During the journey from Montrose to Winter Quarters, Joseph F. Smith, then but a lad not quite eight years of age, had to drive a team of oxen. This same duty was placed upon him and successfully he performed it without loss or accident during the entire journey to the Salt Lake Valley. At a celebration held on the 24th of July, 1917, at Ogden, President Smith made some remarks in which he said:

Seventy years ago today the Pioneers, led by President Brigham Young, arrived in the Valley of the Great Salt Lake, and pitched their tents to remain. On September 23, next, it will be 69 years since I drove my team into that valley. My team consisted of two pairs, or yokes, of oxen. My leaders’ names were Thom and Joe–we raised them from calves, and they were both white. My wheel team were named Broad and Berry. Broad was light brindle and a few white spots on his body, and he had long, broad, pointed horns, from which he got his name. Berry was read and boney and short horned. Thom was trim built, active, young, and more intelligent than many a man. Many times while traveling sandy or rough roads, long, thirsty drives, my oxen, lowing with the heat and fatigue, I would put my arms around Thom’s neck, and cry bitter tears! That was all I could do. Thom was my favorite and best and most willing and obedient servant and friend. He was choice!

…His was one of the tenderest hearts and most sympathetic natures ever given to mortal man. It was only natural that he would learn to love his animals and feel that they were almost human as they toiled and suffered with him and his mother’s family day by day on the weary journey across the plains.

Joseph Fielding Smith, Life of Joseph F. Smith, 155-156