TEXT: Possibly “settlements”.

There was apparently no settlement named Independence in Oregon at this time; present-day Independence, Polk County, Oregon, was not settled until June 1845. Instead of referring to an actual location, Dunham may have meant this as an evasive response that used a generic place name or he may have meant it as an ironic statement, understood by the missionaries but not the questioners, that the Mormons were going to find their independence in Oregon. (Genealogical Material in Oregon Donation Land Claims, vol. 1, p. 49, no. 1218; “Townsites,” 18.)

Genealogical Material in Oregon Donation Land Claims. Compiled by Genealogical Forum of Portland, Oregon. 5 vols. Portland: Genealogical Forum of Portland, Oregon, 1957–1975.

“Townsites.” Historically Speaking 1 (1967): 17–19. Historically Speaking is published by the Polk County, Oregon, Historical Society. Copy at FHL.

The next day Spencer procured a wagon, a horse, a mule, and related supplies. Spencer and Charles Shumway drove the wagon to the Seventies Hall. That evening Spencer and John S. Fullmer visited Brigham Young, apparently to report on the completion of their labors. (Spencer, Diary, 22–23 Apr. 1845.)

Spencer, Daniel. Diaries, 1845–1857. CHL.