Jim Bridger had told Brigham Young that it was the most desirable section of the territory for the construction of a permanent settlement. Brigham saw the potential of this beautiful and fertile area:
"No other territory is equal to
this. This has been my opinion ever since I first saw the Valley.”
Nevertheless, when he observed the scattered settlements, he told the people they were too spread out and
advised them to construct a fort where they could live closer together and
protect themselves better against the attacks of the Indians, saying:
“As you now are a few Indians could make a raid some night and kill half of you off
before the other half would know about it.”
Obediently, the saints followed their prophet's counsel, creating a temporary fort. A public corral was
also built where all the horses and cattle belonging to the settlers were
guarded every night so they could not be taken so easily by the Indians. Being one of the frontier settlements, the
settlers had to join forces to protect their livestock and
their lives as well.
The story is told of one strong headed settler who refused to live in the fort and said he would risk an attack from the Indians. One evening the crack of a rifle was heard, followed by several shots and war whoops. The alarm was given of an Indians attack. A number of the men rushed forth with their rifles in defense. Shots were exchanged rapidly for a few minutes, and then all was quiet. A reinforced guard was placed around the fort, and especially around the house of the lone settler who had refused to join them within the walls. The next morning it was reported that Indian footprints could be seen near this man’s cabin, which convinced him to move. Later, the truth emerged that the attack was a ruse planned by some of the settlers in order to scare the obstinate non-conformist. Their plan worked admirably.
The story is told of one strong headed settler who refused to live in the fort and said he would risk an attack from the Indians. One evening the crack of a rifle was heard, followed by several shots and war whoops. The alarm was given of an Indians attack. A number of the men rushed forth with their rifles in defense. Shots were exchanged rapidly for a few minutes, and then all was quiet. A reinforced guard was placed around the fort, and especially around the house of the lone settler who had refused to join them within the walls. The next morning it was reported that Indian footprints could be seen near this man’s cabin, which convinced him to move. Later, the truth emerged that the attack was a ruse planned by some of the settlers in order to scare the obstinate non-conformist. Their plan worked admirably.
Although this attack was contrived by the settlers, the Indians did cause legitimate fear for the saints. The Indians had a different concept of ownership of land and animals than the pioneers, which led to raids on livestock, horses, and crops. Chief Pocatello planted spies among the settlements who reported back to him about all movements and activities in the communities. When one spy did not return, he ordered the kidnapping of a three year old girl who was never seen again. Emotions ran high as hostilities escalated, including the Indians setting fire to homes and fields.
A few years later an Indian came to live among the saints. Because of the history with Chief Pocatello, it is understandable how many homesteaders didn't trust this brother, but others befriended him and called him "Dixie". He set up his teepee near the other homes. He was very friendly and got
along well with the settlers and worked alongside them.
One evening Dixie called
at one of the Mormon homes and asked for a loaf of bread and some milk as he had two
Indians as visitors. That night shots were heard near the Indian camp and
the next morning when the neighbors went to the teepee they found that Dixie had been
murdered by the visiting Indians. It was believed that Dixie was killed because
he had left his tribe to live with the white settlers.
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| William Bateman |
There were mixed feelings among the saints about how to proceed. They knew they were being watched by the natives and were aware that burial of a traitor was forbidden. I am proud to say that my Great, Great Grandfather
William Bateman was among those who loved their neighbor "Dixie". Unafraid of repercussions, he and two friends helped dig a grave near City Creek and buried the body of the native.
