Merthyr Tydfil, Wales
Death: Nov. 2, 1927
Paragonah, Iron County, Utah, USA
William was the son of Sarah Morgan and David Edwards. He was the husband of Ann Elizabeth Robb Edwards. They were parents to nine children: William Robert Monroe, Sarah Ellen, Ann Caroline, David James, John Edward, Thomas Alexander, Morgan Bell, Horace Norman, and Norah Gladys.
Parowan Times
11/16/1927
WM. EDWARDS BURIED AT PARAGONAH
Special to the Times
Funeral services were held Sunday, November 6th, 1927 at Paragonah for William Edwards, who passed away on Friday before at the age of 83 years. There was a large attendence and an impressive meeting was held.
Born at Myrthirtydville, Glenmorganshire, Wales, Brother Edwards was among the first settlers to come to Paragonah, making his home there from the time he came to this country. He has always taken an active part in both Church and civic affairs, being a member of the first board of trustees after having helped to promote the incorporation of the town of Paragonah.
He took charge, as chorrister, of the Paragonah Ward Choir for about 35 years; was a good citizen and helped in every way possible for the progression and advancement of his community. He was an Indian War veteran. During the early settlement of Paragonah, a lot of his time was given for the defense of the settlers against Indian depredations.
Surviving him are his aged wife, Ann Edwards, six sons, William, David, John, Thomas, Morgan, and Horace, and one daughter, Mrs. Sarah E. Barton all of Paragonah. There are 24 grand children and six great grand children.
Speakers at the funeral were: Wm. P. Barton, Daniel Stones, Samuel Robb, Thomas Robinson, David Matheson (of Parowan), and Thomas W. Jones. Ethel Robb read his life's history; Ralph O. Jensen and Mary Orton of the Parowan Schools sang a duet, and Ray Stones played a violin solo.
William Edward Brand TE as recorded in "Marks and Brands"
Close up of Edwards Brand
Death Certificate for William Edwards
Monument for Ann Elizabeth Robb and William Edwards
Paragonah Cemetery, Paragonah, Utah
Sarah Ann Morgan Edwards
William Edwards mother, Sarah Ann Morgan Edwards. I saw her gravesite while visiting the Paragonah Cemetery, and it always held my interest partially because of the enclosure, but I did not realize there was a family connection until recently.
Burial Site of Sarah Ann Morgan Edwards
Paragonah Cemetery, Paragonah, Utah.
Birth: Jan. 14, 1819, Wales
Death: Nov. 7, 1901
Paragonah, Iron County, Utah, USA
Sarah Ann Morgan Edwards
1863 Glamorganshire, Wales
Husband: David Morgan
died 18 September 1863
May 1864 128th Sailing General B McClellan
Original pioneer, crossed the plains 1864
Traveled with young children from Wales to Utah Territory.
She did not stop at Brady's Bend, Pennsylvania to visit her parents who had immigrated the the Pennsylvania coal fields before 1856.
Arrived Salt Lake City 4 October 1864
1870 Census Paragonah, Iron, Utah Terr.
Sarah Edward 51, housework
Edward Edwards 28, farming
David Edwards 12
Sarah A Edwards 10
1880 Census Paragonah, Iron, Utah
Sarah Edwards 61
Edward Edwards 38, laborer
David Edwards 22, laborer
--Also living with family
Sarah Ann Robb 20
Ellen J Robb 3
Sarah Ann Robb, 8 months born Oct.
1900 Census Paragonah, Iron, Utah
Elizabeth Hanks 50, 8 children, 5 living
William D Hanks 26, day labor
Heber T Hanks 23, school teacher
John S Hanks 19
Sarah Edwards 81, 8 children, 5 living
Notes about Sarah Ann Morgan:
Sarah Ann was a strength and an inspiration to her to all her posterity for her bravery and courage as a young widow to bring her young family of two daughters and three sons across the vast waters and the wide American continent because of her belief in God.
At about the age of 75, Sarah went completely blind. She was given a blessing that containing a promise that she would see again. At about the age of 82 she regained enough of her eye sight to again see her daughter remarking how white her hair had turned.
Sarah Morgan Edwards Monument
Paragonah Cemetery, Paragonah Utah
Birth: Jun. 27, 1846
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Death: Jun. 16, 1928
Paragonah, Iron County, Utah, USA
Ann Elizabeth was the daughter of Helen Bell and William Robb. She was the wife of William Edwards. Together they had nine children: William Robert Monroe, Sarah Ellen, Ann Caroline, David James, John Edward, Thomas Alexander, Morgan Bell, Horace Norman, and Nora Gladys.
Pioneer Lady of 1857 Passes Away At Paragonah
Mrs. Ann Robb Edwards of Paragonah, pioneer of 1857 to this city and one of the first white people to make her home in Paragonah, passed away at the family residence the first of last week and was buried on the 20th. Had she lived until today she would have been eighty two years old. She was born June 27th, 1846 at Sidney, Australia, from which place she emigrated at the age of eleven years with her parents after having become a member of the Latter Day Saints church. They were about four months in an old time sailing vessel crossing the ocean from Sidney to San Pedro, California, and though she was very young at the time she retained until her death a very vivid recollection of that voyage.
Arriving in San Pedro her father bought teams and wagons and the fmily made the trip to Utah, arriving her about December, 1857. Because of the menace of the savages at the time they made their home in the old fort where they lived for two or three years, being the first family to move out of the fort into a home of thier own. They experienced all the hardships incident to pioneer life in this locality. Her life was one of service to her family and to the community in which she lived, and at the time of her death was a faithful Latter Day Saint.
Her husband Wm. Edwards, proceeded her from this life by less than a year. She is survived by six sons, Wm. R., David J., John E., Thomas, Morgan and Horace, and one daughter, Mrs. Sarah E. Barton, all of Paragonah, together with twenty-four grandchildren, six great grandchildren, two brothers, Thomas Robb and George Robb, the latter of Price, Utah. All her children except Horace were at the funeral. He was in Montana and could not be reached in time to get here.
Speakers at the funeral were Simon A. Matheson of Parowan, Richard Robinson, Jr. of Los Angeles, Wm. P. Barton and Bishop Thomas W. Jones of Paragonah. Mrs. Richard N. Lund read a history of her life and musical numbers included a solo by L.J. Adams of Parowan, and songs by Unice Edwards Anderson and her little daughters of Los Angeles. (Mrs. Anderson is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Edwards, former residents of Paragonah where she lived until she was three years old).
At the cemetery Mrs. Anderson and Amasa Stones, accompanied by the choir, sang "Lead Me Gentley Home". the grave was dedicated by Elder Amenzo Topham.
Parowan Times
6/27/1928
Ann Elizabeth Robb Edwards Death Certificate
Cemetery Marker for Ann Elizabeth Robb and William Edwards
Paragonah Cemetery, Paragonah, Utah
Henry Holyoak was born March 5, 1839, in Yardley, Worcestershire, England, the seventh child of George and Sarah Green Holyoak of that place. His brothers and sisters are: William, Mary, George, Anne, Sarah, Henry and Hannah.
