Ep 15. The Mormon's Grindstone

In the 15th episode of season 3 of Death Valley Days, titled "The Mormon's Grindstone," viewers are taken back to the Old West where a group of Mormon pioneers are attempting to settle in the area. The episode depicts their struggles as they face various challenges in trying to establish their community amidst a hostile environment.

The episode opens with a group of Mormons led by their elder, Jared Williams, who are on a journey to settle in the harsh desert area known as Death Valley. They face many challenges along the way, including a lack of water and food, as well as hostile encounters with bandits and Native Americans. Despite these challenges, they remain determined to establish their community and begin farming the land.

Upon their arrival, they encounter an unscrupulous landowner, Ezra Powers, who claims ownership of the land and demands that the Mormons pay him for the right to settle there. Despite their protests, the pioneers agree to pay the exorbitant fee in order to establish their community.

However, their hard-earned money is soon stolen by a group of bandits, leaving them without the resources they need to survive. In desperation, the Mormons turn to an old friend of Jared's, a blacksmith named John Anderson, who agrees to help them by providing them with a grindstone for their mill.

With the aid of the grindstone, the Mormons are finally able to begin grinding their own wheat and corn, and are able to establish themselves as successful farmers. However, their troubles are far from over, as they continue to face challenges and obstacles as they attempt to build their community and overcome the hardships of the harsh desert environment.

Overall, the episode provides a compelling and realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by pioneers in the Old West, and highlights the determination and resilience of those who sought to build a better life for themselves and their families. It is a poignant reminder of the hardships and sacrifices that were made in order to settle and establish the communities that we now take for granted.