Martha Matilda Busenbark

Martha Matilda Busenbark is the nineth of twelve children born to Isaac Busenbark and Abigail Manning. In May 1842, Isaac, his wife Abigail, and three children were baptized members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by John Smith, uncle of the Prophet Joseph Smith, in May 1842.

The family moved to Nauvoo, Illinois where the body of the church was located and lived there for about four years. It was there that Martha Matilda was born on the January 1, 1843. After forced to leave Nauvoo, the family lived a short time at Sugar Creek, Iowa, then moved on to Winter Quarters. In 1852, Martha's mother, Abigail, and her baby brother died in Winter Quarters from disease.

According to Family Search and Ancestry, Martha is listed as having passed away on 1 January 1852 in Winter Quarters. On the Pioneer Overland Trails website it says that she died “in route” with the company they traveled west with.

Martha and her family journeyed west with the David Wood Company bound for the Great Salt Lake Valley. Martha, 9-years-old, is on the Company’s roster. It is assumed that she died and is buried along the Mormon Trail West.