
of
October A.D. 1860
John Bunch, J.P.
And at the same time and place came H. A. Torrance,
who, after being duly sworn according to law in regard to the matters and things mentioned
in the caption hereof mentioned, upon his oath deposed as follows;
I was well acquainted with the said Milam L. Rush,
who left here in company with John T. Baker for California in April 1857. I know when he
started to California he had with him about Ten head of cattle, and I know nothing about
what his other property was worth, particularly. But I suppose his property was worth the
amount as herein before estimated by the witness, Lorenzo D. Rush. I was with them when
they started, and Baker, Rush, Desharzo, and others were my neighbors and I had a good
opportunity to know what property there was belonging to several of them, and I am
satisfied the estimate where given is correct and further this deponent saith not, so help
me God.
H. A. Torrance
Subscribed and sworn to before me this the
23rd day of October 1860
John Bunch, J.P.
State of Arkansas
SS
County of Carroll
I, John Bunch, an acting Justice of the Peace,
within and for said county, duly commissioned, and qualified as such, within and for said
county, do hereby certify that the foregoing deposition of Lorenzo D. Rush and H.A.
Torrance are all separately taken, reduced to writing in their presence, and read over to
them respectfully, and by them sworn and subscribed to before me this 23rd of October
1860, and I do hereby certify that I am personally well acquainted with said several
witnesses, and that they are all reputable persons, and entitled to full credit. Given
under my hand as such Justice the day and year above written.
John Bunch, J.P.
State of Arkansas
SS
County of Carroll
I, Sam W. Peel, as the clerk of circuit court, and
exofficio clerk of the county court of the county of Carroll, and state aforesaid, do
hereby certify that John Bunch, whose genuine official signature appears to the aforesaid
and foregoing certificate, was, at the time of taking said depositions and the making of
said certificate, and now is an acting Justice of the Peace duly commissioned and
qualified as such within and for said county, and there his said certificate within due
form of law and by the proper offices. That his signature thereto attached is genuine and
in own proper hand write, and that full faith and credit are due all his official acts as
such Justice of the Peace. In witness whereof I, Sam W. Peel as the clerk of said court as
aforesaid, here hereunto set my hand and seal (the public seal of said court having been
destroyed by fire). This 25th day of October A.D. 1860.
S. W. Peel, Clerk
State of Arkansas (6)
SS
County of Carroll
Be it remembered that on this 24th day of October,
A.D. 1860, personally came and appeared before me, the undersigned acting and duly
commissioned, and qualified, Justice of the Peace, within and for said county, Francis M.
Rowan, to me personally well known, to be of lawful age, and excellent memory, and who,
after being duly sworn, according to law, to testify, and the wish to speak in regard to
the matters in relation to the amount, quality and value of certain personal property
owned by John M. Jones, Newton Jones, Sebron Tackett, Pleasant Tackett, and others, in the
month of April 1857, when they left the State of Arkansas, bound for California, upon his
oath of foresaid deposed as follows, to wit;
My name is Francis M. Rowan, I reside in the county
of Carroll and State of Arkansas. In April 1857, I was residing in the county of
Washington, in this state, and the said John M. Jones and his brother Newton Jones, on
their way to California, camped some 10 or 15 days within five or six miles of where I
lived at that time. I had been acquainted with the Jones' boys for a number of years.
Previous to that time, and when they camped there, I was frequently with the boys; I was
at their camp, and saw their property, and being well acquainted with the boy's, Milam
Jones, and Newton Jones particularly pointed out the property that they owned, showed me
their cattle and oxen, of course I did not pay much attention to the property that I would
have done, and I believed that I would have ever been called upon to testify about it, but
my recollection, and belief is that the two Jones boys owned four yoke of work oxen, one
large ox wagon-John M. Jones was married and had his wife and two children with him, and
was moving to California. He had with him the widow Tackett and three or four of her
children. Newton Jones, John M. Jones, his wife and two children, widow Tackett and three
or four children, and Sebron Tackett constituted one company in family groups. The Jones
boys owned the wagon, oxen and outfit, and the others seemed to be living with them and
depending on the Jones boys for their support. The wagon was large and very heavily
burdened; I suppose John M. Jones had a gun and other fire arms but of what value or
number I do not know. Newton Jones had a fine rifle gun; they appeared to be all well
supplied with beds and bedding and wearing apparel for an excursion of that kind, and also
with provisions.I know that there was in the corral, sixty six or sixty eight head of
stock cattle, but how many they had, that is how many the Jones' had I do not now
remember, but according to the best of my recollection, Milam Jones had only about 8 head
of the stock cattle as near as I can now estimate. The value of the property owned by the
two Jones' boys I would say that the large ox wagon was worth in cash: $ 125.00
4 yoke of work oxen at 65.00 per yoke $ 260.00
8 head of stock cattle at 20.00 per head $ 160.00
I would say that from my knowledge of the
number of persons along, that the beds,
bedding, wearing apparel, provisions,
furniture, camp equipage, etc was worth $ 500.00
They had cash on hand but how much I know not.
