[This account of the Exodus of the Colonists from their homes in Mexico, in 1912, on account of the Revolution of 1912, was written by Elder Alonzo L. Taylor, who was at that time the official Stake Clerk of the Juárez Stake. The report was delivered to Bishop Joseph C. Bentley by Alonzo L. Taylor, as none of the Stake Presidency or other Stake Authorities returned, as officers of the Stake, and Bishop Bentley was the only Bishop of the Stake who returned. So this report was given to Bishop Joseph C. Bentley soon after the Exodus. It was published in Life and Letters of Joseph C. Bentley a Biography, by Joseph T. Bentley, pp. 136-156, and is herewith copied in toto.]

"From the beginning of the Orozco revolution in Mexico assurances have been given the colonists that their lives and property would be respected and that owing to their neutral position even their firearms would be left in their possession. These promises were kept for several months and whenever an occasional violation occurred the matter was always remedied when reported to the authorities or leaders of the revolution. As conditions became more serious with the revolutionary party and they began to suffer one defeat after another at the hands of the federals they were forced from their position in the southern part of the State of Chihuahua and the headquarters or stronghold of the rebel army was finally transferred to Casas Grandes. The U.S. government kept a close vigilance on the border and the obtaining of ammunition soon became very difficult for the rebels.

As the Federal forces under Generals Jose de la Luz Blanco and Sangines were moving from Sonora through the Pulpit Canyon and Las Varas country to make an attack on the rebels at Casas Grandes a desperate effort was made by the rebels to obtain arms, ammunition and other munitions of war in order to be able to check this advance.

On the 24th of July 1912 General Ines Salazar told Brother Henry Eyring Bowman that all his promises to foreigners were now void, that he needed arms and ammunition and supplies, that the Mormons and other foreigners possessed these things and they proposed to get them at any cost.

On July 25, in the morning, President Junius Romney, Hyrum S. Harris, Guy C. Wilson and Henry E. Bowman went to Casas Grandes to interview Salazar. President Romney and Brother Bowman were admitted to Salazar's office while Brothers Wilson, Harris and some of the other brethren waited outside. Salazar flatly informed the brethren of his intention to take the arms of the colonists. A demand was made by Salazar for President Romney to issue an order to the colonists to surrender their arms and ammunition and received the answer that the arms were the personal property of the men, and they were under no obligation to surrender their property on his order even if he were disposed to issue such an order which he could not and would not do. Salazar informed them that they would be held until the order was given and was told that he would have to hold them a long time. Finally Salazar issued an order for the Dublán people to surrender their arms and sent fifty men to enforce the order. The rebels also had six cannons at the stock-yards below Dublán and threatened to use them on the town in case of resistance.

President Romney and Harris and Brothers Bowman and Thurber went to Dublán with the guard and Brother Wilson returned to Juárez. As soon as the arty arrived at Dublán the demand for guns was again made and the leader proposed that if the Colonists would bring their arms and ammunition to one place that the houses would not be searched. Consequently the arms and ammunition were brought to the schoolhouse and 87 rifles and a few pistols and several thousand rounds of ammunition were delivered. As Salazar had told the brethren that all his former guarantees and promises were withdrawn and as the people were now disarmed many of the brethren did not deem it safe for women and children to remain in the Colony. Consequently steps were immediately taken in Dublán to remove the families to the United States and that same night several hundred people left for El Paso.

President Romney returned to Juárez that evening and the men of the town were in meeting considering the question of whether to move the women and children from Juárez or not. The majority of those present were of the opinion that it would not be necessary but a vote was not taken as it was desired to know what President Romney would have to report and he was expected to arrive before the meeting closed. President Romney arrived and reported that it was absolutely necessary for the Dublán people to surrender their arms or to fight and that against tremendous odds as there were approximately 2,000 rebels in our section of the country, well armed and possessing several pieces of artillery. Said also that he did not consider it safe for women and children to remain in the country after men are disarmed. Said Salazar threatened to bring on intervention and stated that the following day a body of men would be sent to Juárez to collect the arms of the people of this place. President Romney said that he noticed that a good many present including some of the leading men of the town opposed the sending out of the women and children. Said that he would not urge anyone to do so if they were not disposed to but so far as he is concerned expected to send his family out on the first train and felt that what was safety for his family was the only safety for others. A vote was then taken and it was the unanimous sentiment to prepare to move out families at once.

Sunday July 26--About half of the women and children of Colonia Juárez left for Pearson to take train to the U.S. On the road to Pearson a bandit belonging to the command of Felipe A. Cavada of Colonel Maximo Castillos command held up several of the wagons and robbed Byron Macdonald of $25.00 cash, Geo. E. Redd of $20.00, Alma Walser of about $5.00 and Edmund A. Richardson of a watch.

About noon Col. Luis Ponce, Melquiades Alvarez and about 25 men came to Colonia Juárez for the purpose of receiving the arms of the people. The men brought their arms and ammunition to the band stand and there delivered to Col. Ponce 34 rifles, several pistols, and several thousand rounds of cartridges. These arms and ammunition were listed by Bishop Joseph C. Bentley. During the disarming of the men the same bandit who had robbed the people on the road to Pearson entered the home of Sister Mary B. Eyring and robbed her of $40.00 and later stole a hat from Juan Treviso, the local police officer of Colonia Juárez. Col. Ponce ordered the man arrested on the charge of stealing the hat not knowing of the other robberies. Alma Walser
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appeared and complained of having been robbed and Ponce sent for the man to be brought to the band stand and searched. The watch fob was found in his socks and part of the stolen money was found concealed in the clothing. Col. Ponce stated to the crowd that he would have the man executed as soon as he could communicate with General Salazar. Lieutenant Melquiades Alvarez insisted that to hold the man would mean his probable escape during the night and he urged that he be executed at once. Just after sundown Juan Bautista and two others took the prisoner to the old grave yard on the hill east of Juárez and executed him slightly covering the body with earth by caving off a bank of earth, in the wash below the grave yard over the body. Next morning Junius Romney, Eli Archer Clayson and Ernest Hatch buried the body. A guard of ten men and a captain named Miguel Castillo (of Galeana) were left to maintain order in Colonia Juárez and they took every precaution to see that no robbing or other disorders should exist.

