James Kirkwood

James Kirkwood is the fifth of six children born to Thomas Kirkwood and Margaret Campbell, both of Scotland. James’ father, Thomas, passed away in Scotland in 1852. His mother and four sons immigrated from Scotland to America with other members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After arriving in America, they joined the James Willie Handcart Company to travel to the Salt Lake Valley.

Exhaustive travel conditions, disease, injury, lack of food and medicine, premature birth, and extreme weather were some of the greatest threats to pioneers. Cholera, a bacterial disease caused from contaminated water, infected many of the travelers. Furthermore, the handcart company departed late in the season, subjecting the Saints to little food, cold and snowstorms.

Thomas, a brother of James, suffered an accident when he was young and it was difficult for him to walk, so he rode in the handcart. James was assigned to ensure his 5-year-old brother kept up with the rest of the pioneers. However, when the company arrived at Rocky Ridge, Joseph’s feet had been frozen and he was unable to walk. With no room in the handcart, James carried his brother 15 miles to their campsite. When his arms got tired, he put his brother down and rested. In the early hours of October 24, 1856, 11-year-old James finally made it to camp where his mother and brothers waited for them with a warm fire.

The excursion was too much for James' starving, weakened body. When he got to camp, he put Joseph down, sat next to his mother and passed away. He was one of twelve pioneers who died from exposure and overexertion. They were buried in a circular grave at Rock Creek Hollow, Wyoming.

Severe snowstorms, limited food, and temperatures were near zero and below caused the deaths of many Saints in this handcart company.