Frontier Fighters 35-xx-xx ep12 Brigham Young

Summary

Podcast Summary: Frontier Fighters – Ep12: Brigham Young

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: September 9, 2025
Episode Theme:
A dramatic, narrative retelling of Brigham Young's leadership of the Mormon pioneers. The episode explores the turbulent early years of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after Joseph Smith's death, the community's perilous westward migration, their arrival in Salt Lake Valley, and the transformation of desolation into a thriving state.

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1. Main Theme and Purpose

The episode centers on the legacy and impact of Brigham Young, spotlighting how he led the Mormon pioneers through adversity after Joseph Smith’s murder. It dramatizes critical historical moments: the succession crisis, the exodus West, challenges of settlement, and the founding of Utah.

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2. Key Discussion Points and Insights

a. The Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith

• Opening scenes dramatize Joseph and Hyrum Smith’s imprisonment at Carthage, Illinois, and their premonition of death by a hostile mob (00:02–03:18).
• Joseph expresses hope that a "strong man and a devout man" will succeed him (02:28).

“God will guide our people in their choice. But my successor will be a strong man and a devout man, a man of great enterprise who will be humble before God.”
— Joseph Smith (B), 02:28

b. The Leadership of Brigham Young

• Brigham Young is introduced as the church's new leader, returning from England to take the helm (03:18).
• The continued persecution prompts the decision to head West in 1846, marking the start of the Mormon exodus (03:18–04:24).

c. The Treacherous Westward Journey

• The first party of 143 pioneers, led by Young, starts across the plains and mountains (04:24).
• Powerful depictions of hardship, faith, and determination in the face of starvation and exhaustion.
• Brigham Young’s spiritual leadership keeps morale high.

“Courage, men, courage. God has sustained us thus far. He will not forsake us now.”
— Brigham Young (G), 04:52

d. Discovery and Settlement in Salt Lake Valley

• Scouts Orson Pratt and Erastus Snow locate the “Promised Land” after treacherous mountain passage (06:25–06:49).
• The settlement commences with building a fort and irrigation systems; initial skepticism from local trappers and hardships due to lack of food (07:21–08:07).

e. Agricultural Innovation and the Miracle of the Gulls

• Brigham Young pioneers irrigation by redirecting mountain streams to the fields (08:26).
• When the first crops face destruction by a biblical-scale plague of crickets and grasshoppers, the community organizes for prayer (08:49–09:47).

“Order the church sexton and the elders to give the signal for prayer. Then down on your knees to ask God’s help in this, our great time of need.”
— Brigham Young (G), 09:36

• The arrival of seagulls, who eat the insects, is interpreted as divine intervention, leading to the protection of the bird by law (10:12–10:52).

“I want a law passed that from now on, the seagull, that beautiful, graceful bird which has saved this valley from destruction, will be protected. And anyone who kills one of those birds will merit instant punishment.”
— Brigham Young (G), 10:52

f. Legacy of Brigham Young and Utah’s Statehood

• In a reflective conversation as his life nears its end, Young expresses gratitude for witnessing his people’s achievements and the transformation of the land (11:24–12:17).
• He charges John Taylor and others to continue working for Utah's statehood (12:20).

“Yes, John, mine has been a full life and I have few regrets. Utah is now a territory of the United States of America. You and the others must work now toward the culmination of that dream, John. The granting of full statehood to our Utah.”
— Brigham Young (G), 12:17–12:20

• The episode closes with the announcement of Utah’s admission to the Union as the 45th state in 1896, symbolized by the state’s “beehive” and motto: “Industry” (12:40).

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3. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Joseph to Hyrum on Succession: “God will guide our people in their choice. But my successor will be a strong man and a devout man, a man of great enterprise who will be humble before God.” (B, 02:28)
• Brigham on Perseverance: “Courage, men, courage. God has sustained us thus far. He will not forsake us now.” (G, 04:52)
• Miracle of the Gulls: “The sea gulls were sent by God... I want a law passed that from now on, the seagull... will be protected.” (G, 10:36; 10:52)
• Brigham’s Reflection: “Yes, John, mine has been a full life and I have few regrets.” (G, 12:17)
• Statehood Aspiration: “You and the others must work now toward the culmination of that dream, John. The granting of full statehood to our Utah.” (G, 12:20)

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4. Timestamps for Important Segments

• Introduction and Martyrdom – 00:02 to 03:18
• Brigham Young’s Ascension – 03:18 to 04:24
• Journey West – 04:24 to 06:25
• Discovery of Salt Lake Valley – 06:25 to 06:49
• Settlement and Irrigation – 07:21 to 08:26
• Plague of Crickets & Miracle of the Gulls – 08:49 to 10:52
• Young’s Legacy and Utah’s Statehood – 11:12 to 12:40

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5. Language and Tone

The episode is dramatic, reverent, and full of conviction, employing stirring narration and heartfelt dialogue that emphasizes faith, resilience, and divine providence amid adversity. The emphasis on communal prayer, miraculous aid, and determined leadership gives the story its inspirational tone.

