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