The Holyoak family had joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints June 24, 1841 and like all the saints, lived for the day they could accumulate enough money to come to America, sailing in February 1854, and landing April 1854. They came immediately on to Utah, arriving in October 1854. The trek across the plains was hard and also saddened by the loss of Mother Sarah and sisters Mary and Anne. Henry settled in Parowan, Utah, with his father and sisters. In 1863 and later he made three trips back East with ox-team for freight and immigrants.
In 1865 on January 29, he married Sarah Ann Robinson, daughter of English Immigrants. She was born in Nauvoo, Illinois December 22, 1842, and came to Utah with her parents settling in Paragonah. [Sarah Ann Robinson Holyoak, who was JR Robinson’s half sister. His son JR Robinson Jr. was also called to San Juan. Her mother & father were married on the ship to America in 1842, Alice Coupe Robinson died in Pottatattamie County, Iowa May 30, 1847, and left Sarah and her brother Richard. J R Robinson Sr married her sister Jane, at his first wife’s request, who was traveling with them, on August 24, 1847, They had 15 children, including the two from her sister. ]
They later went to the temple when it was ready for sealings and had their work done. It is interesting to note that all their children have been married in the temples; also the big majority, if not all of their grandchildren.
Children of this union are Alice Jane (Thomson), Henry John, Mary Luella (Young), Eliza Ellen (McConkie), Albert Daniel, Richard James, and Sarah Ann. (died at 13 years of age). James died at 8 years of age. The other five have contributed to the 29 grandchildren and over 200 great and great, great grandchildren.
When the church called colonizers for San Juan, the Henry Holyoak family were among those who were called from Parowan, 1879-80, (probably the 69th quorum of seventies) [According to J R Robinson's story, at the quarterly conference of the Parowan Stake, held Dec. 28 and 29, 1878 Holyoak was one of the names called to serve as a missionary "to settle where directed." Others who went from Paragonah were William Robb, James R. Robinson Jr, James Dunton.]
Sarah Ann drove her own wagon most of the way. She had a bed in it as well as a stove to keep her young children comfortable, the baby being very young. Henry John and Alice Jane drove the livestock, (which consisted of about 100 head of cattle, a yoke of oxen and some horses, at the time they moved on to Moab). The calves were tied up at night and in the morning the dairy cows were milked. The milk put in the barrel churn on back of the wagon would, by night, supply the family with fresh butter as well as milk. Many others shared in these dairy products (Carlile History).
The four years spent on the San Juan were wasted so far as crops were concerned because the rising river ruined the farming land, also took out the water wheel and washed it to the other side of the river. This left them with no way to get water onto crops not washed away.
"The Holyoak family moved to Bluff for a short time, but much of the land at Bluff had been washed away also, and it seemed there was no place for them. They decided to accept the mission release, and search for a more hospitable location. This would be their seventh move in just over four years. The wagon they brought through the Hole-in-the-Rock had been their home, much of the past four years.
During October of 1884, the Holyoak family followed the tracks left by the eight wagons, which, just a few weeks earlier, had carried the Harriman and Davis refugees north. They camped for a few days east of Blue Mountain near where the town of Monticello is now located. They then continued their journey past the spot where the Old Spanish trail intercepted Coyote Wash and finally to the location now called Kane Springs. The old wagon broke a wheel, and they were stranded. This was probably the low point for the Holyoak family. They were out of food; the wagon had serious damage; and they really didn’t even know where they were going. Fortunately, they still had a few cattle left from the fine herd they had brought from Parowan.
Henry left his family at Kane Springs, and rode all the way to Castle Dale in search of food. This trip took two weeks and the family hunted and ate rabbits until his return. He had procured some pig feed, with the chaff, bran and all, mixed together, which was the only thing he was able to buy. Henry went to work repairing their wagon. Near the end of February, they arrived and pitched a tent at a place a little east of the present town of Moab.
Henry traded nine cows and ten steer to Lester Taylor for eighty acres of land in an area, which appropriately became known as Poverty Flats, and still carries the name to this day. They had found their permanent location and there would be no more moves other than local ones. Things gradually began to improve. The Holyoaks were among the first settlers in the area. Someone said they were the seventh family to settle in the area. They helped build the town of Moab.
Holyoak Family at Batchelor's Hall, Moab, Utah 1898
The photograph was taken a number of years after the Montezuma episode. The location was between Mill Creek and Pack Creek at Moab.
Left to right: Henry Holyoak, Richard Leroy Holyoak-child being held by Hattie Elizabeth Lutz Holyoak, Mary Luella Holyoak Young, Marion Thomson-child behind dog. (The dog was named Bob), Eliza Ellen Holyoak McConkie-inside cabin, Alice Jane Holyoak Thomson- center of doorway, James and Henry Thomson-children in basket, Sarah Ann Robinson Holyoak, Gurtie Thomson, Robert Thomson, Davenport.
Henry John Holyoak and Henry Holyoak 1890
Photo from Hole-in-the-Rock Remembered
Henry was called to serve a mission to England, his son, Henry John, served a mission to the southern states and Florida, where he contracted malaria, but survived. Albert Daniel also served a mission.
"The Holyoak history tells of the Indian friends they had made while living at Montezuma occasionally visiting them at Moab. There would be a happy reunion when they arrived, and Henry would kill the fatted calf and put on a feast. The friendship the Holyoak family had with the Indians was genuine. This is truly amazing, when considering the fact that just fifteen miles from the Holyoak place, there are graves of at least ten white cowboys, who were killed in a fight with those same Indians during the Pinhook War."
Henry Holyoak was a counselor to Bishop Stewart, first Bishop of Moab Ward. Sarah Ann was counselor in the Relief Society and later became President. Sarah Ann died on November 20, 1921 at Moab. Henry died on January 23, 1926 at Ogden, Utah and was buried at Moab. They were wonderful pioneers, who lived valiant lives, facing all their tribulations and adversity with faith and patience. They left a very impressive posterity.
Henry was a young man at the time of the Hole-in-the-Rock expedition. Following is an interesting excerpt by Holyoak concerning the first part of their trip, heading towards Escalante.
While crossing the mountain snow fell until it was up to the axles of the wagons. I drove the loose stock, and got my feet frozen. While crossing the divide my mother drove one of the wagons, with a team of horses, while my father drove the wagon drawn by an ox team.
Holyoak remembers this about Cottonwood Hill;
The road was steep and the chain broke and the wagon turned over, the tongue went up in the air and lit upside down in the road so we had to take it to pieces and pack it up on top so we could put it together. We had a hive of bees and had to wait till we could sack the bees before we could start packing the pieces of the wagon and the load up the hill. That took a lot of work to get things together.
Taken from a Short History of Henry Holyoak. Author Unknown
Henry Holyoak was a counselor to Bishop Stewart, first bishop of Moab ward. Sarah Ann was counselor in Relief Society and later became President.
They took a prominent part in getting things started to build up the community, schools, and church. They were considerate of others and shared their food, but stood for their own rights. Squatter's built a shack over night, on part of their land in Moab while Henry took a trip by team and buggy to Salt Lake City to get title to the land. Sarah Ann held the squatters of with an old gun, not loaded (and probably wouldn't have shot anyway), but said, Mr. Loveridge, years later, "We moved when she said to get off because we knew she meant what she said."
