(1857) In the year 1857, and During the Presidential reign of James Buchanan, Johnson's Army-as it was called, was started here to Utah, to put down Mormonism-and made threats that the Mormon leaders and their men followers should be hanged. The Army was not, however permitted to reach Salt Lake that Season, but wintered at Fort Bridger.
(1858) In the Spring of 1858, President Brigham Young, told the Saints to move South. In April I started and went to Utah County, and there awaited further orders.
A deal of suffering was at that time experienced among the people. Though we had raised plenty of Grain and vegetables from our farms; it was a difficult matter to get comfortable clothing.
We were a people in similar situation, one with another. None had anything of consequences, with which to help one another.
We had no resources. What we had, we could keep, but could earn
[page 38] nothing.
It may well be imagined the situation in which a few months would place us.
Thousands of people were on the move; to give way for the intruding army. Men, women and children, in many instances were almost naked--perhaps an old shirt and pants,--a ragged dress; and a few rags for the children would make up the family clothing. Some were more destitute--a few had something better to wear.
Fleeing Johnson's army.
I stopped at Spring Creek, three miles South of Payson.
The Indians were very bad, and it was necessary to guard our stock. A sma11 company of us built a stone corral, in which to corral our cattle at night. William Pope and myself made a dugout. With our two wagons and the dug-out, we had plenty of room for our families, while we stopped there.
(June, 1858) On the last day of June 1858, about Sun-rise, William G. Young, who was at that time Bishop of the Grantsville Branch of the church; arrived at Spring Creek, and informed us that the brethren were permitted by President Brigham Young to return to their homes.
{July 5, 1858) By eleven o'clock our wagons were loaded and we were on our way home. We arrive in Grantsville on the 5th; evening of July.
The grain I had sown before I left my place, was now standing at full height and looked well--in fact I never before or since raised a better crop My potatoe crop was also very good. Our houses were about as we left them.
The trip south had been a tedious one, and we were thankful for the favorable condition in which we found
[page 39] ourselves once more.
We were yet as destitute as ever of clothing. We had obeyed the instructions of the servants of God in moving from place to place, and His protecting arm has been stretched forth for our Good through the past, and He surely would not forget us.
The winter came on we had plenty of Hay, and Straw--more than we needed for our own use.
Johnson's Army enters Utah.
The Soldiers sent here to annihilate the Latter-day-Saints were then Stationed at Camp Floyd--about forty mi1es South-East of Grantsville--though they were sent here to do us harm, they were of great benefit to us. : They had brought with them Horses, Mules, Work oxen and wagons-also large quantities of Merchandise and provisions. They needed our hay and straw for their animals. We would sell, if we could get our price. We then decided that bishop William G. Young should manage the selling of our hay and straw--and the brethren were agreed to comply with what-ever arrangements he would make with the Government officers in the matter.
Our Hay was sold for forty dollars per ton--our straw for one dollar per cubic yard.
We could buy a very good yoke of oxen for thirty dollars--their wagons for a very small price--they were here, the Soldiers had no use for them--we could buy them very cheap.
We could buy such of their Merchandise as we wished and were consequently able to furnish our families with quite comfortable clothing, and other necessaries in our houses.
The overruling hand of God had once again been turned in our favor. The enemies of the Latter-Day-Saints had been
[page 40] made circumstantial changes, to use their stores of greenbacks and Merchandise, to the advantage of the Saints.
(February 10, 1859) Olive Deseret McBride, Daughter of James and Marion Louisa McBride, was born February the 10th, A. D. 1859 in Grantsville, Tooe1e County, Utah.
(February 14, 1861) Dorcas Louisa McBride, daughter of James and Marion Louisa McBride, was born Feb. 14th 1861--in Grantsville, Tooele County, Utah.
(November 20th, 1862) Catherine Mahetable McBride daughter of James and Olive Mahetable McBride was born Nov. the 20th 1862 in Grantsville, Tooele County, Utah.
(December 27, 1862) She departed this life December the 27th 1862.
(September 22, 1864) Arminta Melinda McBride, Daughter of James and Marion Louisa McBride, was born Sept., 22nd 1864, in Grantsville, Tooele County, Utah.
(July 30, 1866) Joseph Jackson McBride; Son of James and Marion Louisa McBride; was born July the 30th, 1866--in Grantsville, Tooele co., Utah.
(March 4, 1869) On the day of the Presidential inauguration of Ulysus S. Grant, viz March 4th l869, Hyrum Washington McBride, son of James and Marion Louisa McBride was born, in Grantsville, Tooele County, Utah.
(Saturday, June 19, 1875) On Saturday, the 19th day of June A. D. 1875 Marion Louisa McBride, wife of James McBride, departed this life, at the age of Thirty-three years nine months and nineteen days.
Many were the friends who followed her to her last resting p1ace.
[page 41]
She was an honest woman and a faithful wife to me. Was filled with determination and integrity to do good.
She was ever willing to administer comfort to the needy and the sick--and often did so at her own Sacrifice. And will long be held in rememberance by many to whose wants she so kindly administered.
The morning before she died, having been anointed with Holy Oil--while having hands laid upon her, brother William Jefferies--(our president) pronounced great blessings upon her. The promises made her were many and great. And my dear children, if you wish to meet your mother again, you must so live, as to merit the favors of God upon you--for your Mother will receive her reward with those who are permitted to enter into the Celestial Glories of our Heavenly Father.
(October 25, 1875) On the 25th day of October A. D. 1875. I married Christina Catherine Johnson.
Christina Catherine, was the Daughter of John and Christina Catherine Johnson. Was born January 8th, 1830, in Fredsburgs, Skaraborgs, Sweden.
(April 4; 1876) I am now in my 58th year. Since the year 1848, to the present time (April 4th 1876) I have lived in peace in Grantsvil1e. All my family that are yet alive, are living near me.
Every effort made by the enemies of this people to destroy them, has been unsuccessful.
I feel to acknowledge the hand of God in all things-and bear testimony of the truth of the Gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints.
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