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“Thus volunteers, you have exhibited some high and essential qualities of veterans.”
From the journal of 1st Sgt. Nathaniel V. Jones, Co. D, it was March 22nd, 1847 before they arrived in Los Angeles. They were here for about two months or more, because at various times, attachments were sent out, or were coming in, from different assignments to quell the Mexican-Spanish element and the Indian uprisings in the mountains. Here also Fort Moore was erected, and when the job was completed, the STARS and STRIPES were flown July 4th, 1847 at the dedication ceremonies.
Muster-out of the Battalion was at Los Angeles, July 16, 1847 just a year after enlistment, and eight days before Brigham Young reached Great Salt Lake. There was an attempt to keep the entire Battalion in the service, but the Church leaders had advised the men to return to the Salt Lake Valley and rejoin their families. Only one company was formed of men who were willing to remain in California. In this new company were Henry G. Boyle, Henry Willard Brizzee and Lot Smith and GeorgeSteele, all later residents of Arizona.
It seems that in order to get back to the states, or even the Salt Lake Valley, the men had to get together with groups and form outfits, obtain horses or mules and such for the long trek back. Also many of them obtained work in the vicinity of Sutter’s Fort, to obtain the wherewith to take back to their families, so they could bring them out. It was while in and around this vicinity that about 40 members of the Mormon Battalion (after discharge from Los Angeles) were on hand at the time of the discovery of Gold in California.
Another thing I noticed in reading the various diaries of these Battalion men, is that they were advised to go northward, and up, up, through the Northwest and over to Ft. Laramie and then down and over to the states or Salt Lake Basin. This may have been for the purpose of protection from the Indians or to help and meet immigrants coming in from the Northwest – or also because of the cold, cold snow and winter weather over the Donner Pass, where so many had perished.
As stated before, HENRY WILLARD BRIZZEE, was one of those who formed the new company, with additional enlistment of six months or more under Capt. Daniel C. Davis, who had been in command of Co. “E”. The Company was marched to San Diego, arriving August 2nd, 1847. A detachment under Lieut. Ruel Barrus garrisoned San Luis Rey. In San Diego the men did not have much military duty. They were allowed to work as mechanics, repaired wagons, did blacksmithing, and erected a bakery. They became very popular with the townspeople, who wanted to retain them as permanent residents. It was noted that these Mormons had conquered prejudice and had effected a kind of industrial revolution in southern California. The enlistment term was supposed to expire in January, but it was March, 1848, before the men were paid off and discharged. Most of the 78 members of the Company went northward, but one party of 22 led by Henry G. Boyle, taking a wagon and 135 mules, started to Salt Lake by way of the Mojave Desert, reaching their destination June 5th, 1848. This would appear to have been a very important journey, the party probably being first with wagons to travel what later became known as the Mormon Road. Many valuable seeds and grains were brought from California for replanting in Utah, and valuable information concerning methods of irrigation gained in the South/West.
Very generally there has come down evidence that these men of the Battalion were a very decent sort and very patient, respecting the rights and feelings of others, and showing great courage through adversity. On the capitol grounds in Salt Lake City stands a noble memorial of the service of the Mormon Battalion and about a year ago, funds were allocated for the establishment of Fort Moore Memorial, all these expressions of state pride in the achievement of the Battalion.
From the Battalion we have these words:
“WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED THE WORK REQUIRED OF US, REDEEMED OUR BRETHERN, AND HELPED PLACE THE CHURCH IN THE VALLEYS OF THE MOUNTAINS, WHERE THE KINGDOM OF GOD WILL ROLL FORTH WITH MIGHTY POWER, AND IT SHALL FILL THE WHOLE EARTH.”
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Of the Battalion members, 33 are known to have later become residents of Arizona and one of these was HENRY WILLARD BRIZZEE, a leading pioneer of Mesa. Yes, indeed, he was there too, helping build the community and the Church for us and the future generations.
The BRIZZEE family came to Arizona in January, 1880. They settled first in Kirkland Valley, near Prescott, where William Everett Brizzee was born, and then came on down to the Salt River Valley that same year.
HENRY WILLARD BRIZZEE was well liked throughout the State of Arizona, and he and his Sons worked hard freighting and hauling supplies around the State. They worked too on the first canals and irrigation systems. Grandfather was a genial personality, loved his family, and urged his children to live useful, worthwhile lives. He took an active part in public affairs and could rightly be called one of the builders of Mesa. Their first home was built where the L. B. Johnson home now stands on East 2nd Avenue, and South Sirrine St.. Later they built on West 2nd Street, Mesa, and this remained their home until 1917. Grandfather Brizzee liked to dance and was fond of music, and later became popular as a caller of square dance routines in Mesa. He was also fond of hunting and travel and going to new places, but was held in check by Grandmother Brizzee, who stated upon reaching Mesa- (In her English way) - “H-ENRY, I HAVE TRAVELED AS FAR SOUTH AS I INTEND TO GO.” And that was it. He later traveled into Old Mexico with Daniel Jones and Brother Trejo, the convert, who translated the Book of Mormon into Spanish. (See 40 Years with the Indians) by Daniel Jones.
In Grandfather’s middle years of life, his family financed a visit among his relatives in New England in the hope that some of them might be converted to the Gospel, and for genealogical purposes. His missionary efforts were rewarded with success in several instances.
He and his wife, Ann, converted to the Gospel at opposite ends of the earth in their youth, were always devout members of the Church, were united in their appreciation of the Gospel and were faithful to its teachings.
HENRY WILLARD BRIZZEE passed away in Mesa in 1898, at the age of 72 years, and is buried in our Mesa Cemetery.
My aunt, Lorana Brizzee Robertson, a daughter of my Grandfather and his wife Ann, whom many here knew and remember for the good life she, too, lived, passed away as recently as June of this year, 1956. It was with her assistance that much of the material for this biography was assembled.
Genevieve Brizzee Emery & Donna Brizzee LIFE SKETCH OF MY GRANDFATHER, HENRY WILLARD BRIZZEE Genevieve gave her life sketch story to, Donna Brizzee in 1977, Mesa, Arizona
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