LYMAN, Platte DeAlton III^{[1, 2]}

1905 - 1953  (47 years)  Submit Photo / Document

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• Name	LYMAN, Platte DeAlton
  Suffix	III
  Birth	20 Oct 1905	Bluff, San Juan, Utah, United States
  Christening	3 Dec 1905	Bluff, San Juan, Utah, United States
  Gender	Male
  WAC	18 Oct 1945	MANTI
  _TAG	Reviewed on FS
  Death	10 Jan 1953	Monticello, San Juan, Utah, United States
  Burial	12 Jan 1953	Blanding City Cemetary, San Juan, Utah, United States
  Headstones	Submit Headstone Photo
  Person ID	I53414	Joseph Smith Sr and Lucy Mack Smith
  Last Modified	19 Aug 2021

  
  

  Family ID

  F26303

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  Family	GEE, Edith ,   b. 20 Aug 1904, Provo, Utah, Utah, United States Provo, Utah, Utah, United Statesd. 9 Jan 1991, Provo, Utah, Utah, United States (Age 86 years)  [2]
  Children	5 sons
  1. Living   2. LYMAN, Richard Gee   3. LYMAN, Allen Brent   4. LYMAN, James Stuart   5. LYMAN, Mark Elwood ,   b. 20 Aug 1947, Monticello, San Juan, Utah, United States Monticello, San Juan, Utah, United Statesd. 20 Aug 1947, Monticello, San Juan, Utah, United States (Age 0 years)
  Family ID	F26299	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
  Last Modified	24 Jan 2022

  
  

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  Hole-In-the-Rock pioneers inspiring By Gerald Lund Published: July 23, 2009 12:00 a.m. Updated: July 23, 2009 12:12 a.m. 9 Comments It is surprising how many people in Utah know very little about one of the great stories from Utah history — the story of the Hole-In-the-Rock pioneers. One hundred and thirty years ago this October, some 250 undaunted Utahns answered a call and with faith set out on an "impossible journey" that took them through some of the most desolate and rough terrain on the North American continent. The Hole-In-the-Rock expedition, or San Juan Mission, as it came to be known, is the story of Mormon pioneers who answered a call to go to the Four Corners area of southern Utah to serve as a buffer between lawlessness and civilization. They settled Bluff and other surrounding communities in what is now San Juan County. An influx of white men — cattlemen looking for grazing land, miners from boomtowns in southern Colorado, lawless elements seeking a place outside the grasp of the law — threatened to clash with the Native Americans in the area and engulf the whole southern part of the territory in another Indian war. These intrepid saints went forth not for money or personal gain. Unlike earlier pioneers, they were not fleeing persecution or seeking a place where they would find freedom of religion. This group lived in prosperous Mormon communities in comfortable homes and ran successful businesses or farmed land much more productive than where they were going. Even more astonishing, they went as families. About one in five of the company were children 6 years old or under. They went because they were called and because they believed that call was from the Lord. They went because they believed it was necessary for the safety and good of the overall community. University of Utah historian David Miller wrote: "In all the annals of the West, replete with examples of courage, tenacity and ingenuity, there is no better example of the indomitable pioneer spirit than that of the Hole-In-the-Rock expedition of the San Juan Mission. No pioneer company ever built a wagon road through wilder, rougher, more inhospitable country, still one of the least-known regions in America. None ever demonstrated more courage, faith, and devotion to a cause than this group." ("Hole In the Rock," p. ix) They cut a wagon road across the Escalante desert to a cleft in the sheer rock face of the Colorado River gorge, which today overlooks Lake Powell. This narrow crevice, which they named the Hole In the Rock, descended through solid rock at a breathtaking 45- to 50-degree angle. In order to descend through the narrowest part, they blasted out the side walls and used that material for fill for much of the rest of the 1,700-foot drop. About 80 wagons then plunged through the cleft down to the river below. Miraculously, not a wagon was lost, and there were only minor injuries to animals and the pioneers. Although the Hole In the Rock was one of the most remarkable achievements of the company and gave its name to the expedition, the challenges didn't end there. Pioneers blasted and carved a wagon road through the hostile red-rock country from the Colorado River all the way to the San Juan River. What was supposed to take only six weeks ended up taking six months. Three babies were born along the way. Miraculously, not a single life was lost. In the end, they accomplished their purpose. Today, thousands of their descendants trace their roots to Bluff and Blanding, Monticello and Montezuma Creek and other settlements and their ancestry to these heroic pioneers. It is a remarkable story and one that can lift and motivate us today to emulate their courage, their effort, their undaunted determination to do what needs to be done. As we celebrate Pioneer Day this year, as we remember those first companies that came to the Salt Lake Valley then spread out to colonize the Great Basin, may we also remember these later pioneers of 130 years ago and honor them for who they were and what they did. Gerald Lund is the author of several historical novels, including the series "The Work and the Glory." His soon-to-be-released novel, "The Undaunted," tells the story of the Hole-In-the-Rock pioneers. --------------------------------------------------------- Pioneer Descendants Preserve History of the Hole in the Rock Contributed By David Walton, Church News contributor 6 NOVEMBER 2015 From the southwest “gate” to Bluff Fort, visitors can see the bluffs north of town. Photo by David L. Walton. Print Share ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS Apostle Erastus Snow advised pioneers to consolidate their settlement in Bluff, Utah, into a central “fort” for protection. The rebuilt fort now has 13 full-time Church-service missionary couples, one single sister, and 21 local volunteer docents to staff and care for it. RELATED LINKS New Monument Honors Bluff Fort Pioneers Bluff Fort Attracts Thousands of Visitors The San Juan Cooperative has been the centerpiece for the fort at Bluff, Utah, for 135 years. This institution was among the first things established by the Mormon pioneers who settled here, arriving on the 50th anniversary of the organization of the Church, April 6, 1880. Although their trek to the San Juan River was supposed to take six weeks, their arduous journey to the southeastern corner of Utah took six months. The journey included the frightening task of descending some 1,000 feet from a high plateau. By the end, the pioneers were nearly destitute. Necessity required them to establish means of feeding their families. Under the leadership of Platte D. Lyman and Jens Nielson, they formed crews to harness the San Juan River and survey and establish lots and farms. Some went to Colorado for employment or community supplies. Apostle Erastus Snow advised them to consolidate their settlement into a central “fort” for protection from the Navajo, Ute, and Paiute peoples whose intersecting borders they now occupied. Bluff’s residents worked as one, banding together for community protection. Work on the irrigation ditch and meetinghouse proceeded, and by June 1882 they formed the San Juan Co-op. It paid well from the first. They bought Navajo wool, pelts, and blankets to sell in Durango, Colorado, and returned with wagons of merchandise to sell. Trade became so profitable that each stockholder eagerly took his turn when it came time to make the trip. Local freighting and revenue from the store provided a way for the people to stay in San Juan long enough to make a start in the cattle business, which became their salvation. However, their livestock business faced stiff competition from well-financed outside outfits. Bluff citizens merged their herds to form the “Bluff Pool” and bought out the competition. They used their new wealth to exchange cabins for stone homes. A rock church replaced the log meetinghouse. They built a stone