1880s

Daniel Tyler Records During the 1880's

St. George, Utah

17 June 1880

Dear Brother Tyler,

Your card of 14th ... is received. You ask what was Capt. Sutter’s name. Answer, John A. Sutter. I know that was the way he wrote and signed his name.

Marshall’s name was James Wilson, and according to his own account was born in Hope Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey in 1812. His father was a coach and wagon builder and he was brought up to the same trade. Again, you ask what was the date of the first discovery of gold? And also add that you have it from my journal -- Monday, 24 January, 1848, but Monday of that month was the 23rd. Now was it Monday the 23rd or Tuesday the 24th?

My dear Brother, it may be possible that I have made a mistake in my date of the first discovery of the gold in California by James Wilson Marshall. At all events, it was first discovered on a Monday in the month of January, 1848, but to make myself doubly sure, I asked Brother Blake if he could tell me what day of the week the 24th of January 1848 came on. His answer was, “yes.” I later asked Brother Mc Allister the same question. His answer was the same as Brother Blake’s. I also asked our Head Clerk in the Temple and he also gave me the same answer as the other two brethren, each one of them agreeing with my journal that the 24th of Jan. 1848 was a Monday. I did not tell them what it was for til after they gave me their answers. I saw each man alone, neither one knowing what answer the other gave. So you can see, Brother Tyler, I am inclined to believe my journal is right on that point and you perhaps missed a figure in your calculation.

Enclosed I send you Brother Blake’s calculation and answer to me.

Respectfully I am your Brother in the Gospel,

H.W. Bigler

P.S.

Work in the Temple is brisk just now. Yesterday

there were 1213 baptisms, besides endowments.

Baptizing in the morning before the endowments

and also in the afternoon after the endowments.

The Temple will close the last of next week when

it will be overhauled and cleaned up with some paintings

in the Garden and perhaps a new Tower put up and open

again about the first of Sept. Some talk of harvesting

barley and wheat the present week. Good time to sleep,

the nights cool. The thermometer not being higher

than 90 in the day time.

H.W.B.

Dear Brother Bigler,

The 24th of January, 1848, was on a Monday.

Your Brother,

James G. Bleak

St. Geo. 17 June 1880

Daniel Tyler, Delegate

Credentials

Beaver City, Beaver Co., Utah

July 8th, 1880

Mr. Daniel Tyler

Dear Sir:

At a People’s Primary held in this City on the evening of July 7th, 1880, you were duly elected as a Delegate to the People’s County Convention which will convene in Beaver City, Utah on the 17th inst. For the purpose of nominating candidates for the ensuing August Election.

Restfully,

John Ashworth, Chairman

S. A. Wixom, Secretary

Letter From His Niece, Polly Young

Tremont House

Hampshire Street

Louis Miller, Prop’r

Quincy, Ill,

Dec. 25, 1880

Dear Uncle,

I received a Postal card from you last night -- and I again feel ashamed of my treatment to my dear Uncle who always wrote me such good, long letters. I also acknowledge receiving the last letter and I see by the Postal you thought the subject of a higher state of religion, or as mother calls it, Sanctification, might of been the reason I have not written before. Not so. Nothing but neglect. I have not been at home for four months -- new People Society Company, all my time occupied with somebody or something is theonly excuse I have to make. When summed up, means neglect. I am ashamed.

A Merry, Merry Christmas to all. I am going to try and answer letter and card all in one, as near as I can remember. My folks at home are all well, or was Thursday.

As to that Higher state of grace, or mother’s higher walk in a religious walk -- when I read your letter, if I remember right, you wrote it a delusion that you believed in a gradual or more daily advancement. That is not your words but it in substance. Well, Mother said that God for the delusion if he calls it that, and in talking of her religion the other day when up, she said it grows better and better. “I have never enjoyed life before -- it has not died out yet.” I told her as you wrote before I got your letter -- I have always looked as you do on those Methodist Revival Meetings. But surely Mother enjoys religion better than before.

