Description
Always the Best for Missouri
William Bert Simmons was born April 2, 1799, in New Hampshire. In 1827, he married Amanda Chipman and in 1836, both of them joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Soon they joined with the saints in Kirtland, Missouri, and Nauvoo. While in Nauvoo, William served as a member of the Nauvoo Legion and one of the Prophet’s lifeguards.
Eventually, William and Amanda settled in Bountiful. William farmed and produced molasses. According to the family records,
William [Bert] Simmons always had a fond hope that he would be among the chosen to go back and inhabit Missouri as it had been prophesied. He had been present and heard the Prophet Joseph Smith say that this people would also walk the streets of Nauvoo the Beautiful again in peace and safety. Bert had the personal conviction that he would return to those beautiful lands and he prepared himself both spiritually and materially. He sincerely prayed to his Heavenly Father for this great gathering, even that he hoped would come in his lifetime. Bert (as he was known) set aside funds, a new stout carriage, and the best harnesses and horses and ample provisions necessary when the call would come from the Church leaders to return to Missouri. He was able, willing, and ready for the return voyage and only awaited the call. He had built a special shed in which to store his carriage and protect his provisions from the elements. He would check his “Back to Missouri Equipment” on occasion to make sure that it was in the best of order. He would putter, re-paint, and repair; and do what was necessary to keep everything in top condition for the expected and anticipated journey. When his old wagon wore out, Bert would use the stored wagon or provisions and buy new equipment for storage. Always the newest and best were stored, and he kept rotating these things for years. “Always the best for Missouri” was his oft repeated slogan. The same was true for his horses. He always kept the best animals in good shape so that they could make the hurried trip. He always kept them well shod, grained and groomed and in the best condition. Some folks gossiped and made jokes about Brother Simmons’ team and stored provisions. When asked if he was doing it all for naught, he always replied, “I heard the Prophet’s voice and I am ready!” Sometimes, on very special occasions, Bert would use his prized animals and wagon, but for the most part they simply stood at ready.
Then came the Fall of 1856, and word reached Salt Lake of hundreds of emigrants stranded on the high plains of Wyoming. When President Brigham Young issued the urgent call for rescuers it had a profound effect on William Bert Simmons. One of his descendants wrote,
“To Grandpa Simmons, the plight of the handcart companies held special concern. He had experienced the open plains which provided no protection from the bitter cold and driving snow. His cattle had frozen to death as he and his family had huddled together in blankets lying in the bed of their wagon with the scant protection of canvas between them and the storm as they awaited the expiration of the ferocious wind and snow.”
With that news, Bert took his cherished Missouri wagon and team, consecrated it to the rescue, loaded it up, and went to Wyoming with the first companies to go.
May we always be that ready to answer a Prophet’s call.
copyright Glenn Rawson 2022
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.