The Indiana Saints at the Haun's Mill Massacre

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The Indiana Mormons at the Haun's Mill Massacre
Haun's Mill was named after Jacob Haun, a member of the Church, who built a mill on Shoal Creek between 1835 and 1836.1 In October 1838, there were an estimated 75 families living there, although there were only perhaps a dozen or so houses along with a blacksmith shop and a mill.

In the afternoon of October 30, 1838 a mob consisting of more than 200 men descended upon the settlement. Many of the Saints ran into the blacksmith shop where the 200 members of the mob placed their rifles in the cracks between the logs and opened fire. At least fifteen LDS men were killed during the attack or died shortly thereafter because of wounds inflicted by the attack. After the massacre, the mob looted the houses and tents and drove off horses and wagons.

Oliver Walker was the most promient member of the Mormon church in Winchester and he was the first to scout out and settle the Haun's Mill area in August of 1836. Oliver Walker escaped from the blacksmith's shop unhurt. At this time he purchased land in Section 12, but made his homestead in Section 1.

John York and Austin Hammer brought their families from Henry county, Indiana in November of 1836 and with Oliver Walker all took land in Section 1 of Fairview Township on Shoal Creek. John York and Austin Hammer were both killed in the blacksmith shop. They had come into the mill to defend it, leaving their families on their homesteads on section 1.

David Norton and John Pye arrived in June of 1837. David Norton brough his family from Henry county, Indiana. He gathered to the mill with the others of section 1 on the evening of Oct 29th, but he had a premonition the night before the massacre that he would be killed if he stayed at the mill and took his family back to their home. The Nortons sheltered many of the survivors of the massacre in a thicket by their home. Melissa and her mother Elisabeth bringing blankets and food. (from Melissa Nortons obit) Also see David Norton's petition for redress

John Pye brought his family from Shelby county, Indiana and settled on Section 13 nest to David Norton. He is not mentioned in the massacre and it appears he moved his family back to Indiana.

Isaac Ellison arrived in August of 1827 from Henry county, Indiana making a community of 6 saints from Indiana in Section 1. Issac Ellison is not mentioned in the massacre, but apparently moved with the saints through the Nauvoo period eventually settling in the Mt Pisgah area of Winter Quarters in 1846, the same location as David Norton.

See map below.

Accounts of the Massacre

Joseph Young
Melissa Norton
Willard Gilbert Smith
Amanda Smith
Ellis Eames
John Hammer
Isaac Leany
James McBride
Jacob Potts
Margaret Mann Foutz
Charlene Ward
Bertha Booth