schoolhouse and replaced the original log co-op with a two-story stone edifice. A gold rush and oil boom brought in hundreds of new people during the late 1890s and early 1900s. Many found lodging in Bluff homes; others found shelter in cabins abandoned when the original residents moved to more suitable farmland at Verdure, Monticello, and Grayson (Blanding). The co-op’s clientele changed somewhat, but its role remained intact as the town’s pioneer residents dwindled away to just nine of the first families. In 1925, Fred Starr (alias) tried to rob the co-op by blasting open the safe. However, he used too much dynamite, which caused the demise of both the co-op store and Fred Starr. Bishop Jens Nielson’s great-granddaughter Corinne Nielson Roring began to fulfill a lifelong dream of her father’s (Floyd Nielson), which was to rebuild the old fort where he was raised. In 1994 she purchased the property where the original Barton cabin still stands. It was preserved and restored. Grant Taylor and Lamont Crabtree joined her team, and they purchased the Kumen Jones property; the log meetinghouse was rebuilt. A few years later, Karl and LaRue Barton purchased the rock home in Bluff built by her great-grandfather Jens Nielson. A memorial wall to the original Hole in the Rock pioneers was planned, installed, and dedicated in 2004 by then-Presiding Bishop H. David Burton. After much more work, the majority of the “square” was acquired, a visitors’ center was opened, and plans were made for reconstruction of the co-op store. The Hole in the Rock Foundation was formalized in 2006, and the co-op building was completed in 2013. The fort now has 13 full-time Church-service missionary couples, one single sister, and 21 local volunteer docents to staff and care for it. Through their service they help educate and inspire visitors from all around the world. Preserving and sharing the Hole in the Rock story has been a dream of many Bluff pioneer descendants for years. Corinne Roring, former president of the Hole in the Rock Foundation, said, “When the time is right, it will happen.” It’s happening. A photo of the current town of Bluff showcases the geographical feature for which it was named. Photo by Kay Shumway. Cow Canyon on the northeast edge of Bluff. Pioneers used this canyon to get onto the surrounding mesas. Photo by Kay Shumway. One of the restored pioneer homes in Bluff, Utah. When the original settlers moved from the fort and built better homes, they used stone from the surrounding area. Photo by Kay Shumway. A recent aerial photo from a quadcopter of the Bluff Fort shows cabins built by pioneer descendants, the rebuilt store, the old original Barton cabin, the remains of the Kumen Jones stone home, and other structures. Photo by Kay Shumway. The rebuilt Bluff Co-op store and Bluff Fort Visitors’ Center welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Photo by David L. Walton. The log meetinghouse and visitors’ center seen through the remains of the Kumen Jones cabin. Photo by David L. Walton. Mule’s Ear rock formation along the San Juan River near Bluff, Utah, shows the rugged terrain faced by early pioneer settlers. Photo by David L. Walton. A view of Bluff, Utah, looking west. The San Juan River flows left to right against the far bluffs. Photo by David L. Walton. The Hole in the Rock (left), a natural crevasse in the Colorado River gorge, was widened by pioneer settlers to allow wagons to pass down to the “slantendicular” cliff that had to be crossed before reaching the river 1,800 feet below. Photo by David L. Walton. A photo of the bluffs north of Bluff, Utah, shows Locomotive Rock on the left and Calf Canyon right of center. Calf Canyon was used as a natural corral during the early years of settlement. Photo by David L. Walton. A photo of the San Juan River gorge viewed from Grey Mesa (a major obstacle) along the Hole in the Rock Trail. Photo by David L. Walton. Pioneer Descendants Preserve History of the Hole in the Rock Contributed By David Walton, Church News contributor 6 NOVEMBER 2015 From the southwest “gate” to Bluff Fort, visitors can see the bluffs north of town. Photo by David L. Walton. Print Share ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS Apostle Erastus Snow advised pioneers to consolidate their settlement in Bluff, Utah, into a central “fort” for protection. The rebuilt fort now has 13 full-time Church-service missionary couples, one single sister, and 21 local volunteer docents to staff and care for it. RELATED LINKS New Monument Honors Bluff Fort Pioneers Bluff Fort Attracts Thousands of Visitors The San Juan Cooperative has been the centerpiece for the fort at Bluff, Utah, for 135 years. This institution was among the first things established by the Mormon pioneers who settled here, arriving on the 50th anniversary of the organization of the Church, April 6, 1880. Although their trek to the San Juan River was supposed to take six weeks, their arduous journey to the southeastern corner of Utah took six months. The journey included the frightening task of descending some 1,000 feet from a high plateau. By the end, the pioneers were nearly destitute. Necessity required them to establish means of feeding their families. Under the leadership of Platte D. Lyman and Jens Nielson, they formed crews to harness the San Juan River and survey and establish lots and farms. Some went to Colorado for employment or community supplies. Apostle Erastus Snow advised them to consolidate their settlement into a central “fort” for protection from the Navajo, Ute, and Paiute peoples whose intersecting borders they now occupied. Bluff’s residents worked as one, banding together for community protection. Work on the irrigation ditch and meetinghouse proceeded, and by June 1882 they formed the San Juan Co-op. It paid well from the first. They bought Navajo wool, pelts, and blankets to sell in Durango, Colorado, and returned with wagons of merchandise to sell. Trade became so profitable that each stockholder eagerly took his turn when it came time to make the trip. Local freighting and revenue from the store provided a way for the people to stay in San Juan long enough to make a start in the cattle business, which became their salvation. However, their livestock business faced stiff competition from well-financed outside outfits. Bluff citizens merged their herds to form the “Bluff Pool” and bought out the competition. They used their new wealth to exchange cabins for stone homes. A rock church replaced the log meetinghouse. They built a stone schoolhouse and replaced the original log co-op with a two-story stone edifice. A gold rush and oil boom brought in hundreds of new people during the late 1890s and early 1900s. Many found lodging in Bluff homes; others found shelter in cabins abandoned when the original residents moved to more suitable farmland at Verdure, Monticello, and Grayson (Blanding). The co-op’s clientele changed somewhat, but its role remained intact as the town’s pioneer residents dwindled away to just nine of the first families. In 1925, Fred Starr (alias) tried to rob the co-op by blasting open the safe. However, he used too much dynamite, which caused the demise of both the co-op store and Fred Starr. Bishop Jens Nielson’s great-granddaughter Corinne Nielson Roring began to fulfill a lifelong dream of her father’s (Floyd Nielson), which was to rebuild the old fort where he was raised. In 1994 she purchased the property where the original Barton cabin still stands. It was preserved and restored. Grant Taylor and Lamont Crabtree joined her team, and they purchased the Kumen Jones property; the log meetinghouse was rebuilt. A few years later, Karl and LaRue Barton purchased the rock home in Bluff built by her great-grandfather Jens Nielson. A memorial wall to the original Hole in the Rock pioneers was planned, installed, and dedicated in 2004 by then-Presiding Bishop H. David Burton. After much more work, the majority of the “square” was acquired, a visitors’ center was opened, and plans were made for reconstruction of the co-op store. The Hole in the Rock Foundation was formalized in 2006, and the co-op building was completed in 2013. The fort now has 13 full-time Church-service missionary couples, one