HISTORY OF/AND RECORDS

WILLIAM ADAMS HICKMAN

BECAUSE WE CARE

...The pure, the bright, the beautiful

That stirred our hearts in youth,

The impulses to wordless prayer,

The streams of love and truth,

The timid hand stretched forth to aid

A brother in his need;

A kindly, work in grief's dark hour

That proves a friend indeed;

The plea for mercy softly breathed,

When justice threatens high,

The sorrow of a contrite heart--

These things shall never die.

...So shall a light that cannot face

Beam on thee from on high,

And angel voices say to thee--

"These thing shall never die..."

Charles Dickens

INTRODUCTION

For the past thirty years, some members of the William Adams Hickman families have been diligently researching and organizing material to reconstruct the life of their grandfather and great-grandfather, portraying a personality that has not been revealed before. There are many questions marks throughout this man's life which cannot be solved until more and different source material can be obtained to direct the writers' and readers' minds in a different channel emphasizing the more human side of his life.

Brigham's Destroying Angel is used only as a secondary source of information. This controversial piece is degrading to the man who supposedly sanctioned its writing, as well as to his family. If read, it must be objectively. "It is the only history of his life and the image if has created has been accepted as truth."⁽¹⁾ This is why the spade work has been difficult. The fact still remains that after more than 100 years, even though a different type of man existed, only a few researchers, newspapers and writers have gone further than to quote the "notorious deeds" surrounding his colorful life. Sordid stories have been hashed and rehashed for years feeding the public the idea that these stories are all there is to know about "Bill Hickman". Writers have really never tried to defend his actions in any source. With this background it has been hard to break the barriers that have generally existed. The outlaw image has predominated. Very few men have been repeatedly confronted with so much criticism, even after death. However, some neutral researchers have begun to look with respect on his contributions, acknowledging him as a man worthy of note. Gradually, the "Wild Bill series" is being shelved and replaced, by popular demand, with more realistic and objective appraisals of his activities. Family traditions and prejudices have been apparent, but these mellowing influences have been felt, and we are uniting as families trying to bind together that which was torn apart through misunderstanding and bitterness.

Through our research, we have found Grandpa Bill to be a man of strong fiber who has given his posterity a noble birthright and an honorable heritage tied together with bonds of genuine concern for the things he stood for: law, justice and honor. This image has helped us to strengthen our ties as a family, to learn more of the past, and to seek for the best in our future. In the past few years, some family members have been helpful and are becoming more and more interested in knowing the real character of this man. This is 1980, a new era, new concepts and a whole new world are opening up to us. In the past

He drew a circle that shut us out....

Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout,

But love and I had wit to win;

We drew a circle that took him in.

-Unknown

This past is a legacy dotted with shadows. The present is for us to build. The future is forever, Our Challenge. We have taken the initiative. This man is our Grandpa Bill. The world must know who and what he really is s!

The story is told about a man who was branded on his forehead with an "S" because he had sinned. Years later a stranger asked what the "S" meant and a man answered: "Judging by his actions and the kind of life he has lived, I would say it is for 'Saint'." William Adams Hickman has been branded a sinner by people who have not been tolerant, compassionate or understanding. These people defamed his character in order to bring about the extermination of the Latter-day Saints Church in its early years. Other people set themselves up in judgment of him without projecting the consequences. Who is any human to judge what is in a man's heart and what lies deep within his soul. In the final analysis, only God is the judge of our actions.

BILL HICKMAN, THE MAN

Our Grandpa Bill was a rare mixture of both sinner and saint. Trying to mold this free spirit into a totally controlled life was like trying to harness the wind or tame a wild sea. It seems his interest could last only so long in the quiet confines of family and church life. He would become restless and welcome a call from Brigham Young for his services, or take advantage of the urge for the gold dust hills to obtain money which helped sustain his church and family, or use his ability to make friends and not war with the Indians. He was electric with energy and needed to be where the action was for he was a MAN OF ACTION, truly a product of his time. As we researched, we found the "man inside" a personality different than that portrayed by historians and newsmen.

What kind of a person was this man? Was he a "most remarkable scoundrel, (Ref:Set Record Straight p36)?"⁽²⁾ Was he a typical "western desperado"?⁽³⁾ Was he the type of character who fits these descriptions, or the kind we see him to be? No, we have found a man who was aggressive, at times reckless, impulsive, emotional and daring much of the time; yet a man obedient and faithful to his principles, a man devoted to his superiors, performing duties with a fervor in line with his callings. We see a man of brawn and sinew, a rancher dealing in livestock, proud of his good cattle and fine horses, a land owner an a home builder, a man of strength and great courage. We see a man fighting for a cause when he believed it was of God and righteousness, a loyal defender of truth, a deeply sympathetic man, a colorful fun-loving man, a story teller, a friendly but persuasive man. We see an independent, freethinking, outspoken, straightforward impartial proud man whose arrogance and boastfulness, so typical of him, were contributory to his parents. This man was so generous and warmhearted in his concern for others that he and his families suffered greatly for the necessities of life many times. He knew the value of time. A most energetic and industrious man, seldom idle, was our Grandpa Bill. He was an optimist, always sure that "opportunity was just around the corner." This was apparent through the 68 years of his life.

He was a family man, a husband with human passions, married to ten women, eight of whom bore him 34 children. He was a father with children to care for, whose love, devotion and concern was genuine, and he longed for a home life with them. He was a sensitive man who could cry openly when later in life, his own children failed to recognize him.⁽⁴⁾

Our Grandpa Bill was a man of strong principle, practical wisdom and moral character who stated his right intent was to "raise up a posterity who I expected would be honorable in society, and honor my plurality of wives and treat them as wives."⁽⁵⁾ In an 1871 letter, former Governor Harding of Utah states he was favorably impressed when William A. Hickman said: "I want you to see my wives and see for yourself the kind of stock who are the mothers of my children."⁽⁶⁾

In reviewing the character of his father, Warren W. Hickman states: "...I review some of these events for two reasons; one is because they portray my father as I knew him, for to me he was an embodiment of generosity and gentleness..." (The other is found on p 5 par 2, Warren W. Hickman Life Sketch of William A. Hickman his father.)

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

In order to truly understand our Grandpa Bill, we must become familiar with the historical context in which he lived. The history of Utah and the Latter-day Saints Church was not made by one man alone, but brave men and women who believed in a future of peace, happiness, freedom and a faith that their cause was of God. Through the channels of obedience and faithfulness, William Adams Hickman became a part of this exciting history, and without his story, it is not complete. A beautiful story void of tragedy and heartaches cannot be written, but a more truthful one can.

The trek of Mormons from New York to the Great Basin was for a cause and was defended by courageous men who were picked by their leaders because they possessed qualities needed for this purpose. They were defenders of their church and its leaders. They had to fight for their very existence. After many years of patient toil and self-denial, having been driven from place to place of exile and relocation, the Saints were sure that their destination in the west would be a haven of peace and rest. They were not about to give it up so these rugged men defended this stopping place with everything they possessed, even their lives if necessary. Faith in their leaders and an eternal existence was the conclusive factor in the protective custody of these men. We are sure the old adage that "to guard the flock, we sometimes have to slay the lion" was their conviction at times. Grandpa Bill was one of this breed of men who played such an important role in the survival of thousands of people. He was one of their "Survival Kits."

Grandpa Bill's son, Warren, says in a sketch of the life of his father: "....my father like others often did things that brought criticism upon them, but what would the country have done without such men who were willing to protect and vouch safety to the coming generations, a free country from the savage Indians and murderous enemies of the pioneers."

These men were not carrying guns and fighting all the time. They blazed trails, scouted for Indians; they were builders who "builded well" to establish and spent many years rededicating themselves to rebuild and enjoy what they had in "Nauvoo the Beautiful." They envisioned the desert "blossoming as a rose". It was their destiny to help conquer the West! They were possessed with a determination to conquer, and they did! GRANDPA BILL HICKMAN WAS ONE OF THESE MEN. Here was a man to "match the mountains"!

From the time Brigham Young said, "This is the place," social intruders in the form of fortune-hunters, speculators, gamblers, and thieves followed in the footsteps of mining, whiskey, prostitution, political corruption and rough army influence. These influences moved in without knocking, arriving on the doorsteps of the Mormon mountain sanctuary in the Salt Lake Basin. This was tragic intrusion so far as the Saints were concerned. "They [the Saints] were moral (sic) worthy of admiration, being satisfied with innocent pleasures and amusements, dramatic entertainments, and social parties were liberally patronized." These outsiders were not entirely welcome. Most of them came for no good purpose, and "...cannot be classed as regular inhabitants...they were only known as the floating population who remained only so long as their various vocations paid. They caused some little good in circulating money, but most were never known to add any substantial benefit to the place; they disappeared in a few years as suddenly as they came."⁽⁷⁾

This influx of Gentiles was of great concern to the Church leaders; so it was for Grandpa Bill. Through this concern and his consuming passion toward his duty, he realized his potential as a lawman, a church man, and a loyal follower of Brigham Young, his Commander and Chief in every respect. Recognizing this, Grandpa Bill conducted himself under Brigham's command in all instances. At this point, we must recognize the fact that at this early date in Utah history, the government of the Territory was under leadership of Governor Brigham Young who was also the President of the Church and all law was under his direction.⁽⁸⁾ Church and state were "welded together" and it was difficult for people who did not belong to the Church to understand the arrangement. They became very critical. Thus many problems arose which needed strong men, firm in their loyalty, who would stand by their leader and help preserve law and order in the Territory.

By this time, Bill Hickman, the LAW MAN, was making headlines. In Norwalk, Connecticut, there appeared in The Mormon, a newspaper, an article written by an anonymous writer wherein he upholds the actions of "the notorious Bill Hickman". In his praise of Hickman, the writer said, "He is a man that no one can fool with, and these infernal scoundrels and rowdies that come to Salt Lake cursing and damning the Mormons soon find that out; so what Hickman does to them is not wrong."⁽⁹⁾

Along with these rowdies and infernal scoundrels came a news reporter, J. H. Beadle from the East, a gifted writer, establishing himself, gathering "Mormon News" which he sensationalized an misrepresented in articles sent back for publication. He wrote a wealth of wild stories of "Mormon bigotry and treason" making it appear that Utah was a most uncivilized place and its population the most base form of humanity. This sort of persecution was not originated here in Utah, nor even new to the Saints. This kind of publicity had followed them from the time the Church was organized. Misleading publicity was one of the main reasons for so much persecution; and now it was deep in the roots of the Utah Territory.

By 1870, the Church and government leaders were in deep conflict over polygamy. It seemed persecution and judicial trials would never end. Many unsavory stories were circulating, indictment against Church leaders and its male membership were being issued upon the smallest pretense by "corrupt men holding State and Government office (Baskin, McKean, J.H. Beadle and others)..." Polygamy was only a gag in this scheme by the "Godless Ring" to gain political power and material wealth along with extermination of the Mormons. In 1871, a grand jury was called to serve Judge McKean's court. It is noted throughout his court that McKean's view of polygamist theocracy was one of a "tormented maniac".⁽¹⁰⁾

LEGAL TROUBLES

In 1870-70, Grandpa Bill was hiding supposedly because of the Spanish Frank* incident, October 6, 1870.⁽¹¹⁾ On April 15, 1871, Deputy Marshal H. Gilson needled Grandpa Bill about turning State's evidence, assuring him that if he would testify as to who the real criminals were in Utah, it would be to his advantage. He would be given every protection needed in bringing guilty parties to justice, and the law would absolve any charges against him. R.H. Baskin, a Gentile attorney, put the pressure on.⁽¹²⁾ This went on all through spring and summer. Gilson and Baskin convinced Grandpa Bill that his toes had been stepped on. He sensed there was a strong indication of an evil conspiracy afoot which likely threatened his life if he would not comply with their wishes.⁽¹³⁾ The case they particularly wanted to try Grandpa Bill for was the Yates** murder of 1857 which had been a closed case for fourteen years. They reasoned with themselves that if they could get this case on the docket, it would include some of the Mormon men they were out to get.

Grandpa Bill was at the Gilson Ranch near Nephi where he went to hide out before he was taken custody by authorities. His son, George, acted at a liaison between the U.S. Marshal and Grandpa Bill. George only knew of his whereabouts and seems to be the one his father depended on much of the time in different personal matters. Emma Hague, George's wife, quoted Grandpa Bill as saying, "I would not live twenty-four hours if I went to Salt Lake alone." He would go it he had protective custody which was granted.⁽¹⁴⁾ This may not seem like the man we are trying to portray, but who wouldn't be inclined to protect one's own life under these circumstances. He was on the OTHER side of the law now and his life was threatened.

September 30, 1871, Grandpa Bill and John Flack were arrested for the Yates murder and taken prisoners to Fort Douglas.⁽¹⁵⁾ By the middle of October, many indictments had been issued including Hosea Stout, Brigham Young, Porter Rockwell, D. H. Wells, M. Meacham, William Kimball and others. Grandpa Bill claims that while he was a "guest" at Fort Douglas, he was never under guard and could have left any time, but was fearful to do so. On November 18, the case of the People vs the names mentioned above came before the Third District Court.⁽¹⁶⁾

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*Alleged murder of a Mexican called Spanish Frank

**Suspected spy during Utah War 1857-58

With the promises of being legally relieved from danger of any prosecution in the future of acts performed by him in the line of duty, or any other accusations brought against him, and feeling he had been blamed for things he was not altogether guilty of, he decided someone else should share in the "blessings of guilt" he had been carrying for years. So trusting his Gentile friends, guilty as it made him seem, Grandpa Bill turned State's evidence. This event was reported as follows: "During a Grand Jury hearing in September the 'desperate apostate, suffering from a persecution complex,' gave the Grand Jury his confession, stating that fourteen years earlier, November 15, 1857,* Brigham Young had ordered him to kill Yates." (He never did confess to the actual murder.) Others implicated by Grandpa Bill were Hiram Kimball, D.H. Wells and Hosea Stout.⁽¹⁷⁾

Now the game this ring of Mormon persecutors was playing mushroomed. They bided their time waiting for a trump card and with the above testimony, they found it in William Adams Hickman. In his personal fight to absolve himself of any criminal injustice, he gambled, sacrificing everything he had, and all he held dear. This TRUMP CARD turned out to be the ACE OF SPADES FOR GRANDPA BILL. By trial time, Grandpa Bill's pent up emotions began to break down and bedlam broke loose. The stage is set with Judge McKean, Attorney R.N. Baskin, writers Tom Monahan and J.H. Beadle, Bill Hickman and others along with Church leaders, each waiting to make his move in this desperate game. They were all in the ball game now. Who would have the last inning? The Church leaders were numerous and bound together in brotherhood; the Gentiles were a strong group of so-called law men, and BILL HICKMAN...who was HE? A lone man fighting for his salvation, his life and his family, with too much help from the wrong side, his Gentile friends. Grandpa Bill said that he was not revengeful and felt he had not betrayed anyone or done anything wrong in making the accusations.⁽¹⁸⁾

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*Some other references say October 17; See Stout Diary p 643

He was only seeking justice. Although Grandpa Bill's intentions were far from harming anyone spitefully, his conviction was assured and jail was his sentence along with his fellow defendants. He never did admit his guilt, nor was he found guilty. His release from jail with Stout, Kimball and Brigham Young was May 1, 1872. Later all indictments were nullified.* Evidence is not available to judge who was altogether guilty. This as well as other incidents have been attributed to the "was Spirit" which prevailed at that time. Regardless, had Grandpa Bill not turned State's evidence implicating the Church Hierarchy, his remaining years would have been a different story. It appears that the trial was the "big bust" which brought about the publication of Brigham's Destroying Angel in 1872.

BRIGHAM'S DESTROYING ANGEL

In 1871, unnoticed by Grandpa Bill, the handwriting was on the wall. He was sick, in jail, bitter, depressed and forsaken by all of his families except Bernetta. He concluded his friends, his church and its leaders he loved, honored and respected so much, had turned from him. He needed a "shoulder to cry on", someone to listen as he unburdened his sorrows. He desperately needed understanding and sympathy. It was at this low ebb that a stranger, J.H. Beadle, a anti-Mormon writer, sought him out, invaded the sanctity of his soul, and wormed his way into the confidence of Grandpa Bill's life. A negative feeling inside Grandpa Bill had begun to fester and certainly Beadle was not the appropriate person to open the wound to. However, this breach of confidence was used as the nucleus for Beadle's book with Grandpa Bill as the leading character. Beadle saturated our Grandpa's material with his own fabrications until the manuscript became one of the most sensational, dramatic and imaginative wild west epics ever written. Speculation concludes Grandpa Bill "sold his birthright for a mess of pottage." Common sense tells us he acted in haste, and remorse tells us he acted against his better judgement. Here was a most opportune time. In his book, Beadle "used him up" to further his crusade against Brigham Young and the Mormon Church.

This was also perfect material for monetary gain, and Beadle knew it! It has surely served that purpose. There have been three editions of this book.

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*Engelbert Case, April 15, 1872. It was the Supreme Court's decision that the system used for impaneling juries by Judge McKean was illegal, therefore, all indictments and legal proceedings in Utah during the previous eighteen months were nullified.

The third one has a preface by R.M. Baskin even more dangerous than that of Beadle, wherein strong statements, vile innuendos, distortions of truths were designed to inflict injury to leaders of the Mormon Church, and to justify the actions of Mormon persecutors. Using Grandpa Bill's name and referring to it as "HIS Autobiography" is gross misrepresentation and a product of misunderstandings.⁽¹⁹⁾

Did Grandpa Bill receive any remuneration for this book? He had nothing to show for it when he died. His family surely did not benefit from it.⁽²⁰⁾ He was truly sorry the rest of his life for having had any part in it regardless of reason. If it were for money, this motive has influenced many others to do similar actions. It does not excuse, but should merit one's "understanding, maybe even one's pity."⁽²¹⁾

However, we believe Grandpa Bill innocent of having had any control in the writing of this book. Dr. Hugh Nibley of Brigham Young University supports this view. He claims that "the Hickman stories were not true." He states: "We believe that those tales are Beadle's invention..."⁽²²⁾ Neil D. Harding supports this view too. "Bill Hickman was not the man who performed the crimes in Brigham's Destroying Angel...nobody was...but he alone is responsible for the effects of his 'confession'. Too often people believe us at our word, especially is our testimony agrees with rumor. There are phrases in the Hickman book which are especially Beadle's. This may not mean an inaccurate confession, but it does mean some friendly editorial assistance, if not ghostwriting and probably a market orientation."⁽²³⁾ Dr. Fred Gowans says: "The only phase of Hickman's life that I researched was the role he played in the purchase of Fort Bridger. The material I found agreed with Hickman's book in regards to the subject of Fort Bridger."⁽²⁴⁾

Families research confirms that Grandpa Bill could not have, in the language of Beadle's book, been it author for we read in many of Grandpa Bill's letters to his family and Brigham Young a much different tone of love, devotion and service. Word usage in the greater part of the so-called "confessions" is poor literary composition. Even the existence of the manuscript basis for Brigham's Destroying Angel is questionable. Family tradition gives several conflicting theories: The manuscript was taken from a journal Grandpa Bill kept; only Beadle knew of a manuscript; Grandpa Bill told one of his daughters had written a manuscript; another claims he did not; an early Utah lawyer, name unknown, claimed to have had the manuscript in his collection which was destroyed; there never was a manuscript; it was logical Grandpa Bill should have kept a journal, etc, etc. Tradition is not good unless it is authentic.

The lack of internal consistency in the book itself causes us to question its authenticity. There are obvious mishandling of material between the covers of Beadle's book. For example, the picture of Hickman killing a prisoner guard while escaping prison in Nauvoo conflicts with the text. Grandpa Bill wrote: "I knocked him down, took his bowie knife and cut the chain off my leg, took his pistols, and have not been back since." Again on page 98 Beadle leads the reader to believe Hickman killed a man named Hartley alone. From several other sources, as well as Brigham's Destroying Angel, we learn there was another man with Grandpa Bill. He doesn't deny Hartley was killed, but never claims to have killed him. Also in Beadle's book, Grandpa Bill says, "I had children by all of them." This statement is contradicted on page 48 where Grandpa Bill states, "I never had any children by her" (Sarah Luce, wife #2). Actually, he had no children with wife #7, Margaret Indian either. He also took his last wife in 1859 and the book states, "1860 being the last year I took a wife." These are only samples of similar type errors throughout the book. It seems to be full of exaggerated phrases.

Before publication of this book, there were, however, daily newspaper articles from time to time concerning the activities of the "Notorious Bill Hickman," but when Beadle got through writing of Grandpa Bill's loneliness, frustrations, disappointments and suffering, the news articles read like children's bedtime stories compared to the exaggerated, vulgar and offensive stories in "the book." The so-called manuscript was taken East for publication while Grandpa Bill was still incarcerated in jail, and he did not see it until the book was off press. Whatever happened, the damage had been done. The people harmed by the publication of this book was our Grandpa himself and his posterity. Some of them shunned the Hickman name throughout their lives, which was an unnecessary insult to our Grandpa Bill.

REHASHING OLD TALES

William Adams Hickman had become "The Notorious Bill Hickman," however, stories putting him in this role would have did a quiet death except for frequent infusions of repetitive and exaggerated yarns over the years which have been very marketable. These have been reinforced by such articles as a reprint from Lander, Wyoming in 1855, two years after Grandpa Bill's death..."he lived and died...shunned by all." The Monahan article 1873..." no one pays any attention to him..." and the most ridiculous of all is the one from the New York Tribune, Dec. 4, 1869, and the New York Herald, July 2, 1877, two excellent (at that time) anti-Mormon Eastern papers. The Herald had supposedly asked Brigham Young about W.A. Hickman's activities. Brigham Young denied knowing Hickman...said he had never spoken with Bill Hickman but once in his life. The Herald reporters quoted this statement to W.A. Hickman stating that "this infuriated Hickman" upon which Hickman quoted many occasions of personal contacts and associations with Brigham Young. If this article is in the least authentic, we believe it was trickery and used by these men as another fuse in building up animosity between Grandpa Bill and the Church. We are sure Brigham Young did not have to answer to anyone about another man's affairs, above all to some meddlesome newspaper man who he knew would use anything that was said against him. Then in October, 1964, John Carson came up with a copy of everything previously written, in a disgusting article in the True West Magazine. The year 1979 was no different. The Utah Peace Officers Winter Quarter issue recreates another dead issue in the life of Bill Hickman by George A. Thompson.* We need to STOP, ONCE AND FOR ALL. THIS SORT OF PUBLICITY ABOUT OUR GRANDPA BILL HICKMAN.

*The Ferguson Trial, page 41.

CLEARING THE RECORD

To alleviate the animosity felt toward Bill Hickman because of the publication of the so-called "Autobiography" and subsequent articles, Grandpa Bill's part in the winning of the West needs to be told.

Life is not all good nor all bad. This would not be a story of Grandpa Bill if the daring of the Old West were not woven into it. He was the West along with his contemporaries. We are sure there were some undesirable things he was connected with as well as other rugged men who were scouting the West. Many times he totally committed and dedicated himself to assignments he was given despite difficulties encountered or in face of adversity. Throughout his life, he held positions of importance both in government and, when at home, church. There is no doubt in our minds that whatever he did throughout the course of his life, he felt justified; and whatever action the Church as well as Civil law took, they felt justified.

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**The name of William Adams Hickman is found on a seat contributed by the William A. Hickman Family members, September 30, 1970, to the Pioneer Memorial Theater in Salt Lake City, and is located in the balcony on the second row of seats, number BB 22, Section honoring our Pioneers.

As the final scenes of this drama unfold, we find Grandpa Bill a victim of circumstances. It seems the Shakespearean observation is true wherein he says: "The evil that man do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones." This was GRANDPA BILL'S FATE!

We want to put aside the "Destroying Angel" version, use truth, and reflect on the man we are beginning to know as William Adams Hickman, our Grandpa Bill, a name we honor and respect. We know he was an Angel of Mercy to many people who knew him.

Picture a gentleman in his Sunday suit, white shirt, black bow tie, well groomed hair and beard, performing his circuit, law and church duties. It is certainly an image contrary to the man portrayed in buckskin, slouch hat, low slung belt and pistol as some have described him. One can hardly imagine him to be the same person. The "gentleman" picture of William Adams Hickman is substantiated by a picture hanging in the Picture Gallery of Diamond Lill's find, there never was one taken. He was a proud man and his image was that of a gentleman. If a different picture were found, we bet he would be wearing a white shirt! Was he a dual personality? No, he was William Adams Hickman, our GRANDPA BILL, no ordinary man. History with its characterization of his different personalities would have us believe he should have been on stage at the Old Salt Lake Theater** earning money instead of off stage seemingly creating problems. The Theater could have presented the story of his life to great advantage.

