Each month the Newsletter will feature one of the essays from the Fourth Grade Pioneer Essay Contest sponsored annually by the Cotton Mission Chapter Sons of Utah Pioneers. This month’s essay is by David Beckstrand about his ancestor Jefferson Hunt.

CAPTAIN JEFFERSON HUNT OF THE MORMON BATTALION 

Captain Jefferson Hunt is my 5th great grandfather. He was captain of the regiment in the Mormon Battalion. He was a very brave man who led hundreds of people safely across the plains. He was a great leader and people loved him and trusted him. 

He had to fight in the Mexican War. As he took his company across the country they had many difficult problems such as; making new trail, fighting animals, and even meeting Indians. The Indians loved him and loved to trade with him. He was a very honest man. He was so honest that when he met up with the Mexicans they ended up trusting him and stopping the war. He was very brave for volunteering to leave his family to go to war. I think anyone who does that is an automatic hero. 

He was very trustworthy. People trusted him because he was honest. I think it is very important to be honest with everyone. I would not like it if people did not like me because I lied about something. Everyone loved him and he brought peace everywhere he went. 

After he was done serving in the war he came back home to Southern Utah to see how he could serve the Lord. Jefferson Hunt became a great leader again, this time as a Stake President for his church. He helped other pioneers travel to Southern Utah. Some of his pioneering service took place in Provo, Parowan, and Huntsville which was named after him. Someday I hope I can help other people just like he did, and become a great and honest citizen.  

It was fun for me to get to know more about Jefferson Hunt, my 5th great grandfather and read about all of his fun and exciting adventures. He was a great man. I hope I turn out just like him.