Harrison Pearce - Revision history

1857admin at 23:36, 16 December 2013

2013-12-16T23:36:57Z

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	The Walker War concluded in 1854 with a peace treaty, resulting in some return to normalcy in Utah Valley. However, in 1855 widespread drought and insect infestations decimated crops making foodstuffs very scarce throughout the Territory. Yet there was occasional time for entertainment; Harrison Pearce was among the early performers in local theater productions in Payson.		The Walker War concluded in 1854 with a peace treaty, resulting in some return to normalcy in Utah Valley. However, in 1855 widespread drought and insect infestations decimated crops making foodstuffs very scarce throughout the Territory. Yet there was occasional time for entertainment; Harrison Pearce was among the early performers in local theater productions in Payson.

			=== To Washington and the Cotton Mission ===
	[[Image:Cotton Mill 02.jpg\|thumb\|right\|400px\|<center>'''The Cotton Mill in Washington County.'''</center>]]		[[Image:Cotton Mill 02.jpg\|thumb\|right\|400px\|<center>'''The Cotton Mill in Washington County.'''</center>]]

	~~=== To Washington and the Cotton Mission ===~~

	In spring 1857, many southerners throughout the territory were recruited to devote their energies to founding the Cotton Mission in southern Utah. The leaders of the new mission were Samuel J. Adair and Robert D. Covington. In March 1857, Adair led a group to settle near Adair Spring in what is now Washington City. A month later the Pearces were in the group led by Robert Covington which arrived at Adair Springs in early May 1857. They set about founding a colony and establishing cotton culture in Utah's "Dixie." Initially, they lived in their wagon boxes, dugouts, or other crude structures.		In spring 1857, many southerners throughout the territory were recruited to devote their energies to founding the Cotton Mission in southern Utah. The leaders of the new mission were Samuel J. Adair and Robert D. Covington. In March 1857, Adair led a group to settle near Adair Spring in what is now Washington City. A month later the Pearces were in the group led by Robert Covington which arrived at Adair Springs in early May 1857. They set about founding a colony and establishing cotton culture in Utah's "Dixie." Initially, they lived in their wagon boxes, dugouts, or other crude structures.

	Washington appeared to have many advantages over other nearby locales. It was located near several fine springs and the Washington fields seemed to provide a lush expanse of farmland. However, appearances proved to be deceiving and soon "Dixie" was considered one of the most difficult areas to colonize. The broad fields were actually floodplains so if their dams washed out, as they did with discouraging frequency, their crops were jeopardized. Meanwhile the springs, so inviting in an arid, hot country, created marshes, the perfect habitat for mosquitos. Many of them suffered from bouts of malaria (the "fever and ague" or "chills") for many years.		Washington appeared to have many advantages over other nearby locales. It was located near several fine springs and the Washington fields seemed to provide a lush expanse of farmland. However, appearances proved to be deceiving and soon "Dixie" was considered one of the most difficult areas to colonize. The broad fields were actually floodplains so if their dams washed out, as they did with discouraging frequency, their crops were jeopardized. Meanwhile the springs, so inviting in an arid, hot country, created marshes, the perfect habitat for mosquitos. Many of them suffered from bouts of malaria (the "fever and ague" or "chills") for many years.

	Although it eventually proved commercially unsuccessful, the Cotton Mission did succeed in producing cotton goods for local use and export at an important stage in Utah Territory's economic development.		Although it eventually proved commercially unsuccessful, the Cotton Mission did succeed in producing cotton goods for local use and export at an important stage in Utah Territory's economic development.

1857admin: /* To Washington and the Cotton Mission */

2013-12-16T23:32:29Z

To Washington and the Cotton Mission

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:32, 16 December 2013
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	In spring 1857, many southerners throughout the territory were recruited to devote their energies to founding the Cotton Mission in southern Utah. The leaders of the new mission were Samuel J. Adair and Robert D. Covington. In March 1857, Adair led a group to settle near Adair Spring in what is now Washington City. A month later the Pearces were in the group led by Robert Covington which arrived at Adair Springs in early May 1857. They set about founding a colony and establishing cotton culture in Utah's "Dixie." Initially, they lived in their wagon boxes, dugouts, or other crude structures.		In spring 1857, many southerners throughout the territory were recruited to devote their energies to founding the Cotton Mission in southern Utah. The leaders of the new mission were Samuel J. Adair and Robert D. Covington. In March 1857, Adair led a group to settle near Adair Spring in what is now Washington City. A month later the Pearces were in the group led by Robert Covington which arrived at Adair Springs in early May 1857. They set about founding a colony and establishing cotton culture in Utah's "Dixie." Initially, they lived in their wagon boxes, dugouts, or other crude structures.

