Mormon Trail Center Tells the Story of Mormon Migration to Utah: Down and Backers

 Starting in 1860 the Down and Backer wagon teams were used to facilitate the westward migration.  No longer would immigrants need to supply wagon or handcart.  There would be church sponsored teams sent out from Utah in the Spring.  They would pick up the immigrants at the staging point for that year.  (This changed based on where the terminus of the grain might be.). The teams and wagons were provided by the different wards.  Usually young men would be called by the wards to drive the teams.  When the transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869 there was no longer a need for wagon companies.  

There is a song that the down and backers use to sing, Whoa Haw Buck and Jerry Boy.

Whoa Haw Buck and Jerry Boy

With a merry little jig and a happy little song
     Whoa Haw Buck and Jerry Boy
We trudge our way the whole day long
     Whoa Haw Buck and Jerry Boy
Look at us now all covered with dust
It's better than staying home to rust
We'll make Salt Lake someday or bust
     Whoa Haw Buck and Jerry Boy

There's a pretty little gal in the outfit ahead
     Whoa Haw Buck and Jerry Boy
Wish she was by my side instead
     Whoa Haw Buck and Jerry Boy
Look at her now with a pout on her lips
As daintily with her finger tips
She picks for the fire some buffalo chips
     Whoa Haw Buck and Jerry Boy

Well we dance all night by the light of the moon
     Whoa Haw Buck and Jerry Boy
To the fiddler's best and only tune
     Whoa Haw Buck and Jerry Boy
Holding her hand and stealing a kiss
Never a step to the dance we miss
Never did I know a love like this
     Whoa Haw Buck and Jerry Boy