The blessings given Henry and Sarah Ann on the same day in 1875 must have been an inspiration tot them and they lived for them and fulfilled them, and surely will be inspiring to all who read them, so are being added to this history. All who knew them well will tell you they were good, respected citizens, well loved by all, "Naturally of a kind disposition." They fed the hungry and had plenty to set before their friends as Sarah Ann's blessing said. They were friendly with the Indians and were able to feed them by the dozens when they passed through Moab.
Holyoke Coat of Arms
In his declining and lonely years after the passing of his good wife, Henry was very desirous that some one carry on the genealogy work he had pursued. He was a life member of the Genealogical Society of Utah and sent money repeatedly for research work. When on a mission to England in 1893, he searched for genealogy and he also secured the Holyoak Family Coat of Arms and placed it in the Society. he always went to church and bore his testimony on fastday [sic]. Said he, "Even though I cannot hear, my presence will be there."
Henry Holyoak:
Birth: Mar. 5, 1839
Death: Jan. 23, 1926
Sarah Ann Robinson Holyoak:
Birth: Dec. 22, 1842
Death: Nov. 21, 1921
Burial:
Grand Valley Cemetery
Moab, Grand County, Utah, USA
Sarah Ann and Henry Holyoak monument
Grand Valley Cemetery, Moab,Utah
*****************
(A Blessing given by Levi W. Hancock, July 2, 1875, upon the head of Henry Holyoak, the son of George and Sarah Holyoak. Born March 5, 1839, at Worstershire, England.)
Brother Henry, I place my hands upon thy head and give thee a patriarchal blessing, which is a fatherly blessing confirmed upon the heads of the sons of men, who belong to the house of God. That they may look upon the same and claim the blessings that are recorded. That they may be handed down from generation to generation for the benefit of the whole family branch, that shall spring from them trhough all their generations.
Thou are one of the sons of those that were counted wise in the counsils [sic] that are among the Gods. Thou has come in the time appointed to be one with thy brethern [sic] in this age of the world to help them promote the cause of truth, peace and prosperity among the offspring of Adam, the father of us all. To be counted with him in the ties of friendship and love to bind the hearts of the children to the fathers and the fathers to the children: that virtue and truth may prevail. Thou are the pure blood of Ephriam [sic] and much of thy time should be spent in the pursuit of Manassa [sic] by encouraging the young me and the middle age and also those of thine own posterity to deal kindly and truly with the Lamanites. That they may be brought to the knowledge of Christ, their Redeemer and learn to be one with Him. That his spirit may rest upon them and commence binding their affections to each other, and cease hankering for blood.
Tough are capable of doing great work for the benefit of the House of Israel, not so much because of a great flow of words, but because of the uprightness of thy walk and proceedings. From this time give thy mind to study and wisdom shall be given from on high.
And when thou hath been sufficiently tried as Abraham was thou shall have intelligence concerning the second comforter which thou has not as yet comprehended but in part. When He comes thou will know it. It will be a sudden impression upon thee and it will continue to instruct thy mind from hence forward. Let thy heart be joyful. Let the revibrating [sic] strokes of the sudden emotions of thy heart stimulate thee to work in the service of thy God. And as for the riches of the world, thou shall be in possession of enough to make thee comfortable all thy days. And thine offspring, with a numerous host of others of the different branches of the family of man, will give thee much honor. Mind not what opposers [sic] may say. Keep a straight onward course. Do good for evil, remember the Son of God has set the pattern and they shall overcome all evil and have right to the tree of life in the Paradise of God.
These are the blessings that I seal upon thy head, and the blessings of Eternal Life, even so, Amen.
______________________
Sources:
Find a Grave
Hole-in-the-Rock Remembered
Short History and Blessing of Henry Holyoak
-- by Holyoak Historian, Minnie Carlile
--Grammatical editions by Chad Nichols
Having been asked to glean the pages of the past for a history of George and Sarah Green Holyoak, I will begin with the words of their youngest child, Hannah. “My parents were prosperous farmers and truck gardeners. Quiet, industrious, religious, and methodical in their habits, and trained their children so thoroughly in those principals that governed their lives that none of them ever deviated there from.”
George Holyoak was born January 17, 1799, at Yardley, England. His wife, Sarah Green, was christened at Mosley, Warwick, England, July 16, 1797.
About the time their youngest child was born they learned of a new religion. This new religion was being taught by missionaries from America. People were talking about it. In fact, there had not been so much interest in religion in all of England since the reign of King Henry the Eighth. For George and Sarah Holyoak this new religion had a strange appeal. It was so different from the usual doctrines of the day. It had such a ring of truth yet it was so simple and easy to understand. The unanswered questions no longer haunted their minds. After much study and prayer George and Sarah were convinced that this new religion was the true and tried teachings of the Lord revealed anew and they asked for baptism at the hands of the missionaries. They were baptized June 24, 1841, and began to plan for the time when they could join the body of the Saints in Zion.
Their eldest son, William, born April 12, 1825, at the age of eleven was “bound out” to learn the butcher’s trade. This was during the reign of Queen Victoria. Young William’s heart yearned for the green grass and the climbing roses that grew about his home, called “Rose Cottage” and he just couldn’t like the butcher’s trade. At thirteen he was again set at learning a trade. This time, however, it was learning the trade of harness making from his Uncle John Green. This had more of an appeal and he remained with his Uncle until he was twenty-one years of age.
Romance captured young William and he lost his heart to a sweet young girl named Martha Green. They were married in the Church of England, on the outskirts of Birmingham. William and Martha owned and operated a grocery store. Martha ran the store and William worked in a harness factory. After a time Martha’s health failed and he took her to his parents’ home. There was born their little son Nemiah. Three days later Martha passed away. The loving arms of George and Sarah Holyoak reached out and took their little grandson and cared for him as their own.
William then sold his store and went to Leamington, where he learned the tanners and plasterers trades. While there he met and married Sarah Wilkins and was himself baptized in May, 1846. They were married December 27, 1849 and began to prepare for their voyage to America. When the forty-sixth company of Saints left England on January 10, 1850, William Holyoak and family were among the passengers. Jeter Clinton was president of the company. They sailed on the ship “Argo.” The Argo arrived at New Orleans March 8, 1850.
George Holyoak, Jr., sailed on the ship “Ellen Maria” leaving England February 1, 1851.
April, 1851 found the people of England much excited. The government was going to take a census. Doubt and suspicion ran wild as people recalled the “Doomsday Book of William, the
Conqueror” and were afraid that this census would mean more taxes. Many refused to open their doors when the census taker called. Not so with George and Sarah Holyoak, when the census taker called at No 92 Mosley Wake, Green Common, Yardley, England – George was aged fifty-two. His occupation was given as an “agricultural labourer” and his birthplace was given as Yardley. His wife, Sarah, aged fifty-three and was stated to have been a laundress, also born at Yardley. Their daughter Sarah was fourteen years of age and listed as a house-servant. Henry was also born at Yardley and was twelve years of age and listed as a hostler. Their youngest child, Hannah, was ten years old and Nemiah was three.