			Washington appeared to have many advantages over other nearby locales. It was located near several fine springs and the Washington fields seemed to provide a lush expanse of farmland. However, appearances proved to be deceiving and soon "Dixie" was considered one of the most difficult areas to colonize. The broad fields were actually floodplains so if their dams washed out, as they did with discouraging frequency, their crops were jeopardized. Meanwhile the springs, so inviting in an arid, hot country, created marshes, the perfect habitat for mosquitos. Many of them suffered from bouts of malaria (the "fever and ague" or "chills") for many years.

	Although it eventually proved commercially unsuccessful, the Cotton Mission did succeed in producing cotton goods for local use and export at an important stage in Utah Territory's economic development.		Although it eventually proved commercially unsuccessful, the Cotton Mission did succeed in producing cotton goods for local use and export at an important stage in Utah Territory's economic development.

1857admin at 09:25, 7 December 2013

2013-12-07T09:25:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:25, 7 December 2013
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	Pearce remained in St. George where he died and was buried in 1889 at the age of 71. He was survived by five children, including [[James_Pearce\|James Pearce]], who was an important colonizer in the Mormon settlements in eastern Arizona.		Pearce remained in St. George where he died and was buried in 1889 at the age of 71. He was survived by five children, including [[James_Pearce\|James Pearce]], who was an important colonizer in the Mormon settlements in eastern Arizona.

			<br>

	<br>		<br>

1857admin at 09:23, 7 December 2013

2013-12-07T09:23:32Z

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	In 1863, he married Swiss emigrant Magdalena Schneider (1838-1896), from the new Swiss colony in nearby Santa Clara. His first wife died the following year and Magdalena because stepmother to his children. She also bore him five additional children. In the mid-1860s, Pearce moved briefly to the northwestern corner of what is now known as the Arizona Strip to found a settlement at Beaver Dams, near the Virgin River and present-day Mesquite, Nevada. Then he returned to St. George.		In 1863, he married Swiss emigrant Magdalena Schneider (1838-1896), from the new Swiss colony in nearby Santa Clara. His first wife died the following year and Magdalena because stepmother to his children. She also bore him five additional children. In the mid-1860s, Pearce moved briefly to the northwestern corner of what is now known as the Arizona Strip to found a settlement at Beaver Dams, near the Virgin River and present-day Mesquite, Nevada. Then he returned to St. George.

	~~[[Image:Colorado_River-Plateau_detail.jpg\|thumb\|right\|400px\|<center>'''Detail of the Colorado River System'''</center>]]~~
	=== In the Militia During the Black Hawk War, 1865-1868 ===		=== In the Militia During the Black Hawk War, 1865-1868 ===

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	=== Building and Operating a Ferryboat at Pearce's Ferry on the Colorado ===		=== Building and Operating a Ferryboat at Pearce's Ferry on the Colorado ===
			[[Image:Colorado_River-Plateau_detail.jpg\|thumb\|right\|400px\|<center>'''Detail of the Colorado River System'''</center>]]

			Since the late 1850s, Mormons had been exploring the Colorado River for practical access points to cross over to the south of the river. Because of the labyrinthine canyon system that extended above and below the Grand Canyon there were only several places at which to cross the Colorado over a distance of several hundred miles. These were upstream of the Grand Canyon. However, In 1862 Mormon explorer and Indian interpreter Jacob Hamblin pioneered a new crossing at Grand Wash, south of St. George and downstream from the Grand Canyon.

