"Faithful and Fearless: Major Howard Egan - Early Mormonism and the Pioneering of the American West"

by William G. Hartley

"Faithful and Major Howard Egan - Early Mormonism and the Pioneering of the American West" is the first scholarly biography to be published on one of the great frontiersman of the American West, Major Howard Egan. Written by award-winning historian William G. Hartley, this 619 page book is a well-researched and engaging history of Egan's riveting, often dangerous, exciting, and remarkable life experiences. Hartley goes far beyond a simple biographical sketch of Egan. He brings history alive in this fact-filled story of Egan and the key role he played in the development of early Mormonism and the American West. Known to be fearless and dependable, Egan was not one to shrink from danger or duty and was often called upon by leaders to do what most could not or would not do. His life experiences were wide and varied and he played and held key roles and positions in major historical events during the mid-19th century. An original 1847 Mormon Pioneer, Gold Rush participant, cattle drover, Utah War ammunition supplier and officer, trail blazer, Superintendent of the Overland Mail and Stagecoach, and Pony Express Superintendent and rider, his 63 years of life were "characterized by numerous acts of heroism and many hair-breath escapes." Howard Egan's three journals largely preserved in "Pioneering the West" are vital sources of history of the American West and are widely used by historians today. His impact on the American West is immeasurable. One of his most significant achievements was locating and making usable a vital central trail route from Salt Lake City to California south of the Great Salt Lake. "Egan's Trail," then road, became the major western wing route for the Pony Express and the overland stage coach. Open your copy and get ready to "tag along with Egan while he engages in exciting, dangerous, and dynamic developments in early Mormonism and the early American West." Description by Catherine Sloan Blake, Howard Egan Biography LLC

619 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excerpt from my Amazon review: This is an impressively comprehensive look at a prominent figure in the history of Utah and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Equally comprehensive is its treatment of the history of the region, with in-depth descriptions of major events, trade, mail service, and more. Several things stand out immediately to me. First is the obvious quantity of research that went into this book. As I said, this is both biography and regional history, and the amount of information we learn about the region makes for much greater understanding of Howard Egan in context. At over 500 pages before the bibliography and index, author William Hartley did his homework and then some. Second is Hartley’s ability to relate a good story. History and biography done well are built around stories that engage the reader and give humanity to the figures beyond the facts. Another feat centers around the fact that this book was commissioned by descendants of Howard Egan. It would have been easy for Hartley to write a hagiography of Egan, yet while he admires much about his subject, he never descends into idealization. Further, unlike a number of biographers and historians, when Hartley isn’t sure about something, especially if it involves motive, thought, or conclusion, he refuses to write with certainty. Here’s what he says in his preface: “My narrative cautiously uses such introductory terms as “perhaps,” “possibly,” “most certainly,” “very likely,” and “no doubt,” in situations where such seem justifiable.” I think it builds credibility with the readers.
The last third or so of the book is given to the exposition of its subtitle, the pioneering of the American West. It is here that we see the stories of how the Pony Express was started, and how significant Howard’s role was, even though he is rarely given that credit. Likewise, Hartley shows us that Howard should receive top-billing in his exploring and creating a central trail route between Salt Lake City and California, but like the Pony Express, mainstream histories rarely even mention him. Since most historical entries on Howard often emphasize his killing his wife’s lover, I appreciated Hartley’s adding more to our understanding of his nature after that. Consequently, we read of what Hartley calls his ‘sense of fairness and generosity,” even his “cautious compassion for Native Americans.” The final pages are a call for historians and the general reading public to better appreciate the contributions of Howard Egan to this time in our history, and a nod to the great work the Egan family has done over the years to maintain that appreciation. As one trained in social science research and having taught American history for a number of years, I can confidently say that both serious and casual students of early Mormon history and the making of western America will find this book one of the most valuable they can read.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Major Howard Egan is Vikki's great-great-great grandfather on her mother's side (descended from Howard & Tamson's second son, Richard Erastus Egan). So, I read this book so I could tell her awesome stories about Howard Egan. There are some pretty awesome stories. One blockbuster in Mormon history that I did not know about. I won't give any spoilers. I have always been drawn to exploring Utah's West Desert and the Pony Express Trail. This book just gave me more ghost towns to search out. I have yet to explore the west side of the Deep Creek Range, where Howard Egan and sons set up a Pony Express Station, Stagecoach Station, Telegraph Station, large ranch and mining operations. I highly recommend this book to anyone with any interest in Mormon history, the West Desert or Pony Express.

[David Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of my Grandfather's great grandfather. My guess is this would not be nearly as interesting to non descendants, but I was riveted by the stories of his multiple journeys to Utah, California and back, how he murdered the lover of his first wife (one of Utah's first murder cases), then took her back, ending his other three marriages.

[Devan Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful biography of a pioneering Latter-day Saint who had an oversized impact on the settlement of the West, particularly the mail route between California and Utah Territory. Excellent writing and selections of maps!

[Nathan Tibbitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Howard was chill