Jedediah Morgan Grant
1816-1856
Jeddy’s spiritual training
Jedediah Morgan Grant was born in Union near Windsor, Broome County, New York, February 21, 1816. He was the seventh child in a family of twelve. His parents, Joshua and Athalia Howard Grant, were deeply religious, trying always to rear their children to believe in God and to develop high ideals in life. When Jedediah was a small boy, he became seriously ill and came so near dying that neighbors prepared his burial clothes, since it seemed only a matter of a short time before he would pass away. His mother, full of faith, was impressed to place his body in warm water. This treatment revived her son, and through careful nursing he was restored to health.
The family moved to Naples, Ontario County, New York. And in 1829-30 the family moved from Naples to Chatauqua. The family remained in Chatauqua for about a year.
For a short time during his youth he worked in a maple sugar plant. While he was thus engaged he heard a voice say: "Go out quickly." He hurried out and a few minutes later lightning struck the roof and demolished the building.
We have no definite knowledge of Jedediah's elementary education, but the foundation for mental pursuits and love of good books was evidently laid at an early period of life.
Converted to true church
The family left New York State and settled on the shores of Lake Erie in Pennsylvania. By this time there was a family of twelve children. While living in Erie, Pennsylvania, the gospel was brought to the door of his parents in the spring of 1832. These good people had always prayed that the Lord would lead them to the truth and with this desire in their hearts it was not difficult for them to be converted, after making a brief study of the new religion.
On March 22, 1833, Jedediah, then seventeen years of age, were baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with John F. Boynton officiating. It was so cold when he came up out of the river that his clothes froze to his body. His Father, Mother and the younger children were baptized before, but the older children were allowed to make up their own minds.
Mother miraculously Healed
For some time prior to her conversion, Jedediah's mother was bedfast with rheumatism and suffered greatly, she could hardly stand to be touched. Amasa Lyman and Orson Hyde, missionaries for the Church, came to the Grant home and gave the mother a blessing, promising that her health would be restored. Many years later (1904), in speaking of this circumstance, her daughter Thedy said, "Although I was but twelve years of age at that time, I still remember how tall Elder Lyman appeared as he stood by the side of the bed telling us that the gifts of the gospel follow the believer in our day as they did in the days of the Savior. My mother requested a blessing, stating that she had faith that God could make her well. Elders Lyman and Hyde laid their hands upon her head and she was healed. She immediately got up, dressed herself, went out of doors and climbed the stairs, which were on the outside of the house, and prepared, with my help, a bed in which the elders slept that night. This impressive testimony was never forgotten by the Grant family. This room was always available whenever any Mormon missionaries visited in the vicinity of their home.
Soon after Jedediah's baptism, the family moved to Chargrin, a small town about five or six miles from Kirtland, Ohio.
Zion’s Camp
In the springtime of 1834, one year after Jedediah had joined the Church, at the age of eighteen, he was called to go with Zion's Camp on its memorable march from Ohio to Missouri. The Prophet Joseph called these men to go and assist their persecuted brethren in Jackson County, Missouri. The people living in Jackson County were very hostile to the saints, as the Prophet had announced in 1831, that "Missouri was the land which the Lord had consecrated for the gathering of his saints and the spot now called Independence is the center place." Without arguing the saints wended their way to Zion.
In the spring of 1832, there were miner disturbances such as breaking windows and burning hay stacks, but by the summer of another year the storm of hate increased. The mob was taking definite steps to rid the country of intruders. The saints promised to leave. They had many terrible experiences with mobs.
On June 19th, the members of Zion’s Camp had pitched their tents between two forks of Fishing River, in Ray County, Missouri. Five men rode into camp and announced a mob had come from Jackson County and would soon be reinforced by a hundred or more from Richmond and Clay Counties. It looked as if Zion's Camp would soon be completely annihilated. One scow lead of intruders, about forty in number, had been ferried across the river as the sun was about to set.
Divinely Protected
The camp observed a small cloud in the west. In about twenty minutes the heavens were in inky blackness, split by vivid streams of lightning. A white sheet of hailstones and rain pelted the earth. The wind hissed and a great branch broke from the trees. The scow tried to return for a second lead of men but they encountered the storm in all its fury and the man who had threatened the life of the Prophet and his brethren were drowned along with six other men. The mob left, swearing that Little Fishing River had risen thirty feet in that many minutes. Those who had ferried across the river were glad to crowd into a shanty they found or crawl under wagons or into hollow trees. The storm lasted all night. By morning they had no desire to get at "Joe Smith's Army" and were glad to return home. Jeddy endured all of the privations and sufferings experienced by that handful of valiant men and women. While the history of Zion's Camp has not been written in full and probably never will be, enough is known to show that every man who carried himself through that trying period without complaint was in reality a hero of the first order.
Mission Call
Jedediah was ordained an Elder soon after his return from his journey with Zion's Camp. On February 28, 1835, the First Quorum of the Seventy was organized and Jedediah M. Grant was ordained a member by the Prophet Joseph Smith. Immediately thereafter he was called to fill a short mission to New York State. He would probably have been surprised had he known his missionary labors were to extend, off and on, over a period of eleven years.
On the morning of May 22, 1835, in the company of Elder Harvey Stanley, he left Kirtland on his first mission to declare the everlasting Gospel. They went to Fair Port, took the steamboat to General Porter and then on to Buffalo. They then left the boat, took the Buffalo Road, traveled five miles and had breakfast at a tavern. They traveled without purse or script, as the disciples of old, asking for food and lodging in the name of the Lord. Here are a few experiences taken from the diary kept by Elder Stanley.
The second being Sunday, they received permission to hold services in a church. There were about twenty listeners who were hard hearted and impudent.
May 29th, at Bennington. Tried to get a meeting for Sunday but failed. Started next morning, found no opportunity to hold meeting, stayed at Warsaw. Tried to get a meeting there. People very hard. Gradually the attitude of the people began to change.
June 20th: Held a meeting Saturday in school house. Had a full meeting people pretty tender some believed.
A Fortnight later: Filled an appointment at four o'clock. Had a large congregation. The Lord blessed us with His spirit.
July 29th: The whole country is awakened and the Priests very mush disturbed.
Aug. 2nd: Held a meeting in school house near Willow Blackman. Had a large congregation. The Lord Blessed us. One came forward and asked for baptism. Her name was "Nancy Blackhaw." She was baptized after the meeting and confirmed the next day.
By Sept. 28th, there were ten members in the branch. By the time his mission was completed in October 1835, thirteen people had joined the church.
Jedediah returned to Kirtland in the autumn of 1835 and spent the following winter helping to complete the Kirtland Temple. He, along with every able-bodied man, gladly gave of their strength to help. With much sacrifice and hard work the temple was completed and dedicated March 27, 1836. Jedediah was privileged to take part in the most wonderful spiritual manifestations the church had known up to that time. He also was among those who received verbal instructions from the Prophet Joseph Smith relating to the duties of the members of the priesthood.
Second Mission
Two weeks after the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, April 13, 1836, Jedediah set out on his second mission to the Eastern States. This time alone. He returned to some of the same places of his first mission. For example, in Bennington, New York, he held eleven meetings. The people were friendly and gave him money to help with expenses.
He tells in the diary he kept: "The crowds were often so great the schoolhouse was not large enough to hold them, but there was still some opposition." He also wrote: "I did not want for words, for the Lord gave me his Spirit, which gave me the power of utterance, not withstanding, some of the people were very unbelieving. The Priests were stirred up. When they attended meetings, I gave them liberty for objections but I couldn't get a word out of them. As soon as I left town, they would go from house to house warning the people against going to hear me preach the false prophet, Joe Smith's gold bible."
The heckling had exactly the opposite effect on the people. Now, instead of refusing his meetings, he found it impossible to meet all their requests.
After five weeks, on June 25th, his brother Joshua and two other missionaries arrived. The brothers embraced and Jedediah commented that, "it was like a drink of cold water to a thirsty soul." Joshua remained six weeks. Meetings were held in Naples and other towns were the Grant family had lived. Jedediah joyfully wrote, "The school house cannot hold but half the people that come out in Naples." In August, Jedediah reluctantly said goodbye to his brother Joshua who left for the West.
In January, 1837, after he stopped making a day-by-day record, he wrote. "I have not given a full account of my labors for this reason. I have been so busy night and day that I have not had time to write."
In the town of Falsburg, he held sixty meetings and the people were attentive. From among them he baptized twenty-three. One of the converts was his brother, Austin Grant. The people gave him money for food, raiment and to bear his expenses home. When the weather permitted, he started home arriving in Kirtland March 13, 1837.
Third Mission
Three months later on June 6th he left for his third mission. He went east to some of the places he had been before. He then went to the Southern States where his most intensive and successful efforts were to be made. Here he labored alone. When he introduced the Gospel to this country, no Latter-Day-Saint had preached within 200 miles of Surry County, North Carolina.
The people were curious to hear the Mormon preach. They came out by the hundreds from every direction. He was invited to go East, West, North and South. When the people found he could not travel extensively on foot, they soon gave him a hundred dollars to buy him a horse and equipment suitable for traveling. Jedediah traveled as much as was possible, but still had three requests to preach where he could only fill one.