List of Characters at Haun's Mill

David Evans
James McBride
Robert White

Timeline

1835, Dec 7	Jacob Haun registers land at what will become the settlement of Haun's Mill. Anticipating a general gathering of members of the Church of the Latter Day Saints, Jacob Haun, formerly of Wisconsin, moved to northern Missouri in 1835. Haun purchased 40 acres containing a good mill seat along Shoal Creek in the eastern part of what became Caldwell County, Missouri [Township 56, Range 26, Section 17].
	During this same period, (Mormon) church missionaries converted a successful millwright named Jacob Myers and his family in Richland County, Ohio, about 100 miles southwest of Kirtland. Heeding their leaders' call to come to Missouri, more than 50 wagons of Richland Saints set out in search of new homes in the fall of 1836 under Myers' direction. Many from this party settled along Shoal Creek, in Caldwell County. At the heart of this growing settlement, Myers and his sons constructed a sawmill and a very good grain/flour mill. Myers' grist mill would have been a substantial structure, probably of frame construction. Mills were typically three stories in height, to permit grain storage in the upper level, grinding on the main floor, and machinery below. Myers sold the mill to Jacob Haun and Ellis Ames. Myers' son, Jacob Myers Jr., helped operate it.
1836, Aug 16	Oliver Walker from Randolph, IN purchases land in Section 12
1836, December	More settlers from Henry, Indiana arrive. Austin Hammer, John York and Oliver Walker buy land in Section 1
1837, June	David Norton and John Pye arrive from Indiana. David Norton buys land in Section 1 and Section 13. John Pye buys land next to David Norton in Section 12. David Norton moved from Indiana to the State of Missouri in President A 0 Smoot's company.
1837, August	Issac Elliason arrives from Henry, Indiana and buys land in Section 1.
1837, August 15	On the 15th day of August, 1837, I (Ellis Eames) moved from Far West to Haun's Mill, 16 miles from the former place, with a quantity of merchandise intending to keep store in that place; having settled there, and liking the country very much, I purchased a saw mill from Mr. Myers, and in the spring Mr. Myers and son and I built a grist mill which was furnished that season.
1838 Mar 16	John Wesley Norton and Melissa Isabel Norton baptized by David Evans at Haun's MIll. John W is 17 and Melissa is 14.
1838, June	James McBride was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by David Evans, in June 1838. At the same time James Haun and Isaac Laney were baptized.
1838, Sept 29	On 29 September 1838, "...the camp [Kirtland Camp] passed through Chilicothe the county seat of Livingston County, they traveled up the side of the Grand River and crossed the river near the small village of Utica. After crossing Shoal Creek, they camped on the west bank, fifteen miles inside the border of Caldwell County, "on the farm of Oliver Walker, who gave each family a pumpkin and plenty of shelled beans. Today we felt like we had arrived in Zion." With in a month, Oliver became involved in efforts to avert an attack on the mill, making his home available for representatives of both parties to meet. Oliver Walker owns 100 acres of land about 3 miles from Haun's Mill, Caldwell county, MO.
1838, Oct 28	Abraham Palmer moved into the State of Missouri in October 1838 and proceeded with his family in a waggon as far as Caldwell County where he arrived two days before the Massacre of the Mormons at Haun's Mill he stopped at a Mr Walkers about four miles from the said Mill where he remained in his waggon with his family in company with six other waggons of his brethren untill after the Massacre The next day after the aforesaid outrage a company of the mob came to him and brethren and said if you will deny your faith you can live with us in peace but if you will not you must leave the Country forthwith on pain of death for we will exterminate all of you that do not deny your faith men women and children. The above proposition was made by a man who had previously assisted in plundering our wagons he called his name Austin and Styled himself Captain of the Livingston County Spies.” Joseph Young - On Sunday, twenty-eighth October, we arrived about twelve o'clock, at Haun's Mills, where we found a number of our friends collected together, who were holding a council, and deliberating on the best course for them to pursue, to defend themselves against the mob, who were collecting in the neighborhood under the command of Colonel Jennings of Livingston county, and threatening them with house burning and killing. The decision of the council was, that our friends there should place themselves in an attitude of self defense. Accordingly about twenty-eight of our men armed themselves, and were in constant readiness for an attack of any small body of men that might come down upon them. The same evening, for some reason best known to themselves, the mob sent one of their number to enter into a treaty with our friends, which was accepted, on the condition of mutual forbearance on both sides, and that each party, as far as their influence extended, should exert themselves to prevent any further hostilities upon either party.
1838, Oct 28	At the home of Myers 28 October 1838 a group of Missouri regulators, led by Col. William Jennings of Livingston County, negotiated a peace pact with the Saints. Though church defenders hoped this would forestall local violence, it was anticipated they should be prepared to defend the hamlet. David Evans, leader of the defenders, planned to use James Huston's blacksmith shop as a blockhouse. Some weapons were cached there in readiness. Capt. Evans kept a picket post in the northern edge of the timber, but having entered into a truce with Capt. Nehemiah Comstock, commanding one of the Livingston county companies, and no other enemy appearing, this post was withdrawn.
1838, October 29	David Norton and family gathered to the mill for proteetion the night previous to the massacre. Father Norton had a premonition that trouble would occur and that if he remained he would be slain. His home being in a rather secluded place he returned with his family consequently they escaped injury. (Melissa Norton Allred was the daughter of David and Elizabeth Norton.) Ellis Eames - October 29th passed peacefully at the mill, but that night grandfather had a dream which was not in the least reassuring. In the dream he seemed to be passing along a trail where there were a great many snakes. They crawled along the ground, hurled themselves through the air and hung twisting and hissing from the limbs of trees. Dodge and hurry as he might his body was soon pierced and bleeding from the attacks of the angry snakes. Finally escaping the serpents he met a man with whom he was acquainted. "Brother Leany," he said, "you are terribly bitten so with snakes and lived." "Well, then, I'll be the first for I'm not going to die," was grandfather's answer.
1838, 30 October	John Hammer - I stood in the yard (this was the Hammer homestead in Section 1, 3 miles away) with my mother, my Aunt York, my cousin Isaiah York and some of the smaller children of our two families. Our anxiety, of course, was great as to the fate of the brethren at Haun's Mill, knowing also that my father and uncle had gone there to aid in its protection and assist those of our friends who lived there. We were standing there exactly at the time this bloody butchery was committed and of course, we were all looking eagerly in the direction of the mill. While in this attitude, a crimson colored vapor, like a mist or thin cloud, ascended up from the precise place where we knew the mill to be located and was carried or streamed upward into the sky, apparently as high as our sight could extend. This singular phenomenon like a transparent pillar of blood-remained there for a long time how long I am not now able correctly to state; but it was to be seen by us far into that fatal night, and according to my best recollection now, my mother's testimony was that it was to be seen there until morning. At that hour we had not heard a word of what had taken place at the mill; but as quick as my mother and aunt saw this red, blood-like token, they commenced to wring their hands and moan, declaring they knew that their husbands had been murdered. At 4:00 p.m., 30 October 1838, about two hundred-forty Livingston County regulators and other volunteers caught the settlement by surprise. Attackers approached from all sides but the creek on the south. Nathan Knight was on his way to a nearby lake to shoot ducks. Comstock's men shot at Knight, cutting the string of his powder horn. Knight, and others ran to the community's blacksmith shop as planned. 35 Mormon men took shelter in the Blacksmith shop. 200 Missouri men surrounded the shop firing thousands of rounds between the unchinked logs. About thirty-five church men were on hand. They immediately called for quarters and urged their wives and children to flee for safety. Stunned women and children ran in every direction. Jenning's men approached from the west, north and east of the shop. The only direction for flight was to the south or southeast, with the millpond blocking part of that retreat. The shortest way to safety was across the milldam. Amanda Smith and her girls ran to the bank of the stream, down a few feet and onto the plank walkway. Bullets splattered all around them, splashing into the millpond. Upon the attacker's first advance, Mary Stedwell raised her hands pleading for peace. Instead, she was shot in the hand. Seeing no other recourse, she ran for cover on the opposite bank of the creek. Mary fell behind a log, but her attackers continued to fire at her exposed clothing. Afterward, over twenty bullets were found in the log. While women and children sought cover in streambed and distant forest, the blacksmith shop turned into a death trap for defenders. David Evans swung his hat and cried for peace. Nehemiah Comstock fired in return, then, as one, the attackers discharged their rifles into the blacksmith shop. Wide spaces between logs provided little protection as withering fire from the guns of more than 200 attackers concentrated on the men in the building. David Lewis wrote, "The first man that fell was Simon Cox, he was standing close by my side when he received the fatal blow, he was shot threw the kidneys, and all the pain and misery I ever witnessed a poor soul in him seemed to excell [sic]. Ellis Ames' wife, Olive, left her own detailed account of the tragedy, written in 1896, "... two of the brethren, Mr. Rial Ames (my husband's brother) and Hyrum Abbott were sitting just outside the door, one cutting the other's hair, they rose from the chair and remarked. . . It's the mob right on us... I rushed out of the house... soon found myself and little ones hidden away down under the bluff in a little nook by the creek." Olive Ames, David Evans made a second attempt to end the attack. He and Nathan Knight ran out of the building pleading for a truce. Knight was shot in the hand. When it was clear the attack would continue, Evans and Knight ran toward the creek for safety. Knight received two more wounds but escaped by running up a hill on the south side of the stream. Evans covered the same distance unharmed. Attackers overwhelmed the defenders, closing into a tight half circle around the shop. Daniel Ashby, one of the regulators, moved in to secure the structure. He crawled over under one of the openings from which the Mormons were shooting and within a short time, "our men got possession of all the port house, cracks, &c... and kept up such a constant fire that the Mormons could not get their guns out to shoot. Defender Ellis Eames wrote, " Seeing no prospect before us but death, the mob manifesting all malice possible and would not listen to our cries and seemed determined to murder us all, we thought it advisable for us to make our escape." Hiram Abbot, Tarlton Lewis & 2 others made a dash for the creek. Abbot received a fatal wound as he left the doorway. Lewis was wounded in the shoulder but survived. Still inside the shop, George Myers raised his hat on a gun, drawing the fire of a nearby sharpshooter. Myers shot back and ran from the shop. He received a shot in the right shoulder, but made his way across the milldam to the safety of his house a mile from the mill. Inside the shop John Walker was hit with a ball in his right arm. Unable to reload he and another defender took out for the field. They ran down the bank of the creek. On the way up on the other side, his companion was hit. Walker hid under some lumber standing along side the creek bank. Thomas McBride was shot as he made his escape from the shop. Olive Ames recalled, "No sooner had I concealed myself... than my husband, Mr. Ames, and old Father McBride ran past hunting a place of concealment... Isaac Laney crossed the creek above me. The mob saw him and began firing. I saw him fall, then rise and climb the hill. He escaped death...." Olive Ames, History of the RLDS Church, 2: 235. McBride tried to surrender to Jacob Rogers of Daviess County, but Rogers shot him in the chest and slashed McBride's head, face and shoulders with a corn knife, leaving him lying in the creek. While running for his life, Jacob Myers, Jr., fell when shot through the shoulder. Rogers proceeded to also attack Myers, but a Missourian stopped him saying, Myers had "ground many a grist for him." Rogers left Myers alone and two of the attackers carried him to his home nearby and threw him onto his bed. About this time, David Lewis also fled from the shop. Lewis planned to surrender, but being in the line of fire, he went down the creek bed and waded over to Haun's house. From there he headed south to his own house one-quarter mile away. Isaac Leany, Jacob Potts, William Yokum and Benjamin Lewis were the last four to leave the shop. They left the shop under fire at close range. Though wounded, Leany ran to the mill, climbed down the timbers and waded the creek to Haun's house. Women gathered at Haun's hid him under the floorboards. Jacob Potts was shot twice in his right leg, but made it to David Lewis' house, borrowed a horse and rode home. William Yokum fell wounded just past the milldam. Meanwhile, Benjamin Lewis made it across the creek, up a hill and, thinking himself safe from the action on the field, climbed upon a rock fence to watch. A sharpshooter named Rockholt picked him off from 300 yards. Women later found Benjamin Lewis in the woods. He was taken to David Lewis' home where he died. David Lewis buried him near his house. Benjamin was later reburied, perhaps in what is today known as White Cemetery. The Missourians stopped firing after the last group of Mormons left the shop. Inside regulators stripped the wounded and dead of their clothing and boots. Three boys were found hiding and were shot. While some succeeded in escaping with their lives, seventeen defenders were killed outright or mortally wounded. Of the nineteen who fled the building, only four escaped uninjured - Rial Ames, Ellis Eamut, David Evans and David Lewis. Fifteen were wounded - Jacob Foutz, Isaac Leany, Charles Jimison, Tarlton Lewis, Nathan Knight, Gilmon Merrill, George Myers, Jacob Myers Jr., Jacob Potts, John Walker and William Yokum. Four of the wounded died - Hiram Abbot, Benjamin Lewis, Thomas McBride, and John York. Fourteen in the shop were mortally wounded or killed- Elias Benner, John Byers, Alexander Campbell, Simon Cox, Joseph Fuller, Austin Hammer, John Lee, Levi Merrick, William Napier, George Richards, Sardius Smith and Warren Smith. Charles Merrick was wounded as he ran outside after being found hiding in the shop and died weeks later. Alma Smith was severely wounded in the shop but recovered. William Chaplin remained in the shop but was uninjured by playing possum. Three Missourians were injured in the affray - John Hart, from Livingston County was wounded in the arm, John Renfrow had a thumb shot off, and Alan England, of Daviess, was severely wounded in the thigh. John Hammer - After the darkness of night had come on, the brethren who were in hiding began to make search for those who had been killed and wounded. My father was found and carried into Haun's house, where he died about 12 o'clock that night. During that night they kept up the search as well as the darkness would permit, but were only able to find the wounded by their groans. All they were able in this manner to find were taken into Mr. Haun's house as soon as possible so as to be protected from being torn or mangled by the hogs with which the woods at that place were full. Margaret Mann Foutz - I hurried on to find my husband. (Jacob Foutz) I found him in an old house covered with rubbish. The mob had taken the bedding and clothing from al the houses that were near the mill. My husband was shot in the thigh. I rendered him all the aid that I could but it was evening before I could get him home. I saw thirteen more dead bodies at the shop and witnessed the beginning of the burial which consisted in throwing the bodies into an old dry well. So great was the fear of the men that the mob would return and kill what few men that were left that they threw the bodies in head first or feet first as the case might be. When they had thrown in three my heart sickened and I could not stand it more. I turned away to keep from fainting. My husband and another Brother drew dead bodies on themselves and pretended to be dead and by so doing saved their own lives and heard what the mob said. After the firing was over two little boys that were in the shop begged for their lives, but 'No,' they said, 'Damn them, they will make Mormons.' And they put the muzzle of their guns to their heads and blew their brains out. Here were my friends dead and dying. One in particular asked me to give him relief by taking a hammer and knocking out his brains, so great was his agony from his wounds, and we knew not what moment our enemies would be upon us. In the evening Brother Evans got a team and wagon and conveyed my husband to his house, carried him in and placed him on the bed. I then had to attend him alone, without any doctor or anyone to tell me what to do for him. Six days after, I and my husband together, extracted the bullet, it being buried deep in the thick part of the thigh and flattened like a knife.
1838, Oct 31	The day ofter the massacre, David Evans and others of the survivors took refuge in a thicket on Brother Nortons farm. To them in the company of her mother, Melissa carried provisions until peace was restored. (Melissa Norton Allred the daughter of David and Elizabeth Norton) Abraham Palmer The next day after the aforesaid outrage a company of the mob came to him and brethren and said if you will deny your faith you can live with us in peace but if you will not you must leave the Country forthwith on pain of death for we will exterminate all of you that do not deny your faith men women and children. The above proposition was made by a man who had previously assisted in plundering our wagons he called his name Austin and Styled himself Captain of the Livingston County Spies.” “I Certify that I lived near Haun's Mill about three months. On Tuesday the thirtieth day of October being absent from home at the House of Mr Walker, while their a man came up and told us that the mob had come to the Mill and that they had Shown no Quarter, and that they intended to Sweep Shoal Creek. That evening I Started to go to the mill and proceeded Some distance I met Some Families in the Woods who had fled from the Slaughter they persuaded me not to go any further that night So I Consented to Stay with them. We all Slept in the Woods that night without any beds or any thing to Cover us with excepting two women (This was Melissa and Elizabeth Norton) who had brought Each of them a quilt. The next morning I pursued my Journey and went I got to the Mill I met my Mother and the rest of the family I asked them if my Father was dead. They told me to go and look into the Shop I immediately went to the Shop and Saw Seven men and one boy lying dead amongst whom was my Father who was shot through the head and through the heart Three more I found lay dead near the Shop and Several more reached Some houses and Soon afterwards died, in all there were Eighteen killed Sixteen men and two boys.” Ellis Eames - Early in the morning a few of us got together and interred the dead in a hole which had been dug for a well, and then we went and hid in the hazel brush, expecting the mob would probably be coming to massacre the remainder. Some came, but they did not appear so hostile, but satisfied themselves with carrying off 2 or 3 horses. James McBride A few rods south of the blacksmith shop, was an unfinished well, about eight or twelve feet deep; but no water was in it. This made the sepulchre for the dead. Fifteen murdered persons, including my father, were carried on a board, one at a time, and dropped into that well--by brother Amos McBride, James Dayley and Jacob Myers: the only three able bodied men that were present.
1838, Nov 2	Willard Smith - We were forbidden to call the family together for prayers or even to pray vocally alone. This Godless silence, Mother said, she could not stand, so one day, she went down into a corn field and crawled into a shock of the corn which had been cut. After carefully ascertaining that no one was within hearing distance, she said she "Prayed till her soul felt satisfied." As she left the shock of corn, although there was no one in sight, she plainly heard a voice repeating these words: "That soul who on Jesus hath leaned for repose, I cannotI will not desert to it foes. That soul, 'though all hell should endeavor to shake, I'll never, no never, no never forsake." From that moment Mother said she had no further fear of the mob, and she inspired us children with faith that if we conscientiously did right, the Lord would shelter us from harm. A few days after the same company came and pretended that General Clark had sent them to take prisoners and send them to Richmond jail. They took me prisoner and kept me in close confinement for nine days and would not let me converse with any one. They then took possession of my mills and ground up all the wheat and corn and took it home to their families and after taking about all the spoil they could and killed nearly all my hogs, they departed and left me at liberty and drove off the cattle, etc. They went all around the neighborhood and threatened the lives of all the Mormons and ordered them out of the state upon pain of extermination.
1838, Nov 8	Margaret Mann Foutz - During the first ten days the mob came every day with blackened faces, more like demons from the infernal pit than like human beings, cursing and swearing that they would kill that damn old Mormon preacher. (Jacob Foutz) And, at times like these when human nature would quail, I have felt the power of God upon me to that degree that I have stood before them fearless and although a woman and alone, these demons in human shape had to succumb, for there was a power they knew not of. During these days of danger I would sometimes have to hide my husband out in the woods and cover him with leaves. And, then again in the house. Thus during my husband's illness was I harassed by mobocratic violence."
1838, Late November	Philinda Merrick witnessed in horror the murder of her husband in cold blood, and the mortal wounding of her eldest son, Charlie, as he lay almost hidden behind the bellows in the blacksmith shop... The pillaging that followed the massacre, the mobsters took the Merrick team and , from Brother Merrick's pocket, the proceeds from the sale of their former home, leaving Plilinda penniless(Ibed 5). Phillinda nursed her wounded son until he died in late November and somehow cared for her other three children
1840 Aug 11	David Norton Jr. buys land in Pikes county, IL

