S. S. Vestra

En Route to the Field: Missionaries Aboard the S.S. Vestris, 1928

By Ardis E. Parshall, Keepapitchinin, April 03, 2009

David Henry Huish, born in the Mormon colony of Morelos, Sonora, Mexico in 1906, and Keith Wynder Burt, born in the Mormon colony of Cardston, Alberta, Canada in 1908, met in the Mission Home in Salt Lake City late in 1928, after both young men had been called to serve missions in South America. After finishing their few days� training in Salt Lake � which did not include language training � the two young men traveled together by train, via Denver, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., to New York City. They spent two and a half days exploring New York, then boarded the S.S. Vestris, a ship of the Lamport & Holt Line (British registry), which specialized in service to South American ports. The Vestris left its dock at Hoboken, New Jersey, at 3:45 on Saturday, November 10, 1928, and Elders Burt and Huish quietly celebrated the fact that they were really and truly en route to their mission field. �

Other lifeboats were rescued by other ships, and even some lone swimmers who had not made it into lifeboats managed to survive long enough for rescue. Elder Huish hoped and prayed that Elder Burt would be among the survivors, but his body was never recovered.

News of the sinking had reached the mission home in Brooklyn, and two missionaries were waiting at the pier to receive Elder Huish when the American Shipper returned to New York. Elder Huish was cared for at the mission home, the other elders contributing clothing and personal supplies, while his report of events was telegraphed to Salt Lake and to the family of Elder Burt.

�

Letters of Condolence: The Aftermath of the Sinking of the S.S. Vestris

By Ardis E. Parshall, Keepapitchinin, June 22, 2009

David H. Huish to Burt Family, 15 November 1928

273 Gates Avenue Brooklyn, N.Y. November 15, 1928

Dear Bro. Burt & Family: �

�

I�m at the mission headquarters here in N.Y. and we haven�t heard anything about Keith yet. We have been hoping and praying for his safety but we can�t always know the providence of the Lord concerning us. I was with your son Elder Burt right up until the ship sunk, so I suppose you would like to hear my story and all about what happened & how I was met by some of the missionaries of the Eastern States Mission, and Brother Steed, who brought me to the mission home here. The elders are treating me the best they know how and we are using every possible channel to get information from Elder Burt, but as yet he is lost. �

�

Yours very sincerely,

ELDER HUISH

William H. Steed to Burt Family, 15 April 1928

William H. Steed was a close family friend who happened to be in New York at the time of the disaster. He assumed the self-appointed burden of doing everything that could be done to find news of Elder Burt, and to relay that information to the family at home, by telegram and letter.

123 Wadsworth Ave, NYC Apt. S4, Nov 15, 1928

Dear Bro. and Sister Burt and Family:

My deepest sympathy goes out to you in this sad hour of suspense and trial. I can understand your feelings and the wounds inflicted through this terrible disaster.

I have watched the papers, phoned the shipping Company for information and visited the rescue ship, to see if we could learn any thing concerning him, but so far we have failed to get trace of him.

Elder West and myself met Elder Huish, Keith�s companion, as he came off the American Shipper, one of the rescue ships. I took him to the Mission headquarters, in a Taxie where he met pres. Rolap and he told the story of the tragedy and of his separation from your dear son, Keith. He phoned me today stating he was writing you the full account and sending it by air mail, so I will not attempt to repeat it at this writing. The wire I sent you first was a false report given to me by the shipping Company and I felt very sorry, after I had learned later of so many missing, I had sent the message. I knew you would be very anxious to hear and I wired you as soon as I received word.

In talking over the matter with Pres. Rolap about sending you another message, he thought it best to wait until we got further news, but when I reached home last night and found your wire waiting for me, I immediately answered it giving you as much information as I could.

The Authorities of the church will do all they can to get information concerning him and I assure you I will give my best efforts in doing all I can for you.

�

I did not get in touch with Keith before he sailed on Saturday as we expected he would be here on Sunday and we did not know when or what ship he was to sail on. Our first news was when we saw his name among the list on the Vestris. He or his companion did not call at mission headquarters. They arrived in New York on Thursday, and sailed Saturday.

We will likely get more news tomorrow and will wire you as soon as any thing new arrives, and I assure we are doing all in our power and as fast as it can be done.

