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HISTORY
OF MY GRANDFATHER MYLER
JAMES MYLER OF THE MORMON BATTALION
by Alice M. Howard (San Jose, CA) and Mary
M. Robinson (Los Angeles, CA) |
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James
Myler (My grandfather) was born in Butler County, Ohio, on the third of
February, 1822. He was the fourth son in a family of eight, four sons
and four daughters. His parents wer James and Olive Maine Myler. His father
was born at Westmoreland county, Penn., on the 26th of May,
1792. His mother, Olive Maine, was born in South-Hampton, Long Island,
New York on the 16th of May in 1796.
They were
of sturdy New England stock, farmers who with all their pioneering managed
somehow to eke out a living. They moved frequently as was the custom of
most families those days. A few years were spent in a little town in Ohio,
not too far from Kirtland. Grandfather told us many times of the wonderful
manifestation their family witnessed when he was fourteen years old; in
Kirtland on the 3rd of April 1836 when the savior appeared
to the prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdry. They beheld the glorious
illumination around and above the temple on that memorable night. We children
loved to hear him relate this Heavenly manifestation. Even after all this
he was the only one of his family to accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints.
When he was
21 years old he married Julia Ann Brownell, on the 5th of February
1843. Julia Ann was born on the 12th of February in 1826, in
Dayton Ohio.
About this
time James Myler's father's family went into South Bend, Indiana to do
more pioneering. James Myler and Julia Ann at this time settled themselves
in Nauvoo, Illinois. While there they received their endowments in the
Nauvoo Temple. They remained in Nauvoo until the saints were driven out
of the state.
While they
were in Winter Quarters on the first leg of their journey to Zion, the
call came from the government for five hundred able-bodied men for the
army, to go to Mexico to quell an uprising there.
President
Brigham Young called for volunteers. James Myler was among the ones to
go. He left his wife and two babies and her father and mother (Mr. And
Mrs. Gideon Brownell) to live in a "covered" wagon box set on the ground.
Can you imagine what it was like? No doubt some other family used the
other part of the wagon to get to Zion (Utah). Well poor grandfather walked
to the pacific ocean, San Diego, up the coast to Los Angeles, back to
Winter Quarters (Council Bluff), turned again to the west with his family,
arriving finally in Zion (Utah) in 1849. He and his wife's parents established
a home in North Cottonwood (Farmington, Utah). Father Brownell was chosen
Presiding Elder and later Bishop of the ward.
Returning
to my narrative of the battalion; He was in Company "C" of the battalion.
His wife's brother (Russell C. Brownell) was a corporal in the same company
They had quite a walk, don't you think?
Grandfather
told us frequently of the suffering they endured marching over hot desert
sands, without water or food much of the time, and barefooted. They ate
most any kind of vegetation, especially roots.
In Farmington
my father and four other children were born. The family now consists of
nine souls. Some ten years later the pioneer spirit came up them and we
find them settling this time in Logan, Utah heading always north.
Next we see
them in Clarkston, Cache County Utah, still farther north. By now there
are eleven children, but some of them are married and in homes of their
own. Though they were poor, yet there was so much love one for another,
they were always happy. While in this part of Utah, James Myler (my grandfather)
worked as an Indian scout as the Indians were very troublesome to the
saints.
One morning
when grandmother (James Myler's wife) was cooking breakfast over the fire
in the fireplace, a large Indian and his squaw and papoose came into the
house. The Indian walked over to the fire and began rubbing his dirty
hands together over the food. This made grandfather mad and he grabbed
the fellow and put him onto his back in the corner. Now the Indian was
mad and he came toward grandfather will a large knife raised ready to
strike. Grandfather quickly seized a stick of firewood and advanced to
meet him, saying "You get out of here." Well, Indians admire bravery and
though James Myler was a small man he was no coward. You see he loved
his wife and their little ones and so he had something to fight for. The
Indian backed out of the house and his family followed him.
In June of
1883 they (the whole family, some of the children now have families of
their own) take one last move: this time on farther north, into the Snake
River valley of Idaho. Here they all homesteaded land along the south
branch of the snake river. They proceeded to build log houses. Though
crude looking, they were real homes because love was there. They cleared
the land of sagebrush, made a canal and built a dam in the river to divert
the water into their canal, made smaller irrigation ditches to turn the
water onto their land when the crops should need to be watered. By the
fourth of July the mosquitoes were so bad they were compelled to go to
the mountains and take all the animals. Tents were pitched and all were
made as comfortable as possible. The animals were herded, the cows were
milked and the milk not needed for daily consumption was made into cheese.
You may be sure nothing was wasted. Two of the men would take turns going
to the valley to see that the wheat and oats and potatoes were properly
irrigated and cared for. They would stay until they were practically eaten
by the mosquitoes (they had no way of keeping them out of the house so
a fire would be built then something green put over the blaze to make
a smoke), then the horrid creatures would go away for a while. Nothing
is ever all bad. The crops were bounteous beyond all expectations.
His (James
Myler's) children continued to seek his advice in any and all problems.
I recall when I was a real small girl, we were there to dinner one day.
Grandmother left the table for more food, my grandfather quickly took
a spoon and gave each of the smaller ones a generous taste of sugar. I
wondered then why he did it as I really did not like the rough feel of
the sugar on my tongue; but now I know he did it because he remembered
the many times he had not had any kind of luxury when he was our size.
He was a great lover of children. They were always welcome on his knee.
He suffered a cancerous death. He got so thin he was the size of a very
thin ten year old boy.