			In the 1870s, as Mormons sought to establish a wagon road into Arizona, there was renewed interest in the Grand Wash crossing. In 1876-77, Harrison Pearce, assisted by his son [[James_Pearce\|James]], built a ferry boat and landing at Grand Wash. Pearce appears to have operated the ferry until the early 1880s. This is still known as Pearce's Ferry.
	[[Image:Pearce's_Ferry.jpg\|thumb\|right\|400px\|<center>'''The ruins (foreground) at Pearce's Ferry on the Colorado River; photo taken 1923.'''</center>]]		[[Image:Pearce's_Ferry.jpg\|thumb\|right\|400px\|<center>'''The ruins (foreground) at Pearce's Ferry on the Colorado River; photo taken 1923.'''</center>]]

	Since the late 1850s, Mormons had been exploring the Colorado River for practical access points to cross over to the south of the river. Because of the labyrinthine canyon system that extended above and below the Grand Canyon there were only several places at which to cross the Colorado over a distance of several hundred miles. These were upstream of the Grand Canyon. However, In 1862 Mormon explorer and Indian interpreter Jacob Hamblin pioneered a new crossing at Grand Wash, south of St. George and downstream from the Grand Canyon. In the 1870s, as Mormons sought to establish a wagon road into Arizona, there was renewed interest in the Grand Wash crossing. In 1876-77, Harrison Pearce, assisted by his son [[James_Pearce\|James]], built a ferry boat and landing at Grand Wash. Pearce appears to have operated the ferry until the early 1880s. This is still known as Pearce's Ferry.

	=== Final Years ===		=== Final Years ===

	Pearce remained in St. George where he died and was buried in 1889 at the age of 71. He was survived by five children, including [[James_Pearce\|James Pearce]], who was an important colonizer in the Mormon settlements in eastern Arizona.		Pearce remained in St. George where he died and was buried in 1889 at the age of 71. He was survived by five children, including [[James_Pearce\|James Pearce]], who was an important colonizer in the Mormon settlements in eastern Arizona.

			<br>

	= References =		= References =

1857admin: /* Later LIfe */

2013-12-07T09:21:04Z

Later LIfe

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	[[Image:Colorado_River-Plateau_detail.jpg\|thumb\|right\|400px\|<center>'''Detail of the Colorado River System'''</center>]]		[[Image:Colorado_River-Plateau_detail.jpg\|thumb\|right\|400px\|<center>'''Detail of the Colorado River System'''</center>]]
			=== In the Militia During the Black Hawk War, 1865-1868 ===

	Beginning in 1865, the Black Hawk War erupted throughout Utah and Harrison and his son [[James_Pearce\|James]] were among those involved in policing and punitive actions against marauding Indians in Washington County. His oldest son, J. D. L. Pearce, was a colonel in the militia and a noted Indian fighter during that conflict. The war extended to 1868 in most parts of Utah, except in southern Utah where Navajo raiders continued making incursions across the Colorado River to loot Mormon livestock. Finally, a series of peace treaties in the early 1870s brought the Navajo-Mormon War to a close.		Beginning in 1865, the Black Hawk War erupted throughout Utah and Harrison and his son [[James_Pearce\|James]] were among those involved in policing and punitive actions against marauding Indians in Washington County. His oldest son, J. D. L. Pearce, was a colonel in the militia and a noted Indian fighter during that conflict. The war extended to 1868 in most parts of Utah, except in southern Utah where Navajo raiders continued making incursions across the Colorado River to loot Mormon livestock. Finally, a series of peace treaties in the early 1870s brought the Navajo-Mormon War to a close.

	In 1870, Pearce and others began farming operations south of St. George in Bloomington. Besides working as farmer and peace officer in St. George, Pearce also worked as a mechanic on the Temple and Tabernacle, taught school, directed the choir, and played clarinet in the local brass band.		In 1870, Pearce and others began farming operations south of St. George in Bloomington. Besides working as farmer and peace officer in St. George, Pearce also worked as a mechanic on the Temple and Tabernacle, taught school, directed the choir, and played clarinet in the local brass band.

			=== Building and Operating a Ferryboat at Pearce's Ferry on the Colorado ===
	[[Image:Pearce's_Ferry.jpg\|thumb\|right\|400px\|<center>'''The ruins (foreground) at Pearce's Ferry on the Colorado River; photo taken 1923.'''</center>]]		[[Image:Pearce's_Ferry.jpg\|thumb\|right\|400px\|<center>'''The ruins (foreground) at Pearce's Ferry on the Colorado River; photo taken 1923.'''</center>]]

1857admin: /* Later LIfe */

2013-12-07T09:17:50Z

Later LIfe

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	[[Image:Pearce's_Ferry.jpg\|thumb\|right\|400px\|<center>'''The ruins (foreground) at Pearce's Ferry on the Colorado River; photo taken 1923.'''</center>]]		[[Image:Pearce's_Ferry.jpg\|thumb\|right\|400px\|<center>'''The ruins (foreground) at Pearce's Ferry on the Colorado River; photo taken 1923.'''</center>]]

