On the 18th of July 1885, the group left Corralitos, having decided not to wait for the Mexican troops. Their route led them fifteen or twenty miles up the fertile Casas Grandes Valley to the town of Casas Grandes. At this point they left the river and traversed a semi-mountainous 

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region for a distance of sixteen miles to a narrow valley on the Piedras Verdes river, a tributary of the Casas Grandes. On this spot, later to become Colonia Juarez, the party camped the first night. The following morning they began their journey up the Piedras Verdes river which finally led them into the well-timbered and picturesque vales and canyons of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Two of the outstanding valleys through which they passed were Cave Valley and Corrales Basin where a few years later two Mormon colonies were planted. At the latter place a pause was made to celebrate the 24th day of July, the anniversary of the entrance of the pioneers into the Salt Lake Basin. Upon this occasion the American flag was raised at half mast from one of the tallest trees, out of respect to the death of ex-President U. S. Grant, in whose honor flags were at half mast over the whole of the United States. From here the expedition moved forward in a westward direction passing over the mountains into the state of Sonora.

The country over which they traveled is described by a member of the group as being rugged and of very little account for settlement.

The return trip led them down the San Pedro and Janos rivers to Casa de Janos where they beheld vast stretches of grass lands well adapted to the raising of cattle and horses. Upon the arrival of the expedition at Cor ralitos, from whence it started, a meeting of the entire camp of Saints was called to hear the report of the explorers. It was decided upon this occasion to purchase some of the land explored and lying along the banks of the Piedras Verdes river. Their decision, as will be noted later, was carried into effect.

A few months later Brigham Young, Jr., of the Council of the Twelve, in company with others, explored much the same territory as that covered by the group above referred to. Speaking of his explorations, particularly in Sonora, Mr. Young observes: "My journey to Sonora was very satisfactory. Governor Torres and other state officers

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were anxious that we should settle in their state as being quite equal in facilities for settlement and the people were more civilized than in Chihuahua." Due to the "indefiniteness" with respect to the purchase of land the colonists were advised by their ecclesiastical leaders to rent lands for the time being and to proceed at the opportune time with all diligence with the planting of their crops.

In the middle of January, 1886, Alexander F. Macdonald was given the power of Attorney by 31 colonists to purchase for them a tract of irrigable and pasture land adjacent to the San Diego grant, owned by Don Luis Terrazas, a multi-millionaire and ex-Governor of Chihuahua. George Teasdale accompanied Mr. Macdonald on this business trip to the City of Mexico where they arrived January 21. Here they went into conference with General Campo, Elder Helaman Pratt acting as interpreter. Several days were spent in the examination of the deeds and other documents pertaining to the property and finally, on the 12th of February 1886, a contract was drawn up and signed for the purchase of 20,000 hectares, or 49,400 acres, of land on the Piedras Verdes River, on which later was built Colonia Juarez. In addition, they negotiated for 7,000 acres near La Ascension on which Colonia Diaz was later planted, and 60,000 acres chiefly of timber land, in the Sierra Madre Mountains on which was to arise Colonia Pacheco. The Trustee in Trust of the Church, President John Taylor, furnished twelve thousand dollars of Church money to go toward the purchase of these tracts.

In the apportionment of these lands it was decided by a vote of the group that they should be held in common, but to be leased by the colonists for a nominal sum, with the understanding that the sales or transfers of leases should be made only with the consent of a company, later to be organized. The company was to consist of representatives of the several stakes of the Church that had contributed toward the purchase of the lands and representatives of the colonists. Erastus Snow, a member of the Council of the

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Twelve, was to act in an advisory capacity as an agent of the President of the Church. This company was soon thereafter organized, but a little later it developed into, or was supplanted by the Mexican Colonization and Agricultural Company formed under the laws of Colorado. Moses Thatcher was made the President and A. F. Macdonald the manager of the company.

