JOHN WILLIAMS GUNNISON - (1812-1853) - Born Gashen,
New Hampshire, graduated from West Point (1837). Was
in Florida during Cherokee War; aided in transferring
Indians West. In Seminole Campaign, he served as
topographical engineer. Thereafter surveying and
exploring Utah, surveying Great Salt Lake in 1849-51.
Wrote valuable and impartial book on Mormons (1853).
Was in charge of exploration and survey of central
route for railroad from Mississippi River to Pacific,
but he and his party were massacred by Indians on
Sevier River in Utah.