He established a small branch of the church in Patrick County, Virginia but his labors were so extensive that he didn't baptize many, but laid a foundation for a great work. He preached in courthouses and chapels, in all parts of the country and had large congregations wherever meetings were held.
The people in Virginia and North Carolina were very kind to him. They fed him and his horse, furnished him clothing and gave him money for his expenses to Far West, Missouri when his mission was over. His parents had moved during his absence.
Far West Missouri October 9, 1838, Jedediah started for Far West, Missouri. He was in charge of a group of converts from Virginia going to join the main body of the church. The first week in November, they reached the Missouri State line. What they saw there made them feel like turning back.
The trouble in Kirtland had become so bad that the Prophet and the Saints left and traveled to Missouri. The Prophet was in the Richmond jail. Jedediah found his brother, George D. Grant, there too. They would have been shot but General Doniphan, a friend of the Mormons, got them to stay the sentence.
Jedediah states that he arrived in Far West, November 12th. Here he saw fertile soil, black with smoke and desolation and the pure streams red with the blood of the Saints and wilderness sheltering the widows and orphans.
He joined his parents, who had settled near Far West on a large tract of ground, hoping that a peaceful home could be established in that fertile country. The hopes of the family were not to be realized, however, for during that winter mobs burned houses, destroyed other property, and murdered men, women, and children. Jedediah assisted his parents in exchanging their farm for a yoke of oxen, a wagon and a horse. Thus provided with transportation, the family started back toward the East, beginning their journey on Christmas Day, 1838. They stopped at a place called Henderson Grove. They found an abandoned cabin and moved in for the rest of the winter. Here they tapped the trees and made maple syrup. In the spring they went as far as Lafayette, Knox County, Illinois. Jedediah's brother, Nelson, lived here. He persuaded the family to stay with them for awhile. Joshua was too independent to stay with his son very long. In 1840, he settled ten miles west of his son, in Walnut Grove Township. The Country was unimproved prairie land. Joshua Grant was 82 years old but started building another home, which was to be the last for him and his wife.
Fourth Mission
After moving his parents, Jedediah hastened to Quincy to attend a conference and afterward went to Nauvoo, where he, on the first day of June, 1839, was called upon his fourth mission, again going to the Southern States. This mission was to coincide with the most extensive proselyting effort the prophet had launched up to this time when most of the twelve apostles were sent to England. Some left families with sickness and poverty.
This was the longest mission Jedediah had filled. It lasted for four years. In January 1840, he had the privilege of meeting with his brother Joshua Grant Jr. They traveled and preached extensively, having more calls than they could fill. They baptized ten within a few weeks and five more offered to be baptized. This increased their number to forty.
That was the age ... The time of Webster, Lincoln and Douglas ...when a debate constituted a popular form of entertainment. When a speaker made a name for himself, whether political or religious, people flocked to hear him.
Jedediah became an adroit scriptorian and orator. He had a ready wit and power of exhortation and his fame soon spread abroad. Those who heard him, remembered him even though they might not agree with him. This young man was something out of the ordinary. The religion he preached was new. The manner in which he presented it was strange, as he never prepared his sermon before hand but he read and stored in his mind the gospel truths.
Blank Text
People began to doubt that such a sermon could be preached. At their request, Jedediah promised to preach at a certain time, place and from a text to be chosen by them.
The meeting place was Jeffersonville, Tazewell County, Virginia. The courthouse, where the meetings were held, was filled to over-flowing. Some came to hear the young preacher’s message; some came out of curiosity and still others wished to see the young Mormon humiliated. A number of ministers, lawyers and other prominent men were present, occupying the front seats. John B. Floyd, who became Secretary of War, was in the audience for this was his home town.
Jedediah walked in the room. He was poorly dressed, for he was traveling without "purse or script." He looked about to see if there was another member of the church present, but failed to find one. Walking to the stand Elder Grant opened the meeting with a song and a prayer. The clerk appointed for the occasion handed him a paper. A hush fell over the audience. He opened the paper and found nothing. The paper was blank. Jedediah was not defeated so easily. He showed no surprise as he stepped before the platform and began. 'My friends, I am here today, according to agreement, to preach form such a text as these gentlemen might select for me. I have it here in my hand. I do not wish you to become offended at me, for I am under promise to preach from the text selected; and if anyone is to blame, you must blame those who selected it. I knew nothing of what text they would choose, but of all texts this is my favorite one. You see the paper is blank, you sectarians down there believe that out of nothing God created all things, and now you wish me to create a sermon from nothing, for this paper is blank. You believe in a God that has neither body parts nor passion. Such a God I believe to be a perfect blank, just as you find my text is. You believe in a church without prophets, apostles, evangelists, etc. Such a church would be a perfect blank, compared with the church of Christ and this agrees with my text. You have located your heaven beyond the bounds of time and space. It exists nowhere, and consequently your heaven is blank, like unto my text.' Having pointed out the inconsistencies in their religion, he contrasted them with what he had to offer in the restored Gospel and proclaimed the principles of the gospel in great power and wound up by asking, "Have I stuck to the text, and does that satisfy you?'
At the conclusion of his sermon, Mr. Floyd jumped to his feet and said. "Mr. Grant, if you are not a lawyer, you ought to be one." Then turning to the people who filled the court room he added, "Gentlemen you have listened to a wonderful discourse and with amazement. Now look at Mr. Grant's clothes. His elbows are almost out and his knees are almost through his pants. Let’s take up a collection." As he sat down, another eminent Lawyer, Joseph Stras, Esq. still living in Jeffersonville, arose and said, "I am good for one sleeve in a coat and one leg in a pair of pants, for Mr. Grant." A hat was thrust into the hands of the presiding elder of the Methodist Eastern Church in the South, who was requested to pass the hat around but replied that he would not take up a collection for a Mormon preacher. "Yes, you will!" shouted Mr. Floyd. "Pass it around!" Cried Mr. Stras and the cry was taken up and repeated by the audience, until for the sake of peace the minister had to yield. He accordingly marched around with a hat in his hand receiving contributions for Elder Grant. Enough money was contributed not only to buy him a new suit but a horse, saddle and bridle as well.
Quite a number of the people joined the church as a result of this meeting. In fact, due to his efforts, several branches of the church were organized and the people of the South loved him.
Who is Head of your Church?
"At another time Elder Grant was challenged to a discussion by a very eminent Baptist preacher named Baldwin. Brother Grant consented. The place chosen was the fine, large church of his proud and imperious antagonist. Mr. Baldwin was described as a man overbearing in his manners - 'a regular browbeater.' When the time came for the discussion the house was crowded. Umpires were chosen and everything was ready to proceed when Brother Grant arose and said: 'Mr. Baldwin, I would like to ask you a question before we proceed any farther.' 'Certainly,' said Baldwin. "Who stands at the head of your church in Southwest Virginia?' Mr. Baldwin very quickly replied, 'I do, sir; I do.' 'All right,' said Brother Grant, 'I wished to know that I had a worthy foe.' Mr. Baldwin looked a little confused for a moment and then said; 'Mr. Grant, I would like to ask you who stands at the head of your church in Southwest Virginia?' Brother Grant arose and with bowed head replied, "Jesus Christ, sir.'
"The shock was electrical. This inspired answer completely disarmed the proud foe and the humble servant of God again came out victor.
"It is said of him by those who remember him well and were most familiar with his life and ministry, that he ever impressed those who knew him with a maturity of his judgment and thoroughness of his discipline, as related to his own culture and occupations, and the perfection he had reached in the application of the principles of eternal life."
In the spring of 1842, as Jedediah bid the kind hearted people of Virginia, adieu, there were tears in their eyes. He returned to Nauvoo.
When Jedediah left Nauvoo for his mission, he left a place that was literally a wilderness. The land was mostly covered with trees and bushes and much of it was so wet it was difficult for a footman to get through and almost impossible to get through with a team. Now the city was lovely, from the encircling arms of the placid Mississippi, it rose to a hill top where the temple was being erected. Below, wide tree-shaded streets, which crossed each other at right angles, sheltered homes surrounded by lovely gardens.
Fifth Mission--Philadelphia
In June of 1843 he was called on his fifth mission and for one year was the presiding Elder over the Saints in the city of Philadelphia.
Martyrdom of the Prophet During the tragic days that immediately preceded the martyrdom, he was closely associated with the Prophet. He and Theodore Turley were the trusted messengers who carried the Prophet's last letter to Governor Ford, who was then in Carthage, stating that Joseph Smith would give him self up for trial. This occurred June 23, 1844. After the governor had read the message he would not allow Elder Grant and his companion time for rest but sent them immediately back to Nauvoo with orders to have Joseph Smith report to him the following morning not later than ten o'clock.
The brethren started on their return trip of twenty miles, but their already weary horses could not get them into Nauvoo until four o'clock the next morning. On this day, 1844, Jedediah M. Grant watched his beloved Prophet ride toward Carthage, never to return. Joseph Smith went sorrowfully but peacefully to his death. As he left, he gazed with anguished eyes at the partly built temple and then looked over his dream city that had become a realty.