Newton Jones had over twenty that I know of $ 20.00
The rifle gun was worth; $ 15.00
------
$1075.00
($1080.00)
I have made the above statement according to my
personal knowledge, recollection and belief, and I can not say how much of the property
belonged to Milam, or how much to Newton, only as I was informed. I think however that
Newton Jones owned in his own right one yoke of oxen, and one half the wagon, and his gun;
John M. Jones owned the other three yoke of oxen, the one half of said wagon and how the
outfit was divided or owned among them I do not now remember. There were several other
persons along, and who had separate wagons. There were 3 men by the name of Peleat, or
Pilleats. The oldest one of the Peleats was a married man, had his wife and children
along; they had a separate camp and wagon; there was an other man, Pleasant Tackett, who
had a separate wagon; and before they started George W. Baker drove up and camped near the
others. The Peleats and Pleasant Tackett had oxen and other property but I can not say how
much. They had horses, and camp equipage, provisions etc., and appeared to be well fixed
for the outfit, but it is impossible for me to separate the several claimants, or the
amounts that each one owned, only as I have above stated and I am well satisfied that the
amount of property that said parties were owners of was worth several thousand dollars. I
have no doubt but what all the parties were murdered at "Mountain Meadows" in
September 1857, except a few children who have been sent back to the states-and I further
state that I believe that the property above described was lost or destroyed at Mountain
Meadows in 1857 and further this deponent saith not. So help me God.
F.M. Rowan
Submitted and subscribed to before me this
24th day of October, 1860.
C.C. Williams, J.P.
And at the same time and place came Fielding
Willows, a witness known to be of lawful age and memory, and who after being duly sworn
in, regard to the matters in the caption hereof mentioned upon his oath deposed as follows
that is to say;
I now reside in the County of Carroll, and State of
Arkansas; I was living near the Indian line in Washington County, Arkansas, in the month
of April 1857. I was personally well acquainted with John M. Jones, and Newton Jones,
Pleasant Tackett, and the widow Tackett mentioned in the foregoing deposition of Francis
M. Rowan, when the parties above named, were on their way to California, and while they
were in camp in the Indian line in Washington County, Arkansas. I was at their camp and
stayed with them two or three days. I was well acquainted, and on intimate terms with the
Jones boys, and saw their property. I have had hearing of the tabulation statement of the
amount, quality, and value of property as deposed to by said witness Rowan, and from my
knowledge recollection and belief, I am satisfied that the estimate therein made is very
nearly correct. It may be even or under the real cash value of what the real cash value
was in the market of Washington County at the time said parties left Washington County.
But my best judgement is that the estimate made is not an unreasonable one either way.
John M. Jones and his brother had to my own knowledge; one large good ox wagon, 4 yoke of
first rate work oxen. Their wagon was very heavily laden with clothing, beds and bedding,
provisions, etc. The fine stock cattle they had some six or eight in all were good cattle,
and were all no doubt worth the prices named in the annexed evidence of the witness
Francis M. Rowan. I know that there was about sixty head of stock cattle over and above
the amount owned by the Jones Boys, but to whom it belonged I cannot say. The widow
Tackett, Pleasant Tackett, Peleats, and several others were in the crowd and all left the
State of Arkansas, for California, together. They left sometime in the month of April
1857. The Peleats, Basham, and Tacketts had three wagons, several yoke of good oxen to
each wagon, and had one horse. Had apparently plenty of provisions, clothing and a general
outfit to make the trip comfortable, and further this deponent saith not.
