Ann Wiltshire

Ann Wiltshire is the sixth of seven children born to William Wiltshire and Elizabeth Ann Chadney, both from England. After the family immigrated to America and preparing to journey west with other members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, William (Ann’s father) drowned in the Missouri River on May 26. Elizabeth (Ann’s mother) took their seven children and joined the John Tidwell Company to trek the Salt Lake Valley.

Exhaustive travel conditions, disease, injury, lack of food and medicine, prematurity, and extreme weather were some of the greatest threats to pioneers. While the company was in Nebraska, 3-year-old Ann got diarrhea. She was in pain for hours and passed away. She is buried in Nebraska, not far from Chimney Rock.

From the company journal by Charles Sansom: “27th Started about 8 A.M. The sun shone on us without mercy, but we traveled on until near noon, then rested on the bank of the river, Sister [Ann] Wiltshire’s child [Ann] died this morning and was buried at noon. It only took sick last night – The air is so clear that we can see a great distance – We are now camped opposite Chimney Rock”

From the journal of George K. Bowering: “July 27th Tuesday At 7h 35m a. m. on the roll. At 10h 20m a m. the pale Monster again visited the camp took with him Ann Wiltshire who was slain by Diarrhaie after laying eight hours, was buried about seven miles this side of Chimney Rock Aged 3 years 7 months.”