David Norton
David Norton Jr. page

David Norton was born 1795 in Pendleton, Kentucky. he married Elizabeth Benefield 1820 in Fayette, IN and settled near New Lisbon or Jamestown, Henry county, IN. He was baptized a member of the Mormon church Oct 1, 1831. He brought his family to Caldwell county, MO June of 1837.

Just before they cross the plains to Utah in 1847, David's sons (John Wesley and James Wiley) married Austin Hammer's daughters (Rebecca Ann Hammer & Nancy Jane Hammer).

David Norton petition for redress of damages for loss suffered in Caldwell county, Missouri

Sworn to before W. Laughlin, J.P., Adams Co., IL, 7 Jan 1840. Norton, David

January the 22 AD 1840 Township Five by Five, Co., of Pike, State of Illinois
A Statement of los and Dammages done me the undersigned David Norton By the athority of Govener Bogs and his asistance of mosoury state I had 200 acres of land and Buildings thare on I had paid government and had government was abelegeed to let my wheat, Corn, hogs and some of my Cattle to get away [___________] not being able to git my money tho I had lent to the missourians to help my self a way and they no now ow me lent money and they in mo and I have been drove [of] from my land and [___________] was not allowed to Retirn to it any more and A trifle had to take a trifle for it or loze it all And i Consider that I have lost 500 Dollars
David X Norton his had and seal
[Sworn to before W.H. Boling, C.C.C.C., Pike Co., IL, 27 Jan 1840]

Oliver WALKER [Parents] was born 11 Jul 1782 in New York, , New York, USA. He died 13 Apr 1843 in Nauvoo, Hancock, Illinois, USA and was buried in Nauvoo, Hancock, Illinois. He was endowed 30 Dec 1845 in the Nauvoo Temple. Oliver married Nancy (Crissie) CRESSY on 8 Feb 1803. They were sealed 6 Feb 1846. Oliver Walker - Lived in Randolph county

Oliver Walker was a Justice of the Peace in Randolph County, Indiana just north of Henry, IN. He purchased land in 1819, very early. He belonged to the Mormon church in Winchester that Zebedee Coltrin and Levi Hancock had organized.(Link to Levi handcocks mission ) (David Norton was baptized 1 Oct 1831) Oliver Walker is also in Kirtland at the same time John W Norton is clerk of the Kirtland Temple. Oliver moved his family to Caldwell, Missouri in 1836.

Meanwhile, Oliver Walker performed his daughter Nancy Reader Walker's marriage to Horace Martin Alexander, in 1834, in Randolph County, Indiana,
as a Justice of the Peace. After their marriage, Nancy and Horace moved to Clay County, Missouri. By 1838. John R. Walker and family were in Jackson County in 1833, John related, " his family were in Jackson county, and driven out “by the Hands of a mob who pillaged and destroyed my Goods &C. &C. in Jackson and Caldwell Countys and Which Losses I Certify To be no Less than Five Hundred Dollars further that I suffered many Injuries from this mob By Breaking in my Windows By Thrusting Long Poles Through at My family and Driving them from their Habitation.”

On 29 September 1838, "...the camp [Kirtland Camp] passed through Chilicothe the county seat of Livingston County, they traveled up the side of the Grand River and crossed the river near the small village of Utica. After crossing Shoal Creek, they camped on the west bank, fifteen miles inside the border of Caldwell County, "on the farm of Oliver Walker, who gave each family a pumpkin and plenty of shelled beans. Today we felt like we had arrived in Zion." With in a month, Oliver became involved in efforts to avert an attack on the mill, making his home available for representatives of both parties to meet. Oliver Walker owns 100 acres of land about 3 miles from Haun's Mill, Caldwell county, MO.

“Abraham Palmer of Springfield Sangamon County State of Illinois says he is a member of the Church of Latter day Saints commonly called Mormons and that he moved into the State of Missouri in October 1838 and proceeded with his family in a waggon as far as Caldwell County where he arrived two days before the Massacre of the Mormons at Haun's Mill he stopped at a Mr Walkers about four miles from the said Mill where he remained in his waggon with his family in company with six other waggons of his brethren untill after the Massacre The next day after the aforesaid outrage a company of the mob came to him and brethren and said if you will deny your faith you can live with us in peace but if you will not you must leave the Country forthwith on pain of death for we will exterminate all of you that do not deny your faith men women and children. The above proposition was made by a man who had previously assisted in plundering our wagons he called his name Austin and Styled himself Captain of the Livingston County Spies.”

“I Certify that I lived near Haun's Mill about three months. On Tuesday the thirtieth day of October being absent from home at the House of Mr Walker, while their a man came up and told us that the mob had come to the Mill and that they had Shown no Quarter, and that they intended to Sweep Shoal Creek.