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In Summary

“Frontier Fighters – Ep12: Brigham Young” provides a compelling, dramatized account of the Mormon trek West, Brigham Young’s leadership, and the founding of Salt Lake City. Through hardship, ingenuity, and steadfast faith, the pioneers turn the desert into a thriving state. Memorable moments include the symbolic miracle of the seagulls, Brigham Young’s personal reflections, and the fulfillment of statehood—underscoring the enduring spirit of the “frontier fighters.”

Transcript

[A]

Frontier fighters. Frontier fighters. Dramatic recitals of the early pioneers who explored and settled the Far West. One of the most noted, one of the most courageous of these, was Brigham Young, successor to Joseph Smith, founder and president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or Mormons, in the jail at Carthage, Illinois, June 27, 1844. Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum have voluntarily surrendered to the authorities and await trial for charges arising from the teachings of their church.

[B]

My fear, Hiram, that this is the end.

[C]

Joseph, my brother, what crime did we or our followers commit that the Gentiles persecute us this way?

[B]

My vision and the revelation, Hyrum, of the Book of Mormon, equal in our faith with the Bible.

[C]

Yet that mob outside has decreed our death. Joseph, who will be our people's temporal and spiritual leader after you're gone?

[B]

God will guide our people in their choice. But my successor will be a strong man and a devout man, a man of great enterprise who will be humble before God.

[D]

Look, Joseph, look. That mob of men, they're coming close to the jail. Their faces are blackened.

[B]

Yes, Hiram, I see. Ah, time draws near. Remember Paul's message to the Ephesians, Hiram. Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself.

[A]

The news of the double murder of Joseph and Hyrum Smith reached Brigham Young while he was in England doing missionary work. But upon hearing of Joseph Smith's death, he returned to Nauvoo, Illinois, and was elected to succeed Joseph Smith. Persecution of the Mormons continued with unbated fury. Then, early in 1846, it was decided that the entire community would migrate to the Far West. But first, a party of trailblazers must prepare the way. The start was made in April. There were one hundred and forty three persons in the advance party, including three women and two children. Brigham Young himself was captain. June 1846, along the Missouri river on the nation's frontier.

[E]

Glory to God, Brigham. I feel like a new man.

[F]

So do I, Orson Pratt.

[G]

But the hardest part of our journey is still ahead of us. Our destination lies in a valley where all will be peaceful and quiet. A valley of hope. Our promised land.

[A]

Across the great plains and deserts plunged the brave group, the vanguard of an exodus which became one of the greatest events in history. Not even the rugged and forbidding Rocky Mountains could bar the way of these stalwarts, to whom suffering was something to be born with inspiring fortitude. Then, July 21, 1847.

[G]

How much farther must we journey, Brigham, before we reach The Promised Land.

[H]

We are spent. We hunger and thirst.

[G]

Courage, men, courage. God has sustained us thus far. He will not forsake us now. Remember the words of our scripture from.

[A]

The Book of Mormon.

[G]

There are many kingdoms. For there is no space where there is no kingdom. Remember those precious words, my brothers, for their application is to the temporal life.

[F]

As well as to the spiritual.

[H]

He's right. Our leader is right. Let's go on to the Promised Land. How far have we traveled?

[G]

About 1500 miles.

[I]

But I feel that we are very.

[G]

Close to our destination.

[H]

Where are Orson Cat and the Rast Snow? I haven't seen them for several days.

[G]

High in those mountains over yonder. I sent them there to make a survey of the land ahead.

[A]

Careful, Snow.

[E]

One fall step and you'll find yourself on those rocks down there.

[C]

I'll be careful, Fred. Here, you give me a hand. How much higher must we climb before we get to the top of this mountain?

[E]

See that bench up there just over our heads?

[C]

You mean that flat place like a big stone tabletop?

[E]

That's as near to the summit as we dare go. But once up on that bench, we can see for miles around. Or the rest of it.

[C]

No, let's keep going.

[E]

Here we are, Snow. Practically on the roof of the world.

[C]

In the eaves anyway. Look, Orson. Down in yonder valley. All that land and that great body of water.

[D]

It's our valley, our destination. Praise God.

[C]

The promised Land.

[A]

The spearhead of the party entered the valley the same day that Snow and Pratt made their discovery. President Young and the rest of The Wayfarers arrived July 24. A site was chosen, and one of the first buildings to be erected was a fort of 10 acres built of adobe and logs. That winter and early the next year, the rest of the emigrants arrived from winter quarters in Nebraska, where they had found asylum from their Illinois enemies. Soon there were thousands of persons in Salt Lake Valley. Food was scarce. The hunters and fur trappers in the surrounding mountains were skeptical of the success of the project.

