William McDonald Heaton

William McDonald Heaton is the son of William Heaton and Esther Beilby, both born in England. Parents William and Esther immigrated to America with two children, Christopher and a 2-week-old son, William McDonald.

The family joined the Daniel D. McArthur Handcart Company of 1856 to journey west to the Salt Lake Valley with other members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. William McDonald was tiny and fragile. Members of the company suffered from illness and little food. The survivors arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on 26 September 1856. From his mother’s history, “Esther did not lose him on the trail, but she lost him because of the trail.” He is buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.

According to Daniel McArthur, captain of the handcart company, he recorded: “Friday 26th Started from the Big Mountain at 5 O,clock[.] Stopped & had breakfast from 8½ till 12 O,’clock, opportunity was also given to the Saints for to get washed & get themselves cleaned up. Here also the Saints hearts was made to rejoice by a fresh supply of provisson being sent out from the vally by our beloved brother Brigham. The Company then rolled over the Little Mountain at the foot of which they were met by Brigham & his splendid escort, attended with music which tended to cheer & enliven & to drown their Sorrow from the difficulties which they had passed through. They were escorted through the city to the square where they arrived at sunset. Thus having completed the journey in 8 Weeks & 2 Days from Florence to Great salt Lake City[.] This day at the little Mountain William Heaton son of William & Christopher [Ester Beilby] Heaton died of inflamation of the Bowels.”

Little William McDonald Heaton is buried in the Salt Lake Cemetery.

In Esther's history, it said: “Esther did not lose him on the trail, but she lost him because of the trail.”