By the Skin of His Teeth

This is the compelling story of Thomas Durham(1828-1909), who left England during the Industrial Revolution, came to America, and travelled 1300 miles by handcart with other Mormons in the ill-fated Martin company to the Utah Territory. Overcoming hardships, he arrived as promised in a blessing, "by the skin of his teeth." This is the story of how one pioneer triumphed over hardship, established a settlement in a new territory, became a renowned musician and teacher, local businessman and leader. The first section of his story is told by his son, Alfred M. Durham. Written in 1936 for the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, it is a brief sketch of his life, learned from first-hand telling of stories and reminisces. The second section is Thomas Durham's personal journal which was written by his own hand beginning in 1854 and ending in 1871 and is published here for the first time. Both sections have been edited and annotated to give a comprehensive historical background.