Monday July 27--All the remaining women and children of Colonia Juárez left for Pearson and about 6:00 P.M. took train for the U.S. This train carried about 400 women and children and aged men together with a few able bodied men [Orson Pratt Brown was probably one of them] who went along to care for the helpless and to assist Apostle Anthony W. Ivins in caring for them when they should arrive in El Paso. About 6:30 P.M. the men of Colonia Juárez returned with 37 wagons and other vehicles which had been used to move the families to Pearson.

It was a sad procession, no one spoke a word scarcely on the return trip except to occasionally remark that they were returning to a desolate and lonely spot that only a few days before had been the scene of happy and contented homes filled with women and children. For several days the men seemed unable to settle down to work. The business of doing their own cooking and other house work was new to the majority and almost all the men and boys could be seen in small groups on the streets discussing the conditions and speculating as to how long these conditions would last.

These scenes were going on in Dublán except that the local guard left in that place was not as faithful as the one left in Juárez and instead of enjoying the peace and quiet enjoyed in Juárez, homes were being entered and property stolen. The homes of Alex Jameson and Ammon N. Tenney in Dublán were looted and Brother Jameson was poked in the side with a gun when he protested. Brother Tenney was threatened with death if he persisted in interfering. The local guard seemed unwilling to attempt to stop this looting and the people of Dublán felt that the limit of endurance had been about reached and it was decided to stack their arms in one place and if the abuses were carried much further to resent them with arms. Horses were driven off. Stables and barns searched for saddles and horses and work teams worth several hundred dollars were taken and used by the rebels as cavalry horses. The stores of Union Mercantile Company and Farnsworth and Romney were thoroughly stripped of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise.

In Juárez the local guard faithfully did its duty and when rebels from Pearson came to Juárez with orders from their captain to take horses, saddles and merchandise, Captain Castillo informed them that he was stationed there under orders of General Salazar and that if anyone attempted any looting or disorder there would be some more executions. This had the effect of ridding the town of small bands of rebels for several days and the town was left in absolute quiet.

On July 29, a number of the brethren from Dublán went to Juárez to consult with the brethren there as to the advisibility [sic] of abandoning the colony. After considerable discussion it was decided that as long as life was not in absolute danger to not abandon our homes.

In the afternoon of August 1st, Major Salcido and Captain Cavada of the command of Col. Maximo Castillo came to Juárez with about fifty men and stationed their soldiers in the yard of Ernest Leander Taylor's home. The local guard under Captain Miguel Castillo were of the opinion that they had not come for any good purpose as they asked to see their order and were informed by the lieutenant of Major Salcido that they had none written but were dispatched to watch the passes north of Colonia Juárez to see that General Blanco did not come in and surprise the rebel army now concentrating at Hacienda de San Diego.
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Soon Captain Cavada rode up to the guard and asked if they had executed any more of his men. He was told that they had not executed anyone, that Ponce had ordered the execution. Cavada remarked that they had better not execute another and added that whenever the "Cabrones Mormones" made any complaint against a man the guard was ready to execute him. Cavada said further that he knew who urged the execution, that it was Melquiades Alvarez and he would fix him if he got the chance.

The Captain of the guard also told Eugene Romney that Cavada and his men were angry about the execution and had made some threats.

These expressions together with other quotations and misquotations which came to President Romney's ears convinced him that Cavada and his men had come for no good purpose and that they were seeking to avenge the death of their comrade and he thought they would choose him as their victim as he was the man in charge of the Colonies and did not object to the execution but according to their belief approved of it and urged it. President Romney hurriedly called a number of the men together to consult and it was decided that the only safe policy was to leave town owing to the fact that no one seemed to know the real purpose of the presence of the soldiers, the threats that had been reported made by them and the inability of the local guard to cope with so large a number.

President Romney arranged for Edward Christian Eyring to arrange and notify all on the west side of the river to gather at a certain point and for Miles Archibald Romney to notify all on the East side. It was arranged by these two for those on the west side to meet at Ed. Eyring's barn in the hollow above the pipe line and those on the East side would meet at M. A. Romney's place at the lane above town, and that those from the East side would go over to the Ed. Eyring barn and then a council meeting would be held. About the time President Romney called the men together to discuss the proposition of going out of town that night the Captain of the guard, Castillo, called A. L. Taylor to go with him to the telephone central office and stated that he desired to get in communication with Col. Demetrio Ponce at N. Casas Grandes. Ponce could not be reached but Col. Alanis happened to be in Farnsworth's store and he told Captain Miguel Castillo of the local guard that Cavada's men were there under proper orders for the purpose of watching the passes north of Juárez to prevent Blanco from surprising them at San Diego as the rebel forces had been shipped by Blanco at Ojitos and were concentrating at [Hacienda] San Diego.

Alanis told Castillo to watch Cavada's men and see that they did not do any looting also to tell them positively to take nothing from the Colonists except some good saddle horses, saddles and necessary provisions, that if this order is violated to advise him and he would send men to assist in putting down any disorder.

Brother Taylor hurried out to inform President Romney of this information as all had supposed the soldiers were there of their own accord and for no good purpose. As Brother Romney could not be found Brother Taylor hunted through the town which seemed to be almost deserted, and not knowing of the decision to move out finally met Bishop Bentley and told him of the conversation between Castillo and Alanis.