That evening I Started to go to the mill and proceeded Some distance I met Some Families in the Woods who had fled from the Slaughter they persuaded me not to go any further that night So I Consented to Stay with them. We all Slept in the Woods that night without any beds or any thing to Cover us with excepting two women (This was Melissa and Elizabeth Norton) who had brought Each of them a quilt. The next morning I pursued my Journey and went I got to the Mill I met my Mother and the rest of the family I asked them if my Father was dead. They told me to go and look into the Shop I immediately went to the Shop and Saw Seven men and one boy lying dead amongst whom was my Father who was shot through the head and through the heart Three more I found lay dead near the Shop and Several more reached Some houses and Soon afterwards died, in all there were Eighteen killed Sixteen men and two boys.”

November 29, 1831 Winchester, Randolph County, Indiana
Minutes of a conference … Moderator [Oliver Cowdery] , Clerk John Whitmer
Open Prayer by Oliver Cowdery
Present: Oliver Cowdery, John Whitmer, Thomas B. Marsh, Seymour Brunson, Oliver Walker (license taken), George Burkett (license taken 1832 & 1833) (Oliver Cowdrey and John Whitmer were en route to Zion with the revelations for the Book of Commandments.)
Disagreement among elders Seymour Brunson explains the purpose of the conference is to resolve a difficulty among the elders in the Winchester branch.
Issue of common stock Henry Jackson: He and Isaac Follis interpreted certain passages in Acts and in the Book of Mormon differently than the church. They believe the disciples lived in common stock.

Date November 30, 1831
Misrepresented letter Elders agree unanimously that the problem was due to "misrepresentations of a writing which was represented to have been written by br. Henry Jackson" and a reply by Levi Hancock and Zebedee Coltrin to Henry Jackson. Henry Jackson to make public apology Oliver proproses to restore Henry Jackson to his former standing if he admits his error to the branch "for which he was sorry in all humility."

7 December - Minutes of a Conference held in Randolph County, Indiana.
Case of George Heartly vs Oliver Walker. "With much cavilling on the part of Walker to stand or hold fast to his agreement. Finally Walker did agree truely humble himself.etc."

The issue resurfaced at Kirtland, December 28, 1834, see the Kirtland Council Minute Book, p81
Sabbath evening, December 28th, 1834. Sidney Rigdon presiding, who opened by prayer. The Council was organized as follows: Jared Carter, Joseph Smith Senr., Oliver Cowdery President. Orson Hyde, Orson Johnson, Wm E. McLellin for Samuel H. Smith, Luke Johnson, John Johnson, Martin Harris, Sylvester Smith for John Smith, Joseph Coe, Hyrum Smith President

The case of Elder Oliver Walker of Winchester, Indiana, was presented to the Council by President Rigdon. Elder Walker was called to make such remarks before the Council as he thought proper who related a difficulty which formerly existed between himself and George Hartley, once a member of the Church in
Winchester. Four councillors were appointed to speak on the case viz.: Jared Carter Joseph Smith Senr. Oliver Cowdery Orson Hyde

The circumstances of Elder Walker's former difficulty were stated by himself. Elder (Levi] Hancock, President Cowdery (who presided over the conference at one time when said difficulty was settled) [December 6, 1831, in Winchester, Indiana.] President H. Smith, Councilor McLellin and President Rigdon.
The councilors then made their remarks and also Presidents F. G. Williams & J. Smith Junr., after which President Rigdon gave [his] decision. That Elder Walker is, and has been a member of this Church, and that he is and has been an Elder in the same. And that so far as has been presented to this Council,
nothing has been done by him whereby he ought to be expelled from this Church. A vote was called which was unanimous with said decision.

David Fullmer prefers charges against Oliver Walker
Sunday, Oct 11, 1840 --High Council met according to adjournment. The charge against Oliver Walker was taken up, and the following substituted for the first charge: To the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ at Nauvoo:

For and in behalf of said Church, I prefer a charge against Elder Oliver Walker, for several different offenses hereinafter set forth, as said to be by him done, performed, said, and committed, as well as various duties omitted, all of which was done at different times, periods, places, and seasons, subsequent to September 1st, A.D. 1838, to-wit.:

For a general course of procedure, of acts, doings, and words, and suggestions by him, the said Elder Oliver Walker, done, performed, said, spoken, hinted at, and suggested, both directly and indirectly, and as calculated to be derogatory to the character of the heads and leaders of the Church, and extremely injurious and hurtful to the upbuilding, welfare, being, and advancement of the same, namely, for fleeing from, quitting, and deserting the society, ranks, and needs of his brethren, in times of difficulty with, and danger from their enemies, "the mob;" restraining from the use of his brethren, his influence, efforts, and
needful assistance, at such times of need; as also for joining with, and strengthening the hands, will, evil pursuits, and designs of the mob, and Gentile enemies of the Church, by expressions, hints, and suggestions of wavering and dubious nature, respecting the faith and order of the Church, and of the professed calling, qualifications, proceedings, &c., of Joseph Smith, Jun., as a Seer, Prophet, and one called to bring to light the fullness of the Gospel, &c., in these last days.

Likewise for advancing ideas, notions, or opinions, that the different orders or sects, namely, Methodists and others, could by a pursuit in their faith, order, and pursuits, as readily obtain every celestial attainment and Gospel advantage, as they could by embracing and pursuing the system brought forth by Joseph Smith, Jun., in these last days.

And moreover for suggesting within the last six months, at Alton, Nauvoo, intermediate and adjacent places, that in the Church at Nauvoo there did exist a set of pilferers, who were actually thieving, robbing plundering, taking and unlawfully carrying away from Missouri, certain and chattels, wares and property; and that the act and acts of such supposed thieving, &c., was fostered and conducted by the knowledge and approbation of the heads and leaders of the Church, viz., by the Presidency and High Council; all of which items set forth as aforesaid, together with any and all corroborating acts, doings, hints, expressions, and suggestions in any way belonging to, or connected with, any or all of the aforesaid accusations, he, the said Oliver Walker, is hereby notified to prepare to defend in said trial. Dated October 11, 1840, Nauvoo. DAVID FULMER.

Walker pleaded that he was not prepared to defend himself, and the trial was deferred at his request till April conference.

1831 Levi Hancock and Zebedee Coltrin traveled together to Missouri and performed successful missionary labors in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. The companions were in Winchester (Randolph County, Indiana) during July and August 1831 and there they "raised a large branch of the Church", in addition to baptizing about one hundred others, including one of George Washington's bodyguards, in nearby Ward township: “We then went to Winchester in Randolph County, Indiana and stopped at the county seat on the head waters of the White River. We saw there a school master and introduced the Gospel to him He was so well pleased with the message that he spread the news as fast as possible and called a meeting. After the meeting he wanted to be baptised, so we went to the water with him and baptised him. Soon after this we were happy to hear that nearly all the people want to hear us so we went to the court house and got permission to hold a meeting there. After this meeting we were able to baptise several others. “By this time we were getting to look pretty shabby as our clothes had become so old, our stockings were nearly worn out and our money gone. But we were among friends and we were serving the Lord with the faith that he would take care of us. “One of the old settlers invited me to go see his wife and talk to her, so I went and talked for some time with her. As I was ready to leave she gave me a pair of warm socks. The first thing I ever had given to me in my life, to my remembrance; and if l had had the means to pay her I should have offered to pay her.

“Parley P. Pratt once let me have a Book of Mormon and before I could pay for it he was gone, I read it once and then someone else got it, I was not used to having anyone give me anything, Zebidee and I held another meeting and after we were through I was informed that one man brought some cloth for me, some pants and a shirt. This was in the forepart of July. We continued to preach here in the region and around about, until we had raised a large branch of theChurch. “We were sent for from the Ward township. We went there and in a short time we had in both places about one hundred members. Among them was a man by the name of Jones and his wife. He told me that he was through the Revolutionary War, that he was a bodyguard once for General Washington, He told me many things about the war, which was very interesting, I told him my message, and we discussed the Gospel for some time then he asked for baptism and I baptised him. Afterwards he said he had something for me. He had saved a watermelon on purpose for me so he now went and picked it.

“He was so grateful to me. It appeared to do him good to see me enjoying the watermelon, as if he were feeding an angel. He was so thankful to be baptised and felt the spirit of the Lord with him, I had no Elder with me at this time. “Soon after this we thought we should leave here as we had done all we could in Winchester, The people were growing hard and had threatened to mob us but had not done it yet, I will now mention a time when we thought they were going to harm us. It was almost dark and I was crossing the public square, I saw a company of men standing at the tavern door talking when one man came up to me and wanted me to stop.

