Truman Milton Leonard

Truman Milton Leonard is the second of twelve children born to Truman Leonard Jr. and Ortentia White, both of New York. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Truman and Ortentia were living in Nauvoo when they met and were married in January 1846. Their first child was born and died in Winter Quarters.

They were living in Iowa when a second child was born, a son named after his father, Truman Milton Leonard. The family joined the William Snow / Joseph Young Company to travel with other Saints to the Great Salt Lake Valley. While waiting for the company to begin the journey west, Truman passed away. He is buried in Linn County, Iowa. The company left for Utah June 21, 1850.

Truman and Orentia were saddened to leave two little ones behind. Truman loved children and as a company captain while crossing the plains, it was said he was among the kindest and biggest hearted to the old and young. He would gather up as many of the little sore-footed children as he had room for and would haul them a few miles. He would then unload them and gather another group that were tired. The children would scamper into his arms to be lifted to the ground in order to make room for others to ride. They never murmured; just happy to trudge on again so others could ride.

Truman loved children and honored the memory of his sons by helping other children on the journey west.