Sunday, October 3, 1847, the Saints in the Salt Lake Valley met in conference and transacted business which had been proposed by President Young and the apostles before their departure. “Uncle” John Smith, who had been chosen before his arrival, was sustained as president of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion, with Charles C. Rich and John Young as his counselors. Members of the high council were also chosen as follows: Henry G. Sherwood, Thomas Grover, Levi Jackman, John Murdock, Daniel Spencer, Lewis Abbot, Ira Eldredge, Edson Whipple, Shadrach Roundy, John Vance, Willard Snow and Abraham O. Smoot.
Charles C. Rich was also selected as chief military commander under the direction of the stake authorities. Albert Carrington was selected to act as clerk and historian of the city, and John Van Cott as marshal.
Population at the Close of 1847
The last company to enter the valley in 1847 arrived in October. The several companies were listed by Thomas Bullock as follows: President Young’s pioneer company, 148; the Mississippi company, 47; Mormon Battalion, 210; Daniel Spencer’s company, 204; Parley P. Pratt’s company, 198; Abraham O. Smoot’s company, 139; Charles C. Rich’s company, 130; George B. Wallace’s company, 198; Edward Hunter’s company, 155; Joseph Home’s company, 197; Joseph B. Noble’s company, 171; W. Snow’s company, 148; and Jedediah M. Grant’s company, the last of the season, 150. The total being 2,095 souls for the year.
Notes
[1. ] It is quite generally understood that there were three women who entered the Salt Lake Valley with the pioneers in July, 1847. The fact has been overlooked by many that there were other noble women, besides these three who accompanied President Young across the plains, who braved the dangers and hardships of the journey to the west. Among the Mississippi Saints who met the pioneers at Fort Laramie and journeyed with them from that point into the Salt Lake Valley, were the following: Elizabeth Crow, Harriet Crow, Elizabeth J. Crow, Ira Vinda Exene Crow, Irmaninda Almarene Crow and Marilla Jane Therlkill.
Chapter 41
Organization of the Presidency—Church Activities
1847–1849