When he was
ill I remembered he had told of a nut tree which grew on their place when
he was a small boy and how very fond of them he was. I had no idea what
was the matter with him (Cancer was so hush hush in those days) so I took
him some nuts. When I gave them to him he said "I shouldn't, but I'll
eat them no matter what." In no time at all he had to vomit and I was
really shocked to see my grandfather so very small and thin. Well, anyway
he said they tasted good. He had a small sorrel mare he drove on a single
black top buggy. She was a mean animal but he got along with her very
well. I remember going with him to milk his cow.
The United
States government paid him a pension the last few years of his life, the
whole amount being thirty dollars a month. It came to him at three month
intervals. He passed away on the 21st day of May, in 1894 and
was buried in the cemetery at Lewisville Idaho. His wife died four years
later and was buried beside him.
Source of
information:
Daughters
of the Utah Pioneers, Lesson for May 1955, Compiled by Kate B. Carter,
Vol I
Also, wife's
father Russell Gideon Brownell was in "C" company with James.
James came
to Lewisville in spring of 1883 with Orrin Myler Sr.
James also
lived before coming to Idaho in West Weber Utah.
Story of
Echo Canyon can be found in lesson for April 1967.
HISTORY
OF JAMES MYLER
By His Granddaughter Elizabeth Myler Wray
James Myler,
a much respected citizen and sincere convert of the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-Day Saints, was born the 3rd of February, 1822, at
South Ben, Indiana. He married Julia Ann Brownell the 5th of
October 1843.
They were
visited by Mormon missionaries in 1844 and were so impressed by the story
of Joseph Smith and the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, they made arrangements to go to Nauvoo to meet the Prophet. They
were baptized in 1845 and received their endowments January 28, 1846,
in the Nauvoo Temple. He helped in the building of the Nauvoo Temple.
When the
saints were driven from their homes and the beautiful city of Nauvoo,
James Myler, and his wife, and two little boys were with them. They crossed
the Mississippi River on ice in February, 1846. They, with the rest of
the saints, endured the persecutions and experiences of that eventful
time and camped on the bank of the river.
While there,
the government sent messengers to President Brigham Young asking for 500
men to protect our country and it's freedom. President Young asked for
volunteers. James Myler was one who joined what was later known as the
Mormon Battalion. Leaving his wife and boys at Winter Quarters camped
in a wagon box on poles to keep it up off the ground, James marched across
the western part of the continent to San Diego, California, and shared
with them the hardships and privations of that campaign. Julie Ann's brother,
Gideon Brownell and family were in the camp to help if needed.
After being
discharged in 1848, he returned to his family, being gone nearly 18 months.
Not being able to find employment to support his family, he crossed into
Missouri and found work. After 6 weeks he returned. It was late in the
spring, still he plowed some land and planted corn and one bushel of wheat,
that being all the seed he could obtain.
The Myler
family remained there until 1849, then came to Utah in Captain William
Milber's 5th Company. They arrived in Utah the 22nd
of September 1849, locating in what was later called Farmington.
While still
in Nauvoo, James Myler was ordained a Seventy in the 5th Quorum
of Seventies and one of the 7 presidents of Seventy in the 56th
Quorum of Seventies in Farmington in 1858. He was one of the ward teachers
and acted as Water Master for some time. They remained in Farmington for
10 years.
On July 24,
1857, as the pioneers were celebrating 10 years since entering the Valley,
word was brought that Johnson's Army of the Government was coming. That
caused a lot of trouble and commotion. Later the saints left their homes
and went to Southern Utah thinking it would be safer. James Myler was
active in the Echo Canyon War and was a scout to the Indians.
In the summer
of 1858 (60), he moved his family to Logan in Cache Valley, establishing
a new home and living there 5 years. Three of the children were born there,
one of them being my father, Charles C. Myler, born the 22nd
of April, 1861.
From Logan,
they moved to Clarkston, living there until 1883 where the family grew
up. James went to Escalanta from Clarkston, but not finding things satisfactory,
he returned in a few months to Clarkston until he and his family of 5
married children and their families pioneered to Snake River country in
Idaho. His 3 sons, Oscar, Orrin, and Charles, and 2 daughters, Alzina
Myler Goody and Alvina Myler Harmon, all settled near the south side of
the river near each other. The men all filed a homestead right on land,
built homes from logs obtained from near the river, built sheds for stock,
made fences, took sage brush off the land and raised crops. I well remember
my Father's farm joined Grandfather's so we crossed the field from one
place to the other. Grandmother had a brass kettle or bucket and i remember
Grandfather taking that to milk the cow, then Grandmother would strain
it in pans, let it stand about 24 hours, skim the cream off, and make
butter. It was very good butter. Grandmother was a real good cook and
a neat housekeeper. We children always enjoyed going there. There were
always cookies or doughnuts. Grandfather would come to our house, take
the little folks and sing and dance them on his knee.
James Myler
was the father of 11 children, 8 of which lived to raise families and
all going to the Temple.
Grandfather
was always ready to help any one in need. He was a good father and a good
neighbor. He was always active in the Church. They were a musical family
with good voices and spent many evenings singing and playing the family
organ. Two of the boys were Bishops and Bishop's Counselors and held other
offices in the Church. The girls wee active and did a lot of good in M.I.A.
and Relief Society. In the 1890's James' son Charles put on concerts to
raise money for a building fund.
At the time
of his passing, James left 43 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
James Myler passed away at the age of 72 in the year 1894.
