We, too, have the same ancestor as A Muhlestein. Ezra Heela Allen not only joined the Battalion to San Diego area, but went to Coloma to help with Sutter's Mill. As was stated, he and others did remain until the contract was completed. Going on to Salt Lake, Ezra and two others were scouting the trail, when all 3 were killed. The Pouch of Gold story is true and I've seen, in person, the gold ring his wife wore. True faithful saints - they went though so much for us. We are thankful to them all - related or not - for their examples and faith.
David ShieldsJuly 20, 2016
Some years ago I was involved in the development of a shopping center in Pollock Pines, California, a small community on Highway 50 east of Sacramento. Because the Pony Express Trail ran right through the property, we were required as a condition of development of the property to work with the El Dorado County historian to make sure that any historically significant artifacts were properly preserved. During my dealings with the county historian, I had the opportunity to discuss with him the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill in nearby Coloma, California. During these discussions I learned that among the workers that constructed Sutter’s Mill were a number of veterans of the Mormon Battalion. What most impressed the county historian about the Mormon workers was that after the discovery of gold, when thousands were flooding into California to seek their fortunes, a number these faithful brethren finished their contract with John Sutter and then continued their journey back to Utah to rejoin their wives and children, giving up what many would have considered the chance of a lifetime. I am proud to be related to one of the soldiers of the Mormon Battalion.
A MuhlesteinJuly 20, 2016
I have several direct ancestors in the Battalion. One was Pheobe Odell who was a nurse and entered the SL Valley with the ill soldiers on July 27. One Levi Fifield who was the blacksmith at Sutter's Mill and another but not last was Ezra Allen of the Pouch of Gold story. The march was extremely brutal and so were some of the officers. Ezra lost his life trying to get back across the Sierra Nevadas.
Kevin HensonJuly 20, 2016
The Battalion 'main route' was studied and published as a map book in 1971 by the Utah Historical Society. Dr. Charles Peterson's study group was not able to conduct field work. In the intervening 40+ years, much has been learned about the main route as well as the detachment routes. Dr Stan Kimball was key in researching sections and helping provide a newer map book titled, "Historic Sites and Markers Along the Mormon and Other Great Western Trails." However, it also was incomplete for covering all the routes.
David Glassett is to be commended for his rotated map, however, the Brown Sick detachment route and the Kearny Escort group routes were not included on his interpretation.
The Mormon Battalion Association has a more comprehensive map which can be downloaded at: https://www.mormonbattalion.com/Museums_Monuments_Maps_and_Trails
In addition, a mobile app is being prepared for use on both iOS and Android devices. The research has not all been included as yet, but the developmental beta version of the Mormon Battalion Routes in 1846-47 may be seen using the MapNTour app.
For further information, e-mail to:
[email protected]
Jerome TewJuly 20, 2016
Ensign article from 1979 by a history professor. I was disappointed that you used my brother-in-law's work and did not give him credit.
The professor's name was Stanley B. Kimball.
Merlin FreiJuly 20, 2016
Thank you for your interesting article and maps of the Mormon Battalion. My ancestor, Daniel Tyler was on that march, as well as was Ebeneezer Brown, my wife's ancestor. We are so grateful for their courage, trial and suffering upon this trek.
Thanks too for reminding us that today is the anniversary of the beginning of that march.
Comments | Return to Story
D. PendletonJuly 26, 2016
We, too, have the same ancestor as A Muhlestein. Ezra Heela Allen not only joined the Battalion to San Diego area, but went to Coloma to help with Sutter's Mill. As was stated, he and others did remain until the contract was completed. Going on to Salt Lake, Ezra and two others were scouting the trail, when all 3 were killed. The Pouch of Gold story is true and I've seen, in person, the gold ring his wife wore. True faithful saints - they went though so much for us. We are thankful to them all - related or not - for their examples and faith.
David ShieldsJuly 20, 2016
Some years ago I was involved in the development of a shopping center in Pollock Pines, California, a small community on Highway 50 east of Sacramento. Because the Pony Express Trail ran right through the property, we were required as a condition of development of the property to work with the El Dorado County historian to make sure that any historically significant artifacts were properly preserved. During my dealings with the county historian, I had the opportunity to discuss with him the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill in nearby Coloma, California. During these discussions I learned that among the workers that constructed Sutter’s Mill were a number of veterans of the Mormon Battalion. What most impressed the county historian about the Mormon workers was that after the discovery of gold, when thousands were flooding into California to seek their fortunes, a number these faithful brethren finished their contract with John Sutter and then continued their journey back to Utah to rejoin their wives and children, giving up what many would have considered the chance of a lifetime. I am proud to be related to one of the soldiers of the Mormon Battalion.
A MuhlesteinJuly 20, 2016
I have several direct ancestors in the Battalion. One was Pheobe Odell who was a nurse and entered the SL Valley with the ill soldiers on July 27. One Levi Fifield who was the blacksmith at Sutter's Mill and another but not last was Ezra Allen of the Pouch of Gold story. The march was extremely brutal and so were some of the officers. Ezra lost his life trying to get back across the Sierra Nevadas.
Kevin HensonJuly 20, 2016
The Battalion 'main route' was studied and published as a map book in 1971 by the Utah Historical Society. Dr. Charles Peterson's study group was not able to conduct field work. In the intervening 40+ years, much has been learned about the main route as well as the detachment routes. Dr Stan Kimball was key in researching sections and helping provide a newer map book titled, "Historic Sites and Markers Along the Mormon and Other Great Western Trails." However, it also was incomplete for covering all the routes. David Glassett is to be commended for his rotated map, however, the Brown Sick detachment route and the Kearny Escort group routes were not included on his interpretation. The Mormon Battalion Association has a more comprehensive map which can be downloaded at: https://www.mormonbattalion.com/Museums_Monuments_Maps_and_Trails In addition, a mobile app is being prepared for use on both iOS and Android devices. The research has not all been included as yet, but the developmental beta version of the Mormon Battalion Routes in 1846-47 may be seen using the MapNTour app. For further information, e-mail to: [email protected]
Jerome TewJuly 20, 2016
Ensign article from 1979 by a history professor. I was disappointed that you used my brother-in-law's work and did not give him credit. The professor's name was Stanley B. Kimball.
Merlin FreiJuly 20, 2016
Thank you for your interesting article and maps of the Mormon Battalion. My ancestor, Daniel Tyler was on that march, as well as was Ebeneezer Brown, my wife's ancestor. We are so grateful for their courage, trial and suffering upon this trek. Thanks too for reminding us that today is the anniversary of the beginning of that march.
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