	Since the late 1850s, Mormons had been exploring the Colorado River for practical access points to cross over to the south of the river. Because of the labyrinthine canyon system that extended above and below the Grand Canyon there were only several places at which to cross the Colorado over a distance of several hundred miles. These were upstream of the Grand Canyon. However, In 1862 Mormon explorer and Indian interpreter Jacob Hamblin pioneered a new crossing at Grand Wash, south of St. George and downstream from the Grand Canyon. In the 1870s, as Mormons sought to establish a wagon road into Arizona, there was renewed interest in the Grand Wash crossing. In 1876-77, Harrison Pearce, assisted by his son [[James_Pearce\|James]], built a ferry boat and landing at ~~the~~ Grand Wash. Pearce appears to have operated the ferry until the early 1880s. This is still known as Pearce's Ferry.		Since the late 1850s, Mormons had been exploring the Colorado River for practical access points to cross over to the south of the river. Because of the labyrinthine canyon system that extended above and below the Grand Canyon there were only several places at which to cross the Colorado over a distance of several hundred miles. These were upstream of the Grand Canyon. However, In 1862 Mormon explorer and Indian interpreter Jacob Hamblin pioneered a new crossing at Grand Wash, south of St. George and downstream from the Grand Canyon. In the 1870s, as Mormons sought to establish a wagon road into Arizona, there was renewed interest in the Grand Wash crossing. In 1876-77, Harrison Pearce, assisted by his son [[James_Pearce\|James]], built a ferry boat and landing at Grand Wash. Pearce appears to have operated the ferry until the early 1880s. This is still known as Pearce's Ferry.

	=== Final Years ===		=== Final Years ===

1857admin: /* References */

2013-12-07T09:16:29Z

References

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:16, 7 December 2013
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	= References =		= References =

	Alder and Brooks, ''A History of Washington County'', 29, 50 fn. 11, App. A, 383; Bagley, ''Blood of the Prophets,'' 119-20, 128, 148, 150; Bagley and Bigler, eds., ''Innocent Blood: Essential Narratives,'' 110; Bradshaw, ed., ''Under Dixie Sun,'' 40, 235, 326; Cahoon, ''Washington City, Monument Plaza, May 7, 2004,'' 52-54 (biographical sketch); Compton, ''A Pioneer Life,'' 435-36; Dixon, ''Peteetneet Town,'' 7, 11, 98, ???????? 182; Hafen, ''Devoted Empire Builders: Pioneers of St. George,'' 101, 102; Larson, ''Diary of Charles Lowell Walker,'' Vol. I, 266; Lee, ''Mormonism Unveiled,'' 228, 380; Lee Trial transcripts; McClintock, ''Mormon Settlement in Arizona,'' 96, 132 (photo); FamilySearch.org; Novak, ''House of Mourning,'' 168; Palmer, ''History of Taylor and Shumway [Arizona],'' 36, 47, 66, 67; Rosenvall, "Defunct Mormon Settlements: 1830-1930," 62, in Jackson, ed., ''Mormon Role in Settlement of the West''; Smith, "Mormon Exploration in the Lower Colorado River Area," 30 (map), in Jackson, ed., ''Mormon Role in Settlement of the West''; Walker, et al, ''Massacre at Mountain Meadows,'' Appendix C, 261.		Alder and Brooks, ''A History of Washington County'', 29, 50 fn. 11, App. A, 383; Bagley, ''Blood of the Prophets,'' 119-20, 128, 148, 150; Bagley and Bigler, eds., ''Innocent Blood: Essential Narratives,'' 110; Bradshaw, ed., ''Under Dixie Sun,'' 40, 235, 326; Cahoon, ''Washington City, Monument Plaza, May 7, 2004,'' 52-54 (biographical sketch); Compton, ''A Pioneer Life,'' 435-36, 449, 582 fn. 64; Dixon, ''Peteetneet Town,'' 7, 11, 98, ???????? 182; Hafen, ''Devoted Empire Builders: Pioneers of St. George,'' 101, 102; Larson, ''Diary of Charles Lowell Walker,'' Vol. I, 266; Lee, ''Mormonism Unveiled,'' 228, 380; Lee Trial transcripts; McClintock, ''Mormon Settlement in Arizona,'' 96, 132 (photo); FamilySearch.org; Novak, ''House of Mourning,'' 168; Palmer, ''History of Taylor and Shumway [Arizona],'' 36, 47, 66, 67; Rosenvall, "Defunct Mormon Settlements: 1830-1930," 62, in Jackson, ed., ''Mormon Role in Settlement of the West''; Smith, "Mormon Exploration in the Lower Colorado River Area," 30 (map), in Jackson, ed., ''Mormon Role in Settlement of the West''; Walker, et al, ''Massacre at Mountain Meadows,'' Appendix C, 261.