F. Willow
Subscribed & swornto before me this
24th day of October 1860
C.C. Williams, J.P.
And at the same time and place came, Felix W. Jones,
a witness known to me to be of lawful age, and who after being duly sworn according to law
in regard to the matters in the caption hereof mentioned upon his oath, as aforesaid,
deposed as fullows;
I now reside in the county of Marion, and State of
Arkansas, where I have resided for about nine years last past. I was well and intimately
acquainted with John M, and Newton Jones who left Arkansas in April 1857, for California.
They were my brothers. John M was married and started with his wife and two children. He
was moving to California. Newton was a young man, and was going with his brother, to
California. I only knew the wagon and one yoke of oxen. I believe they had all the
property mentioned in the statement of witness Rowan. The wagon was worth at the time the
parties left here, in cash, one hundred and twenty five dollars. The yoke of oxen I knew
were worth sixty five dollars. The steers I mention, and one half the wagon belonged to
Newton Jones. The other half of the wagon belonged to John M. Jones, and the other oxen,
and cattle etc, spoken of by witnesses Rowan, and Wilburn belonged to John M., I suppose
and believe. I do not know how much money the boys had when they left but Newton had
thirty dollars or upwards. Newton also had a rifle gun and John M. Jones had a shot gun
worth perhaps fifteen or twenty dollars each. I do not know what the provisions, clothing
and general outfit was worth, but from all the information I have been able to get in
relation to the provisions, tents, clothing and outfit, I would say that it was worth in
cash between five and six hundred dollars, and further this deponent saith not, so help me
God.
Felix W. Jones
Sworn to and subscribed to before me this
24 day of October 1860.
C.C. Williams J P
State of Arkansas
SS
County of Carroll
I, C.C. Williams, an acting Justice of the Peace
within and for the county of Carroll and State of Arkansas, duly commissioned and
qualified as such within and for said county, do hereby certify that the annexed and
foregoing deposition of Francis M. Rowan, Fielding Willows, and Felix W. Jones were
sincerely taken before me in the county of foresaid, on this 24th day of October 1860, and
that the statements, responses, and answers of each of said witnesses were reduced to
writing in their presence and read over to them in their presence and hearing, and by them
sincerely subscribed and swornto before me. I further certify that I am well acquainted
with said witnesses, Rowan, Willburn, and Jones, and that they are all reputable persons,
and worthy of credit. In witness whereof, I, as such Justice of the Peace as aforesaid,
have hereunto set my hand this 24th day of October 1860.
C.C. Williams, J.P.
State of Arkansas
SS
County of Carroll
I, Sam W. Peel, as the clerk of the circuit court,
and ex officio clerk of the county court of the county of Carroll, and state aforesaid, do
hereby certify that C.C. Williams, whose genuine official signature appears to the
annexed, and foregoing certificate, was at the time of taking said depositions, and the
making of said certificates, and now is an acting Justice of the Peace duly commissioned,
and qualified as such within, and for said county, and that his clerk certificate is in
due form of law, and by the proper officer. That his signature, thereto annexed, is
genuine and in his own proper hand writing, and that full worth and credit are due all his
official acts as such Justice of the Peace. In witness whereof, I Sam W. Peel, as the
clerk of said court as aforesaid, have hereunto set my hand and affixed my private seal
(The public seal of this court having been destroyed by fire). This 25th day of October,
A.D. 1860
S.W. Peel, Clerk
SS
State of Arkansas (7)
SS
County of Marion
Be it remembered that on this 26th day of October
A.D. 1860, personally appeared before me, Moses P. Ray, an acting Justice of the Peace, in
and for the County of Marion, and duly commissioned by the Governor of the State of
Arkansas, William C. Mitchell, to me made known and made oath in due form of Law. That he
was made acquainted with Lorenzo D. Dunlap, who left Marion County Arkansas in April 1857
on route for California, in John T. Baker Company and that the said Dunlap had a wife and
eight children who was all killed at or near a place called the Mountain Meadows, Utah
Territory, except two small daughters who is at this time in my care and the said L.D.
