Joseph Ellis Johnson papers

Collection

Identifier: MS 0110

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Joseph Ellis Johnson papers (1831-1964) consist of the personal and family papers of Joseph E. Johnson (1817-1882). Johnson was a prolific writer, leaving a legacy of seven original diaries written, at broken intervals, between 1850 and 1876. The diaries give detailed accounts of his various travels. The collection also contains his daybooks, account books, and record books.

Correspondence between members of the Johnson family makes up a great part of the collection. From his travels, Johnson wrote many letters, sending his love and instructions to his wives and children, and also wrote to his hired help who were running his business establishments. Johnson and his third wife, Eliza, corresponded most frequently as conditions prevented them from living in the same locality until they arrived in Utah.

Deeds, receipts, documents, newspapers, and recipes for Johnson's patent medicines are in the collection. Other memorabilia include advertisements, invitations, theater programs, and family bulletins. An original manuscript and research correspondence for the book J.E.J.: Trail to Sundown by Johnson's son, Rufus, are also in the collection.

Click here to view the digitized items from the collection.

Dates

1831-1964

Creator

Johnson, Joseph Ellis, 1817-1882 (Person)

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.

Conditions Governing Use

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Biographical Sketch

The following autobiography was written by Joseph Ellis Johnson on the eve of his departure from St. George, Utah, in a company of Mormon saints to begin new settlements in Arizona.

J. E. Johnson. Was born at pomfret, Chautauqua Co., New York, on the 28th of April, 1817. Moved to Kirtland, Ohio in 1832. Baptized as a Latter-day Saint in 1833. Went with the Kirtland Camp in 1838. Taught school in Springfield, Ill. in 1840. Went to Nauvoo, Ill. in 1840. Married to Harriet Snider by Joseph Smith in 1841 [Note: marriage to Harriet was actually Oct. 6, 1840]. Accompanied Joseph and Hyrum Smith on their way to Carthage jail. Was taken prisoner when mob entered Nauvoo. Went to Miller's Hollow, now Concil Bluffs, in 1848. Built the first house in Pottawattamie county (other than log cabin). Was postmaster at Council Bluffs for five years and obtained a change of name from "Kanesville" to Council Bluffs. Was a member of the first city council for several years. Established the Council Bluffs Bugle in 1852. Office and store destroyed by fire in 1853. Restored and published until 1856. The Bugle had much to do in getting the capital of Nebraska located at Omaha.

Was elected to the Nebraska legislature but was too much of a Democrat to get a seat. Opened the first store on the site of Omaha and sent the first train of goods to the Denver, Colorado (Cherry Creek) mines. In '54 published the Omaha Arrow, the first paper published on Nebraska soil, and the same year accompanied the first party of explorers for a railroad crossing on the Missouri river and Loupe Fork of the Platte river. Wrote the first article published favoring the North Platte route for the Pacific Railroad, and contended for the same until so located. Crossed the plains to Utah and back in 1850. In 1857 started the Crescent City Oracle and laid out the town of that name. In 1858 published the Council Bluffs Press. In 1858-'60-'61 published The Huntsman's Echo at Wood River, Nebraska. In 1861 moved to Utah. In '63 established the Farmer's Oracle at Spring Lake Villa, Utah county. In 1865, removed to St. George and began a supply garden and nursery. In 1868-'69 published Our Dixie Times, afterward the Rio Virgen Times. In 1870 published the Utah Pomologist and Gardner, monthly for several years. In 1876 went to Silver Reef and put up a store and printing office but sold part of office before paper was fairly started. In 1879 was burned out, with others. Restored store immediately, on larger scale.

Joseph Ellis Johnson died on 17 December 1882 after an illness. He left behind three wives--Harriet Snider, Hannah Goddard, and Eliza Saunders. He was the father of twenty-eight children.

Extent

9.5 Linear Feet (12 boxes and 1 oversize folder)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Joseph Ellis Johnson papers (1831-1964) consist of the personal and family papers of Joseph E. Johnson (1817-1882), a writer, politician, and businessman who settled in St. George, Utah, during the latter nineteenth century. Included are diaries, correspondence, receipts, deeds, news articles, and other papers. Click here to view the digitized items from the collection.