David Patten Kimball
Below is a timeline highlighting key moments in his life, showcasing his dedication to his faith and community.
David Patten Kimball (1839-1883) stands as a figure of resilience and faith in the early history of the Church. Born in Nauvoo, Illinois, to Heber C. Kimball and Vilate Murray, he was baptized in 1849 and later married Caroline M. Williams in 1857 in the Utah Territory. Throughout his life, David served in various church roles and maintained a rich correspondence with Wilford Woodruff. His journey concluded in St. David, Cochise County, Arizona Territory, in 1883.
Birth & Early Life
On a stormy night of August 23, 1839, amidst the howling wind and torrential rain that turned the world outside to a blur of shadows and water, David P. Kimball was born in a sturdy log cabin in Nauvoo, Illinois. His arrival, under such tempestuous skies, seemed to herald a life that would be marked by both hardship and greatness. His parents, Heber C. Kimball and Vilate Murray, gazed upon their fourth son with a mix of awe and relief, the cabin's warm glow a stark contrast to the dark, soaked farmland stretching into the distance.
Named after David W. Patten, a revered figure lost to mob violence, the newborn was cradled in arms that bore the weight of both grief and hope. David's early years unfolded in a landscape where the wilderness whispered secrets of endurance and faith, shaping him into a man whose life would be intertwined with the pioneering spirit of his era, his path illuminated by the legacy of those who came before him.
Westward Journey with His Family
As the early dawn light broke over Winter Quarters, Nebraska, David P. Kimball, not yet ten, witnessed his family's preparations for a monumental journey westward, a scene of bustling activity and determined spirits. With his father, Heber C. Kimball, at the helm of one hundred wagons, they were set to traverse the vast, uncharted expanses to the Salt Lake Valley. David, gifted a beautiful mare named Shab and a new saddle, felt a surge of youthful pride and excitement. The journey stretched before them, a thousand miles of untamed wilderness, promising both adventure and trial.
As they bid farewell to their home, David rode alongside the wagons, his eyes wide with the enormity of the landscape unfolding around them. Rivers to ford, mountains to cross, and the endless sky overhead became the backdrop to David's coming of age. This was not just a migration; it was a journey of faith and perseverance, shaping the young boy into a man who would embody the pioneering spirit, carrying him safely from the banks of the Missouri River to the heart of the Salt Lake Valley, alongside his family, into a new world of possibilities.
Adulthood & Spiritual Gifts
As David P. Kimball matured into adulthood amidst the rugged beauty of the Salt Lake Valley, his life seemed to unfurl like the vast landscapes around him—filled with promise and spiritual depth.
By the age of eighteen, he had grown into a man of remarkable character, his physical strength matched only by his spiritual fortitude.
The trials of his early years, marked by the perils of the westward journey and the harsh realities of pioneering life, had instilled in him a profound sense of purpose and faith.
Possessing the gift of prophecy, David walked a path lit by divine insight, yet he carried his spiritual gifts with a humility that endeared him to all.
He became a beacon of hope and strength within his community, his actions and words reflecting the deep spiritual connection he felt with the world around him. His life, shaped by the legacy of his ancestors and the unyielding spirit of the frontier, was a testament to the power of faith and the resilience of the human spirit. David's journey from a boy born amidst a tempest to a man of spiritual depth was not just a tale of personal growth but a chapter in the larger story of a community forged in the fires of adversity and faith.
Sweetwater Rescue
With unyielding determination, David and his fellows executed a daring rescue across the icy torrents of the Sweetwater River. They carried the weary and the weak on their backs, breaking the ice before them with each step, their bodies numbed by the cold yet driven by an unstoppable resolve. This act of heroism, later known as the Sweetwater Rescue, became a defining moment in David's life, a testament to his character and a symbol of the enduring spirit of community and sacrifice that marked the early years of the Mormon pioneers' journey westward. Through sheer will and faith, David P. Kimball and his companions saved lives, weaving their story into the fabric of a legacy cherished by generations to come.
In the bitter cold of early winter 1856, David P. Kimball and his twenty-seven brave companions embarked on a mission that would etch their names into the annals of history with the strokes of courage and selflessness. Tasked with the daunting rescue of fifteen hundred handcart emigrants trapped by the merciless grip of early snowstorms hundreds of miles from the nearest settlement, these men ventured into the frozen wilderness. Among them, David stood as a beacon of hope, his heart set aflame by the dire plight of these pioneers. They reached the beleaguered emigrants, who were on the brink of despair, facing the unforgiving elements without food or shelter.
Marriage & Honeymoon
In the spring of 1857, amidst the blossoming landscapes of the Salt Lake Valley, David P. Kimball's life entered a new chapter as he united in marriage with Caroline M. Williams, the eldest daughter of Thomas S. and Albina M. Williams. This union, born out of love and shared faith, was celebrated with the joyous acclaim of their families and the wider community, marking a moment of personal fulfillment and communal happiness for David. The young couple, brimming with anticipation for their shared future, chose the secluded and picturesque Antelope Island for their honeymoon retreat.
