One of our direct ancestors did not make it to Great Salt Lake City.
John Linford left this world at the Sixth Crossing of the Sweetwater in Wyoming, but his struggle to make it that far with the Willie Handcart Company in 1856 is an honored story insuring that every one of his descendants can be touched, with sorrow and pride. Our sojourn on this earth can be enriched by his story and the stories of his companions.
The Story of John’s family is one of hundreds from the Martin and Willie Handcart Companies that were recorded for posterity. Most of the hundreds of pioneers in these two snowbound handcart companies were rescued from certain peril at the last possible moment by several courageous rescuers.
You can read many of these stories by following the links in this post.
You can read about this human tragedy and the heartbreaking stories of overcoming unimaginable adversity in “their own words”:
Here is the James G. Willie Company (1856) page in the Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel Site. Take some time here and visit often. I am certain you will find gems of great value!
17 Miracles
Our ancestor John Linford was Grandpa Bloods great grandfather. In the movie, John Linford is the man Levi Savage gave his last portion of grain to before he died on the very morning that the rescuers found the saints.
Grandpa Kenneth Blood's own grandfather, James Henry Linford (son of John) was on a mission at the time and was not with the handcart company. He joined up with his mother and siblings in Salt Lake City 4 1/2 years later, arriving with the Ira Eldredge Company in 1861.
In Remembrance
One of the descendants paid for an engraving on a rock near the place where John died...
Cousin David Evans wrote and sings a song about our ancestors trying to get to Zion, called Utah Bloodlines. I think Dave has been singing since he was born. We can't thank Dave enough for all he does!