On to Utah

About the First of July 1852 those of the May family who remained alive left the Mormon outfitting post at Kanesville and headed for the ferry across the Missouri, to start their journey to Utah. 6 year-old William died as they did so, and Hannah died when they reached the other side. Henry Ballard lifted her from the wagon and she was sewn into a sheet. She was buried without a coffin.

So it was that four orphans, on 4 July 1852, began their trek of over 1000 miles in a party of about 100 under the leadership of Elder Eli B. Kelsey.

Those who remained of the May family were:

James May aged 20 For the rest of James May's story, click the button at left
Harriet May aged 14 Harriet May's story
Thomas May aged 12 Thomas May's story
Richard May aged 9 Richard May's story
Henry Ballard aged 20 Henry Ballard's Story

James May walked most of the distance, driving a team of 2 yoke of oxen and 2 yoke of cows. Henry Ballard drove sheep.

The Company probably followed the route shown below, and arrived in Salt Lake Valley, Utah 14 October 1852. For a more detailed description of the route, see The Pioneer Story and The Mormon Trail, and also click on the place names on the map.

The May party
who left England
in 1852

George May born 1809
Hannah May born 1809
Elizabeth May born 1830
James May born 1832
Harriet May born 1838
Thomas May born 1840
Richard May born 1843
William May born 1846
Emily May born 1850

Henry Ballard born 1832

This narrative gives only the known experiences of the May family, together with brief details of the conditions they are likely to have experienced on their journey. There are many more detailed accounts of such journeys, and these can be accessed through the 'Sources' button on the left.