I pray that the comforting influence of the Holy Spirit may abide with you all and accept of my deepest sympathy in this sad hour. I am Yours Truly,

W.H. STEED

William H. Steed to Burt Family, 19 November 1928

123 Wadsworth Ave. N.Y.C. Apt. S4, Nov. 19, 1928

Dear Brother & Sister Burt and Family:

�

In our Sunday evening service, last night, Elder Huish related the story of the disaster, of the many hours of anguish and suspense, also of the long, dreary and stormy night they were being tossed to and fro, by the waves in the little leaky lifeboat, not knowing but at any time they might be hurled in to the mighty deep and swallowed in the raging tide. His clothing soaking wet and shivering, he said he never prayed harder in his life than at that time. He expressed his sorrow for Keith, whom in the short acquaintance he had learned to love, also prayed that God would bless you, his parents, in the hour of your trial, While he was speaking, my thoughts were on Keith and how I wished that he too was there to relate his story, and no doubt he was there, but we could not see him. There, while the large audience sat listening, a beautiful spirit of peace and solemnity pervaded the meeting and I felt like weeping. President Rolap offered a beautiful prayer invoking the blessings of God upon you good people, who have had your heart strings torn asunder. The whole church mourns with you; the prayers of the saints ascend to our Father in heaven in your behalf and you will be comforted and peace and joy will come to you an hundred fold. As I write these words my heart is touched and the tears stream from mine eyes. I feel that he was very near and dear to me because of you, such excellent neighbors, and such noble brothers and sisters of the gospel of Christ.

�

Yours truly,

W.H. STEED

William H. Steed to Burt Family, 28 November 1928

123 Wadsworth Ave, NYC Apt. S4, Nov. 28, 1928

Dear Bro. Burt and Family:

�

Since receiving your letter I haven�t seen Elder Huish as he went to Philadelphia Sunday also bro. Rolap was away, however as soon as I do see them I will be pleased to deliver your message.

I am inclosing a few verses, they are not very good, but I am no composer or writer however they tell a portion of the story and I want you to know I tried to do my best in helping you in every way I could.

�

Yours Truly,

W.H. STEED

THE MARTYR by W.H. Steed

Dedicated to the memory of Elder Keith Burt, of Cardston, Alta., Canada, who lost his life on the ship Vestris, as it sank off the coast of Virginia, on her way to South America Nov. 13, 1928.

   The call came to a noble youth,
   To spread glad tidings and teach the truth,
   Which God had sent from out of space,
   A wondrous plan, to save the race.

   The answer of this wonderful son,
   �Thy will, Oh Father, not mine be done.�
   The parents with farewells, amid tears of joy,
   Were soon separated from their dear boy.

   All alone he traveled, from day to day
   Thinking of those loved ones far away:
   How he would miss them and their love,
   While performing the work for the Master above.

   Another was added, a companion brother.
   They traveled on and loved each other:
   Passing from city to city and o�er country wide,
   Finally they reached the ocean side.

   A few days rest from their tedious trip,
   They prepared for passage on the Vestris ship.
   It sailed away from New York�s shore,
   To become a wreck and return no more.

   On, on she sped through the surging sea,
   With her precious cargo of humanity,
   Men, women and children, happy and strong,
   Filled the air with music, laughter and song.

   Then came a change, the sea rolled high,
   On came the storm, and a blackened sky;
   The vessel tossed and rocked to and fro,
   And the engines ceased running and refused to go.

   Danger was seen by those on board,
   But the sturdy Captain said not a word;
   Firm and steadfast he stood on deck
   Hoping for a change, to avoid a wreck.

   The S.O.S. sent out, but alas, too late,
   Those on board saw the vessel�s fate.
   Wild with excitement, men rushed here and there,
   While women stood gazing in a deathly glare.

   �To the life boats,� the Captain cried,
   And children were torn from their mother�s side;
   Down they were lowered into the billowy deep
   To arise no more from that ghastly sleep.

   Death cries were heard as the vessel went down
   From struggling souls, who have not been found;
   Among the missing was the noble youth,
   Who was sent abroad to preach the truth.

   His mission call, was for another sphere,
   While his companion was left to labour here,
   The spirit has gone on, many souls to save,
   But his body lies resting in a martyr�s grave.

David Huish to Burt Family, 3 December 1928

273 Gates Avenue Brooklyn, N.Y. Dec. 3, 1928

Dear Brother Burt:

Some time ago I wrote to you, Nov. 15th, I believe which told our story to you as clearly as I could.

I have been changed to labor in the British Mission, and we�re going to leave here day after to0morrow, so I thought I�d write you a letter and tell you good-bye.

I saw Brother Steed yesterday, he wanted to know some things about what Keith had with him, and concerning claims I had made. I told everything I had done, all he wished to know, and I believe his ideas are about right about what to do. I told him, to wire Reynolds for permission to collect passage money, and the amounts I had put in my claim.

I feel that everything will come out alright but you should act promptly, as time is an enemy to things of this character. Since being here at the Mission home I have come to feel fine, and find no loss, due to the venture, only that of your son and our brother. During the last week I secured a prayer and answer, written by Rey L. Pratt, at the death of his own son, and I think it applied very true to Keith, so I am sending a copy of it inclosed. I hope you like it, maybe you have it already. Brother Steed also gave me a copy of his own poetry about the disaster, entitled the Martyr, and I think it is very good and also applies very well, he said he had sent you a copy too.

I hope you find comfort in the Lord�s service, and acknowledge His hand in all things, as I think you do. I also trust that the young people of Cardston have sufficient faith to see his providence. This is all I wish to say, and I extend to you the sympathy of all the missionaries here at the office.

Your brother,

DAVID H. HUISH