mile creek, was effected some years later. Details connected with the organization of this company which didn't involve the interest and welfane of nearly so many people as either of the other two companies, will receive attention in later discussion. Inspired by God given light and counsel of Chunch leaders, the Pioneer Fathers in securing early claims to the waters of these streams, automatically stimulated growth and development and established lasting security for our community. Their wisdom and foresight in establishing water rights have been impressively demonstrated on more than one occasion in recent years when priority rights were upheld by courts after extensive litigation proceedings instituted by companies of upper valleys and others to have them set aside in favor of courts rejudicating claims and reallocating these waters to the various companies involved. Mill Creek (1918) Slaterville School & Church in background Four-Mile Creek -56- Chapter 6 HARVEST TIME Returning now to a consideration of activities in the small colony during the latter part of the year 1853; it is evident from available information that results of efforts of those who came here this year, aided by experiences of the three men who preceded them in 1852, were very encounaging. The harvest proved to be sufficient to supply needs of the colony and enough to spare to alleviate any suffering among those whom, it was anticipated, would join them the following yean. Among the greater or less yearly arrivals here, there were, as would be natural to expect under the existing conditions at that time, some in dire circumstances and only those who could render them assistance. Impressed with the way the virgin soil responded to crop production through faith and devotion of earnest toilers, those who joined the colony in 1853, after they were aided in getting located, became enthusiastic workers in advancing interests of the community. Additional land prepared to be cropped by those who had successfully produced in 1853 and that prepared by the new settlers more than doubled the acreage for crop production in 1854. Crops planted this year with hopes of continued success took root and flourished with spring showers during the early growing season. Hopes and aspirations of these sturdy toilers who rejoiced in prospects for a rich harvest were suddenly changed to gloom and almost despair when hoards of hoppers (locusts) like a dense cloud that obstructed the sun from view wended their way over green, waving fields of hay and grain, which in a short time were rendered desolate. This disater was not confined alone to the summer of 1854, but in 1855 paid agin its devastating visit to these faithful toilers who witnessed the second consecutive year destruction of fruits of untiring efforts to produce necess-ities of life, compelling them to enter a dreary winter with a scant supply of provisions that would have to be stretched to last until another harvest. After almost total loss of crops for two years, they were confronted with a drought in 1856 which greatly reduced production of hay and grain that year. Every kind of vegetation that would supply feed for stock was gathered and stacked. Fields were gleaned to get every kernel of grain if possible to add to the store of supplies for families. The on coming winter of 1856 and 1857 proved to be the most severe of any hither-to-known to Pioneers of this locality. Brush and even large willows were felled for stock for them to browse in order to stretch the scant supply of feed, but despite efforts that were made to save their stock, scores of animals died of starvation and people as well as animals suffered from food shortage. During the 1900's almost every member of the community was farming and tilling the soil to produce the food necessary to live on as well as to sell. -57-