BOOTS

Grandpa Bill was always proud of the "fine boots" he wore as part of his attire. His youngest child, Mary Ella, adds this choice anecdote to our story: "Two young brothers who had been out with their sheep all day came into town for a large celebration, the climax of which was a dance in the evening. They wanted to dance; looked at their shoes and shook their heads. Grandpa Bill came along and found them sitting on a fence or a wagon outside the "bowery" trying to enjoy, vicariously, this part of their "trip to town". To their surprise he took off his boots, told them to take

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*At the present, a copy of this picture is being readied by some of his great-grandchildren to be presented to the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers in Fillmore, Utah, which will be hung in the picture gallery of Notables in the old Fillmore State House which at present is being used as a Museum. Another copy will be hung in the Picture Gallery of the DUP Memorial Building in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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**Refer back to page 12. **

turns using them and have a good time dancing. They did for several hours while Grandpa Bill sat tapping his bare feet on the ground in time with the music.⁽²⁵⁾ "Edwin II [a progenitor of Grandpa Bill's] was a shoemaker, Edwin Jr. was an experienced tanner of hides. In 1810, Edwin's grandson, Elliott Temple Hickman, was also a shoemaker, his specialty being boots. Three generations of shoemaker Hickmans."⁽²⁶⁾ Grandpa Bill's love for "good boots" must have been a hangover from his ancestors. We are sure one of his last wishes would have been to "die with his BOOTS ON." There is another story about some boots which he forgot to mention in his letter (1979),* but without any details, it can't be told. Tradition says, at one time, he was even accused of "stealing boots"!

HORSES

Grandpa Bill developed into a lover and trader of fine horses. This love carried over to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Through his love for horses, he was to the young boys somewhat of a hero, and they idolized him. He offered almost professional advice and help on throwing steers and enjoyed "showing off" in his rodeo style.⁽²⁷⁾ This love for horses was also shared by two of his wives. Sarah Elizabeth Johnson owned a hiding horse and is a classic in her riding habit. (see picture Wives) His "Sweetheart Bernetta" was very proud of the beautiful horse Grandpa Bill purchased for her. They named it Frenchy.

Grandpa Bill had a special love for his children, especially his boys. He taught them to saddle and bridle, to curry and crop their horse. They were taught the technique of shoeing each hoof just right in order to prevent damage. They were taught how to feed and water; instructed on just how much weight a horse could handle for camp packing. All the time he was teaching his boys, he entertained them with intricacies of a lasso rope and performed with his lariat. He taught them survival, planting and ranching; yes, he even taught his sons the art of becoming good marksmen with a gun.

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*via great-granddaughter Devona Hancock, Fontella Webster and Leona Holt

Chances are many little boys were envious of the man these boys called "Pa". George, born in 1844 to Grandpa and Bernetta, was the first little boy to tear at the heart strings of his father. Like small boys, he was by his father's side at every opportunity...going to town, into the fields, walking and especially riding on his horse. Many times he became so tired he would fall asleep on the horse before they returned home. He was truly devoted to his father as his father was to George.* Several times he accompanied his father into Salt Lake to visit with the Prophet Brigham Young.⁽²⁸⁾

As other little boys came along to take their place in his family, Grandpa Bill took a special interest in them also. Each had his turn in the saddle with their father. When "little Willy" came next in 1850, what a thrill Grandpa Bill must have experienced after so many little "pigtails and long dresses." Willy died at the age of four. Moses Edward, born in 1853, lived only two years (Found in Minerva's Diary.) Next came little Jordan Case in 1856. What a sad experience the death of this child must have been for his parents. Records indicate "he was lost in the mountains", and never found. How proud our Grandpa was when Deseret, "Dez", born in 1856, just two days before Jordan and Luke, born in 1858, were old enough to learn about horses. Alvin and Joseph Smith, "Joe," (named after the Prophet), came along in 1859. Their little feet soon learned what a stirrup was for. Survivor arrived in 1860. Hyrum Smith, namesake of the Prophet's brother, was born in 1861. Don Carlos and Warren Wade, who had been such a stalwart in defending his father's name, were born in 1862. James Barton made his appearance in 1865. A boy named "Vie" or "By" born in 18__ never married (see Wives p 86). There were fourteen boys out of thirty-four children, yet only nine carried the Hickman name. Three died in infancy and two reportedly went by the name of their mother's second marriage, Byington.⁽²⁹⁾ However, later research has revealed that when they were old enough to choose, they went by the Hickman name.⁽³⁰⁾ The last six boys didn't have the chance to be with their father as much as the older ones did (see p 64).

Grandpa Bill shared his love for horses with his sons, but some have accused him of carrying this love too far. HORSES! Just mention a horse and "Bill Hickman" knew exactly where to find a good one. What was this obsession for horses that he possessed? Was it a status symbol as some people have today in owning a Lincoln Continental, or was is the fact that he knew a good horse was necessary to perform his assigned duties, for he was now acting in the name of the law.

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*Lerona's Diary mentions a story about "Little George". Others also, have mentioned this story. What is this story? Who can and will tell us more? PLEASE!

As a lover of horses, he was branded a horse thief, and stealing horses seems to be a much blown up MAJOR crime he was accused of. It is said sometimes it was done for his "own gratification"' at times some of his dealings did seem a little shady. Whatever, for personal gain or not, it was a bad shadow on the Church for he seemed to be doing what he thought was expected of him by its leaders in obeying the teaching of Brigham Young wherein he said: "That which is wrong under one circumstance, may be,⁽³¹⁾a Or did he believe in the law of Moses down to the last?

So strong was this accusation against him, that on Sunday, December 25, 1859, Amasa Lyman made it clear in a sermon that horse stealing was going on and Bill Hickman and his farm hands were doing it.⁽³²⁾ Since Grandpa Bill could not be prosecuted for or absolved of this until he was caught, the title of "horse thief" followed him. However, it seems he was watched constantly with the cunning eyes of some of the Church brethren, resulting in his being called into a Bishop's Council meeting. This ended in a Very amusing story which was recorded at that time, and through our research, it has been found quoted several times. John Bennion, a neighbor of Hickman's in Taylorsville, tells of the efforts made by the local Bishiop and Council to punish Hickman for horse stealing...their case had been prepared against him. Orson Hyde appeared at the meeting in time to stop public action. John Bennion said, "After this meeting Bishop, Council and Elder Hyde had a long talk at my house." Brother Hyde said, "Speaking of stealing, a man may not steal and be INFLUENCED BY THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD TO DO IT. Hickman had done just that in the past years." However, Brother Hydes goes on to say he would never institute a trial against a brother stealing from the Gentiles, but stealing from his brethren, he was "down on it." Sunday, October 14, 1860, Brother Hyde spoke on "last night's" intention to try Hickman, giving it as the word of the Lord to "set him free for the past, bid him go and sin no more..."⁽³³⁾

Sometimes it was hard to tell whether or not our Grandpa Bill was the victim or the perpetrator. We quote another amusing story, fictitious or exaggerated, let the chips fall where they may. It is the view of another anti-writer with only circumstantial evidence which lengthened the shadow of suspicion over the life of Grandpa Bill. An army officer from Camp Floyd, owned a mare which was a champion race horse and her possession was coveted by the racing fraternity. One night in the Canon rules of the Timpanogos, guarded by a sentinel and chained with a padlock to a tree near the owner's tent, she was stolen, and much to the owner's dismay was nowhere to be found the next morning. In a report to an officer at Camp Floyd, the owner said he would give the officer the mare if he recovered her. Inquiries were made and found out by way of Bill Hickman, a notorious character, as well as a LAW MAN, where the mare was. Hickman communicated to Mr. D., a Gentile merchant, sort of a go-between, that the mare was in possession of a band of horse thieves; she could be recovered, but it wound cost some money. Hickman was commissioned to recover her. He succeeded only at great risk to his life and considerable expense, and the horse was now in his possession. When Mr. D. proposed to pay Hickman for his trouble, the latter brought in such a complicated bill of expense, much more than the intrinsic value of the animal, it was evident that the whole matter was a trick and it was more than suspected that Bill Hickman had possession of the mare from the first. Hickman told Mr. D. very plainly that he looked to him for settlement of his "little bill." Mr. D. reported the condition of affairs and the price at which the owner could buy back his own property. "The owner declined and Bill Hickman remained in quiet possession of the fastest race horse in Utah."⁽³⁴⁾

While these stories were circulating, Grandpa Bill was having another problem. He became victim of horse stealing. He claims some of his horses were stolen because he had failed to put his brand on them. Brigham Young was concerned about Bill Hickman's losses; horse stealing was a serious matter to him. He wrote in his Journal, November 22, 1858, "Bill Hickman had his horse stolen in the street last week with a saddle. A few hours before it was stolen, he was offered $500 for it. Thieves are getting a strong hold in Salt Lake City, stealing horses in the streets through the day and wagons out of yards by night."⁽³⁵⁾

Grandpa Bill also acted as a law man in a horse stealing case. Hosea Stout records in his diary: "Oct. 20, 1854. The last four days I have been engaged in a very exciting lawsuit..." Twitchel, defendant; Widow Isabele Brooks, plaintiff, in the recovery of eleven head of horses claimed to be the property of the Widow. "Twitch" had sold four of the horses "to Levi Abram, a mean and contemptible Jew who had put them in his stable and refused to deliver them up to Deputy Marshal R. T. Burton." Burton called W. A. Hickman to assist in the recovery "which had to be done by force. Considerable altercation ensued. The Jew complained to the Judge that Hickman had drawn a knife and a club on him with intent to take his life." The Judge arrested Hickman, refusing him time to go before a judge to swear to his petition. Papers and a writ of Habeas Corpus by a "Stratagen Hickman" was served on A. Cunning, the officer having the prisoner in charge. The only object which Mr. Hickman had was to be delivered from a court which he believed had already prejudged him. When the case was called up, excitement increased, Hosea Stout appearing for "Hickman & Little & Carrington..." Trial ended about noon. "Judge Shver (sic) discharged Mr. Hickman for several reasons; illegality on the face of the papers, another the Probate Court had no right to interfere with or call officers of his court to account for actions done in compliance to an order from his court, and further from the evidence he had been guilty of no crime. The Judge forbid any court to meddle or trouble him further on the subject."⁽³⁶⁾

LAW MAN

In the role as a Law Man, Grandpa Bill impressed people in a variety of ways. He was both feared and respected! Traditionally we have heard the expressions: "Send Bill Hickman," "Bill Hickman's coming," "Bill Hickman is on his way," "Wait until Bill Hickman arrives," "Bill Hickman was here," "Run to your houses, Bill Hickman is coming!" These phrases during the decade of survival 1847-57 meant only one thing: there would be a change once BILL HICKMAN arrived. Many a child was brought into obedience by being told "Bill Hickman will get you if you aren't good." Many times his name was used as a threat and seldom were those in need disappointed.⁽³⁷⁾ This illustrates another aspect of Bill Hickman, the Law Man.

An amusing incident taken from the Harpers Weekly, October 9, 1858: Charley Samson, a writer for this paper and three companions from California came to Provo seeking lodging at the Provo house. It was crowded; they were tired. Eventually space enough for them to lie down was found and without brushing their teeth, they retired in their blankets on the floor for the night. Next morning, they noticed an open door to an adjoining room and two men lying on their blankets. One, a heavy built muscular man with a grin, was looking at Charley and said, "How are you?" "Very well, I suspect. My name's Charley Samson, what's yours?" The man with the grin responded, "I am generally, if not always, called Bill Hickman." A cold chill came over the room; Charley felt the hair bristle on his neck. He exclaimed, "Is it possible? Can it be that I have slept all night with Bill Hickman and am not dead, and have not got my throat cut?" Then he checked his pocketbook and revolver. In a few seconds, the tension disappeared and they all laughed; Hickman laughed louder than anyone. Possibly some of Charley's words didn't set too good with Hickman, but he didn't want to show his discomfort at them. Charley concluded that Bill Hickman was a "gen in the rough", not a bad person after all. Charley regarded him as the ablest man in the Mormon ranks to head a dangerous expedition. However, Charley also remarked that "great kindness and strong affection is ofttimes expressed upon his countenance."⁽³⁸⁾

KINDNESS AND GOODWILL

Grandpa Bill's kindness and goodwill to others is shown in the following instances. One related by George Goodhart from Soda Springs, Idaho in a letter to Grandpa Bill's son, Warren, reads "The first time I ever met your father...he was camping on Green River with Port Rockwell and Lot Smith...I was a boy working for the American Fur Company. I was sent with a message to some trappers some distance away....Overtaken by night, I found some hobbled horses belonging to three men by a camp fire a short distance away. I called, 'Hello, White Man's friend.' They answered me, taking ne into camp with them. My horse was put up with theirs. They had a kettle of venison on the fire. The finest I ever ate. After supper I told them everything bad I had heard about the Mormons...I slept with Hickman. After breakfast I saddled my horse and one of them tied a good lunch on my saddle. Hickman asked, 'How have we treated you?' I told him I could not have been treated better...How glad I was to have found them. Then he said, 'Tell your company we treated you to the best we had; we are all Mormons. We are Port Rockwell, Lot Smith and Bill Hickman.' My heart seemed to jump to my mouth. I was through the brush, leaned over and ran my horse as fast as he could go. I expected to be shot every minute, but no shot came."⁽³⁹⁾ Does this sound like a man who would misuse his authority? No, his true character is showing.

John Heber Murdock relates the following: "In the spring, it was my job to herd the remainder of the flock...Once while two or three of my brothers were herding with me, my brother Daunt, five or six years at the time, decided to go home...we were able to point our house out to Daunt. It was about six miles away. When we got home that night, Daunt wasn't there. We and the neighbors got lanterns and set out to hunt him. We didn't find him until the next day. A Mr. Bill Hickman had gone out to look for cattle the night before and heard wolves howling. When he sent to see why they were making a noise, he found Daunt sitting by some big rocks on the Jordan River. He took Daunt to his home for the night.⁽⁴⁰⁾ It isn't known how he got home, but one should know enough about Bill Hickman by now to guess that after a night's rest in a warm bed and a good breakfast, Daunt was put on a horse behind Grandpa Bill and delivered to his parents' home, which so typically personifies his acts of charity." Then there is the exciting story, in all probability true, told about an Indian boy who had lost his parents. Without home or place to go, no one to care for him, our grandpa, acting with his usual concern for those in need, gave him a home with his family, for how long, is not known.⁽⁴¹⁾ This again shows his love of mankind.

Sometimes the fear and respect accorded Grandpa Bill helped him do kind acts. His grandson Dan Hickman of Snowville, Utah remembers a story told by Grandpa Bill about a "certain man" who had persuaded a young man, at gunpoint, to trade his beautiful horse to him for an old nag. Upon seeing what had taken place, Grandpa Bill told the young man to go back and tell him to "Give me back my horse or Bill Hickman will come to see you." Later Grandpa Bill was happy to know the beautiful horse had been restored to its owner.

A TELLER OF TALES

Grandpa Bill was rich in imagination and a very unique teller of tales. The bear story he quoted so much, he told his brother George Washington, was a "tall tale." His contemporaries, E. K. Hanks and Porter Rockwell, each tell the same bear story, a feat of their daring and bravery, also. This sounds like a stretch of the imagination. Was there really a bear? Who is telling the truth and which one actually killed a bear, or did either one of them? (see "His Letter to His Children 1979" for this and other tall stories)

There is the story of the wild boar he literally butchered when he was thirteen years old "without receiving as much as a scratch." Then the story he tells of Col. Fremont stopping to bleed himself twice before reaching the summit of Fremont Peak. He states these and other stories of adventure in "These mountains are all a hoax.⁽⁴²⁾ He could sit for hours and "yarn" this kind of story and others to entertain people as well as to protect himself. Sometimes through these "yarns," he could bluff himself into and out of tight circumstances with his eulogy of BILL HICKMAN THE LAW MAN, and how tough he was until his listeners believed him, and, if known, he probably believed some of these stories himself. We can hear him say, "Hell, I am exaggerating a little, but I'm enjoying it." What a way to bring about law and order. Often he did not need a gun; the authority in the name of Bill Hickman and/or his presence at times was all that was needed.

BILL HICKMAN'S GUN

Deep mystery and tradition surround the gun Grandpa Bill owned. All leads to its whereabouts have been checked out through correspondence and personal contact to no avail. Some of Grandpa Bill's great-great-great-grandchildren became so excited while visiting the Hutchings Museum in Lehi, Utah when told "This is Bill Hickman's gun." In pinning this story down, because we wanted a picture of it, the owner told us that it might be, but he was not sure. Don't be fooled. The real gun is not in the museum in Lehi at this time.⁽⁴³⁾ Another lead came through a True West article by Ruth Louise Partridge of Provo, Utah, in which she included a picture of a gun found in "one of Bill Hickman's cabins," as well as a knife found at the same time made from a file. Upon contacting her, she told us that the gun was stolen from her fireplace mantel. The picture she submitted, a snub-nosed pistol, however is not the Bill Hickman gun. Robert Rex Hickman tells us that his father Edwin was in possession of Grandpa Bill's gun, and as a boy Rex was familiar with it, having handled it many times. He said it was a long barrel, wooden handle five cylinder shot which agrees with several other source descriptions, but he has no idea where the gun is.

BILL HICKMAN - HIS IMAGE

The above stories illustrate Bill Hickman's multi-faceted image as a Law Man. His word was law, but at times it seemed rather difficult to contain himself within its limits. When this happened, he admitted being wrong, but seemed to be happiest when he could act as his conscience dictated.

It's a shame that too often we judge people by the rumors we hear, never once giving a thought to the impact this may have on the subject's life or character. Most of us are subject to the statement made by Will Rogers wherein he said, "All I know is what I read in the papers." What was in the papers 100 years ago certainly affected the image of Bill Hickman then and has carried over into the present. Why is it so easy to believe so much of the bad we read when the unsavory taste lingers?

EARLY LIFE

In order to truly understand and know the real Bill Hickman, let us put him in the framework of his early life. True, sources are limited, but we will try to pick up a few threads here and there to weave a picture of the home and family life we believe was his background. William Adams Hickman was born in western Kentucky, Warren County, April 16, 1815. He was the oldest in a family of thirteen children; nine boys and four girls. When Kentucky became overcrowded with settlers after the Revolutionary War, Edwin Temple Hickman, Bill's father, sold his property and moved to northeast Missouri in 1819, one year before Missouri join the Union.⁽⁴⁴⁾ Bill was only four years old at that time. He was raised in the wilds of Missouri where many of the people became industrious while some cared for other types of life. It was this environment, he learned to defend himself against man and beast. Oh, how "little Bill" loved and enjoyed this freedom to play, hunt and enjoy outdoor sports, especially where he could show his skill in hunting. From early days as a boy, and later while suppressing Indian troubles, he hunted game such as buffalo and antelope and thoroughly enjoyed it. The boy Bill worked with his father on his hog farm, and through this close association, his father said, "He was full of mischief such as tricks for fun making. He was the best and the worst boy I ever raised."

The Hickmans lived in the newly organized Randolph County and Bill's father, Edwin Temple Hickman,* built the first grist mill in that county which at that time was quite a distinction. It cost approximately $50 and was extensively used.⁽⁴⁵⁾ Although Edwin didn't have a formal education as compared to his wife, he was an advocate of education for his children; there was a school in the neighborhood every fall for three months out of the year. Randolph County Seat was located about six miles from E. T.'s home. He was a progressive man and at the first election in this new county, he was elected county magistrate and held the office for seven years.⁽⁴⁶⁾ He was also on the first grand jury of Randolph County, and in Chariton County, Missouri, he was justice of the peace performing marriages during the years 1822 and 1828. He out lived Bill by five years almost to the day dying at the home of his son Easom in the "Illinois Bend" area near Kirksville, Missouri, August 20, 1888. He was ninety-six years of age. It is hard to believe that the Printed History of Randolph and Adair Counties make no mention of his life, nor did the newspaper of the day write an obituary.⁽⁴⁷⁾

Bill was raised by a strict mother and father who were devoted to each other and Bill respected them. His mother was Elizabeth Adams,** a fairly educated woman of Virginia. These two people must have been an effective combination for Bill to have developed the responsibility he showed throughout his life. They also must have been an excellent influence in his life setting moral standards for him to adhere to, as well as basic habits for him to emulate. Even though Bill left to join the Mormons, his relationship with his parents and family was never severed.

Family ties were strong and visits to them were made whenever possible, and contact be letter was quite frequent.

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*Edwin TEMPLE Hickman was Grandpa Bill's father, not THORN or THOMAS as tradition gives it. A First Recorded Patriarchal Mar. 31, 1854 gives his father's full name providing this proof.

**Tradition (what a word "tradition!") has led us to believe Grandpa Bill's mother, Elizabeth Adams, was a cousin to John Quincy Adams, the President of the United States. This is not so. (Hilton, Edwin Hickman 1978 pp 90-92)

EDUCATION

As to his education, Bill says, "My father and mother having a fair education taught me and my younger brothers at home so that when I commenced school I could spell and read and write tolerably well. At the age of fifteen, I was sent away to school. I was urged to go into the study of medicine, and did. After a few months I gave up and went to school again. My parents urged me to go into the study of law which I like better, but became rather tired of that... I concluded I would go to school again. I boarded at George Burkhardt...met Bernetta, and after much objection by her parents as well as mine, because of my age, they finally gave consent to our marriage."⁽⁴⁸⁾

MARRIAGE

Grandpa Bill was seventeen, Bernetta almost twenty years old. These young people were deeply in love and if consent had not been given, they said they would elope. A contrasting story has been handed down by some family members: Bernetta was to tie a string to her toe and let the string dangle outside the second story bedroom window. She was to feign sleep until she felt a jerk on her toe. How in the world could she possibly sleep! Near midnight, she felt a tug on her toe. That was the signal al! She knew her handsome dark haired, blue-eyed Bill was out there in the darkness waiting with his horse. She climbed out of the window with his help, undiscovered by her parents, and rode behind him on the horse to the next town where they were married.⁽⁴⁹⁾ Was this refined, educated, loyal, black-eyed sweetheart, the one who encouraged Grandpa Bill's continued education and saw to it that his white shirts were clean, and suit pressed to preserve the social status they were accustomed to? Yes, she believed in HIM. This marriage lasted the rest of their lives. Did they really elope? If so, what did Bernetta's father, the prominent Judge George B. Burkhardt (Burckhartt*), an early pioneer of Northeast Missouri and a representative in Missouri's first state legislature from Randolph County, think about that!⁽⁵⁰⁾ Certainly this was not the kind of wedding he had planned for his lovely Bernetta. "Grandpa Bill's progenitors included seven generations of the Southern slave-owning frontiersmen. His great-grandfather had fallen into hard times during the Revolutionary War in Virginia. They moved farther south to North Carolina and never recovered the status the family originally had."⁽⁵¹⁾

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*This prominent family were later to design the State Seal of Missouri.

When Grandpa Bill and Bernetta married, they established a quality of refinement in their home. Regardless of where this quality came from, it is found throughout our Grandpa's families. All of his wives contributed their part, and tried to maintain and retain the standard of living to which they were accustomed before coming West. Hard as their lot was, they maintained a natural dignity in their manners, sweetness of modesty with a concern for others. They were fine housekeepers and always welcomed and were ready for unexpected house guests, one of the many special surprises Grandpa Bill gave them. He had grown up in a home where Southern hospitality and dignity were maintained and he, more or less, expected a high quality of excellence in his homes.

CAREERS

After Bernetta and Bill were married, he taught school. He had charge of seventy-five students, and gave much satisfaction to his employer.⁽⁵²⁾

In the following years, Bill acquired 320 acres of rich Missouri farmland through his father.⁽⁵³⁾ He joined the Mormon Church, sold his acreage and came to Utah. He became an Indian scout, developed a thriving ferry business, was instrumental in purchasing Fort Bridger for the Church, carried the early mail, nurtured a consuming passion for mining, played a fairly important role in the Utah War, and was a respected citizen of Utah while serving in many civil capacities. For clarity, the above items will be treated by subject rather than chronologically.

INDIAN EXPERIENCES

Grandpa Bill was trained in Indian warfare, habits and customs before he came to Utah. Through this knowledge, he acted as an Indian scout under Brigham Young and Colonel Davis who were Superintendents of Indian Affairs in Utah. His first account with the Indians is listed as some trouble with the Omaha Indians in 1849 at Kanesville (Council Bluff). In the spring of 1848, Brigham Young requested Grandpa Bill to remain at Kanesville to protect Orson Hyde and other groups of Saints there. Thieving and horse stealing were being done by these Indians and Bill Hickman's help was needed to keep trouble under control. Some of the Saints felt that the Indians should be shot, but Brigham Young's instructions forbade this. It was at this time he uttered his now famous saying, "It is cheaper to feed the Indians than to fight them." In May of 1849, Orson Hyde learned that some Indians had been killed in a skirmish on a Government Reserve and Bill Hickman had a part in it. Evidently, he did not realize there were innocent Indians he was dealing with. Concerned over the turn of events in May of 1849, Orson Hyde, who Grandpa Bill referred to as "my friend," told him to leave immediately for Salt Lake.

