The Second Rescue: The Story of the Spiritual Rescue of the Willie and Martin Handcart Pioneers

by Susan Arrington Madsen

In 1856. President Brigham Young sent rescue teams to the aid of more than a thousand pioneers who were stranded in winter storms on the plains. Little did anyone know then of the need those faithful Saints would have for a Second Rescue-a spiritual rescue that would begin 135 years later. In 1987, the saints of the Riverton Wyoming Stake embarked on a sacred trek of their own, a journey filled with miracles and laden with spiritual blessings. The Second Rescue is the story of that journey. It tells of faithful people working together to provide temple blessings of the Willie and Martin handcart pioneers and for their immediate families. It chronicles their trials and triumphs in their efforts to build monuments and pave the way for others to experience the sacred sites associated with the handcart prioneers.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, History, Lds, Historical, Spirituality, Church

148 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1998

Reviews

[Jillaire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had this book on my shelf forever, but I'd never read the whole thing. This story was recently shared at a church meeting I attended and I realized I had a book all about it. My great-great-grandfather was in the Martin Handcart Company that got caught in early winter snowstorms while crossing the plains to settle in Utah in 1856. His 2yo son, wife, and newborn baby all died during the trek.

This book tells the story of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the 1990s in Riverton, Wyoming who felt compelled to research all of the people in the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies and to make sure that their temple ordinances had been completed. The project grew to include bronze monuments and the establishment of historical sites purchased by The Church.

The Second Rescue is a remarkable story that touched me deeply. I am so grateful for the heritage of faith that I have inherited from my many pioneer ancestors (William Stimpson of the Martin Handcart Company was just one). They were committed to their religion and to God, and reading about the Wyoming Saints who also sacrificed to honor them was truly uplifting. So many miracles attended both groups.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible story. I did quite a bit of research on this for our trek in 2016. This and a video I found of President Lorimer’s story (told by him) were fascinating and invaluable. 5 stars for the experience, (I read the book 4 years ago and can’t remember the book separated from the story—so I can’t rate the writing of the book specifically.)

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the sweet story of Rock Creek Hollow and the work of the members of the Riverton Wyoming Stake in 1991 to do the temple work for the members of the Willie Handcart company who died on the plains of Wyoming in 1856. Having just visited Rock Creek Hollow and Martin's Cove and some of the other places along the trail for the first time myself I can picture these places and the special spirit. The faith and sacrifice and endurance of the pioneers helps encourage each of us on.

This book tells the story of the stake president who realized the temple work had not been done for these people that died before they reached Salt Lake. As the stake members learned about these people and did their temple work they were also blessed with their own spiritual blessings. This book is about the spirit of Elijah and the importance of temple ordinances. It's about the spirit of care and rescue. It's about remembering and having faith. Members of the Riverton Stake also helped to build monuments in Martin's Cove (a bridge across the Sweetwater that would have been a saving grace in 1856) and Rock Creek Hollow, so that others will remember the rescue and the faith and the events that took place in these special places. This is the story of how thin the veil is and how we are connected to our ancestors and neighbors who have gone before. We need and bless each other along our journeys.

Some quotes I liked:

"'How in the world did those exhausted, hungry, freezing souls get their carts and wagons up this rocky incline (p. IX)?'"

"That first trip to central Wyoming changed my life (p. X)."

"The story that follows is one of courage, personal revelation, and divine providence. It is the story of how the hearts of living Saints were turned by the spirit of the prophet of Elijah to those who had gone before, bringing blessings to both the living and the dead (p. 6)."

"He was more than just casually interested in locating the spot; something seemed to nag at him to find the secluded pioneer graves (p. 13)."

"Scott sensed the sacredness of Rock Creek Hollow and had a great desire to share that sacred feeling with others (p. 14)."

"I would hear little children would couldn't even say Willie praying about the Willie Project, and old people, too (p. 17)."

"What needed to be done (p. 20)?"

"'That's why we have the computers. Their temple work has not been done (p. 24).'"

