Matthew Caldwell, 1822-1912

File — Box: 1, Folder: 2

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This folder contains reminiscences of the life of Matthew Caldwell, complied by Robert Lewis Woodward, and Uzella Caldwell Koch, his granddaughter.

Matthew Caldwell was born in 1822, at Mt. Vernon, Jefferson County Illinois to Curtis and Nancy Hood Caldwell. In 1828, the family moved to Hancock County, until the Black Hawk War of 1832 forced the family to move to Adams County until peace was restored.

In 1943, Matthew married Barzilla Guymon, the eldest daughter of Thomas and Sarah Gordon Guymon. Already aware of the Mormon Church, Matthew met Joseph Smith in 1842 and at Nauvoo in 1843. He and Bazilla were witness to the persecution of members of the church, and Matthew was ultimately forced into the mob led by Levi Williams which led to the deaths of Joseph and Hyrum Smith.

Matthew and his wife left Hancock County with the Mormons, and in June 1946, he was baptized and ordained a Seventy.

Much of the history deals with Matthew Caldwell's experiences as a member of Company E in the Mormon Battalion, which Brigham Young personally asked him to join. Although the Company endured many hardships, there were friendly dealings with the Native American Pima Tribe, who brought them watermelons for Christmas. Caldwell also describes helping bury members of the Donner Party.

He rejoined his family at Council Bluffs, and in 1850 they made the trek to Salt Lake City. Shortly after that, Brigham Young asked Matthew Caldwell to help settle American Fork.

Dates

1822-1912

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.