William Rufus Rogers Stowell

William Rufus Rogers Stowell (September 23, 1822 – May 30, 1901) was a Mormon pioneer and early member of the Church of Christ (Latter Day Saints) established by Joseph Smith. Stowell was instrumental in the establishing many settlements along the main Pioneer route between Nauvoo and Salt Lake City from 1846 to 1850, himself entering the Great Salt Lake Valley in 1850. After his arrival, Stowell also assisted in establishing many settlements in Utah including Fillmore, Ogden and Provo. Stowell's life is also notable for his role in the Utah War (1857-58) where he served as a lieutenant. The reports he gave to U.S. commanders during his capture likely delayed the overall conflict, buying the time needed to negotiate and reduce tensions on both sides. Early life Stowell was born on September 23, 1822, in Solon, Oneida County, New York. In August 1825, his family moved to Westfield, Chautauqua County, New York, which was “heavily timbered country, requiring great labor to clear the ground for cultivation.” His father Augustus was a licensed attorney at law in the state of New York. Although the family started with three acres of cleared land and a stick shanty for a home, William along with his father and siblings, worked hard to eventually increase their farm to include 260 acres, a sawmill, “houses, barns, orchards and the conveniences and comforts of a wealthy farmer of that time.” At about the age of six, William's leg was accidentally broken; but in its usual course the bone healed naturally within a few weeks.