Dunlap had at the time he left Arkansas, the following described property to wit;
Four yoke of oxen worth sixty dollars each. Twelve
head of cattle worth fifteen dollars each. Three guns, pistols, knives, worth fifty
dollars. One wagon, log chains, wagon sheet worth one hundred dollars, provision, cooking
articles, tents, bedding, all worth three hundred and fifty dollars. This estimate is what
property was worth at the time they left Arkansas in the spring of 1857. I am informed and
believe it was worth more in Utah Territory. I was appointed special agent to secure and
take charge of the children survivors of the Mountain Meadows Massacre and secured the
children above mention at Fort Leavenworth, in Kansas Territory, in August A.D. 1859, and
delivered them at Carrollton, Arkansas, in September 1859, and have no doubt of the death
of L.D. Dunlap and was killed at or near the Mountain Meadows in Utah Territory
Four yoke of oxen at $60 each $ 240.00
12 head of cattle worth $15 each $ 180.00
3 guns, pistols, knives, the worth $ 50.00
1 wagon log chains, the worth 100 $ 100.00
Provisions, cooking articles and camp fixings, etc $
350.00
-----------
$ 920.00
Given under my hand this day and date above matter.
Sworn to and subscribed before me. Wm. C. Mitchell
this 26th day of October 1860
M P Ray J P
State of Arkansas
County of Marion.
Be it remembered that on this 26th day of October,
A.D. 1860, appeared before me, M.P. Ray, an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for the
County of Marion, and State aforesaid, duly commissioned by the Govenor of the State of
Arkansas, Samuel Mitchell, James D. Dunlap, and Adam P. Dunlap, to me made known and made
oath, in due form of laws, that they were well acquainted with L. D. Dunlap, and his
property he took with him at the time he left Arkansas in the spring of 1857, and this
statement made by William C. Mitchell, as known is correct, and as his death at or near
the Mountain Meadows, in Utah Territory. We have no doubt given under our hands this day
and date above matter to and subscribe before me on this 26th day of October 1860
M.P. Ray J P
Samuel Mitchell
James Dunlap
Adam P. Dunlap
State of Arkansas
SS
County of Marion
Be it remembered, that on this 26th day of October,
A.D. 1860, personally appeared before me, M.P. Ray, an acting and duly commissioned
Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Marion, State of Arkansas, Robert C.
Mitchell, and Wm C. Dunlap, and state they were in company with Wm C Mitchell, special
agent as the part of the General Government, and now the two children mentioned in his
affadavit at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas Territory, and likewise was well acquainted with
L.D. Dunlap and his outfit, having went with him one day at the time of his departure from
Arkansas in the sping of 1857, and the statement made by William C. Mitchell above is
correct. Given under our hands this day and date above matter.
Sworn to and subscribed before
me this 26th day of October 1860
M.P. Ray, J.P.
Robert C. Mitchell
William Dunlap
State of Arkansas
County of Marion
I, John W. Methvin, clerk of the circuit court and
exofficio clerk of the county court, in and for said county, do certify that M. P. Ray,
Esq, whose own genuine signature appears upon the within and foregoing instrument of
writing, is now, and was at the time of signing the same, a duly commissioned, qualified,
and acting Justice of the Peace, in and for said county, and all his official acts as such
are, and, of right, ought to be given full faith and credit.
Witness my hand and the seal of said at office this
29th
day of October A.D. 1860
Jno W. Methvin, clerk.