You say you have been sending me the Deseret News. I did not know it. About three months ago Mother brought me two papers, not in wrappers, saying they are from your uncle. I have had nothing of them since. I think they must get them and I not know it. Do not subscribe for me for the paper I am not and will not likely be at home enough to get them -- as I shall go west in a few weeks again and I doubt if they are read in our family as I am away. Now don’t think but I should be glad to read them, for I would -- but I tell you a truth, the paper will do someone else good and I doubt if it has my folks as they would have told me something of it. If at any time there should be something in a paper you wish to draw my attention to and you know where I am, send me that copy but not the paper regularly. I would not have the papers sent unless I read them.

I received a funeral notice from my brother, Ed’s youngest boy’s death today. They have buried two very promising boys -- ages 14 years and 10 years old, in the last ten days. All the boys they had. Now he is left with three little girls, and a wife, of course. It was sad to lose both boys. Their Christmas is not a happy one and my heart aches for Ed. Their grief is very great, and his health is very poor.

My letter is growing very lengthy and it is very late -- bed time. Give my regards to all relations and love to your own little family. Write, so I can hear from you before I leave here. I will be here at least four weeks yet.

As ever, your niece,

Polly Young

Letter to Daniel Tyler From His Brother, Ira

Ira Tyler’s Service in the Army 1862 - 1865

As Written by Himself

Richfield, Adams County, Ills.

Sunday evening, Nov. 5, 1865

Dear Brother and Sister,

I embrace the present opportunity to inform you that we are all well, as usual and I hope this may find you all the same. When I got home from the Army three weeks ago last night, I found your welcome letter of April 24th, in which you speak about wanting me to send you some apple seeds, which I would have been very glad to have sent you, but it was so late when I got home that everybody had got done making cider. That made any but apples have been so high this season that there has been but very little cider made. Green apples are now worth from $1.25 to $1.50 per bushel, so you see it is impossible for me to get any this season. Cherry seeds and other seeds are also out of season and were so when I came home. But if I should live until another year and you should want such things then, I think I can send you as many as you want.

You wanted me to write when I enlisted in the Army and etc. I will do the best I can but I have not now by me all the papers necessary perhaps to give you all the information you may require. I enlisted at Richfield, Adams County, Illinois, on the 4th day of August, 1862, for the period of three years, in Company F 118th Reg’t, Ills. Vol. Infantry. Was immediately elected 2nd Lieut. of said Company. The Company rendezvoused at Camp Butler, Illinois on the 11th day of September, 1862, where it helped to form the 118th Regiment, Ills. Volunteer Infantry. My Company and Reg’t. Stayed to Camp Butler, Illinois, doing duty and drilling until the 7th day of November, when it was mustered into the Service of the United States for the period of three years from that date, and on the first day of December, 1862, left Camp Butler for the first attack on Vicksburg, Miss. Participated in said attack and were repulsed. Participated in the capture of Arkansans, Post, also in the 2nd attack and Capture of Vicksburg; Jackson, Miss.; Clinton, Cason Crow; Jackson, La., and many other Battles.

About the 15th of June, 1863, my Reg’t was mounted and continued mounted and was mustered out as Mounted Infantry. While marching on Vicksburg, my Colonel left me on duty at Raymond, Miss. in charge of the Hospitals, Hospital Stores and etc., but left me no soldiers. So I picked up a few convalescent soldiers, say about 20 muskets in all, to guard the stores and etc., there being about 1,000 sick and wounded left there. For we had just had a battle there. And on the 24th of May, 1863, the whole Post was captured by the 20th Miss. Mounted Infantry, myself with the rest. We were immediately marched, all that was able to be removed, to Jackson, Miss., a distance of 17 miles. There put on the Cars and started for Richmond, Va., via of Meridian, Mobile, Montgomery, Atlanta, Augusta, Weldon, Wilmington, and Petersburg, to Richmond, Va, arriving at Richmond on the 3rd day of June. Was placed in Libby Prison. We were on the road eleven days, in which time the Rebels issued us two days rations (such as they were). I was confined in Libby Prison inside the house until the 7th of May, 1864 and kept on about half rations of corn bread and black peas, and much of the time nothing but the corn bread and it mixed up with cold water, brand and all together, no beads and very little wood. On the 7th of May, 1864, our Army was approaching so near that the Rebels had to start us for Macon, Georgia, where we arrived about the 30th of the same month. Where we stayed until about the 15th of August when our Army approached so near they had to run us to Charleston, S.C., where we stayed, faring about the same as before, until the 12th day of December, 1864, when I was paroled and on the 13th went out in the Harbour on flag of truce boat (Rebel) and got on board the Northern Lights, one of our Ocean Steamers. And on the 14th left the Harbour for Annapolis, Maryland, thence to Washington by rail. Got my back pay and got home on Christmas Eve. On Furlough of 30 days.

