President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, "We will always cherish our memories of the early Saints—their sacrifices, sorrows, and tears but also their courage, faith, and trust in the Lord as they too followed His prophet in their time."
Here's my tribute to some of my Pioneer ancestors.
Walter Eli Wilcox worked at the mill to prepare timbers being used in the construction of the Salt Lake City LDS Tabernacle. In the roof of the Tabernacle he helped wrap the wet rawhide around the wet timbers in the roofing project of the tabernacle. His wife, Amanda Hillam Wilcox migrated with her family from Liverpool and crossed the plains in the fourth wagon train of 1859.
Job and Susan Robbinson Sidwell arrived in Salt Lake City in 1847. They helped to settle Nephi Utah (Salt Creek). Susan is my great, great, great, great grandmother. One sonGeorge, crossed the plains at 16 years old and eventually fought in the Indian War. Another son, John, was asked to explore and to help find a cave large enough for the Saints if needed, to gather and hide from Johnson's Army. His sister, Margaret Ann Sidwell Sperry was at 18 yrs a teamstress from Winter Quarters to SLC.
How exciting it is to learn about those who have learned great lessons through their trials and triumphs. Each one who has gone before me, has helped to bless my life. Their life stories are incredible; I hope continue my search and learn from the past. Everyone has pioneers in their life. They don't have to cross the plains as an early Saint to be celebrated. As President Uchtdorf stated, "...today's modern-day Church pioneers who live in every nation and whose own stories of perseverance, faith, and sacrifice add glorious new verses to the great chorus of the latter-day anthem of the kingdom of God." Learn of your history while making your own "story".