Jedediah was among those that followed him to the outskirts of town. He took a long look at his beautiful farm. He knew he would never see it again.
Joseph Smith was promised full satisfaction by Governor Ford, but the following afternoon the terrible tragedy took place.
When, a few hours later, the mutilated bodies of the martyrs were borne out of town, they left a deserted city, frightening in its stillness. The Governor hurried to Nauvoo to warn the people not to make any demonstrations, but his warning was unnecessary.
Married Caroline Van Dyke
July 2, 1844, Jedediah M. Grant married Caroline Van Dyke, Bishop Newel K. Whitney officiating. On the same day he left Nauvoo, accompanied by his wife, for his sixth mission. Jedediah went to Philadelphia to resume his former position as presiding Elder.
After ten months in Philadelphia, Jedediah and his wife returned to Nauvoo to make their home. By this time there was a baby daughter, named Caroline, for her mother, but she was always called "Caddy." Upon their return to Nauvoo in May of 1845, he and his wife received their blessings in the temple.
Ordained first President of the Seventy
On December 2, 1845, when twenty-nine years of age, he was ordained and set apart as one of the first Seven Presidents of the Seventy, by President Brigham Young. This same year he was also set apart as an ordinance worker in the Nauvoo Temple.
The people of Nauvoo soon found they would be forced to flee to the Rocky Mountains for safety. So preparations were started. They hauled timber and started building wagons, making harnesses, clothing and getting camping equipment together.
People from all parts of the country flocked to Nauvoo to purchase houses and farms that were sold extremely low.
Forced from Nauvoo
The mob was to allow the Saints until spring to prepare. They became worse until on Feb. 11th and 12th; a long line of covered wagons poured out of Nauvoo in a steady stream and crossed the Mississippi on the ice. There were four hundred families in all. Among them were Jedediah and his wife Caroline, and little daughter, Caddie. Jedediah M. Grant left Nauvoo for the Rocky Mountains in February of 1846.
After crossing the Mississippi to Montrose, they proceeded to Sugar Creek, about seven miles distant. They traveled to Mosquito Creek, Iowa. Here a council meeting was held in a small grove. They were required to build a ferry boat to cross the river. Many of the Saints volunteered their services. The ferry was finished the following day. July 12th at Cutler's Park Colonel Thomas L. Kane arrived among the Saints. He came to assist in mustering in the Mormon Battalion into the service of the United States.
While at Jedediah's camp the young Colonel was quite ill. He never forgot the kindness shown him there. On the 18th of Sept. Alanson Eldredge, Albert P. Rockwell, Jedediah M. Grant and Ezra Chase, were appointed to locate winter quarters for the saints. They decided upon a site three miles from Cutler's Park. It was on a high plateau overlooking the Missouri River. It is now Florence, Nebraska.
"Winter Quarters"
"Winter Quarters" --- What deep emotions that name evokes in the hearts of true Latter-day Saints. The winter of 1846-47, it is as if the angel of death himself penned the day-by-day record. How the grim reaper mowed them down --- six hundred in all.
During this winter Elder Grant was requested by Brigham Young to return to the East for another short mission to communicate with Colonel Kane. While there he secured the material for a very large United States flag, which later floated over Salt Lake City for several years.
While he was away, his wife Caroline welcomed her second little daughter, May 19th 1847 at Winter Quarters. For some time after the birth of this child the mother was in very delicate health, but, even so, the journey to the valley of the Great Salt Lake was begun one month later.
About the middle of April, the first camp of Israel left on their journey west.
On the 18th of June shortly after Jedediah returned from the East, the second group of pioneers departed west. Caroline, with her month old baby in her arms and two year old Caddie, courageously climbed into her covered wagon.
Captain of one hundred wagons
Jedediah was appointed captain of one hundred wagons. He was the third. Certain requirements applied to those intending to make the trek such as: Three hundred pounds of bread stuff for each person and enough grain to last every family for eighteen months.
Leaving Winter Quarters, they traveled to a point on the Elkhorn River. Here they waited for the others to come. They erected a liberty pole on which a white banner floated, "as a signal of peace to all the nations."
On June 19th, in Jedediah's hundred, the first tragedy occurred. An Indian shot Brother Weatherly through the hip and bowels. He died the following day.
The roads were in such condition that only about ten to fifteen miles could be traveled each day. The wagons were drawn principally by oxen, but horses, cows, sheep, and chickens were also taken along. The cattle fed on the grass that the country afforded, and the men, women and children lived on the provisions that were carried in the wagons. Sometimes the food was extremely meager.
This company, like most of the others, suffered much annoyance from loss of cattle stolen by the Indians, also because of scarcity of water, and from general exposure, but faith and courage were not lacking. Sister Eliza R. Snow, who was one of the company, wrote as follows: "Many were the moon and starlight evenings when, as we circled the blazing fire and sang songs of praise to Him who knows the secrets of all hearts, the sound of our united voices reverberated from hill to hill and, echoing through the silent expanse, seemed to fill the vast concave above, while the glory of God seemed to rest on all around."
The Journal History for June 22nd gives a stirring picture of the entire camp as they moved out in orderly formation beside the Platt River. At 8 o'clock a.m., the signal for starting was given by the ringing of the Temple bell. The order of traveling was as follows: the first fifty of the first hundred took the lead. The second fifty formed a line to the right. Next to those two lines came the Charles C. Rich Company with the cannons, the skiff and the Temple Bell in the lead. The second formed to the right like the first fifty, making five lines. Each company followed in line.
Some of the Captains felt it was only fair that different companies take the lead, as those in the rear were late arriving at the campground in the evenings, and also the dust was bad. This was soon settled. The decided that the hundred in the front would travel in the rear the next day, thus travel in turns a week at a time.
On July 1st, Kinyon Kellog, age six and Robert Gardner, age five, were run over by wagons crossing the river. The boys were administered to and soon seemed on their way to recovery. On July 3rd, they took up their march at 8 a.m. Before noon the companies came to a muddy creek. The brethren cut grass and threw it in the creek and by this means they were able to cross.
July 4th the camps held a meeting. It was decided that each fifty in each hundred would travel by themselves and from separate camps. Also each fifty would herd their own stock.
July 6th the first hundred left and were followed by the second and third. Feed was good at this point, but the ground was covered with salt-petre. Some of the cattle got sick. John Taylor, in reporting to the First Presidency said, "I have never known in all my experience so little sickness and so few deaths among so many people in the same space of time." Of the six or seven deaths that did occur, three were in Captain Grants hundred.
Jedediah's wife Caroline endured the trek as best she could. Her health grew steadily worse. She tried to keep up her courage for her husband’s sake.
The ingenious pioneer post office was boards or bleached buffalo skulls on which messages were inscribed. Jedediah himself was fortunate enough to bring one into camp. It was dated May 9th on it was written: "All well -- feed bad -- are only 30 miles from Winter Quarters."
President Taylor cautioned the Saints to eat sparingly. They had nothing to depend on but their bread stuffs. They should weigh out a certain quantity of food for each day.
July 10th, hunting party was organized. They returned successful bringing to camp four buffalo, two dear, and one antelope. They were divided among the Saints.
Mountain sheep were later killed for food and once a bear was killed and divided among Captain Grant's company. With their out-of-door appetites it was eaten with relish.
About the middle of July, the travelers were in country of hordes of buffalo. On Saturday July 17th during the night, the cattle broke out of the corral in Jedediah's hundred, and in the morning, twenty yoke were gone. This delayed the companies. Captain Grant's hundred were twenty miles behind. The others could not go on without them and so they sent out men to search for the lost cattle. Two days later they were still missing. It was decided to take five yoke of oxen from each hundred and loan them to Captain Grant's Company. They were to be returned to the owners at the end of the journey. On July 24th Captain Grant's Company had moved up and they were altogether again.
Brother Grant had a kind feeling towards the Indians. Once about a hundred Indians came to their camp. As a token of peace they carried an American Flag. The camp prepared a feast for the Indians and gave them some presents. They returned the following day to trade beads, moccasins, etc., for bread and other articles. The brethren, returning the visit, traded horses, cattle and bought buffalo robes which were soon to be needed.
Aug 2nd Ezra Taft Benson was sent back with a company of horsemen to meet the Saints to tell them the first group had arrived in Salt Lake. Jedediah sent a letter back to Salt Lake with Brother Phineas Young: "My wife's health has continued to be very bad. She feels the need of the prayers and faith of those who have influence with the most high. She wishes to be remembered in your prayers."
Aug 23rd Company camped on the banks of the Sweetwater. Each camp has lost many of their cattle. This slowed down their travel. At this time Captain Grant's Company were at their lowest ebb. The Crow Indians had stolen 8 of their oxen. President Young came back to visit the Saints. His presence gave them new courage to carry on. Jedediah greeted him with tears in his eyes as six days previous on Sep 2nd in the evening, his four and a half month old baby daughter, Margaret, died of cholera. She was buried the next morning before the company moved on. His wife was so sick she was not expected to recover. The sorrow-stricken parents cheered each other as best they could and went bravely forward.