"Temple work for the Willie and Martin people needed to be completed... These people had accepted the gospel and were heeding the prophet's call to gather with the rest of the Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, but their journey ended too soon (p. 25)."

"The handcart pioneers died within the confines of the Riverton Wyoming Stake, and President Lorimer was, in a manner of speaking, their stake president. Now that the time was right, it was appropriate that the inspiration for this work should come to him (p. 26)."

"Many who died before reaching the Salt Lake Valley had truly become lost souls out on the prairie (p. 26)."

"The Second Rescue of those devoted pioneers centered on temple ordinances (p. 27)."

"'We feel we have a responsibility to help provide temple work for these people who died on the plains of Wyoming (p. 27).'"

"The actual temple ordinances needed to be completed in the Ogden Temple, more than 300 miles away (p. 31)."

"President Lorimer stirred the hearts of the Riverton Saints by comparing the Second Rescue to the first rescue of 1856... 'The first rescue wasn't convenient... They went out willingly, however, and saved those people. Today I call upon the bishops of this stake, and I leave it in their hands how this rescue will unfold. I know the Spirit will rest upon them. I urge you, brethren, to make sure nothing goes undone. I promise you that we will succeed in what we've been asked to do (p. 32)."

"'She did not have any descendants to research her line. She is not even listed on the roster of the Willie handcart company. She was a forgotten little soul all alone in a foreign land... She has waited 135 years for all of this to come together... to finally join the Church, to finally receive the blessings of temple ordinances (p. 34).'"

"'The Willie people are watching over this stake with great interest... Bodil Mortensen and the others who died and are buried at Rock Creek will have their temple ordinances completed in the House of the Lord... There is a name for every member of our stake who is active and over the age of twelve... The youth are to participate in this project... We cannot stop until it is completed (p. 34).'"

"On August 14, 1991... temple work was completed for members of the Willie handcart company who died in Rock Creek Hollow on October 23-24, 1856 (p. 37)."

"With the temple work now completed for those whose bodies lay there in the mass grave, the Lorimer family noticed a new spirit in the Hollow (p. 39)."

"In order to give everyone a chance, families were given half-hour turns at the family history centers. It was a common occurrence at the libraries for families to find the information needed to clear a name for temple ordinances. So intense was the interest that for a family member to be absent when such a discovery was made was a real disappointment (p. 43)."

"Many stake members who had never been to the temple, or who hadn't attended for many years, were now making themselves worthy to enter the House of the Lord and participate in these holy ordinances (p. 46)."

"'They were meek, they were mild, they were submissive. Their only desire was to serve the Lord (p. 48).'"

"During the year of the Second Rescue, the number of full-tithe payers increased 15 percent. Sacrament meeting attendance increased 6 percent. No disciplinary councils needed to be convened anywhere in the stake (p. 49)."

"The fruits of the Second Rescue were many and varied: the far-reaching effects of the temple work itself; the effect on the spirituality of the Saints of the Riverton Wyoming Stake; the effect on the Ogden Utah Temple workers; the increase in tithing faithfulness, sacrament meeting attendance, and the number of Eagle Scout awards earned; the participation of friends of other faiths...the strengthening of personal testimonies of young and old (p. 50)."

"In the fall of 1992, the Riverton Wyoming Stake presidency asked each individual who participated in the Second Rescue to write down his or her memories and testimonies of the experience. Hundreds of stake members responded, and their writings were collected, bound, and placed in the Riverton stake center (p. 52)."

"'I learned very quickly that the faith, testimonies, and unselfishness of the pioneers extends from the other side of the veil... There were no personal agendas involved in this rescue. Only the will of Heavenly Father... The unity...has spread through the stake (p. 54).'"

"'During the past year our lives have been touched in a special way. We have been married almost thirty years and own own temple work had not been done... How very blessed and thankful we are to have had the opportunity to take a small part in this inspired project (p. 55).'"

"'At the temple, I performed all the ordinances for Johann Ahmanson. I felt nothing until the temple worker bestowed the Melchizedek Priesthood on me in behalf of Johann. A strong spiritual impression came over me and I began to weep. I felt he was there and was thankful that I had done this for him. I believe my life will never be the same (p. 55).'"

