George Rowley Blinded Then Miraculously Enabled to Serve Despite Darkness

George Rowley was born in Yorkshire, England in 1827. In 1844 he met and married Ann Brown when they were both 17 years old. That same year they met missionaries preaching the restored Gospel and labored together in their homeland for five years bringing the truth to others, despite the world being 'up in arms against us.' After years of saving and sacrifice, George paid his way by working on a ship in 1854, leaving just days after his little daughter Rachel fell into the fire and died on December 17, 1854. He arrived in New Orleans with barely a penny and worked his way west. In November 1855, George reached Salt Lake City after 110 miles through deep snow. He labored for two years to earn passage for his family, but then received an unexpected call to serve as a missionary—he was to return to England. On April 23, 1857, he pulled a handcart east to Missouri. After serving faithfully in Wales for two years with his family, he was released to return to Utah. On June 11, 1859, at Florence, Nebraska, George and his family joined the George Rowley Company of 235 saints pulling handcarts. George was called to be Captain of this 8th handcart company, which arrived in Salt Lake City on September 4, 1859. The Rowleys settled in American Fork, Utah, where they were very poor but happy, living in a hillside dugout. Then one hot summer day while at work, George dipped his head in a bucket of cold water to cool off. Unexpectedly, George lost his sight in both eyes. However, this affliction did not diminish his faith or service. George was a gifted musician and singer, and despite his blindness, he organized the first choir and concert band in American Fork. He traveled throughout the settlements putting on concerts for the benefit of his family. Brigham Young gave him a letter of endorsement for his travels. George and Ann Rowley gave their all in service to the end of their days. Three generations later, their great-great grandson, himself a gifted musician, composed the beloved LDS hymn 'Faith in Every Footstep,' an anthem of tribute to the pioneers—directly inspired by the faith and sacrifice of George and Ann Rowley.