To obtain the use of any of this property one must furnish a recommend from the bishop of his ward certifying that he was honest and honorable and in full standing in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. So long as the holder of the land observed the rules laid down by the company he could remain in possession of it, but should he prove recreant in any respect he was liable to a forfeiture of his stewardship. In case he were dispossessed of his holdings an arbitration committee would place a price upon the improvements he had made and he would receive due compensation for the same. It will thus be seen that the early Mormon colonists in Mexico held property under the same restrictions as did the early settlers of the Great Basin. In both cases only the devotees of the Mormon Church in full standing were entitled to possession and in both instances possession merely implied a stewardship-the titles being held by the Church while the tiller of the soil held his concession only during good behavior. The purpose of such a policy was to insure against the influx of non-members of the Church and other undesirables into a community whose aim was to control absolutely its social and religious life, and not for the purpose of materially enhancing the coffers of the Church. Indeed, investments in lands in Mexico by the Church subtracted from rather than added to its revenues. In the course of a few years the economic policy of stewardship was supplanted by individual ownership. From what has been said relative to the general land policy it must not be assumed that lands could not be purchased by Mormon settlers in Mexico independently of the agents of the Church

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as represented by the Mexican Colonization and Agricultural Company. In some instances colonists purchased their lands direct from individuals or companies owning tracts of land. In a letter addressed to the Deseret News September 11, 1890, Mr. Macdonald said with reference to this matter: "The colonists who live on the company lands have chosen individual title for their benefit and security of possession. Some living at Casas Grandes and La Ascencion acquiring individual title but enjoying the benefits of contract, the same as colonists on the Company's land, the inhabitants of each town electing their own committee, who, in connection with the Company's manager adopt such rules as are needful for the welfare of the Community agreeable with the principles of stewardship, yet in harmony with the law of the land." The report continues with the statement that persons of limited means can buy a farm or a few acres of improved land with water rights in towns or municipalities at, from $2.50 to $20.00 per acre and obtain title. Range and pasture lands in large tracts can be purchased for 25 cents American money per acre. At the close of the 90's a report was issued by George M. Brown representing a committee of Mormons residing near Casas Grandes to the effect that at Colonia Huller (Colonia Dublan) there was a tract of 73,000 acres for sale. Of this amount 20,000 acres was first class farming land on which could be raised all kinds of fruit and grain. Near the foothills to the eastward the committee reported the existence of several large depressions in the earth having the appearance of ancient reservoirs. The remains of an ancient canal leading from the Casas Grandes River to the reservoirs was visible. Farm lands under the reservoir were offered for 75 cents per acre and other lands for from 40 to 50 cents. Town lots, 1 1/4 acres in size, were offered at prices ranging from $2.50 to $10.00 each. Twenty acres were to be given free to the head of each family who would settle and reside in the colony for a period of five years-the offer was good only for the first one hun-

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dred families. Titles were to be issued to those purchasing lands guaranteed to be as good as any that "could be found in the Republic." The prices quoted were in terms of Mexican money and it is well to observe that only those who could present recommends from their bishops were eligible to make purchases. Mr. Huller, from whom the land was purchased, was a German-Mexican and at one time bore the evidence of being financially prosperous but soon after contracting with the Mormons to sell them the above mentioned land, financial disaster overtook him and the deal fell through. By 1891, 380 people had assembled at Colonia Huller [Colonia Dublan] to procure land under the Huller grant, some of them having paid in advance for their land. With the refusal of Mr. Huller's creditors to let the Mormons settle on the tract, the money advanced by the colonists was refunded and they invested in lands held by Mexicans for which they got quit claim deeds with the prospect of getting regular government deeds later. Incidentally it is interesting to know that the Huller property fell into the hands of the Mormons later, a considerable portion of it coming under cultivation, made possible by the flow of water passed through the ancient irrigation system of reservoirs and canals.

Increased agricultural opportunities came to the colonists with the purchase by John W. Young (a son of President Brigham Young) of 150,000 acres north of Colonia Diaz and watered by the Casas Grandes River. The price paid for the land was $110,000 and was to be rented to the Mormon settlers on easy terms. In 1889, the Mexican Colonization and Agricultural Company bought from Mr.Young 28,000 acres of the tract adjacent to La Ascencion and this became a possession of the settlers of Colonia Diaz.