He arrived in Utah on August 20, 1849. He received his first introduction to Indian troubles around Provo, Utah as soon as he arrived and volunteered to help. He was one of the 100 "Minute Men" called under charge of Captain George D. Grant who left for Utah County to protect settlers against the Utah Indians. He was referred to as "Captain Bill."

A war began at the site of Pleasant Grove, Utah, owing to a skirmish with the Indians who were camped near the stream on which this town was later situated. Brigham Young sent Captain J. Scott with thirty or forty men to pursue the Indians. A battle ensued. This was the first battle fought with the Indians after the Mormon pioneers arrived in Salt Lake. The stream was named Battle Creek and this was became known as the Battle Creek War.⁽⁵⁴⁾ Under the command of Daniel Wells, this war finally terminated after he gave the alternative "sue for peace or be exterminated." At this time the policy of taking captured Indians' wives and children into the homes of the Saints was instituted. About 100 were accommodated.⁽⁵⁵⁾

Grandpa Bill says: "The Indian War of '49, so called, wound up, although it was in the spring of '50." We have been under so many different impressions just when this war was fought, that while writing this, we decided that Bill couldn't wait from August 1849, when he arrived, until February 1850 to get into the fight. One of his great-granddaughters jokingly remarked, "He probably started it early to keep in practice!"

Grandpa Bill's third wife, Minerva, chronicles his initial Utah Indian activities in her diary: "After we arrived in Salt Lake, the Indians were committing depredations in the Provo Valley amongst the settlers there. My husband was one of the number called to go and help to quiet them. He was one of the minute men who was supposed to always be on hand when there was trouble. He went with the company in January 1850. Our first baby boy William was born Feb. 14, 1850, a week before he returned from Provo. We lived in the old Forte* in an old adobie (sic) house in the south-west corner. Cathrine Hickman [second daughter of Bill and Bernetta] lived with me. The Indians begging for food brought in the measles. We were all very sick, but the Lord blessed us and we were soon well again. When spring opened we moved over on the Jordan River and took up some land and made a home on the Jordan River between Taylorsville and Gardners Mill."⁽⁵⁶⁾

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*This "old Forte" is what is now known as Pioneer Park, Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Indian troubles spread north from Provo to Ogden and Tooele. Again, Grandpa Bill helped until peace was made. Superintendent Brigham Young often instructed him to deliver food and clothing to the Indians, acting as peacemaker between the Whites and Indians. Yet there were times when he felt justified in fighting against them for the safety of a settlement.⁽⁵⁷⁾

Brigham Young's Indian Policy included limited trading between Whites and Indians in hopes they could develop their separate communities. Through this facet, he hoped to send missionaries to them. However, this policy had to be changed to a tougher one because of the thievery of the Indians. Through both policies, Grandpa Bill was to learn more ways of dealing with the Indians. This policy of peace through educating and befriending Indians was somewhat of a futile experiment. Brigham Young soon concluded they should all be removed to areas in the Sierras or the Wind River Mountains. However, it would be some eighteen years before the Federal Government would adopt this idea.⁽⁵⁸⁾

The following is an example of the difficulties encountered in trying to befriend the Indians.

In August of 1854, Brigham Young told a camp of Shoshones near Ogden, Utah that it would be good for them to settle down like the white men and learn to cultivate the land so when the game was all gone, they would have something to feed their families. It was "heap good talk." They were taught Christianity and to be thrifty and not become parasites and beggars. Presents were distributed. After Governor Young returned to Salt Lake, the Indians refused to be instructed by the Whites. Only three months passed until it was reported that the Indians were again stealing, burning, etc. In order to prevent what might have been a massacre of the settlers, Superintendent Young requested that William A. Hickman, Elisha Ryan and Dimick Huntington visit the camps and check out the complaints. "We left this city on Wed. 30th Nov., (or 20th) and arrived at Major Moor's about evening. The next morning eight or ten citizens with three or four wagons accompanied us to the Indian camp three miles below Ogden City on the south side of the Weber River. They mistrusted us and were on the look out with sentinels. We told them our business viz. they were to go live with the white people, a family assigned to a family. Little Soldier said 'it was a day of gathering and not of scatterint.' Finally they consented and took all their effects to the settlement. The next morning we found they had changed their minds and had sent for help to defend them from us. We, however, disarmed them and distributed them out and went our way feeling quite comfortable. We were determined to carry out orders even against their every argument." This is known as the "Trip to Little Soldier, Ute Chief, Band, Date 1854."⁽⁵⁹⁾

On October 12, 1855, the Deseret News printed a letter, possibly from Lewis Robison who was in charge of the fort for the Mormons. This letter was sent to Bill Hickman tilling him of Indian troubles around Fort Bridger. Brigham Young was quick to capitalize on the peaceful Shoshone. On August 11, 1856, as Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Brigham Young advised Bill Hickman in a letter to meet with the Indians and hold a council with Washakie, their chief. He was to advise them of the benefits of civilization and urge the Indians to abandon their wandering and predatory mode of life, to cultivate the earth and raise stock, and to locate themselves in schools that could be established among them. Bill was told to collect as many Indians as possible together at Fort Bridger and to call to his aid Lewis Robison of Fort Bridger and Isaac Bullock of Fort Supply. So by August 19, 1856, after rounding up the Indians, possibly with his wife Margaret in tow, Bill Hickman had met with forty lodges of Indians numbering about 300 persons. "We smoked, had dinner and gave them a beef, after which we had a treaty of Council with Wash-i-kik and some 15 of his braves, explained the nature of Hickman's coming and by whom sent. A good spirit seemed to prevail and after much conversation adjourned till next day at which time Wash-i-kik was notified that he should have another beef and also his presents as sent by Gov. Young per Wm. A. Hickman..."

The next day, the presents were distributed and it was reported in a letter signed by William A. Hickman, Isaac Bullock and Lewis Robison of the friendliness the Indians had shown to them. The Indians' orderly conduct did not always prevail as indicated in a later letter by Daniel Wells: "A large amount of his [Washakie] people came to the fort to have a spree." And it appears that they did have one because it was told about a few fights that had taken place there. Washakie had even forced Robison to keep his store open after hours to supply more whiskey. Indications are that the Indians probably thought the presents were supplied by the Mormons as the Mormons had been suppliers for them previously. However, the Government had paid for the supplied the gifts. Although the Mormons were the main beneficiaries, all settlers in the region enjoyed the peaceful relations with the Indians.⁽⁶⁰⁾

Grandpa Bill personally set down a detailed record of facts pertaining to one Indian assignment in a report of Indian Affairs for Utah Territory. The report, published in the Deseret News on December 16, 1860 over William "Bill" A. Hickman's signature, is printed below in its entirety:

___________________________

16 December, 1860

Superintendent Davis and the Indians

Ruby Valley, U. T. Dec. 16, 1860

Editor News:

As everything pertaining to public affairs in our territory, especially our Indian relations, is of interest to the public, I avail myself of this opportunity to give your readers a brief sketch of my trip as guide to the expedition of Col. Davis, the newly appointed Superintendent of Indian Affairs for Utah, to the goshutes and Shoshones, who have been killing, robbing, and shooting at the mail and express riders all along this route, from Salt Lake City to Carson valley, ever since last spring.

We left Great Salt Lake City on Monday, the 26th day of November last; our train consisted of our wagons, one ambulance,* and two outriders on horseback. Col. Davis, Superintendent, was chief in command; Major Rogers, farm agent at Ruby Valley, second, and myself third. Nothing of note has transpired during our trip. The weather has been generally quite cold and we have had some rain and three snow storms.

The Indians have met us at every fixed or designated place in great numbers, and Col. Davis has distributed presents among them. Deep as the snow has been, and cold as the weather is, they have come--men, women, and children--to meet their "new captain," as they call the Col., and he pleases them all.

When they first approach us they appear timid and suspicious; but, by his superior knowledge of the Indian character and from his past experience, Col. Davis soon dispels their fears, and they begin to laugh and jabber as if we were all Indians together. He has literally fed the hungry and clothed the naked, and carried universal joy into the hears of these poor, destitute creatures to an extent they never felt before. He operates in an entirely new and different way from all other Indian officers I have seen in this country.

It is only repeating what is everywhere known, that by mismanagement the confidences and good feeling of the Indians towards the whites has been almost entirely destroyed. Col. Davis has already restored confidence wherever he has met the Indians, as I have witnessed on this expedition, which terminates at this place.

Had the reader been present as I have been, and witnessed their merrymaking and rejoicing as they sported the fine blankets, shirts, leggings, hats, feathers, and other ornaments, women's dresses, socks, rings, beads, paints, bells, hatchets, knives, looking glasses, combs, boots, shoes, pants, and so on, whilst others were feasting on the flour, beef and bacon he furnished them, it would have done the soul good, unless, indeed, he had no heart to rejoice at human happiness.

If the course adopted and pursued by Superintendent Davis be followed up, I hazard nothing in saying that a few years will suffice to make all the Indians in these mountains contented and happy, and there will be no more complaints of wars and robberies among them. Whilst I am writing, their merry songs in their wikkiups are ringing in my ears and their chiefs and head men are delighted beyond measure.

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*Note the word "ambulance" also needed in 1860.

I have written this to let the public know that we have seen hundreds and hundreds of these fighting, troublesome Indians, and that they promise to be peaceable and orderly; and their chiefs assure us that they will punish the refractory ones, until they break up stealing and fighting altogether.

Wm. A. Hickman

There are numerous other account os Grandpa Bill's experience with the Indians, but limited as we are by space, those selected few are representative illustrations that he was consulted on Indian matters and his strategy and expertise were extremely beneficial in making peace with these people. On many occasions he was the main source of carrying supplies into Indian camps. Brigham knew Grandpa Bill could ride with the roughest of men, sit in council with learned men and be a friend to the savage. He was truly a man among men!

Fate had touched Bill Hickman. He was destined to become one of the West's most shrewd Indian fighters and scouts, a frontier diplomat that Brigham would use time and time again to pacify the Indians and Gentiles, assured that each problem would be solved.

HIS EL DORADO

No sooner had the Indian trail become cool that another became "hot." Bill Hickman had heard there was gold to be found so after establishing himself in Utah, the mining fever really hit him. In 1851, a company going to California chose him as captain.⁽⁶¹⁾ This afforded him the opportunity to realize his dream of prospecting the gold fields there. He worked the Coon Hill Diggings, one mile south of Hangtown [Placerville]. This company left in August of 1851.*⁽⁶²⁾ He intended to be gone for two years, but in 1852 he heard there was uneasiness among the Indians in Utah, so true to Brigham Young, he returned to help, arriving home July 3, 1852 much wiser because of this experience.⁽⁶³⁾ His wife Minerva states in her diary: "My husband [William A. Hickman] decided to go to California and try his luck thier (sic)... He left a month or six weeks before my oldest girl was born 15 Sept. 1851. July 3, 1852, my husband came home from California. He brought home some horses and a little money and some nice specimens of gold that he dug his self out of the ground." This was only the beginning of frequent mining trips he made to different areas.

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*Two references say he went to California in 1850 for two years. Hilton, Hickman Research 1978; Edwin Hickman, Hilton, 1978 edition. Family group sheets of W. A. Hickman and Minerva Wade for births of children dispute this 1850 date.

Edwin Temple, Grandpa Bill's father, was anxious to get into the gold fields also. He wrote to his "Dear Children" asking about the gold situation "at the Lake." He told Bill and Bernetta he was not about to become a Mormon, but was really excited about the prospects of gold.⁽⁶⁴⁾ Three of Grandpa Bill's brothers caught the "fever"; Martin D., Thomas Jefferson, and Warren D. prospected in the Colorado Pike's Peak gold rush of 1859. Martin D. was killed by a claim jumper and the other two brothers avenged his death by "using him up" the same way.⁽⁶⁵⁾

Grandpa Bill's years in Utah were filled with one of the strongest passions of his life--that of prospecting and mining. It was through his knowledge of minerals that General Connor came to realize the great potential wealth of Utah.⁽⁶⁶⁾ Connor arrived in Utah with troops in May of 1862 and established mines.⁽⁶⁷⁾ He was the main developer of Utah mines and Grandpa Bill seems to have been one of his right-hand men in the mining industry. These two men seemed to fall in with each other. In Connor's report, he tells how "the Danite Chief" had ridden down Main Street boasting that the Army, or Connor's group, would be stopped from coming into the valley. Connor would not let this scare him out, but continued as he had planned. Rather than fight each other, they became friends and went mining together. Each had met his MATCH."⁽⁶⁸⁾

In the year 18 Grandpa Bill located some mining claims, drew up laws, and organized what was known as Camp Floyd Mining District. He called a meeting and the laws and constitution, together with the name he had given it were adopted and a clerk was appointed. In company with others he kept on prospecting.⁽⁶⁹⁾ Many of Grandpa Bill's friends who either did not wish or did not dare to do their own prospecting hired him to act as a mining scout in their interests.⁽⁷⁰⁾

Lerona Minerva, Grandpa Bill's daughter, says, "Pa bought a small piece of land below our old place by John Bennion's, built a big log house with upstairs in it. We lived there two years then went to Bingham Canyon to work in the mines. My father and Genral (sic) Connor was the founder of that mine. A big share of everything we raised went there. We used to pick peas by the sackful and the men used to stop on their way to and from Camp Douglas. Uncle James Hickman* came from the east and lived there [?] one year then he moved right up there to Bingham Canyon. After the family broke up my father went to Bingham for a few years and turned everything over to his brother Doctor James Hickman then moved to old Camp Floid (sic) now Fairfield, Cedar Valley. He took up land there.

__________________________

*This is the fifth brother mentioned. Only George W. and William A. stayed in Utah.

The Lewiston springs was his and they formed a mining club and took up more mines there and had a big smelter at the old camp Floid (sic). I was there one summer. Brigham didn't like his mining with Connor. The summer the grasshoppers was so bad the soldiers went east to get supplies and offered to take eny (sic) one back free of charge that wanted to go. Pa wanted to go, the first family wanted to go...but didn't..."⁽⁷¹⁾

The Deseret News reported "on 10 Sept. 1862, that Dr. William A. Hickman had returned two days previous from the Salmon and Snake Rivers with a party of 12 packers who had been searching for gold." Evidently he was killing two birds with one stone, making money for a livelihood as well as finances for the ferry he was establishing on the Snake River in Idaho. By guiding prospectors and panning a little gold himself, he could almost make ends meet. He went back to work on his Snake River Ferry and then returned to Utah in 1863.

In the summer of 1862 he went to Montana after some Flathead Indian horses he had purchased from one Bob Dempsy. He met up with some "gold diggers" and they traveled in Montana. Learning that the diggings were good in the Salmon river, they headed in that direction only to find it was about four hundred miles further. This was rather discouraging so they split company. Grandpa Bill and his group decided to return home. While prospecting along their way home, Grandpa Bill heard that gold had been found in great quantities in the East Bannock area. It was then he made up his mind to stay in the area and went so far as to unpack his prospecting gear. But the other men wouldn't stay. Being short of provisions, he knew his only chance of survival was to go along with them. So he packed up his gear and reluctantly headed for Salt Lake. This group saw much destruction by the Indians, endured many hardships and experienced some exciting times pushing through the rugged country.⁽⁷²⁾ (This trip is possibly the one mentioned in the above news article.) Having to return to Utah didn't discourage Grandpa Bill because he still had his eye sights on those gold nuggets at the Bannock mines. After replenishing his camp pack, he returned to the mines that same year.

On September 17, 1863, he became a share holder in the Jordan Silver Mining Company (1 share) Bingham Canyon, the first mining district in Utah Territory.⁽⁷³⁾ He had purchased some property at the mouth of Bingham Canyon and his family lived there. (See Lerona History p30) It is a fact that some of his holdings were included in this District.⁽⁷⁴⁾ He claims credit for taking the first piece of Galena ore to General Connor. According to historians, a difference of opinion was shared by Brigham Young and Connor over mining activities in Utah. Connor greatly influenced mining activities whereas Brigham Young opposed them. He was afraid the Saints would desert their tilling of the soil, resulting in a loss of desperately needed food for the pioneers.⁽⁷⁵⁾ It could have been possible that through Grandpa Bill's close association with Connor and the mining industry would mean another strike against him through the eyes of some of his Mormon friends.

Whether the company organized in September of 1863 failed or succeeded is unknown. There was ore shipped to a smelter near the site of Bingham City in 1870.⁽⁷⁶⁾ A copper plaque dedicated in February of 1963 in the Utah State Capitol Building by Governor George D. Clyde is engraved with the names of the men who participated in this first mining operation. Fifty-two names are listed, William A. Hickman's name is number six on the plaque which hangs today in the office of the Utah Minig Association, Kearns Building, Salt Lake City, Utah.⁽⁷⁷⁾

At the head of Little Cottonwood Canyon several mines were operating by 1870. The Emma, Flagstaff and many valuable location were taken up, hundreds of them.⁽⁷⁸⁾ An interesting newspaper tidbit follows which suggests the existence of a "Wild Bill Claim." Your guess is as good as ours. The article from the Salt Lake Tribune March 18, 1979, reads as follows: News briefs of the Salt Lake Tribune, 100, 50 and 25 years ago:

CITY JOTTINGS---March 18, 1879. A. J. Moore writes to say that Jimes Mowrey was captured at the Wild Bill claim, and not at the Flagstaff. We are glad that Mr. Moore was saved the 57 1/2 feet hard climbing from the Bill to the Flag.

He failed to make a fortune while others became rich around him. His El Dorado was never found!

FERRIES - Green River and Snake River

By late summer 1853 difficulty between Jim Bridger and Brigham Young was tense. They were both determined to each have right-of-way into the Great Basin. Part of this trouble was attributed to the territorial legislature granting the Mormon Church leader, D. H. Wells a charter to operate the Green River ferries from 1853-56. Under this charter right, in March 1853, Brigham Young suggested and encouraged Grandpa Bill to settle on the Green River. ⁽⁷⁹⁾

Obediently, "early in the spring of 1853, W. A. Hickman, a Utah attorney and merchant, left Salt Lake with a good supply of merchandise including a goodly supply of whiskey, which was then a major source of revenue, with a view to establish a trading post on some good spot east of the Basin entrance." Thus, one endeavor of Grandpa Bill's, the establishment of ferries and trading posts began. About May he located on the Green River where he could intercept all immigration before it reached Fort Bridger. He claimed to have cleared about $9,000 in three months time.⁽⁸⁰⁾ His profits was shared with many Saints crossing the ferry as noted by Brigham Young in his Journal May 19, 1854. Here was a chance for Grandpa Bill to help some of his less fortunate brethren who were short of cash, to get into the Valley. This he did by giving free passage on the ferry. At this time he was referred to as "Brother Hickman." He was asked to give a needed $1,000 for immigrants to cross on the ferry and gladly gave that as well. This trading post was an added indignity to Jim Bridger who had been operating a post for many years and was not content to see such lucrative trade going to others, especially the Mormons.⁽⁸¹⁾ Bridger's indignation didn't bother BILL HICKMAN.

Grandpa Bill's supply and camp wagons played as much a part in his life as his horse and saddle. He needed both to insure safe and prompt freight delivery of goods to the trading posts, Indians and into Salt Lake City.

This Green River location afforded him some trading experiences. His ingenuity and resourcefulness are found in the fact that as immigrants reached his trading post, many of their horses and wagons were in very poor condition. He always seemed to know just the right time to trade a good horse for two or three old tired ones which he fed, cared for and made ready for another trade. The same game was played with worn out wagons. A good trade always netted him a little extra money while this venture lasted.⁽⁸²⁾ In July of 1853, Brigham Young recorded in his Journal that William A. Hickman's camp on the Green River had been established and was used by a Captain P. E. Marshall's Group.⁽⁸³⁾

In October 1853, at a General Conference, fifty-three men were called to join Sheriff Hickman in either taking over Fort Bridger or establishing an independent settlement.⁽⁸⁴⁾ Brigham Young had fathered this idea to help the Saints who were being bled of their money and goods by the Mountain men at Bridger. On November 26, 1853, these fifty-three men formed a posse and joined the Hickman group. Together they made a futile attempt to take Fort Bridger by force. After this failure, they went twelve miles south of Fort Bridger, establishing Fort Supply** and doing missionary work.⁽⁸⁵⁾ This fort surely served its purpose as a companion colony to Fort Bridger until it was destroyed. One of the men involved in the above mentioned posse was Hosea Stout whose diary gives many interesting insights concerning happenings on the Green River. The Diary states that on May 1, 1854, Hosea Stout left for the Green River mission along with others. He was totally unprepared, but joined the caravan placing his luggage and provisions on a wagon driven by W. A. Hickman. A May 7, 1854 entry states: "Arrived without incident...most god forsaken place I have ever seen."

_______________________

*This is a natural title of respect used by the Mormons as well as other religious denominations.

These days on the Green River were trying times for all these men, especially Grandpa Bill who, through his appointment as Sheriff was policing that area. The ferries on the Green River were not held or relinquished by owners without some problems. As soon as Green River County was organized in May of 1854, a peace mission was sent to assure the Shoshones that the Mormons were not in the area to cause trouble and to "assure them of our good wishes toward them and to allay the prejudice which some unprincipled mountaineer had raised against us." On June 15, 1854 Elisha Ryan, who lived with the Shoshones Indians, responded to a call from their Chief to penetrate this settlement to learn what the intentions were on the Green River lands. He warned the settlers not to cut timber, build houses or establish towns on the land. He claimed the Indians owned all right to ferries on the Green River and denounced the legislature of Utah for granting charters to any white man. He began taking possession of the ferries by force, but was soon ordered to relinquish them by Sheriff Hickman. On June 17, 1854 men claiming rights to ferries and all trade on the Green River, along with Elisha Ryan and the Indians, entered into bonds of arbitration to keep the Indians peaceable. However, Ryan broke his part of the treaty and Judge Appleby issued a writ was given to Mr. (Sheriff) Hickman who with a posse of six men started after Ryan. When Sheriff Hickman arrived at Kinney's, he found Ryan in a drunken sleep. Ryan admitted he was drunk when he took the ferry and money and upon second thought, he gave both back and fell asleep. "Thus ended the Sabbath on Green River."⁽⁸⁶⁾

Grandpa Bill, our Information Specialist, was alert to all activities on the Green River. Acting in his role of Indian Scout for Brigham Young, on July 13, 1854 he was able to write a full report to Brigham Young on the situation with the Indians and Mountain Men. His report described clearly and accurately the lawless situation on the ferries, and the action of Jim Bridger. However, this report goes on to say that after no small effort good feelings prevailed among the Shoshones, the Mountaineers and the Mormons. However, he found it impossible at this point to separate the alliance existing between the Mountaineers and the Indians. In his report he warned Brigham Young against Porter Rockwell who had threatened to "stir things up by killing Indians."⁽⁸⁷⁾ This indicated Grandpa Bill's concern for keeping peace between these three factions. We note with interest the expression of James Brown while on the Green River when he said, "...but for the 'cool head' of Bill Hickman much blood would have been shed."⁽⁸⁸⁾

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**See Utah War p 45

Negotiations with the Indians had begun again with Grandpa Bill distributing more gifts to appease them. It was at this time (1854) that the Indians asked the Mormons to build a ferry across the Snake River, in Idaho, near the existing buffalo herds so they would have a source to food and hides to trade.⁽⁸⁹⁾

The Indians were not the only ones desiring a ferry. The gold fever epidemic raged in Idaho. It was found that the Snake River was a barrier in getting to the gold fields of Montana and northern Idaho. After a rugged trip from Salt Lake City to the Bannock mines in 1862 (see p 31), William A. Hickman and Harry Rickards, recognizing a good opportunity to make some money, began getting things ready to build a ferry across the Snake. By the end of May 1863, they were busy at a point near the ford that the Indians used to cross the river. The ferry crossed near a lava rock island where some eagles made their nest and the ferry quickly became known as Eagle Rock Ferry. When it was almost completed, Rickards left Hickman to work on the construction while he rode to Soda Springs to round up some customers. Here he talked hard and fast persuading two immigrant trains and a freight train to try the road to Montana, a short cut, by the new ferry.

On June 12 they all hitched up and followed Rickards out into the sagebrush where there was not even a road. Their wagons bogged down in a swampy area along the Blackfoot Creek. Luckily a trapper by the name of Stuart who had tagged along showed a little dissatisfied with Rickards and his "short cut." Their talk was half joking and half serious about hanging him for bringing them on this route. Several times during the day along their route, they would ask Stuart, "Just how far is it to the Snake River?" When they arrived June 18, the ferry still wasn't ready. Disappointed, they waited. Stuart and his party crossed the river the old fashioned way by swimming their horses.

By June 20 the ferry was ready. The two hundred and thirty people who waited on the bank with their wagons and teams began crossing. The Eagle Rock Ferry was in business! The charge was $4 for a wagon and team, 15 cents for one sheep, etc. The $30,000 netted by the two men during the time the ferry was in operation must have been welcome to repay outstanding debts. Grandpa Bill was always conscious of his obligations to his debtors, especially Brigham Young who had so obligingly loaned him money at times to take care of his families while he was away from home. He sold his ferry interests in 1863 and returned home.⁽⁹⁰⁾

WILD BILL TURNS CIVIL!