William and George were on their way to America at this time and their oldest daughter, Mary, who was born May 10, 1827, was perhaps married to John Knowles at this time and had a home of her own. Ann, their second daughter, was probably away at work. Her birth is given in the early church record of Birmingham as January 6, 1832. On April 10, 1853 she was transferred to the Bristol Road branch of the church. She is stated on February 2, 1853, to have gone to the valley of the mountains. This is perhaps meant to have been February 22, 1854, because this is the date of sailing for the ship Windermere.
The youngest child, Hannah, was baptized when she was eight years of age. Because of ridicule by both adults and children alike, she was not permitted to go to school as her former associates were.
The seventy-second company of Saints sailed on the ship “Windermere.” There were four hundred seventy-seven Saints on board. Included on board were George and Sarah Holyoak and their children, Ann, Henry, Hannah, and Nemiah. The company was in charge of Elder Daniel Garn. The captain was Fairfield and among the passengers were seven ex-presidents of conferences namely Abraham Marchant, Robert Menziers, Job Smith, John T. Hardy, John A. Albiston, J. Long, and Graham Douglas.
The Windermere sailed from Liverpool on February 22 and arrived at New Orleans April 23, 1854. During the voyage the wind was contrary and often there were heavy gales that interfered with their progress, but at the end of five weeks a favorable wind set in and the ship made a thousand miles in four days. Fifteen days after leaving Liverpool the smallpox broke out on board the ship and spread rapidly as the vessel approached the tropics. Thirty seven passengers and two of the crew contracted the disease. The malady was suddenly checked by prayer. Then they reached New Orleans. Eleven patients were sent to Luzenburg Hospital through an agreement with the health officers at the port. Elder Long and five others were elected to remain at New Orleans to attend the sick until they were sufficiently well to go forward on their journey from New Orleans. The rest of the company continued the journey from New Orleans on the 27th of April on board a steamboat and arrived at St. Louis a few days later, then went on to Kansas City.
Hannah Holyoak, in her history states that they were nine weeks on water. After arriving at New Orleans they took a steamboat up the river to St. Louis where they were delayed because of the death of a sister. This sister may have been Mary Holyoak Knowles as her death date is given as May 1854.
Having inquired I have been told that as the family was sailing a romance had blossomed between Ann Holyoak and Joseph James. They may have married as there were six marriages, six births, and ten deaths on board the ship. At any rate Ann and Joseph were separated by the death of Ann which is given on the family group sheet as August 1854. Later Sarah Holyoak was married to Joseph James and Ann was sealed to him for time and eternity.
The trek across the plains was long and weary and as they were on the plains of Nebraska their hearts became wearier than their feet. They were called to sorrow for the death of their wife and mother, Sarah Green Holyoak. A grave was hastily dug. Her tired body was sewn in a quilt and she was laid to rest in the plains her weary feet had trod. George Holyoak and his children, Sarah, Henry, Hannah, and Nemiah lifted their tear stained faces unto the hills from whence cometh strength and they plodded on to the West.
When they reached Utah, Sarah Holyoak was married to Joseph James and went to Ogden to make their home. George and his son, Henry, and daughter, Hannah, went to Parowan to settle. There they were joined by William and his family, George, the family of Mary and John Knowles, and George Holyoak, Jr., who had married Eliza Moore.
Henry met and married Sarah Ann Robinson, who had been born at Nauvoo, Illinois. They were called to go help settle San Juan. They were among those that went down through the Hole in the Rock, and remained in the area.
Hannah married at the Christmas party, December 25, 1855, to William LeFevre, a young English convert, who had also crossed the plains and settled at Parowan with his mother. Nemiah went to live with his father. When he grew older he married Sarah Ann Harper.
With all his children married George was left alone. However, he found a companionship with Ann Gunn, widow of John Gunn. She had joined the church in London in 1854 and came to Utah with her family of six sons and two daughters. Her husband, John Gunn, had died in 1838 at Stortford, Hertfordshire, England and she had reached Utah in 1860. They lived at Parowan until she was eighty-four years and seventeen days old. After a lingering illness she passed away February 6, 1878. Three years later, October 27, 1881, George Holyoak passed away from this life. His earthly work was finished. He had been faithful to the end. Perhaps if we could have been with him at the end we might have looked on all that he loved, and all that he looked forward to and with satisfaction have used the words of the Savior when he said, “It is finished.”
_____________________________
Source: Gleaning the Holyoak Field
Gleaning the Holyoak Field
-- by Holyoak Historian, Minnie Carlile
--Grammatical editions by Chad Nichols
Ship Windermere painting
[Click on images to enlarge]
Voyage of the Ship Windermere
Condensed from W. W. Burton’s Account
Note: This is from a copy made on March 23, 1944, from the British Mission records of 1854 by Evelyn A. Sessions. It is of interest to the Robb family as George and Sarah Green Holyoak were on board this voyage from Liverpool, England to the United States.
Ship Windermere 1852 drawing State Museum of Victoria
On Wednesday, February 22, 1854, the ship Windermere sailed from Liverpool with 460 passengers. As the vessel started in motion, the songs of Zion, blending in soul-inspiring harmony, thrilled the souls of the passengers and their many friends standing on the shore gazing at the departed vessel, shouting farewell, goodbye with eyes streaming with tears. Doubtless they were recalling that only the night before seven vessels, with all on board, went down in the depths of the channel.
H.M.S. Windermere Poop drawing
As the land disappeared in the distance the sweet singing ceased and many began to feel sick. About 8 p.m. the first day at sea, an old gentleman named Squires died. All that night the wind howled fiercely; the sea was rough; the ship was driven from its course towards the Isle of Atan. About 11 p.m. off Holly Head, which is a most dangerous point and the scene of frequent shipwrecks, was passed. On the morning of the 23rd Father Squires, who died the night before, was thrown overboard. The sea was still rough and the wind was blowing. During this day the Windermere sailed by the remains of a wrecked vessel. Masts, sails and other fragments were floating around. Likely, a few hours previous many despairing souls had tenaciously clung to these same objects for relief that never came. All had been consigned to a watery grave for no signs of life remained and the rolling waves swept over the bodies while the wind howled its tribute for the dead.
Some were now beginning to recover from sea sickness, but many were still ill, and some confined to their berths. About this time flying fishes were seen which would rise from the water and fly a short distance and drop into the water again. Life on the Windermere was growing monotonous, for its accommodations were poor for so many passengers, and then it did not sail like the ocean steamers now do when propelled by steam. The Windermere was eight weeks, four nights, and five days sailing from Liverpool to New Orleans, which can now be made in six or seven days. We were on the Atlantic Ocean about seven weeks without seeing land.
H.M.S. Windermere Between Decks drawing
On the 12th day of March, from 7 to 8 in the morning, an exceedingly fierce storm arose. The wind roared like one of our mountain winds, the masts cracked and the sails were cut in pieces. The captain of the Windermere expressed fears that the ship could not stand so heavy a sea, and in speaking with Daniel Garn, the president of the Saints on board, said, "I am afraid the ship cannot stand this storm, Mr. Garn, if there be a God, as your people say there is, you had better talk to Him if He will hear you. I have done all that I can for the ship and I am afraid with all that can be done she will go down."
