Flash WAY back Friday

Yesterday we went to the Pioneer Day Parade here in Salt Lake with Fred. I was surprised that he didn't know that some of our ancestors came across the plains in the Martin Handcart Company. Then I realized many in the family don't know which of our ancestors were pioneers and when they crossed the plains. By the way, to be considered a "pioneer" they had to have arrived in Utah before the railroad in 1869.

Daniel Spencer/Perrigrine Sessions Company - arrived 24 September 1847


Brigham Young Company - arrived 20 September 1848

Warren Foote Company - arrived 17 September 1850


John G. Smith Company - arrived September 1851

Uriah Curtis Company - arrived 1 October 1852

John B. Walker Company - 2 October 1852

Also in the company were Mary's parents, William Champlin, 58 and Mary Ring Champlin, 58, as well as Stewart's father, John Dickson, 71. His mother, Mary Henderson Dickson died in Iowa.


Robert L. Campbell Company - arrived 28 October 1854

William and Sarah traveled all the way from England to Utah together, but they didn't marry until seven months later, 13 May 1855.


Unidentified Company - arrived 1855

James traveled to Utah a year ahead of his family so he could have a home ready for them when they arrived. His daughter, Mary Anne, crossed the ocean with the family to America but returned to England. His son, Joseph, died in Wyoming several days before the rescue parties found the group.

James Willie Handcart Company - arrived 9 November 1856

John and MaryAnn's 17 year old daughter, Eliza died of cholera while traveling to Utah.

Martin Handcart Company - arrived 30 November 1856

Sarah arrived with her mother, Mary Jarvis Crossley, 45, and her sisters. Her brother, Joseph died in Wyoming a few days before the company was trapped in Martin's Cove.


Ansel P. Harmon Company - arrived 5 October 1862

Unidentified Company - arrived 1863
Mary Ann Toms Holt, 64 and Robert Holt, 60. (No pictures)

People born in Utah before the railroad arrived are considered "Native Pioneers"