	For full bibliographic information see [[Bibliography]].		For full bibliographic information see [[Bibliography]].

1857admin: /* References */

2013-11-25T11:01:55Z

References

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:01, 25 November 2013
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	= References =		= References =

	Alder and Brooks, ''A History of Washington County'', 29, 50 fn. 11, App. A, 383; Bagley, ''Blood of the Prophets,'' 119-20, 128, 148, 150; Bagley and Bigler, eds., ''Innocent Blood: Essential Narratives,'' 110; Bradshaw, ed., ''Under Dixie Sun,'' 40, 235, 326; Cahoon, ''Washington City, Monument Plaza, May 7, 2004,'' 52-54 (biographical sketch); Compton, ''A Pioneer Life,'' 435-36; Dixon, ''Peteetneet Town,'' 7, 11, 98, ???????? 182; Hafen, ''Devoted Empire Builders: Pioneers of St. George,'' 101, 102; Larson, ''Diary of Charles Lowell Walker,'' Vol. I, 266; Lee, ''Mormonism Unveiled,'' 228, 380; Lee Trial transcripts; McClintock, ''Mormon Settlement in Arizona,'' 96, 132 (photo); FamilySearch.org; Novak, ''House of Mourning,'' 168; Rosenvall, "Defunct Mormon Settlements: 1830-1930," 62, in Jackson, ed., ''Mormon Role in Settlement of the West''; Smith, "Mormon Exploration in the Lower Colorado River Area," 30 (map), in Jackson, ed., ''Mormon Role in Settlement of the West''; Walker, et al, ''Massacre at Mountain Meadows,'' Appendix C, 261.		Alder and Brooks, ''A History of Washington County'', 29, 50 fn. 11, App. A, 383; Bagley, ''Blood of the Prophets,'' 119-20, 128, 148, 150; Bagley and Bigler, eds., ''Innocent Blood: Essential Narratives,'' 110; Bradshaw, ed., ''Under Dixie Sun,'' 40, 235, 326; Cahoon, ''Washington City, Monument Plaza, May 7, 2004,'' 52-54 (biographical sketch); Compton, ''A Pioneer Life,'' 435-36; Dixon, ''Peteetneet Town,'' 7, 11, 98, ???????? 182; Hafen, ''Devoted Empire Builders: Pioneers of St. George,'' 101, 102; Larson, ''Diary of Charles Lowell Walker,'' Vol. I, 266; Lee, ''Mormonism Unveiled,'' 228, 380; Lee Trial transcripts; McClintock, ''Mormon Settlement in Arizona,'' 96, 132 (photo); FamilySearch.org; Novak, ''House of Mourning,'' 168; Palmer, ''History of Taylor and Shumway [Arizona],'' 36, 47, 66, 67; Rosenvall, "Defunct Mormon Settlements: 1830-1930," 62, in Jackson, ed., ''Mormon Role in Settlement of the West''; Smith, "Mormon Exploration in the Lower Colorado River Area," 30 (map), in Jackson, ed., ''Mormon Role in Settlement of the West''; Walker, et al, ''Massacre at Mountain Meadows,'' Appendix C, 261.

	For full bibliographic information see [[Bibliography]].		For full bibliographic information see [[Bibliography]].

