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Pioneer Date Summary
04/12/1847 - Crockett
Location: Fremont, Nebraska - Location: 41:26:00N 96:29:52W Elevation: 1195 feet Date: April 12, 1847 Elkhorn River, Nebraska: The pioneer camp traveled fourteen miles up the north bank of the Platte River. The men were impressed by the width of the Platte River. It was wider than they had expected. [At some points the river is a mile wide.] After the camp was established, a meeting was held in the evening. It was decided that Thomas Grover, Henry G. Sherwood, and Stephen Markham should lead the pioneer company until the Twelve returned. Brother Markham gave some instructions regarding guarding the camp. James Case and Jackson Redden were appointed to scout ahead on the following day. The meeting was closed with prayers and then the pioneers enjoyed some music and dancing. After the guard was established for the evening, Brother Markham asked the men to have prayers together in their meal groups (messes). [This camp was about three miles southeast of present-day Fremont, Nebraska. It was later named the "Liberty Pole Camp" by the Second Company of pioneers on July 4, 1847. It was about one-quarter mile from the Platte River, and west of US 77.] Brigham Young, the other members of the Twelve, Erastus Snow, John Brown, Norton Jacob, and Bishop Newel K. Whitney crossed back over the Elkhorn and traveled back to Winter Quarters, hoping to meet with John Taylor the following day. Norton Jacob made the return trip to fetch his rifle and cow. The Only wagons that remained at the Elk Horn were those belonging to George A. Smith and John Brown. Part of the company traveled by horseback on an Indian trail which saved 15 miles of traveling. The wagons had to travel thirty-five miles along the established roads. Winter Quarters, Nebraska:William Clayton spent the day at home. Thomas and James, members of his family, were cutting wood and preparing to go to Summer Quarters. The High Council decided to levy another tax to continue to fund a police guard. In the evening, after all arriving at the city, the Twelve held a Council meeting. They discussed what to do with the tithing money that Parley P. Pratt had collected in England. Various individual were mentioned who needed assistance. Brigham Young was appointed by the Council to distribute the funds. A letter was written to Orson Spencer in England asking him to release Franklin or Samuel Richards, Lucius N. Scovill and others who could be spared. "But if not in accordance with the spirit of time, let them wait in patience, and they shall have their rewards." They shared with Orson Spencer the most recent news: "The Council, Parley P. Pratt excepted, left 69 pioneer wagons and teams on the west side of the Elk Horn this morning, prosecuting their journey for the Great Basin, in search for a location for a stake of Zion. We expect to overtake them in two or three days, and point the site as the Spirit directs, and return in the fall, and in the spring following take out our families." The Council approved the call of Lyman Littlefield to serve a mission in the British Isles. Thomas Bullock was asked to keep the official journal of the Pioneer journey. The meeting concluded at midnight. George A. Smith wrote: "I went to bed feeling much tired and bruised by riding horseback thirty-five miles on a rought going nag." Summer Quarters, Nebraska: Mormon Battalion, at Los Angeles, California: Company B, Mormon Battalion, at San Diego, California: Cincinnati, Ohio: Sources:
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