This is the story of Kellie’s great-great-great grandfather, Ezra H. Allen. He was a member of the Mormon Battalion and was killed on this spot while returning home after the Battalion was disbanded. We visited this memorial on our trip to California earlier this year. Tragedy Spring is not too far from Lake Tahoe.
There was still quite a bit of snow in the area, which made it hard for us to find anything beyond the markers at the entrance. There was only one other car in the parking lot so we knew someone else was there somewhere. We heard voices and followed them up the hill to where the actual spring is located. We met a local man and wife who just happened to be visiting the spot for the first time. We were fortunate they were there because we might have given up before finding the spring, the fountain, and the replica of the tree inscription. It was a very quiet area, with a very reverent feel.
This was interesting. I have read of the Campells in the Mormon batallion and it was good to learn about it at the reunion a few years ago.
I have a neighbor now in his eights whos grandfather was in the batallion and then met Brigham Young at the Green River and ended up being in the advance company and plowed the first furoughs in the Salt Lake Valley.
I think it was an Allen who was the first dead in Franklin Idaho as he was killed by Indians while going to tell his inlaws about their new baby who was the first born in Franklin. I was just wondering if that was part Kellie’s Allen Family too
Tim, I’m not certain. Will have to inquire with Paul and Glenda.