single sister, and 21 local volunteer docents to staff and care for it. Through their service they help educate and inspire visitors from all around the world. Preserving and sharing the Hole in the Rock story has been a dream of many Bluff pioneer descendants for years. Corinne Roring, former president of the Hole in the Rock Foundation, said, “When the time is right, it will happen.” It’s happening. A photo of the current town of Bluff showcases the geographical feature for which it was named. Photo by Kay Shumway. Cow Canyon on the northeast edge of Bluff. Pioneers used this canyon to get onto the surrounding mesas. Photo by Kay Shumway. One of the restored pioneer homes in Bluff, Utah. When the original settlers moved from the fort and built better homes, they used stone from the surrounding area. Photo by Kay Shumway. A recent aerial photo from a quadcopter of the Bluff Fort shows cabins built by pioneer descendants, the rebuilt store, the old original Barton cabin, the remains of the Kumen Jones stone home, and other structures. Photo by Kay Shumway. The rebuilt Bluff Co-op store and Bluff Fort Visitors’ Center welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Photo by David L. Walton. The log meetinghouse and visitors’ center seen through the remains of the Kumen Jones cabin. Photo by David L. Walton. Mule’s Ear rock formation along the San Juan River near Bluff, Utah, shows the rugged terrain faced by early pioneer settlers. Photo by David L. Walton. A view of Bluff, Utah, looking west. The San Juan River flows left to right against the far bluffs. Photo by David L. Walton. The Hole in the Rock (left), a natural crevasse in the Colorado River gorge, was widened by pioneer settlers to allow wagons to pass down to the “slantendicular” cliff that had to be crossed before reaching the river 1,800 feet below. Photo by David L. Walton. A photo of the bluffs north of Bluff, Utah, shows Locomotive Rock on the left and Calf Canyon right of center. Calf Canyon was used as a natural corral during the early years of settlement. Photo by David L. Walton. A photo of the San Juan River gorge viewed from Grey Mesa (a major obstacle) along the Hole in the Rock Trail. Photo by David L. Walton. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hole in the Rock Sources http://www.escalanteut.com/about-us/history/ http://www.brycecanyoncountry.com/history-of-escalante-utah/ https://www.lds.org/ensign/1995/10/hole-in-the-rock?lang=eng https://familysearch.org/photos/artifacts/2304561 http://www.brycecanyoncountry.com/history-of-escalante-utah/ http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705318542/Hole-In-the-Rock-pioneers-inspiring.html https://www.lds.org/church/news/pioneer-descendants-preserve-history-of-the-hole-in-the-rock?lang=eng https://www.nps.gov/glca/learn/historyculture/holeintherock.htm http://www.hirf.org/trail.asp http://www.blufffort.org/newsletter/July2016.pdf http://hirf.org/history.asp ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.blufffort.org/newsletter/July2016.pdf ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HOLE IN THE ROCK TRAIL Pre-Lake PowellThe Hole in the Rock Trail - A wagon road blazed over country so broken up and inhospitable, the company’s scouts declared that it was impassable! The Hole in the Rock Trail was named after a crevice the colonizers utilized to gain access to the Colorado River gorge and some of the most broken terrain in North America. Lynn Lyman photograph The 250-mile long trail runs from Parowan in southwestern Utah to Bluff and Montezuma Fort in southeastern Utah. The road was blazed during the winter of 1879-80 by 70 families who were answering a call from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to establish a settlement in the Four Corners region. The first eight-five miles of their route from Parowan, Utah, to Escalante, Utah, was over established wagon roads. From Escalante, Utah, the last established town along their route, the colonizers blasted a trail through the Colorado River gorge, descended crevices, and crossed deep ravines, mountains, deserts, and forests - terrain so inhospitable many of their own scouts deemed it as impassable. By the time they reached their destination, they had been en route twice as long as it took some the same participants to pull handcarts 1300 miles to the Salt Lake Valley. Once completed, the wagon road provided a vitial access and supply link. The road was utilized in its entirety for one year. In 1881, Charles Hall, who operated the ferry at the bottom of the Hole in the Rock, moved his ferry thirty miles upstream, where he established Hall's Crossing. Although Hall's Crossing bypassed the Hole in the Rock crevice, major sections of the original wagon road were utilized in conjunction with the new river crossing. source: http://www.blufffort.org/trail.html -------------------------------------------------------------- names on the treck Adams, James J. Allen, Isaac Bayles, Hansen Balden, Thomas Barnes, Noah Barney, Danielson Buren Laura Matthews Buren Onley Alfred Alonzo Laura May Rachel Sophey Edson Elroy Eliza Melina Betsey Maud Bird Ella Barton, Amasa M. Barton, Joseph Franklin Harriet Ann Richards Harriet Eliza Mary Viola Bayles, Hansen Mary Ann Durham Bryson, Samuel Bullock, Robert Butler, John Butt, Parley R. Butt, Willard Christensen, Peter Christensen, Lars Cox, Samuel Sarah Gane Sarah Dailey, Milton Mary Malinda Wilson Marion Madalene Dailey, Wilson Lorana Tilton Bade Belt Dalley, Nielson B. Dalton, John C. Davis, James L. Elizabeth Fretwell Edward Fretwell James Fretwell James Henery Fertwell Emily Ellen John Orson Ethel Olive Decker, Cornelius Issac Elizabeth Morris Cornelius William Eugene Moris Decker, James Bean Anna Maria Mickelsen Anna Lillian Nancy Genevieve Lena Deseret Decker, Nathanial Alvin Emma Moris Sarah Jane Alvin Moris Decker, Zachariah Bruyn, Jr. Emma Seraphine Smith Zachariah Nathaniel Louis Addison Emma Constance Inez Gertrude Jesse Moroni Decker, Zachariah Bruyn, Sr. George William Duncan, John C. Dunton, James Harvey Mary Ann Doidge Sarah Jane (Barker) Mary Ann (Barker) Emma Amelia (Barker) Catherine Marie (Barker) Ellen Melissa (Barker) Georginia Madora (Barker) John Harvey Martha Jane McKee Daniel David Letty A. Dunton, James Cyrus Eliza Ann Prothero James Albert Mary Allice Dunton, Marius Ensign Emily Hadden Marius Alfred James Harvey Echles, Andrew Eyre, William Naylor Fielding, Hyrum Ellen Agnes Hobbs Hyrum William Thomas Amos Joseph Oliver Ellen Delcena John Melvin Goddard, Sidney Goddard, William Pace Ann Kirrilla Taylor William Herbert Maud Anna Gower,John Thomas Harriet Jane Corry Gurr, William Herber Anna Hanson William John Guymon, Lafayette Phebe M. Perkins Anna Emeline (Mortensen) Enoch Couch (Mortensen) Heber Columbus (Mortensen) James Neils (Mortensen) Haight, Caleb Haight, Isaac Chauncy Harriman, Henry Harrison Sarah Elizabeth Hobbs Henry George Mary Clarissa John Alma Lizzie Constance Harris, Daniel Hanna Thorton Edward Royal Jacob Alonzo John Alma Harris, George Martha Ann Thorton George William Charles Eylor Harris, John Lovina Eiler Hansen, Lars J. Haskell, Thales Hastings Margaret Johanna Edwards Irene Ursulia Margaret Ann Sarah Francelle Thales Hastings, Jr. Mary Elijahetta Ashbel Greene Hobbs, George B. Holyoak, Henry Sarah Ann Robinson Alice Jane Henry John Mary Luella Eliza Hellen Albert Daniel Hunter, David Murie Sarah Jane Urie Hutchings, William Willard, Jr. Sarah Agnes LeBaron Sarah Elizabeth Matilda Ellace Lydia Marie Hyde, William Angeline Harris Harriet Parthenia Ernest Bertrand Francis Herbert (Frank) Edna Estelle Mary Ann Green Helen Athalia Mary Luella Charles Albert Ipson, George Jensen,J. P. Jane C. Margaret Leonard Johnson, James Lotte James Marrion Jr. John Jones, Kumen Mary M. Larson,Mons Olivia Ekelund Moroni Mons Lars Andrew John Rio Lewis, George Frederick Lewis, James Harding Lilywhite, Joseph Mary Ellen Wilden Mary Elenor Joseph Charles Wilden Jeremiah Lawrence John LeRoy Lyman, Amasa Mason, Jr. Lyman, Edward Leo Lyman, Ida Evelyn Lyman, Joseph Alvin Nellie Grayson Roper Lyman, Lydia May Lyman, Platte DeAlton Adelia Robison Evelyn Albert Robison Lyman, Walter C. Mackelprang, Samuel William Adelia Terry Samuel