November 2009

October:  Nick Scholzen, Johnny Johnson, &… came to the SUP and told us the history of the Mormon Battalion Organization. The group was organized to help us remember what the Mormon Battalion accomplished, not only for themselves, but also for the rest of the saints who were leaving Winter Quarters and traveling to the Salt Lake Valley. At first, they were a part of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers, but after a short time it was determined that it would be better if they became their own entity, and the rest is history.

It was interesting to note that this venture was a joint agreement between the U.S. Government and Brigham Young as a way to help provide the much-needed finances to allow the saints to cross the plains. These valiant men  entered military service without the benefit of uniforms so that those savings would allow the church to prepare to come west. In all, before the venture was over,  more than $70,000 dollars was sent to the church leadership to help pave the way for their migration. This trek was nearly 2,000 miles to California, and before it was all over, some of the men had traversed 4,000 miles or more. It is known as the longest march in U.S. History, and perhaps the longest march of its kind in the history of the world.

When the Battalion entered the City of Santa Fe, they were introduced to the idea of irrigation, and they also learned that the wheat the saints were transporting to the Salt Lake Valley was the wrong kind for planting, and which kind of wheat was the right kind. A small contingent of soldiers, women and children who had been ill were sent to join the main body of the saints, and this information was dispensed there.

Before the Batalion (the original spelling) left the main body of the saints, Brigham Young called them all together. He promised them that if they lived their lives as the Lord would have them, the only battle they would have would be with wild beasts, and that none of them would die by the hand of the enemy they were called to fight. During their long march, they had no confrontation with the enemy, but did have a battle they called the “Battle of the Bulls.” Some of the Battalion were also the ones who discovered Gold at Sutter’s Mill, and because of the way they lived their lives, were also probably responsible for Johnston’s Army reconciling with the saints later, rather than fighting to obtain the Salt Lake Valley.

There were quite a few mementos exhibited of swords, a flag, a buffalo head skull neckerchief that they present to eagle scouts, guns, maps and books. In all, the night was a great success. The food was delicious, and the company grand. Thanks again to the Dixie Chapter of the Mormon Battalion.

 

Nick Scholzen is holding an original sword

belonging to a member of the Mormon

Battalion. This sword belongs to the

Than Naegle family in  Toquerville. 

At the beginning of the meeting, Durward Wadsworth was introduced as a new member of the board for the upcoming year, and Darwin Leavitt was presented as our new President Elect for the coming year.

November: Our meeting for November will feature two members of our group who have been huge in our development as a chapter. They were both part of the original group of men who formed this organization in Hurricane, and both served for many years on the board of directors. We should mention here that this meeting will be held on a Thursday rather than a Wednesday to allow for one of these members to come. Please come and help us honor these great men from the Hurricane Valley! The date will be Thursday, November 19^th, at 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall. It will be pot-luck.

Up Coming Events: Please put these dates on your calendars!

November 19^th Program to honor two Modern Day Pioneers

December 5^th Christmas Dinner/Installation of new officers for

2010