[H]

Ink them. Settlers down in the valley is gonna starve to death.

[I]

You're dead right. Presser can't grow nothing in that hole.

[H]

Look at him. Plowing, digging, planting, working like the beavers I catch in my traps. And like them same beavers, they're gonna be catched too.

[I]

I wonder what that party's doing up on what those settlers have named their city Creek.

[H]

I see em carrying lumber and digging a long ditch toward the dry fields.

[I]

Yes, they've been at it for weeks. More foolishness. More useless digging. And hauling.

[D]

What?

[I]

Why, no, it ain't. No, it ain't. Look, Presser.

[F]

Look, my cracky.

[H]

They're turning the course of the creek. There's mountain water running into that ditch.

[I]

Why, they're going to cover their fields with that creek water.

[H]

You call that foolishness?

[I]

No, no, I take it all back. I swallow my words. You can't get ahead of Illinois folks. And you see, Presser, I'm from Illinois myself.

[A]

By flooding the half baked soil of Salt Lake Valley with mountain water, Brigham Young became a pioneer in agricultural irrigation. The abundant supply of water soon made the dry, dead soil green with waving crops. Industry and perseverance transformed the desert into a garden. Then came the time to harvest the wheat, oats, corn and other grain.

[D]

Brigham. Brigham.

[G]

Here I am, Heber, looking up in the sky, same as you are.

[D]

What's that coming? That big black cloud blotting out the sun?

[G]

They're crickets, Heber. Millions of them. See, here are the scouts. They're attacking our wheat, our corn, our garden.

[D]

Look, they're falling into the water ditches. They're choking up the flow.

[G]

Unless providence intervenes, we perish.

[D]

Black pestilential death. Brigham. Look, man. Grasshoppers too. It's a locust plague of the Bible, only worse. Crickets and grasshoppers crack.

[G]

Horse and crack.

[D]

Here I am, Brigham, shoveling crickets and grasshoppers out of this ditch.

[G]

Craig, you send word to keep all the women indoors. Send riders to the outlying farms to keep the ditches open at all costs.

[D]

All women and children and dogs. It's getting dark as night, Brigham. There's a thick blanket of insects between us and God's heaven. What shall we do?

[G]

Do matter? Where's our faith in God? Order the church sexton and the elders to give the signal for prayer. Then down on your knees to ask God's help in this, our great time of need.

[D]

Pray, everyone. Pray for deliverance from this black insect.

[G]

Lord God of hosts, thou who has delivered thy people from our enemies and hast guided us to this place, deliver us from this plague of insects which is about to destroy the faithful of thy holy city. Amen.

[I]

Amen.

[G]

Brigham. Brigham. Brother Young, look towards the west.

[I]

Towards the west.

[G]

Birds. Thousands of birds. Hungry birds. Look at them catching insects in the air. But they're seagulls. They're seagulls all right, and mighty hungry. Just see them devour those crickets and grasshoppers, Brigham.

[D]

The gulls have saved us. Birds against insects. And the birds are winning.

[G]

The sea gulls were sent by God. Eva when the work of clearing the field has been done, I want all the elders called to account.

[D]

Of course, Brigham, but have you any special objects?

[F]

Yes.

[G]

I want a law passed that from now on, the seagull, that beautiful, graceful bird which has saved this valley from destruction, will be protected. And anyone who kills one of those birds will merit instant punishment.

[A]

Time and providence were good to the men and women of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. And in 1877, Brigham Young talks to John Taylor, senior apostle of the Mother Church.

[G]

Done.

[F]

My time to move on to another mansion is near. My work will soon be finished. And a great work it has been. Well. Yes. Yes, John. I am grateful for the privilege of leading our people to this beautiful valley. I am grateful for the privilege of a prolonged life so that I might see the fulfillment of so many of my dreams. I have seen colonists from our church scattered wide, settling other valleys, irrigating them, making homes.

[G]

I have seen sawmills, tanneries, mercantile stores.

[F]

Mines brought into being, nurtured by our people. Yes, John, mine has been a full life, and I have few regrets.

[G]

Utah is now a territory of the.

[F]

United States of America. You and the others must work now toward the culmination of that dream, John. The granting of full statehood to our Utah.

[A]

Exactly 20 years later, Brigham Young's final dream came true. January 4, 1896, President Grover Cleveland signed an act of the United States Congress admitting Utah into the Union as the 45th state, her great seal typifying the progressive spirit of her people. Bearing a beehive and the one word industry, another stimulating chapter dedicated to those men and women to whom we owe a debt we can never repay. The frontier fighters.