Lake, George, 1838-1898

File — Box: 7, Folder: 2

Identifier: VI

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

"The Life of George Lake," bound typescript. A note in the Preface of the manuscript indicates it was written by George Lake. The original manuscript is in the possession of Lawrence Lake, of El Segundo, California. The typescript copy was made for members of the Lake family. George Lake, born September 15, 1838, at Scott Company, Illinois, was one of ten children. In 1844 his family moved to Nauvoo where his father helped build the temple and the Nauvoo House. In February 1846, with about six hundred wagons the family crossed the Missouri River and arrived at Council Bluffs in the fall. They arrived in Salt Lake City, October 7, 1850, moved to Ogden Fort, and later moved to a farm in Harrisville. In 1857 George Lake went back to meet the immigrating Saints and help them through to Salt Lake Valley. He spent six weeks in Echo Canyon awaiting Johnston's Army in 1858. He states that during the campaign they took fifty prisoners from the United States Army. Lake was sent with his company as an "escort to return the prisoners beyond the confines of our territory some 150 miles." When he returned to the valley he found that the Saints had moved south--a rear guard had been left to guard the property. "If necessary they were to burn all our possessions." Lake remained with this group as a cook. He writes, "The territory was given military organization and I was ordered to fit up well. . .and ready to mount at a moments notice. All feared an attempt by the U. S. Army to renew the Nauvoo tragedy. The army was still quartered some sixty miles south of Salt Lake City." On May 13, 1860, Lake married Louise Ann Garner Lake, the widow of His brother. They had eight children. When Lake took his endowments, Louise Ann was sealed to her first husband. After the ceremony Brigham Young praised him and told him to return in two weeks with two more wives for himself. "Hence on the 4th of October I took to wife Sarah Jane Hill . . . and Rhoda Wheeler . . . ." Several pages here are given to a listing of his wives (four) and his children. At the April conference of 1869, Lake was called to serve a mission in England. He was gone two years returning in 1871 with four hundred converts. A smallpox epidemic broke out on ship and a quarantine was imposed. Vaccinations were given all the passengers. In 1871 Lake sold out and moved to Oxford, Idaho, where he was promptly made bishop. He was hounded by United States marshals during the polygamy hunt. While seeking advice from Brigham Young he was assigned to go south to Arizona. Brigham Young said "We will form a line of settlements leading into South America, and this shall be the stepping stone." George Lake had charge of the company called from Cache, Box Elder, and other counties; Lot Smith was to have charge of those from Salt Lake and Davis counties; and Jesse Ballinger and William Coleman Allen were to head those from north of Salt Lake. George Lake located at a place he named Obed. William C. Allen located on the opposite side of the river. Lot Smith and Jesse Ballinger settled at or near Sunset Crossing. They set about immediately to build forts, homes, dams, and canals. Crops had been planted and prospered when a heavy flood washed out the dam and ruined the crops. At this time many took up the line of march home leaving only nine men to establish the mission and United Order. Lake abandoned this settlement and joined Ballinger's camp. John W. Young came to organize a stake of Zion. Lot Smith was appointed president of the United Order. "There was much opposition and ridicule from many these days of peace and joy." Lake was sent to represent the Democratic party at that party's convention held in Phoenix. He spent six years in the United Order, and after final settlement went to Mexico. 31 pages. Another shorter sketch covering the same material in a more general form is included in the collection.

Dates

1838-1898

Conditions Governing Access

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