Then I went to Parole Camp at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Mo., and 25th March, 1865 was declared exchanged and on the 25th of April rejoined my Regiment at Baton Rouge, La, where I stayed and done duty. Two months of the time sitting on Court Marshall, until the 1st day of October when we were mustered out of the Service, and on the 2nd started for Springfield, Illinois, where we settled our accounts and were paid off and received our final discharge. I also received a Commission as Captain of said Company, but was not mustered. I received it on going out of the service. It was sent me by the Governor as a token of respect, my Commission as 2nd Leut. dates Dec. 11th, 1862 to rank from Nov. 7th, 1862. My Commission as Captain dates Oct. 10th, 1865 to rank from Oct. 1st, 1865. My Captain’s name is William J. Evans. My Colonel’s name is John G. Fonda (Breveted Brigadier General). Lieut. Col. Commanding the Reg’t is Thomas Logan. When we first went to the field we was placed in the 1st Brigade, 9th Division, 13th Army Corps. After the fall of Vicksburg in 1863, we was taken from the 13th Army Corps and placed in the 19th Army Corps, and after that we was taken from the 19th Corps, and after that we did not belong to any Army Corps.

This is about all that I can think of that will interest you on that subject. Asreal went out in the same Company with me. He enlisted about the same time that I did. He was discharged on surgeon’s certificate of disability, December 8th, 1863, and of course his history that far would be about the same as the rest of the Company. Henry enlisted about the 1st of January, 1862 as private in the 3rd Missouri Cavalry and served out his 3 years and was discharged about the 1st of January, 1865. He was engaged in several Battles, and helped chase the Rebel General Price out of Missouri. Well, that is about all I can think of that will interest you. Hyram has been staying here a while while he had the jaundice. But he has got well and has gone to work in the neighborhood. Isriel lives about a mile from me. Was here today digging some potatoes which he raised on my place. His health has been poor since he got home from the Army but is tolerable good now. He lives with his wife. I suppose you are aware that his wife had a girl soon after he got home from the army. It was illegitimate.

You wanted to know about the receipt of stamps. Martha says she never got any but once and them she put on the cherry seeds. But that is all right. You need not send any more. She has not sent any more than she has received. Martha Ann and the children send their love to you all. Please write often.

My love to all, from your ever affectionate brother,

Ira Tyler and

Martha A. Tyler

John P. Tyler’s Patriarchal Blessing Recorded on Page 395, Book B of

Daniel Tyler, Patriarch

Hebron, Washington County, Utah

April 9, 1881

A blessing by Daniel Tyler, Patriarch, upon the head of his grandson, John Pusipher Tyler, son of Daniel M. And Sarah E. Pulsipher Tyler, born Hebron, Washington County, Utah, Aug. 31, 1878.

Brother John Pulsipher Tyler. In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, I lay my hands upon thy head in connection with thy father and Seal upon thee a Patriarchal Blessing. Inasmuch as you will be true and faithful and obedient to thy parents and the Holy Priesthood, thou shalt receive in the due time of the Lord a fullness of the Keys and Powers of the Eternal World, even the higher ordinances of the Holy Priesthood. Thy life will be a checkered one, interspersed with many cares and responsibilities in defending the cause of Zion and building up her waste places.

Thou shalt live to see the Son of Man come in the clouds of Heaven. Thou shalt travel and preach the Gospel with great power, be a mighty counselor in Zion and preside over a Temple in one of her Stakes. Thou shalt be a stay and staff to thy parents in their declining years. Thy table shall be spread with he bounties of life and thou shalt enjoy the gifts and blessings necessary for the accomplishment of the work to which thou wast ordained before the world was.

Thou shalt have power with God to control the elements to prevent rains or to cause them to fall freely on the earth. Thou shalt have control over the winds and raging waves of the ocean. Thou shalt travel from land to land and from sea to sea to bring the honest in heart to Zion. The enemies of God shall not have power to harm thee although their wrath will be kindled against thee. Thou shalt escape out of their hands uninjured.

