40 Years Among the Indians

by Daniel W. Jones

Enjoy this Dan Jones' classic which contains a fast-paced narrative of his many journeys across the American West, the difficult and sometimes secret jobs he did for Brigham Young, his adventures with Indians and outlaws, and finally his perilous missionary journey into Old Mexico.

Genres: Biography, History

313 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2004

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Daniel Webster Jones was an American and Mormon pioneer.

For the doctor, see Daniel W. Jones.

Reviews

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

1890 autobiography of frontier scout and Mormon convert Daniel Webster Jones. The book’s title is a bit misleading in that its scope extends beyond Jones’s time with the Indians to cover a life spent serving the LDS Church, from Wyoming to Mexico. Jones endures incredible hardship throughout, battling starvation, winter storms, hostile Indians, cattle rustlers, jealous miners, con men, and assorted n’er-do-wells. If FORTY YEARS stands out from other period accounts of the American West, it is in its sympathetic account of Indians and Mexicans (reported to be the true descendants of the Israelites.) Jones writes with a wry, self depreciating humor that makes for an entertaining read.

[Benjamin Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical record by a true pioneer

I loved the simple way Daniel told his story and how adamantly he held on to his faith despite so many traitors around him. As I am in Mesa, I really enjoyed his descriptions of old Arizona as well

[Winslow Morrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A weird history

The books is at times confusing. I didn’t know enough about Utah history to grasp every concept. If anything, it strengthened my testimony in Brigham young and gave me a greater insight as to what it was like to live as a Mormon settler.

[Waysidewreaths · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a history lover. This is one of my favorite historical accounts of the Latter-day-Saints.

[Ebook Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, the e-book version can be found at:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/fort...

[Chelsea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some parts were interesting, but overall it was just OK. The person who gave me this book told me that the writing was poor, and I can agree with that since this was his own biography that he wrote. But it was her relative and that's why she recommended it.

The parts that were interesting were: 1. When he had to stay out all winter to watch the supplies on the plains and had no food hardly. 2. His mission to Mexico. and 3. His dealings with the Indians and how he always seemed to make friends with them. It really made clear what it was like to settle early Utah.

So as far as an entertaining book, it was OK. But it's great for family history!

[Samuel Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel W. Jones converted to Mormonism as a young man in the 19th Century. He wasn't among the immigrants to Utah from the Eastern US or from Europe. He was already living in the West. This book is his autobiography and it is full of interesting insights into frontier life and of the early Mormon challenges of colonization in the Inter-Mountain region. There are saints and sinners here. Jones, himself, fits neither category. But in his candor - and his admittedly biased accounts - one sees a realistic life of many cultures trying to work things out. There are several first hand encounters with Brigham Young that are noteworthy. A worthwhile book for Western history buffs.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Mormon convert in early Utah history and advocate throughout his adult life for the Native Americans, this autobiography truly was a remarkable read. Unfortunately as a modest autobiography I found his adventures and hardships incredibly understated, but I appreciate his candor and wit throughout. Initially read for family history reasons as Jones is a great-great-great grandfather, I found this a powerful story of loyalty to God and His church when it may have seemed at various times, that both had abandoned him.

[timv · Rating 4 out of 5]

great western USA History. First-person recollections that are this early are hard to come by. But give me a insight into Mormon life in the beginnings of the Utah territory. It's especially rare to find a first person account by a white author of this time period Who does not detest and Belittle the local Indian population.

[Denise Bohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting personal account during the early years in Utah. I liked hearing the stories from this mans view point.

I liked hearing this mans personal story from the pioneer days. He was one of the rescuers when the pioneers got stuck in the bad winter storm. New insights that I hadn't realized.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great book. I loved every page. I would recommend to anyone. The author relates interesting stories regarding American Indians, Mexicans, and early Mormon history in Utah.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating, rough around the edges personal account of pioneer life in the southwest. I read the Project Gutenberg/Mormon Texts Project edition here: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/46521

[Marydcollett · Rating 4 out of 5]

First hand historical account of life in the time of the pioneers. Written by my great, great, great grandpa.

[Theodore Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great firsthand account of the relationships of pioneers with the tribes of natives from someone who saw things from both points of view as a translator and sympathetic with both sides.