Grandpa Bill was knowledgeable on many subjects and we find his opinion was sought and his influence was felt in most all meetings held concerning various matters. This has been apparent in preceding events.

His plateau was reached beginning the year 1853. The next seven years can truthfully be referred to as the hallmark of his life, the main event centering around the purchase of Fort Bridger and the subject just covered.

In the winter of 1853-54 Grandpa Bill studied law books as he had a "smattering when I was young in Missouri."⁽⁹¹⁾ He stated: "I applied for a license to practice law the year Judge Shaver's court was in session [1854-55] at which time I acted as Bailiff and Marshal. After having been given a sever test by a committee with Secretary Almon W. Babbit as foreman, I was granted a license to practice law and did so for several years.⁽⁹²⁾

At the time Green River was organized as part of Utah Territory, March 3, 1854, W. I. Appleby was appointed Probate Judge and Grandpa Bill was made County Sheriff, Prosecuting Attorney, Assessor and Tax Collector.⁽⁹³⁾ Brigham Young assigned Grandpa Bill to use his influence in quieting down the mountaineers in that section of the country. In 1854 he was appointed Deputy U. S. Marshal under Deputy Marshal Joseph L. Heywood. Under this appointment his assigned duty was to make arrests of "hard men."⁽⁹⁴⁾ During this time he made many personal enemies as well as friends. Any law enforcement problems he encountered were certainly performed within his rights as an officer of the law, federal as well as local. His term as Deputy Marshal ended in 1858 after the Utah War ended and Green River County became part of Wyoming Territory.

In 1855 Grandpa Bill was elected the Representative to the Utah Territory Legislature from Green River County.⁽⁹⁵⁾ This session was held in Fillmore, Utah, the "Seat of the government of the Territory."⁽⁹⁶⁾ Roll call shows that he was not present the opening day.⁽⁹⁷⁾ In his own words we quote: "In 1855 reached Green River and no emigration yet, so I left the Ferry in charge of good men and went home; stayed a few days and made arrangements for the August elections. Went back, closed our ferrying; went to Fort Supply and remained until the first Monday in August. I was then elected Representative of the County. I went to Salt Lake City again and attended to several law suits in the Probate and District courts. The Legislature set. I attended and got my traveling fees for two hundred and eighty miles.*** I rented a room...attended forty days. I was appointed to the Committee of Counties and Corporations and had the honor of naming a county which I named Shambip." (Rush Valley)⁽⁹⁸⁾

"Dec. 10, 1855. The legislature met in the New State House which is, however, not entirely finished yet. The upper room in which the House of Representatives met is a spacious Hall feet by and well finished. Mr. Bullock the Chief Clerk of the former House called the House to order and all the members answered to their names except W. A. Hickman of Green River County."⁽⁹⁹⁾ "Tuesday 11 Dec. 1855. Mr. W. A. Hickman Repe (sic) from Green River appeared and took his seat."

"Friday 11 Jan. 1856 Joint Session met at ten a.m. Mr. Hickman presented 'An Act creating and defining the boundaries of Shambip County* which was received and read three (through) several times and passed.'⁽¹⁰⁰⁾ This was the only full session ever to be held in Fillmore. The appropriated funds for the "public" buildings was not enough to complete them; so as funds ran out,"...Therefore be it resolved by the Governor and Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Utah that the seat of Government is removed from Fillmore City to Great Salt Lake City until otherwise provided by law."⁽¹⁰¹⁾

An interesting entry in Hosea Stout's Diary is the fact that Grandpa Bill's brother, George Washington Hickman,** was Notary Public of Shambip County.

WILLIAM ADAMS HICKMAN, ATTORNEY

The time on the Green River offered Grandpa Bill more opportunity to pursue his law practice. Grandpa Bill and Hosea Stout were on this location at the same time for several months. These two young attorneys while on the Green River probably formed some sort of an alliance to work with each other as an attorney team.

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*In the special collection room of the main Salt Lake Library, the History of The County Archives of Utah #23 Tooele County reads: In 1860 the population of Shambip County is listed as 162 people, all the farms were worth $2,320 and the livestock listed as $8,200. (Special Collection Room)

**These two brothers had a close relationship with each other. Upon several occasions we find their names linked with each other in some way or another.

***See Expense Account, Letters, Testimonials and Documents p119.

It is a recorded fact in Stout's Diary that for several years both were deep in the practice of law, trying cases, often together as well as alone, making quite a name for themselves as "good lawyers." Stout's Diary records some of these cases:

"5 February 1856 District Court at ten a.m. The case of the United States against Carlos Murry for the murder of an Indian in Thousand Spring Valley was brought up. W. A. Hickman, A. B. Chesley Council for the defendant." (p 463) Little, Stout, and Hickman were in court acting on cases as attorneys "for deft" [defendant] Oct. 23, 1855. (p 563)

Jan 30, 1856, Suit before "probe court...Myself and Hickman for the defence (sic)." (p 590)

February 5, 1856. Court convened at 10 A.M. "W. A. Hickman and Thomas S. William council for the deft...Evidence weak ...Don't see how the jury can find him (Murry) guilty." (p 591)

"May 20, 1856...Went to Hickmans and staid (sic) all night coming home next day in afternoon." (p 597)

"Monday September 8, 1856. A singular case...People vs Luke Johnson and others on a charge for assult (sic) and battery case...in Shambip Co...W. A. Hickman defendants attorney so change of venue was obtained. Then we filed a motion to dismiss case on grounds Judge A. Lee was not qualified to give bonds according to the law...This motion was argued at great length and the court dismissed the case. Hickman, Little and myself were defendants council (sic)." (p 600)

"Saturday Oct. 11, 1856...the grand jury closed its business by presenting an indictment vs. Peter Dotson, Thos D. Pitt, Thomas S. Williams and Joseph P. Watters for breaking up the finishing room of the Tannery charging them all as principal and accessary before the fact." ...This trial became quite a "fiasco" as a separate trial for Williams who was found guilty. Stout and Hickman were attorneys "on the part of the people" (p 603)

Tuesday 16 February 1858. Stout and Hickman again acting as council (sic) for plft in "Assumpsit Demand $850...each party pay their witnesses and debts pay the cost." Results suitable. (p 653)

May 3, 1858...probate court* "W. A. Hickman and John Bear attorneys for plft." (p 658)

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*Probate Court was created on a county basis by the territorial legislature in 1855. Cases tried in this court included return on sale of real estate, notice to creditors, reports, bonds, oaths and distribution of Guardian petitions for settlement of final accounts, distribution of estates and certificated proof of will. Although interesting these cases might have been. (History of Tooele County, Archives of Utah #323, Special Collection Room, Main Salt Lake Library.)

Perhaps the most talked about case Attorney Hickman was called on to defend was that of Thomas H. Ferguson who was accused of murdering a man by the name of Alex Carpenter. On December 21, 1858, a repeated history of threats was made against the Mormons in a private conversation between Grandpa Bill and Judge C. E. Sinclair. Our "Information Specialist" Bill Hickman didn't waste any time relating this to Governor Brigham Young.⁽¹⁰²⁾ Mormons and gentiles were still on opposite sides, and Sinclair was something of a character who was appointed to office after the Utah War...one more unqualified and unjust Gentile who came into the territory in the name of justice.

Ferguson had shot Alex Carpenter on Saturday, September 17, 1859. On Tuesday, September 20, Judge Sinclair appointed Attorney Hickman and T. S. Williams to act for the defense giving them only one hour to prepare the case. On this date, "Court arraigned T. H. Ferguson who pled not guilty. Case continued till tomorrow. Grand Jury discharged [crossed out] was called up and tried." Stout was attorney for the prosecution. "The Virdict (sic) of the jury was guilty of murder in the first degree," and Ferguson was to be hanged on SUNDAY. This sentence was protested through a tirade of citizens and the hanging was postponed. Friday, September 23, 1859, Mr. Ferguson, the prisoner, was sentenced to be hanged on Friday, 28 October. Court adjourned same day. On the set day, Ferguson was taken to the gallows and hanged about 1 p.m. He had contended that Sinclair had not given him a fair trial and blamed the Governor for not commuting his sentence to life imprisonment; however, he held no hard feelings toward Bill Hickman and felt that under the circumstances he had done his best.⁽¹⁰³⁾

Shortly after this trial, Sinclair was removed from office and returned to Washington. His judicial career resulted in failure and he is only remembered in Utah as the Judge who appointed a Sunday for the first execution of a white man what had occurred as yet in the territory.

In a letter from George A. Thompson, Layton, Utah, February 20, 1980, who wrote an article* in the Peace Officers Publication, Winter 1979 issue, says: "...and the Ferguson trial is also used in Weber College by the professor teaching police science as an

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*See letter on p Thompson's Article, in 1979 titled "The Man Who Preached His Own Eulogy" states "Attorney Hickman committed suicide after Federal officials charged him with a whole series of crime." This false information moved us to write the Peace Officer Magazine telling them so. In answer they asked us as is stated in the letter on p to write something for the publication, which we did and the article entitled "BACKFIRE" appears in the May 1980 issue. Read it and let us know how it sounds. (Letters Testimonials and Documents) example of the lack of early Utah courts. It was Sinclair's Court which was referred to in Thompson's article.

ACQUISITION OF FORT BRIDGER

Governor Brigham Young foresaw the Indian problem developing in the Great Basin. The answer to solving this problem was to buy Fort Bridger and establish Mormon ferries on the Green River by which the Saints could cross before reaching Utah.⁽¹⁰⁴⁾ Governor Young strongly suspected Bridger of being opposed to formation of settlements in this region. For this reason he felt Bridger was an instigator of Indian troubles. This was another incentive to buy Fort Bridger.

Fort Bridger came into existence in 1842 and along with other forts offered various types of commodities as well as a place for weary travelers to rest from their journeys.⁽¹⁰⁵⁾

Previous to 1853, Brigham Young purchased of James Bridger a Mexican grant for 30 square miles of land and some cabins afterward known as Fort Bridger.⁽¹⁰⁶⁾

Various accounts have been written as to the purchase of Fort Bridger, all very detailed. Troubles of all sorts were encountered in the acquisition of this stronghold for the Mormons. Bridger had never encountered men as determined as the MORMONS. He had had the run of this area for a long time and was not about to give it up without a fight. Mountain Men, Indians and Mormons were at it again!

Not being able to subdue Bridger, the leader of the Mountain Men, Governor Young decided to take a more firm hand against Bridger's trouble making; so on "August 1, 1853, a warrant for Bridger's arrest was issued to Sheriff Hickman...gunfighter...trouble-shooter, and body guard, who was sent to arrest Bridger and seize his arms and ammunition that he was supplying to the Indians for the purpose of causing was on the mormons, and destroy all his liquors." Someone squealed and the sly Bridger left camp leaving all he owned behind, his Indian wife included. According to Hickman "no ammunition was found," but he added humorously, whiskey and rum were plentiful which stock was destroyed by doses...all officers aided in carrying out the orders and worked so hard during the day and night that day were exhausted...not being able to stand up. The privates, poor fellows! Were rationed and did not do so much."⁽¹⁰⁷⁾ (see A & H p 45 ref 22) The men on this assignment were paid the "large sum of $15.00 each for their services."⁽¹⁰⁸⁾

When the group headed by Hickman didn't find Bridger, they waited around at the fort for about two months for him to come back. When Bridger did not return after this length of time, and being fearful of a group of Mountain Men together with a tribe of Ute Indians who were in the area, the Mormons moved on and established a settlement 12 miles south of Ft. Bridger known as Fort Supply.

After establishing Fort Supply in 1853, the purchase of Fort Bridger was number one priority on Governor Young's agenda; he began making plans. The purchase of Ft. Bridger was of importance to Brigham Young and he was determined to secure it. Who was the most able bodied man he knew to help him secure this property? In reviewing the list of most likely men, the name BILL HICKMAN was his choice. After all, wasn't he a law man, Indian scout and peace maker, the best equipped for this job; so, welded to his horse and saddle, our Grandpa Bill obediently set out on Indian peace-making missions as a forerunner to arrange for the purchase of the Fort. Bill Hickman was one of Governor Brigham Young's counter-forces to the rugged mountain men who surrounded forts and outposts in the West.⁽¹⁰⁹⁾ Under his appointment as a law man, Grandpa Bill's visits to the Mountain Men and Indians became more frequent and profitable. It seems Brigham Young could pretty much handle the Indians along with the help of Bill Hickman his Indian Scout, but as the "jargon" in those days goes, Jim Bridger was "an arrowhead in the flesh of the Mormon leaders. "Governor Young had not yet run up against anyone as stubborn and ornery as Bridger. He bore "the Bridger barb" for some time before he got down to business to do something about it.⁽¹¹⁰⁾

The next two years 1853-55, the Fort was controlled by the Mountain Men with little care until possession was made by the Mormons upon Bridger's return. This was accomplished in the following manner:

In July 1855, as the representative from the Church, Bill Hickman approached Jim Bridger about selling the Fort. Lewis Robison, the Mormon purchasing agent, arrived at Fort Supply July 31, 1855, awaiting Bridger to make up his mind. Hickman arrived August 1, 1855, and reported to Robison that mountain men were putting pressure on Bridger not to sell. On the cover of Fort Bridger, Island in the Wilderness, is an excerpt from a letter dated August 5, 1855, from Lewis Robison to Governor Young. The original reads: "Dear Brothe. I arrived at F. T. Supply Tuesday Evening an waited far Wm. A. Hickman to see what the best could be done. he came to F. T. Supply on Wednesday Evening an Report Bridger very careless and indifferent about Selling...(sic)" (This letter in its entirety is found on page 176 in Fort Bridger, Gowans & Campbell.) The next move made was by Robison who went to Ft. Bridger to talk over final agreements with Bridger. Purchase price agreed upon was $8,000.

An initial payment of $4,000 was made to Bridger by Lewis Robison with the balance to be paid in fifteen months. The signatures of Wm. A. Hickman and Almirin Grow are affixed, August 3, 1855, to this contract which stipulates: "...Bridger and Vasques do sell and convey...all the right title and interest...to Louis Robison..."⁽¹¹¹⁾ August 9, 1855, Brigham Young wrote to Robison stating: "We are glad the purchase is made."

Two years later, 1857, concerning events of Fort Bridger, Grandpa Bill wrote: "The post was then, and had been for two years, owned by the Church, and in possession of Mr. Robison who had charge of the same from the time of its purchase, I have been one of the carriers of the heavy load of gold it took to purchase said place with livestock and goods thereon." "The unfortunate thing about this quote is that historians and writers have been reluctant to put much faith in it since Bill Hickman had a dubious reputation. However, it appears that Hickman was correct in his memory of this event...and his statement is further evidence that Fort Bridger was purchased in 1855."⁽¹¹²⁾ More information on the part played by Grandpa Bill in the purchase of Fort Bridger is found in Fort Supply and Fort Bridger, Gowans & Campbell. Space limits additional excerpts. However in the Ft. Bridger purchase as well as other matters we have mentioned, we find Brigham Young's complete confidence in Grandpa Bill's leadership and ability. If William A. Hickman had done nothing else in his years of service to Brigham Young and the Church, his place in Utah History should be assured because of this mission.

Even after the Church purchased Fort Bridger, problems arose. Bridger got into BIG trouble, yet he had the fun of spending the $8,000 which the Church had paid him. This was not ALL Jim Bridger did. While he was spending the first $4,000, he also made a deal with the government to lease this same land he had sold to the Church [Fort Bridger] to General Johnston for a military post at $500 a year for ten years with option to buy.*

Johnson didn't consider the Fort legally owned by the Church as he had made a thorough search finding out there had been no Mexican grant to Jim Bridger in the first place. He took over the Fort; however, no rent was paid Bridger at that time. The government maintained Bridger would have to prove his title and he could not. He held it by rights of possession only. In 1857

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*This fort was retained as an active army outpost by the government. Currently the site is owned by the State of Wyoming and jointly operated by the Museums Division of the State Archives, Museums and Historical Society, and the Wyoming Recreation Commission.

Johnson's army came in and a post was established. Twenty years later Bridger put i a claim to the government for $6,000. Eighteen years after Bridger's death, his family won suit for payment in this amount (1899) All the government had to show for the $6,000 claim on the Fort by Bridger was part of an old stone wall which was not built by Bridger at all, but by the Mormons. In 1858 Bridger had the nerve to collect his final payment from the Church for this "white elephant." The Church also reimbursed Bridger for the supplies used by the men at Fort Bridger while waiting his return, in the amount of $500 rent, and $1,433.30 supplies.

This Fort Bridger deal was a "low blow" to Brigham Young to think he would be so "unwise as to be outdone by old Jim." Brigham Young made several applications for his claim to the Fort, but to no avail. The government never compensated the Church for Bridger's "ripping." Here was another big loss, one the Church could not again afford. Their first land investment had fallen through. Upon hearing that Johnson's army was moving in to take over the Fort, Brigham Young ordered it burned to ashes. Since he thought the Church owned the property, he felt justified in this action. (See Utah War) Upon arrival, Johnston's army found nothing but destruction* to build on.⁽¹¹³⁾ Four years of colonizing efforts in the Green River Valley were left in ashes. This amounted to an estimated total loss of $300,000.

How were the Mormons ever going to sustain this loss?

This setback did not stop Brigham Young. The next venture he undertook which included Bill Hickman was the Mail...No wonder Grandpa Bill was away from home so much! Brigham Young Needed Bill Hickman!

THE MAIL...HI HO SILVER AWAY!

Exciting experiences never seemed to come to an end in the life of our Grandpa Bill Hickman. Again, in the East more antagonism against the Mormons was brewing. This time concerning a mail contract to an from the East. On January 26, 1856 in Salt Lake City, a mass meeting was held to organize the Brigham Young Express and Carrying Company.⁽¹¹⁴⁾ As a result of this meeting a note of dissatisfaction is expressed in Hosea Stout's Diary on page 597 from which we quote: "20 May 1856. Eastern mail left this morning. This evening there was an Indignation Meeting held at the Council House against the conduct and practices of the mail agents,

conductors &c which was adjourned till tomorrow evening." What was known as the "Contractors War" in the East, 1856, resulted in a contract being awarded to Hiram Kimball as low bidder.⁽¹¹⁵⁾ This furnished precisely the opportunity Brigham Young desired. It was common knowledge that a contract would never be let to Brigham Young or the Church; so Kimball turned the contract over to Brigham, who in turn organized the Brigham Young Express and Carrying Company, also known as the Y X Company. William A. Hickman and Lewis Robison were authorized to buy animals from previous contractors for the Y X Company.⁽¹¹⁶⁾

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*"The total loss and damage to these Mormon Pioneers, in this case, was about $300,000.".."If not a bit conservative." (Island In The Wilderness p 101.)

Through the deliberate delayed decision of the contractors to even let it go to Hiram Kimball, a year passed before the formal contract for the Company finally arrived making it official. The contractors' reason for delay was that service had not started on time because of "unsettled conditions in Salt Lake." However, mail was carried out successfully intermittently during this year, 1856.⁽¹¹⁷⁾

In a letter to Orson Pratt from Brigham Young January 31, 1857, he states: "The mail to the East will be carried subject to our directions by various brethren and to it we propose adding an express and carrying company for freight, express, passengers, etc."

Grandpa Bill was called by Brigham Young to carry the mail to the East for the Y X Company. this he reluctantly agreed to do even though he believed it would cost him more in time and money than he could earn by accepting this hazardous and dangerous journey. He probably agreed because it would give him a chance to return to Missouri and see his family there, which he did. He said that on this trip, they nearly froze to death. Again, from Hosea Stout, page 621, he gives us more information on this event: "Sunday 8 February 1857. Quorum meeting at my house. Wm. A. Hickman and some 8 others started this morning with the Eastern mail." Mail service between Laramie and Independence was placed under the direction of W. A. Hickman and John Murdock. They arrived at Independence, Missouri, twenty-six days later.⁽¹¹⁸⁾ The Journal History of the Church Feb. 8, 1857, reads: "Eight persons started out for the U. S. with mail at 3 p.m. William A. Hickman, Archibald Gardner (Gardiner) Joshua Terry, John Black, Charles Woodward, Herber Woodward, George Boyd, Wm. Hennifer and Monty Black, a California gambler..." Brigham Young wanted "energetic men to see that mail is carried through." Several entries in the Journal History are noted with reference to Grandpa Bill and the mail,* attesting to his importance in this venture. This historic mail journey took place three years before the Pony Express started. Grandpa Bill was so trained and fearless that he was not a PONY EXPRESS RIDER, but he rode the pony express.⁽¹¹⁹⁾

THE UTAH WAR - 1857-1858

The Mormons understandably labored under a persecution complex. They were determined not to suffer as in the past, so upon hearing indirectly that United States President Buchanan was sending an army to the Utah Territory to "keep law and order," Brigham Young at once jumped to the defense of his people. He was Governor of Utah and legally the army had no authority to enter the territory. What he did not know was that President Buchanan had replaced him as Governor March 1857. He charged the Saints to prepare to defend themselves. The Nauvoo Legion was called up and the Utah Militia was sent out on the plains to protect Saints headed for Zion. Each man, woman and child knew exactly what his job was in this defense program.

Governor Young's first official contact with either the Military or the Government was the arrival in Salt Lake City of Major Stewart Van Vliet who had been sent for a formal visit with Brigham Young to discuss purchase of forage and lumber for the U. S. Troops that the Government intended to establish in Utah. Governor Young made it quite clear to Van Vliet that he didn't want to fight the U. S., but in his authoritative voice he is quoted as saying: "If the Gentiles wish to see a few more tricks, we have Mormons that can perform them. We are self sufficient, and being so, we have already showed the invading army a few tricks; and if they persist in making war upon us, I should share in their supplies. We have some mean devils who have invaded our midst, and we intend to keep them; and if the devil does not look sharp we will cheat him out of them at the last, for they will reform and go to heaven with us."⁽¹²⁰⁾ Van Vliet was astounded at the forcefulness of the decision of the Mormons and upon returning to Washington in November to make his report he stated that, "If the United States made war on the Mormons, he would withdraw from the Army."⁽¹²¹⁾ Grandpa Bill was one of the MORMONS Governor Young had reference to, and to show he meant business, on 15 September 1857, he declared martial law. The successful completion of a war would insure the survival of the Mormons in Utah and the permanency of their wilderness experiment.⁽¹²²⁾

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*A good summary of the entire early Utah mail experience is found in the section entitled "To Set the Record Straight" pp 10 through 17.

Grandpa Bill's role in the Utah War of 1857-58, was fairly important, At this time he was acting as Deputy U. S. Marshal in which capacity he held jurisdiction over the area. He served with Daniel H. Wells during this campaign against Federal Troops.⁽¹²³⁾ It is important to note that all through the war Grandpa Bill was acting as a Deputy U. S. Marshal

This war was called at different times "The Mormon Rebellion," or the "Echo Canyon War." The most exciting confrontation was on the night of October 5, 1857. This appointed law man, whose fast draw on the trigger became legendary, was chosen a guerrilla captain along with Lot Smith and Porter Rockwell with eighteen companions to face the advancing U. S. Army under command of General Albert S. Johnson. They had a back up militia of about 1100 men from the reactivated Nauvoo Legion. On route to Salt Lake and army had to pass through the half tunnel of red sandstone appropriately named Echo Canyon about eighty miles northeast of Salt Lake. The threat of concealed marksmen raining bullets from above on them, plus the threat of rolled boulders, stopped the march of some 2500 army men sent in by President James Buchanan.

Captain Bill Hickman was with the Lot Smith group who burned the large supply train at Green River and Big Sandy, depriving the Army of about 500,000 lbs. of provisions. This was accomplished through guerrilla warfare tactics. The destroyed supply train for these troops was reported to be six miles in length numbering twenty-six trains of twenty-six wagons each. After destruction of this train of provisions, September 29, 1857, Fort Bridger and Fort Supply were put into flames and grass burned for several miles around. This cut off the Army's lifeline of food and supplies.⁽¹²⁴⁾

Another of Grandpa Bill's assigned duties was to annoy the soldiers of Johnston's Army as much as possible. He worked along with Lot Smith, Porter Rockwell and several others, particularly running off stock. That was right up his alley; and the first half of October he and these willing companions did just that...275 one time and 150 another, taking them to the Salt Lake Valley. The herd of 150 was located near Mountaineer Fort where the trains had been burned. Some of the train men went with Grandpa Bill saying they had enough "government hell whacking" to last them the rest of their lives. Later "1400 head were driven to the Valley by Porter Rockwell and Rich."⁽¹²⁵⁾ After peace had been restored both herds of cattle were returned to Johnston at Camp Floyd by orders of Governor Brigham Young.⁽¹²⁶⁾

One of Grandpa Bill's brothers who showed his loyalty in this cause was George Washington. Hosea Stout records on p 645 in his Diary: "Wed. 11 Nov. 1857, G. W. Hickman came in today having been discharged by the officers. He reports them on Black's Fork where the snow is 2 1/2 inches deep, and weather cold and animals dying. He was astonished when he arrived with our troops at what had been done and the number of cattle taken from our enemies for they had not let him know anything about it."

