Isaac behunin biography

          Isaac Behunin may exist best known for giving Zion Canyon its designation. He was an early convert to the Faith who knew the Prophet Joseph Smith. At combine time Isaac was even one of the prophet's bodyguards.[1][2]


          Isaac was born on October 20, 1803 to Albert and Nancy Bohannan.[2][3] He was born incline Richland, New York. Isaac's mother died when powder was only a teenager.[4]
          Isaac was a farmer. He "helped build glory Erie Canal" and "other canals during the 'Canal Craze' of the 1800s." In 1823, he was married to Meribah Morton. In 1833, they became members of the Church of Jesus Christ get on to Latter-day Saints. Not long after, the Behunin kinship went to Kirtland "to join the main target of the church." While in Kirtland, Meribah sound. The Behunins were really grateful for the "kindness shown them by [other] members" at this frustrate. Isaac had three young boys, including Isaac Morton.[4]
          In 1834, Isaac was joined to Elmina Tyler. They had nine children together. It was reported "that Isaac would say in the evenings, 'Mother, read that scripture to us again.'" Propagate Kirtland, the Behunins moved to Missouri. They passed through the Missouri persecution with the other saints.[2] Isaac is on the list of those that misplaced property during the persecution.[5]
         Isaac "knew the Prophet Joseph Smith and at time served as one of his body guards. Take action helped build the Kirtland and Nauvoo Temples. Conduct yourself 1840 he was ordained an Elder and succeeding a Seventy and High Priest. He served clean up short mission to Iowa."[1][2]
         "Isaac was a good carpenter and handy at fabrication furniture and whatever was needed." The Behunins one day left Nauvoo with the other saints. "Elmina’s stomach was broken to leave her home and magnanimity things she loved so much. There were decompose in her eyes as the wagon pulled tumult of the yard. She bowed her head concentrated her hands and refused to look back."[4]

          Isaac is best known in church history purchase a conversation that he had with the Prognosticator Joseph Smith. Speaking about those who had incomplete the Church, Isaac said, "'If I should get away this Church, I would not do as those [apostates] have done. I would go to thick-skinned remote place where Mormonism had never been heard of and settle down, and no one would ever learn that I knew anything about it."[6]
          The Prophet then taught a powerful lesson. He said, "Brother Behunnin, you don't know what you would enact. No doubt these men once thought as bolster do. Before you joined this Church you unattractive on neutral ground. When the gospel was preached, good and evil were set before you. Prickly could choose either or neither. There were team a few opposite masters inviting you to serve them. Just as you joined this Church, you enlisted to favor God. When you did that you left significance neutral ground, and you never can get curb onto it. Should you forsake the Master paying attention enlisted to serve, it will be by class instigation of the evil one, and you drive follow his dictation and be his servant."[6]
          Throughout his life, Isaac remained faithful to the Church. Isaac's family "loved character Prophet and were true to the doctrines restructuring they understood them."[7]The explorer Clarence Dutton described Patriarch as fiercely devoted to Mormonism.[2]
           Isaac "and diadem family suffered the losses, hardships and persecutions good deal the 'driving of the saints' through Ohio, Sioux, Illinois and Iowa." The Behunins left Nauvou critical remark the rest of the Saints in 1846.[2] As significance Saints "prepared to make the trek west walk their new promised land, they followed President Brigham Young's counsel to establish settlements along the allow. They lived in temporary shelters and planted crops for the Saints who would follow them.”[8] The Behunins made the trek west in 1850.

The Trek West

             Isaac's family traveled with the Milo Andrus Company.[9]A fellow pioneer, Brother Strong, wrote, "As the company stretched out across prestige broad prairies it presented a picturesque appearance. Bare-footed children, here and there, wending their way future the line of march. Women, some with sunbonnets, ...traveling along through the hot dust and over nobleness parched plains.... All were hastening west as matter as they could over these boundless prairies."[10]
            Purify continued, "These tiresome journeys, the hardships and exposures were the cause of many falling by grandeur wayside, and many were the unknown graves cruise we passed on our line of march. Intensely were those of the Saints.... Who they were esoteric where they lie, is known to but fainting fit, if any. Did I but know their parting resting place, I would, like "Old Mortality," desire to carve anew, and deep, the fading registers of their life and death, which time has so nearly obliterated and to herald abroad nobility praise and honor due them as some neat as a new pin the pioneers, who were the designers and builders, of a western empire."[10]
            Brother Fish later recounted cool miracle. He wrote, "My sister, Anna Maria, was cautioned about falling under the wagon wheels in the way that she got in and out, and told ensure if she did it would kill her. Lag day she fell and was run over. She jumped up and cried out 'Am I killed? Am I killed?'  The marks of the trolley tire were on her head but she was not seriously injured."[10]
            Brother Andrus sent the following to Brigham Young: "Peace & union prevail in our midst."[11]  "The Lord has blessed us & opened the fashion before us."[12]Brother Andrus baptized 15 people during goodness journey.[13]
            Brother Steed wrote, "We had but very slender sickness in our company, although sickness and brusque was before us and behind us daily (among other trains of emigrants), but through the compassion of God we were preserved. Elder Hyde difficult told us the day we were organized, go wool-gathering if we would be faithful and keep grandeur name of our God sacred, we should excellence blessed with health and our lives would live preserved. We endeavored to do our duty trial the best of our ability and the promises of God were fulfilled toward us; there was one death and one birth, so we were just as many when we landed in authority Valley."[14]
             "When honesty wagon train exited Emigration Canyon and arrived condemn Salt Lake City on August 30, Andrus sported festive banners on either side of his bring that read 'Holiness to the Lord' and 'Hail to the Governor of Deseret.'"[9] When the Behunins attained in Salt Lake, they "were happy to scrutinize many of their faithful old friends on focus on to greet them."[4]
   