Bishop Bentley said, "President Romney will be glad to learn this and after we meet in council at Brother Eyring's barn I believe we will all go back to our homes to sleep but in the meantime we must proceed to carry out the program as arranged." About 10:00 P.M. about forty men mostly armed and with some provisions and bedding met at Frances Romney's place. Bishop Bentley and M. A. Romney got on a horse and rode across the river, which was rather high, and went to Ed. Eyring's barn to meet President Romney and the brethren from the West side of the river. Not finding them at the barn they searched the hills and washes in the vicinity and returned at a little after midnight to the Romney place and reported that President Romney and men could not be found. However they decided to try again and after searching until about two o'clock in the morning heard someone call from the Macdonald Springs but decided it was some of the guard herding the horses. They returned at 3:15 A.M. to where the men were stationed and reported their failure to locate the men. Several of the men stationed at the Romney place had already gone home but most of them waited for Bishop Bentley's return. It was then decided to
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leave the guns in a cache and return home. About 4:20 A.M. one of the party who had been searching for President Romney and party reported that he had located them at Macdonald Springs and that President Romney desired all to join him at once as he had sent couriers with orders to Dublán, Garcia, and Pacheco to move out and join him at the "Stairs" in the mountains. Most of Bishop Bentley's party were at Brother Alonzo L. Taylor's place and had just prepared to sleep, but several of the men were at their own homes and scattered as far as the mill of Daniel Skousen. As the rebel guards were stationed on the hills watching for General Blanco's forces it was decided almost impossible to leave town armed in daylight so it was decided to send word to President Romney that they would join him the next night.

About sun up August 2, Bishop Bentley and Alonzo L. Taylor interviewed Major Salcido and Captain Cavada who received them very courteously and assured them they would do all possible to maintain order and that no looting would be permitted which promise they faithfully kept. About noon a meeting was called at the home of George S. Romney for the purpose of discussing means of joining President Junius Romney and party that night.

While in meeting some one reported that another bunch of rebels had entered town and were looting Brother Hatch's house. Bishop Bentley, Eli Archer Clayson, John Wilson and A. L. Taylor went to the Tithing office and found Col. Escobosa and Captain Gutierrez who were in charge of the recently arrived rebels. They stated that the Mormons of Dublán had risen in arms against the Liberals, that those of Pacheco were also leaving and there was a plan for the Juárez Mormons to join them in the mountains and for all to go and join General Blanco. They said that Captain Gutierrez' command had tried to intercept the Dublán people but that they could not overtake them so had fired on them several times and the Dublán men returned the fire. They said the Mormons were well armed with short Mausers, 30-40's and 30-30 rifles, they had been close enough to see well with glasses and could determine from the shells the caliber of guns used. They said they had been sent by General Salazar to Colonia Juárez to stop the Mormons of that place from joining those who had already gone out and if they had already gone to join those from Dublán they were to burn the town leave it in ashes and follow the Mormons into the mountains and if possible to not leave a man alive, but if they found that the Colonia Juárez Mormons had not gone out to take them all prisoners as a preventative. They said that owing to the excellent report given by Captain Castillo and Captain Cavada's men they did not feel like carrying out the order at present but warned the men to not attempt to leave town.

In the evening a meeting was held at E. A. Clayson's place to determine what to do about joining President Romney and the men in the mountains. At conclusion of the meeting A. L. Taylor and Eli Abegg were going to the house of the former when Col. Escobosa accosted them and wanted to know why the Mormons had been in meeting and asked what their plans were. He also accused them of having taken a package of dynamite to the meeting which was intended for use against them. It happened that Eli Abegg was the person who brought the supposed package of dynamite and he happened to have it under his arm at the time so he untied the package and showed Escobosa a shirt and some other articles of clothing in the package. Escobosa then demanded saddles from Alonzo L. Taylor, Edward Franklin Turley and Frank Lewis and promised that on delivery of these they would be permitted to go to their homes in peace and their homes would not be searched or looted. The saddles were delivered and Escobosa's promise was kept for the next morning an attempt was made to loot two of the houses of these men but immediately restraining orders were given by Escobosa.

After the saddles were delivered Escobosa placed Eli A. Clayson and others under arrest stating that he suspicioned they intended leaving town that night. Brother Clayson explained that the meeting held at E. A. Clayson's was simply for the consideration of our own welfare and no plotting against the Liberals was thought of, that among other things they discussed where the men would sleep tonight. Escobosa answered saying that they need not worry about where they would sleep as he had already decided to have them all sleep in the schoolhouse with the soldiers. Later Bishop Bentley talked with Col. Maximo Castillo who said to pay no attention to the order and gave the brethren permission
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to go to their own homes or to go to the home of A. L. Taylor and sleep instead of the school house where the soldiers were quartered.

Saturday August 3, 1912, about 9:00 o'clock in the morning the rebels stationed on the mesa north of Colonia Juárez sighted a scouting party from the Federal Army about the mouth of the Tapiacitas arroyo. They (the Liberals) hurriedly gathered up every available horse including work horses, gentle colts, and stallions, even taking "Distingue" the registered French Coach horse which the Colonists purchased for $8,000.00. Captain Felipe Cavada remained a little longer than Escobosa's men and Bishop Bentley and A. L. Taylor succeeded in getting back a number of the work horses and colts by exchanging ponies for them and in some cases paying a few dollars. However the Coach Stallion had been taken out of town and twelve good saddle horses demanded immediately for his return, which was an impossible request to fulfill.

During the day Bishop Bentley visited the houses of the town to ascertain the extent of the looting and found about fifteen houses had been broken into.

In the evening the brethren in Juárez met at the house of A. L. Taylor to discuss the best thing to be done now that the rebels had left town and were preparing to retreat to Sonora through the mountain colonies. While in this meeting Brothers Samuel Edwin McClellan and Ernest Hatch came in. They had just come from the "Stairs" in the mountains where President Romney and a number of the brethren from Juárez also the Dublán men were stationed. These two brethren said that they had come on an important mission with a message from President Romney stating that he desired the brethren who were in Juárez to come out into the mountains, that the Juárez Stake of Zion was there and that night would be their last opportunity to join them as they expected to leave in a body for the United States if the brethren in Juárez did not come at once.

Bishop Bentley immediately said that even though the rebels had gone and there was now apparently no reason for leaving so far as he was concerned he was going out that night where Presidents Romney and Harris were and he counseled all present to do the same. It was already 10:30 P.M. when the meeting adjourned and all began preparing to leave before daylight. Bishop Bentley and A. L. Taylor awoke Felipe Chavez, the local Presidente also a. number of other Mexicans and explained to them that owing to the repeated abuses of the Liberals and the insecurity of remaining with the Federal Army on one side and the Liberals on the other we had decided to go into the mountains for a few days and that they desired to put the Mexicans of the town on their honor to look after the property of the people the best they possibly could.

