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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 7 Collections and/or Records:

Nelson Higgins certificates

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197230318294]
Identifier: MSS SC 1974
Scope and Contents Photocopies of handwritten and printed certificates, applications, correspondence, patriarchal blessings, and miscellaneous items. Most of the materials relate to Nelson's militia activities in Nauvoo, Illinois and in Utah. They include certificates relating to his various military appointments and applications for pensions relating to his military service. A few items relate to the "Walker War" (1853-1854) with the Ute Indians. A few of the materials were signed by the Mormon Church leaders...
Dates: 1836-1909
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections / Nelson Higgins certificates

Aaron Johnson correspondence

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197230314012]
Identifier: MSS SC 1598
Scope and Contents

Photocopies of handwritten correspondence and memos between Aaron Johnson and other officers in the Utah Militia, relating to the procurement of supplies, enlistment of men, the settlement of Provo, relations with the Indians (especially Peteetneet and Tabby), muster rolls, and other military concerns.

Dates: 1852-1866
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections / Aaron Johnson correspondence

L. John Nuttall papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: Vault MSS 790
Scope and Contents Handwritten diaries, correspondence, lists, minutes, patriarchal blessings, and notes. The materials relate to Nuttall's involvement in numerous Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Utah Militia activities. Nuttall's position as secretary to the president of the Church allowed him to record various observations on Church conduct and doctrine. He records many of the meetings of the Church's ruling bodies. Nuttall also recounts campaigns against the Ute Indians during the Black Hawk...
Dates: 1857-1904
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections / L. John Nuttall papers

William B. Pace military campaign record

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197230343565]
Identifier: MSS 190
Scope and Contents

Handwritten record of a campaign by the Utah County Militia against the Ute Indians from April to August 1867. The entries are often presented in the form a daily happenings. Also included are handwritten copies of military orders and correspondence between the members of the militia and local leaders.

Dates: 1867
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections / William B. Pace military campaign record

F. D. Richards letter

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197233283891]
Identifier: Vault MSS 119
Scope and Contents

Handwritten and signed letter, dated April 5, 1858, and addressed to Jesse P. Harmon. Richards tells Hrmon to notify all officers to attend a military council to be held at the tabernacle in Salt Lake City, Utah. Pasted to the same sheet is an appointment to the Standing Committees on the Improvement and Public Grounds and a note that was certified by R. A. McBride, selectman for Millard County, Utah.

Dates: 1858 April 5
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections / F. D. Richards letter

Daniel H. Wells papers

 Collection — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197239135541]
Identifier: MSS 9637
Scope and Contents Two photocopies of original handwritten letters written by Daniel H. Wells. Typed transcripts of both letters are also included. The first letter was written on September 26, 1848, from Salt Lake City by Daniel Wells to "dear brother." He discusses sending his two yoke of oxen to a camp in addition to assistance from others. The second letter was written on April 26th, 1852, and is titled "Special Order No. 1" and is signed by Lieutenant General D. H. Wells, James Ferguson, Adjutant General....
Dates: 1848-1852
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections / Daniel H. Wells papers

Brigham Young letter

 File — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS SC 747
Scope and Contents

Handwritten and signed letter, dated 13 Feb. 1850, and addressed to Daniel H. Wells, commander in chief of the Utah Militia. Young gives advice to Wells about a military campaign.

Dates: 1850 February 13
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections / Brigham Young letter

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