Mormon History 1830-1844

Joseph
     
Bios
     
Beliefs & Practices
     
Chron
     
NY
     
Ohio
     
Missouri
     
Missions
     
Sources
     

Heber C. Kimball's Accounts of Zion's Camp (2)
    Times and Seasons
6, no. 5 (Mar. 15, 1845): 838 –840; no. 7 (Apr. 15, 1845): 866–867.
  Millennial Star
2, no. 35 (Aug. 27, 1864): 550–552.
Originally published as a five-part series in the Deseret News, Mar. 31–Apr. 28, 1858.
  Heber C. Kimball

Minutes of February 17, 1834
    EXTRACT FROM THE JOURNAL OF
ELDER HEBER C. KIMBALL.
  SYNOPSIS OF THE HISTORY OF
HEBER CHASE KIMBALL.
   
June 24

Start for Liberty, Clay county

Fishing River high
On the morning of the 24th we started for Liberty, Clay county, where our brethren were residing, who had been driven from Jackson county, taking our course round the head of Fishing River, in consequence of high water.     "¶ June 24th we resumaed our march for Liberty. clay county by a circuitous route round the head of Fishing river to avoid the deep water.
Atchison: don't go to Liberty
  When we got within five or six miles of Liberty, General Atchison, and several other gentlemen, met us, desiring that we would not go to Liberty, as the feelings of the people of that place was much enraged against us.       "When within five or six miles of Liberty we were met by General Atchison and other gentlemen who desired us not to go to Liberty. because the feelings of the people were so much enraged against us.
Go to Sidney Gilbert's   Changing our course and bearing to the left, we pursued our way across a prairie; then passing through a wood until we came to brother Sidney Gilberts, where       "At their solicitations we turned our course, wheeled to the left. and crossing the prairie and woodland came to bro <A.> Sidney Gilberts' residence,
Camp on Rush Creek

2.5 miles from Liberty
  we camped on the bottom of Rush Creek, in a field belonging to brother Burket on the 25th.   24th.—The camp removed to Rush creek, and encamped in brother Burgett’s field, some two-and-a-half miles from Liberty.   "and encamped on the bank of Rush Creek, in brother {Burgharts} <Burket> field." Woodruff has Burgetts ¶ Wilford Woodruff.
Midnight cholera attack

Joseph predicted

Guards fall

This night the cholera came upon us, as we had been warned by the servant of God. About 12 o'clock at night we began to hear the cries of those who were seized with the cholera, and they fell before the destroyer. Even those on guard fell with their guns in their hands to the ground, and we had to exert ourselves considerably to attend to the sick, for they fell on every hand. The destroyer came upon us, as we had been warned by the servant of God. About twelve o’clock at night we began to hear the cries of those who were seized. Those on guard fell with their guns in their hands to the ground, and we had to exert ourselves considerably to attend to the sick, for they were stricken down on every hand.   "¶ This night the cholera burst forth upon us, and about midnight it was manifest in its most terrific form. Our ears were saluted with cries, and moanings, and lamentations on every hand; even those on guard fell to the earth with their guns in their hands, so sudden <and powerful> was the attack of this terrible disease. At the commencement I attempted to lay on hands for their recovery, but I quickly learned by painful experience. that when the Great Jehovah decrees destruction upon any people, <and> makes known his determination, man must not attempt to stay his hand. The moment I attempted to rebuke the disease. {that moment} I was attacked, <it seized upon me like the talons of a hawk and <[- - - - -]> if I had had my work done, you would have had to tumble me into the ground without a coffin> and had I not desisted, I must have saved the life of my brother by the sacrifice of my own, {for when I rebuked the disease it left him. and seized me.}" MH A-1, 505.
Morning disperse   Thus it continued till morning when the camp was separated into several small bands and were dispersed among the brethren.   Thus it continued till morning, when the camp was dispersed among the brethren.   "Early on the morning of the 25th the camp was separated into small bands, and dispersed among the brethren living in the vicinity …" MS history 1:2, 337.
Heber and companions nurse sick