They placed Felipe Chavez, the Presidente, in direct charge of the town giving him two letters, one to General Blanco of the Federals in case they occupied the town and another to the Liberals in case they should return. John W. Wilson placed Encarnacion Martinez in charge of the store and Mexicans were placed in charge of the Shoe and Saddle Shops and other public and all private property and all were to look after it until the return of the owners which they were told would be in a very few days as soon as the Federals came in, as at that time none of the brethren had any idea of going to the States but expected to only remain in the mountains until the Federals came in and then return.

At 3:00 A.M. the party consisting of the following men left town: J. C. Bentley, E. A. Clayson, John W. Wilson, Alonzo L. Taylor, E. C. Eyring, John Hatch, Ernest Hatch, Ed. Black, Fred Humphrey, Doyl Humphrey, Edward F. Turley, Eugene Romney, John Allen, Frank Lewis, R. L. Scott, Daniel Skousen, Wm. Walser, Alma Walser, Ed. Clayson, and S. E. McClellan. It is noted that Alma Platte Spilsbury and Byron Macdonald remained behind not wishing to go.

The party traveled to the "Stairs," reaching there about 9:00 o'clock Sunday morning August 4, 1912. In the afternoon the company of men present were organized. The Stake Presidency was in a general way in charge. Bishop Albert Daniel Thurber, Commander of the expedition, Anson Bowen Call in charge of home guards, Miles Archibald Romney in charge of scouts, Gaskell Romney, Quartermaster, Samuel Edwin McClellan Assistant Quartermaster, George S. Romney in charge of camp discipline and moral conduct.
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Bishop Albert Daniel Thurber leading the Mormon men from the "Stairs" to Texas - 1912

A. L. Taylor, Captain Co No. 1
E. E. Eyring, Captain Co. No. 2
Martin L. Harris, Captain Co. No. 3
Wm. Jones, Jr., Captain Co. No. 4
John Bingham, Captain Co. No. 5
F. M. Stocks, Captain Co. No. 6
Scouts:
Nephi W. Thayne Captain #1
Loren Taylor Captain #2
M. C. Tenney, Captain #3
Saul Hawkins, Captain #4
Ira Pratt, Captain #5
Egerton Lunt, Captain #6
Omni Porter, Captain #7
Jno. Beecroft, Captain #8
John A. Whetten, Captain #9

At 4:00 P.M. a council meeting of the Stake Presidency, Bishoprics and High Councilors also all general officers was held and it was unanimously decided for the company to stay together until it could be decided whether it would be best to go to the United States or to return to the Colonies in a few days after conditions should become more settled. In the evening the brethren of the Pacheco Ward arrived in camp.

Monday, August 5, 1912, the company laid over in the forenoon in camp at the "Stairs" waiting for the Garcia and Chuhuichupa brethren to arrive as word had been sent to these colonies to join the other wards as soon as possible in the "Stairs." In the afternoon the company moved from the Stairs to the Park in the Left Hand Fork and in the evening held a council meeting in which it was decided to go to the United States unless some condition should arise immediately favorable to a safe return and peacable [sic] possession of our homes. Just before dark the Garcia Ward arrived and stated that it was very uncertain whether Chuhuichupa would arrive soon as the men had left the ward and gone out into the mountains and the company may have to wait several days if they waited for that ward.

Tuesday, August 6, 1912, the Company left the Park about noon and traveled to the Tapiacitas arroyo reaching there about 9:00 P.M. Camp was pitched and the usual pickets placed on guard around the camp and the scouts doing duty further away. The heat and excitement had the effect of unbalancing the mind of Brother John Allen of Colonia Juárez and during the night he was watched to see that no harm came to him.

Wednesday, August 7, 1912, it was decided by the council to lay over all day at Tapiacitas and wait for the Chuhuichupa brethren in case they should be near enough to overtake the company. Brother Allen seemed somewhat improved. Several of the boys were given permission to go to Juárez and Dublán and bring some provisions, look after some of their own interests, and find out the general conditions. These returned during the night bringing from Juárez a six passenger coach and wagon belonging to James Haws and loaded with provisions and fruit. They reported everything quiet in Juárez and so far as could be ascertained the Mexicans who were left in charge of affairs were taking care of things but reported them as living in some of the houses. The brethren from Dublán also brought some provisions and horses and reported things quiet in Dublán but said the local Mexicans did not show a very friendly spirit. During the night Brother Allen quietly left the camp barefoot and without hat, coat or shoes, leaving also his gun, dog and other effects. In the morning (Thursday Aug. 8) a searching party of about one hundred men scouted the hills and brush in search of the lost man. About 9:00 A.M. all returned without having found him. Volunteers were called for to stay and continue the search and when Brother Allen was found to overtake the company. Brothers Adelbert Taylor, Jesse Smith, David Black, and David Haws returned and went to Colonia Juárez where they found Brother Allen who had walked about twelve miles barefoot. He was being cared for by the local Mexicans. The Brethren decided it best to leave him in the care of the Mexicans as they seemed to be taking good care of him. The company left camp at 9:00 A.M. and just as they reached the top of the hill going out of the wash Brother A. M. Tenney broke the tire on his wagon and had to leave it using one of his work horses and a quilt for a mount. The scouting companies protected the front, rear and flanks of the main company keeping a sharp look.
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out for rebels and federals as it was deemed best to avoid an encounter with either especially the rebels.

A white flag was carried by the company in order to avoid being mistaken for red flaggers and fired upon by the Federals also to demonstrate to the rebels that the movement was a peaceable one. The company consisted of men all of whom were mounted and 269 loose horses were driven along. There was also a six passenger carriage and provision wagon with four horses besides a large number of pack animals. The company had 221 rifles, 19 shot guns and 78 pistols with approximately 2,600 rounds of ammunition. The column marched in companies, and the order of march was as follows: Four scouting companies guarded the front, rear and sides, the rest of the scout companies occupied the front of the main column. Then came the provision wagon and carriage which carried Brothers R. L. Scott, Hillstrom, Masten, Stout, Tenney and others of the aged brethren who could not endure long horseback riding without tiring. Then came the ammunition packs then companies 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, and finally the loose horses and horse wranglers. The column usually extended from a mile to a mile and a half in length and as the weather had been dry for a few days the dust was terrific. The company reached the "Big Tank" on the Corralitos ranch for noon camping about an hour and a half. Just after breaking camp a Mexican (Aurelio Hernandez) and a companion came to the Company carrying a white handkerchief and stated that he was the Captain of ten men who were on their way to Ojitos to join the Federales under Blanco who had recently repulsed the rebels at that place, stating that his men were a short distance back.