At South pass they noted that the water now ran West instead of East. They knew they were getting near their destination.
The weather was cold. They were now in the mountains. On Sep 14th Grant's hundred, which was still last, "was given permission to break up into companies of ten in order to continue the journey in greater comfort.
Sep 19th Twenty wagons came into Salt Lake. The first of the company to arrive.
Later as Caroline's health partially returned she walked each day for a little while beside the wagon. But as the company entered the upper stretches of Echo Canyon, Rocky Mountain fever attacked her weakened body.
Sep 22nd Sister Caroline Grant passed away at her company on Bear river. Some teams from Salt Lake were started back to help the Saints in the last camp.
Sep 23rd The weather was cold, ice an inch thick. We crossed eight times and traveled over the worst roads yet.
Sep 27th The second fifty of the first hundred arrived. This company had carried the cannon 54 days across the plains. They sent some teams back to help the other companies across the mountains.
Sep 28th More teams arrived in Salt Lake Valley.
It was Sep 29th 1847 that Jedediah M. Grant, driving the wagon himself that bore the remains of his wife into the Salt Lake Valley, came sadly to his destination. He had hurried ahead to keep a promise he had made to his wife that she would be buried in the valley.
Not for a moment did he let his sorrow interfere with his duty to those under his supervision. The very day of her funeral he headed eastward to help his company. Arriving in the valley, all his possessions were those in his covered wagon.
Returned for Baby’s body
True to a promise he made his wife before her death, Jedediah, accompanied by Joseph Bates Noble, began his return to the Sweet Water River only three days after his arrival in the valley to bring the body of little Margret to Salt Lake City, that she might rest in the valley by the side of her mother. These brethren, however, were to find that the grave had been robbed by the wolves. Of this sorrowful incident Brother Noble Writes:
"As we sat there alone at night by our little campfire in the very heart of the Rockies, after meditating in silence for some time, Brother Jedediah turned and requested Brother Bates sing a hymn or two. After a number had been sung, Jedediah said, 'Now sing God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform." As we finished:
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his works in vain:
God is his own interpreter
And he will make it plain.
Brother Grant sat with bowed had for some time, then he looked up and glowing with his former inspiration which I had not seen upon him for some time, declared in a firm voice, 'Bates, God has made it plain. The joy of Paradise where my wife and baby are together seems to be upon me tonight. For some wise purpose they have been released from the earth struggles into which you and I are plunged. They are many, many times happier than we can possibly be here. This camping ground should be the saddest of all sad places to me, but this night it seems to be close under heaven.' As Jedediah spoke, there vibrated in my bosom a feeling that comes only under the inspiration of God. Then we knelt in prayer, Brother Grant being mouth. It seemed to me that no human soul could have listened to his words and doubted that he talked to his Father in Heaven; doubted that the gospel of Jesus Christ had been restored and that Joseph Smith had been divinely chosen; doubted that Caroline and Margret were with their Heavenly Father in Celestial Glory."
Home in Salt Lake City
Jedediah Grant was given a lot in the Wilford Woodruff block. It measured 165 feet in width 365 feet in length. Here he built a home. ZCMI later built their store on this lot. It still stands.
They decided to build homes for the Saints instead of living in wagons during the winter. They also decide to build a stockade fort to keep out the Indians.
The winter of 1847-48, was mild, grass was abundant, flocks and herds thrived. They were able to till the earth most of the winter. But the winter of 1848-49 was very different. The coldest part of the winter was the 5th of February, the mercury falling 33 degrees below freezing. Violent and contrary winds were frequent. Snow so deep that wood was hard to find and cattle became so poor it was hard for them to pull the wood that could be found.
In the early part of February an inventory was taken of bread-stuffs. It was reported that there was about three-fourths of a pound per day for each meal, until the fifth of July.
Plural Marriage The 11th of February, 1849, one year after the death of his wife, Jedediah accepted the doctrine of plural marriage and married Susan Noble and Rosetta Robison at the home of Joseph Bates Noble. Both of these young women had crossed the plains in the same company as Caroline. They had known and loved her and were glad to mother her daughter.
Militia
The people of the land of Deseret began to organize a militia and in May of that year they were glad to report the completion. But by no means in that short space of time was it at once perfected. The old name of the "Nauvoo Legion" was very endeared to so many that were now members of the militia. However the name was now changed to The Militia of the State of Deseret.
Elder Grant was elected to serve as Brigadier-General of the first brigade of the Nauvoo Legion, and was later promoted to the major-general-ship of the First Division which military office he held until the time of his death. He was a very efficient officer. He was valiant, energetic and just. In the difficulties with the Indians at that time he manifested considerable skill, and was always regarded as eminently jealous of the right of the red men as well as the safety of the whites. January 19, 1851, Jedediah M. Grant was elected the first mayor of Salt Lake City, a position he held until his death.
On the organization of the territory of Utah, certain officials from the capital came to Utah. Finding the situation in Utah not to their liking they returned to the east after a few months with a report which grossly miss-represented the people of the Salt Lake Valley and made some outrageous charges against them.
Representative to Washington D.C.
In 1851, at the request of President Young, Jedediah M. Grant went to Washington, D.C., for the purpose of counteracting the misrepresentations of Chief Justice Brocchus who had maliciously stated that he was forced to leave Utah because of the "lawless acts and seditious tendencies of Brigham Young and the majority of the people.
“With the support of Thomas L. Kane, staunch friend of the Latter-day Saints, Elder Grant with his quick wit and incisive statements was largely successful in his mission. Mayor Grant was called to go to Philadelphia and New York, for the purpose of correcting the untrue stories of the "runaway judges," as the official came to be known. With his fighting spirit he thoroughly enjoyed the assignment. The letters he wrote to the New York Herald and addressed to James Gordon Bennett, its editor, which one writer said "entitled him to a place in front ranks of home literature."
In this letter he introduced many pingent proverbs such as the following: "While the grass grows the cows starve; while congress is taking its months to do the work of a day, the verdict of the public goes against us, and we stand substantially convicted of anything and everything that any or every kind of black-guard can make up a lie about. Laws catch flies and let hornets go free."
There was humor to relieve the grim earnestness of the letters, as when he wrote; "No solemn, sanctimonious face I pull, nor think I'm pious when I'm bilious!" Sometimes there was a chip on my shoulder attitude "I have stood up for my Country in more ways than one that I don't condescend to mention."
In answer to an accusation that Mormons were unpatriotic he wrote: "I have read the constitution of the United States, Article 4, Section 2, Clause 1. He that wants me to answer whether or not I am not as good an American as he is shall step out like a man and insult me to my face." He was described as "being always smiling when he was not angry, but when he was in anger, no man would care to face him." These letters had quite an effect on the thinking of the people in the east at that time and as a result of these letters the "report" fell flat the runaway officials never recovered from the wholesome exposure of their conduct.
He was Speaker of the Territorial House of Representatives, 1853-1855.
Apostle
On April 7, 1854, he was ordained an apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was set apart as second counselor to President Brigham Young, in which calling he served two years up until his death.
Four more wives and nine children
From 1851 to his death in 1856 Jedediah's life was full. He married four more women. Had six sons, one son by each of his six wives and had two daughters, and adopted a son.
In spring of 1851 he adopts with Susan 12 year old John McKeachie and renames him Lewis McKeachie Grant
9 Oct 1853 a son Jedediah Morgan is born to him and Rosetta Robinson
17 Oct 1853 a son Joseph Hyrum is born to him and Susan Noble
On 15 Dec 1853 he marries Sarah Ann Thurston
On 17 Feb 1854 he marries Louisa Marie Goulay Grant widow of his brother Joshua Grant Jr.
On 16 Aug 1854 he married Maryette Kesler
On 27 Apr 1855 a son George Smith is born to him and Sarah Ann Thurston.
On 19 Sep 1855 a daughter Susan Vilate is born to him and Susan
On 27 Nov 1855 a daughter Rosetta Henrietta is born to him and Rosetta.
On 29 Nov 1855 he marries Rachel Ridgway Ivins.
19 Apr 1856 a son Joshua Frederick is born to him and Louisa.
15 Oct 1856 a son Brigham Frederick is born to him and Maryette.
22 Nov 1856 a son Heber Jeddy is born to him and Rachel.
Jedediah led a very active life. He enjoyed socials held by the Church and those he attended as Mayor of the city. He led a strenuous life -- many times attending three meetings during the same afternoon and evening -- he exhausted his physical strength and collapsed.
It is recorded that "his work in the Reformation, which he conducted almost with the fervency of a crusader, had brought out all his potential powers and apparently there was a great future for him in the Church - but it was not to be so."
Illnesses
His spirit went joyfully to join those of his family and friends who had gone before him. Because of his great zeal to promote the spiritual welfare of his people he had worn him self out. He contracted a severe cold which rapidly developed into pneumonia and on Monday, December 1, 1856, his valiant spirit departed this life. He was forty years old. He died in the home he had built, which stood where Z.C.M.I. now stands, on Main Street in Salt Lake City. His son, Heber J. Grant, was then only nine days old.