John S. Carter dies
I was left at the camp in company with three or four of my brethren in care of those who were sick. We stayed with, and prayed for them, hoping they would recover, but all hope [839] was lost, for about 6 o'clock p.m., John S. Carter expired, he being the first that died in the camp.   I was left with Joseph B. Nobles, John D. Parker, Luke Johnson and Warren Ingalls in care of those who were sick. We staid with, and prayed for them, hoping they would recover, but all hope was lost, for about six o’clock p.m., John S. Carter expired.    
John S. Carter had tried to rebuke it

Seth Hitchcock dies
When the cholera first broke out in the camp, brother John S. Carter was the first who went forward to rebuke it, but himself was immediately seized by it, and as before stated, was the first who was slain. In about 30 minutes after his death, Seth Hitchcock followed him; and it appeared as though we must sink under the destroyer with them. When the cholera first broke out, he laid his hands on his brethren to rebuke it, but he was violently attacked and was the first who died. In about thirty minutes, Seth Hitchcock died, and it appeared as though we must all sink under the power of the destroyer.
  "When the cholera made its appearance Elder John S. Carter was one of the first who stepped forward to rebuke it, and upon this was instantly seized, [338] and became the first victim in the camp. He died about six o'clock in the afternoon. Seth Hitchcock died in about thirty minutes after, (and Erastus Rudd died about the same moment. although half a mile distant, he was buried by Jesse Smith, George A. Smith, and two or three others, and while burying him Jesse Smith was attacked with the cholera.)" MS history 1:2, 337–338.
Wrap in blankets (no coffins)

Bury victims
We were not able to obtain boards to make them coffins, but were under the necessity of rolling them up in their blankets, and burying them in that manner. So we placed them on a sled, which was drawn by a horse about half a mile, where we buried them in a little bluff by the side of a small stream that emptied into Rush Creek. This we accomplished by dark, and returned back.
We were not able to obtain lumber to make them coffins, but were under the necessity of rolling them up in their blankets, and burying them in that manner. We placed them on a sled, which was drawn about half a mile, and buried them by the side of a small branch of Rush creek. This was accomplished by dark.
  "As it was impossible to obtain coffins, the brethren rolled the <corpses> in blankets carried them on a horse Sled about half a mile, buried them in the bank of a small stream, which empties into Rush Creek, all of which was accomplished by dark." MS history 1:2, 338.
Eber Wilcox dies
Our hopes were that no more would die, but while we were uniting in a covenant to pray once more with uplifted hands to God, we looked at our beloved brother, Elder Wilcox, and he was gasping his last.
  Our hopes were that no more would [551] die, but while we were uniting in prayer with uplifted hands to God, our beloved brother Eber Wilcox died.   "When they had returned from the burial, the brethren united, covenanted and prayed hoping the disease would be staid; but in vain, for while thus covenanting Eber Wilcox died, and while some were digging the grave others stood sentry with their fire arms watching their enemies."
MS history 1:2, 338.
Commits never to sin again   At this scene my feelings were beyond expression. Those only who witnessed it, can realize any thing of the nature of our sufferings, and I felt to weep and pray to the Lord, that he would spare my life that I might behold my dear family again. I felt to covenant with my brethren, and I felt in my heart never to commit another sin while I lived.   At this scene my feelings were beyond expression. Those only who witnessed it can realize any thing of the extent of our sufferings, and I felt to weep and pray to the Lord, that he would spare my life that I might behold my dear family again. I felt to covenant with my God and my brethren, never to commit another sin while I lived.    
Weep for brethren  
We felt to sit and weep over our brethren, and so great was our sorrow that we could have washed them with our tears, to realize that they had travelled 1000 miles through so much fatigue to lay down their lives for our brethren; and who hath greater love than he who is willing to lay down his life for his brethren. This increased our love to them.
We wept over our brethren, and so great was our sorrow that we could have washed them with our tears. To realize that they had travelled a thousand miles through so much fatigue to lay down their lives for their brethren increased our love to them.
   
Brigham and Joseph Young arrive     Brothers Brigham and Joseph Young came from Liberty and assisted us to bury brother Wilcox; their presence gave us much consolation.
   
June 26 early a.m.