A company of scouts were dispatched to capture them and bring them to the column as President Romney and those in charge of the expedition were inclined to doubt the story that they were on their way to join the Federals but thought they may be rebel spies. The rest of the Mexicans were soon brought in and the whole eleven taken along as prisoners until danger of their returning to any rebel comrades was passed. They were given into the custody of Company No. 1, as A. L. Taylor personally knew five of the eleven men. The Company camped that night on the Janos River near Agua Fria Ranch, where the Mexicans were kept under guard. Their arms consisted of one mauser, one 30-30, and five pistols.

Friday, August 9, 1912, the company left camp at 7:00 A.M. passing east of Colonia "Seca," taking the eleven Mexican prisoners along with them until the Palotada Creek was reached where their arms were returned to them, some provisions given them, and they were released. As their horses were given out they rested at the head of Palotada until the next morning then proceded [sic] to the headquarters of General Blanco at Ojitos where they entered the service of the government as volunteers thus proving the truth of their statements when captured.

The column watered at Palotada then moved on about fifteen miles north and camped for noon at three windmills on the Palomas Land and Cattle Company ranch and were informed here that sixty rebels had camped at Palotada the preceding night and four hundred more were reported at Ascencion about twenty miles east, this number, however, proved to be greatly exaggerated.

At this camp Adelbert Taylor and Harvey Taylor, David Black, Jesse Smith, and David Haws overtook the Company and reported that they had found Brother Allen in Colonia Juárez, that he seemed improved mentally and was in charge of Mexicans who had found him and seeing his condition had fed and cared for him. They engaged a Mexican, under the general supervision of Brother Alma Platte Spilsbury to continue to look after Brother Allen. Those brethren reported conditions quiet in Juárez and said that no rebels had been in town, or any disorder had occurred since the people had left.

At 2:30 P.M. the camp moved and traveled north crossing the U.S. line at 6:20 P.M. (Friday the 9th) about three miles east of Dog Springs where twenty U.S. soldiers were stationed and fortified behind rock walls ready to fire on us thinking we were a band of rebels, but on finding out their mistake they gave the Company the best of treatment and all assistance possible. Camp was made here for the night.

August 10, 1912, Saturday at 10:00 A.M. the column traveled to "Alamo Hueco" and camped for the night at the ranch when a heavy rain came up in the night and nearly everyone with their outfits were soaked by the rain.
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Left "Alamo Hueco" at 8:30 A.M. (Sunday August 11th) and traveled all day through the Playas valley and camped for the night at the "Old Hatch Ranch" about fifteen miles from "Hachita." At this camp a very heavy rain came up in the night and continued nearly all night and with the exception of a few who got quarters in the ranchers house, everybody and their complete outfits were drenched with rain and the camp ground which was a low place under four inches of water.

Monday, August 12, 1912, we left camp at 7:30 and traveled through the mud reaching Hachita at 11:30 A.M. where arrangements were made for the horses (about 500) to be herded until arrangements for the band could be made. Arrangements were also made for a place to store saddles, guns and equipment.

The Stake Presidency notified all wards and Stake officers to prepare to go to El Paso on the night train which was due to leave Hachita at 12:55 midnight. About sixty men slept on the floor of the waiting room without bedding (as all bedding had been stored away) until 3:00 A.M. when the belated train arrived and departed for El Paso with those who had been waiting aboard, arriving at El Paso about 9:00 A.M., August 13, 1912.

At 2:00 P.M. August 13, a meeting was called at the American National Bank Building for the Stake Presidency, Bishoprics, High Council and other Stake authorities. Prayer was offered by Brother A. W. Ivins. Apostle Ivins stated that there had been a lot of unnecessary discussion about the propriety of the general move out of Mexico and whether or not it was necessary. The fact is we are all now here and must decide as to our future policy. He said he considered that the whole body of men of the Juárez Stake would not move out unless there were reasons for so doing; protested against the further discussion of this matter on the streets and in improper places. He said if Brother Junius Romney feels that his policy and administration is not appreciated and is criticized by him (Brother Ivins) said he was not aware of the fact and did not know what had called forth such remarks on the part of some people.

Protested vigorously against the publishing of heated remarks and unchristianlike names against Mexicans such as was breathed out in the published statements of Orson P. Brown in this morning's paper.

A copy of a letter from Apostle Ivins to the First Presidency was read setting forth conditions surrounding colonists at the time of disarming of the men and relating in detail the incidents of the exodus of the women and children. He said that was the only report he had made so far to the First Presidency, and called attention to the fact that no criticism had been made. He read a copy of a letter addressed to Consul Llorente stating that hundreds of refuges [sic] American Citizens had now reached the border, referred to the property left behind and nothing but a few horses and saddles, etc., of each person could be brought out. He referred to the incendiary speech of Salazar against American Citizens and the intolerable conditions following, and withdrawal of guarantees by Salazar. He read extracts of a letter he had written to the First Presidency as to whether the Colonies should be abandoned or whether all should be left to use their own judgment about returning or whether all should be advised to go back. He suggested that he could not see how the abandonment of the Colonies could be possible and as the collections of claims is so uncertain felt that it would mean the rendering of hundreds of prosperous people homeless and penniless, that he had only one thought in mind and that was for all to return to their homes as soon as possible when it was at all safe to do so.