By this time acting as a Deputy U. S. Marshal, Grandpa Bill had trained himself more thoroughly in underground activities to protect the Territory, becoming a strong reinforcement to the Utah army and Brigham Young. His intelligence reports were extremely helpful in keeping an eye on Johnston's Army. Among men under surveillance at this time, was a man named Yates. It had been "noised around" that he was a spy and was selling ammunition to Johnston's Army. He was taken prisoner by Grandpa Bill to be delivered to the City and to Brigham Young. Men with Grandpa Bill at the time of Yate's capture were a brother T. J. Hickman, who he sent on, John Flack, Lewis Meachum, Hosea Stout and Col. Johns. Grandpa Bill delivered some letters to D. H. Wells, Commander, and reported to him about his capture of Yates.⁽¹²⁷⁾ Incidentally, the man Yates was killed. It is apparent even in line of duty, Grandpa Bill was used by those who didn't want to admit their whereabouts or participation in this event. Unless people are willing to cooperate, it matters very little who is at a place at a given time. This is precisely what happened. This distasteful duty was in the hands of a law man...Bill Hickman, and as for the others, were they "their brother's keeper?" In actuality, Grandpa Bill's suit was never proven.

A contemporary account which established place and date is from Lorenzo Brown. On September 30, 1957, he wrote: "Drove four miles up Echo to the camp commanded by Col. N. V. Jones where we expect to make a stand." On October 18, 1857, he notes: "Wm. Hickman came in with a prisoner named Yates. He [Yates] sold 3 or 400 lbs. powder and some lead etc. to the troops which he had promised to us."⁽¹²⁸⁾ In that war climate we can easily see how this would brand Yates as an enemy. His complicity in the ammunition selling is supported by Albert Tracey, a member of the Johnston expedition. On April 10, 1860 as they were leaving the territory, he wrote: "Drew up for a change of teams at the identical adobe trading house of Yates. Yates! He has never been seen by any of us since the day we purchased his powder."⁽¹²⁹⁾ This confirms the story that Yates actually did sell his powder to the soldiers of Johnston's Army rather than to the Mormons, thus BRANDING HIMSELF AN ENEMY SPY.

Grandpa Bill's style of life was when the West was for winning. It seems he was born to the saddle. We see him weathered and creased, sometimes dust caked; much of his life was spent in the open, going where his duty called him. There was a charisma about him which was always so prized in the old days that he never found himself lacking friends, many of them finding their way to his home and especially was this true at his "camp house" or open fire in the Mountains.

We relate one of many similar experiences in the life of Grandpa Bill which, incidentally, took place during the Utah War. Our interpretation of this story goes like this: In 1857 William Clark and three other men joined an Ox Team Company across the plains to Utah to deliver supplies to three new Military posts. Upon arrival at Fort Bridger they decided to go on to California, but were refused a pass through Mormon lines by Colonel Johnston. Still determined, they set out and were captured by Bill Hickman and others, who were to escort them to the city. This group encountered Mormon soldiers who invited them into their camp. Clark and his companions commented that "they had never seen such poor specimens of humanity and were shocked at the clothing, quilts and blankets made into clothing for the Mormon soldiers." They listened as the Mormon soldiers sang songs of encouragement and offered prayers for their protection against the Army. This camp can be compared only to that of Valley Forge to appreciate the price these men were willing to pay in defending their liberty and freedom to worship. As this experience sealed a bond between Washington and his soldiers, so the same bond of devotion was sealed between Governor Brigham Young and his soldiers. Grandpa Bill was ONE OF THESE MEN.

Clark and his companions soon reasoned that the stories they had heard about the Mormons were enlarged and farfetched. The second morning Clark and companions got together joking, seeming to enjoy each other's association. These men knew of Bill Hickman and made an agreement that if they acted alright, they expected to be treated like gentlemen. All went well. At no time in his report did Mr. Clark have anything derogatory to say about his escort.

Clark's provisions were left at the "camp house," for as long as they were with Bill Hickman, "they didn't need them." His larder was theirs. They rode down Emigration Canyon at "HIGH SPEED" and as they entered the city, every woman and child was out to see Hickman and his prisoners. Clark suggested they have something to drink to "warm them up." So for a $5 gold piece, Hickman got it for them. Putting them up at the Townsend Hotel, instructions were given to "take good care of them." They all ate supper together. Hickman promised to introduce them to Brigham Young the next day so they could get a permit to travel in the territory wherever they wanted to; and he did, warning them that they were in dangerous hands if they got out of line.⁽¹³⁰⁾ He let them know who was in authority even though a comradeship existed. He had families in the territory who needed his protection.

It is our opinion that many of the tales told by Grandpa Bill and threats made were to ward off anyone antagonizing the privacy of the Saints, and to inform intruders they were not among "baby sitters." Grandpa Bill had an ulterior motive in getting a pass for these men. He told Brigham Young that, no doubt, if there men traveled in the territory long enough, they would join the Church. However, these Gentile men didn't seem to share his idea.

Does this assignment, just completed, indicate the nature of a man who would take advantage of his authority to kill a prisoner just because he felt he had the right to do so? No, it sound like his intentions were to build up Zion and not to tear it down. It was necessary for Grandpa Bill to play the role of the "Tough Law Man." Most people he dealt with were schooled and cunning in their tactics, and he needed to be one jump ahead of them. It was imperative to match them! Many times he did, calling their bluff. Through his policies, he became what we term a valuable "Information Specialist" to Brigham Young. Had he displayed less than the necessary toughness, his unique contribution to society would have been disregarded, and he learned through actual experiences some of the things he had to accomplish. Through these experiences his life could have been one of complete happiness and fulfillment, but he chose the "hard way." This is why his life story is so intriguing.

OBJECTIONABLE INCIDENTS

In reviewing the life of Grandpa Bill it is necessary that we reflect on some of the objectional incidents pertaining to it. It is true he did make some misjudgments throughout his life, possibly by acting too hastily. Whether right or wrong, he had to make quick decisions at times. We must remember that he did not live in the sophisticated society we claim as our way of life. He lived in the time of the old fashioned saloon and as has been stated, many other undesirable elements of early society. These gathering places seemed to magnetize and draw men together for different reasons. This is where the bally hoo went on, the spice of life was told, and local news gathered. Definitely many business deals were settled or unsettled over a "round of whiskey." Today saloons are called Bars, Taverns, Private Clubs and Corner Cafes. Business deals are "talked over," and banter of all sorts goes on by men from various walks of life. Luncheons, coffee breaks, after work and night socials are also gathering places for this sort of thing. It was and is permissible but not altogether condoned.

There are "Bill Hickmans" today who think they have visitation right to places of leisure. Will history put them in the light it has our Grandpa? They do not all come out shooting pistols, but wounds made by word of mouth are just as injurious and dangerous as guns. We are supposed to be living by a more strict code of morals but how many of us adhere to it?

In the society of Grandpa Bill's time a canteen, flask, jug or bottle for carrying whiskey was as much a part of a camp pack as the side bacon and coffee. There were no definite set rules of behavior to live by as we have today by obeying principles of wisdom, so they lived as they knew how. Grandpa Bill mentions E. K. Hanks "one of the star boys so looked up to felt rather cheap when his rum gave out and he came to himself and saw what he had done."⁽¹³¹⁾

Sometime in Grandpa Bill's life he must have had a desire for alcoholic drinks for we do find he drank sometimes socially, sometimes for medicinal purpose due to pain in his leg, or sometimes to "do away with whiskey confiscation a dose at a time." Was there a problem? We doubt it was serious; once again we give him the benefit of the doubt. However, in his later life, Grandpa Bill realized he was taking "too much whiskey." This self confession is found in a letter to Brigham Young wherein he states he "would not touch another drink if Brigham told him not to." It is obvious that at this time in his life as his bitterness toward Brigham Young and Bishop Gardner increased, so did his desire for whiskey. However, if it had amounted to an extreme, he could not have continued his active life.⁽¹³²⁾ It is very possible that through this letter the idea of his being an alcoholic is just as exaggerated as his "trigger happy finger." He relates also in this letter that he does use some profanity, but is trying to overcome it. Even so, indiscrete association with the local boys to "keep up corners" is not the answer to get "on the wagon." Besides Grandpa Bill's drinking, his horse and cattle stealing went on in Utah and surrounding areas since the Western migration, and still does in 1980. Who are the rustlers today? Their names are not "Bill Hickman" but they are here. Sometimes rustling may have seemed justified. Stories sifted through many retelling may have obscured the real fact. Through our study we have found more interesting facts in truth than fiction, and it's amusing what good or bad can be made out of a few facts.

Some incidents in Grandpa Bill's life were blown up and let loose as colored balloons at a circus or used as side show exhibitions. Many versions have been written to whet the minds and imaginations of readers, until it is difficult to record reality. how can we guess where truth ends and fiction begins when error upon error is accepted as truth? Take for instance the much blown up incident of Grandpa Bill's so-called "blunder of hell fire and damnation;" that of the shooting spree" December 25, 1859 when he was wounded in the thigh. There had been some trouble between Grandpa Bill and a rival, Lot Huntington, over the theft of horses. Feelings had become bitter and suspicious was so evident on both sides that something was destined to come of it.

It was Sunday, Christmas Day; Grandpa Bill had gone into the city,, as caught in an alley while waiting for his team and shots were exchanged between Grandpa Bill and Huntington. Hosea Stout in his diary on page 706 records this incident as a "shooting match." Other historians have labeled it a "bloody fracas." The difference in the choice of terms illustrates how facts are "interpreted." Historian who labeled it a "bloody fracas" may have been some of those "pious prejudice" people Orson Hyde spoke of in a letter concerning Grandpa Bill's encounter with Indians at Council Bluffs in 1849. (see p 73) The surgeons who took care of Grandpa Bill's wound did nothing more than a butcher's job, and he always claimed it was an attempt upon his life. A second operation was performed by Doctor Hobbs from the Johnston Army, a cousin of his wife. A boar of physicians from Camp Floyd confirmed the fact that the first surgery was not done in an ethical manner. While Grandpa Bill was confined in bed with this trouble, his ranch was neglected and vandalized. Throughout his life this wound proved to be a "thorn in his side" causing much sickness and many physical problems.⁽¹³³⁾ [It has been brought to our attention that at times Grandpa Bill used a cane. Could this have resulted in the wound he received at this time, or was it a part of his "gentleman attire." See picture p 36] Because of the people involved, the circumstances and the period of time and day it took place, this has become a target account and many different interpretations have been put on it to make it an interesting "use him up Bill" story. The problem between Grandpa Bill and Lot Huntington, seemingly had been resolved. The fatal shot killing Lot was triggered by Porter Rockwell January 16, 1861, at Faust Station, in Rush Valley. Grandpa Bill was not mentioned as being anywhere near when this event took place.

Grandpa Bill was accused of being involved in the Aikin murder near Nephi; he was not. Rockwell and Sylvanus Collett were indicted for this murder.⁽¹³⁴⁾ Thus two more gold stars have been placed on Grandpa Bill's good behavior chart.

Then to top things off, indictments were issued to Brigham Young, Hiram Kimball, W. A. Hickman, P. Rockwell, Grand and Dutton for the murder of a man named Buck at Warm Springs.⁽¹³⁵⁾ How can any of these incidents be judged without knowing all the background? Because he was a Frontier law man incidents like these were bound to enter into his life. Could he have been a little over zealous in trying to make people toe the line. How can he have been labeled a killer with several crimes hanging over his head when the only two documented killings of men by Grandpa Bill are the shooting of Ike Hatch in the line of duty, March 1853, and Spanish Frank. Under the circumstances, Grandpa Bill must have felt like killing the Spaniard. Some say he did, but he never admitted it and he was never convicted.⁽¹³⁶⁾ Certainly he helped in "sensitive" jobs of that time such as escorting John D. Lee to the State Penitentiary. Robert Rex Hickman relates that "Grandpa Bill and Porter Rockwell were on their way to Mountain Meadows, September 1857, to be with John D. Lee. Just outside of Nephi there was some trouble. Rockwell went back to Salt Lake, Bill Hickman stayed at Nephi." Luckily trouble prevented him from going on or possibly he would have been involved in the Mt. Meadows trouble with Lee. Eighteen years later in 1875, just eight years before his death, Grandpa Bill was appointed a guard to escort his old friend John D. Lee from Beaver City, Utah, where his [Lee's] trial for the Mountain Meadow Massacre was held, to the State Penitentiary. He helped look for another participant; and tried to persuade Lee to "make a clean sweep of all and be free."⁽¹³⁷⁾a Having been given this responsibility as escort shows that Grandpa Bill was trusted and not "shunned and ignored in his later years" as was stated by Monahan (an anti-writer) but one who could be depended upon to d such an unpleasant task. Rex also says that in 1857, "When Leen and his escorts reached Nephi, they stopped at the Hague Meat Market. Lee was asked it he wasn't afraid to go to Salt Lake. He said he was not for Brigham Young would help him."

THE REST OF THE STORY AS WE KNOW IT

Grandpa Bill covered lots of country in his days, always trying to find "El Dorado" and to better conditions for his family. From his birth place in Missouri to his burial place in Wyoming, one can find his "boot prints" or some other indication that "Bill Hickman was there." After his arrival in Salt Lake Valley, he lived and/or owned property in West Jordan, Fairfield, Camp Floyd, Rush Valley, Grantsville, Tooele, Tintic, Mercer, Nephi, Bingham Canyon, Eureka, Diamond, Silver, Union, (where the shopping center is now 1980) and Lehi. Grandpa Bill states that he stopped a few days with one of his friends after he arrived in Salt Lake then located on the place ten miles south of the city where he lived for quite some time.⁽¹³⁸⁾ His wife Minerva designates it as "between Taylorsville and Gardner's Mill." (see p 25) Here the first homes were simple two room lean-to's built against Hickman Hill, make shift homes where each family could be insured its privacy.⁽¹³⁹⁾a This was a common custom to set up housekeeping under this type of shelter or in dug-outs until better accommodations could be prepared. With limited finances they shared the same living conditions as all early pioneers who arrived in the valley without homes previously established and nothing to set up housekeeping with only meager possessions which they were able to bring with them. What a home to bring a bride to, but Bernetta and Minerva and Sarah were so glad the "crossing the plains" ordeal was over that they were happy to have a place to call their own.

Some personal insights of the Hickman families have been gleaned from a history of one of his daughters, Lerona Minerva Hickman Vanderhoff. In it we find many important customs, hopes, frustrations, accomplishments and testimonies as only that individual could relate. This history is priceless. It tells a story in first person for which we are grateful. Following are excerpts as Lerona tells it: "I was born January 12, 1856, at Shambip, Rush Valley (now know as Tooele County), Utah, daughter of Wm. A. Hickman and Minerva Wade Hickman. I was the first white child born there. My little brother Edward died and was buried there with two others in an unknown grave. The sand has blowed over them till it didn't happen. When I was three weeks old the Indians got bad and my father wrapped me in a blanket and we made our old west Jordon home in safety. We had the prettys (sic) place on all of Jordon, three or four miles up the river from where Little Cottonwood emptied into old Jordon River. There was a big bridge there, the lower California road went that way. We had a little log school house about half way from the bridge to our place...Our place had a beautiful little mound on it. The banks of the old Jordon River overflowed and there was a big pond just below the mound circled round a bend. A high bank on one side was covered with rose bushes and the little mound covered on the north side the same, and when we would go on the mound we could see the winding of the old Jordon River for miles with the willows on its banks...

"There is a fond remembrance of the sports of childhood with my brothers and sisters. There was about fifteen of us and six women (sic). the old lady the first wife, Brunette 'Gramma' as we called her and she shure (sic) was good to us but hard times come. The range was gone and Pa sold out to a man by the name of Bringhurst. We moved to little Cottonwood where my youngest sister was born and the baby of the Hickman family...I used to think little Cottonwood one of the beautifulist (sic) streams on earth where it emptied into old Jordon. The sand on its banks was white as dishes. Pa owned land over on the state road toward Sandy and raised a big crop of wheat there, that done us through that hard winter that the mills froze up and we had to grind it on a coffee mill, and so did lots of others...

"Our house on Jordan was close to the mound. Seven rooms, old fashioned adobes, three large front rooms, four small ones in the back with a porch in the front facing the east. They all lived kindly together. It had a big mud wall around it built in the times the Indians was so bad, fifteen or sixteen feet high with two pairs of bars, one in the south, one in the north. Quite a few say that mound was something ancient. It didn't look like the elements put it there.

"The spring [ditch] was in the bank away from the mound where Bringhust built his house. We had a milk sellar (sic) built over it. I haven't ben there for years. Some day I'll wander back again, yes, back again to where the old home stands. We only lived on Cotton one summer, now called Murray. Pa bought a small piece of land below our old place by John Benions, built a big log house with upstairs in it. We lived there two years while he went to Bingham Canyon to work in the mines. (see Mining p 30) ...the family began to pull apart [1867]. Mother sent for brother Edward Wade to come and get her. Sarah Meecham (Meacham) married John Franks [29 July 1868] and pa took the rest and moved to Bingham Canyon."

Does this sound like a man who would deliberately keep his wives living in dug-outs and warning rags?

"I will pass over this part of my life for it seems the hardest in my thoughts, for my father was a stanch friend of Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Brigham Young and was in the Church from the beginning and went through all the hardships and trials and tribulations and faught (sic) for them. Some day we will get the credit for it as the professor in the Ogden High School said to his [W. A. Hickman's] granddaughter in speaking of the first settlers, 'your Grand Father would never let the weak be imposed upon.'

"All the son-in-laws lived close around him, Emery Meacham [Jeremiah Emery who married Elizabeth, Grandpa Bill's oldest daughter, and who was also the brother of Sarah Meacham, Grandpa Bill's 4th wife], Monroe Butcher, John Allen, George only son, of the first family, his wife Emma Hague. My oldest sister Sarah Marie who married Wm. Francis went to Bingham Canyon with him...[her father]

________________

***

"My sister Maggie married Richard Driscol in the spring of 1874. Went to old Camp Floid (sic) and stayed with my father." [This statement tells us of a surety Grandpa Bill was living at Camp Floyd in 1874.]

***

"My father's women were industrious" and Lerona says her mother's family followed the Mormons through all the hardships from the "first starting of this church...It was something terrible the hardships they went through." Her father, William Hickman, buried her grandmother Wade who died in 1848, and Lerona's mother (Minerva) says "Bill Hickman was the only friend she had and fell in love with him, married him and came on the Valley where she met her father and brother who had gone with the Mormon Battalion from Council Bluffs. She had promised her dying mother never to leave the Church..." The burial of Grandma Wade is only one of many expressions of kindness William Adams Hickman did for those who were in need...(Lerona's History)

The West Jordan-Taylorsville homes and property were not only a sanctuary for Grandpa Bill's families, but for others then the Saints needed to band together for protection from the Indians. Grandpa Bill was willing to help President Brigham Young in Indian affairs. He was confident that he could pacify the Indians on most occasions, but he realized how treacherous their actions could be and was not sure what their intentions were toward the settlers much of the time. In view of this fact he commenced building what was known as Hickman Fort to be used as a home and protection for his family against the Indians. This Fort begun in 1850 was built on his Taylorsville property along the Jordan River on the "very edge of the Saints' settlements" and is located at 1200 W. Bullion road about 5600 South in Murray, Utah. This property "included about 764 acres deeded land known as plot #12 to William Hickman,

___________

*"Bill, I told you back in Council Bluffs, these small economy jobs are all right around town...but this is ridiculous!"

Meacham and others." (See Edwin Hickman, 1978 Hilton, p 136) This was an original Pioneer Land Grant. In 1854 when the Indians were repeatedly looting the homes of the settlers and taking possession of their personal belongings, President Brigham Young thought Grandpa Bill's kind of defense against the Indians was good thinking on the part of our Grandpa. President Young asked if it could be shared with 30 West Jordan and Rush Valley Mormon families needing protection. "About 361 souls moved in at this time."

Grandpa Bill again responding to a request from his Church leader, the Fort, was enlarged to where it could accommodate these people and they all lived there for about two years 1854-56). When it seemed safe enough, thirty or more of the families went back to their land in Rush Valley."⁽¹⁴⁰⁾

Inside the Fort was a "mound" or "knoll" on which they built a Bowery. This Bowery was used as a social center for dances and celebrations of all kinds. The Hickman Knoll is the mound situated in the center of the property along the Jordan River. The road to the Hickman farm and knoll goes down from the bench above the ravine or wash where the Jordan River runs, and was known as the Hickman Hill. From Hickman Hill an unobstructed view of the beautiful Salt Lake Valley can be seen. Several years ago there were some old "hand-hewn logs" from the old Fort still lying around this property, but as the present takes over, things and places change. They are gone forever leaving only nostalgia. The Knoll has stood in its spot as a monument which we love to visit, walk over and around as though it is still part of our legacy, and try to recapture and reconstruct in our mind's eye what actually existed there. Now to our sorrow, this Knoll is being graded down by the present owner until it is about half its size. (See Lerona's History) Yes, Lerona, the old home is gone, but the "fond remembrances" will be forever housed in its memory, as well as the spot where it stood. (1980)

Again we go to the Journal of John Bennion, 1823-77 book 1 & 2 for a glimpse of some activity that went on at that time. Bennion recorded Dec. 18, 1855, "Got our potatoes from Hickmans." (p 23) "Sept 25, 1856. Wrote a note to J. McKay to help Hickman make a bowery for the Military party. Sept 27, 1856. Went up to Brother Hickman's; assisted in making a bowery. September 29, 1856. Doing Military duty at Ft. Hickman. After drilling had a good dance in a Bowery inside the Fort, built on purpose." (p 46)

The settlers in this area, as well as most places, lived almost a life of a "united order" working together for an existence. More entries from Bennion's journal tells us of many obstacles the West Jordan Saints encountered and the fortitude they showed in overcoming them.

January 30, 1858. Went with Bishop Harber to Union where a battalion of the Standing army was organized, it being the first. E. Hanks, Major. I was attached to an Independent company. William A. Hickman, Captain... (p 27)

May 11, 1858. Attended a meeting of West Jordan Company about herding and other business. Suppered with Brother Hickman. (p 37)

May 20, 1858, Brother Hickman suppered with us. We assisted him to gather out the strays that was around the Fort. he drove away 8 head. (p 37)

December 3, 1858 ...night very cold. While gathering strays two of Brother Hickman's men froze to death near the sand ridge... (p 55)

Oct. 4, 1859. Took to the fair 3 heifers of my own and two of the Bishops and mine, also 4 heifers and one bull of Brother Hickman's. (p 87)

How can we ignore the generosity and warm heart of this man, our Grandpa Bill? Will all the personal responsibilities he had accumulated by 1858, one more call was made by Brigham Young to the West Jordan Ward, January 15, 1858 which answer reads:

Prest. Brigham Young,

Dear Brother:

In compliance with your request we have met with the brethren of this Ward and have ascertained what they are willing to do toward supporting a Standing Army for one year.

The following names attached have agreed to outfit and sustain the number set to the right of their names also their families.

The principle that we have acted upon was that every three thousand dollars worth of property should outfit support and sustain one man and his family which was proposed at our meeting and unanimously carried out with one exception (Daniel R. Allen) who has refused. (Letter in document section)

William A. Hickman's name appears number one on the list pledging himself to two families. He is one of the six men who signed this commitment. The other men all pledged one family each. Does this sound like a man without means who would purposely keep his family in rags and dugouts?⁽¹⁴¹⁾ If he didn't have the means at the time, he would find a way to obtain it. However, his finances must have been in good shape at this time or his word was as good as cash.

