The Light That Comprehendeth

Archibald McPhail — A sub-captain of the Willie-Handcart Company, Archibald McPhail was responsible for the welfare of 20 other pioneers. Two women continually lagged behind. After struggling through the snow all day, the company sought refuge at Rock Creek Hollow. Archibald discovered that only one woman had made it to camp that night, and so ventured out alone to retrieve the one now missing. He found her on the other side of a creek, but was unable to convince her to cross. Archibald crossed over the ice, slung the woman over his back, and was carrying her across when he fell through. He struggled back to camp with his charge. Archibald’s daughter recalled, “By the time they returned to camp [Archibald’s] clothing was frozen on him and he was taking heavy chills. The air was cold and wet and the men were so weak and hungry they could not go in search of dry wood to make a fire; so without anything warm to eat or drink, he was placed in a cold bed.” Archibald later passed away.