He handed me a letter. It read as follows: Dear Sir: We have been reading your new Bible and find it to be a piece of nonsense and we understand you are looking after the New Jersualem. We inform you it is not here; and you must leave this place before tomorrow atthen 10 o'clock or we will have something to reveal to you far beyond the Book of Mormon. You may take Mr. Brindle with you (Mr. Brindle was the first one we baptised there) If you have any use for such an ass to pack your religion on." It was signed, "The Public." “I showed the letter to Zebidee and asked him what we should do. He said, "I'll stay and fill our appointment if you will?" We had an appointment at eleven the next morning and we were warned to leave town at ten. We had put our meeting off until eleven in order that the farmers could come to it. “I told Zebidee 'that I was willing to stay. The next morning Sunday came and we were prepared for the worst. It was my turn to speak and I sang too. Zebidee gave the prayer. Bill Walker placed himself at the door and looked as surly as a bull; he was my friend. He said nothing, but something said to me, that I should not be hurt. So I commenced talking and soon forgot myself and said what came to my heart. I mounted the bench and walked in among the same crows who had written that letter. I said, "You wrote to warn me to leave this place before then, but you see I am still here. What I said before this I know not. I was heated up, until I cared little what came. I said, "My Father fought for liberty you now enjoy and you want to deprive me of the liberty that rightly belongs to me. I am a son of the only man who survived the great struggle for independence, who belonged to the family, and I am a cousin to the first man who signed the Declaration of Independence. Now If you want to reveal anything to me, come on, I am ready." I felt as independent as If I were a King and they were subject to me. Nothing was said so I sat down and Zebidee then took hold of the subject and gave a good sermon. He opened the door for baptism. We felt the spirit of the Lord there with us. After the meeting we went to the water and baptised seventeen out of that crowd, who the day before were going to mob us. It Is now In the month of August that I made this last account. Mr. Jones showed me his cornfield and cut down one stalk that measured one rod. It was the tallest corn I had ever seen. I think there was none in the field any longer. This was on a branch, he says, on the head waters of the Wabash.

I took a route through the country with a brother by the name of George Burket and was called upon to preach a funeral sermon for a child who had died. I did not know what to do for I had never done this before but I trusted the Lord and did the best I could. I did not know that a gospel sermon would do and I liked to have been backed; but I believe the people were satisfied. Brother Burket bore his testimony. I wanted Zebidee along, but he was in Winchester.

We left here and went to Muncetown, and held a meeting. Afterwards we went to Winchester where we found Zebidee sick so we did not start on our journey until about the first of September. We stopped In Muncetown and held meeting, then continued our joumy west. We made a little raise of money and was determined to reach Indianapolis as soon as we could. We did not attempt to preach much on the way, until we felt better as we were both of us nearly worn out speaking.”

John P. York - Killed at the blacksmith shop at Haun's Mill. He was the uncle of Austin Hammer's wife, Nancy York Hammer. These Yorks were in Henry, In 1822. John York is next to David Norton on the 1830 census of Henry, IN
Father: John York b: 1779 in Randolph County, North Carolina
Mother: Hannah Hammer b: 1785 in Randolph County, North Carolina
Marriage 1 Laura Perham b: 20 APR 1812 in Vermont
Married: 8 OCT 1829 in Preble County, Ohio
Children
Lucy Ann York b: 1834 in Butler County, Ohio
John Wright York b: 20 JUL 1837 in Butler County, Ohio
Jesse P. York b: 14 FEB 1840 in Henry County, Indiana
Philia York b: 24 FEB 1842 in Henry County, Indiana
Maria L. York b: JUN 1844 in Miami County, Indiana

Name: John York
Sex: M
Birth: 1779 in Randolph County, North Carolina, On Sandy Creek
Death: 31 OCT 1838 in Haun's Mill, Shoal Creek, Caldwell County, Missouri
Burial: 31 OCT 1838 Common grave(well hole) of Morman victims, Haun's Mill, Missouri

AUSTIN HAMMER (Writings of Josiah A. Hammer)
Austin Hammer married Nancy Elston, December 1826, in Wayne County, Indiana. Nancy Elston was born 26th February 1806, in Lexington, Kentucky. She died 10th of October 1871, in Smithfield, Utah. Her mother was Rebecca Lewis and her Father, Josiah Elston. He fought in the Revolutionary war from Sussex Co. New Jersey, and afterward settled in Kentucky, and there married. There were six children in the family.

Austin and Nancy Elston Hammer had six children whose names were: John, Josiah, Rebecca, Nancy, Julia, and Austin. The son Josiah was born in Ohio where they lived for three years. They then moved to Henry Co., Indiana and lived for five years. From here they went on to Shoal Creek, Caldwell Co., Missouri. They had a farm and title to 120 acres of land. Austin Hammer and 18 other men and boys were killed on 30th October 1838 while guarding Haun's Mill to keep the mob from burning it. This was a grist mill for ginding corn. The dead were put into a dry well and covered with dirt, as the mob was so bad no one dared to go there and give them a proper burial. John Hammer, the oldest son, about 14 years had to hide in the woods for some time in fear of the mob. During the time a man came to the house wearing a hat with a bullet hole in it and boots belonging to John York who had been killed.

After the death of Austin Hammer, his wife took her family of six children and went to Nauvoo, Illinois. Their outfit consisted of an old blind horse and an old wagon. The baby Julia and small boy Austin, who was sick, were the only ones to ride. Only two of the family had shoes. The others tied their feet up in rags and made the journey of 200 miles in the latter part of November and December 1838, to Nauvoo. They remained there until Spring and then went to Wayne Co., Indiana to grandfather Elston's home and stayed there for two years. Then they moved to La Harp Co., Illinois to be with the Saints. They remained there 5 years. In the fall of 1845 they crossed the Mississippi River and remained there over the winter. In the spring of 1846 they went to Council Bluffs where there was a large encampment of L.D.S. people.

Account of R. J. Hammer, Grandson of Austin Hammer

Reminiscence provided courtesy of Roger L. Hammer
I am on the Haun's Mill track just now. Father talked of it and would express how he felt about getting revenge. He told me that he would crawl on ice and snow for a mile to get a shot at one of that Haun's Mill mob. Well, the opportunity came for him to kill one of the mob. It occurred while he was in the standing army, (today it is known as the U.S. National Guard) his company was pitching camp close to Carson City, - the time Carson was just a little more that a stage depot. While father was busy putting up his tent, a man came up to the captain of the company and asked him if he had any Mormons in his Company. The stranger then inquired, "Do you know if you have any of them who had any killed at Haun's Mill?" The captain thought and then said, "Yes, there is a man right there," pointing to father, "he can tell you more about it; go talk to him." He came over where father was busy with his tent and said, "Sir, did you have any of your kin-folks killed at Haun's Mill Massacre?" "Yes," replied father, "my father and uncle. Why, what do you want to know for?" "Well," answered the stranger, I was one of the bunch that helped kill them." Father told me that his first impression was to drive the tent axe he had in his hand right through the stranger's head. But just at that moment the Lord let him see into the very inner parts of the stranger's soul, and father told me that there wasn't words that could describe the condition of this man's suffering and as father stood looking at him he said, "I've been looking all this time to find a relative of one of those I helped kill, so that I could die at the hands of one of their relatives. Now I want you to kill me for I am powerless to kill myself, and for them I helped to kill, I hear their groans all day long. I have no rest day or night and I see their forms all night. "Father told him to go his way. He said, "I'll not harm one hair of you head. "The poor disappointed wretch left. From that day on father did not seek any revenge for he felt that the Lord was doing a much better job of it than he could do.

http://members.fortunecity.com/kgoofy7/d39.htm
AUSTIN HAMMER(1) was born on 6 May 1804 in RANDOLPH CO., NORTH CAROLINA. He
was blessed on 6 May 1805 in RANDOLPH CO., NORTH CAROLINA. He was baptized on
16 Nov 1834 in HENRY CO., INDIANA. He owned 120 ACRES in 1838 in CALDWELL CO.,
MISSOURI. AUSTIN'S LAND COMPRISED 120 ACRES OF LAND AND ON THIS LAND HE RAISED
A CROP OF CORN.

John Pye - From Shelby, Indiana and before KY - not mentioned in massacre, went back to IN

John Pye was born in SC around 1810. He married Lydia ___in 1830 in Williamstown, Ohio. They took up land in the wilderness of Indiana in Shelby county where they pioneered until John's death in 1839. They had 5 children, two of whom lived to maturity,

John Pye bought 85 acres of land in Shelby 4/17/1833. E½NW 3/, tnship 14-N rnage, 6-E , No 2nd PM IN Shelby along with Murnan Youtsey.
(E1/2 of NW1/4=85.36a John Pye 4/17/1833 Campbell Co, KY) PYE, John & Lydia HIRKY, 19 May 1831, married by Judge, Henry Youtsey, Campbell Co., KY John Pye was brother of Capt. Wm Henry Pye - Campbell Co., KY .

(E1/2 of SW1/4 = 80a Henry Youtsey 8/12/1834 Campbell Co, KY) Henry Youtsey was cousin of Jane Orr Culbertson.

(E1/2 of NE1/4=86.32a Robert Culbertson 1/14/1828 Campbell Co, KY) PYE, William H. & Jane Orr CULBERTSON, 1 July 1837, m by EG, b Robert Culbertson, Campbell Co., KY.

John and Lydia Pye traveled to Indiana near Indianapolis from old Youtsey family journal - they were in Missouri before the period you discussed with some Mormon involvement, then returned to Indiana.

Issac Ellison - lived in Jamestown, Henry, IN Came to Harrison county area of Iowa for winter quarters. (same place as Norton family - Mt Pisgah.
http://winterquarters.byu.edu/pages/settlements.htm

Isaac ELLISON, was born in Monroe County, Va., June 2, 1807, and was the son of Mat and Anna (CAMPBELL) ELLISON. At the age of twenty-five years Mr. ELLISON started for himself. He first went to Ohio, lived ther ten months, and then went to Wayne County, Ind., then to Missouri, and then retraced his
steps to Pike County, Ill., and in 1850, came to Pottawattamie County, Iowa, and three years later to Harrison County.