Other significant land deals negotiated for in the interests of Mormon Colonization in Chihuahua before the close of the century was the Cave Valley purchase made by Moses Thatcher, Erastus Snow, G. C. Williams, Helaman

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Pratt and the Mormon Church. This tract lay along the banks of the Piedras Verdes River, thirty-five miles west of Colonia Juarez and five miles north of Colonia Pacheco and was especially valuable for its wealth of saw timber and grazing facilities. Its agricultural possibilities were somewhat limited, the land suitable for such purpose varying from five yards to six miles in width and was ultimately divided among the purchasers according to the amount invested by each. Round Valley, commonly known as Garcia, consisted of about 1300 acres and was situated ten miles south of Pacheco and thirty-eight miles from Colonia Juarez, while Chuichupa, meaning "The Place of the Mist," was valuable land located near the western boundary line of the State of Chihuahua, about eighty-five miles south of Casas Grandes and forty-five miles south of Pacheco. The region was well adapted for dairy purposes and abounded in great stretches of timber such as pine, juniper, and oak. Notwithstanding its altitude averages 8262 feet, the climate is sufficiently moderate that oats, potatoes and corn can be profitably raised. All told there were more than 6000 acres in the tract. In the midst of this mountain area, game of all kinds such as wild turkey, bear and deer was plentiful and the region became the mecca for hunters from all over the United States and from some foreign countries.

In the year 1892, steps were taken toward the fulfilment of a long cherished dream of Mormon expansion into the state of Sonora when Los Horcones (Colonia Oaxaca) was purchased by George C. Williams and John C. Naegle. The grant contained about 200 square miles and extended north and south for a distance of about 20 miles along both banks of the Bavispe River, a tributary of the Yaqui, which flows into the Pacific Ocean. Los Horcones was 25 miles north of the city of Bavispe and a hundred miles south-east of Bisbee, Arizona. The farming land, though limited, was extremely fertile, and cut into small parcels by the winding river, no piece containing more than 200 acres. There was considerable timber on the property for

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fuel purposes such as mesquite, cottonwood, sycamore, ash and walnut. The sale of the tract of land was negotiated by Generals Kosterlitzky and Fenokio, who had been given the tract by the government, for the sum of $35,000, Mexican currency, the amount to be paid in three equal installments.

Soon after his appointment to the presidency of the stake in Mexico, Anthony W. Ivins, representing the Mexican Colonization and Agricultural Company as President, consummated a deal for the purchase of 9,000 acres of heavy mesquite land in the Batepeto Valley for the sum of $10,000. The tract was located 60 miles south of Douglas, Arizona, and down the Bavispe River from Los Horcones about twenty miles. The deal resulted not from the desire to speculate but to furnish opportunity for several hundred home-makers to establish themselves in a land of peace and opportunity.

With the purchase of thousands of acres of choice lands in two of the northern states of Mexico and with the influx of nearly three thousand souls in a trifle more than a decade after the first Mormon colonists came to Mexico the permanence of Mormon expansion into the Southern Republic seemed assured.

Yet the difficulties confronting the colonists in these years of initiation into a foreign land were sufficient to baffle spirits less courageous. Few of them could understand the tongue of their adopted country and, as a result, misunderstandings and even disagreements between the natives and the late comers were not unknown. But the greatest handicap of all was the galling grind of poverty. I have pointed out elsewhere that a vast majority of the immigrant Mormons into this foreign land were near the borderline of penury, their substance having been depleted during the years of persecution that drove them into hiding and placed a goodly number behind prison bars. To add to their financial strain and mental discomfiture, were the hateful duties that must be paid in passing over the inter

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national boundary line. Only those who have had such experience can fully sympathize with these pilgrims as they approached a foreign custom house and were made aware of the fact that everything they possessed must undergo the searching scrutiny of revenue officers in quest of dutiable articles. Even the rolls of bedding must be inspected to ascertain if by chance or otherwise goods subject to duty had been tucked away within their folds, or perchance some of the suspicious looking indivdiuals might be brusquely ushered into the inspection room to undergo the humiliation of being stripped by customs officials in quest of bolts of cloth or surplus clothing. But worst of all was the seizure of personal effects and their confiscation because the owners had not the wherewith to pay the duty charges.