William Adelia Estella Margaret Ann Lydia Cornelia Minerva Thomas Peter McGreggor, Adelbert F. Mickelson, Peter Harriet Emily Decker Don Alvin Morrell, George Mortensen, Peter Hanna Maria Smith Sarah Christ Muny, Joseph Nelson, Peter Albert Nielson, Jens Kirsten Jensen Hans Joseph Jens Peter Margaret Francis Lucinda Caroline Pace, James Wilkerson Hannah Caroline Sevy Margaret Melinda Pace, John Hardison Pauline Ann Bryner Elizabeth Mary Pace, Wilford Woodruff Perkins, Benjamin Mary Ann Williams Mary Jane Carolina Cardelia Thurston Catherine Martha Naomi Perkins, Hyrum Rachel Maria Corry George William Perry, George E. Redd, Lemuel Hardison, Sr. James Monroe Redd, Lemuel Hardison, Jr. Eliza Ann Westover Lula Riley, Henry James Sarah Ipson James Morton Robb, Adam Franklin Sarah Permelia Holyoak Albertus William Heber Robb, George Drummand Caroline Jones Mary Ann Robb, John Rowlandson Sarah Ann Edwards Ellen Jane Sarah Ann Robb, William Robinson, John Rowaldson Roner, Jacob Rowley, Samuel Ann Taylor Mary Ann Samuel Jamer Hannah Eliza Sarah Jane Alice Louise George Walter John Taylor Sevey, George Washington Margaret Nebraska Imlay Ruben Warren (Butler) George Francis Smith, John Aitkens Emily Jane Bennett Emily Jane Smith, Joseph Stanford Arabella Jane Coombs Ada Olivia Joseph Elroy George Abraham Smith, Silas Sanford Martha Eliza Bennett Jesse Joel (C. Ricks) Stephen Augustus (C. Ricks) Albert (S. Ricks) Ella Clarinda (C. Ricks) Smith, Samuel Smith, Silas, Jr. Betsey Williamson Clarinda Ann Silas Sanford Stevens, David Alma Stevens, Roswell Stevens, Walter Joshua Elizabeth Kenney Tanner, Seth Taylor, Edmond Zebulon Taylor, William Warren, Jr. Thorton, Hammilton Urie, George Alice Jane Perry Walden, George Wallace, Hammilton Walker, Joseph Walton, Charles Eugene Jane Mc Kechnie Charles Eugene, Jr. Frances Magnolia Leona Jane Warren, William Reed S. Rebecca Harris John Stockbridge Ella Emma Jane Webster, Francis Westover, George Henery Westwood, George Williams, Sarah Williams, Thomas Wilson, Henry Woolsey, Joseph Smith Home|The Trail|Bluff Fort|Histories|HIR Foundation|Contact Us|Donate © Copyright Hole-in-the-Rock Foundation ® 2008 source: http://hirf.org/history.asp ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Hole-in-the-Rock Trail - A wagon road blazed over country so broken up and inhospitable, the company’s scouts declared that it was impassable! The Hole-in-the-Rock Trail was named after a crevice the colonizers utilized to gain access to the Colorado River gorge and some of the most broken terrain in North America. Photograph: Hole-in-the-Rock crevice prior to Lake Powell, Lynn Lyman Photo. The 250-mile long trail runs from Parowan in southwestern Utah to Bluff and Montezuma Fort in southeastern Utah. The road was blazed during the winter of 1879-80 by 70 families who were answering a call from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to establish a settlement in the Four Corners region. The first eight-five miles of their route from Parowan, Utah, to Escalante, Utah, was over established wagon roads. From Escalante, Utah, the last established town along their route, the colonizers blasted a trail through the Colorado River gorge, descended crevices, and crossed deep ravines, mountains, deserts, and forests - terrain so inhospitable many of their own scouts deemed it as impassable. By the time they reached their destination, they had been en route twice as long as it took some the same participants to pull handcarts 1300 miles to the Salt Lake Valley. Once completed, the wagon road provided a vitial access and supply link. The road was utilized in its entirety for one year. In 1881, Charles Hall, who operated the ferry at the bottom of the Hole-in-the-Rock, moved his ferry thirty miles upstream, where he established Hall's Crossing. Although Hall's Crossing bypassed the Hole-in-the-Rock crevice, major sections of the original wagon road were utilized in conjunction with the new river crossing. Source: http://www.hirf.org/trail.asp ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ HISTORY History HomeAbout UsHistory Ushistory THE HISTORIES OF BOULDER AND ESCALANTE ARE STORIES OF INCREDIBLE STRENGTH AND PERSEVERANCE. The rugged nature of the area and it's extreme isolation still make life here challenging as well as rewarding. To consider making a life for yourself in such a remote and desolate place, over a hundred and thirty years ago, gives credit to the incredible faith carried by those early pioneers and settlers. ESCALANTE Escalante valley, or Potato Valley as it was once named, is home to both towns. The first recorded visit was in 1866 when Mormon scouts were dispatched to look for Black Hawk, a Ute Indian Chief believed to be crossing the Colorado River at some unknown point in the area. Subsequent passage through the valley was primarily done by miners, trappers and survey teams mapping the last great wilderness in the US. The first actual settlers entered Escalante on June 28, 1875. They were men from Panguitch, looking to begin building a life in this more favorable land. With considerable effort, they brought two wagons (Escalante's first) over the summit and into the valley and by June 29th had arrived at the current site of Escalante. While work was being done on irrigation ditches and improving the road over the mountain, the valley was being surveyed and divided into 20-acre parcels for farming and individual city lots for the development of the town. That winter the valley was briefly vacated while the men went to gather up family and belongings to bring to the new home sites. The following spring, March of 1876, William Alvey returned to permanently settle and built Escalante’s first home/cellar. This gave much relief to the women and children during the frequent storms that year and provided a perfect space for choir practice. On July 23rd of the same year, a lumber shanty was hastily constructed to be used for a public dinner and celebration of the July 24th Mormon Holiday called “Pioneer Days” (marking their arrival to Salt Lake Valley). The actions of these hardy pioneers who worked to create a better life for themselves and families were the humble beginnings of our still vibrant and healthy community. THE TOWN OF BOULDER The town of Boulder was tied directly to the earlier mentioned explorations and surveys of the region. However actual settlement of this area would take another 13 years due to its surrounding physical barriers. In 1879, two ranchers from Wayne County (north of Boulder) who had been seeking “greener pastures” found themselves on the grassy hills and slopes of Boulder Mountain. This virgin range was ideal, and in no time, thousands of cattle and sheep were temporarily spending their summers on the mountain. Between 1889 and 1891 permanent settlement of the Boulder had begun.Ranches and dairies began to spring up along the creeks and natural pastures of the area. In 1896, there were enough families living here that a school was erected and a full-time teacher from Escalante was employed. In 1901, a sawmill and molasses mill were up and running, providing the community with much-needed cut lumber…and some sweets! An official pack mule “mail trail” route from Escalante was established in 1906, remaining the primary means of mail delivery for Boulder until 1935. This was the year the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) completed the scenic 45 mile long Hell’s Backbone Road, bringing Boulder its first vehicle access. Soon vehicles replaced the mules and the “mail trail’, thus ending the last mail delivery by mule in the United States. Both towns ultimately settled into the familiar country lifestyle of ranching, farming and creating the necessities of life out of available resources. Many, if not most of the people living here are of direct lineage to those hardy pioneers that settled the both towns. The names on the roster from the first town meeting of 1876 would not look that different from ones you would find today. There is a real sense of community here and local folks are proud to say this is their home. And there has been a strong commitment to restore and preserve many of the original buildings in the town. Take the time to look over the old barns and historic brick homes that fill the back street and pastures of our valley. It’s like stepping into a living Western museum. