Martin Handcart Pioneer: Robert Pearce, 31

Robert was a cripple, but at the same time he was filled with the spirit of gathering.  He promised Daniel Tyler (President Martin's counselor) that he would walk the entire way.   His legs were paralyzed, but he made good time with crutches.  A couple times he became separated.  One time Elder Southwell and others were sent with a handcart to find him, and this became a rescue.  He had taken a wrong turn, following some animal tracks.  As they neared where he was they could hear screaming. He was shelter by the roots of a tree, two wolves doing there best to get to him, and eagles were in the tree hoping for a meal.  They arrived just in time.  They set him in the cart, but he remembered his promise. They convinced him to ride.  The elements would take his life a few days later.