Westward Through Nebraska
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BRIGHAM YOUNG,
President of the Utah Central Railroad.

    OFFICERS.

    WILLIAM JENNINGS, Vice President

    DANIEL H. WELLS, Treas.

    JOHN W. YOUNG, Secretary.

    JOSEPH H. YOUNG, Gen. Supt.

    FERAMORZ LITTLE, Ass't Gen. Supt.

The Utah Central Railroad.

     The Utah Central Railroad connects Salt Lake City with the trans-continental line at Ogden. The road is 36 miles long—owned and controlled by the citizens of Utah Territory. Ground was broken at Ogden on the 17th of May, '69, and the enterprise was inaugurated with due ceremonies, Brigham Young and the chief dignitaries of the Mormon church being in attendance. The route of the road lies through a thickly settled and highly cultivated country, bordering the lake for 20 miles, passing close to the thriving villages of Maysville, Farmington, Centerville and Bountiful. From the cars we get a good view of Great Salt Lake, the waters of which are so exceedingly salt, that no living thing can exist therein. But in summer it is a most delightful place to bathe, the placid waters being warm and so very buoyant, as to enable one to float

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     on its surface with but little or no effort. Bathing in the lake is very invigorating and strengthening, and said to be very beneficial in chronic diseases. We shall speak of Salt Lake again at the summit of Promontory Point, where the finest view of these waters can be had. Within three miles of Salt Lake City, the road passes a small bay—juttiug out from Hot Spring Lake—and thence to the city by easy grade, entering the town at its northwestern extremity.

UTAH TERRITORY

     Contains 65,000 square miles—which includes large tracts of wild mountainous and barren country. At present most of the lands under cultivation—and the meadow lands—are around the lakes and in the neighboring mountain valleys.

     This area is very productive when irrigated; grains, fruits and vegetables maturing readily, and yielding large returns. In the territory there are about 90,000 acres under cultivation, but the greater portion have to be irrigated in order to produce anything like a crop.

     Rich veins of Gold, Silver, Iron, and nearly all the metals found in the "Great West," exist in Utah, and had it not been for the "Councils" of Brigham Young, to his followers, the Mormons, not to prospect for minerals, under pain of excommunication—"better starve" and his exclusion of the "Gentiles" under pain of death, Utah might to-day be an honored State; in the great family of States, with a developed mineral wealth second only to California, and possibly the first. The whole country, within her borders would be illuminated with the perpetual fires of her "Smelting Furnaces," and resound with the thundering echo and re-echoes of the thousands of descending stamps grinding out the wealth which was making the "wilderness to blossom like the rose."

     But thank God, and the Pacific Railroad, these Councils, and this exclusion, no longer prevail. In evidence of this we point you to the great number of rich silver mines discovered in Utah within the passed 18 months, in the Wahsatch Mountains on the east, the Oquirrh Range on the West, in Bingham, East, Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, in Southern Utah, and in fact all over the territory. A miner can now "prospect" a "Gentile" can now engage in business, without fear of being "lost" by a "DANITE PILL," or being warned out of the territory, simply because he is not a Mormon, and had not helped to build the "roads and bridges." Again, thank God—and the Pacific Railroad—for such a glorious revolution in Utah. The "Bulls Eye" don't work worth a cent.

     In Little Cottonwood Canyon, 17 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, is located the "Emma," which is thought to be one of the richest argentiferous galena mines in the world. The shipments from the "Emma" alone for the last six months exceed 6,000 tons, and will exceed 20,000 within the next six months, full as much more has been, and will be, shipped by other parties. There are several Smelting Furnaces now in operation in Salt Lake City, besides more in progress of erection. Yet, mining has hardly commenced in Utah. The original discoverers sold the "Emma" mine for $1,200,000 in gold.

     At Rush Valley, 40 miles west of the city, on the old overland stage road, extensive gold mines have been discovered—gold-bearing quartz and placer mines—known as Rush Valley Mining District. The general character of the ores is argentiferous galena, which is worked by reduction. Three furnaces are now in operation. The ores are easily smelted, and yield handsome returns. The best point at which to leave the cars to proceed to these mines is Corinne. Taking the steamer, cross the lake to Stockton, thence to the mines.

     Iron ore exists in large quantities in Iron and Summit counties. In the former, iron works were erected in 1852, and a small quantity of iron was manufactured, but owing to the "want of fuel" they said,—but the fear of "Council" in reality—the enterprise was abandoned.

     Another successful effort in that line was made in June, '68, by the Union

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SALT LAKE CITY, (Wahsatch Mountains in the distance.)

     Iron Company, who then commenced the erection of furnaces on the Pinto, in Iron county, and by January they had two finished and in operation.