Sketch
of the Life of James Myler
(Original Pioneer by Himself)
Compiled by Elizabeth R. Hopkins
James Myler
was born February 3, 1822, in South Bend Indiana. Parents were James Myler
and Olive Main. Married Julia Brownell on October 5, 1843.
When the
mobers were persecuting the saints, James Myler went to get a bucket of
water, which was some distance away, when he returned there was three
Mormon women at the house and three mobers came to get them. At just this
time James returned from getting the water, he told the mobers he was
not a Mormon but if one of them touched either of the women in any way,
he would wipe up the earth with them. They looked at each other and then
rode away.
He first
heard the gospel preached in 1844, and was baptized into the church in
Nauvoo, in 1845. When his son Oscar was a small boy, and Joseph was a
baby, they went through the temple in Nauvoo before it was dedicated..
They moved
to Winter Quarters in 1846. He enlisted in the Mormon Battalion sometime
in that same year. (About July). He marched with the battalion, from Missouri
river across the continent to California and shared the hardships of the
company.
James Myler
joined the battalion under the command of Captain Allen, and everything
went fine, until, the death of the captain. Then a Lt. Allen Smith took
command and appointed Dr. George Sanders surgent, he served with the battalion.
They were then reduced to but 1/3 ration, and brackish water, many took
sick, but would rather stand guard than take the medicine and the abuse
the surgent gave them.
The Dr. had
a brass kettle and spoon and to the tune of "Join along Joe', the
sick and the well had to take the medicine.
James Myler
was the first to refuse, he said if he was going to die, they could shoot
him, but he would not take any of the poison drug. There was not more
of the medicine given to anyone. These words were taken from his memoirs:
"While
here beneath the sultry skies our mules and others died.
Scarce out but skin and bones remained; to fed the poor soldiers on
the plains.
How hard to starve and wear us out upon the sandy desert rout;
Now half starved oxen; over drilled, to weak to draw or keep or kill
and knowing hungry men were prompting to eat small intrails and the
skin.
Our hardships reached their rough extreme
when valiant men were roped with teams,
hour after hour, and day after day, to wear our life and strength away."
The thoughts
of leaving his family at this critical time were indescribable, they were
far from the land of their nativity.
Situated
upon a lonely prairie, with no dwelling, but only a wagon to shelter them
from the scorching sum beating down on them and the thought of the cold
December winds finding them in the same bleak and desolate place, he had
to leave his wife and two small children in the wagon on the plains when
he left with the battalion to go through to California.
When the
battalion got to the mountains, and winter came upon them, they went on
half-starved half-frozen, through the snow and cold winds.
There was
a non-Mormon traveling with them. He had his own out-fit, consisting of
six mules an a wagon. He would often pick up the sick and let them ride
with him. The officer in charge ordered the sick out of the wagon, the
non-Mormon told him they could ride as long as he could pull them.
They left
the mountains and dropped down into the valley, which seemed like heaven
or paradise. The wild oats or grasses were as tall as the mules as they
drove through and neared a beautiful stream of water. Before they could
get the animals unhooked from the wagons, a herd of buffaloes came upon
them and they upset the wagons, killing the mules but luckily none of
the men were hurt.
The men had
plenty of meat from this incident to last them for a long time.
After being
discharged from the army, the men had to find their own transportation
back to their families. Some of them worked on the millrace and when the
water was turned onto it, that was when gold was discovered.
They came
to Salt Lake, some of them found their families. The family of James was
not among the families in the valley, they had remained at Winter Quarters
at Council Bluffs. He returned to them in December 1848. He had been absent
from them for 18 months. He remained with them for two weeks and then
went to Missouri to earn money for food. After six weeks he again went
to his family. They left Council Bluffs in 1849 and came to Utah with
Capt. Miller's Fifth Co. They located in Farmington and while there, James
had a terrible experience with evil!
One night
a man came to his house who had such an evil influence that just his presence
in the house awakened the whole household. James told him to leave and
so he went outside, to where there was a cow and she began to show such
agony that James had to go to her. He prayed and she was immediately alright.
They were
one of the first families to settle in Logan in 1889, (Cache Valley),
lived there for five years, then moved to Clarkston and lived there for
eighteen years.
When Johnson's
army came to wage war, he served in the campaign, known as the Echo Canyon
War. He then moved to Escalante in Potato Valley, in 1877, and returned
to Clarkston in 1883. He then moved to Snake River Valley and resided
there until he died on Wednesday, May 23, 1896.
Elder James
Myler was buried at Snake River, Idaho. His boy is interred in the ward
cemetery there.
In his memoirs
is found this group of notes that he was thinking:
Dec. 8, 1886
. . . . .
I have been
musing all alone about the times and places and trials and troubles, I
have been through. I thought I would write a few lines on my present feelings;
I feel sure I have to try to improve in my course of conditions before
the Lord and my brethren and this is the greatest desire of my heart.
I also know I must speak diligently to my God in Heaven. I know He is
willing to hear me, because I have sought His help in the past in scores
of instances and I know that he has heard and rewarded me and caused my
heart to rejoice within me.
This poem
was written by Eliza R. Snow
When Mormon
trains were journeying through,
To Winter Quarters from Nauvoo;
To fight for that same government;
From which as fugitives we went,
Five hundred men were called to go,
To settle claims in Mexico,
What were others in families to do
There were children wives and mothers too,
When fathers, husband and sons were gone,
Mothers drove teams and camp moved on.