Elder Garn went to the Elders, who presided over the nine wards in the ship, and requested them to get all the saints on board and to fast, and call a prayer meeting to be held in each ward at 10 a.m. and pray that they might be delivered from the danger. The waves were lashed with white foam, the storm continued in all its fury, but precisely at 10 a.m. the prayer meeting commenced and such a prayer meeting few have ever seen.
Deck of Windermere
The ship rolled from side to side. On one side the Saints were hanging by their hands, and the other they were standing on their heads. Then the ship would roll on the other side which would reverse their positions. About this time the large boxes which were tied with ropes under the berths broke loose with pots, pans and kettles and rolled with terrible force on each side of the vessel.
Although the prayers were fervent and earnest, as the pleadings of poor souls brought face to face with danger and death, they ceased their prayers to watch and dodge the untied boxes, and great confusion prevailed for some time. The wind roared like a hurricane. Sail after sail was torn to shreds and lost. The waves were very large and as far as the eye could see, seemed to be one angry mass of rolling white foam. The hatches were fastened down. This awful storm lasted about 18 hours, then abated a little, but it was stormy from the 8th of March until the 18th. Observation taken by the quadrant showed that the ship was in the same latitude as it was on the 8th.
On the 14th of March, which was two days after this terrible storm, smallpox broke out. Of the three sisters, one was taken down with it. She had a light attack and recovered, but her two sisters then came down with it and both died, and after that 37 others, 40 in all, came down with it. Three days after the breaking out of smallpox, the ship took fire under the cooking galley. At this time we had not seen land for three weeks or more; when the cry of "Fire! The ship is on fire," rang throughout the vessel, and wild excitement and consternation prevailed everywhere. The sailors plied water freely, all the water buckets on board were brought into use and soon the fire was under control.
Winderemere Cuddy painting 1847
When the last of the three sisters, who took smallpox, died it was evening. W. W. Burton thought he would get a good place from which to see the body thrown overboard; so he got outside the vessel and seated himself on the ledge extending out from the deck, placing each arm around a rope that led to the rigging. His feet were hanging over the ocean and the ship was sailing about at 10 knots. By this time darkness was fast setting in, but here he sat waiting to get a good view when the corpse would be thrown into the watery grave, where some said sharks were constantly following for prey. Brother Burton went to sleep and the funeral passed without his knowledge. The sound of feet walking on the deck aroused him from his slumber. A chill ran through him; his hair almost stood on end when he sensed his condition. Here he had been asleep, his feet were hanging off the side of the vessel which was rocking to and fro. He wondered how he had escaped falling overboard. It was now totally dark. He climbed into the ship and resolved never to expose himself so again. About this time the stench of the smallpox was fearful in every part of the vessel.
Scene on board H.M.S. Windermere 1846 painting
Emma Brooks was the name of the young lady just thrown overboard. Her sister Fanny had died the same day about half past one o’clock p.m., and was also thrown overboard about two o’clock. The funeral services were very impressive; a funeral at sea is the most melancholy and solemn scene perhaps ever witnessed, especially when the sea is calm. A stillness like that of death prevailed with us while an old sailor, at intervals, would imitate the doleful tolling of the bell of some old church, such as heard in some parts of England. Funerals were becoming frequent.
About the time the Windermere had been about six weeks out of Liverpool and the passengers had never seen land from the time they had entered the Atlantic. The days were generally mild and the weather very pleasant. The sun set and the bright, pale moon seemed to be straight above our heads. On the 8th day of April we came in sight of the Island of Cuba. On this day, about 10 a.m., a young man named Dee, died of smallpox. At the time of his death the wind had ceased blowing, not a ripple upon the waters. The sea appeared bright and clear, and seemed as smooth as a sea of glass. The young man that had just died was sewed up in a white blanket and at the feet was placed a heavy weight of coal. A plank was then placed with one end resting in the porthole in the side of the ship and other near the main hatchway. The body was then placed on this plank. The doleful tolling of the bell began. Elder McGhee made a brief address suitable for the occasion and offered a short prayer, after which the body and bedding of the young man were thrown overboard. The ship was standing perfectly still and the body could be seen sinking in the water until it appeared no longer than a person’s hand. Some thought it was seen sinking for a full 15 minutes, others still longer; some said a half hour.
The passengers of the Windermere had passed through a terrible storm, the panic created by the ship taking fire, their number decreased by smallpox, still another fearful calamity threatened them. The fresh water supply was getting short, and the store of provisions was falling. The passengers were limited to one hard, small sea biscuit for a day’s rations.
Windermere in the Trades 1846
The Captain sent some sailors in a small boat to intercept a ship that was passing in the hopes of getting more provisions, but they failed. The Windermere now passed the western points of the Island of Cuba. The passengers had a good view of the lighthouse located on the most western point. The Gulf of Mexico was before them. The Gulf Stream flowed in like a vast river. Just think of this stream 500 miles across, very deep and constantly flowing.
On the morning of the 20th of April the ship entered the mouth of the Mississippi River. The passengers were more glad to look upon the plantations of orange groves that bordered the banks of the river than the great strong surging waves of the Atlantic which they had left behind them. Sometimes the Negroes would call from the shore and bid the emigrants welcome.
The Windermere set sail 22nd of February 1854 from Liverpool, England, arrived at New Orleans 23 April, 1954. During the voyage winds were encountered, arising at times to heavy gales. But at the end of five weeks favorable winds set in and the ship made 1,000 miles in four days.
Six marriages were solemnized on board, six births and 10 deaths occurred.
Millennial Star, Vol. 16, pp. 140, 193, 345, 477
Church Emigration. Vol. 2 p. 185—1868
Of the Craner family who were on this ship, the father, George Benjamin Craner, died of Cholera while crossing the plains to Salt Lake City. He was buried in the same grave along with a young girl and a child. Because the people were dying so fast, they didn’t have time to dig enough graves.
Windermere shortening sail to answer signal of distress of the whaler St. Peter,
off New Bedford, Dec 16 1846. Windermere hove to St. Peter making after
her capsized whale boat. Unrelated to this voyage but interesting history.
Death: Jan. 15, 1926
Paragonah, Iron County, Utah, USA
Alexander was the son of Ellen Bell and William Robb. He married Ellen Benson on July 9 1877 in Parowan, Utah. He was the father of six: Martha, Alexander, Margaret Ellen, Mary Elizabeth, Alice Ann, and Pearl.
He worked as a freighter taking surlus grain, butter, cheese and eggs to mining camps at Dlamar, Pioche Nevada, and Silver Reef in Washington co Utah. He was also a dairyman and a cattleman.
Alexander Robb Death Certificate
Alexander Robb Monument Paragonah, Utah Cemetery
Burial:
Paragonah Cemetery
Paragonah, Iron County, Utah, USA
Find A Grave Memorial# 9904231
Originally, I was exited about finding information on this brand thinking it was gg-grandpa William Robb's brand. Then I realized it must belong to his son William Robb Jr. In 1861, William and his young polygamist wife Susannah Drummond Robb left Paragonah when he was called to the Cotton Mission in Harrisburg, Utah. He left Helen and their children to make their own way in Paragonah. The brand is still significant, as it would have been used to identify horses and cattle that were owned by the Helen Robb family, with William Robb Jr as the male head of household.