Near death experiences
Two nights in succession before the death of Jedediah M. Grant he was permitted to visit the spirit world. Telling of his experience to those about him, he said, "I saw the order of righteous men and women, beheld them organized in their several grades, and there appeared to be no obstruction to my vision. I looked to see whether there was any disorder, but there was none. I saw the righteous gathered together and there were no wicked spirits among them." The people he saw were organized into family groups in perfect harmony. He saw his wife Caroline. She was the first person who came to him; she looked very beautiful; she had their child Margret in her arms, and said: "Here is our little Margret, the wolves did not harm her."
He said that in some of the families there he saw a lack for they would not be permitted to come and dwell together, because they had not honored their calling here on earth. Brother Grant said that the Lord gave Solomon wisdom and poured gold and silver into his hand, that he might display his skill and ability and said that the temple erected by Solomon was much inferior to the most ordinary building he saw in the spirit world. Brother Grant told of flowers and trees and spacious buildings and of his great desire to be permitted to remain. He felt extremely sorrowful at having to leave so beautiful a place and return to the earth. He later said: "I looked upon my body with loathing but was obliged to enter it again."
Funeral
On December 4, his funeral was held in the Old Tabernacle in Salt Lake City. At nine o'clock, the day of the funeral, stores in the city were closed and remained so until after the services. Many of them had their doors draped in black. Flags were flown at half-mast and crepe was sewn at the ends of the colors. Officers of the city council wore badges of crepe on their left arm for thirty days in respect for the departed.
The funeral was scheduled for ten o'clock, but the ceremonies of the morning took so long it was ten minutes to twelve when President Young arose to address the vast audience. Another speaker was Heber C. Kimball. Among other things, President Young said: "Some men would have to live to be a hundred years of age to be as ripe in the things of God as was Brother Grant; as was the spirit which inhabited this deserted earthly tabernacle. There are but few that can ripen for the glory, the immortality that is prepared for the faithful; for receiving all that was purchased for them by the Son of God, but very few can receive what Brother Grant has received in his lifetime. He has been in the Church upward of twenty years, and was a man that would live, comparatively speaking, a hundred years in that time.
Jedediah M. Grant was buried in the City Cemetery at Salt Lake City, Utah, aged forty years and nine months.
This information was taken from a story written by Sadie Grant Pack and Susie Grant Mann in 1936 printed in Our Pioneer Heritage Unpublished Pioneer Stories pages 193-199, and a History written by a great granddaughter of Rosetta Robinson Grant, and a History written by a great-great granddaughter Sally Grant for a seminary report.
A Fortnight later: Filled an appointment at four o'clock. Had a large congregation. The Lord blessed us with His spirit.
July 29th: The whole country is awakened and the Priests very mush disturbed.
Aug. 2nd: Held a meeting in school house near Willow Blackman. Had a large congregation. The Lord Blessed us. One came forward and asked for baptism. Her name was "Nancy Blackhaw." She was baptized after the meeting and confirmed the next day.
By Sept. 28th, there were ten members in the branch. By the time his mission was completed in October 1835, thirteen people had joined the church.
Jedediah returned to Kirtland in the autumn of 1835 and spent the following winter helping to complete the Kirtland Temple. He, along with every able-bodied man, gladly gave of their strength to help. With much sacrifice and hard work the temple was completed and dedicated March 27, 1836. Jedediah was privileged to take part in the most wonderful spiritual manifestations the church had known up to that time. He also was among those who received verbal instructions from the Prophet Joseph Smith relating to the duties of the members of the priesthood.
Second Mission
Two weeks after the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, April 13, 1836, Jedediah set out on his second mission to the Eastern States. This time alone. He returned to some of the same places of his first mission. For example, in Bennington, New York, he held eleven meetings. The people were friendly and gave him money to help with expenses.
He tells in the diary he kept: "The crowds were often so great the schoolhouse was not large enough to hold them, but there was still some opposition." He also wrote: "I did not want for words, for the Lord gave me his Spirit, which gave me the power of utterance, not withstanding, some of the people were very unbelieving. The Priests were stirred up. When they attended meetings, I gave them liberty for objections but I couldn't get a word out of them. As soon as I left town, they would go from house to house warning the people against going to hear me preach the false prophet, Joe Smith's gold bible."
The heckling had exactly the opposite effect on the people. Now, instead of refusing his meetings, he found it impossible to meet all their requests.
After five weeks, on June 25th, his brother Joshua and two other missionaries arrived. The brothers embraced and Jedediah commented that, "it was like a drink of cold water to a thirsty soul." Joshua remained six weeks. Meetings were held in Naples and other towns were the Grant family had lived. Jedediah joyfully wrote, "The school house cannot hold but half the people that come out in Naples." In August, Jedediah reluctantly said goodbye to his brother Joshua who left for the West.
In January, 1837, after he stopped making a day-by-day record, he wrote. "I have not given a full account of my labors for this reason. I have been so busy night and day that I have not had time to write."
In the town of Falsburg, he held sixty meetings and the people were attentive. From among them he baptized twenty-three. One of the converts was his brother, Austin Grant. The people gave him money for food, raiment and to bear his expenses home. When the weather permitted, he started home arriving in Kirtland March 13, 1837.
Third Mission
Three months later on June 6th he left for his third mission. He went east to some of the places he had been before. He then went to the Southern States where his most intensive and successful efforts were to be made. Here he labored alone. When he introduced the Gospel to this country, no Latter-Day-Saint had preached within 200 miles of Surry County, North Carolina.
The people were curious to hear the Mormon preach. They came out by the hundreds from every direction. He was invited to go East, West, North and South. When the people found he could not travel extensively on foot, they soon gave him a hundred dollars to buy him a horse and equipment suitable for traveling. Jedediah traveled as much as was possible, but still had three requests to preach where he could only fill one.
He established a small branch of the church in Patrick County, Virginia but his labors were so extensive that he didn't baptize many, but laid a foundation for a great work. He preached in courthouses and chapels, in all parts of the country and had large congregations wherever meetings were held.
The people in Virginia and North Carolina were very kind to him. They fed him and his horse, furnished him clothing and gave him money for his expenses to Far West, Missouri when his mission was over. His parents had moved during his absence.
Far West Missouri October 9, 1838, Jedediah started for Far West, Missouri. He was in charge of a group of converts from Virginia going to join the main body of the church. The first week in November, they reached the Missouri State line. What they saw there made them feel like turning back.
The trouble in Kirtland had become so bad that the Prophet and the Saints left and traveled to Missouri. The Prophet was in the Richmond jail. Jedediah found his brother, George D. Grant, there too. They would have been shot but General Doniphan, a friend of the Mormons, got them to stay the sentence.
Jedediah states that he arrived in Far West, November 12th. Here he saw fertile soil, black with smoke and desolation and the pure streams red with the blood of the Saints and wilderness sheltering the widows and orphans.
He joined his parents, who had settled near Far West on a large tract of ground, hoping that a peaceful home could be established in that fertile country. The hopes of the family were not to be realized, however, for during that winter mobs burned houses, destroyed other property, and murdered men, women, and children. Jedediah assisted his parents in exchanging their farm for a yoke of oxen, a wagon and a horse. Thus provided with transportation, the family started back toward the East, beginning their journey on Christmas Day, 1838. They stopped at a place called Henderson Grove. They found an abandoned cabin and moved in for the rest of the winter. Here they tapped the trees and made maple syrup. In the spring they went as far as Lafayette, Knox County, Illinois. Jedediah's brother, Nelson, lived here. He persuaded the family to stay with them for awhile. Joshua was too independent to stay with his son very long. In 1840, he settled ten miles west of his son, in Walnut Grove Township. The Country was unimproved prairie land. Joshua Grant was 82 years old but started building another home, which was to be the last for him and his wife.
Fourth Mission
After moving his parents, Jedediah hastened to Quincy to attend a conference and afterward went to Nauvoo, where he, on the first day of June, 1839, was called upon his fourth mission, again going to the Southern States. This mission was to coincide with the most extensive proselyting effort the prophet had launched up to this time when most of the twelve apostles were sent to England. Some left families with sickness and poverty.
This was the longest mission Jedediah had filled. It lasted for four years. In January 1840, he had the privilege of meeting with his brother Joshua Grant Jr. They traveled and preached extensively, having more calls than they could fill. They baptized ten within a few weeks and five more offered to be baptized. This increased their number to forty.
That was the age ... The time of Webster, Lincoln and Douglas ...when a debate constituted a popular form of entertainment. When a speaker made a name for himself, whether political or religious, people flocked to hear him.
Jedediah became an adroit scriptorian and orator. He had a ready wit and power of exhortation and his fame soon spread abroad. Those who heard him, remembered him even though they might not agree with him. This young man was something out of the ordinary. The religion he preached was new. The manner in which he presented it was strange, as he never prepared his sermon before hand but he read and stored in his mind the gospel truths.
Blank Text
People began to doubt that such a sermon could be preached. At their request, Jedediah promised to preach at a certain time, place and from a text to be chosen by them.
