Jane McKechnie Walton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jane McKechnie Walton
Jane McKechnie Walton, from a family collection.
Born	July 16, 1846 Edinburgh
Died	July 24, 1891 Monticello, Utah
Other names	Jane Hatch Walton (using her stepfather's surname as her maiden name)
Known for	Mormon pioneer in Utah

Jane McKechnie Walton (born July 16, 1846 – died July 24, 1891) was a brave pioneer from Scotland. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and helped to start several towns in Utah.

Jane's Early Life

Jane McKechnie was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. Her father, John McKechnie, made bells. Sadly, he died when Jane was only 18 months old. A few months later, her mother gave birth to Jane's younger brother.

Two missionaries taught Jane's mother about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She joined the church in 1850. Soon after, other family members also joined. By the end of 1850, Jane and her family moved to the United States.

Journey to Utah

Jane's mother worked in St. Louis and later remarried Ira Stearns Hatch. In 1852, they joined a wagon company heading west. Six-year-old Jane walked most of the 1,100 miles across the American plains. She often walked without shoes!

In September 1852, they arrived in the Salt Lake Valley with other Mormon pioneers. Jane lived in Salt Lake City and Bountiful, Utah. During this time, she saw events from the Utah War.

Helping to Settle Utah

Jane McKechnie Walton and her husband, Charles, were asked by Brigham Young to help settle the Woodruff, Utah area. After living there for some years, they were called to help settle the Four Corners area of southeastern Utah.

The Hole in the Rock Expedition

On their way to the Four Corners, Jane and other pioneers faced a huge challenge. They reached a place now called Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument. They were stuck at the edge of a cliff known as Hole in the Rock.

The journey was supposed to take six weeks, but they spent nearly six months there. The pioneers had to blast and cut a path through the steep canyon wall. Once the path was ready, they lowered their wagons and 1,000 cattle down the very steep 2,000-foot cliff. This led them to the Colorado River basin below.

Building New Towns

After this difficult journey, the Waltons helped settle a valley called Bluff, Utah. It was surrounded by red rock cliffs. A few years later, Jane's husband, Charles, was asked to start a new settlement 40 miles north. This place became Monticello, Utah.

The Waltons joined six other families to build the town of Monticello. Jane was a leader in her church, serving as president of the San Juan Stake Relief Society from 1883 to 1891. She traveled all around San Juan County for her work.

Jane's Family Life

Jane McKechnie married Charles Eugene Walton, Sr. on February 22, 1867. They had three children: Charles Jr. (born 1868), Magnolia (born 1869), and Leona (born 1871).

Jane passed away on July 24, 1891, when she was 45 years old. She was the first person to be buried in the Monticello, Utah cemetery. In 2010, one of Jane's family members wrote a book about her life.