Joseph D. Wilbur

Joseph D. Wilbur is the last of 12 children born to Elisha Wilbur of Massachusetts and Eunice Dennis from Rhode Island. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they had a desire to journey west to the Great Salt Lake Valley. However, before they began their trek, records indicate that Eunice died in 1851, possibly from childbirth. (Her name is not listed on a company roster.)

The Wilbur family joined the Eli B. Kelsey's Company to cross the plains. Exhaustive travel conditions, disease, injury, lack of food and medicine, prematurity, and extreme weather were some of the greatest threats to pioneers. It is unknown what caused the death of 14-month-old Joseph passed away. He is buried along the bank of a river in Nebraska.

From the diary of Evan Greene: “Aug 19 traveled about 14 miles & camped on the Bank of the river about 1/2 past 4 oclock & prepared to set tire. Bro. M[elvin]. Wilbers [Wilbur's] infant child [Joseph D. Wilbur] died.”