Created by: Cracraft Proud Record added: Nov 15, 2004 Find A Grave Memorial# 9904299
Birth: Oct. 25, 1908
Spry Garfield County Utah, USA
Death: Jun. 6, 1926 Utah, USA
Marion was the son of Eliza Barton and Albert D. Robb.
The circumstances of his death is still a mystery.
Iron County Utah Sheriff's Office Poster:
MISSING On June 5 1926 Marion M. Robb was working on the sheep range of his folks several miles north and east of Paragonah Utah when he mysteriously disappeared. The surrpounding country was thoroughly searched by 500 neighbors and friends but not a trace was found. If you have any information communicate with his parents or this department. J.T. Leigh, Sheriff
Marion's remains were found Oct 28 1933. There were wires still wound around the arms and legs, and evidence of a gag still in place.
Place of Death: East Cottonwood Canyon
Burial: 11/6/1933
Burial:
Paragonah Cemetery
Paragonah Iron County Utah, USA
Name on headstone Thomas Robb
Birth 1848 - Sindney, Australia
Death 1931 - Paragonah, Utah
INDIAN WAR VETERAN DIES AT PARAGONAH
Thomas was the husband of Alice Tattersall Robb, married Feb 27, 1871 in Salt Lake City. It took five weeks for them to make the trip to Salt Lake and back to Paragonah. He owned the first grain grinder in Paragonah.
Thomas Robb, 83, resident and prominent citizen of Paragonah since 1857, and veteran of the Black Hawk Indian War died at his home on Monday, June 22, after a lingering illness of several months during which he suffered much.
He is survived by three children, Mary E. Prothero and Thomas W. Robb of Paragonah and James Robb of Salt Lake City, his wife having preceeded him in death by thirteen years. An account of the funeral service which was held yesterday afternoon will be found with other Paragonah news on the back page of this issue.
Mr. Robb was born in Sydney, Australia, May 15, 1848, one of the family of nine boys and three girls, children of William and Helen Bell Robb. With his parents he emigrated to America at the age of nine years, landing at San Pedro, California in 1857. They came on to Utah the same year with a company of Mormon converts and after a short sojourn at Cedar City, then Cedar Fort, they moved to Paragonah where he has since resided.
He was mustered into service during the Black Hawk Indian War on August 16, 1866, in Captain James Andrus' company and saw active service as a minute man. He was married to Alice Tattersol on February 27, 1871 in the endowment house in Salt Lake City.
He was a successful farmer and livestock man and a good citizen, contributing liberally of his time and money for the public good. He devoted much of his time in later years and spent considerable money in genealogical research and temple work for his family.
A large number of out-of-town people were here for the funeral, among them his brother George and the latter's son Orlo of Price, his daughter-in-law Mrs. James Robb and grand daughter Elaine of Salt Lake City.
Parowan Times
6/26/1931
Headstone Details
Thomas Robb Death Certificate
State of Utah--Death Certificate Thomas Robb Born: May 15 1848, Sidney (sic) Australia Died: June 22, 1931 (Age 83 Years, 1 month, 7 days) Burried: Paragonah, June 25, 1931 Wife: Alice Tattersal Robb Father: Wm Robb Sr., born in Scotland Mother: Ellen Bell Robb, born in Scotland
Thomas Robb Indian War Affidavit
Thomas Robb Indian War Affidavit
Thomas Robb monument Paragonah Cemetery, Paragonah, Utah
Franklyn's wedding to Mary Taylor
29 April 1905 in Parowan, Utah
This photo is of Franklyn's wedding to Mary Taylor 29 April 1905 in Parowan. The woman next to the groom is Sarah Permelia Holyoak Robb Wardell. Assistance in identifying other individuals in this photo will be greatly appreciated.
Frank and Mary's Wedding Photo
29th April 1905 Parowan, Utah
Sarah Permelia Holyoak Robb Wardell
seated on Frank's left
Hole-in-the-Rock: When the wagons went
down this trail it was twice as long as it is today
Written by Georgia Robb Drake, grand-daughter to Heber William Robb.
In studying the historical reports and diaries of the Hole in the Rock participates, as the time neared there was much excitement and anticipation for this new adventure to begin. Throughout the summer of 1879, while emigration routes were being explored, families were rounding up livestock, disposing of property and acquiring sturdy wagons, necessary supplies and equipment. "Ho for the San Juan" became a common greeting throughout Southern Utah. Yes, I was concerned for those families, men, women, and children, full of faith, enthusiasm and courage, ready to take on an unparalleled expedition in untamed territory. Trusting scouts who were sent to determine the best route and feasibility of road building through the broken terrain returning with favorable reports, had done their job well. Trusting the land would be suitable for farming, trusting mostly in God.
A Utah newspaper described Utah's southeast corner in 1861, as "one vast continuity of waste and measurably valueless, except for nomadic purposes, hunting grounds for Indians and to hold the world together." The Mormons wanted to establish an outpost settlement to bring the word of God to the Indians and act as a neutral point of rendezvous of the southern Navajo tribes, and the war-like Ute and Paiute tribes to the north. Many of those who inhabited this area did so by raiding and pillaging the Mormon settlements west of the Colorado. "One writer reported that at one time twelve hundred head of stolen cattle were driven across the Colorado at the Crossing of the Fathers. Losses to the raiders, in sheep, cattle, and horses, were estimated at more than one million dollars a year."This was such a harrowing experience, the accomplishment of those who went through the "Hole" is remembered with great respect. Then I wondered, would I have gone if I had been called? The answer is, Yes. I hope I would have the same faith and courage these brave pioneers showed, and retained under such adverse situations.
Great Grandmother Sarah P. Holyoak Robb worried about the outlaws who had made the difficult terrain their home. It is said that Solomon Wardell urged Sarah not to go on the expedition. Whether he did or not, Sarah, her husband Adam Franklin Robb and two sons, Albertus (4) and William Heber (2) were among those daring pioneers of the San Juan Mission. Adam's brothers George Drummond Robb and family, William and his family, John and family were also among those called. John also known as Jack and Thomas were driving a head of cattle to the San Juan.
They were not just pioneers, before they left, each had been called on a mission. The San Juan Mission. They were more than pioneers, they were missionaries with a call to colonize the four corners. Among this incredible band, were two professional road builders. They were paid $1.50 a day, very good wages for that time. When they joined the group, the pioneers had already taken the wagons down the first huge obstacle, "The Hole". Other equally daunting challenges lay ahead. When they came to the next mammoth task, the paid road builders could not conceive of an answer to the challenges they had to overcome. Overwhelmed, they finally gave up and went back to Salt Lake City, saying it couldn't be done. Meanwhile, the Missionaries filled with faith in miracles and undying determination faced those same obstacles together. They solved their problems one after another until at long last, they reached their destination. Starvation, freezing cold, hostile Indians, impossible feats of engineering and road building. They faced them all with faith and courage, and proved their worth with every footstep.