As always in pioneer days there was the problem of making ditches and dams, diverting and holding water for irrigation as well as culinary use. This seems to have been one big problem for the settlers in West Jordan. From Minerva's diary, we quote: "...it was hard to get the water out of the Jordan ...the first ditch that was taken out of Jordan cost a lot of harde (sic) work and money to and was a failyor (sic) ...it was a large ditch or thought to be at the time... then it was taken around a clay bank so when their was a big rush of water from the mountain or a big rain fell the ditch would ketch the rain and the ditch was sure to break away. At last it was abandoned, but when people learned more they found they could cut through the clay and the ditch would hold the water." This must have been the spring Lerona spoke of or the water project recorded by John Bennion. We quote again from his Journal:

"June 14, 1859. I made out Big Ditch account. Brother Hickman and others called in. (p 77)

July 19, 1859. Worked on the dam by Hickman today." (p 80)

Another entry of interest: "Dec. 16, 1861. Working on School house and meeting in evening at which Samual Bennion and W. A. Hickman was made trustees until beginning of school year 1862." (p 160)

TOOELE...RUSH VALLEY...GRANTSVILLE...HICKMAN COUNTRY

As Grandpa Bill acquired more grazing and farming land he was often met by reverses. In the year 1854-55, John Bennion wintered his cattle in the north end of Rush Valley and built a cabin about eighteen miles southeast of Tooele. In the fall of 1855, W. A. Hickman, Enos Stookey and Luke S. Johnson (former apostle) by a call from President Brigham Young, settled where Bennion had spent the previous winter. They moved back to Tooele* early in the spring of 1856 because of Indians. However, in April of 1856 they returned and located on the main stream entering Rush Valley from the West. It was named Johnson settlement, later changed to Clover.⁽¹⁴²⁾

____________

*Lerona's history says, "West Jordan." She says she was three weeks old when they moved back. Her birth was January 12, 1856. (see p 53)

William A. Hickman owned land in Rush Valley with Brigham Young, Wilford Woodruff, Bennion and Spencer. Brigham Young also secured with Wilford Woodruff, Luke Johson, Hanes, Cummings and Hickman, herding and grazing land in Rush Valley.⁽¹⁴³⁾ However, January 14, 1857, the Legislature took this ground away and gave it to other people.⁽¹⁴⁴⁾

According to the Diary of Hosea Stout page 372, he states: "Monday, Dec. 17, 1855, Mr. Hickman presented a petition from Luke Johnson, Samuel Bennion and William A. Hickman for a grant of herd ground in Rush Valley, Tooele County, which was read, received and referred to the Committee on Herding."⁽¹⁴⁵⁾ (Hickman was a member of the state legislature at this time.) Evidently other grants were made, for this area is where much of Grandpa Bill's time was spent in the cattle business. (1855-56)

Not only is there good grazing cattle land in the Tintic Valley, there are mountains, canyons, streams and places to call homes. In 1862 John Freckelton and wife from Missouri settled in the Tintic Valley. Two years later the "alleged Danite Chief" Porter Rockwell became his next door neighbor causing much trouble in law suits over water rights. a man of medium build, wiry regular features with the "lean and hungry look" of a Cassius by the name of Grant also made his appearance regularly. Only Rockwell knew this was really "Bill Hickman." The authorities were looking for Bill in hopes he could tell them what he knew about the Mountain Meadow Massacre and other killings in the territory. He took great pains to avoid seeing them. He and Rockwell stayed at the Rockwell ranch in West Tintic. In the many valleys and canyons are endless places of hiding.⁽¹⁴⁶⁾ These two most colorful and controversial figures in Utah history took advantage of these areas playing a fun game of lost identity and hide and seek. Playing these games was not all they did. They took advantage of this time to herd Church cattle near Black Rock.⁽¹⁴⁷⁾

Near Tooele is Hickman Canyon with Hickman Creek running through it. This canyon is named after Grandpa Bill Hickman for it is where he kept his cattle much of the time. This canyon is where he loved so much to be and today many deer hunters enjoy going there to hunt.

In March 1980, Devona, Leona and Fontella made a trip to Grantsville, Utah and visited several people. The most interesting and informative was a long visit with a great-granddaughter of Grandpa Bill's, Estella Vanderhoff Radford. The following items are her contribution to our book: Grantsville, in Tooele County, is certainly Hickman Country. The Stansbury range of mountains should rightly be called the Hickman Range because this name dominaes its terrain on the east side. At the foot of the mountain and west of Grantsville is what is still known as the Hickman dry farms. Estella claims that at the Hogan Ranch near Stockton the original Hickman home still stands. (Grandpa Bill and Mary Jane Hetherington, 10th wife, lived there.) The entrance into Hickman Canyon is called "Hickman Wash." On the west side of the mountain is the Indian-Hickman Canyon. Not far from Indian-Hickman Canyon entrance is an Indian town named Ibapa. It would be interesting to uncover more trail in this area, for this is HICKMAN COUNTRY.

*West of Grantsville Bill Hickman built a house on some property he owned. When he left it, he confided to an Indian friend that a certain distance from the old house was buried a box containing personal items of his (Bill's). Sometime later the Indian, as directed by Bill, found the box. In it was what he considered to be a large collection of valuable papers. He guarded the trust of his white friend faithfully. At that time the Indian was quite old, so he gave the box of papers to his son for safe keeping after he had passed on to the happy hunting ground. The son, now an older man, reminiscing about the country, its beginning and the Indian troubles, related the story about the buried box to a son of Mrs. Radford. These papers are still in the Indian's son's possession at the time he told the story and he was keeping them safe. Mr. Radford, not knowing he, himself, was related to Bill Hickman, found this story no personal interest until about a year later. The Indian had vamoosed, papers too! Can someone help us find one or both of them? Here again our Grandpa's friendship with the Indians gained him their trust.

FAIRFIELD AND CAMP FLOYD

Each home has been important and served its purpose. What romance and memories lie in their decay of years past when families of William Adams Hickman lived there. The old tree, a landmark, is still there. It is dead, but lives again in memories of those who cherish its story, and tenderly reminisce of happy times surrounding it as well as many special family gatherings that were so important in the lives of the Hickman family who were part of the history of Fairfield and Camp Floyd.

____________

*This story is written as Estella related it.

The quiet little town of Fairfield was settled, as usual, by early Saints who came into the valley with the western migration. We note with interest the development and settlement of this little community in 1855 for research has told us that it was William Adams Hickman who selected the sight.⁽¹⁴⁸⁾

When Johnston's Army moved into Camp Floyd in 1857,* making it the third largest town in the state with a population of more than 7,000 soldiers, 40,000 oxen and 100 mules, this quiet little town became a "bustling hellish frontier community."⁽¹⁴⁹⁾ The Saints evacuated because of the "rough element." We have no doubt that one reason for Grandpa Bill having been in Fairfield and Camp Floyd, 1858-61, was to keep an eye on the army. He was commissioned by Governor Young to do just that.⁽¹⁵⁰⁾

After the Army left, 1861-62 most of the settlers returned and Fairfield went back to sleep, later becoming a thriving Mormon community. It was in this quiet peace that Bernetta's Sara Meacham's families moved there in 1868. There were the Kirks, Meachams, Carrells, Gillespies, Allens, Butchers, Johnsons and others, all family names which were to be woven into the history of the William Adams Hickman family. The 1870 census reveals a Hickman neighborhood according to the following. What a happy Hickman neighborhood Fairfield, Utah, must have been in 1870. The Census Record is herein noted. Living in adjacent houses in the following order were:

1. Emery Meacham, brother of Sara Basford Meacham #4. Emery was also the son-in-law of Bill and Bernetta having married their oldest daughter Elizabeth Ellen Hickman. They have three children.

2. John Franks age 36 and his new wife Sarah Basford Meacham, age 37. In this household 4 children are listed, Joseph Hickman 11, Phoebe Hickman 8, Rhoda Hickman 6, and John Franks, age 1.

3. William Hickman age 55, a stockman and wife #1 Bernetta Hickman age 58. In this time are living Sarah Basford's oldest son by Bill, Deseret Hickman age 14, and his son by Sarah Eliza Johnson, Luke age 12. The escape from "the bad Mexican" had already happened.

4. John F. Allen, husband of Bernetta "Kitten" Hickman and the youngest daughter of Bill and wife #1 Bernetta. They have two children.

5. William Francis, husband to Sarah Hickman, a daughter of wife #3, Minerva Wade, and their baby.

__________

*Brigham Young The Colonizer reads, March 26, 1868, p 347.

__________

6. George Hickman, wife Emma and 4 of their 6 children. George was Bill and Bernetta's only son to reach maturity.

There is no doubt that Bill had some interest here until 1877. Records and deeds show that he purchased land in Fairfield November, 1872, finally releasing all his holdings there in 1877. (see deeds for dates in document section)

DESCENDANTS

The story of Grandpa Bill's life has been reviewed under this cover so far as resources have been available. It has been hard to follow his footprints, but wherever he went, it seemed he always returned to his family in Fairfield and West Jordan with or without his pot of gold.

The sand in his shoes possibly took him to the Milford-Beaver-Frisco area where there was "gold in them thar hills" and the status was to be a "miner prospector." This calling card must have been sent to Dez, Joseph Smith, Rhoda, Phebe (Phoebe) and their families who left the West Jordan-Bingham area and went to Milford to live. Dez and Joe stayed, Phebe went to Wyoming and Rhoda to Idaho. There is no definite proof that Grandpa Bill was there, but he certainly knew where there were mining opportunities and encouraged his children to go where they could make a good living. Dez owned a livery stable, took to ranching, and finally moved to Torrey an Loa, Utah. Joe lived in Milford the most of his life, becoming a prominent figure in that town. We can truthfully say the Milford area is HICKMAN COUNTRY also.

MAKING A LIVING

Grandpa Bill was away from his families, and we cannot condone altogether, this fact. At times they were left to their own resources, but he states that "at one time when I came home I found all of them in good condition."⁽¹⁵¹⁾ He was not neglectful of his families, but times were hard and with babies coming along almost every year, sometimes twice a year, and being constantly at the bidding of Brigham Young, this energetic man found more interesting and profitable ways to make a living than to settle down to a sulky plow.

Grandpa Bill not only owned a ranch and operated a cattle business, but he made a living through private enterprises by raising good horses and renting out rigs, acting as a guide for different individuals and parties. He furnished Superintendent Davis, of Indian Affairs, with a six mule team to take out at a moderate sum as well as acted as his guide. Possibly one of his most interesting guiding activities was that with Col. Conner, Commander of Federal troops in Utah, helping to establish a new road in Idaho and another Military camp. Later Conner sent Grandpa Bill to the Utes and Shoshoes to bargain with them ending hostilities with the U. S. Troops.⁽¹⁵²⁾ Grandpa's experience with Conner, clearing rocks and building roads, ignited a spark into designs of his own. Evidently he filed for permission to build a road (where ?); it was not granted. We quote the entire letter from him to Brigham Young asking him to use his influence to get permission as soon as possible. Nowhere do we read a note of blame on anyone for its delay.

Salt Lake City, 14, Jan. 1964

Pres. B. Young

I learn from Bro. Aaron Johnson this morning that my petition for a chartered road has or is about to go overboard. Bro Amasy Luman (sic) is chairman of Committee on Roads. Please do me a favor in this matter and oblige your friend.

William A. Hickman

It was through his association with Connor that William A. Hickman continued his search for "pay dirt." For this reason, in 1867, Grandpa Bill planned a trip into the area of Carissa Gulch in South Pass, Wyoming country, California and Nevada.⁽¹⁵³⁾

One cannot imagine that torment he was experiencing when on June 4, 1867, fearing for his life he requested a pass from President Young to leave the territory.⁽¹⁵⁴⁾a

FAMILY BREAKUP

The year 1867 not only affected the life of Grandpa Bill but it must have been a traumatic one for the families as well. Minerva's Diary again gives a fact about this wherein she states: "In 1867 change came to all the family. We all of us agreed to break up our marriage (sic) Relationship, that is the polagmist (sic) ties joining us together and each one going for ourselves to keep our children with us and doing the best for them we could. My husband it seemed could not give up my oldest Girl Sarah Maira. He kept her with him and in the fall following she married William Francis ...my husband divided what little property he had left with the women according to their children or the most of it. He kept 12 head of the best horses and he said later on he would divide them...how hard it will be to be dependent on other people for help." It was on February 6, 1868, from Carson City, Nevada, that his "famous letter" to Minerva was written. (see handwritten letter in Section "Letters".)

Grandpa Bill returned to Utah July 1868. He says that this was "about a week before one of his wives," Sarah Basford Meacham married John Franks (29 July 1868). Evidently there were no hard feelings between Grandpa Bill and John Franks, as his name appears on a deed with Grandpa Bill for a sale of some land.⁽¹⁵⁵⁾

Although only three of Grandpa Bill's wives remarried (see "wives" pages) he must have felt a security in the fact that they and the children were and would be cared for by responsible men.

EXILE

By 1869 the shadow that had been cast, through public opinion, on the life of Grandpa Bill, became darker in his sight due to the remorse he felt, having list his membership in the Church. now being the Maverick of his contemporaries, he was living almost a life of exile realizing that he was losing the confidence, trust and respect that had been previously placed upon him. With his few persona possessions he stayed sometimes in the mountains alone, sometimes he had company, much of the time at home with Bernetta, and at times with other family members, yet still taking care of his cattle and doing some mining. The school of hard knocks he had attended seemed to have made him somewhat wiser.

LATER YEARS

The year 1870 found him in hiding; 1871 in prison; 1872 released and back in Fairfield, buying and selling land until 1877.⁽¹⁵⁶⁾ We can follow him again into the mining areas of Eureka, Tintic and Tooele, ending up in Nephi for a while with his son George who was there in 1880.⁽¹⁵⁷⁾ Ill from his old bullet wound, in 1881 we find him in Wyoming with his daughter "Kitten" and her husband, John Allen. Grandpa Bill's daughters, Rhoda and Phoebe and their husbands Robert H. and Frank Gillespie, were there also. Another statement from Francis Hickman, Grandpa Bill's nephew, says: "Bill Hickman was buried at Green River, Wyoming. He went from Southern Utah* to Wyoming. He stopped at my home at Benjamin, Utah, on his was North in a covered Wagon. He took his first old wife with him...he lived below Tooele...in a little town called Hickmanville...The name of the people he traveled with on his last journey north was Shaffers who wouldn't to on the trip farther than were the road forked somewhere close by Nephi."⁽¹⁵⁸⁾

DEATH AND BURIAL

We don't know the incidents pertaining to Grandpa Bill's death, but can truthfully say that to the end of his life he preferred the frontiers of expanding America. The death of William Adams Hickman is recorded in a letter by R. H. Gillespie, son-in-law.

We quote from a Deseret News article dated August 24, 1883. "We learn that Wm., better known as "Bill Hickman" died in Lander City, Sweetwater County, Wyoming Territory, at 3 o'clock on the morning of Monday August 21, after an illness of fifteen days from diarrhea and old bullet wounds. At the time of his demise he was surrounded by a number of his friends and relatives." Thank God for those of his family who took him in, nursed, and buried him. He died in the arms of his son-in-law Robert H. Gillespie.⁽¹⁵⁹⁾

__________

*If we knew where Francis Hickman meant by "Southern Utah," we may be able to place Grandpa Bill in a definite location after he left Nephi.

__________

With his death the West lost one of its most colorful, courageous, misunderstood and misrepresented men. "A gentleman by the standards of his time" had passed away leaving doubts and misgivings entwined in his life's pattern.

Tradition says Grandpa Bill was buried in a "secluded place on the Allen Ranch" known only to his family where, he could rest in peace. Tradition says a few days later his grave was robbed. If Grandpa Bill's grave was robbed, knowing the concern of his family, it was only natural that they did bury him in a "secluded spot" known only to them, leaving an open grave to speculators. Bernetta was ill and was never told of this. She died a "few months later" and was supposed to have been buried in Wyoming also.⁽¹⁶⁰⁾

WHAT OF BERNETTA: ? ? ? ...

In a conversation, Robert Rex Hickman told us his great-grandmother, Bernetta, was buried in the Nephi City cemetery and her grave is at the side of the Whitmore Hague plot. In our research of Nephi cemetery records, no information about Bernetta was to be found. We gave up and decided to take Rex's word as final. Did Bernetta stay in Nephi, or did she go with her Bill? If so, how did she get from Wyoming to Nephi for burial. Is the Allen Ranch near Lander City, the final resting place of Grandpa Bill and Bernetta? Lander, Nephi, Eureka, Fairfield, whatever, it has been the sincere hope that these two who were faithful to each other until the end were buried together. For years Bernetta's burial place has been a mystery; we have depended upon tradition as fact, at the same time not feeling good about it we have researched and solved the mystery.

By accident, while researching for more information about Grandpa Bill in the LDS Church Archives, no NO MERE accident, our prayers were answered when we read the name HICKMAN, BERNETTA DIES AT NEPHI. It was several minutes before we could recover our composure enough to do anything but shed a few tears and put our arms around each other for having found this unexpected and surprising bit of information! Why it was never found before, we can't understand as it was in such an obvious place in a file drawer, in the Special Colletion Library. At last, dear Bernetta, our search is over. We know where you are buried but the question still remains with us, where is "Our Bill"? Somehow we feel you and he are together even into eternity.

This is the way the card reads:

MS HICKMAN, Bernetta Dies at Nephi

F See J H

143 This date

#56 Sept 30, 1886

June 10, 1887

1886 Dec 31, p 9

The microfilm of this reads:

Bernetta Hickman, a wife of the Notorious Bill Hickman Died at Park City 27 inst. Her body was taken through

Ogden this morning on the way to Nephi for burial accompanied by George, her son, and J. F. Allen and

wife. (The Ogden Herald, Dec. 31, 1886)

Again a question: Why would she be taken through Ogden from Park City for burial? Was the newspaper wrong in saying Park City? Should it have been Lander City, Wyoming or Silver City, Idaho or Brigham City, Utah?

FAMILIES

Start with a man and you have one.

Add on a woman and then you have two

Add on a child and what have you got?

You've got more than three,

You have what they call a FAMILY

What happened to the families of Bill Hickman (OUR GRANDPA!)

This story is another chapter. His families are numerous; some of us claim to be Saints, few of us sinners, some a mixture of both as our Grandpa Bill was. We all can't claim a perch on the top of the family tree, but each of us has his or her place attached to the trunk to help make it strong, enduring and somewhat to be proud of. There are many of his descendants active in the church of their choice serving in responsible positions as leaders and advisors. As leaders in civic affairs and in the business world, Grandpa Bill's descendants are outstanding. Along the way we find professional educators of high quality, others excelling in the fields of medicine, law, politics, archeology, science and the arts. Many have served as outstanding military leaders in the armed services of their country. The name of Brigadier General Don Rue Hickman, a great-grandson through Deseret N., is a good example of the type of people the Hickman family has contributed to society.⁽¹⁶¹⁾ Many others have served our country and some have lost their lives for this honorable cause. There has been a good representation having served on missions of the LDS Church, the one he still loved even unto death. Then there are some of us who are just plain down-to-earth people trying to do our part to uphold the family name, and make a better world.

The Hickman family name is respected. We are glad to be descendants of William Adams Hickman and feel it is only just and right that he be given his proper and rightful place, as well as recognition, in the pages of Church and Utah History for the good he did. The William Adams Hickman family name if honored in various places throughout the State of Utah. Some have already been listed. We add to that list the Hickman Natural Bridge in Capitol Reef National Park* which was named after a great-grandson, Joseph S. Hickman. There was also a perpetual scholarship given to "Joe's" children who received their college education at the Utah State University. Then there is Hickman Pastures** named after Grandpa Bill's son Deseret who grazed cattle and operated a dairy farm there. The Hickman Family Organization has places the old EDWIN TEMPLE HICKMAN family bible in the Special Collections section in the Harold B. Lee Library at the Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, for preservation.⁽¹⁶²⁾

A movie about our Grandpa Bill? There's one in the making. Recently an interested group of people met with members of the Wm. A. Hickman family and explained what they wanted to do. With information the family can supply, as well as their own research, we have been given a voice in choosing influences which will be used in this movie. The plan if to do a series using different periods in Grandpa Bill's life as one segment. The scenario had some flaws, but is being rewritten for presentation to Elint Eastwood or Robert Redford, or whoever accepts, to play the role of William Adams (Bill) Hickman. It may never materialize, but is so, it is intended to be interesting, enjoyable and informative and may be of a little monetary value to the family.

Of most importance to me is the fact that my mother was a HICKMAN. (Golda Busk)

___________

*Wayne County, Utah. ** Boulder Mountain, Wayne County, Utah.

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FINAL IMPRESSIONS

May we impress upon our readers that through lack of effective communication, our actions are sometimes reversed in meaning. Grandpa Bill did not beat around the bush in admitting his faults and mistakes (sometimes too boastfully). These were enlarged upon, leaving the wrong impression in many instances. "It was due to his own actions, public opinion turned against him."⁽¹⁶³⁾ Many times the front he displayed was with a confidence and bravado as typical of his character.

The lives of his contemporaries run parallel with Grandpa Bill's. The communities of Utah owe these men much acclaim for their defense and help during the first ten decisive years. These young men in the days of early Utah history are a vanished breed who lived a life of Danger, Dedication and Devotion. Men who took chances they did usually died young carrying with them the scars of the rugged demanding life they lived. However, it took some of them longer to grow up than it did others. In the days of Grandpa Bill, even though he was only sixty-eight years when he died, the years had taken their toll and though comparatively young, he was an old man. He may have lived to the age of his father (ninety-six) had he not been subject to recurrences of infection in his leg.

Symbolic of Grandpa Bill's character is the following statement: "I have taken my stand, made my statement and intend to stick to it let the consequences be what they may."⁽¹⁶⁴⁾

He was a MAN, maybe a legend but NOT a "museum piece." We don't want to change him in any way. We just want people to know him as he was...find the truth as it was and express it with exactness and clarity.

Now this free spirit has finally been subdued, but his memory has never been completely at rest, for it has been exploited by many unscrupulous persons. Whatever debt he owed society has been paid...What MORE can be asked of him?

When we read of the injustices inflicted upon our Grandpa Bill, read the stories the public laps up, devours and digests, we answer in his own words:

"ALL RABBIT TRACKS! ALL RABBIT TRACKS!"

I SHALL PRAY UNTO THE LORD

The preceding topics have given us a glimpse of William Adams Hickman, a man of the world. We have related several facets of his life without mentioning the one that was dear to his heart and was a stabilizing influence in his life. The life of William Adams Hickman, the spiritual man, seemed to be in a state of confusion much of the time. Perhaps some of the confusion apparent in his spiritual life was the fact he had difficulty in discerning between the requests of Brigham Young, the Governor, and Brigham Young, the Prophet. However, our conclusion is that his loyalty to the Prophet was the motivating factor in his actions.

Lay not up for yourself treasures upon earth...

But lay up for yourself treasures in heaven...

For where your treasures is there will your heart be also.

Matthew 6:19,21

William Adams Hickman joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Mormons, June 1838 at the age of 23, and cast his lot with this unpopular group, a rare action in the State of Missouri at that time. He liked their philosophy of a new religion, so with his wife Bernetta and four children, he made his way eastward into Illinois and made the decision that would alter his life forever. Two of their children died in the months ahead and as time passed, two other children also died, victims of the rugged unsettled pioneer life. Perhaps an inborn compulsion to help originally attracted Wm. A. Hickman to the Mormon Pioneers. Poor, tattered, and hungry, the Saints made their way to Caldwell and Ray Counties, Missouri, passing in front of Wm. A. Hickman's farm in Randolph County. He quickly spotted their needs. They were in trouble if they did not have protection, so he left behind the green fields of rich Missouri earth and joined the arena of Mormon defenders, committing himself to, and beginning a dedicated service to the Church. Little could he have visualized the desolate wastes of the Great Basin lying ahead. His willingness to use his gun to protect this pathetic group of harassed men, women and children on their long march, as well as his generosity in sharing with them as long as he had a dollar, is significant of his character. Had William Adams Hickman not been converted to the Mormon faith early in life, eventually marrying ten wives in polygamy and fathering thirty-four children, most likely he would have followed the life of a quiet Missouri farmer. Instead he became a man who helped to change the history of early Utah.⁽¹⁶⁵⁾a

Grandpa Bill was a deep thinker and decisions were carefully considered when they involved his personal life. For instance, his spiritual needs are shown in the following statement. He says: "I was married eight months when I joined the Methodist Church which my wife belonged to, making theology my main study. I investigated every religion I had ever heard of even Mormonism and continued to investigate it for two years. I had almost daily chance to talk to them. Being thoroughly convinced, I joined them in the Spring before they left Missouri. I had a good standing in society and there was much sorrow expressed by friends and relatives for my joining them [Mormons]. I told them [family and friends] I was honest in my convictions which was true. The particulars of my conviction I could give, but do not deem it necessary in this history; let it suffice to say there was no hypocrisy for so doing. My motives were pure, and my intentions good."⁽¹⁶⁶⁾

On January 23, 1846, William Adams Hickman received a special spiritual blessing given to worthy members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Nauvoo Temple. Records of that temple confirm this ordinance was taken out by Wm. A. Hickman himself. An item of interest recorded states: "Friday January 23, 1846, one hundred and twenty-eight persons received ordinances in the Temple."⁽¹⁶⁷⁾ One reason this date is important is that it tells us he was in Nauvoo with the Saints at this time. He was not "just there"; we believe some of his energy was used in helping to build Nauvoo and the Temple. Another interesting fact is that he was among the first 5600 Saints who received this ordinance between December 10, 1845 and February 7, 1846 prior to the destruction of the Temple.⁽¹⁶⁸⁾

William A. Hickman was received into the Seventies Group* of the Church May 6, 1839, at a General Conference at Quincy, Illinois. On May 12, 1839, at a Seventies meeting letters of recommendation were read and voted on in the council held this day. W. A. Hickman was one of three or four names that were recommended.⁽¹⁶⁹⁾ Our Grandpa Bill's life was one of service and dedication to the Prophet Joseph Smith during the Nauvoo period. He saw Joseph Smith for the first time in April 1838 and "liked him well."⁽¹⁷⁰⁾

In 1840 the Prophet Joseph Smith being fearful of his life felt he needed stronger protection from his enemies. "He appointed a Body Guard of twelve men which included some of his toughest fighters and most devoted friends. Among them were Porter Rockwell, William A. Hickman, Hosea Stout, Jonathan Holms and John D. Lee."⁽¹⁷¹⁾ Through this appointment he served as Guard of Honor to Joseph Smith from 1840 to 1843.⁽¹⁷²⁾

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*In the record of the Genealogy of the President's members of the 3rd Quorum of Seventies, available on file in the Salt Lake Genealogy Library, there is a reference to William Adams Hickman, cut off January 1, 1860. (Hilton, Edwin Hickman 1978 p 154) This information leads us to believe he was a member of the 3rd Quorum.

