An account of the mission to the Cherokee, Creek and Choctaw Indians in the years 1855 to 1860. At the April Conference held in G. S. L. City in the year 1855, Elders Henry W. Miller, Robert C. Petty, Wash ton N. Cook, Wm Richey and John A. Richards were appointed a mission to the Indians west of Missouri and Arkansas States. They ...

dissatisfied with his course, had left him. Bro. Miller with his associates soon convinced those brethren concerning the leadership of the Church and the majority of them numbering betw. 40 and 50 emigrated to the valley in 1856. In 1858 and 1859 the remaining few of the Lyman Wight's followers located at the same place; among the number are the Colonel's first wife, who had of late received a letter from Sidney Rigdon, in which he denounces the authorities of the Church in the valley and ...

and had an interview with the chief of the Cherokees John Ross, who granted them the privilege to preach. Prest Miller deemed it wisdom to call on the St Louis church for some elders to assist among the Cherokees and other nations if required. Subsequently upon the return of Prest Spencer at a conference, held in St Louis Octob 6th ^1855^ Elders James Case, Wm Bricker, Geo Higginson Wm O. ...

and her children to die. The brethren administ- ered to her and the Lord raised her up and she and most of her family subsequent- ly were baptized. December 31st 1855 Bros Case and Eyring arrived in the Creek Nation and commenced to lay the foundation for the work in that country. Bro Case and Richards went to see the chief of the Creeks, Genl Rollie McIntosh, who thought that there were already preachers enough in the country ...

by the other elders and ^a^ branch organized on Priors Creek Cher. N. in the sum[m]er of 1856. Those connected with that branch have removed to another locality and the branch was dissolved. Sickness now made considerable inroads upon the elders, they were all taken with the ague and fever and at a conference held on Priors Creek Octob 6th 1856 there was not one of them in the enjoyment of health. Bro Miller being released, appointed Bro Cook Prest of the mission and released Bro ...

elders to leave the nation forthwith. Thus all united to labor among the Creeks with the exception of Bro Richey who remained among the Cherokees unmolested by avoiding public speaking. Bro Richey has been a faithful minister to the Cherokees and although unsuccessful in baptizing any, he has borne a faithful testominy and considering his age and bodily infirmities he certainly has done more than many would ^do^ under the same circumstances. Having also been restricted in the Creek Nation but little was done for the remainder of the ...

condition that he be employed to work for a native. The general excitement against the church in 1857 made it impossible to do much good and but little was effected ever afterwards. Prest Cook who won the love and respect of saint and sinner, after a short but severe illness died September 24th 1858 of quick consumption. At a conference held in the Cherokee Nation Bro Henry Eyring was nominated and sustained as Bro Cook's successor. A general work of reformation was then commenced, and the ...

and 48 in the latter nation but out of that number but very few are alive in the cause, the majority are careless and indifferent. The prospect to do further good at present being quite slim Elders Wm Richey and Henry Eyring left May 23rd 1860 for the valley and reached Salt Lake City Aug. 29th Bro Richards still remains on his own accord in the Cherokee Nation, not situated however to do much good. In taking ...

good farms well stocked with negroes, cattle horses and hogs etc. They are as a people hospitable to strangers they will feed and lodge an elder, but they don't realize that he has to have clothing to wear and that they ought to contribute to that portion of his wants; The elders therefore were obliged to labor with their hands from time to time to obtain those necessaries. They are politically organ ized similar to the whites, having a 1st and 2nd chief, upper and lower house of represa^e^ntatives, judges, courts and plenty of ...

and sheep and spin, dye and weave their own clothing. They have some steam and water power mills in operation. The Creeks are less mixed with the Gentiles but more with the negroes than the Cherokees. They are as respects good houses, farms and general improvements behind the Cherokees, murder is but seldom committed (although on the increase) and generally speaking the Creeks are more peacable, but less enterprising than the Cherokees. Their political organization is similar to that of the Cherokees but retains a good deal yet of old ...

Much might be added to this account but I hardly deem it wisdom to be too lengthy, hoping that what I have written may be accepted. I subscribe myself with high esteem your Bro in the gospel Henry Eyring. To Elder Wilford Woodruff Historian's Office. ...

1855–[18]60 August 1860 Account of the Mission to the Cherokee, Creek and Choctaw Indians Eyring, Henry