James Calvin Sly

In 1848, several men who had served in the Mormon Battalion were still working in California, waiting to proceed to the Valley of the Great Salt Lake as soon as a pass should open.

David Brewett was elected Captain, to pioneer, if possible, a wagon road of the Sierra, Nevada mountains eastward.

This company consisted of David Brewett, Captain Ira J. Willis, James C. Sly, Israel Evens, Jacob G. Truman, Esra Allen, J. R. Allred, Henderson Cox and Robert Pixton.

One day's travel took them back from snow to a warm spring atmosphere where flowers bloomed and vegetation was far advanced.

… Four days' travel over rough and rugged mountains took them across the summit, and they found themselves safely landed at the head of Carson Valley, Nevada.Sly married Susannah Gustin on March 25, 1849 in Great Salt Lake City.