1857admin: /* Later LIfe */

2013-11-24T08:31:18Z

Later LIfe

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	[[Image:Pearce's_Ferry.jpg\|thumb\|right\|400px\|<center>'''The ruins (foreground) at Pearce's Ferry on the Colorado River; photo taken 1923.'''</center>]]		[[Image:Pearce's_Ferry.jpg\|thumb\|right\|400px\|<center>'''The ruins (foreground) at Pearce's Ferry on the Colorado River; photo taken 1923.'''</center>]]

	Since the late 1850s, Mormons had been exploring the Colorado River for practical access points to cross over to the south of the river. Because of the labyrinthine canyon system that extended above and below the Grand Canyon there were only several places at which to cross the Colorado over a distance of several hundred miles. These were upstream of the Grand Canyon. However, In 1862 Mormon explorer and Indian interpreter Jacob Hamblin pioneered a new crossing at Grand Wash, south of St. George and downstream from the Grand Canyon. In the 1870s, as Mormons sought to establish a wagon road into Arizona, there was renewed interest in the Grand Wash crossing. In 1876-77, Harrison Pearce, assisted by his son [[James_Pearce\|James]], built a ferry boat and landing at the Grand Wash. Pearce appears to have operated the ferry until the early 1880s. This is still known as Pearce's ~~(or Pierce's)~~ Ferry.		Since the late 1850s, Mormons had been exploring the Colorado River for practical access points to cross over to the south of the river. Because of the labyrinthine canyon system that extended above and below the Grand Canyon there were only several places at which to cross the Colorado over a distance of several hundred miles. These were upstream of the Grand Canyon. However, In 1862 Mormon explorer and Indian interpreter Jacob Hamblin pioneered a new crossing at Grand Wash, south of St. George and downstream from the Grand Canyon. In the 1870s, as Mormons sought to establish a wagon road into Arizona, there was renewed interest in the Grand Wash crossing. In 1876-77, Harrison Pearce, assisted by his son [[James_Pearce\|James]], built a ferry boat and landing at the Grand Wash. Pearce appears to have operated the ferry until the early 1880s. This is still known as Pearce's Ferry.

	=== Final Years ===		=== Final Years ===

1857admin: /* In the Iron Military District, Captain Harrison Pearce, Company I, John D. Lee's 4th Battalion */

2013-11-14T10:10:26Z

In the Iron Military District, Captain Harrison Pearce, Company I, John D. Lee's 4th Battalion

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	In Washington, Harrison Pearce, 38, was appointed captain of Company I, one of two companies in [[John D. Lee\|John D. Lee’s]] 4th Battalion. This made Pearce the highest ranking militia officer in Washington or nearby Fort Clara. In early September 1857 when the passing Arkansas wagon train clashed with some Mormon officials in Cedar City, those in the new settlement of Washington were still living in primitive conditions and the men in the militia had no prior experience together. Probably on Sunday, September 6, Harrison Pearce was ordered to form an ad hoc detachment of Washington militiamen and muster to Mountain Meadows. See [[A Basic Account]] for a full description of the massacre.		In Washington, Harrison Pearce, 38, was appointed captain of Company I, one of two companies in [[John D. Lee\|John D. Lee’s]] 4th Battalion. This made Pearce the highest ranking militia officer in Washington or nearby Fort Clara. In early September 1857 when the passing Arkansas wagon train clashed with some Mormon officials in Cedar City, those in the new settlement of Washington were still living in primitive conditions and the men in the militia had no prior experience together. Probably on Sunday, September 6, Harrison Pearce was ordered to form an ad hoc detachment of Washington militiamen and muster to Mountain Meadows. See [[A Basic Account]] for a full description of the massacre.

	On Monday, the 7th, [[John D. Lee\|Lee]] met Pearce, his son [[James_Pearce\|James Pearce]], and others from the southern settlements of Washington and Fort Clara some miles south of the Meadows. On Tuesday, the 8th, they encamped at Mountain Meadows and awaited further orders. [[William_A._Young\|William Young]] implied that Pearce was among those at the massacre on Friday, the 11th.		On Monday, the 7th, [[John D. Lee\|Lee]] met Pearce, his son [[James_Pearce\|James Pearce]], and others from the southern settlements of Washington and Fort Clara some miles south of the Meadows. On Tuesday, the 8th, they encamped at Mountain Meadows and awaited further orders. [[William_A._Young\|William Young]] implied that Pearce was among those at the massacre on Friday, the 11th. On the day of the massacre, Pearce's son James remained in the militia encampment due to illness, from where he heard the volley of guns during the massacre.

	In the years following the massacre militiaman [[John Hawley]] recalled Harrison Pearce making inflammatory speeches against non-Mormons. In the 1859 arrest warrant issued by Judge John Cradlebaugh, Pearce was listed as Harrison "Pierce." He is not known to have made any written statements about the massacre. However, his son ~~James was also present at the massacre.~~ [[James Pearce]] testified in [[John D. Lee\|John D. Lee's]] first trial in 1875.		There is folklore that [[Harrison Pearce\|Harrison Pearce]] became angry at his son [[James_Pearce\|James]], evidently for lacking fighting spirit, and fired at him, grazing his face. This cannot be corroborated. In the years following the massacre militiaman [[John Hawley]] recalled Harrison Pearce making inflammatory speeches against non-Mormons.

