The story of Ebenezer Thayne Jr.
Ebenezer Thayne Jr. and his family settled on the ground west of the highway at 70 South in Salt Lake. On 20 May 1862, Ebenezer filed for property for a homestead, covering 160.2 acres of ground. At this location, Ebenezer operated a “Traveler Inn” at the junction of 7200 South and State road. The establishment featured a large barn or stable, positioned where the intersection stands today. Adjacent to it was a spacious inn with numerous sleeping rooms on the second floor.
Travelers would arrive by stagecoach or wagons. Their horses would be unhitched, provided with hay and water, and then placed in stalls for the night. The passengers, on the other hand, were escorted into the Inn. They would gather around a large table, sharing meals and stories. After dinner, they would retire to the rooms upstairs for rest. It was at this location that Moroni was born on 25 Nov 1862, followed by Eliza on 15 Nov 1868. Tragically, Eliza passed away and was laid to rest near the Inn.
An interesting note from a document found in Richard G. Thayne’s desk drawer dated 13 Apr 1991 mentions a particular journey. On 24 Aug 1861, an Independent company of emigrating saints arrived in Salt Lake City. This group had departed from Florence, Nebraska on 7 June 1861 with 33 wagons and three carriages. The journey across the plains took them two months and seventeen days. Among the members of this company were John Johnson Thayne and his family, as well as Ebenezer Thayne and his family.
A Deseret News article from 26 Sep 1864 provided instructions to emigrants. It detailed the preparations required for the journey, emphasizing the importance of leaving behind unnecessary and heavy items. The wagons, procured in Cincinnati and Saint Louis, were transported by steamboat to the camping grounds. Each wagon was stocked with essential provisions, including flour, rice, beans, dried fruits, tea, vinegar, soap, and salt. These supplies, combined with milk from the cows and game caught on the plains, provided sustenance for the travelers.
Mary Nixon Bate, another traveler on the same wagon train, left behind a journal that is now housed in the Utah Historical Society. While the journal primarily focuses on her personal experiences, it provides a glimpse into the challenges faced by women during the journey. The impractical clothing they wore often led to accidents, with long skirts getting caught in wagon wheels or causing trips and falls. Wet clothing from river crossings also posed health risks.
Back in Salt Lake, Ebenezer Thayne Jr. continued to play a significant role in the community. However, as with many historical figures, there are gaps in our knowledge about his life and contributions. The hope is that with continued research and the sharing of family stories, a more complete picture of Ebenezer Thayne Jr.