HISTORY
OF JAMES MYLER
James Myler
was born 3 February 1822 in Shaddy's Run, (now Shandon), Butler County,
Ohio(1)
He was the
son of James Myler (born Nov. 19, 1794 Westmoreland, New York) and Olive
Maine (born May 16, 1796 New York)(2)
James was the 4th son in a family of eight; four sons and four
daughters.
They were
of sturdy New England stock, farmers who with all their pioneering managed
somehow to eke out a living. They moved frequently as the custom of most
families those days. A few years were spent in a little town in Ohio,
not too far from Kirland. "Grandfather told us many times of the
wonderful manifestation their family witnessed when he was 14 years old,
in Kirtland on 3rd April 1836 when the Savior appeared to the
Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. The Myler family beheld the glorious
illumination around and above the Kirtland Temple on that memorable night.
We children loved to hear him relate this heavenly manifestation."(3) Even after all this,
he was the only one of his family to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints and that did not happen for a period of eight years.
When he was
21 years old, he married Julia Ann Brownell on the 5th of October
1843 in Buchanan, Berrien, Michigan. Julia's parents, Gideon Brownell
and Elizabeth (Betsy) Wheeler Brownell had been baptized into the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in May of 1841 in Ohio. Julia Ann
was baptized by her father at this time. She met James Myler while living
in Ohio. His parents moved to South Ben, Indiana when James was quite
young.(4)
James and
Julia settled in Michigan where their first son, William Oscar was born
in Bertrand, Berrien, Michigan on 27 December 1844. The Mylers then went
to Nauvoo, Illinois where James was baptized 26 January 1845, by his father-in-law,
Gideon Brownell.(5) Prior to his baptism,
James had an interesting experience when mobbers were persecuting the
Saints. James Myler went to get a bucket of water which was some distance
away, and when he returned there were three Mormon women at the house
and three mobbers came to get them. James faced the mobbers bravely (for
he was quite small in stature) and said that although he was not a Mormon,
if any one of them touched either of the women in any way, he would wipe
up the earth with them. The mobbers looked at each other and rode away.(6)
They were
in Nauvoo amid much persecution of the Saints after the martyrdom of the
Prophet Joseph Smith and James helped build the temple. They named their
second son, Joseph, possibly after the Prophet. He was born January 31,
1846. During this time, the Saints were going through the Nauvoo Temple
to get their endowments before they were forced to leave on account of
the mobs. James and Julia received their endowments January 28, 1846,
just 3 days prior to the birth of baby Joseph. One February evening, soon
after Joseph's birth, the mob came to their door and told them they had
one hour to vacate their homes and get out of Nauvoo or they would be
killed. It was 26 degrees below zero. James rushed out and hitched his
team onto his wagon and loaded as many things as he could. They fixed
a bed in the wagon for 14 month old Oscar and Julia carried the baby.
When they rushed out of their home, the mobs, screaming, with torches
were only a block away. They drove down to the Mississippi River and crossed
on ice. The recent severe cold spell had frozen the river solid in a very
short time, no small feat for the mile wide Mississippi River! As they
walked across the ice, Julia's shoes were so worn that with every step
the last half of the way, she left imprints of her blood on the ice.
They camped
with the Saints in Montrose, Iowa until spring, then traveled on to Winter
Quarters on the outskirts of Omaha, Nebraska. James was called by the
prophet to plant crops for the coming Saints. When the crops were growing
well, on June 26, 1846, Colonel S. W. Kearny of the United States Army
issued a "Circular to the Mormons" demanding 500 able-bodied
Mormon men to join the army to fight the war with Mexico. This was delivered
to the Mormons in Winter Quarters in July by Captain James Allen. James
Myler and his father-in-law Gideon Brownell enlisted. The men had three
days to get everything in order and be ready to march with the Mormon
Battalion. The afternoon of the day prior to their departure a farewell
ball was held. It was a festive occasion and everyone had a good time.
When the
time came to go, James gave Julia his clothing allowance of $42.00. Her
home was to be a wagon box that had been taken off its wheels and set
upon the ground under the shade of some trees. She and her two babies
lived in this "home" for the 18 months that James was away.
Julia's father at age 57 was the oldest member of the Battalion.
Everything
went fine for the Mormon Battalion until the death of the Captain Allen.
Then a Lt. Allen Smith took command and appointed Dr. George Sanders Sgt.
The men were then reduced to 1/3 rations, and brackish water. Many took
sick, but would rather stand guard than take the medicine and abuse the
sergeant gave them. The Doctor had a brass kettle and spoon and to the
tune of "Join Along Joe" the sick and the well had to take the
medicine. James Myler was the first to refuse. He said if he was going
to die, they could shoot him, but he would not take any of their poison
drug. There was no more of the medicine given to anyone.
These words
are taken from his memoirs:
While here beneath the sultry skies
Our mules
and others died.
Scarce
ought but skin and bones remained;
To feed
the poor soldiers on the plains.
How hard
to starve and wear us out
Upon the
sandy desert route;
Half-starved
oxen; over drilled,
To weak
to draw, or keep or kill.
And knowing
hungry men were prompting
To eat
small entrails and the skin.
Our hardships
reached their rough extreme
When valiant
men were roped with teams,
Hour after
hour, and day after day,
To wear
of life and strength away."