			In the 1859 arrest warrant issued by Judge John Cradlebaugh, Pearce was listed as Harrison "Pierce." He is not known to have made any written statements about the massacre. However, his son [[James Pearce]] testified in [[John D. Lee\|John D. Lee's]] first trial in 1875.

	[[Image:Washington_County.jpg\|right\|thumb\|400px\|<center>'''Map of Washington County, Utah.'''</center>]]		[[Image:Washington_County.jpg\|right\|thumb\|400px\|<center>'''Map of Washington County, Utah.'''</center>]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:10, 14 November 2013
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	In Washington, Harrison Pearce, 38, was appointed captain of Company I, one of two companies in [[John D. Lee\|John D. Lee’s]] 4th Battalion. This made Pearce the highest ranking militia officer in Washington or nearby Fort Clara. In early September 1857 when the passing Arkansas wagon train clashed with some Mormon officials in Cedar City, those in the new settlement of Washington were still living in primitive conditions and the men in the militia had no prior experience together. Probably on Sunday, September 6, Harrison Pearce was ordered to form an ad hoc detachment of Washington militiamen and muster to Mountain Meadows. See [[A Basic Account]] for a full description of the massacre.		In Washington, Harrison Pearce, 38, was appointed captain of Company I, one of two companies in [[John D. Lee\|John D. Lee’s]] 4th Battalion. This made Pearce the highest ranking militia officer in Washington or nearby Fort Clara. In early September 1857 when the passing Arkansas wagon train clashed with some Mormon officials in Cedar City, those in the new settlement of Washington were still living in primitive conditions and the men in the militia had no prior experience together. Probably on Sunday, September 6, Harrison Pearce was ordered to form an ad hoc detachment of Washington militiamen and muster to Mountain Meadows. See [[A Basic Account]] for a full description of the massacre.

	On Monday, the 7th, [[John D. Lee\|Lee]] met Pearce, his son [[James_Pearce\|James Pearce]], and others from the southern settlements of Washington and Fort Clara some miles south of the Meadows. On Tuesday, the 8th, they encamped at Mountain Meadows and awaited further orders. [[William_A._Young\|William Young]] implied that Pearce was among those at the massacre on Friday, the 11th.		On Monday, the 7th, [[John D. Lee\|Lee]] met Pearce, his son [[James_Pearce\|James Pearce]], and others from the southern settlements of Washington and Fort Clara some miles south of the Meadows. On Tuesday, the 8th, they encamped at Mountain Meadows and awaited further orders. [[William_A._Young\|William Young]] implied that Pearce was among those at the massacre on Friday, the 11th. On the day of the massacre, Pearce's son James remained in the militia encampment due to illness, from where he heard the volley of guns during the massacre.

	In the years following the massacre militiaman [[John Hawley]] recalled Harrison Pearce making inflammatory speeches against non-Mormons. In the 1859 arrest warrant issued by Judge John Cradlebaugh, Pearce was listed as Harrison "Pierce." He is not known to have made any written statements about the massacre. However, his son ~~James was also present at the massacre.~~ [[James Pearce]] testified in [[John D. Lee\|John D. Lee's]] first trial in 1875.		There is folklore that [[Harrison Pearce\|Harrison Pearce]] became angry at his son [[James_Pearce\|James]], evidently for lacking fighting spirit, and fired at him, grazing his face. This cannot be corroborated. In the years following the massacre militiaman [[John Hawley]] recalled Harrison Pearce making inflammatory speeches against non-Mormons.

			In the 1859 arrest warrant issued by Judge John Cradlebaugh, Pearce was listed as Harrison "Pierce." He is not known to have made any written statements about the massacre. However, his son [[James Pearce]] testified in [[John D. Lee\|John D. Lee's]] first trial in 1875.

	[[Image:Washington_County.jpg\|right\|thumb\|400px\|<center>'''Map of Washington County, Utah.'''</center>]]		[[Image:Washington_County.jpg\|right\|thumb\|400px\|<center>'''Map of Washington County, Utah.'''</center>]]