Lily Jane Lambourne

Lily Jane Lambourne is the daughter of William Lambourne Jr., and Martha Wernham, both of England. In 1853, the family immigrated to America from England and settled in Missouri where most of their children were born. Later, they joined the John D. Holliday Company with a quest to reach the Salt Lake Valley. The Company departed on July 16, 1866.

One month into the journey and after a 10-day illness, 9-month-old Lily Jane passed away. She is buried on the plains of Wyoming. Her father wrote this poem in her memory:

But cruel death had done its work

So died our Lilly Jane

As I kissed away her parting breath

And thought of her dear name

I knew that she was blessed

Our dearest Lilly Jane

We buried her by the wayside

On Laramie’s wild plain

And strewed her grave with flowers

Our darling Lilly Jane