Rescue Me, Robert Taylor Burton

Describing the events of the 26th of November 1856, John Jacques of the Martin Handcart Company wrote:

“The next camp . . . was in a small canyon running out of the north side of Echo canyon, a few miles above the mouth of the latter. Here a birth took place, and one of the relief party generously contributed part of his under linen to clothe the little stranger. The mother [Sarah Squires] did quite as well as could have been expected, considering the unpropitious circumstances. So did the father, who subsequently became a prosperous merchant of this city. The little newcomer also did well, and was named Echo, in honor of the place of her nativity. She is still a resident of the territory, is a happy wife and mother, and lives in the north country.”

Robert T. Burton was the clerk of the first rescue party sent out from Salt Lake City to find the late immigrating companies. He was also a trusted assistant to Captain George D. Grant. Robert kept a meticulous record of the distribution of supplies, except when he literally gave the shirt off his own back to little newborn Echo Squires. This event was described in later years by his granddaughter, Lenore Gunderson:

“After he had distributed all the clothing, Robert noticed a mother whose newborn baby did not have sufficient clothing to keep it warm, so he took off his own homespun shirt and gave it to the mother to cover the baby.”

In sacrificing his own warmth for the comfort of the new baby, Robert exemplified the way he continued to live throughout his life. Among his final words of advice to his children before his death in 1907 was the admonition to “be kind to the poor.” Leading men of Utah who spoke at his funeral articulated Robert’s character in these words and phrases: “genial; charitable; a general in the army of right, in the army of truth and of love; integrity; love; honor; years filled with good works; tender-hearted; sympathetic; worthy of confidence; never false to God, to himself or to his fellow-man, friend or foe.”

James G Willie served a  mission in England, he was released in 1856. Like many missionaries returning home, he was asked to assist the converts who were emigrating from Europe so they could gather to Zion. His first assignment came from his mission president, Franklin D. Richards, who appointed him to preside over the 764 Saints who were sailing to America on the Thornton. By the time the shop departed from Liverpool on May 4, 1856, James Willie had been away from his wife and three young children for  nearly four years.

The company journal reported “light baffling air”or “baffling winds” three times during the second week on the ocean. These shifting winds, together with some headwinds, slowed the ship’s progress so much that drinking water had to be rationed. Robert Kirkwood described how James led the Saints in uniting their faith to seek divine help in this predicament: “A meeting was held on deck at which President Willie announced that we had made but little progress the past week. Although sailing pretty well, it had all been zig-zag owing to the winds. It was proposed that we hold a fast day on Tuesday…that we may pray to the Lord for more favorable winds.”

After a six-week voyage, the Thornton arrived in New York City on June14, 1856. Most of the Saints aboard the Thornton became members of the Willie handcart company.

~Tell My Story, Too — Jolene Allphin