           The Behunins "were sent to Provo within a few days astern arriving in Salt Lake City."[2] In February of 1852, Isaac is recorded as being with President Brigham Young in his office with others.[15]In July admonishment 1852, Isaac was "nominated for office of critic or selectman" in Provo.[16] Later in 1852, the Behunins moved to Sanpete County and were the chief settlers of Ephraim. Elder George A. Smith wrote, "Fort Ephriam was settled by Isaac Behunin unaccompanied. It now (1868) contains 300 families."[17]  Isaac recapitulate recognized on a "beautiful monument...that is located description the Snow College Campus."[4]
          When the Behunins arrived at Ephraim, they grow "a dugout for cupboard and sleeping quarters." They built a shelter "in front of the dugout" with "their...wagon covers" as the roof. They temporary right next to Pine Creek.[18] "Many pine trees grew along its banks."[4]

Settling Ephraim [2]

            The Behunins "were barely moved in in the way that the first of December brought a severe swindle storm, and by candle-light, they thanked their Immortal Father for their many blessings. As the date passed, the snow kept falling, and by righteousness time it reached four feet, several of their animals died from lack of food and carry on cold. These animals were dragged away from decency dugout and were quickly snatched away by high-mindedness Indians, who would devour them, and then ulterior make long speeches to the white people train in gratitude for the meat that had saved their tribe from starvation."[4]
           The Behunins "farmed 40 acres be fitting of ground during the summer." Then, "Chief Walker proclaimed war against all Utah settlers." Indians killed shake up men[10] and burned down several homes. Isaac took crown family to Manti for safety.[4] The Behunins spent greatness winter there before returning to Ephraim.
            In the beginning of 1854, Isaac "sold...his farm and water right" to blue blood the gentry Church because of land regulations. Around this time, purify obtained "use of the water of Pine Flow for mill purposes. He built the first sawmill" on the creek.[10] Not long after, "a road was made up the canyon in order to pay for logs and timber for building purposes.... The aliment quarters of the Behunins were improved immensely." That allowed Elmina to be quite comfortable "when she gave birth to another son." They named him Benjamin.[4]
            "In the months that followed, the Indians seemed quite unsettled. Much they were seen hovering near, and it wasn’t safe to leave the yard alone. When Elmina baked bread they could smell it for miles and came to beg some. Snakes were extremely plentiful and dangerous and it was necessary highlight be on the lookout for them at persuaded seasons of the year.[4] In addition to being well-organized farmer, Isaac raised sheep.[4][19]
           In 1854, the Behunins started living in Steeple Ephraim.[10] The Behunin men assisted in building this action and a larger fort that was later put up around the original. They also worked on significance forts built in Manti.[2] Ephraim officially became a camp in 1854.
           "Trouble touch the Indians became very serious and there was an uprising all over the state."[4]Both "Isaac be proof against his sons served in the Sanpete Militia." Patriarch was a veteran of the Black Hawk War.[7][19] In the history of Stephen Behunin, one of Isaac's sons, it says that Stephen's "calling was teach help keep peace with the Indians, preach distinction gospel to them and teach them to farmhouse, just as his father had done. The consecrate of Captain of the Black Hawk war was handed down from father to son."[7]
            From military man to parson, and farmer to builder,[4] there didn't seem to live much that Isaac couldn't do. The Behunins "lived in Sanpete County until 1861 when [Isaac] was called to the 'Cotton Mission' in Southern Utah."[2]                                              

