Marcus B. Thorpe

"...Thorpe, Marcus Ball – (1st Ten) Born June 22, 1822, at New Haven, New Haven Co., Conn. He joined the Church but remained in his hometown until the Saints were at Winter Quarters in 1846. At age 25, he joined the first company and became part of the advance party. After arriving in the valley, he helped prepare the city for the coming wagon trains. He returned to Winter Quarters with Brigham Young's group and in 1848 came west again. He then went to California in search of gold. When he had earned enough to bring his parents and family to the valley, he placed the gold in a money belt fastened about his middle and took passage on a sailing ship, eastbound via Cape Horn. During the voyage on Jan. 9, 1849, he fell overboard and his body was not recovered..."

SOURCE: http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58061/Biographies-of-the-orig...