The settlements all established themselves under the United Order. Early
in 1876 one of the settlers wrote from Allen's Camp, "It is all United
Order here and no beating around the bush, for it is the intention to go
into it to the full meaning of the term." This chronicler, John L.
Blythe, April 11, 1876, again wrote, "The companies are going into the
United Order to the whole extent, giving in everything they possess,
their labor, time and talent." In August there was a report from the same
locality that "the people are living in a united system, each laboring
for the good of all the community and an excellent feeling prevails."
The communal system was given formal adoption at Allen's Camp April 28,
1877, when articles were agreed upon for a branch of the United Order.
June 5, 1877, with Wm. C. Allen presiding, there was an appraisal of
property and a separation of duties. Henry M. Tanner (who still is in St.
Joseph), was secretary, John Bushman foreman of the farm, James Walker
water master and Moses D. Steele superintendent of livestock. Niels
Nielsen was in charge of ox teams and Jos. H. Rogers in charge of horse
teams, harness and wagons. The Church historian has given in detail the
manner in which the system worked:
"From the beginning the Saints at Allen's Camp disciplined themselves
strictly according to Church rules. Every morning the Saints, at the
sound of the triangle, assembled in the schoolhouse for prayer, on which
occasion they would not only pray and sing, but sometimes brethren would
make brief remarks. The same was resorted to in the evening. They did not
all eat at the same table (a common custom followed in the other camps),
but nevertheless great union, peace and love prevailed among the people,
and none seemed to take advantage of his neighbor. Peace, harmony and
brotherly love characterized all the settlers at Allen's Camp from the
very beginning."
In August, 1878, Samuel G. Ladd wrote from the new St. Joseph, that the
United Order worked harmoniously and prosperously. In that year
manufacturing of brooms was commenced by John Bushman. Up to 1882 each
family was drawing from one common storehouse. In 1883 the Order was
dissolved at St. Joseph and the stewardship plan adopted. Each family
received its part of the divided land and a settlement of what each man
originally had put into the Order. Proforma organization of the Order was
continued until January, 1887.