Eber Wilcox burial

Guards during burial
 
About 12 o'clock at night we placed him on a small sled, which we drew to the place of interment, with one hand hold of the rope, and in the other we bore our firelocks for our defence. While one or two were digging the grave, the rest stood with their arms to defend them.
About twelve o’clock at night we drew brother Wilcox on a small sled to the place interment, with one hand hold of the rope, and in the other we bore our firelocks for our defence. While two were digging the grave, the others stood with their arms to defend them.
   
Luke Johnson struck by cholera

Cramps, blindness
    While brother Luke Johnson was digging, the cholera attacked him with cramping and blindness;    
Brigham saves Luke       brother Brigham laid hold of him and pulled him out of the grave, and shook him about, talked to, and prayed for him, and exhorted him to jump about and exercise himself, when it would leave him for a few moments, then it would attack him again; and thus we had the greatest difficulty to keep the destroyer from laying us low.    
5 of 10 die This was our situation, the enemies around us, and the destroyer in our midst. Soon after we returned back, another brother was taken away from our little band; thus it continued until five out of ten were taken away. This was our situation—the enemies around us and the destroyer in our midst. Soon after we returned, another brother was taken away from our little band; thus it continued until five out of ten were taken away.    
Joseph tries to rebuke destroyer

Struck with cholera
It was truly affecting to see the love manifested among the brethren for each other, during this affliction; even brother Joseph, seeing the sufferings of his brethren, stepped forward to rebuke the destroyer, but was immediately seized with the disease himself; and I assisted him a short distance from the place when it was with difficulty he could walk.       "At the commencement I attempted to lay on hands for their recovery, but I quickly learned by painful experience that when the Great Jehovah decrees destruction upon any people, <and> makes known his determination man must not attempt to stay his hand.

"The moment I attempted to rebuke the disease {that moment} I was attacked, it seized upon me like the talons of a hawk, and I said to the brethren if I had had my work done you would have had to tumble me into the ground without a coffin, and had I not desisted I must have saved the life of my brother by the Sacrifice of my own." MS history 1:2, 337.
Enemies stay away   All that kept our enemies from us was the fear of the destroyer which the Lord so sent among us. The fear of the destroyer kept our enemies from us.  
Heber seized by cholera After burying these five brethren, or about this time, I was seized by the hand of the destroyer, as I had gone in the woods to pray. As I went into the woods to pray I was taken with cholera.    
Blinded

Jumps to increase circulation
  I was instantly struck blind, and saw no way whereby I could free myself from the disease, only to exert myself by jumping and thrashing myself about, until my sight returned to me, and my blood began to circulate in my veins. I started and ran some distance, and by this means, through the help of God, I was enabled to extricate myself from the grasp of death.   I was instantly struck blind, and saw no way whereby I could free myself from the disease, only to exert myself by jumping and thrashing myself about, until my sight returned to me, and my blood began to circulate in my veins. I started and ran some distance, and by this means, through the help of God, I was enabled to extricate myself from the grasp of death.  
In woods behind Sidney Gilbert's house   This circumstance transpired in a piece of woods just behind brother Sidney Gilbert's house.       Sidney Gilbert
Letter to governor On the 26th, Algernon Sidney Gilbert, keeper of the Lord's Store House, signed a letter to the Governor, in connexion with others, which was his last public act, On the 26th, Algernon Sydney Gilbert, keeper of the Lord’s Store House, signed a letter to the Governor, in connection with others, which was his last public act;   "The drafting and signing of the above [letter to Governor Dunklin from A. S. Gilbert, W. W. Phelps, and John Corrill], was the last public act of that keeper of the Lords Store house, Algernon S. Gilbert, for he was attacked with the cholera the same day, and died about the 29th according to his own words, that he would rather die, than go forth to preach the gospel to the gentiles." MS history 1:2, 339.
Prefers death than mission