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hole-In-the-Rock pioneers inspiring By Gerald Lund Published: July 23, 2009 12:00 a.m. Updated: July 23, 2009 12:12 a.m. 9 Comments It is surprising how many people in Utah know very little about one of the great stories from Utah history — the story of the Hole-In-the-Rock pioneers. One hundred and thirty years ago this October, some 250 undaunted Utahns answered a call and with faith set out on an "impossible journey" that took them through some of the most desolate and rough terrain on the North American continent. The Hole-In-the-Rock expedition, or San Juan Mission, as it came to be known, is the story of Mormon pioneers who answered a call to go to the Four Corners area of southern Utah to serve as a buffer between lawlessness and civilization. They settled Bluff and other surrounding communities in what is now San Juan County. An influx of white men — cattlemen looking for grazing land, miners from boomtowns in southern Colorado, lawless elements seeking a place outside the grasp of the law — threatened to clash with the Native Americans in the area and engulf the whole southern part of the territory in another Indian war. These intrepid saints went forth not for money or personal gain. Unlike earlier pioneers, they were not fleeing persecution or seeking a place where they would find freedom of religion. This group lived in prosperous Mormon communities in comfortable homes and ran successful businesses or farmed land much more productive than where they were going. Even more astonishing, they went as families. About one in five of the company were children 6 years old or under. They went because they were called and because they believed that call was from the Lord. They went because they believed it was necessary for the safety and good of the overall community. University of Utah historian David Miller wrote: "In all the annals of the West, replete with examples of courage, tenacity and ingenuity, there is no better example of the indomitable pioneer spirit than that of the Hole-In-the-Rock expedition of the San Juan Mission. No pioneer company ever built a wagon road through wilder, rougher, more inhospitable country, still one of the least-known regions in America. None ever demonstrated more courage, faith, and devotion to a cause than this group." ("Hole In the Rock," p. ix) They cut a wagon road across the Escalante desert to a cleft in the sheer rock face of the Colorado River gorge, which today overlooks Lake Powell. This narrow crevice, which they named the Hole In the Rock, descended through solid rock at a breathtaking 45- to 50-degree angle. In order to descend through the narrowest part, they blasted out the side walls and used that material for fill for much of the rest of the 1,700-foot drop. About 80 wagons then plunged through the cleft down to the river below. Miraculously, not a wagon was lost, and there were only minor injuries to animals and the pioneers. Although the Hole In the Rock was one of the most remarkable achievements of the company and gave its name to the expedition, the challenges didn't end there. Pioneers blasted and carved a wagon road through the hostile red-rock country from the Colorado River all the way to the San Juan River. What was supposed to take only six weeks ended up taking six months. Three babies were born along the way. Miraculously, not a single life was lost. In the end, they accomplished their purpose. Today, thousands of their descendants trace their roots to Bluff and Blanding, Monticello and Montezuma Creek and other settlements and their ancestry to these heroic pioneers. It is a remarkable story and one that can lift and motivate us today to emulate their courage, their effort, their undaunted determination to do what needs to be done. As we celebrate Pioneer Day this year, as we remember those first companies that came to the Salt Lake Valley then spread out to colonize the Great Basin, may we also remember these later pioneers of 130 years ago and honor them for who they were and what they did. Gerald Lund is the author of several historical novels, including the series "The Work and the Glory." His soon-to-be-released novel, "The Undaunted," tells the story of the Hole-In-the-Rock pioneers. source --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pioneer Descendants Preserve History of the Hole in the Rock Contributed By David Walton, Church News contributor 6 NOVEMBER 2015 From the southwest “gate” to Bluff Fort, visitors can see the bluffs north of town. Photo by David L. Walton. Print Share ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS Apostle Erastus Snow advised pioneers to consolidate their settlement in Bluff, Utah, into a central “fort” for protection. The rebuilt fort now has 13 full-time Church-service missionary couples, one single sister, and 21 local volunteer docents to staff and care for it. RELATED LINKS New Monument Honors Bluff Fort Pioneers Bluff Fort Attracts Thousands of Visitors The San Juan Cooperative has been the centerpiece for the fort at Bluff, Utah, for 135 years. This institution was among the first things established by the Mormon pioneers who settled here, arriving on the 50th anniversary of the organization of the Church, April 6, 1880. Although their trek to the San Juan River was supposed to take six weeks, their arduous journey to the southeastern corner of Utah took six months. The journey included the frightening task of descending some 1,000 feet from a high plateau. By the end, the pioneers were nearly destitute. Necessity required them to establish means of feeding their families. Under the leadership of Platte D. Lyman and Jens Nielson, they formed crews to harness the San Juan River and survey and establish lots and farms. Some went to Colorado for employment or community supplies. Apostle Erastus Snow advised them to consolidate their settlement into a central “fort” for protection from the Navajo, Ute, and Paiute peoples whose intersecting borders they now occupied. Bluff’s residents worked as one, banding together for community protection. Work on the irrigation ditch and meetinghouse proceeded, and by June 1882 they formed the San Juan Co-op. It paid well from the first. They bought Navajo wool, pelts, and blankets to sell in Durango, Colorado, and returned with wagons of merchandise to sell. Trade became so profitable that each stockholder eagerly took his turn when it came time to make the trip. Local freighting and revenue from the store provided a way for the people to stay in San Juan long enough to make a start in the cattle business, which became their salvation. However, their livestock business faced stiff competition from well-financed outside outfits. Bluff citizens merged their herds to form the “Bluff Pool” and bought out the competition. They used their new wealth to exchange cabins for stone homes. A rock church replaced the log meetinghouse. They built a stone schoolhouse and replaced the original log co-op with a two-story stone edifice. A gold rush and oil boom brought in hundreds of new people during the late 1890s and early 1900s. Many found lodging in Bluff homes; others found shelter in cabins abandoned when the original residents moved to more suitable farmland at Verdure, Monticello, and Grayson (Blanding). The co-op’s clientele changed somewhat, but its role remained intact as the town’s pioneer residents dwindled away to just nine of the first families. In 1925, Fred Starr (alias) tried to rob the co-op by blasting open the safe. However, he used too much dynamite, which caused the demise of both the co-op store and Fred Starr. Bishop Jens Nielson’s great-granddaughter Corinne Nielson Roring began to fulfill a lifelong dream of her father’s (Floyd Nielson), which was to rebuild the old fort where he was raised. In 1994 she purchased the property where the original Barton cabin still stands. It was preserved and restored. Grant Taylor and Lamont Crabtree joined her team, and they purchased the Kumen Jones property; the log meetinghouse was rebuilt. A few years later, Karl