Party Politics and Utah Statehood

Stanford J. Layton History Blazer, July 1995 A. D. Richardson, a journalist visiting Denver in 1859, had this to say about the politics of settlement along the western frontier: “Making governments and building towns are the natural employments of the migratory Yankee. He takes to them as instinctively as a young duck to water. Congregate a hundred Americans anywhere beyond …

Courageous Emma Lee Endured Many Hardships in Pioneer Utah

Jeffrey D. Nichols History Blazer, July 1995 The life of Emma Batchelor Lee French was often one of hardship, struggle, and loss. In her 61 years she witnessed and participated in some of the most memorable and important events of Mormon and western history. Her story—like that of so many women on the western frontier—was also one of hard work, …

He Was an Outsider in Utah but Not for Long

Lyndia Carter History Blazer, February 1996 Mathew William Dalton was a busy man in the fall of 1850. A newcomer to Ogden, he hurried to find work and get a house and shop built before winter set in. The settlers had been kind, loaning him tools and a team and wagon. They had even helped him “raise” the house. Young …