Thomas Alma Orton

Thomas Alma Orton was the third of five children born to John Orton Jr. and Mary Ann Ward, both from England. His parents were married in 1840.

The Orton family immigrated from England to America. Once in their new land, they joined the James W. Cummings Company in 1851 to travel with other members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Great 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. The journey was especially difficult for children. Among the little ones who did not make it to “Zion” was 1-year-old Thonmas Alma who died and is buried along the Mormon Trail.

Orson Pratt wrote regarding the journey: “Friday July 11th[.] the morning is Cool and a nice breese blowing from the North west but the Sky is Somewhat clouded But it has the appearance of a good day[.] Brother Orton’s Child is dead[.] it died with inflamation of the Chest[.] its name is Alma Thomas Orton aged 1 year and 2 months[,] Son of John and Mary Ann Orton[.] it died at 11.o.clock p.m. July 10th 1851[.]