When the
battalion got to the mountains, winter came upon them. They were half-starved,
half-frozen, yet went on through the snow and cold winds. There was a
non-Mormon traveling with them. He had his own outfit, consisting of six
mules and a wagon. He would often pick up the sick and let them ride with
him. The officer in charge ordered the sick out of the wagon, but the
non-Mormon told he they could ride as long as he could pull. They left
the mountains and dropped down into the valley, which seemed like heaven
or paradise. The wild oats or grasses were as tall as the mules as they
drove through and neared a beautiful stream of water. Before they could
unhook the animals from the wagons, a herd of buffalo came upon them and
upset the wagons, killing the mules, but none of the men were hurt. The
man had plenty of meat from this incident to last them for a long time.
Brigham Young had promised the men they would not have to fight, and they
didn't. The war was over when they reached California. After being discharged
from the army, the men had to find their own transportation back to their
families.(7)
In later
years, James often told his grandchildren stories of his experiences with
the Mormon Battalion and of waking to the pacific Ocean, San Diego, up
the coast to Los Angeles, back to Winter Quarters, then turning again
with his family and going west again to Utah. He told them frequently
of the suffering they endured marching barefoot over hot desert sands,
without water or food much of the time, and how they would eat any kind
of vegetation they could find, especially roots.
When James
returned to his family, he had been gone 18 months. Not being able to
find any work to support his family and obtain the necessary funds to
go on to Zion, he crossed over into Missouri and found work. After six
weeks he returned. It was late spring, but still he plowed some land,
planted corn and one bushel of wheat, that being all the seed he could
obtain. The Myler family remained in Council Bluffs until 1849. A third
son, Calvin was born in 1848.
In Captain
William P. Miller's 5th Company, James, Julia and their three
small sons, together with the Brownells, came west arriving in Salt Lake
City on 22 September 1849. James served as a wagon master while crossing
the plains.
They settled
in North Cottonwood, in what is known as Farmington. James was a water
master for several years, and was active in Church and community affairs.
They remained in Farmington for 10 years. Baby Calvin died there in 1851.
Five more children joined the family in Farmington: James Russell 18 Nov
1851, Alzina Julia 25 Jul 1854, John Young 14 Jan 1856, Orin Main 14 Sep
1858, and Margaret Lavina 1 May 1859.(8) In Farmington ward
records, we see that he was a home teacher and also that he was ordained
as one of the seven presidents of the 56th Quorum of the Seventies
in January 1855 by David Hunt.
On July 24,
1857, as the Pioneers were celebrating 10 years since entering the Valley,
word was brought that Johnston's Army of the US Government was coming.
That caused a lot of trouble and commotion. The Saints left their homes
and went to Southern Utah thinking it would be safer. They returned in
the summer of 1858. James Myler also served in the campaign known as the
Echo Canyon War.
While in
Farmington, James had a terrible experience with evil: One night a man
came to his house who had such an evil influence that just his presence
in the house awakened the whole household. James told him to leave, and
so he went outside to where there was a cow. The cow began to show such
agony that James had to go to her. He prayed and she was immediately alright.
In the summer
of 1860, the Myler family moved to Logan, Utah. Their son, Charles R.
was one of the first babies born in Logan. The was born 22 April 1861.
Two more children were born in Logan: Rosette Sophrona 15 May 1863, and
George Frank 31 August 1866. In July 1866, their son, James Russell died
here.
While in
this part of Utah, James was an Indian Scout as the Indians were very
troublesome to the Saints. One morning as Julia was cooking breakfast
over the fire, a large Indian and his squaw and Papoose came walking into
the house. The Big Indian walked over to the fire and began rubbing his
dirty hands together over the food. This made James mad and he grabbed
the fell and put him onto his back in the corner. Now the Indian was mad
and he came at James with a large knife raised, ready to strike. James
quickly seized a stick of firewood and advanced to meet him, saying "YOU
GET OUT OF HERE!" Well, Indians admire bravery and although James
was a small man he was no coward. The Indian backed out of the house and
his family followed him.
From Logan,
they moved to Clarkston, living there until 1883 where the family grew
up. James went to Escalanta from Clarkston, but not finding things satisfactory,
he returned in a few months to Clarkston until he and his family of five
married children and their families pioneered to Snake River Country in
Idaho, settling in Lewisville, about 3 miles from Rigby. His three sons,
Oscar, Orrin and Charles, and two daughters, Alzina Myler Goody and Alvina
Myler Harmon all settled near the south side of the river near each other.
The men all filed a homestead right on land, built homes from logs obtained
near the river, built sheds for stock, made fences, took sage off the
land, built canals and raised crops. By the 4th of July, the
mosquitoes were so bad the family was compelled to go to the mountains
and take all their animals. Tents were pitched and all made as comfortable
as possible. The animals were herded, cows were milked and extra milk
made into cheese. Two of the men took turns going to the valley to see
that their wheat, oats and potatoes were properly irrigated and cared
for. They would stay until they were practically eaten by the mosquitoes.
They had no way of keeping them out of the house, so a fire would be built
then something green put over the blaze to make a smoke, then the horrible
creatures would go away for a while. Nothing is ever all bad, as their
crops were bounteous beyond all expectations.
Some of his
granddaughters wrote in their histories of things they remembered about
their Grandfather Myler. "I well remember my father's farm joined
Grandfather's so we crossed the field from one place to the other. Grandfather
had a small sorrel mare he drove on a single black top buggy. She was
a mean animal, but he got along with her very well. I remember going with
him to milk his cow. Grandmother had a brass kettle and I remember Grandfather
taking that to milk the cow, then Grandmother would strain it in pans,
let it stand about 24 hours, skim the cream off, and make butter. It was
very good butter. Grandmother was a real good cook and a neat housekeeper.