Dies June 29
  for he had been called to preach, and he said he would rather die than go forth and preach the gospel to the Gentiles. The Lord took him at his word; he was attacked with the cholera and died about the 29th.   for he had been called to preach, and he said he would rather die than go forth and preach the Gospel to the wicked. The Lord took him at his word; he was attacked with the cholera, and died about the 29th.  
Erastus Rudd, Jesse Johnson Smith die Two other brethren died at brother Gilbert's house about this same time. One of these was a cousin to brother Joseph Smith, the Prophet. Brothers Erastus Rudd and Jesse Johnson Smith, a cousin of the Prophet, died at brother Gilbert’s about the same time.  
Cholera nurses   The names of those brethren who were with me to assist in taking of the sick, are as follows: Joseph B. Noble, John D. Parker and Luke Johnson, also brother Ingleson, who died soon after we left.      
Brother Burket refuses food While we were here, the brethren being in want of some refreshments, brother Luke Johnson went to brother Burket to get a fowl, asking him for one to make a broth; but brother Burket denied him of it, saying: in a few days we expect to return back into Jackson county, from whence we were driven, and he should want them when he got there.      
    When brother Johnson brought this report, judge how we felt, after having left the society of our beloved families, taking our lives in our hands, and traveling about one thousand miles through scenes of suffering and sorrow, for the benefit of our brethren, and after all to be denied of a small fowl to make a little soup.      
Never turn away a brother   Such things as those never fail to bring their reward, and it would be well for the saints never to turn away a brother, who is penniless and in want, or a stranger, lest they may one day or other want a friend themselves.      
Peter Whitmer home in Liberty

Heber suffering from cholera
I went to Liberty, to the house of brother Peter Whitmer, which place I reached with difficulty, being much afflicted myself with the disease that was among us. I went to Liberty, to the house of brother Peter Whitmer, which place I reached with difficulty, being much afflicted.  
    I stayed there until I started for home.      
Vienna Jacques nurses Heber   I received great kindness from them and also from sister Vienna Jacques, who administered to my wants and also [840] to my brethren may the Lord reward them for their kindness.   I received great kindness from them, and also from sis Vienna Jacques, who administered to my wants and also to my brethren. May the Lord reward them for their kindness.  
June 23, 1834 council

Organize church

Presidency and high council

[First elders] chosen for endowment
While I was here a council was called at brother Lyman Wights, which I attended with the rest of the brethren. The church was organized; a presidency and high council chosen and organized and many were chosen from them to go to Kirtland to be endowed.       Minutes of June 23, 1834
Four-day cholera

68 sick, 14 died
From that time the destroyer ceased, having afflicted us about four days. Sixty eight were taken with the disease, of which number fourteen died,
The destroyer ceased, having afflicted us about four days. Sixty-eight were taken with the disease, of which number fourteen of the members of Zion’s camp died—eighteen died in all.   18 died on journey?

fourteen: EMS reports thirteen: "The names of those deceased, as furnished us, are John S. Carter, Eber Wilcox, Seth Hitchcock, Erastus Rudd, A. Sidney Gilbert, Alfred Fisk Edward Ives, Noah Johnson, Jese B. Lasson, Robert M'Cord, Eliel Strong, Jesse Smith, and Betsey Parish." "Afflicting," EMS 2, no. 23 (July 1834): 176.

"The cholera continued its ravages about four days, when a{n effectual} remedy for {their} purging, vomiting, and cramping was discovered;namely, dipping the person afflicted in cold Water or pouring it upon them, and giving them whiskey, thickened with flour to the consistence of Starch. (Whiskey was the only kind of Spirit that could be procured at this place) About Sixty eight of the saints suffered from this disease, of which number {thirteen} <fourteen> died. viz. John S. Carter, Eber Wilcox, Seth Hitchcock, Erastus Rudd, Algernon Sidney Gilbert, Alfred Fisk, Edward Ives, Noah Johnson, Jesse B. Lasson, Robert McCord, Eliel Strong, Jesse J. Smith, <Warren Ingalls>and Betsey Parrish. Among the most active of those that were engaged in taking care of the sick at the camp, burying the dead &c. were John D. Parker, John T{urner}<anner>, Nathan T{urner}<anner>, Joseph B. Nobles, Brigham Young, Joseph Young, Heber C. Kimball, Luke Johnson, and Eleazer Miller." MS history 1:2, 339
Cholera treatment