I suspect the members of the San Juan Mission would tell anyone who questioned the wisdom of taking on such a harrowing journey, that their faith grew and miracles were experienced by all. Today, anyone who looks at the extreme grade and narrow passage of the Hole in the Rock must do so with awe and wonder. I am grateful my great grandparents were faithful in their role. Not all stayed after they arrived, but none left without first receiving an official release from their mission call. My grandfather William Heber Robb was only about 2 years old when he participated in this epic journey.
We Thank Thee Oh God
Hole-in-the-Rock
By David Miller
Appendix XI pp. 208
THE GEORGE B. HOBBS NARRATIVE
In Chapter VII of this work George B. Hobbs tells of the experiences of himself, George W. Sevy, Lemuel H. Redd, Sr., and George Morrell who were sent from the Hole-in-the-Rock to scout the country ahead in an attempt to locate a possible route all the way to Montezuma. The narrative found on the following pages is a continuation of Hobbs’ account in which he tells of his second expedition from the Colorado River to Montezuma, this time with provisions for the relief of the families which had been located there since the previous summer.
This account is copied from the San Juan Stake History, L.D.S. Church Historian’s Library.
After working some time on the road, which the company at the Hole-in-the-Rock were making by blasting, etc., down to the Colorado River, I returned to my camp at Fifty Mile Spring to get supplies and my mules in order to join Dan Harris on a return trip with supplies for our people who were starving at Fort Montezuma. Making inquiries from those who had promised to look after my mules while I had been away [on the exploring expedition] I discovered that they had neglected to keep their promise, and no one knew anything about my mules or where they were. Riders had been back as far as Escalante and had practically traveled all over the section of country lying between the Kaiparowitz Plateau and the Escalante Gulch, and no one had seen my mules since I had left. I started out to find them, going about 6 or 7 miles from camp. But finding no grass whatever I knew my animals would not stay in such a desert county. My belief was that they would try to make for their former home in Parowan. Returning to camp with this belief, I decided the next day that I would quit the camp altogether as I did not like the way the brethren had treated me in this matter, while I had been exposing my life to explore the road for them.
Therefore, I set out alone early one morning, in February [January] 1880 with a supply of crackers and my blankets with the intention of returning to my home. After going a mile or so I was impressed to lay my griefs before my God and kneeling on a smooth rock I uttered a few words of prayer, asking God to direct me in what I should do. The impression came to me that I should keep to the west side of all horse tracks. This I did, and after traveling a short distance I found some tracks leading up the steep barren clay hills toward the Kaiparowitz Plateau Cliff. I followed the tracks almost to the cliff where I found a narrow bench covered with abundant bunch grass, and here were my mules, fat as they could be, together with one other animal which the company had thought dead. This happy discovery came, as I always believed, as a direct answer to my prayer. Once before, when on my first trip, my prayers had been answered in a similar way, when I besought God to direct me which way to go, we having lost our bearings. He answered it by impressing me that I should follow the canyon to a certain place where I found a large cottonwood growing. This I did and found it was the only way we could get out. This simply meant the saving of our lives as we were starving, being without food in the cold snow, after having lost our trail.
Dan Harris returned from Escalante with supplies, and as it had been prearranged that I should return with him to bring supplies to those at Montezuma, we traveled together to the Hole-in-the-Rock near the Colorado River and then crossed the river, I fording the river with my horses, his horse being already on the other side. Taking our supplies in a boat, we camped about three miles on the east side of the river the first night. A heavy snow storm overtook us, and as the indications were that it would continue I refused to go further until the snow abated, starting it was better to have the snow under feet than over head. Bro. Harris became quite angry at my suggestion to stay a day or so and went [pp 210] back to the river where he persuaded two California miners (father and son) who were with the party to accompany him.(1)
Some of the brethren had gone about four miles further ahead to work on the road in order to make it easier for us to get out with our pack animals. When Bro. Harris passed these men they asked where I was. He answered that I had refused to start in the snow storm, and he was glad of it, as I wanted to go by way of the Elk Mountain, and he knew he could go up the San Juan. He then said, “Tell Hobbs that I will meet him on the road.” It pleased the brethren to think that a shorter way might be found, as I had held to my opinion that my way was the only way to get through.
I now stayed and worked on the road three weeks longer as I wished to get my wagons across the river. (2) The storm continued most of the time. When I got ready to start I asked for a volunteer to go with me but none would go. Bro. Sevy said no man could live and go through those cedars with the snow which must be on the ground. I said that I would go, as I would never live to know that women and children were starving to death for the want of an effort on my part.
The next morning I placed the packs on my mules, tying the head of one to the tail of the other and leading the first one. In this way I traveled the entire distance, going on foot myself. The second day, when I cam to the slick rocks, I looked back and saw a band of horses following me with men driving them. When they reached me at the bottom of the rocks I found it was Jack and Adam Robb, formerly of Paragonah.(3) They told me they were going to leave their horses at the Lake and accompany me through, as they had been off their homesteads near Farmington, New Mexico, for six months and were afraid someone might jump their claims.
We made good time, following the back bone or dividing ridge between the Colorado and San Juan Rivers toward the Elk Mountains, the snow getting deeper every mile we traveled. The weather was so cold that the snow was not crusted. Five days I spent in these cedars and gulches with the snow up to my chin. I had to cut trees out of my way in order to get through and my mules did not have a mouthful of food during this time. On Feb. 22nd, 1880 (my 24th birthday), I got out of this deep snow into a branch of the Comb Wash where the ground was bare. Here my mules would eat a little grass and then roll in the sand, which seemed to give them much pleasure, after being in the snow so long. The next day was good traveling down the Comb Wash.
Passing the Harris camp (4) the following day I reached Montezuma. Geo. Harris road out overtaking me, (5) asking me how long I had been on the road. I answered that this was my ninth day. He said, “You have made good time.” I asked him when Dan Harris had got through. He said “Yesterday,” and explained that he and his companions had eaten up all his supplies. He had been wandering in the deep snow 29 days (6) from our camp in the Hole-in-the-Rock. Geo. Harris desired to buy some of my supplies but I stated that no money on [pp. 211] earth could buy them, as they were sent to relieve those who were starving at Montezuma.
George and his brother Dan immediately got ready to return on my tracks to the main camp, which they did, reaching the camp at Cheese Ranch, about 10 miles east of the Colorado River. Inquiries were made as to whether they had seen me. They answered, “Yes, he got through, and for God’s sake if there are any of the rest of you that want to get through, you had better follow his tracks!”
It was a joyous moment for those starving Montezuma people when they saw me coming over the hill with the white sacks of flour on the packs. They had been watching for nearly a week, as the 60 days of promise were just expiring (my companions having on our first trip stated we would return with food in 60 days, they believing they could hold out that long).(7) They had but one pint of wheat left when I arrived and had not tasted flour for over four months. I stayed with these people 20 days while the Robb boys went up to Farmington and worked on their homesteads. Upon their return I joined them.