and LaRue Barton purchased the rock home in Bluff built by her great-grandfather Jens Nielson. A memorial wall to the original Hole in the Rock pioneers was planned, installed, and dedicated in 2004 by then-Presiding Bishop H. David Burton. After much more work, the majority of the “square” was acquired, a visitors’ center was opened, and plans were made for reconstruction of the co-op store. The Hole in the Rock Foundation was formalized in 2006, and the co-op building was completed in 2013. The fort now has 13 full-time Church-service missionary couples, one single sister, and 21 local volunteer docents to staff and care for it. Through their service they help educate and inspire visitors from all around the world. Preserving and sharing the Hole in the Rock story has been a dream of many Bluff pioneer descendants for years. Corinne Roring, former president of the Hole in the Rock Foundation, said, “When the time is right, it will happen.” It’s happening. A photo of the current town of Bluff showcases the geographical feature for which it was named. Photo by Kay Shumway. Cow Canyon on the northeast edge of Bluff. Pioneers used this canyon to get onto the surrounding mesas. Photo by Kay Shumway. One of the restored pioneer homes in Bluff, Utah. When the original settlers moved from the fort and built better homes, they used stone from the surrounding area. Photo by Kay Shumway. A recent aerial photo from a quadcopter of the Bluff Fort shows cabins built by pioneer descendants, the rebuilt store, the old original Barton cabin, the remains of the Kumen Jones stone home, and other structures. Photo by Kay Shumway. The rebuilt Bluff Co-op store and Bluff Fort Visitors’ Center welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Photo by David L. Walton. The log meetinghouse and visitors’ center seen through the remains of the Kumen Jones cabin. Photo by David L. Walton. Mule’s Ear rock formation along the San Juan River near Bluff, Utah, shows the rugged terrain faced by early pioneer settlers. Photo by David L. Walton. A view of Bluff, Utah, looking west. The San Juan River flows left to right against the far bluffs. Photo by David L. Walton. The Hole in the Rock (left), a natural crevasse in the Colorado River gorge, was widened by pioneer settlers to allow wagons to pass down to the “slantendicular” cliff that had to be crossed before reaching the river 1,800 feet below. Photo by David L. Walton. A photo of the bluffs north of Bluff, Utah, shows Locomotive Rock on the left and Calf Canyon right of center. Calf Canyon was used as a natural corral during the early years of settlement. Photo by David L. Walton. A photo of the San Juan River gorge viewed from Grey Mesa (a major obstacle) along the Hole in the Rock Trail. Photo by David L. Walton. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ History of Escalante, Utah December 12, 2013 Escalante Utah Town Escalante’s namesake is one of its earliest visitors who passed through the region long before the community was actually established. When Franciscan missionary Silvestre Velez de Escalante was summoned to California in 1776 he carefully journaled his trip through the area now known as Escalante. Another famous expedition took place nearly a century later, when Captain James Andrus led the Southern Utah militia through the region during the Black Hawk Indian War in 1866. But it was Mormon pioneers who put this extremely remote community on the map in 1876. Escalante utah A historic cabin that is now used as an information center in Escalante, Utah Escalante’s settlers initially came from nearby Panguitch in 1875 to survey and stake out 20-acre parcels of land on a grid system. They met up with a group from one of John Wesley Powell’s famous expeditions, who actually suggested the town’s name. The pioneers returned in 1876 and broke ground on the first brick home, and about 95 of the sturdy homes and barns still stand today. Learn more about Escalante, Utah – here. Escalante Utah Town Visitors enjoy the ambience of downtown Escalante, Utah Escalante’s early economy was driven by ranching, dairy farming, mining and logging, and the town thrived until the 1940s when the federal government’s strict regulation of the surrounding public lands caused residents to leave in search of different opportunities. By the 1970s, Escalante’s population of about 800 was roughly the same as it was when the town was established nearly 100 years earlier. Escalante Utah River Canyon Looking across the town of Escalante toward the Escalante River canyon. The establishment of the 1.9-million acre Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in 1996 revitalized Escalante with an influx of tourism, and today Escalante is one of the great jumping off points for adventure in Bryce Canyon Country. Estimates show more than half a million annual visitors to GSENM every year. At the heart of some of the most rugged and diverse landscape in the West, Escalante is centrally located along Scenic Byway 12. When staying here, you’ll have easy access to the Grand Staircase, Dixie National Forest, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks, Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, Devil’s Garden, Lower Calf Creek Falls, and the infamous Hole-in-the-Rock Road. Hole in the Rock mural. This mural portrays the wagons beginning their descent through the Hole In The Rock near Escalante, Utah Hole-in-the-Rock Road leads to some of the coolest canyons in the region—Coyote, Peek-a-boo, and Spooky gulches, to name a few—but also has major historical significance. The legendary Hole-in-the-Rock expedition (officially the San Juan expedition) of December 1879 began when 80 wagons carrying 250 pioneers plus 1,000 head of livestock took off on what was supposed to be a six-week journey to establish a new southeastern Utah community. The treacherous expedition began about 40 miles from Escalante, and crossed southeast through some of Utah’s most remote, rugged, unexplored territory along the Colorado River and then east along the San Juan River. Blasting through a narrow slot in the cliffs above the Colorado River was determined the only way through, followed by a raft ride across the river to carry the wagons, supplies, animals and people. To do this, the pioneers would need to blast and build a road through a 50-foot rock wall. They did this by dangling two coal miners over the Colorado River to drill holes and fill them with blasting powder! If you think that was intense, imagine the wagon descent. About 20 men would hold each wagon by rope as the animals struggled to pull the wagons through. Then they were ferried across the river, where they had to build another road before they even faced the arduous ascent. The grueling journey took six months to complete, through a bitter winter. Pioneers credited the settlers of Escalante with supplementing their food and supplies, making it possible to complete this seemingly impossible expedition. The nine-acre Escalante Hole-in-the-Rock Heritage Center on Scenic Byway 12 in Escalante commemorates the expedition. Visit Center - Grand Staircase Visitors enjoy the interpretive displays and information available at the visitor center in Escalante, Utah. There’s something for everyone in Escalante including outdoor adventure, history, Native American culture, art galleries and the Escalante Canyons Art Festival, working cattle ranches and so much more. Escalante has a plethora of services, including lodging and camping, restaurants and grocery stores, gas and service stations, and the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center office. Learn more about Escalante, Utah – here. