Tate, John W.

File — Box: 5, Folder: 23

Identifier: IV

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Tate, with William H. Spiers, purchased land in Bear Lake County and planned to move there to make his home. However, in March 1880 he was called with a hundred others to go to St. Johns, Arizona, to settle. He and John Tuttle started south October 4, 1880, after deciding to leave his wife and family with his parents. He had been unable to sell his farm in Tooele and was very hard up. Tate and Tuttle arrived in St. George after traveling 336 miles from Tooele, did some temple work, and visited friends. He described the St. George tabernacle and enjoyed the grapes grown at St. George. They reached the Colorado River on November 10 and waited for other wagons to catch up. Brother Tuttle and Chancy Rodgers commenced building two boats which would float side by side and could carry a wagon and horses. By November 14 the boats were finished and ferrying began. Three days were spent getting people, animals, and equipment across. They were advised to go by way of Prescott. Arrived at Prescott December 1, and traveled on to Brigham City. They traveled to Sunset where the people live the United Order and have the "big table." Arrived at St. Joseph on December 10. St. Joseph observed the United Order, but does not have the "big table." He gave a description of the United Order at St. Joseph and likes it better than at Sunset. St. Johns is surrounded by a "bad element--the Mexicans." While stopping at St. Joseph they visit surrounding settlements: Woodruff, St. Johns, and Round Valley before deciding where they would like to settle. Before returning to Utah they sold their tools and all other equipment to get enough money for the return trip. They started on March 1, and arrived in Salt Lake City March 27. The total number of miles traveled since leaving Tooele October 1 is 950. Once back in Tooele Tate began farming. This bound volume (October 4, 1880-July 22, 1881) is an account of events pertaining to his trip to Arizona, his brief visits to settlements on the Little Colorado, and the trip back to Utah. 75 pages.

Dates

1857-1986

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.