Just previous to our return a cowboy carrier [courier] had brought word to Montezuma Fort that the White River massacre (in which the Meeker family were massacred by Indians) had occurred and for us to be on the lookout as well as those at the fort.(8) Before leaving the camp at Cheese Ranch I had agreed upon a system of signals on any prominent ridge that I might cross to guide the company which way to come, my signals were three fires in a triangle. On the third way out we were making toward the Elk Mountains, arriving at a prominent ridge about noon. I made my first signals, which were immediately answered by a signal fire on the side of Elk Mountain. We were pleased to think that we would be with company again that night. No sooner had we started towads their fire in the afternoon and gone down into a box canyon than we came across the fresh trail of the Indians fleeing into the country west of the Elk Mountains. They had passed but an hour or so before. Not knowing whether the fire we had seen was an Indian’s signal fire or our friends, made our going dangerous, as we expected to be shot from every turn in the trail, my companions preferred that I go in the lead, they keeping well behind. I still had confidence in my God that he would preserve us, as he had done before. We found by the sign which the Indians’ horses had left that we were gaining on them as it made traveling for us much better than for them as they beat down the snowdrifts.
These Indians ran into our brethren’s camp about an hour ahead of us, retreating into the hills immediately not knowing but what our people were hostile toward them. They sent a squaw in, and our people gave her some clothes and food. Then others ventured in, they asked about us, but the Indians said they did not know anything of our whereabouts, although we were behind them. The men immediately came to the conclusion that they had killed us as they seemed so ignorant of our whereabouts. Six men immediately started out back on their trail expecting to find our dead bodies. They met us about half a mile from their camp. I then told them of the Meeker massacre and that perhaps [pp. 212] these were the Indians that were getting away. They immediately threw out guards to protect the camp and stock.
They had agreed to bring my wagon with them, but I learned it was where I had left it. This necessitated me going back after it. I met many different parties that were on their way to catch up with the main camp which was now at the Elk Mountain. The weaker ones were in the rear, some had an ox and a mule hitched together, some had cows and heifers in their teams, one I noticed was a pair of mules with an ox on the pike with a young girl riding the ox, to keep him in the road, all made inquiries of me how far it was to San Juan. The Robb boys accompanied me back as far as the Lakes staying there four days while I returned alone to Cheese Ranch for my wagon. In places where I could not get up the hills with my load wagon (having no help) I packed the supplies from my wagon onto pack mules, then came back for the wagon.
On April 4th, 1880, we overtook the main company at a place now called Rhen Cone on the San Juan River. (9) Next day we pulled up a steep dug way that had just been completed, (10) and the following day (April 6th 1880) we arrived at the point on the San Juan where Bluff City now stands. Much disappointment was experienced by members of the company of about 225 souls on their arrival for they had expected to find a large open valley, instead they found a narrow canyon with small patches of land on each side of the river. Wm. Hutchings of Beaver was the man that named the place Bluff City on account of the bluffs near by.(11)
The next day (leaving camp here) I pulled up to Ft. Montezuma which was my destination. The company now began the general work of colonizing, taking out the water, building water wheels, putting in crops, etc. I had promised Silas S. Smith who was captain of our company who was home at Paragoonah that I would let him know when the company got through, I just had time to scribble a letter to him sending it to Mancos (125 miles away) by a cowboy who was just leaving, to that effect, this being the first news to get back to Utah of the company getting through.(12)
Footnotes
1- Hobbs, and Harris had camped on Cottonwood Creek when the storm struck. These California miners are mentioned in numerous accounts but are never given further identification.
2- During this time Hobbs did get his outfit across the river, probably coming across with the rest of the wagons from Fifty-mile camp late in January 1880. He took his wagon as far as Cheese Camp before finally setting out with packs for Montezuma, as is “indicated by later references in this account. Although Hobbs uses the plural, “wagons” in this one place, it seems quote obvious that he had but one.
3- Platte D. Lyman’s journal entry for February 15, states that four men started for the San Juan with pack animals that day. This number probably included Hobbs, and the Robbs. This checks about right with later statements by Hobbs, that he arrived at Comb Wash on February 22 and at Montezuma two or three days later, having traveled 9 days from Cheese Camp. James Dunton and Amasa Barton had also taken a herd of horses ahead of the main company from Cheese Camp, according to the Lyman record.
4- At the site of Bluff.
5- George Harris rode out of the Harris camp at Bluff and overtood Hobbs as he was passing by on his way to Montezuma.
6- Hobbs had spent nine days, having left Cheese Camp February 15. He and Dan Harris had originally crossed the Colorado to begin their trip together about January 23 or 24.
7- In his Desert News (December 29, 1919) account Hobbs says: “I having on my first trip stated I would return with food in 60 days.”
8- For an account of this massacre see LeRoy R. Hafen (ed), Colorado and its People, I, 381-86 It is hardly likely that the Indians Hobbs followed into camp three days later were members of the Meeker Massacre party.
9- Rhen Cone! -- bend or corner. This is where the San Juan cuts through Comb Ridge. It is the site of the later Barton trading post where Amasa Barton was killed by an Indian a few years later.
10- San Juan Hill.
11- As far as I have been able to learn, this is the thinly account that gives William Hutchings credit for having suggested the name of Bluff City. I see no reason to doubt it. When the U.S. Post Office Department was preparing to establish an office there, the name was shortened to Bluff.
12- In his Desert News account, Hobbs states: “My father, who lived at Parowan, had promised Silas Smith, who was still at his home in Paragonah … that he would let him know when he got a letter from me saying the company got through…”
APPENDIX I
HOLE-IN-THE-ROCK PERSONNEL
B. Personnel Of The Hole-IN-The-Rock Expedition:
Gurr, William Heber (Parowan) Family Friends traveled to U.S. on Ship Lucas w/Robbs
Anna Hanson
William John
Holyoak, Henry (Paragonah) [Sarah Permelia’s Uncle]
Sarah Ann Robinson
Alice Jane
Henry John
Mary Luella
Eliza Ellen
Albert Daniel
Robb, Adam Franklin (Paragonah)
Sarah P. Holyoak
Albertus
William Heber
Robb, George (Paragonah)
Sarah Ann Edwards
Ellen Jane
Sarah Ann
Robb, William (Paragonah)
Ellen Stones
William
C. Persons Sometimes Listed As Among The Hole-In-The-Rock Company But Without Definite Proof:
Robb, Alexander
Robb, Samuel (Son of William Robb and Susannah Drummond)
Robb, Thomas
William Robb and Helen Bell of Perthshire Scotland
This site is dedicated to the life and times of William Robb , Helen Bell, their progenitors and their descendants. To better understand our history by sharing information, stories, histories, photos and other memorabilia. Much of the information here is gleaned from searching the internet, and bringing bits and pieces of information to one place.
It was my intention to gather stories, histories, images, all that would bring our histories alive and share with others. This I have done through much time, effort and research. When I find information taken from this site and posted on another without reference as to the source, it's disappointing as well as disengenuous. It keeps others from accessing more information. Use the information posted, but please give credit. Thank you.
If you can add information, make correction, or provide another perspective on postings, please leave your comments. If you have photos, and other memorabilia, please share. I look forward to getting to know those who are interested in who we are.
Welcome to my family history blog. I look forward to getting better acquainted with those who want to know more about my family by sharing information, stories, histories, photos and memorabilia. To contact me gdrake2001@gmail.com
