Ballenger, Jesse O.

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

To his brother and sister, September 3, 1859, from Green River. En route to Great Salt Lake in a large company consisting of four wagons and three hundred souls. He hopes they will lay down their prejudices and search for the truth. The wagon train is within 365 miles of their destination.
To Brigham Young, June 2, 1876, from Sunset Crossing, Arizona. Describes the problems of building the dam. Hopes they can get water to the crops yet this summer. They are not living the United Order and are waiting for D. H. Wells and Brigham Young, Jr., to come and organize them in the "Order of Heaven." Building corrals and a stockade. Many of the brethren who want to return to Utah to settle up their business affairs will not return to Arizona.
To Brigham Young, July 13, 1876, from Sunset Crossing, Arizona. Dam and ditch are nearly completed and fifty acres of ground are plowed and ready to plant corn. They need a good blacksmith and tools. Again asks for counsel and encouragement from Brigham Young.
To Brigham Young, September 7, 1876, from the Little Colorado. Another report of progress in the settlements. Have moved into the fort. Decided corn will be a good crop in the area. Other crops planted are wheat, corn, squashes, melons, and tomatoes.
To President John Taylor, December 24, 1877, from Sunset Crossing, Arizona. Two hundred souls in camp now, all enjoying good health and plenty of work. Building a dining room. Asks for counsel about all eating together. They have forty acres of fall wheat planted. Fine climate, no snow, and little frost.

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.