(A Tribute to Fanny Burgess Gorringe on her 65th Birthday written by Minnie Elizabeth Tolman Pickett
We meet today to share our love and honor to our worthy sister, Fanny Gorringe, on this sixty-fifth anniversary of her birthday.
Our loved president was born in Battle, Sussex, England. She joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in connection with her husband in 1852. Previous to that time they had not joined any religion but upon hearing of a Mormon Elder preaching in that vicinity they felt impressed to go and hear him, which they did at their first opportunity.
This new gospel was to their souls as dew to the thirsty flowers–so overjoyed were they with this new plan of salvation that they hastened to inform their friends and relations of the glad tidings that they might also partake of this glorious news, but, alas! What was light and life to them was spurned and neglected by all their kindred, they being the only ones of their fathers family that received the truth.
When they set sail on the great ocean, biding farewell to home and relations, they felt as though they were alone in life’s struggles, but their souls unitedly sought solace and comfort from that divine Master who is ever ready to aid those who seek him and many were the manifestations they received of his watchful care.
On one occasion a fearful storm arose that threatened every moment to capsize the ship. In the midst, Brother Barlow a returning missionary and president of the company of saints spoke to them telling them not to fear for guarding angels were all around them steadying the ship. It was undoubtedly the case for the Captain steering the ship said that it was the severest storm he had ever witnessed that did not terminate in serious results. One other incident we will relate to show the faith and endurance of our worthy sister in 1855 when crossing the plains emigrating to Utah. The Captain of the company, Brother Charles Harper, had given instructions that they should all stay together for the Indians were very hostile and if any of them should camp alone they might be scalped. The wagon in which Sister Gorringe traveled there were five adults and five children all under five years of age. They were all obliged to walk a great deal of the time to lighten the load for the ox team. One day Gorringe’s wagon mired in the mud. The teams that were behind passed on seeing there were two men with the unfortunate team, they offered no assistance. The women with the children walked on ahead thinking the wagon would soon be able to follow. They traveled on, occasionally looking back in hopes of seeing their team coming, but no, they were not in sight. The company ahead had long since faded from their view. The shadows of night began to fall. They were becoming fatigued and hungry. The children were crying for bread. Imagine if you can the feelings of these three helpless females, each with a babe in her arms. The other two children had to be led, the oldest not five years old.
Alone on the plains not a soul in sight, not a morsel of food, not a drop of water for their children they knew not what moment they might meet a horrible death at the hands of the savages. Night had come on. The darkness was so dense they could no longer see to travel so they sat by the roadside and soothed their little ones to sleep scarcely daring to breath and speaking in whispers for fear the Indians might be near. Then the wolves’s fierce howl is heard. Oh what a chill of fear that sound sent to their hearts. Nearer and nearer they came. It was so dark they could not see them. What was to be done? What could they do. They had no way to defend themselves, must they meet death here? Must they have their darling babes torn from their arms, and devoured in that awful moment. One of the sisters said, “Let us sing a hymn.” Trembling and fervently their voices rose on the air first in song and they in prayer.
God heard their plea instantly the howling of the wolves ceased and all was quiet. Not a sound was heard. For hours they sat thus. Then listen, yes. There was someone coming. They could hear footsteps. Was it friend or foe? Was it someone to help them or was it a savage? A voice said, “Who is there?” and they all recognized the voice of one of the Brethren from their wagon. No music was ever so sweet to their ears.
They learned from that Brother that they would have to walk to where the company was camped which was five miles ahead. This seemed almost impossible, they were so fatigued with their day’s journey and the want of food, but strength was given them and with the help of the Brother, they reached the camp a little before 2:00 a.m. and thanked God that their lives had been spared.
Many other incidents might be told to show that Sister Gorringe had relied upon the Lord in times of trial and help has not forsaken her. Sister Gorringe had ever been a faithful worker in the church. For seven years she had been the loved and honored president of the Relief Society in Marion.
Words cannot express our good wishes and tokens of love we feel to tender her on this her sixty-fifth birthday and we pray God to bless her either in this or another sphere.
Visit FamilySearch to learn more about Fanny Burgess and other ancestors. Also visit the Thomas Tolman Family Organization to find out how you can get more involved in family history.
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