John also built the first boat to sail on Utah Lake. He used a net that his wives made to catch fish – a tasty change from tough beef through the long winter.¹³

The next summer crickets came in hoards thick as black clouds, devouring the sparse crops of the Saints. John prayed, along with everyone else, for a miracle. The seagulls came and stuffed themselves with crickets and spewed them out in the Great Salt Lake – over and over again. A miracle!

The life of the pioneers was hard. John worked alongside the Saints to turn discouragement into hope. His trust in God blessed others because they leaned on his faith until their own became strong. Because of John’s unwavering testimony and faith, the Saints loved him.