We children always enjoyed going there. There were always cookies or doughnuts.
One day when we were there to dinner, Grandmother left the table to get
more food, my Grandfather quickly took a spoon and gave each of the smaller
ones a generous taste of sugar. He was a great lover of children and they
were always welcome on his knee. He would come to our house, take the
little folks and sing and dance them on his knee."
Among his
memoirs were these thoughts penned by himself:
:Dec. 6,
1886 . . . . . . I have been musing all alone about the times and places
and trials and troubles I have been through. I thought I would write a
few lines on my present feeling; I feel sure I have to try to improve
in my course of conditions before the Lord and my brethren and this is
the greatest desire of my heart. I also know I must speak diligently to
my God in heaven. I know He is willing to hear me, because I have sought
His help in the past in scores of instances and I know that He has heard
and rewarded me and caused my heart to rejoice within me."
James Myler
was the father of 11 children, 8 of which lived to raise families and
all going to the Temple. He was always ready to help anyone in need. He
was a good father and a good neighbor. He was always active in the Church.
The Mylers were a very musical family and spent many evenings singing
and playing the family organ. Two of his sons were Bishops and Bishop's
counselors and held other offices in the Church. The girls were active
and did a lot of good in the MIA and Relief Society. In the 1890's, his
son, Charles put on concerts to raise money for a building fund. His children
continued to seek his advice in any and all problems.
He suffered
a cancerous death, and go so thin that he was the size of a very thin
10 year old boy. One of his granddaughters says: "When he was ill
I remembered he had told me of a nut tree which grew on their place when
he was a small boy and how very fond he was of them. I had no idea what
was the matter with him as cancer was so hush, hush in those days. I took
him some nuts, and when I gave them to him, he said, "I shouldn't
but I'll eat the no matter what!" In no time at all he had to vomit
and I was really shocked to see my Grandfather so very small and thin.
Well, anyway, he said they tasted good."
The united
States government paid him a pension the last few years of his life, the
whole amount of $30 a month, coming in 3 month intervals.
After a life
of devotion and service he passed away, 21 May 1894 and was buried in
the cemetery at Lewisville, Idaho on May 23, 1894 at the age of 72. At
the time of his passing, James left 43 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
His wife died 4 years later and was buried beside him.
1.
Birthplace given by granddaughters: Alice Myler Howard, San Jose,
California and Mary M. Robinson of Los Angeles, California. Another granddaughter,
Elizabeth Myler Wray, gives his birthplace as South Bend, Indiana. Daughters
of Utah Pioneers Histories in possession of Cheryl Harmon Bean.
2.
Birthplaces and dates of parents: Pioneers and Prominent Men of
Utah, pg. 1053. Alice M. Howard and Mary Robinson give his father's
birthplace as Westmoreland Co., Penn. On 26 May 1792 and Olive Maine born
16 May, 1798 in South Hampton, Long Island, New York.
3.
Quoting from his granddaughters Alice M. Howard and Mary M. Robinson
DUP history. See also Doctrine & Covenants 110.
4.
DUP History of Elizabeth Betsy) Wheeler Brownell submitted by Violet
Cook. Some of the histories in my possession give the date of 5 February
1843 as the date of marriage to Julia Ann Brownell. Julia Ann was born
12 February 1826 in Dayton Ohio.
5.
I do not presently have a firm baptism date for Julia or James.
6.
From a sketch of his life by James Myler, DUP Museum.
7.
James served in Company C of the Mormon Battalion; William Miller's
contingent.
8.
Margaret Lavina Myler is my direct ancestor. (Cheryl Bean)
LIFE
OF JAMES MYLER
James Myler
was borned at or near South Bend, Indiana on February 3, 1822 to James
Myler Jr. and Olive Maine.
He married
Julia Ann Brownell of October 5, 1844. To this union was borned 8 boys
and 3 girls.
He heard
the gospel preached by Mormon Elders in 1844. He was interested in their
work and in 1845 he was baptized into the Mormon Church in Nauvoo Illinois.
They moved
with the Saints to Council Bluff in 1846. While here he enlisted into
the Mormon Battalion, sometime in July. He marched with the Battalion
from the Missouri River across the western part of the continent to California
and shared with them in all the great hardships of that campaign. After
being released in California, he returned to Council Bluff in December
1848. He was absent from his family about eighteen months.
After remaining
with his family about two weeks he went to Missouri and worked for breadstuff.
After working six weeks he returned to his family. Late in the spring
he plowed some land and planted some corn and one bushel of wheat, that
being all the seed grain he could obtain. He remained at the Bluffs until
1849, at this time he and his family started for Utah in Captain W. Milbers
Fifth Company.
Upon arriving
in Utah the Mylers settled in Farmington, Davis County, Utah. They remained
there ten years. He was ordained a member of the 5th Quorum of Seventies
in Nauvoo and was also a member of the Seven Presidents of the Fifty-sixth
Quorum of Seventies in Farmington, in 1858. While residing in Farmington
he was engaged as one of the ward teachers and acted as water master.
In 1859
he moved to Logan Utah in Cache Valley. He established a new home and
resided there 5 years. Then they moved to Clarkston on the west side of
the valley,here he established a new home and resided there 18 years.
When Johnson's
Army came to wage war with the people in Utah, he served in the campaign
known as the Echo Canyon War. He stayed true-blue to the finish.
He moved
from Clarkston to a new settlement known as Escalanta in Potato Valley
about the year of 1877, thinking that it would be a more congenial climate
but after remaining there for a few months they returned to Clarkston
where he resided until 1883. He then moved to the Snake River country
again established a new home, here he resided till he died.