_____________

Joseph Smith's life was spared on more than one occasion by devoted Body Guards. He recorded: "On June 6, 1841, news of my arrest arrived in Nauvoo last night and having circulated through the City, Hosea Stout, T. Lewis, William A. Hickman, Tarleton Lewis, J. S. Higbee, Elijiah Able, Uriel C. Nickerson and George W. Clyde started from Nauvoo landing in a skill in order to overtake me and rescue me if necessary. They had a heavy headwind, but arrived in Quincy at dusk; went up to Benjamin Jone's house, and found that I had gone to Nauvoo in charge of two officers."⁽¹⁷³⁾ It is perhaps the above type of activity that has created the claim that Wm. A. Hickman belonged to an organization known as the "Danites."⁽¹⁷⁴⁾

While in Missouri in 1844 Grandpa Bill Hickman heard of the Prophet Joseph Smith's death, and immediately went to Nauvoo, or Green Plains just below Nauvoo, partly on request of Brigham Young and "partly to satisfy himself" as to the cause of the Prophet's death. Upon returning to Nauvoo he reported to Brigham Young that Colonel Levi Williams assured him there was to be no more mob-raising. This gave "general satisfaction" to Brigham Young. Grandpa Bill states: "This is the first time I had had any business with Brigham Young personally. He is not the kind of a man that Joseph Smith was, but by following his council, the Lord will bless us with another like Joseph Smith."⁽¹⁷⁵⁾

Grandpa Bill's close association with the Prophet Brigham Young had put him in the position as a Body (Life) Guard to him, and this Prophet also learned to depend on him. After Grandpa Bill arrived in Utah, they were in close communication with each other most of the time as seen from correspondence to and from each other.⁽¹⁷⁶⁾ Just how well the Prophet Brigham Young knew Grandpa Bill is attested in the many times his name is entered in the Journal History of the Church. Grandpa Bill was in good standing with the Church.

Although his mission was not a spiritual calling as many of the early men in the Church received, it was certainly as necessary in the sight of God, and he accepted calls from his Prophets willingly and obediently.

In attempting to reconstruct this part of his life, we have tried to evaluate with positive thinking, trying not to be biased in our opinion of Grandpa Bill Hickman or seem critical of his conflict with Brigham Young and his Bishop Archibald Gardiner (Gardner) of West Jordan Ward. It is hard to read between the lines, and one can only feel what might have taken place. Yet we do know the years that followed were traumatic ones for our Grandpa Bill.

While in Iowa, may 1849, an unfortunate incident pertaining to the killing of some Indians in which Grandpa Bill was involved occurred. This is probably what prompted Orson Hyde to write to Willard Richards and Brigham Young about the killing. Letter number one to Willard Richards reads:

Bro. Hickman has gone to the Valley. You may hear some accounts of him, but don't kill him till I come. It may be that me testimony may have a little bearing in this case; he is sometimes a little rash and may shoot an innocent Indian mistaking him for an Omaha horse thief.⁽¹⁷⁷⁾

Letter number two from Hyde to Bro. Brigham reads:

Tell William A. Hickman that I had a talk with the Pawnee Chiefs and braves and have settled...the difficulty occasioned by his visit to Carterville. He is sometimes rash and hasty, and this is even better than many do who will do nothing themselves to save or preserve the property of the Saints...We cut Hickman off, it is true, because of such a wonderful pious prejudice against him; but, if the people at Carterville had not fed and fostered the Indians, contrary to our counsel, there would have been no Indians, killed there. I am sorry that it was not the Omahas that suffered instead of the Pawnees.⁽¹⁷⁸⁾

This is the first indication or record of the Church questioning the actions of William Adams Hickman. The 1849 problem was the first of several reported disfellowships, cut off's and reprimands he received from Brother Brigham during the course of his life. If Grandpa Bill actually were cut off at this time because of this trouble, it seems unfair as he was only obeying counsel. Throughout his life he was troubled with people being prejudiced against him.⁽¹⁷⁹⁾

From 1849 to 1868 he was in and out of the Church several times. Each time he returned to the "fold" he did so with a stronger desire to do what was right. Through this determination it seems he lost control and gave in to his impulsive desires at times. He was trying hard to be a good Mormon.

With Grandpa Bill's arrival in Salt Lake he continued as a strong "oar" helping to keep the Church and its membership afloat. Shortly after arriving in the Valley, he received a blessing under the hands of President Brigham Young promising "that he might be able to protect the Saints from the wild savage Indians and outlaws."⁽¹⁸⁰⁾ We are aware of only two blessings,* one given by John Smith March 31, 1854, and one by John Young February 8, 1857, just before Grandpa Bill left with the mail. He knew this trip would be hard and he had many apprehensions about it. His need for spiritual sustenance and guidance was a big factor in his life, and he needed the protection of his Heavenly Father in the dangers he knew would be encountered.

In the early years of the Church as different experiences came into the lives of the Saints, it was thought necessary by the Church leaders to have a moral and spiritual awakening...a reformation to strengthen the Church's membership. By the mid-fifties there was a period of rebaptisms which was followed by rededication to spiritual needs. This period of intense zeal gave each member a chance to prove himself a worthy member of the Mormon Church.⁽¹⁸¹⁾

It appears that during the close association of the brethren in West Jordan, two of Grandpa Bill's most staunch and loyal friends were John Bennion and Archibald Gardner. During this time Bennion records in his Journal 1823-77 books one and two, numerous encounters with the Wm. A. Hickman families. We quote ones pertaining more to their religious activities:

"Oct. 28, 1855. Went to W. A. Hickman's in Rush Valley. Sister Hickman provided us with supper." (p 19)

"Feb. 29, 1856. Attended a fellowship meeting in the evening at Brother Hickman's." (p 28)

"Oct. 27, 1856. Spent the evening at Samuel's [Bennion] in conversation with Brother Hickman." (p 50)

"Oct. 28, 1856. The brethren from this ward were on hand to start back on the road, and five yoke of oxen owned by Brother Cooper, Egbert, W. A. Hickman, V. S. Bennion, went out to meet the emigration." (p 50)

"December 10, 1856. I started with my family to Brother Hickman's, but the storm caused us to turn back an stay in the house..." (p 55)

"March 14, 1857. Went with Bishop Harker and baptized Brother W. A. Hickman's family into this reformation [presumably in Jordan River]. (p 65)

"April 8, 1857. Ester came (to conference) with Hickman's team." (p 74)

"Sept. 20, 1857. Sunday. Visited Brother Hickman's family. He desired baptism. Brother Samuel [Bennion] was present. We catchized (sic) him apart from his family, and then baptized and confirmed him into the Reformation. Blessed his youngest child." This was just before Bill went into the bishopric.*

________________

*See blessings in "Letters, Testimonials, etc.

________________

"Jan. 6, 1858. Bishop Hunter and Brother Hickman got toll wheat for threshing. Myself and Brother Hickman attended our monthly priesthood meeting in p.s. and at out schoolhouse in the evening." (p 24)

"March 26, 1858. Went with Brother W. A. Hickman on horseback to the city under Bishop Harker's direction to get counsel from the First Presidency where this ward should settle on moving from here. Could not see President Young... President Wells said any place we could find would be a suitable location..." (pp 32-33) They settled in Pond Town, now Salem, Utah. It was at this time 1858, Bishop Harker chose W. A. Hickman as second Counselor which position he held for about a year.⁽¹⁸²⁾ Along with some of the Saints, Grandpa Bill moved his family back to West Jordan between July and August 1858.

Other entries from Bennion's Journal for the year 1859 read:

"Dec. 10, 1859. Went out visiting as teacher with Brother Harker. We visited Brother Hickman's family and took supper with them." (p 89)

"Dec. 15, 1859. Attended a prayer meeting at Hickmans."

To his associates during this time, Grandpa Bill was again known as "Brother Hickman," and responded willingly to his calling under that title. However, there were times when his Church activities were not performed as the brethren thought they should be according to Church standards, and he was reprimanded for participating in activities "not becoming a good Mormon."⁽¹⁸³⁾ A few entries in Bennion's Journal show Grandpa Bill's peers in the Church tried to keep him on the straight and narrow, some being more tolerant than others. His relationship with the Church seemed at an all time high until after he was released from the Bishopric in 1859 and Archibald Gardner was sustained as Bishop of the West Jordan Ward. Bennion records this event in his Journal. "March 13, 1859, Sunday. Went to meeting in the mill. Archibald Gardner presiding. He was appointed and set apart for Bishop of this ward in place of Joseph Harker."⁽¹⁸⁴⁾

Archibald Gardner was initially a defender of Wm. A. Hickman, but later became a critic as we will see in the following pages.⁽¹⁸⁵⁾

Some have pointed out that the encounter between William A. Hickman and Lot Huntington 25 December, 1859, was the turning point in his life and the beginning of disaffection toward the Church leaders.⁽¹⁸⁶⁾ Regardless, during the next several years he lost his wives, membership in the Church, felt persecuted, became embittered and feared for his life.⁽¹⁸⁷⁾

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*See p 74...September 20, 1857

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All through the early history of the Church, men who were doing the most to help establish Zion often were those who were persecuted the most.⁽¹⁸⁸⁾ Grandpa Bill was tried, tested, hated and loved throughout his life and withstood his accusers and tormentors, turning his cheek seven times seven to those who "spitefully, used him." One of his severest trials was difficulties with those he closely associated with for instance Brigham Young and Archibald Gardner.

The mission Grandpa Bill and President Brigham Young shared bound them together. A close comradeship existed, despite some personal difficulties, and it was hard for Grandpa Bill to understand Brother Brigham's change of heart at times.⁽¹⁸⁹⁾ However, President Young was a firm believer in the words of the Apostle Paul, "For when the Lord loveth he chasteneth...if ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as a son.⁽¹⁹⁰⁾ One example of this indicated by his disfellowshipment in January 1860. Upon advice from Brother Brigham, he was told to "shap up or ship out"! He shaped up, talked things over with Bishop A. Gardner and was rebaptized.⁽¹⁹¹⁾ How many times this had happened and did happen is uncertain. The fact is that each time very repentant and humble, he asked to come back into the Church begging forgiveness for "whatever I had done."⁽¹⁹²⁾ He did try to be a good Mormon.

The repetition of excommunications, cut off's, disfellowships, and refellowships reminds us of a story told about J. Golden Kimball's standing in the Church. Some Church member said to him: "Brother Golden, you old reprobate, we're going up to the Church offices and tell them about you." "Go ahead, go ahead," he said. "I'm sure there are those who would like to see me cut off from the Church, but they can't do it...hell, I repent too damn fast."* Even so, there is always a day or reckoning.

This day really began in 1867. Evidently this was the time Wm. A. "shipped out." After his wives decided to go their separate ways, he took his cue and left, probably thinking everything would work out, that his wives would reconsider their decision. They did not. They did what they thought was right. Grandpa Bill had no quarrel with the Church or State on the subject of polygamy and his wives seemed to have been subject to its teachings. What happened?

When Grandpa Bill came back from California the middle of July 1868, he was hit with a bomb shell. In one week Sarah Meacham* would be married to John Franks; only two wives remained. Bernetta and Mary Jane with her two boys, one six and the other four years old. His properties and cattle were mostly gone, and he, WILLIAM ADAMS HICKMAN, had been excommunicated from the Church January 12, 1868*, for apostasy by Bishop Archibald Gardner!⁽¹⁹³⁾ Evidently President Young did not know of his excommunication until after January 22, 1868, for no mention of it was made in his letter to Grandpa Bill of that date.⁽¹⁹⁴⁾ Many opinion have been expressed as to the reason for this action, but we can only be sure of what is on record. Grandpa Bill states the action taken by his wives "was alright for he had been disfellowshipped (also by Bishop Gardner in 1867), and now with his excommunication, in the eyes of the Church and civil law, they did not belong to him anyway."⁽¹⁹⁵⁾

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* 29 July 1868

**See J. Golden Kimball, by Claud Richards, p 82

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Grandpa Bill's inability to understand the real reasons for his excommunication is illustrated in a letter to President Brigham Young, his last letter to the Prophet. This letter dated August 15, 1868 is a cry for help to get "out of the mire," but for some reason it was not answered.**

At this point Grandpa Bill desperately needed some assurance from his friend and spiritual leader, not silence. Just a word of thanks, encouragement or recognition for the good he had done could have reversed his course and continued his dedication to President Young. Who could he turn to now?

This excommunication along with the loss of his wives was the final blow between Grandpa Bill, Bishop Gardner and President Brigham Young. There certainly must have been a clash of personalities between Grandpa Bill and Bishop Gardner of he never would have felt justified in asking President Young twice for a change of jurisdiction. Grandpa Bill blamed Bishop Gardner for his wives leaving him, and to the end of his life he held Archibald Gardner responsible.⁽¹⁹⁶⁾

He felt he had been misrepresented and falsely accused. However, his Sunday Picnic was over. He became a scapegoat, and duties to his church came to an end. Even though we find love and gratitude for Brigham Young and the Church in correspondence from Grandpa Bill to Brigham Young, their association was terminated. He was no hypocrite, and could not have returned to the Church feeling as he did. Right was right and he wanted some answers. He was up against a wall he could not penetrate. He was completely lost! His heart was broken. Surely he must have "wept as Peter of old." The curtain had fallen, and this final excommunication was too much for him. Although he was not within the body of the Church after this, he never alienated himself from it. He held on to the fact that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its teachings were true and he loved it, holding to the principles of life and salvation, even stating in a letter to his daughter that he was "willing to die for them."⁽¹⁹⁷⁾ He died with this testimony on his lips.

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(For some reason Sarah's marriage to Grandpa Bill was not cancelled until June 29, 1868.)

*Jeremiah Meacham, Grandpa Bill's son-in-law, was excommunicated the same time.

**Handwritten letter found in "Letters, Testimonials, etc."

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The once proud stature of this man began to wither. He was tired both mentally and physically, too tired to fight back any more.⁽¹⁹⁸⁾ He tells of these feelings in the following statement: "I have remained in a kind of solitary and lonely situation for the last four or five years, and at no time have I rested with a contented mind...Many is the time when the sun would rise I would wish for night: and when the night comes I would wish to God it was morning...I would rather have died a dozen deaths than to pass through what I have...I would have come back for the sake of my children..."⁽¹⁹⁹⁾

Oh, if he could have only realized how much his daily actions governed his life; most of them were exaggerated and did untold damage. Grandpa Bill, why did the Lord bless you with such a restless spirit when there was nothing more in the world you wanted to do than serve and obey Him? He needed you as much as you needed Him. Somehow the plan didn't work smoothly, did it? Persecution never seemed to end for you.

We, your posterity are blessed in the birthright you have given us. You left us not a legacy of material things, but a strength of character, a determination to seek right from wrong, a fairness in our dealings with our fellow men, a love for religion whatever denomination because of your strong testimony of a Supreme Being, obedience in every respect to our leaders, and dedication to our convictions.

Your daughter Avilda carried your testimony throughout her life and instilled it into the hearts of her children. She also recorded for us a statement made to her by President John Taylor of the Latter-day Saints Church who said to her at a stake conference: "You never need be ashamed of your father...he filled his role and contributed to the safety and security of many of the Saints."⁽²⁰⁰⁾

William Adams Hickman's reinstatement into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on May 5, 1934,* confirms his statement to his son Warren: "Let it go, things will be made right some day."⁽²⁰¹⁾

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*Details in "Letters, Testimonials," etc. Also see Credits

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Grandpa Bill's slouch hat cannot be entirely replaced by a halo, but this loving research, hopefully, has given his posterity a more composite portrait of their Grandpa Bill Hickman, BECAUSE WE CARE.

Grandpa Bill, God gave us the summer for roses, but our summers are not all alike. For, To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven; A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted.... A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; ...A time to keep silence and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; A time of war and a time of peace...

Ecclesiastes 3

This is your time, Grandpa Bill.

GRANDPA BILL'S WIVES

WIVES

"My father's women were industrious. They use to spin and knit. There was a Scotch weaver by the name of Shields and his wife use to come there and say 'Now you have got to spin me some yarn so get that piece our of the loom' and then the wheels would fly. One of them had a little wheel and I learnt to spin on it and when I was eleven years old I could spin three skanes of yarn a day and knit a sock. We got a dollar a piece for our socks, 75 cents for mittens. My mother was seamstress, Martha was the school teacher, the old lady 'Brunette gramma' as we called her was the piece (sic) maker and mother to us all and we all loved her." (Lerona Minerva Vanderhoff, Daughter of Minerva)

(1) Bernetta Burkhardt

Born 8 August 1812, Harding County, Kentucky

Married 12 April 1832 in Randolph County, Missouri

Died 31 December 1886 (as "Because We Care")

She married Wm. Adams Hickman. They had eight children.

She received a spiritual blessing in Nauvoo (endowment)

the same day as her husband Wm. A. Hickman.

(For more on Bernetta, refer to "Because We Care")

(2) Sarah Elizabeth Luce

No record of Birth

Married in Nauvoo, Illinois January 30, 1846

No record of death

It is remembered from "hand down" stories that she had no parents when Wm. A. and she were married. Her brother Jason and Bill were close friends. Jason was the one that saved Bill's life at the hotel when he was recovering from bullet wounds. Sarah Elizabeth and Bill did not live together in* Utah. She came on ahead of him arriving several months before. (Story on Jason in "Setting the Record Straight", A & H pp 3, 22, 27)

_______________

*Can anyone tell us whatever happened to Sarah Luce?

**We do not hear anything about Bernetta, except from Rex on her burial in Nephi. COME ON, Bernetta's family; let us hear from you. What we have in "Because We Care" was found in our research and in our hearts.

_______________

(3) Minerva Wade

Born September 2, 1829, in Farmersville, N. Y.

Married May 1, 1848 or Oct 1, 1849

She died September 23, 1919 in North Ogden

They had eight children. She did not remarry.

Minerva says, "I learned a lot about taking care of the sick during my mother's illness. All my life I tried to help with the sick and learned everything that I could about taking care of those needing help. I went to the 'Borde of Health' and joined the 'Borde' (sic) in 1850-51." According to her diary she became a midwife and during her lifetime she delivered 256 babies.

A short unsigned history found with Minerva's diary dated January 2, 1885 reads,"...She, [meaning Minerva] came on to Salt Lake and became the wife of William A. Hickman famed in early Church history, or Bill Hickman a staunch and sometimes an unwise defender of the Prophet Joseph..."

Lerona, her daughter, tells in her diary "Mother died at good old age of ninety years. I thought I wouldn't miss her because in twenty years I only saw her when I stopped by, but oh how much I miss her. She always took care of herself and wasn't beholden to none of us till her last sickness. She was bed fast for two years and left enough behind to bury her. My brother, Warren, sold the little house for $1,000 and I think how hard she worked to raise us children and keep us together. She wouldn't give none of us away nor marry out of the church. When she used to sew for people and thread her needle by lamp light her hand would look blue, for we had no sewing machine them days. She was faithful Relief Society worker. She cast the bread upon the water to return again, for the sisters [in relief Society] were good to her in her last illness. She was in church all of her life. She took care of her sick mother when her father and brother, Edward, were in the Battalion and followed the Mormons through all the hardships of first starting the church till her mother died. It was something terrible the hardships they went through. My father Wm. Hickman buried her mother. Mother said he was the only friend she had and fell in love with him and married him and come to the valley to meet her father and brother, as she had promised her dying mother never to leave the Church." (More on her is found in "Setting the Record Straight" p 4 and "Because We Care.")

(4) Sarah Basford Meacham

Born October 10, 1834 in Pennsylvania (or Fletcher of Franklin, Vermont)

Baptized August, 1848

*Married August 18, 1850 to Wm. A. Hickman in Salt Lake City, Utah

**Died November 29, 1909, buried on the 30th in Kline, Lapata, Colorado

She left Wm. A. and married his friend,*** John Franks, July 29, 1868.

There were four children with Bill and six with John Franks. Because of the marriage and sealing being broken she was resealed to Wm. A. in 1934. The Franks family not knowing this, had her sealed to John Franks in the Canadian Temple May 26, 1976. MAY THE BEST MAN WIN! It is hoped by both families that when the day of meeting together again comes, where will not be another war in heaven over "the claiming" of this great little lady.

The story as we have heard, which is probably correct according to records and information, is that Sarah and her two brothers Jeremiah Emery and Samuel Meacham were left as orphans and came to Utah together. "Sarah was left an orphan at the age of 13. Her father had died early and her mother was buried in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She was advised to stay there but insisted that this is what her parents wanted to do, so she would continue with the Saints. She walked with the rest of the children and helped drive the animals. She said they got so hungry at times that watching the animals eat grass and weeds they decided to eat some too. Grandma was the only one to get sick from this diet. She said a good couple took her in their wagon and gave her milk. After a day or two she was ready to resume the 1300 mile walk west." (in a letter from George Gillespie)

Sarah married William and lived in the home with Bernetta and Minerva. She was the 4th wife. These three were the wives that were implicated in the story of the Rag Baby (See p 88)

On Bill's return from a mining trip, she had made the decision to remarry. This was to John Franks in 1868. "He was a good man--so mother (Phoebe) told us many times. He never belonged to the Church but he only had grandmother Sarah, where Wm. A. had 9 besides her." (Laurene "Lula" Stalworthy)

______________

*Marriage dates that have been sent in for Sarah:

September 11, 1855 and December 24, 1855

**See death Certificate in "Documents"

***See Deed reference 153 p 64 Because We Care

______________

"Grandma was in our home when she died. I remember her conversations. I was 15 at the time, we had many family conversations. She was a wonderful person and we loved her...

"Grandma's last trip was to Colorado. She had made a special trip to see all of the family. 'To Colorado--Bob and Phoebe, then I've seen them all', she kept repeating. It was Thanksgiving time, she was very, very well on arriving but lived only 30 days... She was a good story teller and enjoyed to tell them as well as we enjoyed listening. She helped make pies and food for the Thanksgiving party... After the party, on the way home she started cramping. They gave all of the medicine they knew or had but there was no relief, so father got on his horse and went to Durango, 15 miles to see Dr. MeEwen, it was snowing quite bad, but when he returned grandma had died."

(see death certificate in documents section)

(5) Eliza Virginia Johnson

Born March 7, 1838, in Kirtland, Ohio

Daughter of Luke Johnson, LDS Church Apostle

Married Wm. A. Hickman March 28, 1855 in Salt Lake City, Utah

They had five children, one deceased

After she and Wm. A. separated, (at the time of the Spanish Franks incident) she lived in Clover and Johnson by relatives. She died in Salt Lake City and was buried there also. No dates found.

From all indications, Son Luke made his home with his father Wm. A. and Bernetta, but who knows whatever became of the three girls?

*The following story was told to a man by his father, likewise the man told it to his daughter and so on down, his daughter to her daughter, etc.

While Bill was away, probably mining at this time, Eliza became more than friends with a man by the name of Spanish Franks. When Bill came home, friends and neighbors informed him of what had been going on and that Spanish Franks had tried to subdue his daughter and was over-strict with the other children. Bill tried to find out where they lived but could not. One day the children were running away and were crossing the fields to find "their pa" but did not get very far before they were caught and taken back. Later they tried running away again and got to Bill's house a distance of about 5 miles and they told him the trouble, or what was going on, and where they lived. He got mad and went to the house and as Spanish Franks opened the door, "Bill blew him off." After this, Eliza* went to live by her relatives in Johnson Settlement (later was known as Clover). When she was older, she moved to Salt Lake where she died and was buried. No one knows where her grave is located, and no date of death, or where she went. (to date, 1980) IS THIS traditional story the true one? In her family, there is a difference of opinion as to this story. (More on Spanish Franks found in "Setting the Record Straight" p 34)

_____________

*The story as told to Leona P. Holt.

______________

(6) Margaret Indian

Born 1820, Warren County, Kentucky

Married Wm. A. Hickman March 28, 1855

Margaret does not fit the pattern of the other wives. She was a 35 year old Indian Squaw. Little is known about her except for her name and age. Family records state that she was Shoshone Indian raised in the home of Brigham Young. (see "Setting the Record Straight" p 9) This must be why she was such a good housekeeper having had such good training in that home. She and Bill had no children. What ever happened to her after the Indians made peace is not known.