The meeting place was Jeffersonville, Tazewell County, Virginia. The courthouse, where the meetings were held, was filled to over-flowing. Some came to hear the young preacher’s message; some came out of curiosity and still others wished to see the young Mormon humiliated. A number of ministers, lawyers and other prominent men were present, occupying the front seats. John B. Floyd, who became Secretary of War, was in the audience for this was his home town.
Jedediah walked in the room. He was poorly dressed, for he was traveling without "purse or script." He looked about to see if there was another member of the church present, but failed to find one. Walking to the stand Elder Grant opened the meeting with a song and a prayer. The clerk appointed for the occasion handed him a paper. A hush fell over the audience. He opened the paper and found nothing. The paper was blank. Jedediah was not defeated so easily. He showed no surprise as he stepped before the platform and began. 'My friends, I am here today, according to agreement, to preach form such a text as these gentlemen might select for me. I have it here in my hand. I do not wish you to become offended at me, for I am under promise to preach from the text selected; and if anyone is to blame, you must blame those who selected it. I knew nothing of what text they would choose, but of all texts this is my favorite one. You see the paper is blank, you sectarians down there believe that out of nothing God created all things, and now you wish me to create a sermon from nothing, for this paper is blank. You believe in a God that has neither body parts nor passion. Such a God I believe to be a perfect blank, just as you find my text is. You believe in a church without prophets, apostles, evangelists, etc. Such a church would be a perfect blank, compared with the church of Christ and this agrees with my text. You have located your heaven beyond the bounds of time and space. It exists nowhere, and consequently your heaven is blank, like unto my text.' Having pointed out the inconsistencies in their religion, he contrasted them with what he had to offer in the restored Gospel and proclaimed the principles of the gospel in great power and wound up by asking, "Have I stuck to the text, and does that satisfy you?'
At the conclusion of his sermon, Mr. Floyd jumped to his feet and said. "Mr. Grant, if you are not a lawyer, you ought to be one." Then turning to the people who filled the court room he added, "Gentlemen you have listened to a wonderful discourse and with amazement. Now look at Mr. Grant's clothes. His elbows are almost out and his knees are almost through his pants. Let’s take up a collection." As he sat down, another eminent Lawyer, Joseph Stras, Esq. still living in Jeffersonville, arose and said, "I am good for one sleeve in a coat and one leg in a pair of pants, for Mr. Grant." A hat was thrust into the hands of the presiding elder of the Methodist Eastern Church in the South, who was requested to pass the hat around but replied that he would not take up a collection for a Mormon preacher. "Yes, you will!" shouted Mr. Floyd. "Pass it around!" Cried Mr. Stras and the cry was taken up and repeated by the audience, until for the sake of peace the minister had to yield. He accordingly marched around with a hat in his hand receiving contributions for Elder Grant. Enough money was contributed not only to buy him a new suit but a horse, saddle and bridle as well.
Quite a number of the people joined the church as a result of this meeting. In fact, due to his efforts, several branches of the church were organized and the people of the South loved him.
Who is Head of your Church?
"At another time Elder Grant was challenged to a discussion by a very eminent Baptist preacher named Baldwin. Brother Grant consented. The place chosen was the fine, large church of his proud and imperious antagonist. Mr. Baldwin was described as a man overbearing in his manners - 'a regular browbeater.' When the time came for the discussion the house was crowded. Umpires were chosen and everything was ready to proceed when Brother Grant arose and said: 'Mr. Baldwin, I would like to ask you a question before we proceed any farther.' 'Certainly,' said Baldwin. "Who stands at the head of your church in Southwest Virginia?' Mr. Baldwin very quickly replied, 'I do, sir; I do.' 'All right,' said Brother Grant, 'I wished to know that I had a worthy foe.' Mr. Baldwin looked a little confused for a moment and then said; 'Mr. Grant, I would like to ask you who stands at the head of your church in Southwest Virginia?' Brother Grant arose and with bowed head replied, "Jesus Christ, sir.'
"The shock was electrical. This inspired answer completely disarmed the proud foe and the humble servant of God again came out victor.
"It is said of him by those who remember him well and were most familiar with his life and ministry, that he ever impressed those who knew him with a maturity of his judgment and thoroughness of his discipline, as related to his own culture and occupations, and the perfection he had reached in the application of the principles of eternal life."
In the spring of 1842, as Jedediah bid the kind hearted people of Virginia, adieu, there were tears in their eyes. He returned to Nauvoo.
When Jedediah left Nauvoo for his mission, he left a place that was literally a wilderness. The land was mostly covered with trees and bushes and much of it was so wet it was difficult for a footman to get through and almost impossible to get through with a team. Now the city was lovely, from the encircling arms of the placid Mississippi, it rose to a hill top where the temple was being erected. Below, wide tree-shaded streets, which crossed each other at right angles, sheltered homes surrounded by lovely gardens.
Fifth Mission--Philadelphia
In June of 1843 he was called on his fifth mission and for one year was the presiding Elder over the Saints in the city of Philadelphia.
Martyrdom of the Prophet During the tragic days that immediately preceded the martyrdom, he was closely associated with the Prophet. He and Theodore Turley were the trusted messengers who carried the Prophet's last letter to Governor Ford, who was then in Carthage, stating that Joseph Smith would give him self up for trial. This occurred June 23, 1844. After the governor had read the message he would not allow Elder Grant and his companion time for rest but sent them immediately back to Nauvoo with orders to have Joseph Smith report to him the following morning not later than ten o'clock.
The brethren started on their return trip of twenty miles, but their already weary horses could not get them into Nauvoo until four o'clock the next morning. On this day, 1844, Jedediah M. Grant watched his beloved Prophet ride toward Carthage, never to return. Joseph Smith went sorrowfully but peacefully to his death. As he left, he gazed with anguished eyes at the partly built temple and then looked over his dream city that had become a realty.
Jedediah was among those that followed him to the outskirts of town. He took a long look at his beautiful farm. He knew he would never see it again.
Joseph Smith was promised full satisfaction by Governor Ford, but the following afternoon the terrible tragedy took place.
When, a few hours later, the mutilated bodies of the martyrs were borne out of town, they left a deserted city, frightening in its stillness. The Governor hurried to Nauvoo to warn the people not to make any demonstrations, but his warning was unnecessary.
Married Caroline Van Dyke
July 2, 1844, Jedediah M. Grant married Caroline Van Dyke, Bishop Newel K. Whitney officiating. On the same day he left Nauvoo, accompanied by his wife, for his sixth mission. Jedediah went to Philadelphia to resume his former position as presiding Elder.
After ten months in Philadelphia, Jedediah and his wife returned to Nauvoo to make their home. By this time there was a baby daughter, named Caroline, for her mother, but she was always called "Caddy." Upon their return to Nauvoo in May of 1845, he and his wife received their blessings in the temple.
Ordained first President of the Seventy
On December 2, 1845, when twenty-nine years of age, he was ordained and set apart as one of the first Seven Presidents of the Seventy, by President Brigham Young. This same year he was also set apart as an ordinance worker in the Nauvoo Temple.
The people of Nauvoo soon found they would be forced to flee to the Rocky Mountains for safety. So preparations were started. They hauled timber and started building wagons, making harnesses, clothing and getting camping equipment together.
People from all parts of the country flocked to Nauvoo to purchase houses and farms that were sold extremely low.
Forced from Nauvoo
The mob was to allow the Saints until spring to prepare. They became worse until on Feb. 11th and 12th; a long line of covered wagons poured out of Nauvoo in a steady stream and crossed the Mississippi on the ice. There were four hundred families in all. Among them were Jedediah and his wife Caroline, and little daughter, Caddie. Jedediah M. Grant left Nauvoo for the Rocky Mountains in February of 1846.
After crossing the Mississippi to Montrose, they proceeded to Sugar Creek, about seven miles distant. They traveled to Mosquito Creek, Iowa. Here a council meeting was held in a small grove. They were required to build a ferry boat to cross the river. Many of the Saints volunteered their services. The ferry was finished the following day. July 12th at Cutler's Park Colonel Thomas L. Kane arrived among the Saints. He came to assist in mustering in the Mormon Battalion into the service of the United States.
While at Jedediah's camp the young Colonel was quite ill. He never forgot the kindness shown him there. On the 18th of Sept. Alanson Eldredge, Albert P. Rockwell, Jedediah M. Grant and Ezra Chase, were appointed to locate winter quarters for the saints. They decided upon a site three miles from Cutler's Park. It was on a high plateau overlooking the Missouri River. It is now Florence, Nebraska.
"Winter Quarters"
"Winter Quarters" --- What deep emotions that name evokes in the hearts of true Latter-day Saints. The winter of 1846-47, it is as if the angel of death himself penned the day-by-day record. How the grim reaper mowed them down --- six hundred in all.
During this winter Elder Grant was requested by Brigham Young to return to the East for another short mission to communicate with Colonel Kane. While there he secured the material for a very large United States flag, which later floated over Salt Lake City for several years.
