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Son of Zerah Pulsipher
John Pulsipher came to Utah in 1848, a young man in his early 20s. His recollections include a
near-drowning in one of the mountain streams and his service on Salt Lake City's first police
force. Spelling and punctuation are his.
This winter I spent in hauling wood for father and others, when I was not needed in the mill. When spring came, we fenced and culti- vated the city lot and two five-acre lots, raised good crops, tended the mill and helped make a road up Big Canyon. I worked considerable this summer with Parley P. Pratt, who had charge of making this road, which not only opened to good timber, but continued on thro passes between mountains over a nice highland country 50 miles crossed Weber River and intersected our Emgiration Road.
So by going a little farther, find plenty of feed and shun both the mountains that are so bad on the old road. Brother Pratt, one of the Twelve Apostles, is a strong healthy man and a very hard working man, one of the best men I ever worked with. He was full of the Gospel. His conversation was instructive and exalting. [Image] His wife, Elizabeth, who was along for cook, came near loosing her life. I will mention this as a caution for you all to be careful. We had made road to Weber River, found the stream high, left the team standing while we looked for a ford, riding across on horseback. Rufus Allen had just crossed, horse had to swim; drifted away down stream and finally landed on an island by catching to a bush, jumping off the horse and pulling him out by the bridle, which was a narrow escape for him. He crossed back at another place and had got nearly to shore when we heard a scream at the wagon. We turned our steps that way as fast as possible not knowing what was the matter. Brother Parley's first thought was that the Black Bear had come, as we had just seen one run across an opening among the bushes, but as we were running, I catched sight of little Parley as he past behind a thicket of bushes towards the River. By seeing him at that instant I saw where to go.
On arriving at the spot, I found the woman in the water, hanging to a bush with one hand and little Parley holding to the other. The river was to the top of the bank. The force of the current had worn under the roots of the bushes and held her under so strong I could not pull her out. Brother Parley and Allen soon came and we all pulled her out. She was so scared and chilled, she trembled for hours. Said she was picking berries and the bank caved off and let her in. She said she was never so glad to see anybody in her life as she was to see me. Neither her or the lad could holler any more and was afraid we would not come in time to save her, just head and arms above water, nearly lost hold of the bush, said in a minute more she would have been gone and the boy with her. . . .
In June at the close of the public meeting a list of names read by the clerk, mine among the rest, and a time appointed for us to meet and be organized into a city Police. At the appointed time we came together and were met by President (Brigham) Young, J.M. Grant and others. The President said the time has come to have a company of Police officers to watch over this city. I have made a selection of 40 men such as I can trust when one of these men is on duty, I can keep. The city is poor, not able to pay you much now, so we must have economy and after which we hope to do better. On being asked, all said they were willing to serve. The oath of office was administered and we were informed that it would be our duty to see that all people observe the laws and not violate the city ordinance. To be on duty all the time, put down iniquity whenever we find it as we are passing around and about our work. But not charge for this ù do this while we are about our own business. We want one man on duty at a time every night and have 25 cents an hour. Brother Brigham says that is too small pay for men being broke of their rest. But be of good courage, for you shall be blessed. I bless you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. If any man asks for your authority, knock him down with your cane. Serve my boys the same way. Much valuable instruction was given by Brother Brigham and E.W.J.M. Grant city mayor. We continued to hold our police meetings every Sunday noon between the public meetings. This was of great benefit to us, as we could instruct and post each other in the line of our duty news, etc.
I served in this office about 4 years, till I was sent on a mission to the Shoshone country. Many incidents that took place in that 4 years official service would be interesting, but I have not time to write it. My guarding half a night once a week would scarce ever hinder me from my daily labor, sometimes I would get after thieves, or in search of stolen property and be gone a day or two at a time. I have tended mill so much, worked all day and half of the night that I don't need as much sleep as some think they do.
John Pulsipher spent two years working as a missionary among the Indians, then became involved in the settling of southern Utah communities.
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Updated June 10, 2002