[Image: James Brown]
LIFE OF A
PIONEER
BEING THE
AUTOBIOGRAPHY
OF
JAMES S. BROWN.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH:
GEO. Q. CANNON & SONS CO., Printers.
1900.
PREFACE.
THE life of a pioneer in Western America always is full of peril
and hardship; often it has a large share of startling episodes and
thrilling adventures; not infrequently it is associated with notable
historic events; and the experiences met with develop independence of
character, firmness of purpose, and, in those whose spiritual nature
is not dwarfed by unworthy conduct, a sublime faith in God that when
man puts forth his highest endeavor all things beyond the scope of his
efforts are ordered for the best by the Great Ruler of the universe.
When to the pioneer's experiences are added those that come from travel
in foreign lands, perils of the sea, and the hostility of warlike foes,
the narrative of such a life cannot fail to be alike profitable and
interesting reading to both young and old.
The subject of the autobiographical sketch in this volume feels that
he is not presumptuous in saying that each class of experience named
in relation to the pioneer and the traveler has been his. The perils
and hardships of the pioneers in whose work he commingled have been
the theme of song and story for half a century; the thrilling and
adventurous character of his experiences as frontiers-man and Indian
interpreter were of a kind notable even in those avocations; his
association with historic events of moment includes the period when
the territorial area of the great Republic was almost doubled by the
acquisition of the Pacific slope and the Rocky Mountain region, and
when the great gold discovery in California was made, since he was
a member of the famous Mormon Battalion and also was present at the
finding of gold in California, being the first man to declare--on
tests made by himself--that the little yellow flakes were the precious
metal; and his reliance on Deity is portrayed in his missionary work
at home and in foreign lands, with civilized people and among savages,
often in circumstances when life itself apparently was forfeit to duty
conscientiously performed.
In the following pages there is no claim to transcendent literary
merit. Yet the writer feels that the narrative is presented in the
plain and simple language of the people, with a clearness and force
of expression that will be pleasing and impressive to every reader
possessed of ordinary or of superior educational attainments; while
the very simplicity and directness of the language used, far from
embellishing the events described, prove an invaluable guide in
securing accuracy, that not an incident shall be overdrawn or given
undue importance.
The purpose of the writer has been to relate the story of his life, for
the benefit and entertainment of his children and friends, and of all
others who may read it, and to do so with a strict regard for veracity;
for he feels that the numerous thrilling and sensational incidents in
his life were sufficiently exciting to bear a toning down that comes
from calm contemplation when the agitation of the immediate occurrence
has passed, rather than to need the coloring of a graphic pen. In such
a presentation, too, he feels that the result of his labors in this
respect will be a further step in carrying out that which has been the
leading purpose of his life, namely, to do good to all mankind, to the
glory of God.
With a fervent desire and firm confidence that every worthy aim in
presenting this autobiography shall be achieved, and shall find a
vigorous and ennobling response in the hearts of those who read it, the
leading events of his life, and the narration thereof, are respectfully
submitted to his family and friends by
THE AUTHOR.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Home of the Author--A Career of Thrilling Experiences--His Birth
and Parentage--Early Avocations--Migration from North Carolina
to Illinois--Life on the Frontier--Dangers to Early Settlers--A
Frontiersman--Father's Advice--More Settlers Come--Churches and
Schools--Limited Opportunities--Frozen Feet--Unimpressionable to the
Preaching of the Time--Talk of a New Religion, Prophets, Miracles,
etc.--Prosecution of the New Church--"Showers of Stars"--Popular
Adverse Views of the Mormons--The Mormons Driven from Missouri
Into Illinois--Mormon Elder Comes to Preach--Converts Uncle
James Brown--Preaches Again--Preparations to Mob the Elder--His
Scriptural Doctrine Disconcerts Enemies and Secures him Friends--His
Discourse--Effect on Young James S. Brown of the First Gospel Sermon to
him--His Testimony to the Spirit and Truth of the Elder's Message.