But duties were in a constant state of flux. A statement of duty charges on a tabulated list of commodities or even luxuries usually varied from year to year, but the following list submitted from the year 1888 will furnish the reader with a fairly reliable notion of the burdens imposed upon the foreigners by the Mexican government. Wagons, 3 cents per pound, harnesses, 15 cents per pound, saddles, $1.00 per pound, gelding horses, $40.00 each, wagon covers, 91 cents each, window glass, 12 cents per pound, boots, $1.25 to $2.50 per pair, shoes, 85 to 90 cents, hats, 29 cents to $1.00 each, tents, 10 cents per pound, furniture, 7%2 cents per pound, flour 5!/2 cents per pound, bacon 12Y2 cents, sugar, 7%2 cents, coal oil, 3 5 cents per gallon, sewing machines, $1.25 to $2.50, cutlery, 10 cents per pound, glass ware, 10 cents, potatoes, 1 %2 cents and soap 9 cents. On all kinds of unmade fabrics the duty was from 40 . to 100 per cent of the original cost. As if to add to theexpense and discomfiture of the colonists it was not an unusual experience to be held at the custom house for several days awaiting the completion of the long drawn out inspection of the goods and a corresponding delay in preparing papers for the release of the cargo.

It would be unfair to the Mexican government, how-

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ever, to omit mention of the fact that rather early in the history of Mormon colonization, prospective colonists were permitted to enter Mexican territory on what was termed a "free list," that is to say, commodities such as horses and wagons, farm machinery, household goods, food and clothing could be admitted free of duty. To enjoy this concession the individual had to certify that he intended becoming a permanent resident of the country and in addition must submit in writing a list of the articles upon which he desired exemption from duties. This material must be in the hands of the government officials at least 60 days before the date set for crossing the international boundary line.

An excerpt from a letter written by President Ivins "for the benefit of prospective settlers," dated May 30, 1898, will suffice to make clear this matter: "Persons desiring to colonize to any of these places can do so under concessions granted the Mexican Colonization and Agricultural Company. * * * The colonist should appear before a notary and obtain a certificate in the following form: `I hereby certify that John Doe is personally known to me to be a moral, industrious man, his occupation being a farmer, etc. He declares it to be his intention to leave the United States and go as a colonist to Mexico, and to establish himself at Colonia Juarez, or elsewhere, in the state of Chihuahua.' The certificate will be sent to the secretary of state who will certify to the signature and seal of the notary. In addition the names and ages of the family, their nationality as well as a description of property, brands of horses and cattle should be sent two months before the colonist desires to start from home." Exemptions granted colonists and to be in force for a period of ten years are enumerated by President Ivins: " (1) Exemption from military service; (2) from all taxation and imports, except stamp and municipal taxes; (3) from payment of customs duties on wagons, harnesses, saddles, tools, machinery, agricultural implements, breeding and work stock,

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furniture, materials for construction of houses and personal effects, including clothing, dishes, bedding, etc., etc."

To what extent this tax exemption contract on the part of the government was adhered to cannot be definitely known but as early as 1897 it is recorded that Anthony W. Ivins and Henry Eyring called on the Governor of Chihuahua, Ahumada, requesting that the colonists be not taxed who had not yet completed a ten year's residence in Mexico. In response, the Governor stated that the rights of the colonists would be protected in harmony with the terms of the government concession.

Wage earners in Mexico were very poorly paid, resulting in another hardship to the new comers since many of them must hire out as mechanics or farm laborers as the only means of support for themselves and families. A report submitted by M. Romero, the Mexican Minister, in February, 1892, shows that the highest average wage per day was in Coahuila, being 53 1/2 cents. The lowest average wage was in Nuevo Leon and Aguas Calientas, where 18% cents per day was paid. These wages apply to farm laborers. The employees of the railroads and of the mines were paid as much as $1.50 per day. Had the cost of goods corresponded with the low wages paid, the living conditions would have been tolerable, but many of the commodities could be obtained only by paying relatively exorbitant prices. In Mexico for example, sugar was selling for 21 cents per pound, while the same quality of sugar in New York could be purchased for 5 cents; cotton in Mexico was 19 cents per pound, in the United States it was 10 cents; flour cost 5 cents in Mexico while in the United States it could be had for 1 1/2 cents per pound. It will be noted that these articles generally were not produced in northern Mexico in large quantities and must therefore be imported largely from the United States. Produce raised in Mexico such as corn, beans, wheat and beef gave a return to the producer barely sufficient to pay for the cost of production. In 1888 wheat sold for 11/4 cents per pound,