While he was away, his wife Caroline welcomed her second little daughter, May 19th 1847 at Winter Quarters. For some time after the birth of this child the mother was in very delicate health, but, even so, the journey to the valley of the Great Salt Lake was begun one month later.
About the middle of April, the first camp of Israel left on their journey west.
On the 18th of June shortly after Jedediah returned from the East, the second group of pioneers departed west. Caroline, with her month old baby in her arms and two year old Caddie, courageously climbed into her covered wagon.
Captain of one hundred wagons
Jedediah was appointed captain of one hundred wagons. He was the third. Certain requirements applied to those intending to make the trek such as: Three hundred pounds of bread stuff for each person and enough grain to last every family for eighteen months.
Leaving Winter Quarters, they traveled to a point on the Elkhorn River. Here they waited for the others to come. They erected a liberty pole on which a white banner floated, "as a signal of peace to all the nations."
On June 19th, in Jedediah's hundred, the first tragedy occurred. An Indian shot Brother Weatherly through the hip and bowels. He died the following day.
The roads were in such condition that only about ten to fifteen miles could be traveled each day. The wagons were drawn principally by oxen, but horses, cows, sheep, and chickens were also taken along. The cattle fed on the grass that the country afforded, and the men, women and children lived on the provisions that were carried in the wagons. Sometimes the food was extremely meager.
This company, like most of the others, suffered much annoyance from loss of cattle stolen by the Indians, also because of scarcity of water, and from general exposure, but faith and courage were not lacking. Sister Eliza R. Snow, who was one of the company, wrote as follows: "Many were the moon and starlight evenings when, as we circled the blazing fire and sang songs of praise to Him who knows the secrets of all hearts, the sound of our united voices reverberated from hill to hill and, echoing through the silent expanse, seemed to fill the vast concave above, while the glory of God seemed to rest on all around."
The Journal History for June 22nd gives a stirring picture of the entire camp as they moved out in orderly formation beside the Platt River. At 8 o'clock a.m., the signal for starting was given by the ringing of the Temple bell. The order of traveling was as follows: the first fifty of the first hundred took the lead. The second fifty formed a line to the right. Next to those two lines came the Charles C. Rich Company with the cannons, the skiff and the Temple Bell in the lead. The second formed to the right like the first fifty, making five lines. Each company followed in line.
Some of the Captains felt it was only fair that different companies take the lead, as those in the rear were late arriving at the campground in the evenings, and also the dust was bad. This was soon settled. The decided that the hundred in the front would travel in the rear the next day, thus travel in turns a week at a time.
On July 1st, Kinyon Kellog, age six and Robert Gardner, age five, were run over by wagons crossing the river. The boys were administered to and soon seemed on their way to recovery. On July 3rd, they took up their march at 8 a.m. Before noon the companies came to a muddy creek. The brethren cut grass and threw it in the creek and by this means they were able to cross.
July 4th the camps held a meeting. It was decided that each fifty in each hundred would travel by themselves and from separate camps. Also each fifty would herd their own stock.
July 6th the first hundred left and were followed by the second and third. Feed was good at this point, but the ground was covered with salt-petre. Some of the cattle got sick. John Taylor, in reporting to the First Presidency said, "I have never known in all my experience so little sickness and so few deaths among so many people in the same space of time." Of the six or seven deaths that did occur, three were in Captain Grants hundred.
Jedediah's wife Caroline endured the trek as best she could. Her health grew steadily worse. She tried to keep up her courage for her husband’s sake.
The ingenious pioneer post office was boards or bleached buffalo skulls on which messages were inscribed. Jedediah himself was fortunate enough to bring one into camp. It was dated May 9th on it was written: "All well -- feed bad -- are only 30 miles from Winter Quarters."
President Taylor cautioned the Saints to eat sparingly. They had nothing to depend on but their bread stuffs. They should weigh out a certain quantity of food for each day.
July 10th, hunting party was organized. They returned successful bringing to camp four buffalo, two dear, and one antelope. They were divided among the Saints.
Mountain sheep were later killed for food and once a bear was killed and divided among Captain Grant's company. With their out-of-door appetites it was eaten with relish.
About the middle of July, the travelers were in country of hordes of buffalo. On Saturday July 17th during the night, the cattle broke out of the corral in Jedediah's hundred, and in the morning, twenty yoke were gone. This delayed the companies. Captain Grant's hundred were twenty miles behind. The others could not go on without them and so they sent out men to search for the lost cattle. Two days later they were still missing. It was decided to take five yoke of oxen from each hundred and loan them to Captain Grant's Company. They were to be returned to the owners at the end of the journey. On July 24th Captain Grant's Company had moved up and they were altogether again.
Brother Grant had a kind feeling towards the Indians. Once about a hundred Indians came to their camp. As a token of peace they carried an American Flag. The camp prepared a feast for the Indians and gave them some presents. They returned the following day to trade beads, moccasins, etc., for bread and other articles. The brethren, returning the visit, traded horses, cattle and bought buffalo robes which were soon to be needed.
Aug 2nd Ezra Taft Benson was sent back with a company of horsemen to meet the Saints to tell them the first group had arrived in Salt Lake. Jedediah sent a letter back to Salt Lake with Brother Phineas Young: "My wife's health has continued to be very bad. She feels the need of the prayers and faith of those who have influence with the most high. She wishes to be remembered in your prayers."
Aug 23rd Company camped on the banks of the Sweetwater. Each camp has lost many of their cattle. This slowed down their travel. At this time Captain Grant's Company were at their lowest ebb. The Crow Indians had stolen 8 of their oxen. President Young came back to visit the Saints. His presence gave them new courage to carry on. Jedediah greeted him with tears in his eyes as six days previous on Sep 2nd in the evening, his four and a half month old baby daughter, Margaret, died of cholera. She was buried the next morning before the company moved on. His wife was so sick she was not expected to recover. The sorrow-stricken parents cheered each other as best they could and went bravely forward.
At South pass they noted that the water now ran West instead of East. They knew they were getting near their destination.
The weather was cold. They were now in the mountains. On Sep 14th Grant's hundred, which was still last, "was given permission to break up into companies of ten in order to continue the journey in greater comfort.
Sep 19th Twenty wagons came into Salt Lake. The first of the company to arrive.
Later as Caroline's health partially returned she walked each day for a little while beside the wagon. But as the company entered the upper stretches of Echo Canyon, Rocky Mountain fever attacked her weakened body.
Sep 22nd Sister Caroline Grant passed away at her company on Bear river. Some teams from Salt Lake were started back to help the Saints in the last camp.
Sep 23rd The weather was cold, ice an inch thick. We crossed eight times and traveled over the worst roads yet.
Sep 27th The second fifty of the first hundred arrived. This company had carried the cannon 54 days across the plains. They sent some teams back to help the other companies across the mountains.
Sep 28th More teams arrived in Salt Lake Valley.
It was Sep 29th 1847 that Jedediah M. Grant, driving the wagon himself that bore the remains of his wife into the Salt Lake Valley, came sadly to his destination. He had hurried ahead to keep a promise he had made to his wife that she would be buried in the valley.
Not for a moment did he let his sorrow interfere with his duty to those under his supervision. The very day of her funeral he headed eastward to help his company. Arriving in the valley, all his possessions were those in his covered wagon.
Returned for Baby’s body
True to a promise he made his wife before her death, Jedediah, accompanied by Joseph Bates Noble, began his return to the Sweet Water River only three days after his arrival in the valley to bring the body of little Margret to Salt Lake City, that she might rest in the valley by the side of her mother. These brethren, however, were to find that the grave had been robbed by the wolves. Of this sorrowful incident Brother Noble Writes:
"As we sat there alone at night by our little campfire in the very heart of the Rockies, after meditating in silence for some time, Brother Jedediah turned and requested Brother Bates sing a hymn or two. After a number had been sung, Jedediah said, 'Now sing God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform." As we finished:
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his works in vain:
God is his own interpreter
And he will make it plain.
Brother Grant sat with bowed had for some time, then he looked up and glowing with his former inspiration which I had not seen upon him for some time, declared in a firm voice, 'Bates, God has made it plain. The joy of Paradise where my wife and baby are together seems to be upon me tonight. For some wise purpose they have been released from the earth struggles into which you and I are plunged. They are many, many times happier than we can possibly be here. This camping ground should be the saddest of all sad places to me, but this night it seems to be close under heaven.' As Jedediah spoke, there vibrated in my bosom a feeling that comes only under the inspiration of God. Then we knelt in prayer, Brother Grant being mouth. It seemed to me that no human soul could have listened to his words and doubted that he talked to his Father in Heaven; doubted that the gospel of Jesus Christ had been restored and that Joseph Smith had been divinely chosen; doubted that Caroline and Margret were with their Heavenly Father in Celestial Glory."
Home in Salt Lake City
Jedediah Grant was given a lot in the Wilford Woodruff block. It measured 165 feet in width 365 feet in length. Here he built a home. ZCMI later built their store on this lot. It still stands.
They decided to build homes for the Saints instead of living in wagons during the winter. They also decide to build a stockade fort to keep out the Indians.
