Saving an Apostle's Life...

John, at age 15 was now all alone in a strange new land. He mustered up courage and in 1853 fulfilled the dream that had been his family’s as he made the trip to Utah. The company he traveled in consisted of 14 wagons and took two months and four days, just one day longer than the sea-going trip across the ocean had taken. During the trip John, an excellent swimmer, saved Apostle Marriner W. Merrill from drowning in the Platte River. Elder Merrill had swum the river for an ox that had been left behind and in returning became exhausted. Apostle Merrill recounts the event from his journal:

An excerpt from Apostle Merrill’s journal states: “We arrived at Council Bluffs June 17, 1853 with our company of eight wagons and camped near the Missouri River. We made our arrangement to be ferried across on a large flat boat managed by oarsmen. In a few days we succeeded in all getting across the river safely with our wagons, teams and outfits. On the first day of July we left the Missouri River with 73 wagons in our company and winded our way slowly to the Rocky Mountains, nothing serious to impede our progress. However, some little incidents occurred occasionally to cause a sad feeling in the camp. On one occasion I came near being drowned in the Platte River, but through the blessing of the Lord and the kind aid and assistance of one Brother John Rees, a Welch brother with one eye, and who now lives in Benson Ward, Cache Stake. He being an excellent swimmer saved me from a watery grave by assisting me from the middle of the river where I had lodged on a sandbar. Being thus saved, we proceeded on our way with joy and thanksgiving.” Pg. 30 in the book, Utah Pioneer and Apostle Merrimer Wood Merrill.

After arriving in Utah, John had many an adventure including going to the Green River to meet the handcart company in 1856 and the following year went with others to meet Johnson’s Army, which had been sent to destroy the Mormons. John related how they held up several hats on sticks to give the appearance of having more men.

[picture of Apostle Merrill]