"'I am a convert to the Church. My testimony is special to me. The saints who died so that we could exercise our beliefs are special. I can not wait to meet them and thank them (p. 57).'"

"'After pulling the handcarts 20 miles this summer, we were received by approximately 1,000 members of our stake. To my surprise they stood as one and cheered and clapped as the first carts arrived and continued until we were in. Shouts of joy rent the air. Families were joined together again and joyful tears were all around. It was a feeling I shall never forget (p. 58).'"

"'The most spiritual thing I experienced as the trip of about 300 miles we took to be baptized for the pioneers. There was a very humble feeling that I felt when the man that baptized me read the name of the pioneer that was waiting to get this work done. I will never forget that feeling (p. 59).'"

"Kelly (age 3) was asked in an interview, 'What is the Second Rescue?' Her response was, 'It is where my Dad works. He does lots of important stuff there for the pioneers (p. 62).'"

"'At the dedication I helped pass out water to people in the crowd. It was a hot day and it was fun to help. I listened to President Hinckley. After the program I got to shake his hand. I thought it was neat. I told him my name. He is a good man (p. 65)."

"Just as Martin's Cove has come to symbolize the suffering and sacrifice of the Martin handcart company... Rock Creek Hollow is a scared symbol of the mighty price paid by members of the James G. Willie company in their struggle to gather with the Latter-day Saints in the Salt Lake Valley. Located in central Wyoming, eight miles south of Atlantic City, Rock Creek Hollow was a two-day resting place for the approximately 460 surviving members of the Willie handcart company (p. 68)."

"REMEMBER the words, promises, and blessings of the Lord through his apostles and prophets to them (p. 74)."

"'We will finish this bridge so no one will ever have to endure what the pioneers did. We will do it in their honor and to their memory (Charles Starks, p. 90).'"

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was cited a few times by Andrew D. Olson in his book The Price We Paid. It sounded interesting to me so I tracked down a copy.
This book tells the story of Robert Scott Lorimer and the members of the Riverton, Wyoming Stake who undertook the spiritual rescue of the members of the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies. In the late 1980's, shortly after he was called as Stake President, R. Scott Lorimer asked the members of his stake to pray for the "Willie Project." He did not know what the Willie Project was but he did know that it would have something to do with those pioneers who had died at Rock Creek Hollow in 1856. President Lorimer said about the project, "We sought the Lord in prayer, asking that we might understand the significance of the feelings I had been having concerning the site. For some reason I just could not let go of Rock Creek Hollow."
A few years later, through the efforts of a counselor in the Stake Presidency, the Riverton, Wyoming Stake was able to receive two computers with the new Family Search program. President Lorimer then realized that the Willie Project was a project to complete the temple work of the handcart pioneers. Surprisingly, very few of the pioneers who had died during the trek had received their temple ordinances. "The rescue effort initiated by Brigham Young in October of 1856 brought the surviving pioneers safely to the Salt Lake Valley. Now, a 'Second Rescue' was needed to provide the sacred ordinances of the temple for those faithful pioneers."
The book begins with a short introduction to the Willie and Martin Handcart Pioneer story. There are also quotes from those pioneers scattered through out the book, helping readers to remember the harrowing experiences of the pioneers. There is also a short introduction to the doctrine of temple work. The book then follows the story of the Willie Project as the idea formed and grew. Each member of the stake was asked to take one name and do the necessary research and complete any needed temple work for that person. Many spiritual experiences of those involved in the Second Rescue are shared throughout the book, including one chapter devoted to the testimonies of many members of the stake. The final chapters of the book describe efforts to make plaques and memorials for placement at pioneer sites and acquiring lands, including Martin's Cove and building facilities for visitors.
The appendix lists all the members of the Willie and Martin Handcart companies and the Hunt and Hodgett Wagon companies.
In all, more than 4,000 temple ordinances were completed for the Willie and Martin Handcart Pioneers and their families.
This is an interesting story filled with examples of faith and determination.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This inspiring true story will fill you with the Spirit of Elijah and you will have a renewed desire to do temple work. It is outstanding, motivating and spiritually beautiful.