Cold water to stop vomiting, cramping
  the remainder recovered, as we found out an effectual remedy for this disease, which was, by dipping the person afflicted into cold water, or pouring it on him, which had the desired effect of stopping the purging, vomiting, and cramping. Some of the brethren, when they were seized with the disease and began to cramp and purge, the fever raging upon them, desired to be put into cold water and some stripped and plunged themselves into the stream and obtained immediate relief. This led us to try the experiment on others, and in every case it proved highly beneficial and effectual, where it was taken in season.   Many of the brethren were cured by immersing them in cold water, or pouring it on them, repeating the application frequently.  
June 22 revelation

Offering accepted

Endowment awaits

Go home
On the 23d of June, Brother Joseph received a revelation, as before stated, saying that the Lord had accepted our offering, even as he accepted that of Abraham, therefore he had a great blessing laid up in store for us, and an endowment for all, and those who had families might return home, and those who had no families should tarry until the Lord said they should go. On the 22d, brother Joseph received a revelation, saying that the Lord had accepted our offering, even as he accepted that of Abraham, therefore he had a great blessing laid up in store for us, and an endowment for all, and those who had families might return home, and those who had no families should tarry until the Lord said they should go.   D&C 105, June 22, 1834,
Lyman Wight discharges Heber

General fund balance distributed
I received an honorable discharge, in writing, from the hand of our General, Lyman Wight, to the effect that I had discharged my duty in my office and that I was at liberty to return home. Before we separated the money which had been put into the hands of our paymaster, and had not been used, was equally divided amongst the company, making one dollar and sixteen cents each.   I received an honorable discharge in writing from the hand of our General Lyman Wight. Before we separated, the money which had been put into the hands of our paymaster, and had not been used, was equally divided amongst the company, making one dollar and sixteen cents each.  
Some had none to put in   Some of these brethren had no money when we started from Kirtland, but they received an equal share with the rest.      
Joseph Noble sick in Missouri [866] During our stay in Missouri, Brother Joseph B. Noble was very sick for some time, and was taken care of by Elders Brigham, and Joseph Young, at the house of Joel Sandford, in Liberty, Clay county.      
Saved by cold water   It was with great exertion that his life was preserved, and that by the application of cold water being drawn out of the well, and poured upon him, daily and hourly.      
Deaf, nearly blind

Cure experimental
  He was deaf, discharged a large amount of corrupt matter from the ears, and was almost blind and in fact the most who were saved from the cholera, were saved by throwing cold water upon them, or plunging them in the stream, by which means the cramp and purging were stayed—      
Cold water cure

Blessing of heaven
  the sufferers invariably besought us to plunge them in pools, and springs of cold water, while their thirst for the same was very great, while our fears were, it would be an injury to them; yet by the blessing of Heaven, it was the only means of saving them, that were saved from the destroyer, the cholera.      
Determination   Brother Nobles' life was yet despaired of, but he was resolute, and nothing would satisfy him, but to return home.      
June 30 begin return   June 30, 1834, I started for home, in company with Lyman Sherman, Sylvester Smith, Alexander Badlam, Harrison Burgess, Luke Johnson and Zera [867] Cole, with Brother Sylvester Smith's team, as I had left mine in Missouri.   June 30, 1834.—I started for home, in company with Lyman Sherman, Sylvester Smith, Alexander Badlam, Harrison Burgess, Luke Johnson, and Zera Cole, with Brother Sylvester Smith’s team, as I had disposed of mine to Peter Whitmer.  
Brigham Young's group   About this time Brother Brigham Young started in company with about the same number that was with me, with James Foster's team.      
Heber chosen captain

Pool funds

After proceeding about three miles, we stopped and made arrangements for travelling. They chose me to be their captain home, and all put their money into my hands, which amounted to forty dollars.   After proceeding about three miles, we made arrangements for travelling. They chose me to be their captain, and all put their money into my hands, which amounted to forty dolls.  
Thomas B. Marsh's house   From thence we proceeded until we came to Brother Thomas B. Marsh's house; his wife gave us some dinner, and we proceeded on our journey. May the Lord bless her for it.   From thence we proceeded until we came to brother Thomas B. Marsh's (h) house.  
Fishing River

