Mary Hurren Wight
A Pioneer’s Legacy of Faith, Sacrifice, and Compassion By John Fisher (assisted by AI) Mary Reeder Hurren Wight (July 29, 1848 – January 27, 1937) was a courageous pioneer, beloved mother, and enduring example of faith through adversity. Born in Linstead Parva, Suffolk, England, Mary was the eldest daughter of James and Eliza Reeder Hurren. In 1856, at just eight years old, she traveled with her family to the Salt Lake Valley as part of the ill-fated Willie Handcart Company—a journey that became one of the most harrowing in the history of the Latter-day Saint migration. I grew up hearing about Mary Hurren from Uncle Dave Jeppson, who was Mary's grandson. He shared with us many times the hardships Mary faced as part of the destitute Willie Company. One of the most striking parts of her story was how she suffered severe frostbite during the trek. Her feet were so badly damaged that doctors considered amputation. However, her father refused to allow it. Instead, he used natural...