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hole-in-the-Rock By LaRene Porter Gaunt Associate Editor Print Share The faith, courage, and sacrifice of the Saints who passed through Hole-in-the-Rock in 1880 stand as an example to all Latter-day Saints of the power available to us when we are on the Lord’s errand. “Should we turn back or move ahead?” This was the question that dominated the thoughts of the pioneer company on the night of 3 December 1879, camped at Forty-Mile Spring, located on a high plateau southeast of the then-new village of Escalante, in southern Utah. Their leader, President Silas S. Smith, realized the gravity of the situation. Camped nearby in some eighty wagons were nearly 250 men, women, and children from the southern Utah towns of Parowan, Paragonah, and Cedar City. Hundreds of cattle were also part of the caravan. President John Taylor had called the pioneers to settle the San Juan Mission, which comprised the southeastern part of the state now known as San Juan County. Winter was upon them, and they had neither the supplies nor the protection to remain until spring. President Smith sat in his tent and deliberated with other leaders. Behind them, to the west, lay the Escalante Mountains, where recent heavy snows had buried the road as well as any foliage the livestock could eat. Turning back seemed impossible. In addition, each pioneer took seriously the call from President Taylor to settle the San Juan Mission as part of President Brigham Young’s original plan to establish settlements throughout much of the West. Who among them would refuse such a call? Ahead of the pioneers, to the east, lay nearly two hundred miles of rough terrain with no road and little water. A decision to go forward would force them to travel through Hole-in-the-Rock—a crevice in the west wall of Glen Canyon at a high plateau above the Colorado River. Though a shortcut when compared with the only other trail of more than four hundred miles, it was a dangerous route. An exploring party’s report had been pessimistic. A few of the pioneers thought the company could manage the 45-degree angle of the upper third of the nearly two-thousand-foot drop. Most felt it was impossible. After much discussion, one of the men made the motion to leave the decision to “President Smith and the Lord.” 1 A unanimous vote reflected the faith of those present that the Lord would inspire their leader. The next morning, President Smith called a meeting to announce the decision to move ahead. “The miracle of this decision went through the company like an electric shock,” wrote Kumen Jones, a member of the group, “and all was good cheer and hustle.” In the meeting, many bore testimony in support of moving ahead. A spirit of unity prevailed. One man said, “We must go on whether we can or not,” and if “we have plenty of stickie-ta-tudy we cannot fail.” Someone began to sing. Others joined in, and soon the chilly December air rang with “The Spirit of God like a fire is burning! …” (See Hymns, 1985, no. 2.) Map of Hole-in-the-Rock (click to view larger) This map shows the pioneer trek from Escalante through Hole-in-the-Rock and eastward. “We Did Make Dirt and Rock Fly” United in their resolve to be true to their call from the prophet, the company headed into the desert toward Fifty-Mile Spring. Since there was no road, the pioneers cut their own through what one man described as “the roughest country I ever saw a wagon go over.” Mostly rock and nearly void of foliage, the land was a combination of gulches and straight-walled chasms several hundred feet deep. At Fifty-Mile Spring, President Smith divided the company into three work groups: one to work at the crevice, one to build a road from the crevice to the river three-quarters of a mile away, and one to build a ferry. Joseph F. Barton explained in his journal the work schedule: “On account of Scarsity of wood water & grass it was deemed advisable to divide the company leaving 1/2 back at 50 mile Spring 5 miles from the rim, from which camp we would walk to our work Monday morning remain all week and walk back Saturday evening.” For the next six weeks, all three groups worked simultaneously. “I don’t think I ever [saw] … men go to work with more a will to do something than that crowd did,” wrote Cornelius I. Decker of the group who worked to widen the narrow crevice. “We were all young men; the way we did make dirt and rock fly was a caution.” Two blacksmith forges were established at “the Hole” so that two blacksmiths could keep tools sharp as men cut solid rock. The Perkins brothers, coal miners from Wales who were experts in using blasting powder, were soon nicknamed the “blasters and blowers from Wales.” These two men were among several who were lowered by rope in half-barrels over the forty-five-foot cliff. While dangling in midair, they drilled holes in the cliff and filled them with blasting powder. Work continued in blizzards as well as in sunshine. The second group constructed a road over virtually impassable land. The steep upper third of the road was a serious challenge, but the workers soon learned they also had to create a section of road along the face of a fifty-foot rock wall. About five feet below the rock wall, the men drilled in a rock incline a line of vertical holes ten inches deep and about a foot and a half apart. They built a retaining wall by pounding long wooden stakes into the holes and then filled in the resulting area with brush, rocks, and gravel until a road had been tacked on to the face of the rock wall. The third group built a ferry wide enough to carry two wagons at a time across the Colorado River. Part of this group also began work on a road eastward. Pioneers widened the road Left: To avoid a fifty-foot drop, pioneers widened the road by adding an extension to the side of this cliff. Right: This aerial photo shows Hole-in-the-Rock (1) and the trek east across the Colorado River. (Photography courtesy of the Bureau of Reclamation.) Hole-in-the-Rock before and after pioneer roadwork Hole-in-the-Rock before and after pioneer roadwork. The light area shows the amount of rock blasted from the original opening. “I’ll Never Forget That Day” On 26 January 1880, everything was ready. George W. Decker, then a boy of fifteen, told of the first wagons to pass through the notch: “Hy’s and Ben’s wagons came to the Chute in this order. Hy’s horses refused to face the Chute—too steep—and they had too clear a view of the river about two-thousand feet below. They tried another team with the same rearing and surging backward and still a third team. … Joe [Barton] brought his big wheel horses and they moved off unconcerned but very slow and sure, feeling their way with their large careful feet for they were totally blind [an epidemic of “Pink Eye” had blinded them as well as hundreds of other horses in southern Utah more than a year earlier]. … Joe’s horses, calm and sure, gave the other horses courage to go down. … The crowd at the top came to life with chatter, laughter, and a crazy explosion of hurrahs.” Elizabeth M. Decker also wrote of the event: “Coming down the hole in the rock to get to the river … is almost strait down, the cliffs on each side are five hundred ft. high and there is just room enough for a wagon to go down. It nearly scared me to death. The first wagon I saw go down they put the brake on and rough locked the hind wheels [chained the rear wheels together so they slid as a unit instead of rolled] and had a big rope fastened to the wagon and about ten men holding back on it and they went down like they would smash everything. I’ll never forget that day.” The wagon of Joseph Stanford Smith was the last of twenty-six wagons to pass through Hole-in-the-Rock that day. Brother Smith, known as Stanford, had helped others through the passage all day while his wife and three children sat on a pile of quilts in the snow and watched. Apparently not realizing there was one more wagon to come down, the rest of the group had all moved on to the ferry. So Stanford and his wife, Belle, determined that they would have to bring their wagon down by themselves. Belle sat her three-year-old son on the quilts, placed the baby between his legs, and told them not to move until their father came back for them. Ada, the oldest, sat in front of her brothers and said a prayer. Belle and one of the horses pulled on the ropes tied to the back of the wagon as Stanford braced his legs against the dashboard and gently urged the horses on. As soon as they started down, the anchor horse fell. Belle caught her foot in the rocks and broke free several times before she too fell and was dragged along with the horse down the steep slope. By the time the wagon stopped, a jagged rock had cut Belle’s leg from heel to hip. Stanford ran to her to see