Pioneer Day

July 24th, 1847 is a special date not only to our family, but also to the whole state of Utah. The reason this date holds importance to us, is because this is the day that commemorates my great, great, great Grandfather John Pack entering the valley that, would become Salt Lake City. John was a member of the Navoo Legion, ( the first of all companies to enter ) holding the rank of Captain, he lead a company of fifty into the valley that day, along with Brigham Young. John and his family traveled by foot, pushing hand cart, from Kirkland Ohio, Independence Missouri , Navoo Illinois and finally, on this day of deliverance, John faithfully brought the Saints in to this dessert, that no one would desire to claim, yet later, the whole world would flood into, for the 2002 Winter Olympics. If he could have only seen the day. John was an astounding man, with many accomplishments to mention. After settling his family in the valley, John served a mission in New Jersey with Ezra Taft Benson in 1849 to 1852. Later he served with John Taylor, as one of the first missionaries in France. In 1860 John and his son Ward Eaton Pack, build the first saw mill in Kamas Territory. In the Redoubtable John Pack , a book written about John, we learn of his love for learning, and how he offered his home to be the first class room for the University of Dessert, which would later be named The University of Utah. Near the University in down town Salt Lake there is a stone that marks the place where John Pack's house originally was. The plate on the stone respectfully states his name and thanks for what he did to found this University. John Pack is featured on the " This is the Place " monument in Heritage Park. There is also a replica of John Pack's house for tourists to visit.

Our family gathered together last week, and I showed Brooke the two-hundred and thirty two page book that was written about my great great great Grandfather. I told the story of how diligent, faithful, and charitable her great, great, great, great Grandfather was. How brave he was when mobs came to him and asked him to deny The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They asked him to say that Joseph Smith was a fraud. I so proudly, told her, that with faith, and boldness John declared, he would never do such a thing, even as they threatened his life.

Our discussion ended with my home-made bread ( thanks to Amanda for teaching me this past fall ) and a story by candle light, after explaining that these pioneers did not have light bulbs and all the luxuries that we have. I still think Brooke is confused about this great, great, great talk, because she kept referring to John as my grandpa. She will understand one day, as she visits these monuments dedicated to him.

           John’s image is visible on the south side of the monument (see above). He is on the far right.
                                       

I feel overwhelmed with respect for the great deal of trials that came to John Pack and his family on their journey to Salt Lake. I will forever be indebted to him for his sacrifices that brought me and many others to that knowledge of our Savior Jesus Christ, and all that his Gospel brings into our lives.