Updates in 2011

We've done some recent updating to the news items on the Front Page. But the main thing is some revisions, both major and minor, in the biographical sketches of individual militiamen.

The most recent change has been software upgrades to improve the appearance, features and functionality of the site. Internal and external links are now easier and more reliable while thumbnail photographs are now enlarged with a click. The new software will allow us to make a series of improvements to the form and content of our site.

Prior to that, the biographical sketches were substantially revised for Alexander H. Loveridge, Andrew A. Allen, Benjamin A. Arthur, Columbus Freeman, Charles Hopkins, Dudley Leavitt, Daniel Macfarlane, Don Carlos (Carl) Shirts and David Tullis. We'll keep improving the bios for the other militiamen as we gather more information. Also, some have suggested we include information on such figures as George A. Smith, Jacob Hamblin, etc. Great suggestion! We will add that over time.

We hope to locate additional photographs of the militiamen and historical photos or woodcuts depicting other details relevant to our subject matter. It's an ongoing process. If you have any, I'd be interested in hearing from you.

To add additional information about the background of an important group of militiamen, coming soon is an article on the British ironworkers, their activities on the Cedar City ironworks and how the repeated failures at the ironworks may have contributed to the overall sense of frustration and failure in Cedar City. It treats both the British immigrants drawn into the massacre and those who, for whatever reason, were not.

Here are some other plans for the site:

• We have photographs of the dedications and programs at Mountain Meadows from 1999, 2007 and 2009. They help convey some of the "reconciliation" efforts among various communities and peoples. Progress is always slow, but real progress has been made.
• During 2011, the Mountain Meadows Massacre site will officially be designated as a National Historic Landmark. There will be events commemorating this important change in status. We hope to add coverage and photographs of these events.
• Since 2007, officials of the Mormon Church have made important statements, acknowledgements and expressions of regret. Some know of these important statements, but many still are unaware. Another idea is to add a news section summarizing these statements and events.
  

We hope you enjoy the site and find it profitable. Some of you may have historical photographs, family histories, genealogical info or just interesting family lore about some of the subjects of our site. Please leave a comment or contact me via email at editor@1857ironcountymilitia.com. I'm interested in seeing what you have, exchanging info and comparing notes!

Best regards to all,

Robert Briggs