if she was all right. With pioneer tenacity, Belle told him she had “crow-hopped” all the way down. Stanford helped her into the wagon, cleaned her cut, and then climbed back up for the children. As he passed his horse, which was dazed but alive, Stanford took off his hat and waved it in the air as a salute to his wife. They had made it! View showing the steepness of the first third of the road View showing the steepness of the first third of the road. Amazingly, wagons also went up this road when going west. (Photo courtesy of the Bureau of Reclamation.) “Hustle and Harmony” After crossing the Colorado River by ferry, the company still faced more than one hundred and fifty miles of rugged ground. Elizabeth M. Decker described this land in a letter to her parents. “It’s the roughest country you or anybody else ever seen; it’s nothing in the world but rocks and holes, hills, and hollows. The mountains are just one solid rock as smooth as an apple.” Because the land turned out to be rougher than anticipated, the journey took much longer than expected—six months instead of six weeks—making the so-called shortcut extremely arduous. Two babies were born along the way. Supplies had to be brought in to the company by mule train. Even so, the pioneers never encountered anything on the entire journey as difficult or dramatic as blasting their way through Hole-in-the-Rock. Because of these challenges, the entire trek became known as the Hole-in-the-Rock expedition. On 6 April 1880, the exhausted company came upon a few acres of good farmland near a small river. The pioneers simply stopped, too weary to go the less than twenty miles to their planned destination, Montezuma. They named the spot they established Bluff City. Though travel worn, the pioneers had remained true to their resolve to follow the prophet and move forward, and they had endured the hardships in good spirits. As one member of the company recalled, “In a camp … moving … through extremely rough country, one would naturally look for some trouble and a few accidents, but this was not the case. All was hustle and harmony.” The road created by this pioneer company served as the major highway in and out of San Juan country for about one year. Westward traffic headed back through Hole-in-the-Rock required each wagon to have a six-horse team. In order to make it up the steep corridor, each team had to make about one hundred separate pulls forward because each pull moved the wagon only a short distance. By 1882 the road had fallen into disuse, but the pioneers had done what they had set out to do—establish a settlement in a remote area of the proposed state of Deseret. Though the area today remains somewhat isolated, it stands as the legacy of those faithful and tenacious pioneers who cut their way through solid rock in obedience to a prophet’s call. David Miller, a historian who studied extensively the Hole-in-the-Rock expedition, said of this company: “There is no better example of indomitable pioneer spirit. … No pioneer company ever built a wagon road through wilder, rougher, more inhospitable country. … They proved that virtually nothing was impossible for a zealous band of pioneers.” [photos] Far left: Today’s view from Hole-in-the-Rock to Lake Powell, which was formed when the Colorado River was dammed in 1964. Far left inset: Historic marker at Hole-in-the-Rock. Above left: Pioneers danced to violin music in the natural open cavity of Dance Hall Rock, on the road to Hole-in-the-Rock. (Photography by Don Riding.) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Gerald N. Lund writes Hole-in-the-Rock pioneers' story Contributed By: DallingDennisMichael · 27 August 2013 · Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint have a special reverence for the Mormon pioneers, the early Latter-day Saint settlers who endured harsh weather, rugged terrain and many other difficulties while traveling from Illinois and Missouri to the valley of the Great Salt Lake in the mid-19th century. One of the most impressive pioneer journeys, however, is a sometimes poorly remembered trek through the desolate wilds of southern Utah. One reason that best-selling author Gerald N. Lund felt compelled to revisit the story of the Mormon settlers who blazed a trail to southeastern Utah is because, for much of his life, he'd never known anything about them. His new novel, "The Undaunted: The Miracle of the Hole-in-the-Rock Pioneers," released on Wednesday, tells about events that Lund, a former LDS general authority, only learned about in detail after years of being employed in his faith's Church Education System. For most Latter-day Saints in Utah, the name "Hole in the Rock" has a pioneer ring to it, but, for many, the details of the journey that made that name famous are sketchily recalled at best. "I was born and raised in Utah," said Lund, who lives in Alpine and is widely acclaimed for his LDS historical fiction novels, including the nine-volume "The Work and Glory" series. "I'm ashamed to admit I knew virtually nothing about it. I have no memory of ever studying about it in Utah history." The settlers were sent by LDS Church president Brigham Young and his successor, John Taylor, to establish communities that would have a stabilizing influence in a pocket of the Utah Territory -- the present-day Four Corners region -- where clashes between encroaching miners and ranchers and indigenous Navajo, Ute and Paiute Indian tribesmen had stirred up a restless, lawless atmosphere. When the wagons set out from Cedar City, Lund said, the settlers assumed they would travel roughly 200 miles in about six weeks. "It took them six months," he said. Lund said the story is even more impressive to him because, unlike the first pioneers to cross the Great Plains to Utah, the members of the Hole in the Rock group were not fleeing persecution. They were simply doing what their church leaders had asked, leaving behind prosperous, settled lives to take a risky journey into a region that was "one of the most desolate and unexplored areas of America at the time." An impossible crossing The harsh, trackless red-rock wilderness slowed down the travelers almost from the start, but they met their most impressive obstacle when they arrived at the Colorado River some distance above its confluence with the San Juan River, about halfway into their journey. Over thousands of years, the river had carved a deep, yawning gorge and impassible cliffs towered over its banks for many miles in either direction. Hole in the Rock is the name given to the one place where the settlers thought they could negotiate the vertiginous drop to the river. The final few hundred vertical feet of their route are beneath Lake Powell today, but what can still be seen is breathtaking. Folk singer Sam Payne describes it this way in his song "These Are My People": "Southeastern part of this state there's a canyon, drops hundreds of feet all the way down to the surface of Lake Powell. Hundred-and-fifty years ago, it dropped all the way down to the Colorado River. In those days pioneers lowered 80 wagons of stuff down that canyon without spilling a drop. I've climbed to the top of that canyon, turned around and thought of those pioneers, and said the only thing I could think of: 'No freaking way!' " Clayson Lyman, a real-estate broker who lives in Orem and is the great-grandson of Platte D. Lyman, a captain of the Hole in the Rock pioneers, said he had essentially the same reaction when he saw the site for the first time on a river-rafting trip at age 13. (Lyman, who's 73, saw Hole in the Rock many years before the creation of Lake Powell in the late 1950s and early 1960s). "My first reaction was that it's unbelievable," Lyman said. "It's unbelievable that wagons could actually be brought through there. It's just so spectacular." The settlers used blasting powder to widen an existing notch in the cliffs above the river and then reduce the angle of descent -- sort of. "When Platte

  
  

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  [S282] Charles E. Benjamin, Descendants of Solomon Gee of Lyme, Connecticut, (1981 Privately Published Printed by Light and Life Press, Winona Lake, Indiana), Page 519. [S283] Laurence Gee, Laurence Gee.