Mr. ELLISON was married in Virginia, in 1831, to Sinda CLARK, and they had a family of eleven children, eight of whom are living, one of whom was Lehi,
who came with his parents to this county in the fall of 1853, and located on section 17, of Cass Township. He was born in Jim-Town, Henry County, Ind.,
in 1837, and removed with his parents to Iowa in 1850. In September, 1864, he was married to Lydia M. SCOFIELD, a native of Ohio, born in 1842. Mr. and
Mrs. Lehi ELLISON are the parents of two children, who still live, and two deceased.

Mrs. Isaac ELLISON is a native of Virginia, born February 23, 1815. Her parents were Alexander and Mary CLARK. Mary Clark's maiden name was HOCKING. Isaac ELLISON and wife have fifty-three grandchildren, and forty-one great-grandchildren, most of whom live in Harrison County.

Another son of Isaac is Alma, who accompanied his parents to this county, as above related. His father entered eighty acres of land at a time when wild
game was very plenty. He erected a hewed log house, in which lived the family consisting of parents and ten children. Alma was born in Pike County,
Ill., in March, 1840, left there when ten years of age, with his parents for Iowa. When twenty-two years old he embarked in life for himself, by farming
a tract of land he owned on section 16, of Cass Township. He was married August 24, 1862, to Sarah M. RUNYAN, a native of Iowa, born in 1844.
Ellison joined the re-organized church. Source: 1891 Harrison County Iowa History, pp. 444.

Accounts of the Massacre

Melissa Norton Allred's obitutary. She was the daughter of David Norton and Elizabeth Benefield. Click for a larger image

Obituary

Melissa Norton Allred was born in New Lisbon state of Indiana December 23, 1824. She was the daughter of David and Elizabeth Norton
and wife of P H Allred. She died July 26th 1892. Her grandfather
fought in the Revolutionary War under General George Washington. She with her parents joined the church in an early day and moved from Indiana when twelve years old to the State of Missouri in President A 0 Smoot's company; settled near Haun's mill; shared in the persecutions of the Saints and came near being in the Haun's mill massacre. Her father and family gathered to the mill for proteetion the night previous to the massacre.

Father Norton had a premonition that trouble would occur and that if he remained he would be slain. His home being in a rather secluded place he returned with his family consequently they escaped injury. The day ofter the massacre, David Evans and others of the survivors took refuge in a thicket on Brother Nortons farm. To them in the company of her mother, the deceased carried provisions until peace was restored. Many other other incidents of kindness peculiar to sister allreds disposition might be mentioned, but space will not permit.

Next through the exterminating order of Governor Boggs the family were compelled to flee into the state of Illinois. They participated in the persecutions in Nauvoo, the enemy being continually on their trail.

The family were again compelled to abandon their home and fled to Council Bluff in the State of Iowa, near Winter Quarters on the Missouri River. It was at the last mentioned place that the deceased became the wife of P.H. Allred February 3rd, 1848.

The following summer Sister and Brother Allred emigrated to Utah in President Briham Young's company and settled in the Old Ford Salt Lake City. She with her husband shared the hardships peculiar to this
barren uncultivated region, suffered many times for want of food and clothing, but dividing their scanty means with their friends and also the Indians.

In the fall of 1854 Sister Allred and family located in Lehi city, Utah county where they resided until the time of her death. She had been a perpetual sufferer for nineteen years, never at any time being free from pain. But she possessed a powerful constitution and struggled along through all these years of affliction. It has been a mystery to those acquainted with her how she survived so long.

She was of a kind motherly disposition, imparting ofher substance with the poor and destitute. She never could do too much for suffering humanity. The day she died she remarked that she had not felt so well during all her past years of her affliction. The day previous to her death she walked 125 yards to see the procession on July 25th. In the afternoon she went to son, James Allred's to dinner with her friends.

On the day of her death she arose in the morning, ate her breakfast,
did her house work partook of dinner and afterwards wresumed work about the house. She finally laid down upon her bed to rest when suddenly she called to her husband and remarked that she was He went to her assistance whereupon she be closed her eyes and passed away without a struggle. Thus departed an honest noble daughter of god to await the morn of the first resurrection. Too much cannot be said of her kind hearted husband for unceasing and untiring efforts during her years of affliction to comfort his wife.

Sister Allred was the mother of eight children (6 sons and 2 daughters)
two of whom preceded her behind the viel. She leaves a husband six children
thirty five grand children and a wide circle of friends to mourn her departure. The funeral services were held at the family residence at 4 p m
on the afternoon of the 28th of July. Bishop T R Cutler presiding brother William Goates offered the opening prayer, brother J L gibbs and his aides rendered some exellent singing appropriate to the occasion, brother T R Cuttler, William Clark, E H Davis and Israel Evans spoke in eulogistic terms of the deceased and offered consoling remarks to the relatives and friends. At 5 pm the remains were conducted to their last resting place followed by a
large concourse of people. The dedicatory prayer at the grave was delivered
by Bishop Cutler. E. 8.
LEHI, Aug 1892

Joseph Young's Account of the Haun's Mill Massacre

"On Sunday, twenty-eighth October, we arrived about twelve o'clock, at Haun's Mills, where we found a number of our friends collected together, who were holding a council, and deliberating on the best course for them to pursue, to defend themselves against the mob, who were collecting in the neighborhood under the command of Colonel Jennings of Livingston county, and threatening them with house burning and killing. The decision of the council was, that our friends there should place themselves in an attitude of self defense. Accordingly about twenty-eight of our men armed themselves, and were in constant readiness for an attack of any small body of men that might come down upon them.

The same evening, for some reason best known to themselves, the mob sent one of their number to enter into a treaty with our friends, which was accepted, on the condition of mutual forbearance on both sides, and that each party, as far as their influence extended, should exert themselves to prevent any further hostilities upon either party.

At this time, however, there was another mob collecting on Grand river, at William Mann's, who were threatening us, consequently we remained under arms.

Monday passed away without molestation from any quarter.

On Tuesday, the 30th, that bloody tragedy was acted, the scene of which I shall never forget. More than three-fourths of the day had passed in tranquility, as smiling as the preceding one. I think there was no individual of our company that was apprised of the sudden and awful fate that hung over our heads like an overwhelming torrent, which was to change the prospects, the feelings and the circumstances of about thirty families. The banks of Shoal creek on either side teemed with children sporting and playing, while their mothers were engaged in domestic employments, and their fathers employed in guarding the mills and other property, while others were engaged in gathering in their crops for their winter consumption. The weather was very pleasant, the sun shone clear, all was tranquil, and no one expressed any apprehension of the awful crisis that was near us-even at our doors.

It was about four o'clock, while sitting in my cabin with my babe in my arms, and my wife standing by my side, the door being open, I cast my eyes on the opposite bank of Shoal creek and saw a large company of armed men, on horses, directing their course towards the mills with all possible speed. As they advanced through the scattering trees that stood on the edge of the prairie they seemed to form themselves into a three square position, forming a vanguard in front.

At this moment, David Evans, seeing the superiority of their numbers, (there being two hundred and forty of them, according to their own account), swung his hat, and cried for peace. This not being heeded, they continued to advance, and their leader, Mr. Nehemiah Comstock, fired a gun, which was followed by a solemn pause of ten or twelve seconds, when, all at once, they discharged about one hundred rifles, aiming at a blacksmith shop into which our friends had fled for safety; and charged up to the shop, the cracks of which between the logs were sufficiently large to enable them to aim directly at the bodies of those who had there fled for refuge from the fire of their murderers. There were several families tented in the rear of the shop, whose lives were exposed, and amidst a shower of bullets fled to the woods in different directions.

After standing and gazing on this bloody scene for a few minutes, and finding myself in the uttermost danger, the bullets having reached the house where I was living, I committed my family to the protection of heaven, and leaving the house on the opposite side, I took a path which led up the hill, following in the trail of three of my brethren that had fled from the shop. While ascending the hill we were discovered by the mob, who immediately fired at us, and continued so to do till we reached the summit. In descending the hill, I secreted myself in a thicket of bushes, where I lay till eight o'clock in the evening, at which time I heard a female voice calling my name in an under tone, telling me that the mob had gone and there was no danger. I immediately left the thicket, and went to the house of Benjamin Lewis, where I found my family (who had fled there) in safety, and two of my friends mortally wounded, one of whom died before morning. Here we passed the painful night in deep and awful reflections on the scenes of the preceding evening.