He died
in Lewisville, Idaho Ward, May 21, 1894. He died in full faith of the
gospel and in the hope of a glorious resurrection. May 23, 1894, James
Myler's funeral service was held in the Ward Meeting House and was conducted
by Bishop R.F. Jardine. The speakers were Elders Henry Stokes, A. Kinghorn,
W.A. Walker. W. W. Selck and Bishop R. F. Jardine. Good and appropriate
instruction were given and words of comfort and consolation were imparted
to the bereaved.
The body
was interred in the Ward Cemetery. A large and sympathetic train of people
followed the corpse to the cemetery and witnessed the interment of the
body and the dedication of the grave.
In James
Myler's memorandum book I found the following which I think is well worth
preserving. December 8, 1886 --- "I have been musing all alone about the
times and I thought I would write a few lines on my present feelings.
I feel sure that I have got to try and improve in my course of conduct
before the Lord and my brethren and it is the greatest desire of my heart
and I know that I have got to seek diligently my God in Heaven. I know
that he has heard and rewarded me and caused by heart to rejoice within."
At the death
of James Myler this notation of his life was written by a very close friend
of his BROTHER HENRY STOKE.
The "Life
of James Myler" by Henry Stoke has been copied as accurately as possible.
The authors original grammar has been retained. The document has been
copied several times so we assume spelling errors and corrections have
been made.
This history
came to me from my mother, Julia Griffin Woolley. She copied the history
into a notebook when she was in her early teens. The Original was in the
possession of her maternal grandmother Emma Elizabeth Godfrey Myler, wife
of Joseph Elias Myler. Joseph Elias Myler was the son of James Myler and
Julia Ann Brownell. The notebook was recently found (Sept 1990). Mother
says she remembers discussions regarding James Myler's Memorandum Book
mentioned in the history. Her mother Catherine L. Myler Griffin did not
know its location.
Ila Wooley
Winn
5820 Quartz Drive
Diamond Springs, CA 95619
11 November
1990
THE HISTORY
OF JAMES MYLER
by Isabell Myler Knowles--Granddaughter
James Myler,
son of James Myler and Olive Maine, was born 3 February 1822 in Paddys
Run, Butler, Ohio. His wife, Julia Ann Brownell, was born 12 February
1826 in Dayton, Hamilton, Ohio. Julia Ann's parents are Gideon Brownell
and Elizabeth Wheeler. James Myler was a medium-sized man around 150 pounds.
Not so much is known of his parents and his early life in Ohio. It is
said that he and Julia Ann met in Ohio. It is said they were married 5
October 1843 in Buchanan, Burren, Michigan, and that they went to Nauvoo
with Gideon Brownell and Elizabeth Wheeler. Their first son, Oscar Myler,
was born 25 September 1844, in Betrend, Burren, Michigan. Their second
son, Joseph was born 31 January 1846 in Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Illinois.
They left
Michigan after 25 September 1844. James was baptized 28 June. Some say
Julia Ann was baptized May 1841 and that her father baptized her. I haven't
any information about just when they and the Brownells went but they were
in Nauvoo together. They had heard the missionaries teach the Gospel and
went to Nauvoo to learn more about it. They say they were there when Joseph
Smith and Hyrum were killed in the Martyrdom. They were just in time to
be among the persecutions and the driving away of the Saints. They became
acquainted with the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Their problems
are of Church record, but I wish to tell the incidents which became associated
with my grandparents which are of intense interest. The mob came to their
door and told them one February evening when it was 26 degrees below zero
that they were to have just one hour to vacate their homes and get out
of Nauvoo; otherwise they would be put to death. Grandfather rushed out,
hitched up his team onto his wagon, and loaded as many things as he could--helter
skelter--taking no time to arrange it and finally he filled up what he
could and rushed to the house. In the meantime, Grandmother had, prior
to the coming of the mob, just prepared for bed their little boy Oscar
who was at that time about eighteen months of age. The baby, Joseph, was
in the course of preparation. When they came and ordered them to leave,
she rushed out and they fixed little Oscar in the wagon and the rest of
them with the baby in her arms walked. They rushed on down towards the
Mississippi River. AS they drove out of the yard, the mobs were screaming
with their torches just a block away. They drove down to the river and
fortunately for the Latter-day Saints; this was the first great pilgrimage
out of Nauvoo. The Saints went across the river on the ice. Just a few
days before the river had been open, but this severe cold spell froze
the river over solid.
As they walked,
Grandmother's shoes were so worn that every step the last half of the
way she took on the ice left the imprints of her blood on the Mississippi
River ice. Finally they wended their way across and arrived at Montrose,
Iowa where they prepared a place to sleep as best they could. They continued
there in Montrose until the spring of the year. Then they went over to
what is called Winter Quarters on the outskirts of Omaha, Nebraska.
Grandfather,
along with other men, had been called to prepare the soil and plant crops
for the coming Saints, knowing that they would not be there to harvest
them. The crops were well prepared and were growing well when July came
and a general of the United States Army arrived in this community and
demanded five hundred of their able-bodied Mormons to join the army.
The five
hundred was raised; Grandfather was among them, also Gideon Brownell and
a brother to Grandmother. When the time came, Grandfather gave his wife
the clothing allowance which he had received--$42.00. They marched off
that July day and he left his wife with two little boys in a wagon box
under the shade of one of the native trees. That is a matter of history.