[Kiyoko · Rating 3 out of 5]

A chronicle of a stake president to involve the people in his area in temple work for the Willie and Martin handcart pioneers. This research and work expanded into obtaining historic landmark areas in key places along the route. Details are given about how improvements were made and plaques were created in honor of the struggle of these early pioneers.

I like history, and this book has a bit of that. But it also contains a spin that I often see in LDS non-fiction - the "faith-promoting and testimony-building" spin of the importance of Church leadership to the lowly member.

History is romanticized as the tireless Lorimer is prompted by the spirit. He obtains computers for researching the records of the pioneers by the members of his stake and then arranges for the temple work to be completed. Throughout the narrative, difficulties arise and things look grim and desolate, only to miraculously come together perfectly and conveniently before the arrival of top LDS leaders. These examples mirror the conditions of the pioneers in their last desperate weeks, and the winter rescue that occurred.

Lorimer convinces LDS Church leaders to purchase land related to the trek and make improvements so anyone who wishes to walk in the path of the fallen may do so.

Although five other handcart companies had previously safely traveled the same route to the Salt Lake Valley, all with few problems, the Willie and Martin companies have become poster children for LDS pioneers in general. This book is a saga of modern-day humility which desires the reader feel the spirit. The details are designed to evoke an emotional response to the efforts of today's generation building upon the foundation of the truly touching story of these courageous pioneers. The message includes the importance of family history and temple work.

The "Testimonials" section includes prints of line drawings created by young children in the stake. The book provides excerpts from pioneer journals, along with photos of past pioneers and... modern-day leaders. The Riverton Stake Presidency. The Ogden Temple Presidency and wives all dressed in white. President James Foust and President Thomas Monson - because they visited the area.

One particular latter-day memorial choice described in the book reveals the poignancy felt by the author about those who were involved in the project. Lorimer arranged, with difficulty, the purchase of land at Rock Creek Hollow. This was the location where the Willie company spent two days in harsh winter conditions, having completed their forced rescue march over the treacherous Rocky Ridge and down the western slope of South Pass. Those who were still alive were in bad shape. But the site was eventually obtained and improvements and beautification completed. President Gordon B Hinckley officially dedicated Rock Creek Hollow and the mass grave for 15 pioneers in 1992. As explained in "The Second Rescue":

"A new and imposing monument at Rock Creek Hollow was dedicated on July 26, 1997, as the culminating event at the Riverton stake Pioneer Day celebration held that year. It memorialized the Second Rescue and the blessings associated with it. The inscription on the six-foot-high, eight-ton granite stone reads:

To the People of The Second Rescue
REMEMBER
Gordon B. Hinckley August 15, 1992
Thomas S. Monson July 15, 1997
James E. Faust July 25, 1992
Helaman 10:4-5

The names are those of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On August 15, 1992, Pres. Hinckley dedicated the monuments at Martin's Cove, the Willie rescue site, and Rocky Ridge and pronounced a sacred blessing on the people of the stake. On July 15, 1997, Pres. Monson spoke to over 1,400 people in a meeting held in Riverton and gave them a special blessing. And on July 25, 1992, the youth and later the entire membership of the Riverton Wyoming Stake received powerful blessings from Elder James Faust. The monument at Rock Creek Hollow stands as a mighty reminder that urges the people of the Second Rescue to REMEMBER the words, promises, and blessings of the Lord through his apostles and prophets to them."

I leave it to you, dear reader, to decide the relevance.

