Skip to main content

Utah. Militia

 Organization

Dates

  • Existence: 1852 - 1887

Administrative History

The Utah Militia (1852-1887), also known as the Nauvoo Legion, was the territorial militia organization for Utah Territory.

Citation:
Bennett, Richard Edmond. The Nauvoo Legion in Illinois, 2010 CIP introd. (the Nauvoo Legion functioned at the behest of the governor of the state of Illinois; a regularly constituted arm of the Illinois State Militia from its chartering in 1841 until its repeal in 1845; after 1845, Nauvoo Legion acted under the direction of Mormon Church leadership until 1849; in 1849 became a militia in the State of Deseret; in 1852 became a [i.e. the] militia in the Utah Territory)

Utah State Div. of Archives and History www homepage, May 26, 2009 (These papers document the administration and activities of various segments of the territorial militia, also known as the Nauvoo Legion)

Encycl. of Mormonism, c1992 (Nauvoo Legion; disbanded as a result of the Edmunds-Tucker Act of 1887)

Found in 4 Collections and/or Records:

James H. Martineau certificates

 File — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 235
Scope and Contents

Printed and handwritten certificates, bonds, and commissions. The items document Martineau's commission in the Utah Militia, his appointment as the Sheriff of Iron County, Utah, and his position as an alderman of Parowan, Utah. Seven of the manuscripts were signed by Brigham Young (1801-1877), the second president of the Mormon Church.

Dates: 1851-1876
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections / James H. Martineau certificates

William Horne Dame papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: Vault MSS 55
Scope and Contents

Contains correspondence, patriarchal blessings, financial records, militia records, photographs, and miscellaneous items. Much of the correspondence is between Dame and General Authorities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The material relates to Dame's life and activities, including his militia service and his connection to the Mountain Meadows Massacre in 1857.

Dates: 1846-1884
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections / William Horne Dame papers

John Steele papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: Vault MSS 528
Scope and Contents Contains diaries, notes, correspondence, dictionaries, surveys, bonds, certificates, horoscopes, and military orders. The correspondence was to and from John Steele, other family members, and acquaintances. The materials document the activities of the Steele family, John's militia and Mormon Battalion activities, his missions to England and to the Indians, his migration to Utah, and his life in Utah and Nevada. Also included is a dictionary of the Southern Paiute language created by John...
Dates: 1816-1989
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections / John Steele papers

Utah Territorial Militia (Nauvoo Legion) Iron County Militia roster

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: Vault MSS 801
Scope and Contents

Utah Territorial Militia (Nauvoo Legion) Iron County Militia roster. 12.5 inch by 4 inch, 24 page booklet made from six folded leaves, bound with string. Written in dark ink, possibly partly written in the hand of James H. Martineau. Dated June 1857. Includes the companies and platoons to which approximately 450 men were assigned. Some changes have been made in the manuscript; some indicate promotions in their company or platoon.

Dates: 1857 June
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections / Utah Territorial Militia (Nauvoo Legion) Iron County Militia roster

Staff Interface | Send Feedback or Report a Problem

More information about Special Collections including Hours, Services, Events, and Exhibits can be found at lib.byu.edu/special-collections.

The BYU Library aims to create descriptions of collections that are inclusive and support an “environment of belonging.” If you encounter language in finding aids, catalog records, or collection descriptions that you find offensive or believe to be harmful, we invite your feedback at librarydescription@byu.edu.