There, away from the burgeoning settlements and the responsibilities that awaited them, David and Caroline found solace and joy in each other's company. They explored the rugged beauty of the island, its vast landscapes stretching out under the expansive skies, offering them a sense of freedom and boundless possibility. Riding side by side, they traversed the island's trails, the gentle sounds of the Great Salt Lake's shores whispering promises of enduring love and companionship. This blissful interlude in their lives, set against the backdrop of nature's serene majesty, allowed them to forge a deep, unbreakable bond. Their honeymoon on Antelope Island became a cherished memory, a symbol of their love's beginning, and a foundation upon which they would build their life together, facing the future with unwavering faith and unity.
Community Development & Challenges
Press play, close your eyes, and imagine what it would have sounded like in the 1800’s. No airplanes, no motors, no city lights, no sirens. Just the birds, wind, and the beauty of God’s creations remind us that “all things denote there is a God.”
After their return to the heart of their burgeoning community, David P. Kimball took on the stewardship of his father's expansive ranch in Grantsville, embracing the challenges and responsibilities that came with managing several hundred head of horses and cattle. This new role demanded not only physical strength but also a keen understanding of the land and its seasons.
David's days were filled with the rigorous tasks of herding, overseeing the cutting of hay with scythes, and preparing for the harsh winter months. Each summer, the livestock grazed on the nearby ranges, and as autumn's chill set in, they were driven to the shelter of Kimball Island, where they were protected from the winter's bite.
This cycle of seasons brought with it not just the toil of ranch life but also the trials of coexistence with nature and neighboring communities, including the Native American tribes whose lands these were. On several occasions, the ranch faced the threat of livestock theft, challenging David to navigate the delicate balance between protecting his livelihood and fostering understanding among diverse groups. Amid these challenges, David's leadership and resilience shone through, his efforts contributing significantly to the community's sustenance and growth.
Yet, it was not just the physical labor that defined David's role in community development; his actions also sowed the seeds of unity, respect, and cooperation among the settlers. Through the long, hard winters and the bountiful summers, David P. Kimball stood as a pillar of strength and a beacon of hope, guiding his community through the challenges of frontier life towards a future of prosperity and harmony.
Mission to Great Britain & Smallpox Epidemic
In May 1863, David P. Kimball embarked on a mission that would take him far from the familiar landscapes of Utah to the shores of Great Britain, a journey not just of physical distance but of profound personal growth. Amidst the vibrant yet challenging backdrop of Victorian England, David dedicated himself to spreading the teachings that he held dear, navigating through the bustling streets and quiet countryside to share his faith with those eager to listen. His mission, however, was soon overshadowed by a devastating smallpox epidemic that swept through the country, leaving suffering and despair in its wake.
With the same unwavering determination and compassion that had characterized his rescue of the handcart emigrants, David turned his energies toward aiding those afflicted by the disease. Night and day, he toiled alongside other volunteers, nursing the sick back to health, offering comfort to the bereaved, and embodying the very essence of selfless service. In the face of this health crisis, David's own safety became an afterthought as he focused solely on the well-being of others.
The toll of the epidemic was heavy, and in a cruel twist of fate, David himself succumbed to the illness. Yet, his spirit remained unbroken, and through the care he received and his own indomitable will, he recovered, bearing only a few physical scars as a testament to his ordeal. David's mission in Great Britain thus became a dual testament to his faith and his extraordinary capacity for empathy and sacrifice, leaving an indelible mark on the communities he served and on his own life story. His return home was not just a journey back across the ocean but a return from a profound personal trial, bringing with him a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper connection to the shared human experience of suffering and healing.
A Legacy of Faith
David P. Kimball's life was a tapestry woven with acts of faith and courage, from braving the treacherous journey westward as a child to participating in the harrowing rescue of the Martin Handcart Company. Each of these instances required him to step into the unknown, relying on his faith and inner strength. His life, like those of his family and contemporaries, was a series of present moments filled with choices that shaped their future and, by extension, the future of many generations to follow.
Enjoy this short historical vignette from 2002.
Download Resources
More about David Patten Kimball can be read on the Wilford Woodruff Papers
Furthering the Faith
Reflecting on Courage in the Unknown:
When David and his companions ventured into the snow to rescue the handcart emigrants, they didn't know what challenges they would face or if they would succeed.
Have you faced a situation where you had to make a decision without knowing the outcome?
How did you find the courage to proceed?
Faith as a Driving Force:
Consider the depth of faith required for David to embark on a mission to Great Britain, far from home and family, especially during a time of a smallpox epidemic.
How does faith play a role in your life when faced with difficult decisions or uncertain outcomes?
The Impact of Service:
David's life was marked by service to others, whether through his church roles or the dramatic rescue on the Sweetwater.
How can acts of service, large or small, impact a community?
Can you think of a time when your service made a difference to someone?
Legacy and Family History:
Looking at David P. Kimball's choices and their effects on his descendants:
How do you think our decisions today will shape the legacy we leave for future generations?
Is there someone in your family history whose choices have had a profound impact on your life?
Relating to Historical Figures as Real People:
Often, historical figures are viewed through the lens of their accomplishments, but they experienced fear, hope, and doubt just like we do.
Can you think of a moment in David's life where he might have felt unsure or afraid?
How does acknowledging these human emotions change your perspective on historical figures?