Page:History of Iowa From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century Volume 1.djvu/350



hold such religious opinions as they chose and to enjoy the protection of our laws. Bigotry has never obtained among our citizens. Claiming the utmost freedom of religious opinion for themselves, they have always conceded to others the same constitutional right. The kind treatment of the Mormons by Governor Lucas is in marked contrast with that of the officials and citizens of Missouri and Illinois.

In 1847 Brigham Young led an expedition over the plains to Salt Lake, where he selected a location for the future home of the Mormons. In June 1848 the second expedition, consisting of six hundred and twenty-three wagons and nearly two thousand persons, joined the colony at Salt Lake. Those who remained spread over the country now embraced in Mills and Pottawattamie counties, making their headquarters at Kanesville. Elder Orson Hyde was their leader. Under his direction a large tabernacle of logs was erected for their religious meetings and another for school purposes. The farmers among them settled along the creeks and in the groves, and opened farms to supply provisions for the colony. During the year 1849 cholera of a deadly type was brought into their settlements and prevailed for nearly two years. The people, who were almost destitute of experienced physicians and suitable medicines, were living in poor cabins and in every way little prepared to encounter this terrible, pestilence. Hundreds died without medical attendance. The bluffs were thickly dotted with new-made graves. Each year large parties of Mormons left the Iowa settlement to join the Salt Lake colony.

In 1852 an imperative order was issued for all to emigrate to Utah, and, disposing of their houses and farms, and under the lead of Elder Orson Hyde, they crossed the great plains. Some, however, who were opposed to polygamy, remained in Iowa and reorganized the “Church of the Latter Day Saints,” and finally established headquarters at Lamoni, in Decatur County, under the lead of