[Colette · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not a literary masterpiece (it wasn’t meant to be), this story was full of the Holy Spirit. The pioneer stories interspersed throughout the story of the Riverton Stake experience was genius. I loved seeing how these people sought the Lord and were answered step by step (both the pioneers and the modern rescuers). They knew there was something important for them to do. The Lord revealed it a little at a time until the entire miraculous work was unfolded. So many miracles through the generations. It’s now been 30+ years since these events, and 25 years since the book was published. I would love to hear about the long-term effects from this project. I know thousands and thousands of youth have had special experiences because the people of the Riverton Stake did what they needed to do. If there is anyone reading this who participated —thank you! The Willie, Martin, Hodges, and Hunt people needed you, and you rose to the occasion magnificently. This was a wonderful account.

[Elisabeth Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an extremely meaningful book to me. I went on handcart treks at Martin's cove as a teenager. I also have around 20 direct ancestors who were wagon and hand cart pioneers, including some in both the Martin and Willie handcart companies. It was extremely emotional and inspiring to read the stories of those my ancestors traveled with, and those who did their temple work and made the Wyoming sites such a wonderful experience for me when I was a teenager. I wish I had known the history of the 1990s saints when I was a teenager visiting in the 2010s. I highly highly highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of the Utah pioneers, or really any united states 1800's history. This story truly connects all the ages.

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful history of the members of several stakes in Wyoming as they learned about the Willie and Martin Handcart companies that struggled to get to Utah in terrible winter conditions. President Scott Lorimer received revelation and acted on it by inviting his Stake to research the members of those companies to do their Temple work. It grew from there to making granite and bronze markers at various points of the handcart troubles. They were able to purchase land for the church and the whole thing was dedicated. This book is well written and sources well defined. It is a very touching read.

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story of the Riverton Wyoming Stake's project to do the temple work for the Willie and Martin Handcart companies and the two wagon trains that were with them. Also tells of how the stake built monuments at Martins Cove, Rock Creek Hollow and the Sun Ranch. Very inspirational - especially the first part.

[Nedra · Rating 3 out of 5]

A religious history of an lds stake who tackled work for the dead in temples, sacred sites where pioneers died for their faith and valiant rescuers saved many so that we all can have reminders of the sacrifice of our forbears so we can live freely in our faith. If you’re lds, it’s a tender book.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had some interesting information but it was more of a documentary and I think I was hoping for more of a novel. I wanted something more in depth.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

We've been out to see this area a few years back and it was nice to read this inspired story of how the second rescue came about and what exactly it was.

[Elizabeth Ricks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an inspiring book. As a direct descendant of a member of the Willie Handcart Company, I appreciated the suffering that my namesake Elizabeth went through.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Motivated me to look into my familysearch account and get some family history work done!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every LDS knows the story of the Martin and Willie Hardcart companies, two groups of pioneers who started across the plains late in the season only to be caught by an early snowstorm. They bogged down in the mud and snow, suffered exposure from the horrible weather, and got frostbite from fording icy rivers. Many died, sometimes even entire families. They were rescued and brought in from the plains. When they arrived in Salt Lake with black and frozen limbs, half starved, they were taken into home and nursed back to health. But the graves on the plains were unmarked. For many years, it wasn't even clear how many died out there or who they were.

Little by little, helped by the stories of survivors and by researching all the documents that could be found, the church was able to piece together just what had happened. This story is about the effort to memorialize those lost on the plains and to provide temple work for them.

The Riverton Wyoming stake made it their mission to find these pioneers, the ones of the Willie handcart company, and tell their stories. They headed the efforts to research their identities, to get the temple work done, and then to provide a fitting memorial in Rock Creek Hollow in Wyoming.

The most touching story to me was of 10 year old Bodil Mortensen, a Danish girl, who was on those plains without any of her family. Since her family couldn't afford to all go to Zion at once, they sent the oldest daughter ahead to work and wait for the rest. Bodil was to come next, and the rest of the family to follow. But little Bodil was among those who froze and starved to death. The thought of that poor little girl, alone, with probably no one else who spoke her language, dying alone was pretty heartbreaking.

I appreciate this story as it reminds me first, how precious my family is, and second, how lucky I am not to have to suffer such privations just to practice my faith. Sure, I have to put up with some ridicule, but I haven't been burned out of my house or been shot at or starved out. Very inspirational. Recommended for Latter-day Saints.