Thy posterity shall be known upon the mountains of Ephraim. The sons of Benjamin shall also receive blessings under thy hands. I seal thee up unto Eternal Life, to come forth in the morning of the First Resurrection and be crowned a king unto God to rule and reign forever. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

H.J. Barn..., Scribe

Alice M. T. Tanner, Recorder

Letter To Daniel Tyler From Karl G. Maeser

Principal’s Office

Brigham Young Academy,

Provo, Ut.

Aug. 9, 1882

Elder Daniel Tyler

Beaver

Dear Brother,

Your favor of August 3, reached me last evening and I hasten to answer it at once. According to your request. Your proposition to mention some of the incidents connected with my embracing the Gospel in Saxony, in your number of “The Faith Promoting Series” took me by surprise. But of course. If you think thereby any good can be done to the youth of our people, you may refer to me in the manner indicated by you.

As those very incidents have established a bond of union and affection between us that will endure along with our own faith, I pray that the Spirit of God, which has guided our footsteps thus far so marvelously, will assist you also in this work.

With kind regards to yourself and family, I remain as ever,

Your friend and brother,

Karl G. Maeser

Bill of Sale to Daniel Tyler

Recorded at Request of Daniel Tyler this 13th day of October A.D., 1883

In Book I of Deeds and on page 117. Records of Beaver County...

Know all men by these presents, that I, George Hales of Beaver City, Beaver County, Territory of Utah, in consideration of the sum of one hundred eighty three dollars and thirty three cents ($183.33) to me in hand paid by Daniel Tyler of the same place, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, do hereby sell and deliver unto the said Daniel Tyler the following property, with the privilege and additional one third (1/3) l interest, in the press, type, and all other things whatsoever pertaining to the Southern Utanian printing press and the business thereof without reserve of anything whatsoever. To have and to hold the said one third interest in the said property with the said privilege of an additional one sixth interest as above specified unto the said Daniel Tyler, his ...[bottom line cut off}. To his own proper use and benefit forever.

And I, the said George Hales do avow myself to be the true and lawful owner of the said personal property; that I have full power, good right and lawful authority to dispose of the said goods and chattels in manner as aforesaid. And that I will, and my heirs, executors, and administrators and assigns, from and against the lawful claims and demands of all persons whatsoever, claiming as to claim such goods and chapels.

In witness whereof, I the said George Hales have herewith set my hand this 9th day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty three. All erasures and interlinings were made before signing.

George Hales

Letter From a Niece in Illinois

Richfield, Ill.

Oct., ...4 [?]

Dear Uncle, Aunt, and Alice,

What can I say. What can I do to convince you that I mean all right towards you all. But as I told you once before, I fell into my old habits. There seems to be times with me that I cannot write. It is impossible. If I have tried once, I have a half dozen times to answer, but all is a failure when I feel so. I usually write a few lines and then burn it in disgust. Then wait and try again, and so on. It is one of my many failings. I have neglected Ed -- and all my friends the same. When I am with Mother she makes me promise to write once a week and then sometimes all I can write is: “Mother, I am well, Love, [can’t read name]. She knows me. That settles it.

Now, to begin with, I am well and so are all relatives as far as I know. And ... I have received the likeness of Joseph Smith and all the many papers and letters, the last letter dated September 16th with the Union. Since the Deseret News, the papers only stay with me long enough to be read. The go all around. I have sent all of my Juvenile Instructors (after my friends and I read them) to a very great friend, the Methodist Sabbath School Sup. In Hewton, Kans. by his wishes. His family write me that they are very instructive and seem well pleased, and that your articles seem to be written by a Christian man, as well as other articles. They sound like Christianity.

Now do laugh. I did a little -- when I tell you that not one tenth of the people believe that the leaders of the Mormon Church are Christian people. It will not seem so strange a remark.