After daylight appeared, some four or five men, who with myself, had escaped with our lives from the horrid massacre, and who repaired as soon as possible to the mills, to learn the condition of our friends, whose fate we had but too truly anticipated. When we arrived at the house of Mr. Haun, we found Mr. Merrick's body lying in the rear of the house, Mr. McBride's in front, literally mangled from head to foot. We were informed by Miss Rebecca Judd, who was an eye witness, that he was shot with his own gun, after he had given it up, and then cut to pieces with a corn cutter by a Mr. Rogers of Daviess county, who keeps a ferry on Grand river, and who has since repeatedly boasted of this act of savage barbarity. Mr. York's body we found in the house, and after viewing these corpses, we immediately went to the blacksmith's shop, where we found nine of our friends, eight of whom were already dead; the other, Mr. Cox, of Indiana, struggling in the agonies of death and soon expired. We immediately prepared and carried them to the place of interment. The last office of kindness due to the remains of departed friends, was not attended with the customary ceremonies or decency, for we were in jeopardy, every moment expecting to be fired upon by the mob, who, we supposed, were lying in ambush, waiting for the first opportunity to despatch the remaining few who were providentially preserved from the slaughter of the preceding day. However, we accomplished without molestation this painful task. The place of burying was a vault in the ground, formerly intended for a well, into which we threw the bodies of our friends promiscuously. Among those slain I will mention Sardius Smith, son of Warren Smith, about nine years old, who, through fear, had crawled under the bellows in the shop, where he remained till the massacre was over, when he was discovered by a Mr. Glaze, of Carroll county, who presented his rifle near the boy's head, and literally blowed off the upper part of it. Mr. Stanley, of Carroll, told me afterwards that Glaze boasted of this fiend-like murder and heroic deed all over the country.

The number killed and mortally wounded in this wanton slaughter was eighteen or nineteen, whose names as far as I recollect were as follows: Thomas McBride, Levi N. Merrick, Elias Benner, Josiah Fuller, Benjamin Lewis, Alexander Campbell, Warren Smith, Sardius Smith, George S. Richards, Mr. William Napier, Augustine Harmer, Simon Cox, Mr. [Hiram] Abbott, John York, Charles Merrick, (a boy eight or nine nears old), [John Lee, John Byers], and three or four others, whose names I do not recollect, as they were strangers, to me. Among the wounded who recovered were Isaac Laney, Nathan K. Knight, Mr. [William] Yokum, two brothers by the name of [Jacob and George] Myers, Tarlton Lewis, Mr. [Jacob] Haun, and several others, [Jacob Foutz, Jacob Potts, Charles Jimison, John Walker, Alma Smith, aged about nine years]. Miss Mary Stedwell, while fleeing, was shot through the hand, and, fainting, fell over a log, into which they shot upwards of twenty balls.

To finish their work of destruction, this band of murderers, composed of men from Daviess, Livingston, Ray, Carroll, and Chariton counties, led by some of the principal men of that section of the upper country, (among whom I am informed were Mr. Ashby, of Chariton, member of the state legislature; Colonel Jennings, of Livingston county, Thomas O. Bryon, clerk of Livingston county; Mr. Whitney, Dr. Randall, and many others), proceeded to rob the houses, wagons, and tents, of bedding and clothing; drove off horses and wagons, leaving widows and orphans destitute of the necessaries of life; and even stripped the clothing from the bodies of the slain. According to their own account, they fired seven rounds in this awful butchery, making upwards of sixteen hundred shots at a little company of men, about thirty in number. I hereby certify the above to be a true statement of facts, according to the best of my knowledge."

Joseph Young.
State of Illinois, ss.
County Of Adams.

Amanda Smith's Account of the Healing of Her Son Alma Smith1

"Flesh, hip bone, joint and all had been ploughed out. We laid little Alma on a bed in our tent and I examined the wound. It was a ghastly sight. I knew not what to do.yet was I there, all that long, dreadful night, with my dead and my wounded, and none but God as our physician and help. 'Oh my Heavenly Father,' I cried, 'what shall I do? Thou seest my poor wounded boy and knowest my inexperience. Oh, Heavenly Father, direct me what to do!' And then I was directed as by a voice speaking to me.

Our fire was still smouldering. I was directed to take ashes and make a lye and put a cloth saturated with it right into the wound again and again I saturated the cloth and put it into the hole, and each time mashed flesh and splinters of bone came away with the cloth; and the wound became as white as chicken's flesh.

Having done as directed I again prayed to the Lord and was again instructed as distinctly as though a physician had been standing by speaking to me. Near by was a slippery-elm tree. From this I was told to make a poultice and fill the wound with it the poultice was made, and the wound, which took fully a quarter of a yard of linen to cover was properly dressed.

I removed the wounded boy to a house.and dressed his hip; the Lord directing me as before. I was reminded that in my husband's trunk there was a bottle of balsam. This I poured into the wound, greatly soothing Alma's pain.

'Alma my child,' I said, 'you believe that the Lord made your hip?'

'Yes, mother.'

'Well, the Lord can make something there in the place of your hip, don't you believe he can, Alma?'

'Do you think that the Lord can, mother?' inquired the child, in his simplicity.

'Yes, my son,' I replied, 'he has showed it all to me in a vision.'

Then I laid him comfortably on his face, and said: 'Now you lay like that, and don't move, and the Lord will make you another hip.'

So Alma laid on his face for five weeks, until he was entirely recovered-a flexible gristle having grown in place of the missing joint and socket, which remains to this day a marvel to physicians.

It is now nearly forty years ago, but Alma has never been the least crippled during his life, and he has traveled quite a long period of the time as a missionary of the gospel and [is] a living miracle of the power of God."

HAUN'S MILL MASSACRE. [by Ellis Eames]

On the 15th day of August, 1837, I moved from Far West to Haun's Mill, 16 miles from the former place, with a quantity of merchandise intending to keep store in that place; having settled there, and liking the country very much, I purchased a saw mill from Mr. Myers, and in the spring Mr. Myers and son and I built a grist mill which was furnished that season. All things continued to move on well; the inhabitants behaved themselves very friendly and purchased goods from and used my mill for grinding and sawing. This continued until the disturbances broke out in Daviess County, when I observed from the conversation that they did not like the proceedings of our brethren. However, they seemed to be kind as usual to me and the rest of our people, who were in the immediate neighborhood.

As the disturbances increased, and the excitement prevailed they partook of the same spirit and some threats were made by them of burning the mills. Three men, viz. Lardus Smith, George Miller, Robert White (one once a member of the Church) and the other two men left the place to move up to the Grand River. Thinking they would be protected in that place from the mob whom they feared would soon fall upon the brethren who were settled in Caldwell, these men who had left nearly all their property behind them agreed with the inhabitants amongst whom they had gone to reside to give them half of their stock, if they would drive it home for them.

Accordingly, about eighteen or twenty came for that purpose, but did not content themselves with driving off the property of the individuals, but likewise drove off two cows belonging to Gilman Merrick and several young stock from me. At the time they were coming they met a man by the name of Miller who was on horseback; they took his horse from him.

A few days after this Mr. Isaac Calkin had a beautiful span of horses which he secreted in the corn field, for fear the mob would steal them, but notwithstanding this precaution they succeeded in finding them and took them away.

The next important transaction that took place was that a company was raised on Grand River, but without any legal authority whatever and came to our neighborhood and took a quantity of guns from our people. When they came up to my place I immediately went up to them, conversed with them and asked what was their object in the strange move they were making. One of them named, Molsey, told me that they were taking the guns from the Mormons, wanting to put a stop to the damned fuss. One young man named Hiram Abbot who was with me, and with whom I was about making arrangements to put up a store, who had a gun with him was told to give up his gun, but he refused, knowing they had no authority for such strange proceedings, when several of the mob while on their horses immediately cocked their guns and took aim at him, but did not fire.

Three of them then dismounted viz: Hiram Cumstock, Trosher, and Whitney and pursued after him across the mill dam -- he got up to the side of a hill and Cumstock got by the side of the house, Comstock then drew up his gun and snapped it three times at him, but without effect; his gun would not make fire. Abbott seeing that, cocked his gun, but Comstock got behind the hen house and screened himself from danger. Abbott then made his escape as fast as possible. The mob then rode off. Very soon after it was reported that they intended to come and burn the mills. On receiving this intelligence the neighbors assembled together to consult what was best to be done, and after some deliberations it was agreed that there should a few remain at the mill to guard it from the attack of any individuals who might feel disposed to put their threats into execution, and from that time there were generally some of the men about the mills in order to protect it, it being their chief and only place where they could get any flour or meal.

The mob understanding that we had made such a movement, sent word to us that they wished to meet a committee of our people and have an understanding of each other's movements and expressed their wish to live in peace and friendly terms with us. We immediately sent a committee who met them at the house of Mr. Myers, and after a short interview and explaining to them the object we had in view and that we desired to live in peace, and they separated both parties seemed satisfied and manifested a kind spirit. The committee on the part of the mob were Samuel S. Todd, Paceriah Lee, Isaac McCaskie, Thos. R. Brien, Clerk of the Circuit Court at Livingston, and William F. Ewell, Esq. The names of our brethren were David Evans, Jacob Myers and Anthony Blackburn. After this interview we felt more satisfied, having, as we thought, a perfect understanding of their intentions, but at the same time we thought it best to keep up a watch at the mills--for fear any individuals might come privately and burn them.

About this time a number of movers from the East came up, intending to settle in that section of the country, but had not determined where. They stopped a few days at the mills and purchased some provisions until they should find a place to settle.