     Coal mines abound in various parts of the Terrritory, but the principal mines now worked are at Coalville, in Summit county. In Sanpete an excellent quality of blacksmithing coal is obtained in unlimited quantities. Copper, lead and bismuth and limestone are found, though but little attention has yet been given to these minerals.

SETTLEMENT OF THE TERRITORY.

     Utah was settled during '47. On the 24th of July the advance guard of the Mormon emigration, numbering 143 men, entered Salt Lake Valley; five days later 150 more men arrived, under Captain Brown, and on July 31st Great Salt Lake City was laid out.

     On the 9th of March, '49, the first election was held under the provisional government of the State of Deseret, by which name the Territory was then known. Brigham Young was elected Governor. An application had been made to Congress for a State government immediately previous to holding the election. What number of people were then residents of the Territory does not appear. At present the population is about 80,000.

SALT LAKE CITY.

     This is one of the most beautiful and pleasantly located of cities. It is situated at the foot of a spur of the Wahsatch Mountains, [See illustration  -view image- ] the northern limits, extending on to the "bench" or upland, which unites the plain with the mountain. From the east two wagon roads enter the city, via Emmigrant and Parley canyons.

     The surrounding scenery is bold and impressive. The lofty range of the Wahsatch forms the back ground, lifting its rugged peaks above the clouds. Piles of snow can be seen in the gorges where the warm sunlight has not the power to melt it. Though the mountain peaks are bare in summer, these narrow defiles and deep chasms retain their icy treasures, as though they feared the advent of life, warmth and vegetation. Timber of various kinds—pine, maple, oak, etc.,—is found in the

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     hills in abundance, but is difficult of access.

     The principal material used in building the city was stone and "adobes" (sun-dried brick), hence it presents the appearance of a European town in that respect.

     The streets are wide, bordered with Shade trees and laid out at right angles. Along each side of the streets is a clear, cold stream of water from the mountain canyons, which, with the numerous shade trees and gardens, give the city an indescribable air of coolness, comfort and repose. The city contains a population of 14,000 to 16,000. The public buildings, consist of, first,

THE TABERNACLE,

     An immense structure, the first object one beholds on entering the city. At a distance, its bell-shaped roof looks like a large hill rising above the trees. The building is oblong in shape, having a length of 250 feet from east to West, by 150 in width. The roof is supported by 46 columns of cut sandstone, which, with the spaces between used for doors, windows, &c., constitute the wall. From these pillars or wall, the roof springs in one unbroken arch, forming the largest self-sustaining roof on the continent. The ceiling of the roof is 65 feet above the floor. In one end of this egg-shaped building is the organ—the second in size in America. It was built by a Mormon, J. Ridges, and was in course of construction about four years. The Tabernacle is used for church purposes, as well as for other large gatherings of the people. With the gallery, which extends across both sides and one end of this immense building, it will seat 8,000 people.

     There is only the foundation of the Temple as yet, but the people confidently expect that the massive building will, in time, be erected according to design. The dimensions of the foundations are 99x186 1/2 feet. When complete, the main building will be 100 feet high, surmounted by six towers, three on each end, the center ones rising 200 feet above the ground. Estimated cost, when complete, $3,000,000. The stone—a fine quality of granite—of which it is to be constructed, is obtained in the mountains, 18 miles distant.

     The city contains several public buildings besides the Tabernacle and Temple, which are worthy of note. The theatre is large, and built of stone, on a scale corresponding with the buildings spoken of. The council house, city hall, city prisons, &c., are well built structures, a credit to any town.

ST. MARK'S MISSION.

     This mission was established by the Protestant Episcopal church. The service is held in Independence Hall, where a large Sunday School also receives instruction. A select school is connected with the church, and is in a flourishing condition. Rev. Mr. Foote is Pastor of the church and principal of the school.

STAGE LINES.

     Stages leave regularly for the South, carrying the U.S. mail and express, via Provo, Fillmore, St. George, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles in Lower California. For the west, Stockton and Rush Valley.

NEWSPAPERS AND HOTELS.

     The Deseret News, daily and weekly, edited by Geo. Q. Cannon, is published here. It is the church organ, and very zealous in support of the "peculiar ideas" taught by the Mormon church. The Mormon Herald is published weekly, by Godby & Harrison, seceders from the faith, or "Apostate Mormons." The Salt Lake Herald, daily and weekly, claiming to be a "live paper for live people, free and independent"—yet a good Mormon. The Herald is the successor of the Telegraph, and a decided improvement on the latter. E.L. Sloan is Editor, and is also the Publisher of a City Directory. There are several good Hotels, the Townsend, Revere, Salt Lake, and the White House, being the principal ones.

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"Zion's Co-operative Mercantile Institution" sign.