I cannot think of all I should write or answer.... Your letters are at Uncle John’s. But one thing I remember distinctly was something about uniting with your Church -- couldn’t I come out, independent of relatives and join and be baptized by an ordained minister. If I believed as you do -- yes. Relatives have nothing to do with my belief or actions. They here all understand that -- perhaps I am too much ... but I see it in all of father’s family. I have been.... ... baptized by an ordained minister. Yet as I grow older, doctrines are not mine. I am not yet willing to say that the Latter Day Saints are nearer right than any other religious denomination -- that is in belief. But I will say this, that every letter, every article written from their pen seems to come from my idea of Christianity -- or a sprit of Christianity. Now, I will promise you this, to go and see you and make a visit, associate with my Mormon friends and relatives, attend their services, and then if you will leave me free to tell you all I think on the subject and act according to my judgement. And I want you to promise not to be disappointed and feel bad if I do not believe as you do -- do not join your church. For I have said ... my church should ever have my name again. I have been terribly disgusted with people that professed, loudly professed Christianity. I believe I have never been cheated and lied to in business as I have by professed Christians. I know that doesn’t sound good to write it to my Christian uncle but the truth must come and I hope that you will not form an idea that I am almost an outlaw. I have always done all of my own business. The experience has taught me many things that other women do not know.

Now to Alice, my dear cousin. I was so well pleased with your letter in regards to your marriage -- that there was true affection and that you would ever be happy with your husband, that I turned all attention to your father’s. I will be pleased to receive your photographs any time and ... see that new cousin of mine, Joseph, I believe his name is. Remember me to him; also to all my relatives. I’m ashamed to ask a letter from all, as I have so neglected you. But I am always glad to hear from all of you any time, and at all times.

Accept much love to Alice and husband, uncle and Aunt Ruth, from your niece and cousin,

[signature unreadable in this copy]

Patriarchal Blessing Given to Daniel Tyler

Weston, Oneida Co., Idaho

2 November, 1885

A blessing by Milo Andrews, Patriarch, upon the head of Daniel, son of Andrews and Elizabeth Comins Tyler, born 23 Nov. 1816 in Semproneous, Cauda Co., New York.

Brother Daniel, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I place my hands upon your head and impart unto you a father’s or patriarchal blessing, which you are entitled to in consequence of your faith and diligence in your long and varied experience in the Kingdom of God. Thou art one of the sons of God that was ordained for this dispensation. Thou hast been diligent and faithful in finding out the mind of the Lord concerning your labors. The adversary has tried to destroy thy life, but thy guardian angel has stood by thee to preserve life and the Lord thy God has stood by thee and has accepted thy labors thus far, and will stand by thee until thou has filled up the measure of thy creation. Thou are of Abraham’s seed and an legal heir to all the promises made to that kindred. Thou has been considered ... by ... and yet thy posterity shall be of thousands and tens of thousands shall call thee blessed of the Lord and many sons and daughters shall call thee father whose fathers have forfeited their rights to them. Thou shalt reign and rule as a prince in Israel and through thine administration thousands shall be strengthened and led to do the work of righteousness. And when thou standest upon Mount Zion with the redeemed of the Lord, they shall rise up and call thee blessed and a savior upon Mount Zion.

Thy name is written in the Lamb’s book of life and shall never be erased therefrom. The holy ones from on high delight to bless thee and whisper words of consolation and comfort to thee. Thy body shall be quickened and renewed and thou shalt live upon the earth until thy soul is satisfied. In the evening of thy life thou shalt have joy with thy companion and she shall be healed and shall be a comfort to thee all the days of thy life and no good thing shall be withheld from thee. Joy and gladness shall fill thine habitation forever. Eternal life, and the gift of eternal increase shall be thine, for it is sealed upon thee. Therefore, let thy heart be comforted and thy faith be strengthened in thy God.

I seal you up unto eternal life lives to come forth in the morning of the first resurrection and receive a royal crown of exaltation. All of these blessings, with all that thy heart can desire in righteousness, I seal upon your head through your faithfulness in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Letter to Daniel Tyler From Nephew in Illinois

Richfield, Ill.

Dec. 5th, 1886

Dear Uncle and Aunt,

I sat myself to w rite to you, although I have never had the pleasure of seeing you; hoping thereby to increase our friendship, although distant. I am now nearly 28 years old and as you know, have a family of my own. Was married in Nov. Seven years ago, to a young German lady two years my junior. The fruits of our union are four children, the oldest, a boy of six, then follows a girl of five, and lastly a pair of bouncing twin boys nearly two years old. My wife and children are unusually healthy but my health is not good.