President Romney stated that when he returned to the Colonies recently from El Paso, that he was very much dissatisfied with the results of his visit with Brother Ivins and felt that Brother Ivins had later realized that fact and that he had gone down to the Colonies later and given much encouragement. He said that the First Presidency had placed the responsibility on Brothers Ivins, O.P. Brown and himself and in turn that Brother Ivins had placed the responsibility on President Romney. The Bishops and leading brethren of the colonies also placed the responsibility on him and as some of the staunch and strong men of the colonies differed in their opinions refused to move except on his counsel. He stated that his instructions had always been to avoid conflict with the natives. When the women and children were ordered out he gave this advice acting on his impressions and according to his best judgment. He referred to his order to move men out of the Colonies and said it was
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because of the absolute statement of Salazar that he intended to force intervention, the disarming of our men, and their defenselessness, the robbing of stores and shops, the looting of houses, the ordering of our men around and other indignities perpetrated until it seemed the next step would be the taking of lives. The rebels even robbed refugees as they were on their way to Pearson. The leading robber was arrested by Lino Ponce and executed in Colonia Juárez. President Romney stated that as he had urged the execution himself of the bandit, that some of the robbers friends, he believed, had felt revengeful against him. Two days later Captain Felipe A. Cavada of the command of Maximo Castillo in command of the company to which the executed man belonged came to town and it was reported that he threatened to avenge the execution of his man upon President Romney. (This report was denied by Cavada and never proven.)

Castillo and Cavada asked for quarters in the upper end of town but the Tithing Office was offered instead. This offer was ignored but instead the men took up quarters in the yard and building of the Juárez Tanning and Manufacturing Company. President Romney asked the men in charge if they came as friends or foes, he answered that they came as friends and intended no harm. He referred to the conversation between the second Captain of the local guard (also a Liberal) and Brother A. L. Taylor, and which conversation, according to the way the report came to him, inferred that Cavada's bunch considered President Romney most responsible for the execution of the bandit referred to. A. L. Taylor here interrupted with the statement that no such inference had been made in the conversation and that the report of same as carried to President Romney was incorrect; that Melquiades Alvarez ,one of Lino Ponce's men was the man held to be responsible by Cavada's man and President Romney's name was not mentioned nor any reference made to him.

President Romney continued, saying that he had gone out and prayed humbly and according to his impressions and judgment the ordering of a general move of the men was the only thing to be done. He decided himself to move out and together with the brethren residing on the West side of the river in Colonia Juárez left town with the intention of moving out but most of those on the East side got a different understanding and thought all were to meet at the barn of Edward Christian Eyring above town and decide but after hunting all night for those who had gone out from the West side the other brethren returned to Colonia Juárez. Said he had already issued orders to Dublán, Garcia and Pacheco to evacuate their towns and join the party who had left Juárez and were then in the "Stairs."

As part of the men had stayed in Juárez and it appeared that the move was now unnecessary he sent a courier to countermand the order sent to Dublán but the people had acted so promptly they had already moved out about sunrise, consequently there was nothing left to do but move out of the country in a body. The people moved on his advice, he said, and not because they were afraid. Some of them did not want to leave and only left on his urgent advice, especially the ones who left Colonia Juárez last.

Brother Ivins asked if Salazar had ever threatened violence or death if people did not give up their arms and asked how the statement that after disarming the men they left defenseless yet when they came out they brought to the U.S. hundreds of guns and thousands of cartridges.

President Romney said Salazar had not said so in words but his actions suggested it. That at the time of disarming men they only gave up part of their arms keeping most of the best weapons. Brother Ivins stated that he had not replied to Brother Romney's questions, during the visit in El Paso, referred to, in a spirit of anger or indifference and thought he had always treated Brother Romney in his calling with as much or more respectful consideration than Brother Romney had treated him in his calling. He denied vigorously the statement made by President Romney that he, Brother Ivins, had said that the "Mormons were in Mexico as any other Americans and because they had no better sense." He said he did tell Brother Romney that neither Government troops nor Brother O.P. Brown with his proposed volunteers could act with any degree of promptness in case of violence, and that if a crisis should arise we would have to act as Booker and Boyd and other
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Americans and American companies would act and that is handle the situation according to their best judgment and impressions.

President Romney stated that he had always tried to give the Bishops advice when perplexing questions arose and felt that Brother Ivins had left him alone and did not try to help him with advice as to what he should do.

Brother Ivins said that when President Romney had asked what to do in case guns were demanded it was an impossible thing to answer definitely what would be the wisest thing to do until the condition should arise then there was only one thing to do and that would be to handle the situation according to our best judgment and as our wisdom should dictate.

Brother Ivins asked if all rebels had left Juárez and Dublán when the last body of our men had left Juárez. President Romney answered that they had all left and gone to the mountains. Brother Ivins asked as to the attitude of local Mexicans. Answered that some were sorrowful and others pleased to see us go.

Brother Harris was asked as to his opinion of the move. He answered that the Mexicans had used vile language and assumed a menacing attitude against the Mormons and thought bloodshed would have resulted had our men not moved out. Brother E. C. Eyring said that in his opinion had one of our men struck a rebel with his fist he would have been answered by a shot. Brigham Stowell also thought that in order to avoid bloodshed the leaving of the Colonies was necessary. Daniel Skousen thought all could have remained in Juárez but thought the mountain Colonists would have been safer out of towns during Salazar's presence but thought they could have safely come to Juárez then returned later to their homes. D. V. Farnsworth said Col. Demetrio Ponce had said that there must and would be intervention and with this in view he thought the move necessary. Willard Call thought it was time to leave owing to conditions and was in sympathy with the move. Jno. W. Wilson thought the move unnecessary and thought if we had stayed in the mountains for a few days and sent a commission to see Federals and ascertain their intentions that many of us might now be in peaceable possession of our homes. S. E. McClellan thought the move prudent and necessary but thought if all could have acted wisely the whole thing could have been avoided. Alex. Jameson thought it necessary to leave and felt that otherwise there would have been bloodshed. Brother James Skousen said he thought the move could have been avoided. P. H. Hurst thought from reports the move was necessary but was not in the Colonies so could not say. Brother J. J. Walser thought that after guns were delivered it was not safe to remain although he thought that if all had used wisdom the move could have been avoided. Guy C. Wilson thought that if the men had used judgment and could have controlled their tempers the move would have been unnecessary. H. M. Payne was of the same opinion. A. L. Taylor thought that if we had not imported any firearms and had remained strictly neutral in our expressions we could have remained in our homes unmolested and that even after we had vacated the settlements that we could have remained a few days in the mountains and then have returned unmolested and occupied our homes. He thought the move unnecessary. H. E. Bowman was of the opinion that owing to the fact that men cannot always keep their tempers that the move out of the town might have been necessary but thought they could have remained a few days in the mountains and then returned as Federals were expected in soon.

