Keosauqua, Iowa: Van Buren County Courthouse

The Camp of Israel's brass band played here and in the vicinity several times for goods and money. In Keosauqua the best venue for such a concert was the upstairs courtroom of the Van Buren County Building, erected in 1843, three years before the Mormon Pioneers came fleeing by.




Interestingly enough, the saints not only provided musical talents but also brought many of their skills as artisans and craftsman to barter for goods. While most engaged in short term employment to add supplementary funds to their provisions, some saints were left so destitute from the exodus of Nauvoo that they were required stay several years at sites along the trail to work and save. Once they had enough, most would continue onward--though some stayed and lost the faith. Below is an example of the level of skill Mormon laborers provided. This building and others like it are located in a town called downriver from Bonaparte.




We often think of the Saints as fleeing quickly, but I have learned on this trek that many made slow progress. I wonder how safe those lagging Mormon Pioneers felt, being compelled to leave Nauvoo under the threat of death only to take up residence just a few miles away in Iowa. My guess is that once the Saints started their exodus they were more or less left alone by the Missouri and Illinois mob. It was clear that the mob had won and I suppose they were satisfied with seeing the main body of the Saints exit in shab and shame. But little did they know how mighty a people we would become on the Rocky Mountains.




I can't help but contrast in my mind the difference--in terms of economic success--of Utah from the lands the mob kept (and in some cases stole). That part of Illinois and Missouri is struggling with net out-migration, decaying towns, and little work. Whereas Utah, although not half as fertile and resourced, is booming with growth and progress and promise. The Mormon Pioneers were kicked out of Missouri and Illinois and went to the desert with a determination and hope. In doing so they proved that the real treasure wasn't the land you settled, but the dreams you planted in your heart! And that's a treasure no one can rob you of. Then or now. A rich person is a person with dreams and a vision!

People I've Met:

John Finney:
Jon is the Van Buren County Auditor. He works in the county building adjacent to the old county courthouse. I walked up to building as John was pulling his car in for work. We immediately exchanged morning salutations and quickly thereafter commenced a conversation in pioneer history.




John doubles as the local historian. The young lady working inside the old courthouse--which is still in use, making the oldest so in Iowa--described John as "the best man to talk to" in relation to this Mormon Trail site. Without any prodding, John kindly told the story of how musical members of Brigham Young's Camp played for the early citizens of Keosauqua. John took me upstairs to the courtroom where not much has changed since it's completion in 1843. He shared other stories here too, like how this was the site of Iowa's first capital murder charge. We examined the original benches where visitors to the court would sit. We identified scratchings in woodwork where witnesses and suspects used their Bowie knives to carve little doodlings. Isn't it interesting to think how what would've been considered defacing public property then is now protected as a valuable historic artifact. I wonder if enough time will turn my mistakes into treasure?

Rusty Ebert:
While John and I were talking Rusty came inside the courthouse and asked if I could spare the time for an interview. Rusty is editor in chief of the Van Buren County Paper. He's been working for the paper for twenty five years.




In our interview he asked me about my motivation for this trek. I explained how as a boy I've always dreamed of walking the trail with Brigham, Parley, Wilford, and all the other heroes my father introduced me to through stories. I believed it to be quite an impossible dream until one day I heard about a young man who was walking the Appalachian Trail. I looked it up in the encyclopedia assuming it to be a small trail somewhere close and was surprised to discover how it transverses almost the entire Northeast. Right then I had an excited epiphany: it's possible! One day I could actually walk where Parley P. Pratt walked. I could share in his legacy.

Before we finished Rusty shared his dream. One day he and his brother are going to attend the Masters Golf Tournament together. I would've guessed this to be an easy accomplishment until Rusty explained how expensive and exclusive an event this tournament is. Good luck, Rusty! Oh, and just as a side note. The story that Rusty is working on as well as all others that hit the press will be mailed to Annie Henrie. (So Annie please let your roommates know as my name will appear on the letter). When Annie gets these stories She'll scan them in and post them to this site.

Mike:
I met Mike near a site on the Des Moines river. He gave me a lift to Richardson's Point. He's from Centerville, Iowa. He works for the rural water association as the construction foreman in this area. When the Iowa portion of the Sesquicentennial took place, he helped lay down water lines for reenactors. I'm finding many of the folks along the trail have a story to share related to the 1996-97 walk.




I asked Mike why he picked me up. He said he used to hitchhike as a kid and knows what it feels like to be zoomed by. And, he added, he had a good feeling about me. Thanks to all who have been praying that I would be safe and meet great people like Mike, and all the others I've met. I really feel so grateful! Thanks y'all!

Location:1st St,Keosauqua,United States