     The above cut represents the Mormon "Co-operative Sign  -view image- "—called by the Gentiles the "Bulls Eye." At the Mormon conference, in the fall of 1868, all good Mormon merchants, manufacturers and dealers who desired the patronage of the Mormon people, were directed to place this sign upon their buildings in a conspicuous place, that it might indicate to the people that they were sound in the faith.

     The Mormon people were also directed and warned not to purchase goods or in any manner deal with those who refused or did not, have the sign,—the object seemed to be only to deal with their own people, to the exclusion of all others.

     The result of these measures on the part of the church was to force many who were Gentiles or Apostate Mormons to sacrifice their goods, and leave the Territory for want of patronage. Some few, however, remained. Among whom was J.K. Trumbo, an auction and commission merchant, who procured the painting of what was known as the

"Gentile Sign"

"GENTILE SIGN  -view image- ."

     This sign was placed in position on the front of his store, on the morning of the 26th of February, 1869, in a similar position to those of the Mormons. All day wondering crowds of people of all classes, little and big, hovered about the premises, and many opinions were expressed as to the propriety of the sign, and whether it would be allowed to remain by the Mormons; but at about 7 o'clock in the evening the problem was solved, by a charge made by several young Mormons, who, with ladders climbed upon the building and secured ropes upon the sign, while the crowd below tore it down, and dragged it through the streets, dashing it to pieces. This should be a warning to all "Gentiles" in future, not to expend their money in signs to be placed on their stores in Utah—unless they have permission.

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HOT SPRINGS,

     One mile north of the city are the celebrated warm springs, where the city baths are situated. These are the disputed springs, to obtain which, it is supposed by many, Dr. Robinson was murdered by the Mormons, that the city might obtain possession. Suit is still pending. The baths are well patronized by invalids, who visit them for health, relying on their medicinal qualities to remove their ailments. The following is an analysis of the water, as made by Dr. Charles T. Jackson, of Boston:

     "Three fluid ounces of the water on evaporation to entire dryness in a platina capsule gave 8.25 grains of solid, dry, saline matter.



Carbonate of Lime and Magnesia0.2401.280
Per Oxide of Iron0.0400.208
Lime 0.5452.907
Chlorine3.45418.421
Soda2.87715.344
Magnesia0.3702.073
Sulphuric Acid0.7033.748
————
8.229 43.981

     "It is slightly charged with Hydro Sulphuric Acid Gas, and with Carbonic Acid Gas, and is a pleasant, saline mineral water, having valuable properties belonging to saline sulphur springs."

     The usual temperature is 102 dg. F."

     Two miles further are the Hot Springs, said to be similar in quality to those named, but much warmer and of a larger volume of water. The spring boils out at the foot of a rock—where a sloping spur of the mountain strikes the plain—in a very large volume, forming a creek several feet in width, with a depth of six inches, and it is very hot. There is no nonsense about this spring; we have tried the waters thereof, and came away with skinned fingers. It will boil an egg in four minutes. Close by, lying the westward, is a charming little lake, about three miles long and somewhat over a mile in width. It is formed from the waters of these springs, and is called "Hot Spring Lake." It is bordered on one side with trees, which give the place a very pleasant appearance in the summer. In the winter, when the lake is frozen over, it is a favorite resort for skating parties.

JORDAN RIVER.

     This stream is the outlet of Utah Lake, which lies about forty miles south. It empties into the Great Salt Lake. The time is not far distant, when, according to some modern prophets, the cars will stop for dinner at Utah Lake on their way to the City of Mexico, Panama, South America, and Cape Horn.

CAMP DOUGLAS.

     This post was established October 26, 1862, by General E.P. Conner, Third Regiment of California Volunteer Infantry. It is on the east side of the river Jordan, four miles from that stream, three miles east of the city of Salt Lake, and 15 miles southeast of Salt Lake. Latitude, 40 deg. 40 min. 02 sec.; longitude, 111 deg. 53 min. 34 sec. Its location is on a sloping upland or bench at the base of the mountains and overlooking the city. The garrison consists of companies A, C, and G, of the Seventh Infantry, and the headquarters of that regiment. It is under command of Brevet Major-General John Gibbon, post commander; Surgeon W.C. Spencer, U.S.A., present post surgeon; Rev. Thomas W. Haskins, post chaplain; E.B. Zabriskie, post trader.

SKETCH OF BRIGHAM YOUNG  -view image- .