The Mormon Battalion arrived several months later in San Diego, California,
and then later marched to Los Angeles where Grandfather assisted in hoisting
the flag--the first flag that was raised in Los Angeles. At the end of
the year he was mustered out, but having no money with the family near
Omaha, Nebraska and he in Los Angeles and no means of transportation,
he went up into Northern California along with many other Latter-day Saint
men where they worked in mines and other things. They remained there for
almost a year. By that time he had saved enough to travel back to his
family. So in the spring of 1848 he left California and eventually that
fall arrived in Winter Quarters where he found his wife well and still
living in the wagon box. They remained there that winter--James had been
away from his family eighteen months. James Myler was in Company C service
of the United States of what has been termed the greatest infantry march
in the history of the U.S.
In the spring
of 1849 they came to Utah in Captain William Melber's fifth company and
located in Farmington and remained there ten years.
James was
ordained a member of the fifth Quorum of Seventies in Nauvoo and was ordained
one of the seven presidents of the 56th Quorum of Seventies in Farmington
in 1858. While residing in Farmington he was engaged as one of the ward
teachers and acted as water master.
In 1859 he
moved to Cache Valley--first in Logan in the history of Cache Valley.
The story that unfolds in these pages is one of inspiring accomplishments
by Cache Valley builders. From an area inhabited by a few Indians, the
Cache Valley pioneers in a few years transformed the countryside into
Utah's grain and dairy center and a delightsome residential area. To know
that my grandparents, both my father's and mother's side, played a great
part in it means a lot. Grandfather made a home in Logan and stayed about
five years.
When in Farmington,
Johnson's Army came to wage war with the people of Utah. James served
in that campaign known as Echo Canyon War. When Johnson's Army was determined
to come into Salt Lake City, James moved with his family south with the
people and returned some time in July of the same year. James had moved
to a settlement known as Escalanta while they were living in Farmington.
While living
in Logan, my father, Charles "C", was born 22 April 1861. Also, Rosetta
Sephrine Elizabeth was born 15 May 1863 in Logan and George Frank was
born 10 August 1865 in Logan--making eleven children; five being born
in Farmington, one in Michigan, one in Illinois, one in Council Bluffs
or Winter Quarters, Iowa. There were eight boys and three girls. The parents
of these fine boys and girls have a lot to be proud of. It was a fine
looking family and I though my aunts were very pretty. It was a jolly
bunch full with . . .
and Julia
Ann were singers. Grandfather was so good at dancing and singing to us
children. James' boys, I am sure, were like their father--full of fun
but earnest also. Clarkston was a pretty place and still is.
Within the
valley of the Wasatch Mountains in the northwest part of Cache Valley,
the town of Clarkston and her homes hung the foothills of the western
mountains which are known as "Clarkston Mountains." The highest peak of
Clarkston Mountains bear the descriptive name of "Gunsight." Through the
high mountain land the deer roam, luring many seasonal hunters. The mountain
streams and springs fill the watersheds that supply the culinary water
for Clarkston, Newton, and Trenton. Across the valley and stretching up
the slopes of the surrounding mountains are neatly-blocked dry farming
areas. Livestock graze in the meadows where the creek waters flow. A band
of scouts discovered this picturesque valley in the summer of 1864. They
were impressed by the abundant timber, the rolling hills, and mountain
peaks. Some of the first settlers were Isreal J. Clark, Jesse Clark, James
Myler, Joseph Myler, Oscar Myler, and many others. They say that Oscar
and Joseph Myler was their dance music all around the little villages.
Then James Myler grew up and was married in Utah.
You would
think that James and Julia would have had enough of moving to new places.
I suppose it was to better their families is why they went. (James built
the first house in Newton.) They moved to Snake River country; his three
sons, Oscar, Oning, and Charles (son Joseph Myler and family remained
in Clarkston through the years), daughters Alyina Myler Goody and Alvina
Myler Harmen, and Rosetta Myler Archibald and families in 1883 all settled
near the south side of the river near each other. It was about 15 miles
north of Idaho Falls and 6 miles west of Rigby, Idaho. The men all filed
a homestead right on the land. They built homes from logs obtained near
the river. They also built sheds for stocks, made fences, took sage brush
off the land, and raised crops. Lewisville was a cold wintery country
and still is a flat place for miles around and plenty of water when they
made canals.
They could
only raise the heartier fruits such as apples, prunes, plums and some
vegetables. They had cows and pigs. I remember them heating water on the
stove to scald the pigs with. They had chickens giving them eggs. I remember
my father's farm joined grandfather's, so we crossed the field from one
place to another where we wore a path.
James Myler
was the father of 11 children, seven of them lived to raise families and
they all had their endowments. James was always ready to help anyone in
need. He was a good father and a good neighbor and was always active in
the Church and really had a testimony of the Gospel--The only on of his
family to join the Church. I remember as a little girl seeing Uncle Robert,
Grandfather's brother, come to see him and all the families. He lived
in Indiana. Another brother, Calvin and wife came to see the families.
Their view had changed enough that they would come and see them.
Two of grandfather's
boys were bishop counselors and held other offices such as choir leaders.
The girls were very active in Church. In the 1890's James's son Charles
put on a concert to raise money for a building fund.
I know my
grandfather loved . . . . .
meet them
in the great beyond. There they got their rest I am sure. I pray that
their descendants will live to be a credit to them. At the time of James'
passing, he left 43 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren. At his passing
on 22 May 1894 he was 72 years old. I have seen their headstone. It was
a monument to a great Mormon Battalion.