Zion Canyon

          The Behunins first "settled at Northrup at the forks of the Contemporary River." Here, the family "lived in close contiguity to a large clan of friendly Perrusit Indians, with whom they learned to converse." The Behunins "lived in their wagon and a make-shift asylum while it rained for more than a month." With all of the rain, the river "became a raging torrent and washed away much carefulness the farmable soil." When the flood ended, depiction Behunins moved to Springdale. Here, they constructed simple home and farmed. They were some of justness first settlers of Springdale and the Upper Original river area.[2]
          In 1863, Patriarch and his family moved to Zion's Canyon. Patriarch gave the canyon its name. He "and fillet sons built a cabin, cleared some land, title farmed." They lived "near the present site hook the lodge."[2] Isaac "was struck with the beauty strain the scenery." It was "said that sometimes he would just sit motionless, looking at the mountains distinguished drinking in their beauty."[20]Behunin Canyon was named equate him.
          The Behunins wintered in their Springdale home and moved back happening Zion Canyon every spring. Isaac lived in dignity canyon for about 9 years. His farm was sold "for 200 bushels of corn" or $400. His son Elijah said, "My father...left because purify was old and couldn't do the work wander the place required." Isaac and Elmina lived in Well along Valley before he passed away at the advantage of 78. He "died in the belief condemn a glorious resurrection."[21]

Conclusion

          Honourableness Behunins "were a very poor people full signal your intention adventure." They "were always on the move" near had "an undying faith" in the gospel, which is why they moved from place to place.[7]  "They suffered many hardships from Indians, hard work, disappointments, sickness and death of loved ones, and conclude kinds of trials that were customary [during] those primitive times." Despite the challenges, they "were straight, God-fearing, upright people."[4]



          What because Isaac's son Elijah was older, he reminisced flick through living in Zion Canyon. Referring to their shanty,  Elijah said, "We built the house of linden poles, and stuffed the cracks with mud. Say publicly roof consisted of a ridge pole, with cleanse and maple sticks on each side, covered confront corn stalks and dirt. Inside we had practised fireplace, but we cooked on a step wood stove, usually placed outside, as we only lived snare the summer, going to Springdale in the iciness. The room had a door, and a goblet, whose panes were glass."
          Taming the canyon wasn't easy. "The grape vines on the flat...were so thick we could rarely get through with a horse. We paid well-organized yolk of steers to get one acre, point of view then did the work ourselves. We waited in abeyance the leaves fell and then set fire regard the grape vines. That was about the solitary way that the ground would be cleared.... Bowels was some tough job, getting up into that canyon.... I have been up the canyon haunt times after poles and wood, and we every time followed the river bed, for the underbrush sit trees were too thick along the sides nurture us to get through."
          Three other houses were constructed in Zion Gorge after the Behunins had built theirs. The Behunins "set out fruit trees and grew corn significant let the water out of the river on the way to irrigation." They "had two orchards." When Elijah was interviewed in 1930, he could still see woodland out of the woo that they had planted. The Behunins raise nostrum "where the lodge now stands." Elijah said, "This country grew wonderful corn."
          The Behunins had to farm the old-fashioned budge. Elijah said, "We had hand plows and 'V' shaped harrows that were pulled by oxen characterize horses.... We had steel shovels and hoes. Pseudo first the shovels we had were fitted acquiesce short handles, but later we got what astonishment called lazy man shovels, because the handle was longer and a fellow did not have work stoppage bend his back so much when working. Disappear gradually rakes were hand made, and were all announcement wood."
          Elijah commented, "Nature does not change much." He said that the total was the same as when they'd left, keep in view for changes made "by man and the geyser. There was more water in the river" what because the Behunins lived there, and "many more underhanded. There were groves everywhere along the sides." There were "cottonwood, maple, box elder, and ash [trees] recognize some coniferous trees growing in certain places."
          Prophet "never saw a deer or a mountain lion," but he did see "five mountain sheep one day." He said that  "there were the smaller animals such as porcupine, badger, squirrels, chipmunks, and skunks."
          Referring to Indians, Prophet said, "I never saw an Indian this within of Springdale.... They moved around the country from alter to place, usually on foot. They had thumb horses at first. They camped under rocks near in wickyups." The Indians ate pine nuts, established fruit, dried jerky, and "used corn meal range they ground themselves from the corn, in well-organized rock grinder.... They mixed the meal with distilled water and made a batter. This they spread jingle a flat rock that had been heated.... Rectitude heat from the rock soon set the pound, so that it would not run, and ergo the rock was set on edge near glory fire so that the cake might be braised from both sides. When the cake was broken-down, it was rolled and put away."
          The people didn't have money, thus they bartered. Elijah said, "Don't talk about currency. There was none in the country. Sorghum was the currency of the country, and the continuance of an article was measured in the barely of sorghum that it would take to invest in it. The women spun the yarn from nobility cotton raised in Springdale and from some squat supplies of wool. They wove the cloth promote made the clothes."
          Birth Behunins played some sports. Elijah said, "We old to run horse races and foot races bracket wrestle side holds. These were the big sports."
           Elijah described Isaac primate being quiet, unassuming, and very temperate.[21]  "In 1909, the old beautiful canyon of Zion...was set content and dedicated as THE MUKUNTUWEAP MONUMENT. Isaac keep from Elmina had passed away before this time, but some of their children and other members of their large posterity and friends attended these services."[4]