State of Arkansas (8)
County of Marion
Be it remembered that on the 26th day of October,
A.D. 1860, personally appeared before me, Moses P. Ray, an acting Justice Peace in and for
the County of Marion, and State aforesaid, and duly commissioned by the Governor of said
State, James D. Dunlap, to me well known, and made oath in due form of law;
That Jesse Dunlap and family of Marion County in the
State of Arkansas on route for California in April 1857, and was in company of Capt. John
T. Baker and all of his family with the exception of three small daughters, I have no
doubt was killed at or near the Mountain Meadows, in Utah Territory. And said Jesse Dunlap
left with the following described property belonging to him, to wit, nine yoke of oxen
worth sixty dollars per yoke, thirty head of cattle worth twelve dollars per head, two
head of horses worth one hundred dollars cash, three wagon log chains the worth one
hundred dollars each, three guns, pistols and knives worth fifty dollars. Cash at the time
of his departure, three hundred and twenty dollars. Provisions, camp fixins, cooking
articles, worth four hundred dollars. The said Dunlap family consisted at the time he
left, a wife and nine children. The three youngest was delivered at Carrollton, Arkansas,
in charge of William C. Mitchell, Special Agent in September, A.D. 1859, and said
survivors of said Jesse Dunlap is at this time in my possession. The said Jesse Dunlap,
deceased, was my brother. The worth of said property is estimated at its worth in the
State of Arkansas at the time of his departure from the County of Marion and State of
Arkansas
Nine yoke of oxen $60.00 per yoke $ 540.00
Thirty head of cattle at $12.00 per head $ 360.00
2 head of horses at $100.00 each $ 200.00
3 wagon log chains and fixtures, $100 ea $ 300.00
3 guns, pistols, knives, at $50.00 $ 50.00
Money when he left, $320.00 $ 320.00
Provision, bedding, blankets &
cooking utensils $ 400.00
------------
$ 2110.00
( $ 2170.00 )
Given under my hand this day and date
James D. Dunlap
Above matter sworn to and subscribed this
26th day of October 1860
M. P. Ray, J.P.
State of Arkansas
County of Marion
Be it remembered that on this 26th day of October
A.D. 1860, personally appeared before me M. P. Ray, an acting and duly commissioned
Justice of the Peace in and for the State and County aforesaid, William C. Mitchell, to me
well known, and made oath in due form of law. The statement made by James D. Dunlap
respecting the property that Jesse Dunlap, deceased, left Arkansas possessed of is
correct, as I went with him twenty five miles the time he left Arkansas and I have no
doubt of his death at or near the Mountain Meadows in Utah Territory. I acted as special
agent of the General government and delivered the three children spoken of as survivors of
the Mountain Meadows Massacre in September 1857, at Carrollton Arkansas in September 1859,
and James D. Dunlap has the children at his house which is their home at this time.
Wm. C. Mitchell
Sworn to and subscribed before this
26th day of October, 1860
M. P. Ray, J.P.
State of Arkansas
County of Marion
Be it remembered that on this 26th day of October
A.D., 1860, personally appeared before me, Moses P. Ray, William C. Dunlap and Robert C.
Mitchell, to me well known and made oath in due form of law. That they were well
acquainted with Jesse Dunlap, who left Marion County, Arkansas, on route for California in
April 1857, and went one day with them, and likewise went in company with William C.
Mitchell, who was special agent appointed by the General Government to take charge of the
Surviviors of the Mountain Meadows Massacre and secure the children at Fort Leavenworth,
Kansas Territory in August 1859, and restored them to their friends and relations at
Carrollton, Arkansas, in September 1859. And the statement made by James D. Dunlap, we
believe is correct, and we have no doubt of the death of said Jesse Dunlap, at or near the
Mountain Meadows in Utah Territory. Given under our hands this day and date above
mentioned.
William Dunlap
Robert C. Mitchell
Sworn to and subscribed before me this
26th day of October, 1860
M. P. Ray, J.P.
State of Arkansas
County of Marion
At the same time and place appeared before me, M. P.
Ray, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid. Adam P.
Dunlap and Samuel Mitchell well known, and made oath in due form of law. That they were
well acquainted with Jesse Dunlap, who left Arkansas, Marion County, on route for
California in the Spring of 1857, and well acquainted with the amount and worth of his
stock and outfit and the statement made by James D. Dunlap respecting his stock and worth
of the same is correct to the best of their knowledge and they have no doubt of the death
of said Jesse Dunlap at or near the Mountain Meadows in Utah Territory.
A. D. Dunlap
Samuel Mitchell
Sworn to and subscribed before me this
26th day of October 1860
M. P. Ray, J.P.
State of Arkansas
SS
County of Marion
I, John W. Methvin, clerk of the circuit court and
exofficio clerk of the county court in and for the county aforesaid, do hereby certify
that M.P. Ray, Esq., whose own genuine signature appears upon the written and foregoing
instrument of writing is now and was at the time of signing the same, a duly commissioned
Justice of the Peace and for said county and all official acts as such are, and of right
ought to be given, full faith and credit.
In testimony whereof I have unto set my hand and
affixed
the Seal of said court at office in Yellville this
29th
day of October A.D. 1860.
Jno W. Methvin, clerk.
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