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corn for 3/4 cents, beans for 2 cents and beef for 6 cents. Notwithstanding the many discouragements financial and otherwise which confronted the Mormon colonists in the Southern Republic, they had by 1891 made considerable headway both in numbers and in prestige. The Mexican Financial Review reported that "The Mormons are rapidly settling in the state of Chihuahua, especially along the line of the Mexican Northwestern Railroad now building from Deming, New Mexico, to the City of Chihuahua. Hundreds, of industrious Mormons have purchased lands and they have everywhere built neat and comfortable adobe cottages, and windmills for raising water for home use as well as for irrigation. They have built and are building barns and their vineyards and orchards are rapidly coming in bearing. In fact, they have changed the once wild and almost uninhabitated region into comfortable and productive farms. So far the Mormons in the State of Chihuahua have proved good immigrants."

The Revista Internacional, published at Ciudad Juarez said: "Without any exaggeration whatever, it may be said that among the 3,000 souls from the colonies of Diaz, Pacheco and Dublan there is not a single drunkard, gambler or vagabond. The efforts of all are concentrated for their mutual welfare. * "' * They have worked like the ants ardently and constantly. * * * They are not land speculators in disguise but people accustomed to the field,-laborers,-and among them are some artisans who are masters of their professions. They arrive in the Republic with one wagon or two as the case may be, each with its respective team, animals and with their tools and implements of agriculture and industry which constitute the only capital that any of them possess. But they bring with them something of more value than gold or bank notes and that is the love of labor. * * * On the arrival of the colonists the superintendent apportions to each the land needed. Immediately work is begun and the land cleared off and labor continues incessantly. While the seed is deposited in the ground

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all help, the wife, the elder children and even the little fellows who drop the seed in the ground. * * * At first they live in a rude hut, but this is replaced in a few years by a commodious house surrounded with flowers and fruit trees and amply furnished, wherein reigns the most complete tranquility. * * * They don't squander the money they have earned by the sweat of their brow. They practice true economy and only provide the necessaries and they use their surplus means to increase the productiveness of their land, to purchase more, always being careful not to go beyond their means. The oldest colony is the Colony Diaz which contains nearly a thousand souls, with clean streets, lined with shade trees on either side. Diaz has several industrial establishments, a church, school, and drug store, but they have neither a saloon, billiard hall, nor any place whatever, where mescal is sold. Consequently they have no need of a jail, nor have they one in any of the colonies. There are seldom any complaints or quarrels and scandals are entirely unknown in any of the colonies."

Further proof of the growing prestige of the Mormons is seen in the report appearing in the Deseret News, March 10, 1896, in which the writer says: "The colonies have come to the front of late by sending some specimens, the result of their industry to the Coyoacan fair at the City of Mexico. * * * The Mormon exhibition, we are told, was very attractive, exciting general admiration and the views of the residences, schoolhouses, etc., were much admired. I am happy to inform you that eleven medals and the same number of diplomas were awarded to our colonists."

Speaking of the same event, Joseph C. Bentley, who went to the City of Mexico to look after the Mormon exhibit, reported: "They had no idea that our colonies could make such an excellent showing, and when President Porfirio Diaz and Minister of Fomento, Leal, and other government officials saw the photographs of our principal residences, schoolhouses, and views of the colony, together with the products of cheese, canned fruits, jellies, candy, molasses,

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roller mill flour and potatoes all put up in American style they were delighted. President Diaz said it appeared to him to be the thrift and energy of 50 years rather than the few years the colonies had been established. * * * President Diaz instructed the Minister of Fomento to address a note to our agent requesting him to take back to the colonists his personal thanks for the excellent manner in which they had colonized into Mexico and for the industry and good I example exhibited since coming."

In the same year a report of the American Consul Buford appeared in the "Deming Headlight," concerning the Mormons in which he said there were "ten colonies, nearly all Americans. Their buildings are in the finest portions of Northern Mexico. The soil is very rich and productive, and with the advance of railroads from the nearest of which they are removed from 120 to 200 miles, these lands will greatly enhance in value * * the Mormons are exceedingly prosperous and highly regarded."

Sources:

PAF - Archer files

Pages 60-73 Main text from "The Mormon Colonies in Mexico" with additions in brackets, photos, bold, made as noted by Lucy Brown Archer.