(7) Hannah Dyantha Harr (Horr)

Born August 3, 1836, Independence, Jackson Co., Missouri

Married Wm. A. Hickman September 11, 1853

After leaving him she married Hyrum Elliot Byington February 18, 1861 (? children)

Even after this marriage the children carried the Hickman name.

She died July 27, 1917, Downey, Bannock Co., Idaho

Hannah Dyantha and Mary Jane Lucretia Harr were sisters, so a great part of their history is tied together. Their parents' name as far as we know are not known. They were always spoken of as "father and mother" but we do know that their mother and an only brother died on the way West. The father died soon after arriving in the Salt Lake Valley, so the girls were left alone. Both married Wm. A. Hickman but three years apart. They could not read nor write as a result of little or no schooling. The two sisters after marriage "shared the long two room house, which was conveniently situated on a side street in Murray, Utah, with their husband's other wives, each maintaining a bond of sisterly love and affection for the other, as much as possible." Through the death of their brother, there was no one to carry the name of "thier father".

___________

*Not only did she love horses, but she was a skilled horsewoman. (see p 14)

___________

It appears that in 1860, both left. Dyantha married Hyrum Elliott Byington in 1861 and moved to the outskirts of Downey, Idaho. Records show that Mary Jane was sealed to this same man before he died, so the two may have left at the same time and gone to Downey. All of the children of both wives by Wm. A. went by the name of Hickman. (Mary Jane is wife #9 below)

After Hannah Dyantha's husband, Hyrum Byington died, Hannah moved to the southeast of Downey on a four acre piece of land. She lived in a two room house and had a large garden. Eventually she moved into Downey, Grant Ward, and sold ice cream for a livelihood. This "made good money" for her from dances and festivals whenever they were held. Some time later she moved from this home and settled in a small two room house also in Downey. She was buried in the old cemetery on the ranch.

(This information given by Jane Cole.)

(8) Martha Diana Case*

Born October 8, 1823, in Troy, Radford, Pa.

Married Wm. A. November 2, 1856 in Salt Lake City (Sept. 21, 1855?)

Died March 16, 1872 in Franklin, Onidea, Idaho

There were four children. They all carried the Hickman name.

She went to Franklin, Idaho with her oldest daughter

In the year of 1855, Grandpa Bill met a woman who was teaching school in the Fourth Ward in Salt Lake City. Her name was Martha Diana Case; she had been married twice before. Her first marriage was to Henry Howland who had died while crossing the plains to Utah in 1852. She then married her second husband, Telemicus Rogers, in 1853. This was a plural marriage but was dissolved before her first child was born. "She was baptized when the Company reached Salt Lake Valley in the first water they came to that was suitable for baptizing, June 15, 1852. She was Grandpa's 8th wife. She taught school to help support the family. She had a generous disposition. During the grasshopper war of 1854, she shared her last bread with a beggar woman, not knowing where her next would come from, but she was blessed of the Lord for her generosity. Before the night came, a gentleman friend came by, Tanner, and brought 200 pounds of flour which carried her until harvest.

"When Johnstons Army came she went down to Southern Utah and taught school in Pondstown (Salem), under a tree. She taught school and did sewing for a living until she died." (told by Carlos Hickman)

___________

* Story on Martha Diana Case was submitted by Fontella P. Webster.

__________

Grace Lowe of Franklin, a great-granddaughter, says about Martha's feelings toward Wm. A. that "the family held no hard feelings against him, in fact I believe great-grandmother was very fond of him."

(9) Mary Jane Lucretia Harr (Horr)

Born December 1837 in Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois

Married Wm. A. August 30, 1856. As far as we know she did not remarry.

There were two children by this marriage, a boy and a girl

Died in Idaho. No date is available.

Probably buried in Downey, by Dyantha (our surmise)

Her daughter (do not know her name) married (do not know to whom) and had a family. WHERE IS HER FAMILY?

Another reason we think Jane Lucretia went to Downey with Hannah Dyantha is because her son* ("Bie", "By" or "Vie") was living there, according to information given by Jane Cole. He never married.

Mary Jane Lucretia was sealed to Hyrum Elliot Byington by proxy, December 9, 1896, in the Logan Temple, so her death must have been prior to this date. Elliot Byington died in 1901.

Also considering all information, these two wives' (sisters) lives ran closely together (refer to Dyantha's story). Both married Wm. A. and they left him at the same time, which had to be before Dyantha's marriage in 1861. This was seven years before the other Wives left. Jane Cole spoke of her as "Aunt Jane."

(10) Mary Jane Hethering

Born March 20, 1840 in Parish, Oswega County, New York

Daughter of Joseph and Rachel Hetherington

Married Wm. A. Hickman June 21, 1859 in Salt Lake City, Utah

Their sealing was cancelled April 23, 1873

Died May 29, 1923 in Tooele, Utah

Mary Jane's mother died when she was 5 months old. Her father married again and moved to Dodge County near Milwaukee. The news of the California gold strike reached her father and he decided to go to California and they started out in 1852. After crossing the Missouri River they decided to travel with the Mormon pioneers. Her father died on the way. She continued with her stepmother on to Utah with the Mormons. After arriving in Utah, Mary Jane married Wm. A. They lived in West Jordan for a while and they had two sons born there; Hyrum and J. B. In later years Mary moved to Stockton, Tooele County, Utah where she opened a boarding house. She, along with the Storekeeper Mr. James G. Brown, started the first school in Stockton, which was held in the rear of his store. (Tooele County History, DUP)

______________

*Being so close, could the names of the sister's boys have been mixed up; Jane's son being named "Brigham Young" and nicknamed "By" or "Bie"?

______________

One of the most beloved women of Stockton was Mary Jane Hetherington Hickman. Stockton was a mining camp. "Her boarding house was very successful because she fed and mothered the miners like she would have her own children. She would have become wealthy except that she fed all the hungry, whether they had money or not. She was not extremely religious but her entire life was the essence of the true spirit of religion...I have heard her tell how her arms ached so that she could hardly sleep from washing the flannel shirts worn by the miners...Even after the hard wash days she often spent nights taking care of the sick. With no Doctors close by the people began to say, 'run for Jane' or 'Aunt Jane'. She received no pay for what she did, often leaving clothes standing, wiped the suds from her arms and ran to help. Her funds grew slowly but finally she had enough to buy a house. It was a wonderful house made with dirt, and no princess ever reigned over a palace more graciously than grandmother graced that home. General Conner came along making claim to the land and she had to pay for it over again." (Edna Hickman Day, History of Tooele County p 347-8)

She always had both a flower and a vegetable garden. She was also a midwife and rode her horse around the Valley to deliver babies. At the time of her death, she had been in her garden and broke her hip and "did not recover from the anesthetic." She was living in a small house next to her son's home. She died at the age of 83.

According to Edwin Hickman, 1978, by Hilton, Mary Jane was a widow before marrying Bill, but we find no record of a first husband. The family members we have contacted have no record of another marriage. Do any of you have this information?

***

Bernetta was the only wife to remain with Grandpa Bill. However, through his reinstatement into the Church May 5, 1943, according to Church doctrine, "all former blessings were restored"* which included those belonging to all of his wives. Automatically they received their proper places as his wives. We must remember, however, that some wives were sealed to another husband. Note that there is more than one date for some items. Where this occurs dates have been given by different people, so all have been used. If anyone has more valid dates, write them in your book and notify the Family Organization of same.

__________________

*See "Letters, Testimonials, Documents". Alto Credits, and pages 75, 76, 77. NOTE: The word "sealed" used under the heading "Wives", pertains to an ordinance performed in the L.S.S. Temple, which seals or unites families throughout eternity.

__________________

EXTRA!

This incident is worth telling: "I remember they hadn't got to raising fruit there yet much and Pa went over to Maxwells and got us some peaches in the buckboard. When he came back he unharnessed the horses and put them up and came back to get the harness. Something caught his pistol and it fell to the ground and went off and shot him through the liver and I heard him say 'Man I am shot' and ran to gramma. We had gone to bed and Ma said 'you get up your Pa is a dyeing (sic)' and I went in to see him. He was in the middle of the floor with his garments on and a sheet around him and them carrying watter (sic) from the spring and throwing it on him and they said 'let us pray' and they came into my Mother's room and knelt down and ask God to spare him to them. They went back to his room and he was better and they went back and prayed again and he was spared to them, and lived thirty years after that. When Mother washed his close (sic) down by the river there was little pieces of bone in them." (Lerona's Diary)

Thank you, Lerona, for all of your choice thoughts and feelings.

ANOTHER EXTRA

A story told by my Aunt Marie Kohlhepp Nash in 1948, later confirmed by the family of Sarah Basford Meacham, tells of the paralyzing jealousy that troubled Bernetta. Probably in the winter of 1855 when several of the wives were pregnant or had just had babies, Bernetta, who was 20 years older than the others, in desperation feigned a pregnancy by wrapping layers of rags around had abdomen. She was treated with tender-loving care and released from all household chores so she could bare her child in comfort at age 42. When her condition persisted into the 11th month, wife #3 Minerva Wade Hickman, and Sarah Basford Meacham, wife #4, suspecting the truth of the matter, forced her to terminate her "pregnancy" in the barn. When the "Rag Baby" came forth it was duly buried under piles of dirt and hay and Bernetta in tears was put to bed for two weeks to recover from "the delivery" and the loss of her child. This fictionalized version of the incident is written by Hope A. Hilton and is sold at Hickman Family Reunions as a longer version.

Our hearts and love go out, and hats go off to you ten women who at one time did share the same pleasures and sorrows together. Through circumstances not known for sure or understood by us, each went your own way. We have lost some of your whereabouts altogether and are hoping that through this book, you may be found so we may all meet sometime and realize where each belongs for sure. The choice is your but we are only trying to help and want you to know we will all be looking forward to being "One Big Happy Family."

I have a testimony, sacred and dear to me.

Something that lies within my soul,

One that I cannot see.

When life seems dark and its shadows hid

All the brightness of day,

I feel God's arms around me,

Leading me on each day

Trials and tribulations oft have come my way

But I've felt Him near me and I've knelt to pray.

Prayed to God in heaven, thanked Him fervently

For the blessings from his store

Given unto me.

FLASH...HOT OFF THE WIRES! Another family member's view of the Eliza Virginia Johnson marriage to Wm. A. Hickman (Grandpa Bill). Mrs. Gillette of Tooele, Utah related to Marilyn Butcher Gates who in turn related the following information to Leona Holt and Golda Busk: Eliza and Spanish Franks were living in Lake Slagtown, near Tooele around Stockton (?), where Wm. A. Hickman located them. It was here the trouble between Grandpa Bill and Spanish Franks took place after which Grandpa Bill took off on a fast horse to Lehi. Eliza went to Montana. She must have died and been buried there. (BUT WHERE?) However, this is so sketchy, it's hard to know just where to look for something concrete. One other bit of information is that Spanish Franks was a gentle person, not hot tempered as some have led us to think... Evidently this is another opinion from the Eliza Johnson family.

Love from the wives and Me,

Devona

An adobe house, as it appears today on the Hogan Ranch, near Stockton, Utah, claimed to have been built by William A. Hickman possibly in the early 1860's. Note picture showing deteriorating adobes at top in the eves, the side covered with mud. Also note the old chimney, the only one left of several which accommodated a fireplace in every room. There are three rooms upstairs and four on the main floor. Originally a balcony adorned the full front of the house...inside an open stairs with wooden banister was the pride of its owner. Not far from the house were a few "bunk houses" possibly used by hired help or people passing through the area. There was also an old "out house" which had been destroyed along with the bunk houses. This seven room home, over one hundred years old, is lived in and loved by the people who own it. There is a feeling of love and nostalgia within its walls.

***

Eliza Virginia Johnson Hickman married Spanish Frank. His real name was Frank Mareno. He had money. He bought Eliza a horse, buggy and a riding outfit. Eliza and Frank had one daughter named Viola. After Spanish Frank was killed, Eliza Married a man named Edwin Sherman who owned a Funeral Parlor in Butte, Montana. (see p 89. Marilyn should be corrected to Marlene Gates.)

Marlene Gates

(Sharon Ann Butcher Gates)

Frank Hickman, a grandson, and son of James Barton, told Mae Hickman, his sister-in-law, (Harry Hickman), that Mary Jane and Wm. A. Hickman did not live on the ranch sight. After the separation (p 64) Hyrum lived with his father Wm. A. for awhile, later returning to his mother's home. Wm. A. wanted both boys, but Mary Jane was determined to take care of them. As a small boy, James Barton worked on the Slater Ranch, now Hogan's Ranch. This bit of information came too late for us to research the "Mary Jane" homes in Stockton and Tooele. A granddaughter, also of this marriage, Edna Hickman Day, lives in Gooding Idaho with her daughter Betty Bohman. She is almost ninety years old.

Bishop Lelnad Hogan of Stockton told us that the first boy to receive his Eagle Scout award in Stockton, was a Hickman boy. He does not remember his name. However, some years later this man was honored as a special guest speaker at a Eagle Scout Court of Honor in Stockton.

***

Tom Hickman found this interesting bit of data. He should be writing it which would be more informative and interesting, but he just simply got too tied up in his daily affairs, so I'm trying to do my best to get his "surprise" to you.

It is in the Salt Lake City Cemetery records. Tom directed us where to go and this is what we found:

Deed Register A-4-1 :

William Hickman purchased a cemetery lot, October 2, 1865.

It appears the lots consisted of ten plots in each side, the "West Tier" and the "East Tier", making a total of 20 spaces. the Sexton said since there are more people than lots, that perhaps it could be that infants taking less space were buried on top or very close to each other.

It also appears that some of those buried here may not be members of the family. Could some of them be friends or neighbors? Who of you recognize the names to be family members?

***

A group of early miners in Utah. Who are they? Is Grandpa Bill with this group? Can someone identify these men? (p 65)

***

Thanks to the little girls who helped collate the book, and did it more than willingly: Barbars, Marianne and Kathleen Barlow and Karrene, Racquel and Alicia Sipes! (All are great-great-great Granddaughters of Wm. A.)

_____________

FOOTNOTES

1. Harding, p 1

2. Whitney, Vol II pp 628, 629, 630, 636, 638, 698

3. Roberts Comprehensive History Vol 5 pp 405, 406

4. H & H Research 1978 p 4

5. BDA p 194

6. Warren H., Sketch

7. Utah and the Mormons, Monahan, p 280

8. History of the LDS Church, Leonard and Allen, p 253

9. Deseret News reprint, Oct. 29, 1856

10. Whitney, Vol 1 & 2, p 5; Stout p 22

11. H & H Research pp 27 through 39

12. Whitney, Vol 2 p 633; Erikson, pp 11 through 17

13. H & H Research p 3

14. Robert Rex Hickman, as told to Golda Busk, Jane Gudmundsen, Summer 1978

15. Erikson p 18; H & H p 36

16. Erikson p 18

17. Whitney, Vol 2, pp 628-689; Erikson pp 17, 18; Stout, pp 22, 28

18. Oct. 9, 1871 letter from Hickman to Robison, Erikson p 17

19. Whitney Vol 2; Harding p 15

20. H & H Research p 38

21. Harding p 16; Whitney Vol 2, p 638

22. Sounding Brass, Nibley, p 264

23. Lecture, Leonard Arrington, Harding p 14

24. Letter from Fred R. Gowans to Golda P. Busk, March 1979

25. Edwin Hickman, 1967, Hilton p 123

26. Edwin Hickman, 1978, Hilton p 32

27. Francis Hickman, nephew, related to Devona Hancock, 1947

28. Related to Leona Holt, by a great-granddaughter of George Hickman. Traditional.

29. Related to Leona Holt, traditional story; A & H p 25

30. Leona P. Holt, traditional story

30a. History of the Church, Vol 5 p 135

31. J. H. Vol 7, p 307

32. A Mormon Chronicle, p 328 I 67 Diaries of John D. Lee Vol 1; A & H p 24; Bennion Journal, p 3, 4BK 2

33. A Catholic Paper in the Harold B. Lee Library, Special Collection, submitted by Fontella P. Webster

34. Brigham Young's Journal, Nov. 2, 1858, p 1104

35. Stout pp 529, 530

36. H & H p 1; 1978

37. Harper's Weekly, October 9, 1858. Hist. Society

38. Warren H., Sketch

39. DUP lesson pamphlet, Oct. 1979

40. Radford

41. BDA p 108

42. Jeff Gudmundsen and Terece Corry

43. H & H p 5

44. Edwin H. p 104, 1978

45. BDA p 29

46. H & H p 5; Edwin T. H. p 90, 1978

47. BDA p 33

48. Edwin T. H. p 129, 1978; Family traditional story

49. H & H p 4

50. Edwin T., 1969, pp 41, 42

51. BDA p 33

52. BDA p 35

53. Pioneers and Prominent Men of Utah, 1313; Erikson p 4

54. B. Y. Colonizer, p 226

55. H & H p 8

56. Minerva's Diary

57. DUP Our Pioneer Heritage Vol 3 p 384

58. H & H p 8

59. DUP Pioneer Heritage Vol 8 p 120

60. Bridger, p 88

61. DUP Our Pioneer Heritage p 418 Vol 15

62. Harding p 5

63. Erikson p 5; Harding p 5; BDA pp 70, 82

64. Edwin H. 1978, pp 107, 108

65. H & H p 26

66. Towns of Tintic p 64

67. Bancroft, History of Utah p 611

68. Johnston, Conner and the Mormons p 25

69. BDA pp 186, 187

70. Towns of Tintic p 64, Harris

71. DUP, lesson pamphlet Oct. 1979, History of Lerona Hickman Vanderhoff

72. BDA pp 150, 151

73. DUP Heart Thorbs of the West, Vol 7 p 126

74. A & H, p 26

75. Utah Centennial History; Sutton Vol 2 Mining 979.2 SU 8 U;Allen\Leonard Story of LDS pp 321, 322

76. H & H p 26

77. Edwin H., 1978, Picture

78. Bancroft, History of Utah, p 742, 743

79. Bridger, p 49 Gowans/Campbell

80. Colonizer, p 280

81. Deseret News 1854, Devona P. Hancock files

82. Supply, Gowans\Campbell 0010-14

83. Robert Rex Hickman, great-grandson, Provo, Utah

84. J. H., July 30, 1853

85. H & H p 12

86. Bridger pp 45, 60

87. Stout Diary, about p 520; Gowans & Campbell, Bridger p 49, 50

88. H & H p 13

89. Gowans/Campbell, Bridger p 60

90. Letter from Hickman to Brigham Young, 13 July 1854

91. This Side of the Mountain Stories of Eastern Idaho, a Bicentennial Project of K I D Broadcasting Corp. compiled by Janet Thompson, Idaho Falls

92. DUP lesson pamphlet March 1972

93. Our Pioneer Heritage Vol 15 p 417; Bancroft History of Utah pp 461, 462

94. Erikson, pp 5, 6

95. Harding p 3

96. Erikson p 7

97. Colonizer p 265

98. Deseret News, 10 December 1855

99. BDA pp 110, 111; A & H p 5

100. Stout Diary p 569

101. Ibid p 585

102. Colonizer, p 270

103. J. H., Dec. 21, 1858

104. Bancroft History of Utah, p 540; Deseret News Oct. 28, 1859; Utah Peace Officers Winter Issue 1979, pp 20, 21, 22; Deseret News, Nov. 2, 1859; Stout Diary pp 703, 704

105. H & H p 13

106. March 1979 Lesson Pamphlet DUP

107. Pioneer Men of U. p 1315; Bridger p 66

108. O. P. Rockwell, Schindler p 204, 205; Bridger, pp 50, 53

109. DUP April 1979 Lesson Pamphlet

110. H & H p 2

111. Colonizer p 279

112. Bridger pp 55--176; Colonizer p 287; Fort Bridger Brief History pp 18, 19

113. Bridger p 74-76

114. Bridger p 56; Bridger Brief History, pp 18, 19

115. Pioneer and Prominent Men

116. Contributor pp 361-373 Vol IX

117. Great Basin Kingdom, Arrington p 164; DUP Lesson Pamphlet March 1979; Freighters and Freighting p 272

118. Contributor Vol IX p 241; Echo Canyon

119. Great Basin Kingdom, Arrington p 164

120. Our Pioneer Heritage Vol 3 p 367

121. Journal Discourses Vol 6, p 176

122. Bancroft History of Utah pp 508, 509

123. Erikson p 10

124. Harding. p 6

125. Erikson p 10; H & H p 19; Bridger p 101

126. Utah Expedition VIII p 74; Lot Smith History, p 2323; Contributor Vol 9 p 368

127. Whitney Vol 1 p 639

128. BDA pp 124, 125

129. Lorenzo Brown, Journal 1, pp 290, 296; Stout p 634

130. Albert Tracey Journal, 1858-60; Utah Historical Quarterly XIII, 1945, pp 96, 97

131. Trip Across the Plains, Clark, pp 198, 199, 204, 205

132. BDA p 192

133. Letter from Hickman to Young, January 1860; A & H p 22

134. BDA pp 146, 147

135. Whitney, Vol 2 p 38

136. Bancroft, History of Utah, p 663

137. Edwin H. Hilton 1978, p 142

137a. Erikson pp 18-19

138. BDA p 56

138a. H & H p 10

139. Edwin H. 1978, p 139

140. Letter from West Jordan Members January 15, 1858, to President Brigham Young

141. Colonizer, p 242

142. Hirshon, Lion of the Lord p 150

143. J. H. January 14, 1857, p 14

144. Stout, p 572

145. Towns of Tintic, p 63

146. DUP Treasure of Pioneer H. Vol 6 p 490

147. H & H p 21

148. Encyclopedia of the Church, Jensen; Fairfield Ward: Camp Floyd p 240; Utah Historical Quarterly Vol 4, 1966

149. Journal History, February 16, 1858

150. BDA p 183

151. Harding p 7; Erikson, p 14

152. Erikson p 15

153. Deed in possession of Hope Hilton

154. Original Deeds are in Testimonial Section of the book.

155. Juab County, 1880 Census

156. Related by Francis Hickman to Julia M. Hickman

157. Letter to Golda Busk from George Gillispie

158. Edwin H., 1978 p 169

159. Sketch of Don R. Hickman in Testimonial Section of this book

160. Letter in Section of Letters and Testimonials of this book

161. Harding p 8

162. BDA p 193

162a. H & H Research p 5

163. DUP Lesson Pamphlet March 1972; BDA p 36

164. Joseph Smith History of the LDS Church Vol 7, p 573

165. My Kingdom Shall Roll Forth, p 24

166. Microfilm Journal History p 112

167. Harding, p 5

168. Brodie, No Man Knows My History p 272

169. R. B. West, Kingdom of Saints, p

170. Joseph Smith History of the Church Vol 4 p 365

171. A & H, Forward pp ii, iii, iv and v

172. BDA p 40

173. Letters in LDS Church Historians Office (Number of Letters 13 in all) H & H Research; Tom Hickman

174. Letter, J. H. June 1, 1849, Orson Hyde to Willard Richards; Erikson p 4

105. Letter, Church Historians Office, April 25, 1850, Hyde to Brigham Young; Erikson p 4

176. Erikson p 4

177. Harding p 17

178. Erikson p 7

179. Erikson p 12; Andrew Jensen, Monthly Periodical VI Dec. 1887 p 343; Harker History p 67, May 11, 1858 entry; Bennion, p 7

180. Bennion Journals Bk 1 and 2, 1823-77; Erikson p 23

181. West Jordan History 1847-1966 Chapter XVII page 104-5-6; Bennion p 67

182. A & H p 24

183. Ibid p 23

184. Letters to Brigham Young from Hickman; A & H p 30; Hickman research p 23.. Ref 99, letters dated January 1860, June 25, 1862; January 7, 1865; April 25, 1866; to Minerva Wade Hickman, Feb. 8, 1868

185. Fontella P. Webster

186. A & H p 24, 25, 28, 30

187. Old Testament, Hebrews, Chapter 12:6-7

188. A & H pp 23, 26

189. Letter August 15, 1868, Hickman to Young, Letters and Testimonials Section

190. West Jordan Membership Record, Film 1852-1923 URF pt. #1. First rebaptism 1852 is found here as well as one on Sept. 20, 1857, shortly before he went into the Bishopric 1858. Baptized and confirmed by John Bennion. Incidentally this record shows Jeremiah Emery Meacham, his son-in-law, was excommunicated at the same time for the same reason.

191. Letter from Young to Hickman, January 22, 1868, Church Historians Office

192. BDA p 183

193. Handwritten Letter, see Letters and Testimonials; A & H p 52

194. A & H pp 26, 30; H & H p 25; letter in the spring 1862 from Hickman to Young

195. Letter from Hickman to Butcher, January 7, 1872

196. A & H p 28; Letter from Hickman to Brigham Young

197. BDA pp 180, 183, 195, 196

198. Harding 18

199. Warren H., Sketch

200. Old Testament, Ecclesiastes 3

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