William Burgess - Survived Winter Quarters Sickness That Took Many Lives

The Saints who gathered at Winter Quarters in 1846-1847 faced severe sickness that claimed many lives. William Burgess arrived at Winter Quarters on September 16, 1846, after leaving Nauvoo with the pioneers on February 10, 1846. He recorded: 'We passed through that sickness that took so many lives' but he and his family were preserved. Though many Saints perished during the Winter Quarters period, Burgess's family was miraculously protected, allowing them to 'left Winter Quarters in May 1848 for the west' and successfully arrive 'in the Salt Lake valley on September 22, 1848.' This preservation through the deadly Winter Quarters epidemic stands as testimony to the Lord's protection of faithful Saints during the most difficult period of the exodus.