     Brigham Young, President and Prophet, of the Mormon Church, or "Church of the Latter Day Saints" (whose portrait will be found on another page  -view image- ,) stands prominently forward as one of the most remarkable men of the 19th century. He was born in Whittingham, Windham county, Vermont, on the 1st day of June, 1801. His father, John Young, was a revolutionary veteran, and served in three campaigns under Washington. The family consisted of six daughters and five sons, of whom Brigham was the fourth. In early life he was connected with the Methodists, and at this time he followed the occupation of carpenter and joiner, painter and glazier. He was first married in 1824, and in the spring of 1830 first saw the "Book of Mor-

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BRIGHAM YOUNG'S RESIDENCE.

     mon," of which he afterwards became so firm a believer and prominent supporter. In April, 1832, he was baptized a member of the "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints." During the previous January he had visited Columbia, Pennsylvania, where there was a branch of the church—making a lengthy stay—that he might become better acquainted with its principles. This is characteristic of President Young, who makes up his mind only after mature deliberation, and then, he is very firm, holding to his opinion or belief with great tenacity.

     In the following September his wife died and he started for Kirtland, Ohio, to see Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet. The meeting of these two men—one the founder of the church, the other destined to become his powerful successor as its leader—took place in the woods near Kirtland, where the prophet had gone to chop wood, and whither Mr. Young followed to make his acquaintance. A few evenings after this first meeting, it is recorded that Joseph Smith publicly said that the time would come when Brigham Young would rule over the church. From this time Mr. Young became a zealous and successful advocate of Mormonism. Early in 1835 he was ordained one of the Twelve Apostles of the Mormon Church, on the organization of that quorum; and subsequently became president of the twelve, through the defection of Thomas B. Marsh, who was his senior in years, and, for that reason, previously held that office.

     As one of the apostles, Mr. Young filled several missions, traveling extensively through the Eastern States, preaching, proselyting, building up and regulating branches of the church, etc. On the 9th of March, 1840, in company with H.C. Kimball, his late first counselor in the presidency of the church, George A. Smith, his present first counselor, and other missionaries, he sailed from New York on a mission to Great Britain, and arrived in Liverpool April 6th. He spent a little over fourteen months in England, during which time

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     several thousand persons were converted, and the publication of the Milenial Star, the first foreign Mormon publication, was commenced. It was issued as a serial, and has been continued in that form, and issued regularly from that time until the present.

     On his return from England, he filled other missions, traveling and preaching in the East, his family remaining in Nauvoo. He was absent from that city when Joseph Smith and his brother Hiram were murdered in Carthage. He immediately returned to Nauvoo, with other prominent members of the church, and proceeded to take such measures as were deemed best for the protection of the citizens of Nauvoo and the Mormons in the neighborhood, who were hourly threatened with extermination.

     Early in '46 it became imperative to vacate Nauvoo, and Mr. Young directed the fleeing thousands of the Mormon church in their westward journey, himself and many others of the organization leaving, for the fifth time, to seek a new home. The bulk of the Mormons made their way to the Missouri river, through the then wild, unsettled country, now forming the State of Iowa, and remained temporarily located during the winter of '46 and '47 at Council Bluffs.

     In '47, Mr. Young led a band of pioneers, westward, toward the Rocky Mountains, and on the 24th of July of the same year arrived in the valley of the Great Salt Lake, where a settlement was immediately formed.

     In the fall of '47, he returned to the Missouri, and in the spring of '48, after having been accepted as President of the Church, he organized a large company of his people, and proceeded with them to the new settlement in Salt Lake Valley.

     There being no organized government in the territory where they settled—which then belonged to Mexico—the people formed a provisional State, with the title of Deseret, of which Mr. Young was unanimously elected Governor, which position he held for nearly three years, until the Government of the United States—to whom the country had been ceded by treaty—extended its laws over it, and a Territorial government was provided by act of Congress. This occurred in October, 1850, and Mr. Young was appointed Governor of Utah, as the Territory was then called, and continued to rule it until '57.

     President Young has taken a prominent part in all public improvements, in every plan calculated to facilitate communication between the Territory and the Eastern States; materially assisting in forming several express companies and stage lines. He built several hundred miles of the Western Union Telegraph, graded 150 miles of the Union Pacific Railroad, and has ever offered his assistance to every enterprise of the kind which had a material bearing on the interests of Utah. He was also the principal mover in the construction of the Deseret Telegraph line, which connects the northern and southern settlements of Utah, nearly 500 miles apart. He used every effort to push forward to an early completion the Utah Central Railroad, of which he is the president. His great influence over his people was strongly illustrated by the promptness with which they responded to his call to build the grade on the U.P.R.R.; men, teams, &c., coming from all parts of the Territory. Nearly every settlement sent its quota to help in finishing the work.

     Such is a brief, reliable sketch of the life of Brigam Young. While it is not the purpose of the writer of the GUIDE to indorse or condemn any man or his public acts, we yet will venture to say that thus far, whatever President Young has attempted in the matter of public works, he has certainly accomplished. We now take leave of him, his people, and his railroad, and return to Ogden, this time seating ourselves in the beautiful Silver Palace Coaches on the Central Pacific, for at this junction of the three roads we change cars, unless on board the Hotel through train.

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