The winter of 1847-48, was mild, grass was abundant, flocks and herds thrived. They were able to till the earth most of the winter. But the winter of 1848-49 was very different. The coldest part of the winter was the 5th of February, the mercury falling 33 degrees below freezing. Violent and contrary winds were frequent. Snow so deep that wood was hard to find and cattle became so poor it was hard for them to pull the wood that could be found.
In the early part of February an inventory was taken of bread-stuffs. It was reported that there was about three-fourths of a pound per day for each meal, until the fifth of July.
Plural Marriage The 11th of February, 1849, one year after the death of his wife, Jedediah accepted the doctrine of plural marriage and married Susan Noble and Rosetta Robison at the home of Joseph Bates Noble. Both of these young women had crossed the plains in the same company as Caroline. They had known and loved her and were glad to mother her daughter.
Militia
The people of the land of Deseret began to organize a militia and in May of that year they were glad to report the completion. But by no means in that short space of time was it at once perfected. The old name of the "Nauvoo Legion" was very endeared to so many that were now members of the militia. However the name was now changed to The Militia of the State of Deseret.
Elder Grant was elected to serve as Brigadier-General of the first brigade of the Nauvoo Legion, and was later promoted to the major-general-ship of the First Division which military office he held until the time of his death. He was a very efficient officer. He was valiant, energetic and just. In the difficulties with the Indians at that time he manifested considerable skill, and was always regarded as eminently jealous of the right of the red men as well as the safety of the whites. January 19, 1851, Jedediah M. Grant was elected the first mayor of Salt Lake City, a position he held until his death.
On the organization of the territory of Utah, certain officials from the capital came to Utah. Finding the situation in Utah not to their liking they returned to the east after a few months with a report which grossly miss-represented the people of the Salt Lake Valley and made some outrageous charges against them.
Representative to Washington D.C.
In 1851, at the request of President Young, Jedediah M. Grant went to Washington, D.C., for the purpose of counteracting the misrepresentations of Chief Justice Brocchus who had maliciously stated that he was forced to leave Utah because of the "lawless acts and seditious tendencies of Brigham Young and the majority of the people.
“With the support of Thomas L. Kane, staunch friend of the Latter-day Saints, Elder Grant with his quick wit and incisive statements was largely successful in his mission. Mayor Grant was called to go to Philadelphia and New York, for the purpose of correcting the untrue stories of the "runaway judges," as the official came to be known. With his fighting spirit he thoroughly enjoyed the assignment. The letters he wrote to the New York Herald and addressed to James Gordon Bennett, its editor, which one writer said "entitled him to a place in front ranks of home literature."
In this letter he introduced many pingent proverbs such as the following: "While the grass grows the cows starve; while congress is taking its months to do the work of a day, the verdict of the public goes against us, and we stand substantially convicted of anything and everything that any or every kind of black-guard can make up a lie about. Laws catch flies and let hornets go free."
There was humor to relieve the grim earnestness of the letters, as when he wrote; "No solemn, sanctimonious face I pull, nor think I'm pious when I'm bilious!" Sometimes there was a chip on my shoulder attitude "I have stood up for my Country in more ways than one that I don't condescend to mention."
In answer to an accusation that Mormons were unpatriotic he wrote: "I have read the constitution of the United States, Article 4, Section 2, Clause 1. He that wants me to answer whether or not I am not as good an American as he is shall step out like a man and insult me to my face." He was described as "being always smiling when he was not angry, but when he was in anger, no man would care to face him." These letters had quite an effect on the thinking of the people in the east at that time and as a result of these letters the "report" fell flat the runaway officials never recovered from the wholesome exposure of their conduct.
He was Speaker of the Territorial House of Representatives, 1853-1855.
Apostle
On April 7, 1854, he was ordained an apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was set apart as second counselor to President Brigham Young, in which calling he served two years up until his death.
Four more wives and nine children
From 1851 to his death in 1856 Jedediah's life was full. He married four more women. Had six sons, one son by each of his six wives and had two daughters, and adopted a son.
In spring of 1851 he adopts with Susan 12 year old John McKeachie and renames him Lewis McKeachie Grant
9 Oct 1853 a son Jedediah Morgan is born to him and Rosetta Robinson
17 Oct 1853 a son Joseph Hyrum is born to him and Susan Noble
On 15 Dec 1853 he marries Sarah Ann Thurston
On 17 Feb 1854 he marries Louisa Marie Goulay Grant widow of his brother Joshua Grant Jr.
On 16 Aug 1854 he married Maryette Kesler
On 27 Apr 1855 a son George Smith is born to him and Sarah Ann Thurston.
On 19 Sep 1855 a daughter Susan Vilate is born to him and Susan
On 27 Nov 1855 a daughter Rosetta Henrietta is born to him and Rosetta.
On 29 Nov 1855 he marries Rachel Ridgway Ivins.
19 Apr 1856 a son Joshua Frederick is born to him and Louisa.
15 Oct 1856 a son Brigham Frederick is born to him and Maryette.
22 Nov 1856 a son Heber Jeddy is born to him and Rachel.
Jedediah led a very active life. He enjoyed socials held by the Church and those he attended as Mayor of the city. He led a strenuous life -- many times attending three meetings during the same afternoon and evening -- he exhausted his physical strength and collapsed.
It is recorded that "his work in the Reformation, which he conducted almost with the fervency of a crusader, had brought out all his potential powers and apparently there was a great future for him in the Church - but it was not to be so."
Illnesses
His spirit went joyfully to join those of his family and friends who had gone before him. Because of his great zeal to promote the spiritual welfare of his people he had worn him self out. He contracted a severe cold which rapidly developed into pneumonia and on Monday, December 1, 1856, his valiant spirit departed this life. He was forty years old. He died in the home he had built, which stood where Z.C.M.I. now stands, on Main Street in Salt Lake City. His son, Heber J. Grant, was then only nine days old.
Near death experiences
Two nights in succession before the death of Jedediah M. Grant he was permitted to visit the spirit world. Telling of his experience to those about him, he said, "I saw the order of righteous men and women, beheld them organized in their several grades, and there appeared to be no obstruction to my vision. I looked to see whether there was any disorder, but there was none. I saw the righteous gathered together and there were no wicked spirits among them." The people he saw were organized into family groups in perfect harmony. He saw his wife Caroline. She was the first person who came to him; she looked very beautiful; she had their child Margret in her arms, and said: "Here is our little Margret, the wolves did not harm her."
He said that in some of the families there he saw a lack for they would not be permitted to come and dwell together, because they had not honored their calling here on earth. Brother Grant said that the Lord gave Solomon wisdom and poured gold and silver into his hand, that he might display his skill and ability and said that the temple erected by Solomon was much inferior to the most ordinary building he saw in the spirit world. Brother Grant told of flowers and trees and spacious buildings and of his great desire to be permitted to remain. He felt extremely sorrowful at having to leave so beautiful a place and return to the earth. He later said: "I looked upon my body with loathing but was obliged to enter it again."
Funeral
On December 4, his funeral was held in the Old Tabernacle in Salt Lake City. At nine o'clock, the day of the funeral, stores in the city were closed and remained so until after the services. Many of them had their doors draped in black. Flags were flown at half-mast and crepe was sewn at the ends of the colors. Officers of the city council wore badges of crepe on their left arm for thirty days in respect for the departed.
The funeral was scheduled for ten o'clock, but the ceremonies of the morning took so long it was ten minutes to twelve when President Young arose to address the vast audience. Another speaker was Heber C. Kimball. Among other things, President Young said: "Some men would have to live to be a hundred years of age to be as ripe in the things of God as was Brother Grant; as was the spirit which inhabited this deserted earthly tabernacle. There are but few that can ripen for the glory, the immortality that is prepared for the faithful; for receiving all that was purchased for them by the Son of God, but very few can receive what Brother Grant has received in his lifetime. He has been in the Church upward of twenty years, and was a man that would live, comparatively speaking, a hundred years in that time.
Jedediah M. Grant was buried in the City Cemetery at Salt Lake City, Utah, aged forty years and nine months.
This information was taken from a story written by Sadie Grant Pack and Susie Grant Mann in 1936 printed in Our Pioneer Heritage Unpublished Pioneer Stories pages 193-199, and a History written by a great granddaughter of Rosetta Robinson Grant, and a History written by a great-great granddaughter Sally Grant for a seminary report.
My 2nd great grandfather, Jedediah Morgan Grant born 21 Feb 1816 in Union, Broome county, New York, to Athalia Howard and Joshua Grant, married 1) Caroline Van Dyke, 2 Jul 1844, 2) Susan Fairchild Noble, 11 Feb 1849, 3) Rosetta Robison, 11 Feb 1849, 4) Sarah Ann Thurston, 15 Dec 1853, 5)Louisa Maria Golay, widow of brother Joshua, 17 Feb 1854, 6) Maryette Kesler, 16 Aug 1855, 7) Rachel Ridgeway Ivins, 29 Nov 1855, died 1 Dec 1856 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah, buried 4 Dec in the Salt Lake City Cemetery
ReplyDelete