Bishop Thurber and A. M. Tenney were of the opinion that the move was unnecessary. Bishop Bentley said he felt different from some of the Brethren regarding the Mexican people. He said he sent his family out in obedience to counsel of the Stake Presidency. Related in detail conditions leading up to vacating the Colonies by men and felt that the rebels had not treated the people of Colonia Juárez nearly so badly as treatment reported by the brethren from Dublán. Was consequently of the opinion that our lives were safe when we left but was also conscientious in following the counsel of President Romney and that was the sole reason either he or his family had left their homes. He felt that time would determine the wisdom of the move which he did not presume to say was either right or wrong but his personal judgment and opinion was that we might have all remained at home in Mexico.
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President Romney differed with Bishop Bentley in most of his ideas and said he had grown old in the last five years carrying the burdens of the Juárez Stake and thought unless the leading authorities of the Church changed in their attitude toward his administration and the Mexican Colonies that he would never return there to preside unless called to. President Ivins said he would never be called to return nor to preside unless he wished to that the policy of the First Presidency was to give every one their free agency about returning. He thought President Romney was assuming a wrong attitude the way he felt regarding the attitude of the leading authorities of the Church and that he was mistaken in this assumption.

Brother Ivins stated that after tomorrow any refugee can go to any part of the U.S. free of charge ,~ and it will either be necessary to return to Mexico or go to other parts in the United States as it will not be possible for so many to remain in El Paso. Adjourned.

Minutes of meeting held in American National Bank Building August 14, 1912, at 8:00 A.M., Apostle Ivins presided, prayer by Bishop A. D. Thurber.
Present, all of the Stake Presidency and Stake Clerk,
Apostle A. W. Ivins,
Bishop O. P. Miller,
Presidents Jos. E. Robinson, President Rey L. Pratt, H. E. Bowman, A. M. Tenney, Martin L. Harris,
High Councilors: J. J. Walser, B. Stowell, D. Skousen, P. H. Hurst, E. C. Eyring, Guy C. Wilson, W. Call, H. M. Payne, Alex. Jameson, F. W. Jones Dr., Jno. W. Wilson, S. E. McClellan, Geo. S. Romney, J. W. Skousen Jr.,
Bishoprics: J. C. Bentley, T. C. Romney and E. A. Clayson, Juárez; A. D. Thurber, Gaskell Romney, A. B. Call of Dublán; and O.P. Brown.
J. T. Whetten, L. B. Farnsworth, Hyrum Cluff, Garcia;
J. E. Steiner, D. P. Black, James Carroll, Pacheco;
James Mortensen, Cd. Juárez Branch;
Alma Fredericksen, of Colonia Díaz.

Brother Alma Frederickson was asked as to his opinion of the move and abandonment of the Colonies. He said conditions in Díaz were different from those reported in the other colonies as the few rebels at Ascencion were peaceful at the time of evacuation, however, thought the move must have been necessary or all would not have left.

Bishop John E. Steiner was in sympathy with the move as we had never had redress of murders committed in the past and had no confidence in the government. In Pacheco up to the time of leaving no threats had been made but as rebels were now in the mountains thought it best for all to be out. Thought the majority of people approved of move but some murmured and thought we acted too hastily.

Bishop John Thomas Whetten said they had not been troubled in Garcia as in the other colonies, in fact no trouble was apparent until the time the order came for men to move out at which time rebels came to disarm them. The order to move had not impressed him favorably but after talking with his brethren he decided to follow counsel as he desired to act harmoniously and now thought the move was all right.

David A. Brown of Chuhuichupa said when the order to leave came it was very much of a surprise and disappointment and many did not wish to obey but after much consideration decided it the only thing to do owing to the fact that the other colonists had gone out. After hearing the remarks of all representatives present who had not previously expressed views, Apostle Ivins suggested that a resolution be adopted regarding our leaving and return.

Apostle Ivins suggested that where anyone personally knows of instances of violence, vandalism or threats of intervention that affidavits be sworn to. This should be first-hand and not hearsay. He stated that the question of our future policy was now to be considered and in the consideration of this question we assume that all we have left behind us is lost and chances of indemnity very remote in case we decide to abandon the Colonies. He said he had but one thought from the beginning and that was to get back as soon as possible and repossess our homes and property.

Brother Bowman said he had been appointed to talk with Mr. Crockett and Thede of the Pearson Company. Mr. Thede came up from Pearson yesterday on a hand car to Guzman and from there by train. He reported about 4,000 Federals in and around Casas Grandes, all apparently orderly and well disciplined troops. The Pearson Company is desirous that we return and offer work and good wages to all who will go back. Their policy is to push their work more vigorously than ever. Brother Bowman said that he had but one thought personally and that was to get back and that we go at once and not wait for the railroad to be repaired.
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Moved that we take steps to return immediately. Seconded by John Jacob Walser and Samuel Edwin McClellan. Brother Ivins suggested that on voting on this question either for or against it we were not bound to act as we had voted if later we feel otherwise. The greatest liberty is extended to all in this matter.

Bishop Joseph Charles Bentley said he first went to Mexico under the sanction of the First Presidency. He had always felt it was right for him to be in Mexico and desired to return immediately.

Orson Pratt Brown said he feared for those who were yet in Mexico and thought there was great danger in returning. He said he had no love for those despoilers of whom he had said harsh things and that he had not yet repented of his attitude. There is no stability to the government and for himself and family he would rather live on a rock than to return to live among those black devils who had driven us from our homes. Was against the resolution proposed by Brother Bowman. Thought we had better go in a body to Morelos and assist in the defense of homes, lives and property.

