Heber Robert McBride facts for kids

Heber Robert McBride (born May 13, 1843 – died 1925) was an important Mormon pioneer. He wrote about his life, sharing his amazing journey. Heber came to the United States from England in 1856 when he was just 13 years old. He traveled to Utah with a group called the Martin Handcart Company. Heber Robert McBride was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

A Young Start in England

Heber Robert McBride was born on May 13, 1843. His birthplace was Lancashire, England. His father, Robert McBride, was from Scotland. His mother, Margaret Howard, was from Lancashire. Heber was one of their five children.

Moving to a New Land

In 1856, Heber and his parents joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After this, his family decided to move to the United States. Heber was only 13 years old when they began their big trip. They sailed across the ocean on a ship named Horizon. About 950 other people were on the ship with them.

They landed in Boston, Massachusetts. A few days later, they traveled west. Their journey took them through Chicago, Illinois, and then to Iowa City, Iowa.

The Martin Handcart Journey

Heber's family continued their journey west to Utah. They left on November 30, 1856. They were part of the Martin Handcart Company. Edward Martin led this group. About 500 people were in the handcart company when they started.

Challenges on the Trail

During the trip, both of Heber's parents became sick. Sadly, his father died. Heber was the oldest son in the family. He helped pull the handcart with his older sister, Jennetta. They walked the entire way to the Salt Lake Valley.

The group faced many difficulties. They had very little food. They also got caught in terrible snowstorms. Heber wrote in his journal that "Nearly all the children would cry themselves to sleep every night."

Help Arrives

Finally, ten wagons came from Salt Lake City to help the handcart company. They helped the group finish their journey. Heber and the others arrived in Salt Lake in "a very pitiable condition."

After his own difficult journey, Heber helped others. In 1865, he helped more immigrants come to Utah. Brigham Young asked him to help people stuck at Platte River in October 1866. Heber's experiences with the Martin Handcart Company are written in his personal journal. This journal is now kept at Brigham Young University's Harold B. Lee Library. You can find it in their L. Tom Perry Special Collections.

Life in Utah and Beyond

Heber McBride made his home in Utah. In 1857 and 1858, he was a soldier. He fought against Johnston's Army during the Utah War.

Work and Education

Heber worked for a while hauling lumber. He took wood from the North Ogden Pass to Plain City, Utah. Later, he got a job moving wood by boat to Salt Lake. One time, his boat got caught in a storm. Because he didn't come home, people thought he had died.

Heber later bought a farm for $500. He spent the winter of 1862 at his home by the North Fork River. Then, he moved to Huntsville, Utah to go to school.

Community and Family Life

In 1863, Heber recorded that many Native Americans were scattering livestock. He was asked to be a scout in the Black Hawk War in Utah Territory. Even during the war, he became friends with a Native American named Tope.

In 1868, Heber helped settle Ogden Valley. The next year, he helped build the Union Pacific Railroad. Heber married Elizabeth Ann Burns on July 28, 1868. Later, he married Elizabeth B. Gould on November 24, 1884. Heber and Elizabeth B. Gould had four children together.

On June 5, 1904, Heber moved to Raymond, Canada. This town is near Lethbridge. Heber Robert McBride died in the summer of 1925. His life is mentioned in the book Pioneers and Prominent Men of Utah. His autobiography is often used by historians. It helps them understand what life was like for the Martin Handcart Company.