Now as to my business. I do not do much manual labor as I am occupied most of the time teaching school. Am teaching at Richfield this winter. Have eight months of school and they pay me forty dollars per month. I hold a first grade certificate of qualifications, which necessitates my being examined in Botany, Zoology, Physiology, Physical Hygiene, Civil Government, besides eight English branches. So you see, bing a poor boy who could never have the advantage of a Collegiate course, I have had a pretty hard road to travel to get through. This winter I shall take up Chemistry and Geology and I hope by next Fall to get a State Certificate, then I will ask no teacher any boot. I take more pleasure in reading than almost anything else and sit and read for hours after the family are all asleep. Have read “Mormon Battalion” and it is a mystery to me how you and those other brave men made that famous march. Indeed, uncle, I think the Government is, and always has been exacting too much from your Church. If you firmly believe in that doctrine you have the same right to live up to the canons of your church as any other sect the sun shines on.

One thing I thank God for, I have no family brawls. I can live in peace with my family and that is better than riches to me. Now a word as to the relatives. They are about as usual. Pa has been elected to the Legislature, so he will leave us the first of next month. But before he goes, I think Brother William will be married. Then Father’s family will all be married. Harriett’s a real nice, well educated young woman. Uncle Henry’s family is well. Three of his children come to school where I teach and he has three married. They all live here. Uncle Nathaniel’s youngest son is about to die; he has consumption. Lives at Cheyne, Kan.

Mr Quincy is still with us and pretty smart for a man of his age. This fall has seen a great many old people sent home. Among them Dear Grandma Cook, Aunt Clarisa, and Mrs. Le...ten. Now it seems that Austin, in the prime of his life must next leave us to join his mother in that better land. It is hard for me to give Austin up as we have been always together. We have had our good times together, but now -- God’s will be done.

It is now nearly midnight and I must close. I have written you a letter, Uncle, in my weak way. If you get tired of it before you get it read, give it a convenient place in your waste basket. If not, when you are at leisure, sit down and tell me all about yourself as I have tried to do with you.

Give my respects to all of my relatives and tell them I should be glad to hear from them at any time.

Your Obedient nephew,

A. I. Tyler

P.S. I sincerely hope this

will find your family as well as

it leaves mine.

A.I.T.

Mexican War Pension

Act of January 29, 1887

Application for Service Pension, Mexican War.

For: Daniel Tyler of Capt. James Brown, Co. C. Reg’t of Mormon Battalion.

(This is a form, the main information as follows):

Survivor’s Brief

Soldier -- Daniel Tyler

P.O.: -- Beaver Company “C”

Utah Ter. Mormon Batt.

Dates of Service: July 16, 1846

Discharged: July 16, 1847

Age -- 70 years

Rate: Eight Dollars per month commencing January 29, 1887.

Pension previously applied for: Rejected -- 18611.

(Another page contains this information):

Claim of a Survivor of the Mexican War for Pension

This must be executed before a Court of Record or some Officer thereof having custody of the seal. State of Utah, County of Beaver on this 29th day of January, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and eighty seven, personally appeared before me, Henry ... County clerk in and for the County and State aforesaid, the same being a Court Record. Daniel Tyler, aged seventy years, a resident of Beaver City, County of Beaver, State of (Territory of Utah), who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical Daniel Tyler who served the full period of one year service of the United States in the war with Mexico and who enlisted under the name of Daniel Tyler as a Private in company C of Captain James Brown’s Co. in the Mormon Battalion regiment, which was commanded by Colonel P. St. George ... and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant at Los Angeles, California, on the 16th day of July, 1847; that during said service the said soldier accompanied his command into Mexico and participated in the following engagements: Had no engagements.

...discharge from said service he has resided as follows: Returned to place of enlistment Dec. 1847. Removed to Salt Lake City, Utah, Nov. 1848 to ... Salt Lake Co., Utah, Feb. 1851, to Washington, Washington Co., Utah Dec., 1862, to Beaver, Beaver County, March 1866. That he has not been in the military or naval service of the United States since his said discharge....

