Missouri River on July 15, 1846. After crossing the river on the ferry at Council Bluffs they camped about three-fourths of a mile south of the ferry in Winter Quarters, which is now Florence, Nebraska (then Indian territory). They stayed at the site longer than most of their party, since Brigham Young had asked Ezra T. to stay behind to tend the crops for those who would be following the initial trek west.

Ezra James' mother said she didn't remember whether the young family had a tent or not, but Ezra Thompson soon built a log house with logs obtained in Missouri. Their house was about four rods west of the riverbank. About one half-mile southwest and on the side of a hill was the cemetery. Edward Stevenson camped near the family and built his house only a few yards west of the Clark home.

While at Winter Quarters their second son, Timothy B., was born on Sunday, Nov.21, 1947.

Started to Utah

The family started to Utah in 1848 with the company that left after the pioneers started, and Benjamin Johnson and family occupied their Winter Quarter's cabin. The town streets extended west from the river.

Two children and a western trek kept Mary occupied. She noted in her history that they saw many herds of buffalo and many Indians, but noted she had no time for fear. "I had all I could do caring for our children and cooking," she wrote.

The family settled in the North Canyon the first two winters in the Salt Lake Valley and then moved to Farmington on April 3, 1850, where the family would become a fixture in the community and church.

Responded well

Ezra James apparently responded well to his new surroundings in Farmington and became active in church and local events. A biographical sketch 7 on him done by Church Historian Andrew Jensen notes that he was a much-respected youth and that he was reared in the midst of the Saints under the influence of good teaching.

7 Latter-Day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, Vol III

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