Enemy threat
 
This day we crossed a branch of the Fishing River, in a scow, and when we were pulling our wagon out of it, it was sinking. Here an enemy came and swore he would shoot us.
  We crossed a branch of the Fishing river in a scow. Here an enemy came and swore he would shoot us.  
Brother Ball   From thence we continued on to one Brother Ball's, where we stayed all night; some slept on the floor, and some in the corn crib.   We continued on to brother Ball’s, where we stayed all night—some slept on the floor and some in the corn-crib.  
Missouri river

Carried downstream
  The next morning we pursued our jonrney [sic], and after travelling about eight miles we came to the Missouri River, which we crossed in a scow, the current was so rapid that it carried us down one mile.   The next morning we pursued our journey, and, after travelling about eight miles, we came to the Missouri river, which we crossed in a scow, the current was so rapid that it carried us down one mile,  
Lexington

Threatened
  After we had got over the river, and had travelled about two miles we came into the village of Lexington. Here we were threatened by some by our enemies, but out of their hands the Lord delivered us.—   and landed us at Lexington, where we were threatened, but the Lord protected us.  
St. Charles   From thence we proceeded daily, and receiving no harm, we travelled until we came within about half a mile of St. Charles. Here we pitched our tents by the side of the road and tarried all night.      
Cholera in St. Charles   The next morning we passed through the village which looked very gloomy as the cholera had nearly desolated the place.      
Jack's Ferry   After travelling about eight miles, we came to Jack's Ferry on the Missouri, where we again crossed the stream. We then proceeded about five miles and stopped to take some refreshment.      
Threatened

Delivered
  Here we were again accosted by one of our enemies, who swore he would kill us that night: we travelled about ten miles after sunset and camped in the woods. The Lord again delivered us from the grasp of our enemies.      
    We proceeded on our journey daily, the Lord blessing us with health and strength.   We proceeded on our journey daily, the Lord blessing us with health and strength.    
Hot

35–40 miles/day
  The weather was very hot, still we travelled from thirty-five to forty miles a day,   The weather was very hot, still we travelled from thirty-five to forty miles a day,    
July 26, Kirtland   until about the 26th of July, when we arrived in Kirtland;   until about the 26th of July, when we arrived in Kirtland.    
3- month journey

Slept on ground

Didn't travel on Sabbath
  having been gone from home about three months, during which time, with the exception of four nights I found my rest on the ground. We did not travel on the Sabbath during our journey back, but attended to breaking of bread &c.   During the journey, with the exception of four nights, I slept on the ground. We did not travel on the Sabbath during our journey back, but attended to breaking of bread, &c.    
Family well   On my arrival at home, I found my family well, enjoying the blessings and comforts of life, and I felt to rejoice in the Lord that he had preserved my life, through many dangers, seen and unseen, and brought me to behold my family in peace and prosperity.  

I found my family well, enjoying the blessings and comforts of life, and I felt to rejoice in the Lord that he had preserved my life, through many dangers, seen and unseen, and brought me to behold my family in peace and prosperity.

   
Resumes work as potter   After being at home two weeks and resting myself; I concluded I had finished my mission the Lord called me to, and I went to my old occupation. I established my business as a potter, and continued about three months until cold weather came on, when I was under the necessity of stopping for the time being, calculating on the opening of spring to commence business on a larger scale, thinking as did Peter of old, "I go a fishing."   After being at home two weeks, and resting myself, I concluded I had finished my mission to which the Lord had called me, and I established my pottery according to Joseph’s counsel, and continued about three months until cold weather, when I was under the necessity of stopping for the time being, calculating on the opening of spring, to commence on a larger scale.    
   
Heber C. Kimball's Accounts of Zion's Camp (1)
Zion's Camp Chronology (1834)
Jackson County
Zion's Camp
Missouri




Home | Joseph | Bios | Beliefs & Practices | Chron | NY | Ohio | Missouri | Missions | Sources | Top

Dale R. Broadhurst | Far West | JS Writings | BYU Mormon Studies | More
Dialogue | JWHA | LDS Church | MHA | Signature Books | Sunstone