That his Discharge Certificate was: was mustered out of service without certificate. That he was married at Kirtland, ... Co., Ohio on the 11th of Sept., 1836 to Miss Ruth Welton, who is living and the lawful wife of applicant.

That he makes this declaration for the purpose of being placed on the pension rolls of the United States, under the provisions of any act of Congress, providing pension to surviving soldiers, sailors, or marines who served in the war of 1846, 1847, and 1848 with Mexico; and hereby constitutes and appoints with full power of substitution and revocation, M. H. Wills and Co. of Washington D.C. his true and lawful attorney to prosecute his claim. He also declares that he has heretofore made application for: (original invalid pension not granted).

Applicant declares that he was born at Sempronious, in the County of Cayuga and State of New York, that he is 70 years of age, 5 feet, 4 3/4 inches high of light complexion. Hazel-gray eyes, gray hair, and by occupation: Literary. His occupation before or at time of enlistment: farmer and school teacher. His Post Office Address is Beaver, Beaver Co., Utah.

Applicant’s Signature: Daniel Tyler

There is another page with signatures of men who attest to the fact that he is the Daniel Tyler who was in the Battalion. It says he was: the historian of comrades, he’s well known. He has published a history of said service...

One more page has this information: “Affiant states that owing to the causes assigned above and the age of the applicant, he is now entirely unable to perform manual labor to any extent whatever.

Letter From Daniel’s Daughter, Emily

Netra

10 Feb., 1887

Dear Father and Mother,

Rec’d father’s card a weed ago but I had written you a few days before on my birthday and told you about our baby, a girl born 20th of Jan. I am so sorry you didn’t get the money. Bro. Brown is P.M [Post Master] and he was away from home and Sister B. Took the mail home, as the mail carrier wouldn’t come until after dark and she didn’t want to stat at the Office alone. I took the letter there myself and told her that I would like to get greenbacks or stamps or P.O. money order for a dollar in silver. She said she didn’t like to go to the P.O. in the night but she thought she had a dollar greenback and she got it and I put it in the letter, when I happened to think that the stamp should be canceled in Nentra, also postmark put on the letters. So I went with her to P.O. and after letter was filled, I came home and she went home. I said, “Sister B. don’t put those letters in your pocket and forget them.” She said, “I won’t. I will carry them in my hand and put them with the other mail soon as I get in the house.” I told her you didn’t get the letter and she told me she had done just as she told me she would.

I wrote to brother Dan and Emma same mail and if brother Dan ever got it, he hasn’t answered and I don’t think he sent Emma any while she was in B. [Beaver?] from me. It wouldn’t get to Hebron until after she had went to Beaver. We sill send the money just as soon as we can get it.

There is considerable snow on the ground now, the first of any consequence this winter. It fell one day and night and melted just as it fell, then began to lay on and fell fourteen inches on the level and then we had two clear days and last night it began again. The farmers think they will have plenty water.

My baby is three weeks old today. I sit up most of the time. ... my throat and mouth is no better. Do not have chills quite so bad. Don’t fail to pray for me every day. I wrote two letters to you in Jan. that received no answer to. Wrote to Allie and Jo too. Kind regards to all inquiring friends and love to you all. Do write soon and often to your daughter and sister, E.P.T. [Emily Percinda Tyler] ....[can’t make out last name of signature.]

[Written upside down at top of letter]: Did you see Mr. Dutcher’s notice in Deseret News and do you think you will get your pension? What did Dutcher know that would be of advantage to Battalion boys? Since I wrote yesterday, been reading a medical book and according to it I have the ... symptoms of consumption. E.P.T.

Letter From Niece, Marcia E. Pikes

Warsaw, Illinois

Hancock Co.

May 6th, 1887

Dear Uncle,

I seat myself to write you a few lines, although it has been a long time since I got your last letter. Do not think it was because I did not want to write. You will, I think excuse me for my negligence when you learn of my misfortunes and sickness. I was sick all fall and winter the fall after I was married. And then last summer my baby boy was sick and in September he died, aged 9 ;months. And then I took sick with what the doctors called the Tlectic fever and I lay for over 5 weeks. I was just getting so I could be about again when my other child was born and she lived 4 weeks and she died. Oh, if it was not for the consolation that I should see my beloved children again, I believe I should die. When I go to the cemetery and see two little graves, brother and sister lying side by side and to think that my arms are empty, it almost kills me. But I have one great consolation. I have a good, kind husband to sympathize with me. But my dear uncle, I will not impose on your patience longer about my trials and tribulations. So will try to think of something else to write you.