We continued to hear of mobs in different directions, but at the same time we felt ourselves measurable safe after being given to understand by the committee from Capt. Mattison's company that they would not molest us, if we were peaceable, etc.

On the 31st of October things moved on as usual, we were occupied in our usual occupations and heard of nothing to increase our fears and were in hopes that soon such proceedings and alarm would cease and we should again enjoy the blessings of liberty and peace. The day was far spent; the sun was sinking fast in the western hemisphere, being only about an hour and a half high. A number of us where at a short distance from the mill between it and the blacksmith's shop when one observed there was a mob coming, and immediately we saw a large company of between 200 and 250 within about one hundred yards from us. Thinking their movements were hostile, we immediately ran into the blacksmith's shop, for safety. Some of our brethren had camped a little behind the shop; one of them by the name of Knight, had just taken up his gun and was going down to the small lake for the purpose of shooting ducks when the mob came upon him. One of their leaders named Comstock observing him immediately fired upon him and shot the strap off his shot pouch. He then ran into the shop whither we had taken shelter, the mob then kept rushing on towards the shop and shooting at us. David Evans then ran out and called for peace and solicited them to desist. Knight also went out again and joined him supplicating for peace, but all to no effect; they continued to fire upon them and shot Brother Knight in the hand, taking off one finger and disabling another, he then retreated towards the mill to cross on the dam, when he was shot in the back, the ball lodging in the pit of his stomach.

The women seeing our situation and expecting no better treatment took to flight, taking their little ones along with them and running away from a scene of murder, which it is impossible to portray. As the mob approached nearer the shop, (indeed if we had all been armed it would have been impossible for us to have resisted them) took deliberate aim through the cracks and the shop being crowded almost every ball that entered the shop took effect and every moment some one was exclaiming, "Oh, I am shot," and first one and then another kept sinking down upon the ground, writhing in agony, while the blood flowed from their wounds and steamed upon the floor. One young man standing immediately next to me was shot, seeing no prospect before us but death, the mob manifesting all malice possible, and would not listen to our cries, and seemed determined to murder us all, we thought it advisable for us to try to make our escape by running out of the shop and cross the mill dam. Those of us who were able ran out and endeavored to make our escape in doing which as many were shot down while making the attempt and the mob firing upon us all the time as long as we were within reach. The mob then rushed into the shop where the wounded and dying were laying and those in whom the spark of life was not extinct were then shot over again. A little boy about nine years old who had hid himself under the bellows being observed and on being threatened to be shot, he earnestly desired and prayed for them to spare him, plead for his life, but to no purpose, for a muzzle shot gun was placed to his head and his brains were literally blown out, another little boy was likewise shot and died soon after, still another was shot, but has survived. One old gentleman who was immediately behind, named Thos. McBride, Esq., ran when we fled from the shop and was pursued, having a gun in his hand. This was demanded by his pursuer, he immediately turned round and delivered it up. The monster then took a corn cutter which he had by his side and cut the old man into pieces.

Some of the women were shot. Mrs. Merril's clothes were cut in two or three places with bullets and a young woman named Mary Studwell who was running away, at a distance from any one else was shot through the hand. Hearing the balls whistling by her she took shelter behind some logs which screened her from the balls as several lodged in the logs.

After they had finished their bloody work, the mob next commenced to plunder, and seeing some teams standing by belonging to the movers who had lately come along, they loaded the wagons with our goods. They entirely stripped me of all my clothing as well as my wife's and the clothes belonging to a young man who was boarding at our house, and all our bed clothes and beds likewise a quantity of merchandise which they carried away. Nor did this satisfy them, but those who were murdered were then robbed of their clothes, watches and everything else of value. The mobbers took their booty to Grand River and there made a distribution of the spoils amongst themselves.

I went about two miles and hid in the Hazel brush and then returned with Mr. Blackburn about ten O'clock at night. I went amongst my friends who had been shot, and those who had been wounded, I assisted all I could and administered to their necessities, and early in the morning a few of us got together and interred the dead in a hole which had been dug for a well, and then we went and hid in the hazel brush, expecting the mob would probably be coming to massacre the remainder. Some came, but they did not appear so hostile, but satisfied themselves with carrying off 2 or 3 horses. A few days after the same company came and pretended that General Clark had sent them to take prisoners and send them to Richmond jail. They took me prisoner and kept me in close confinement for nine days and would not let me converse with any one. They then took possession of my mills and ground up all the wheat and corn and took it home to their families and after taking about all the spoil they could and killed nearly all my hogs, they departed and left me at liberty and drove off the cattle, etc. They went all around the neighborhood and threatened the lives of all the Mormons and ordered them out of the state upon pain of extermination. The names of those who were killed were as follows:

Elias Benner, Josiah Fuller, John Boyers, from Ohio, Richland County, Simon Cox, George Richards, Thos. McBride, Levi McMerrick, John York, Austin Hammer, Warren Smith, Benjamin Lewis, Hiram Abbott, John Lee, Sardius Smith, Wm Roper and Merrill.

Wounded Elimar Merrill, Isaac Laney, William Yokum, Jacob Hammer, Jacob Foutz, George Meyers, Jacob Meyers, Jun., Jacob Potts, Charles Jameson, Carlton Lewis.

The names of the leading characters who took part in this outrage and inhuman butchery were as follows: Nehemiah Comstock, John Conmer, --- Gee, Jennings, Sheriff of Lewiston County, etc.

These acted without any authority and committed all these murders, and robberies, yet none of them have been brought to punishment. The affair was left without investigation and the poor afflicted broken-hearted survivors left without any redress.

Ellis Eames

The above is one account of the Massacre at Haun's Mill. This was written by Ellis Eamut (actually Eames) and was copied at the Church Historian's Library in Salt Lake City from the Journal History of the [LDS] Church, 30 October 1838, pp. 11-16.

"And as I recollect it was on the twentieighth of the month we conducted to offer them terms of peace but before our mesengers had started thare came one from the company below us with a request that we would send three men to the house of Oliver Walker to make a treaty with three men which they would send to the same house David Evans Jacob Myers seignior and Anthony Blackburn was chosen to meet them and on going to Walkers they met ten men with each a rifle instead of three without arms however peace prevailed and a treaty was soon made and agreed a pon I suppose to the satisfaction of both sides and on next day two of our men went back again those two were Evans and Ames they was told that the other company had sent a mesenger to Cumstock and his company with word of the treaty between us and them and also told them that we wanted to treat with them they said that Cumstocks company was not only mad with us but mad with them for making any kind of a treaty with us Evans sent them word that he wanted nothing but peace and would not fight them without offering them terms of peace I cannot tell whether or not they got the word or not but well I remember that on the thirtyeth of October about three o clock in the afternoon Cumstocks whole army of two hundred and fifty men came a pon us our company was about thirtyseven in number being joined by a company of families traveling to the other side of that County and the adjoining Counties stoped thare to get grinding at the mill Cumstocks company formed a kind of broken line at the distance of about seventyfive yards situating their horses in front for a kind of breastwork commenced a fire without passing a word.
Meantime Capt Evans advanced toward them and called aloud for Quarters untill they Fired I suppose between fifty and a hundred rounds with out any answer then we could do no more than Fire a few shots while the women and children made their escape the mob still advancing came within about four or Five rods when I made my escape by flight being shot four times through the body and once across each arm being about the last man off the ground now I am well aware that this is an incredible story to tell that amman being shot four times through body made his escape by flight but I have the scare to show ten in number one ball entering my body through the inside comer of my left shoulder blade came out just below about two and a half or three inches below my collar bone and as far as three inches on the right of the midle of my breast another entered through the muscle under the hind part of my left arm and passed through my body and came out under the middle of my right aim another passed through the my left hip on the inside or through the uper end of my hip bone another through my right hip hit the bone just about the joint glanced out through the skin and rolled down my drawers leg in to my boot these four balls made eight visible wounds with two others one across each arm are all the wounds in my flesh I cannot tell how many bullet holes was in my clothing thare was twentyseven in my shirt but to my story haveing made my own escape and hid my self I listened at them shooting the wounded which could not escapeI was informed that one of these murderers followed old father McBride in his retreat and and cut him down with an old sythe while he was pleading for mercy this was seen by Mrs ames and two other ladies who were secreted under the creek bank Waren Smith and his Son was also shot a seccond time being unable to retreat after their first wounds Jacob Fouls and Wm. Champlin feined their selves dead and lay still untill their pockets were robed and after they supposd the wounded all were all dead they robed the houses took the horses from the mill and out of the stables and two waggons from the mill and off they went for the night but on the first or seccond of Nov they returned and camped at the mill robed that plundered the neighbourhood taking offsuch things as they pleased mob law being established in this band ofrobers murderers and thieves was Wm. Man Esq. N. Cumstock Esq Howard Maupin Jesse Maupin James and Stephan Reynolds called Runnels Hiram Cumstock a young man named Glase Erasmus Severe Jacob Rodgers Robert White George Miller Sardis Smith Elijah Trosper these men came on painted black trimed of with red rags and ribbands screming like so many demons enough to disgrace a heathen forest much more a land of liberty after some spend in this manner captain went to Richmon