Description

Barnard’s Boots

Barnard was born in Great Britain and, from his earliest days, taught and dressed to be a gentleman of breeding. His mother prided herself on that. Then in July 1855, dressed in a new broadcloth suit and silk hat, 15 year-old Barnard set sail for the United States. He would go first, and the rest of the family would follow.

One day at sea, a sudden gust of wind picked up that fine hat and spun it into the sea. Now he would look like every other bare-headed emigrant boy.

Those first months in America were difficult. Barnard became a cow-milker to get by. His fancy clothes were exchanged for rough work clothes and sturdy work boots. Barnard grew and toughened into a man.

Then June 20, 1856, Barnard met his family at the docks in Boston. They were dismayed at his appearance. His older sister cried, “My poor brother Barnard! What have they done to you?” However, thoughts of his attire were soon overshadowed by his maturity and abilities as the family became a part of the Hunt Wagon Company bound for Utah.

The Hunt Company was the last immigrant company to leave Florence, Nebraska on Sept 1, 1856. Just ahead of them on the trail were the Willie and Martin Handcart companies. All hoped they would make it to Utah before winter came, but it was not to be.

October 19, 1856, it began to snow. Barnard’s company was at the Last Crossing of the Platte River in Wyoming more than 300 miles from Salt Lake City. Barnard’s boots were soaked as he was among those who heroically carried the weak and ill across the icy waters of the Platte.

For the next two months, starvation and death were their constant companions. At one point, Barnard and Elizabeth were reduced to a teaspoon of flour a day. Nevertheless they struggled on, their suffering beyond all description. Barnard would long remember the feelings of his mother as she saw her children crying for food.

Finally December 13, 1856, they entered Salt Lake City. Residents of the city turned out to take them in, and wept at their deplorable condition. Barnard walked down the street, glad to be safe, but terribly embarrassed.

Why was he embarrassed? Because had no boots. His wounded feet were wrapped in flannel rags. Why were his feet wrapped in rags because back in Wyoming–he had cut his boots into strips–and ate them.

Sources:

https://familypedia.fandom.com/wiki/Barnard_White_(1839-1912)

https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/memories/KWZZ-SW8