Brother Alexander Jameson had a great desire to return but had no confidence in the government. He thought a committee should first go and investigate. Guy Carlton Wilson thought all wished to return but that the conditions under which we return was the point at issue. We had never felt afraid and did not look at things with so much alarm as some others. He had no occupation to return to as school will probably not be held this year but he wanted to go back and favored the resolution.

Brother Edward Christian Eyring said that if resolution meant to return under present conditions he opposed it but if it meant to return when a great change had come and the Federals had driven rebels out of the State then he favored it. Brother Alma Fredericksen said the people of Díaz did not want to return unless something more stable than Federal soldiers was present. J. J. Walser favored heartily the resolution and thought a company of men could return at once with comparative safety to look after our property. Hyrum S. Harris thought we could not safely return at present but thought someone should be sent to investigate the existing conditions and if found favorable that we return in a body. Samuel E. McClellan felt as Brother Harris. After considerable discussion the resolution was unanimously passed.

President Romney said he did not favor the resolution but would not oppose it. He thought that if it was right to go back now it was wrong to have left and if it was right that we should leave it was wrong to go back now as conditions had not changed. He said his troubles did not begin with the revolution but had its beginning at the time of the reorganization of the Juárez Stake and as before stated he had grown old in five years. He thought that the condition of the Juárez Stake was not understood by the General Authorities. Our educational institutions had been restricted, our appropriations cut down and apparently but little interest or sympathy manifested for us. Unless the attitude of the authorities of the Church changes he does not want to return to Mexico and will not do so unless called to go. He thought that unless more than passing interest is manifested on the part of Church Authorities there should be no general move back to Mexico but only a few return to dispose of what we might have left.

Apostle Anthony W. Ivins was sorry that the inference had been thrown out by President Romney that the Church Authorities had lost interest in the Mexican Colonies. He said he could not recall a single instance when the Authorities had ever denied the Colonies anything that could be granted in reason. More interest has been manifested in their welfare than in any of the Colonies in Canada, California or other places.

Regarding the appropriations for educational purposes he said an unusually large sum was appropriated one year and after due investigation it was decided to be out of proportion to other stakes and was consequently cut down. Did not like the arraignment of the General Authorities and it was not prompted by a proper spirit. He did not want this body of men to get the idea that the Authorities had lost interest.

Brother Miller said he felt very much grieved that President Romney should take the view he has taken and hoped he would soon be able to look upon the matter differently. He was sure that interest in the Juárez Stake had not abated since its reorganization. This stake has received back ninety percent of tithes paid in appropriations. Brother Bowman suggested that those who wished to return meet together and discuss details and plans of
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the return. Bishop Joseph Bentley moved that the question of those going back who wished to go be left for the Relief Committee and Stake Presidency to decide as to the policy of return and submit to a later meeting.

Reconvened August 14, 1912, at 2:00 P.M. The question of a body of men returning to the Colonies to look after our property was brought up and whether they should with or without firearms. Brother H. E. Bowman introduced the following resolution: "We recommend that all the male refugees from the Chihuahua Colonies who can leave their families and who so desire shall return to said colonies for the purpose of protecting our property do so at the earliest possible date that it can be done so with a reasonable degree of safety and in so doing that we ask for the protection of the military and civil authorities of the Mexican Government and that we exert every effort possible to work in harmony with them also that we go unarmed and continue our policy of strict neutrality." The resolution was unanimously adopted.

Guy C. Wilson moved that the Sonora Colonists be advised to move all persons and articles that can be conveniently moved to the United States line at once if they feel that conditions so warrant. Also that H. S. Harris leave for Sonora tonight to carry the word to them. Adjourned.

Reconvened at 8:00 P.M. August 14. Apostle Ivins presided. He said that a resolution had been adopted this afternoon that all male refugees who so desire return at once to Chihuahua Colonies and thought same should be carried out as soon as possible.

O. P. Brown moved that Junius Romney be appointed to look after the making of affidavits and depositions regarding the threats of violence to our people by the Mexican rebels, of the threats to bring intervention, of the looting of homes, etc. Unanimously carried.

Brother Bowman was assigned to take charge of arrangements for the return move of those who will return to Mexico in the near future. Bishop O. P. Miller suggested that young men be warned not to go to Ciudad Juárez out of curiosity as three of our boys were jailed this afternoon as suspicious characters.

Apostle Ivins advised that we do not give out information to newspapers but that all legitimate news be given through a proper representative authorized by us to give such information. Brother Guy C. Wilson was unanimously appointed to attend to all interviews with reporters. Adjourned.

Minutes of Council Meeting in the American National Bank Building, August 20, 1912, at 5:00 P.M. Apostle Ivins presiding. Elder Joseph E. Robinson read a letter from Andrew Kimball asking if transportation could be furnished from other points than El Paso. Read a telegram stating that a bill for the appropriation of $20,000.00 for food for refugees had passed the house and was ready for the President's signature.

A telegram from Orson Pratt Brown to A. W. Ivins was read stating that eighty people were enroute from Hachita to El Paso and for him to prepare for them. Brother Ivins read a letter from H. J. Grant who is a delegate to Trans-Mississippi Congress asking that the United States Government demand proper future protection for our people and setting forth some of the abuses and indignities suffered by them. A telegram from General Blanco to A. L. Taylor was read stating that the Federal Government could give ample protection and that no danger would come to the colonists at present if they should return to their homes. Brother Ivins said that neither he nor the Presidency would advise anyone to return to Mexico against their wishes but pointed out the scarcity of work in the North and privations our people would endure if they went North. Said he took a vote of the people at Hachita and only twelve voted as not wishing to return home on the first train. The Government has issued tickets to 459 persons and the Church has sent out about fifty. About fifty have furnished their own transportation. Adjourned.

[Thus ends the report written by Alonzo L. Taylor, Juárez Mexico Stake Clerk.]

Sources:

PAF - Archer files =

"Life and Letters of Joseph C. Bentley, A Biography", by Joseph T. Bentley, pages 136-156.

"The Life and Times of Harvey Hyrum Taylor 1890-1972" by Daniel Pierce Taylor, pages 266-279. Used in this website by permission from Daniel Pierce Taylor. Published on the centennial birthyear 1990 of Harvey Hyrum Taylor.

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