Re: Mormon Lake Massacre
-
In reply to:
Mormon Lake Massacre
Elizabeth Freeman 7/22/03
Liz,
"Arizona Place Names" by Will Barnes states the following regarding Mormon Lake:
"In Coconino County, 25 miles SE of Flagstaff. Largest body of water in Coconino County. Discovered by Casner brothers 1873. Later, a small Mormon colony from Brigham City, headed by Lot Smith, settled here and it became known as Mormon Dairy. Post Office established May 18, 1925."
The lake is actually quite shallow and dry off and on through the years.It is completely dry now due to our drought. A favorite sign of mine in the lodge there is "Save your boats and oars, boys - the lake will rise again!".
Another book I have shows mention of an 1880 census with a Mose Casner, 40 years old, raises horses.
You were given incorrect info on the Mormon Massacre - That is a infamous event known at the "Mountain Meadows Massacre". A wagon train known as Fancher's Company, was enroute from Arkansas to California in 1857. While traveling through Southern Utha, they were massacred by Mormons and their Indian friends.120 men, women and children were killed.The only survivors were 17 children that appeared to be 8 years of age and under and the Mormon's felt they wouldn't remember the killings; they were sent to Salt Lake City. There is now a monument at the location which is about 40 miles from Cedar City. The Arizona connection is that John D Lee, who ran a ferry across the Colorado River at Lee's Ferry, Az, was the only person tried and executed for the maccacre. He claimed orders for the massacre came from Mormon church officials.If you go on GOOGLE and put in "Mountain Meadows Massacre, Utah" you can find a number of sites with that info.
I checked with the Historical Society in Flagstaff and they advise there was not a massacre at Mormon Lake, Az - I study AZ history a lot and have found no mention of it either.
Between some Casner's being in Mormon Lake, Az and the Mormon Massacre in southern Utah, just over the border from Arizona - I think there may be a mixup on the massacre info.
Maybe some group of your family were traveling with Fancher's group.
Janice Bryson
More Replies:
-
Re: Mormon Lake Massacre
Debbie gragg 8/20/03
-
Re: Mormon Lake Massacre
Janice Bryson 8/20/03
-
Re: Mormon Lake Massacre
Debbie gragg 8/20/03
-
Re: Mormon Lake Massacre
-
Re: Mormon Lake Massacre
-
Mormon Lake Massacre - Followup
Elizabeth Freeman 7/24/03