Pioneers Close to My Heart

This could be a longer list, but in the spirit of Ogden Pioneer Days, I will make it fast and keep it simple.  The 24th is a fun, inspiring holiday here in Utah, commemorating the arrival of the first group of pioneers in 1847.  So, statewide it’s called “Days of ‘47” — a tradition of parades, rodeos, and fireworks.

Brigham Young, their fearless leader and great settlement planner of the West

“Brigham headed the vanguard company of 1847, but then after only staying in the valley for a short time, he returned to Winter Quarters and returned the next year with another large company containing most of his family.”

history.churchofjesuschrist.org

Charles C. Rich, an Apostle and a leader in the second group

George Q. Cannon and his siblings also came across the plains in the second group, arriving the first of October.  ( I need to review that history.)

“On August 26, 1860, at age 33, George Q. Cannon was ordained an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Thirteen years later, he was called as an additional counselor in the First Presidency to Brigham Young. He continued his service in this calling and was a loyal and trusted counselor to Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, and Lorenzo Snow.”

history.churchofjesuschrist.org

John Taylor, George Q’s uncle who taught the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Cannon Family in Liverpool, England, 1840

Ira Nathaniel Hinckley, called by President Brigham Young in April 1867, to build strategic Cove Fort at Cove Creek, central Utah

My family and I are grateful for our pioneer heritage.  We honor the women, men, and children who endured the trek west “with faith in every footstep”.

Cove Fort Days sesquicentennial, 5 August 2017