[Keri-Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course I'm going to give any book which involves history, genealogy and temple work a 5. It's just not possible for me to give it any other rating, but in this case I would give it a 5 anyway based on the how well it was written and organized. It's a non-fiction book about the effort an LDS Stake in Wyoming made to ensure the handcart pioneers in the Willie and Martin companies had their temple work done. Many of them died on the trail and did not leave any descendants to do their work for them. In fact, before the project began nearly 80% of the pioneers in those companies were missing some or all of their temple ordinances. It was a real challenge for the members who took on the work of identifying these individuals and getting their temple work done, but so many things fell into place for that to happen that the story was uplifting and interesting at the same time. An added bonus are side paragraphs throughout the book which have short stories or quotes from pioneers in general, and the survivors of the Willie and Martin companies in particular. Even more was involved than just getting the temple work done, including erecting monuments and plaques and the work that went on to provide public access to the historic sites. I would recommend it to anyone with pioneer ancestry.

[Mommywest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story of how the then-stake president miraculously discovered that many of the members of the Willie and Martin handcart companies, as well as the Hunt and Hodgett wagon trains, and even the rescuers who came to help them, didn't have some or any of their temple ordinances done. This led to what came to be known as "The Second Rescue." Stake members became involved in doing the work necessary to clear names for temple work, driving six hours each way to the Ogden Utah temple to do that work, and also in preparing memorials to honor those who passed through and those who perished. The whole book is full of one miracle after another, and you will not be able to hold back the tears as you read! One thing I would have liked to see is a list of what pioneer needed what ordinances and more sharing of experiences of those who did the work. But I'm sure there's a good reason this wasn't the case.

[Dad · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Martin and Willie Handcart Companies were rescued in the 1850's but this book is about doing the genealogical and temple work to seal by the priesthood of God these people to their families. It is very inspiring. I believe I was a baptistry worker at the Ogden Temple when part of this work was done. I came in for an extra Saturday shift.
At least two of my relatives participated in the physical rescue from the snow. Edwin Ruthven Miles went to the Cove and accompanied them back. Marriner Wood Merrill took supplies part way into Wyoming.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing story of the spiritual rescue of the pioneers in the Willie and Martin handcart companies. Direct revelation was given to a stake president in Wyoming who got the members of his stake to do the temple work of the saints in these companies. All that those saints sacrificed and their temple work hadn't yet been done 100+ years later. Pretty crazy. Can't think of a more deserving people.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I began reading this just the day before we went to see the historical sights where the Willie and Martin Handcart companies were rescued by a relief party. I should have started it the week before. It was a quick read, and very interesting. It helps if the reader has some background information as to what took place with these two handcart companies. Although not necessary.

[Brigitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

So touching! After taking my family to the Willie & Martin sites this summer, & having heard more about this stake & what they did, I was thrilled to discover there was a book published about the 2nd rescue. I was touched as I read accounts of what the Riverton Wyoming stake experienced, how it strengthened all of them & learned about the some of the miracles that took place. loved it!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give it 3.5 stars if I could. The first part of the book was interesting on how the "spiritual" rescue of the Willie and Martin Handcart companies. The last half of the book were testimonials, etc. and got tired of them real quick. So I can only say I read 1/2 of the book. Still, the first part was good.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sketchy chronicle of an amazing story. The inspiration of a stake president who was led by the spirit to bring the ordinances of the temple to the people of the two ill-fated Willie and Martin handc

[Trpusey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really touching story of the temple work that was done (more than 100 years later) for the members of the Willie and Martin Handcart pioneers who didn't make it to SL Valley. Heard this story a decade ago but had never read the book.

[Janene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring

[Suzanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an inspirational read. It really made me want to get busy with my family history work!

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

great historical information and inspiring read

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book! I think it meant all the more to me because my third-great grandmother and her children (including my great-great grandmother, Mary Smith)were part of the Willie Handcart Company

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book because it is about many of my ancestors, and my Aunt helped with the Second Rescue.