The Fate of Erastus Rudd

On November 17, 1933, Miss Jean Rudd of Denver, Colorado addressed a letter to "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," seeking to locate in Utah or in some of the Church descendants, information of her great-great-grandfather, John Rudd whose widow and children were said to have become Mormons. In the lettter she said, "it is said that Erastus, one of the sons, lost his life in a dispute with Joseph Smith. Such an accusation would bear investigating. A search of Church History told an entirely different story. Under date of June 25, 1834, Joseph Smith recorded in his journal:

"When the cholera made its appearance (in Zion's Camp in Missouri), Elder John S. Carter was the first man who stepped forward to rebuke it, and upon this, was instantly seized, and became the first victim in the camp. He died about six o'clock in the afternoon; and Seth Hitchcock died about 30 minutes afterwards. Erastus Rudd died about the same moment, although half a mile distant. He was buried by Jesse Smith, George A. Smith and two or three others. While burying him, Jesse Smith was attacked with cholera. As it was impossible to obtain coffins, the bretheren would roll the corpse in a blanket and carry it on a horse sled about a half mile and burry it on the bank of a small stream, which emptied into Rush Creek. All was accomplished by dark. When they returned from the burial, the brethren unitedly covenanted and prayed, hoping the disease would be stayed. But in vain for while thus covenanting, Elder Wilcox died and while some were digging that grave, others stood sentry with their fire arms watching for thier enemies."

This quotation was sent to Miss Rudd, who replied, "I am very glad to get the straight of the story of the death of Erastus Rudd. The story as I had it was given in Miss Kellers's letter:

"Erastus Rudd was shot by Joseph Smith. A neighbor left Erasus and Joseph Smith talking, and when he returned in two hours, he found only a grave where Erastus had stood."

It is easy to see how such a tale might have arisen since in those days it was necessary that the victim of cholera be buried quickly and without ceremony. And enemy might make much of such a hurried burial.