We are as well as usual at present time. Mamma was sick the other day when I was over there. The farmers have most of their corn planted. Wheat looks fine and there is a good prospect so far for a good crop of oats. The apples are almost all killed. There is no peaches, as usual. The small fruits promise well.

My husband has cleared a piece of timber land for corn and potatoes and other vegetables. We live about 4 ½ miles southeast of Warsaw on a farm owned by a Frenchman, an old bachelor, who stays here part of the time.

I got a letter from Uncle Ira about 2 weeks ago and am expecting another soon. He is talking of making us a visit this summer. I hope he will, for I should like very much to see my deceased father’s relations and mine. I would be much pleased if you would make us a visit too.

One of our horses had a colt last night. He is a fine fellow, black as a coal with a large white star in his face. He is a Norman Clydesdale, but I don’t suppose this is interesting to you, so will bring my poorly written epistle to a close.

Hoping this will find you all enjoying good health, I remain your affectionate nephew and niece,

David Pikes and Marcia E. Pikes

Write soon and often.

Letter From Daniel’s Brother, Ira

Richfield, Ills.

Sept. 5, 1888

Dear Brother and Sister,

We are able to be around most of the time now, but have been confined to our room much of the time for the last two months. That’s Martha and myself. I hope you are all well. Henry was here yesterday to get his voucher made out. They are all well. John Quincy is able to be around most of the time but is quite feeble. His son Joseph and him keep back. E. M. Cook and Lucinda are around but rather feeble with ge and rheumatism. My children and their families live here, excepting y oldest daughter and family. They have lately moved to Conley Springs, Missouri, about 250 miles from here

I cannot write much for my right arm and shoulder have been nearly paralyzed for two months, but is getting some better. I have just got through a political canvass again for the Legislature before the Democratic Primaries. One of my competitors went to Quincy and spent much money at the saloons to beat me, there being two competitions. I told some of the best element I would not follow him through the recesses of a city of 30 or 40 thousand if I did not get it, and consequently expected to get beat in the City enough to over balance my majority in the Country, although I knew I would [get] nearly all or a large majority of the best citizens of the City and Country. He had once been Sheriff and once to the Legislature from this County, so you see I had quite an undertaking before me. Contrary to my expectations, when the returns came in they showed that I had carried both City and County over both of my competitions. This nomination means an election as a general thing in this County.

All kinds of crops are good here this year. It is quite dry here and we need rain for plowing and sowing wheat. I have not heard from you for a long time. Write soon and let me know how you all get along. Hoping to hear from you soon, we remain your affectionate brother and sister,

Ira Tyler

M. A. Tyler

Letter From a Niece in Illinois

Richfield, Adams Co., Ill.

December 21, 1889

Dear Uncle and Aunt,

I thought I wold write you a few lines to let you know that we are all well and hope this finds you all the same. Your brother Henry’s youngest daughter is well. Uncle, please send me one of yours and aunts pictures to put in my album and tell your children to get their pictures taken and send them to me if you please. Be sure and send me one of yours and aunts pictures in this letter.

Pa has got his increased pension. He got $8.33. 75 cents [sic] and now draws 16 dollars a month. Pa says he would like to see you all first -- ....[a line I just can’t make out]. Ira’s health is very poor. Well the people out here are fixing around for the Christmas tree at the Christian Church.

We haven’t had much cold weather yet but it seems like we are going to have. Well, I just came home yesterday from Plainville from work. There is a Negro Show there tonight but I’m not going because I was at the same snow last Saturday night at Plainville.

Well, there are three of pa’s children at home with me. Willie, he is the oldest at home, he is between Dan and past Otis, the youngest -- is fourteen. Otis is the only one that goes to school but I want to start a week from Monday. Please excuse all bad writing and spelling. Hoping to do better the next time.

From your niece, Ida Tyler to her uncle and aunt, Daniel Tyler and Aunt Ruth.

Remember your niece when far away.