Determination
By Julie Rogers
James Kirkwood (11) had a great
responsibility to look after his younger brother, Joseph Smith Clements
Kirkwood (5) in their immigration with the Willie Handcart Company in 1856.
James’ mother, Margaret, a widow of four years and her son Robert (21) tugged
the handcart which carried their crippled son and brother, Thomas (19), along
with their meager belongings. In the blizzard crossing Rocky Ridge on Oct. 23,
1856, James and Joseph became separated from the family and did not arrive in
camp until very late.
Robert and Margaret had struggled through the blizzard
with Thomas in the handcart and were able to arrive safely at Rock Creek,
although Margaret had one eye freeze and would be blind the rest of her life in
that eye. Margaret kept her small fire going, watching and waiting faithfully
for her young sons. James’ strength in saving his younger brother was spent
upon arrival at Rock Creek. Joseph’s biography states: "...when
arriving in camp the brother James fell dead due to starvation and cold. He was
buried on the banks of the Sweetwater in a grave with twelve others."
Joseph’s rescued life continued until April of 1933, just short of his 77th
birthday.
Doctrine and Covenants 88:133 Art thou a brother or
brethren? I salute you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, in token or
remembrance of the everlasting covenant, ...in a determination that is fixed,
immovable, and unchangeable, to be your friend and brother through the grace of
God in the bonds of love...
