I Walked to Zion

by Susan Arrington Madsen

What did pioneer children do for fun? What did they fear as they crossed the plains? Susan Arrington Madsen, author of The Lord Needed a Prophet, has collected actual accounts of thirty young people (under the age of twenty) who were members of Mormon wagon trains and handcart companies. B.H. Roberts describes how he and his sister traveled from England as virtual orphans until they joined their mother in Utah. Fanny Fry tells of her fear when she was nearly crushed to death by a heavily loaded handcart.

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

192 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1994

Reviews

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an amazing book! I have been reading and researching pioneer stories in my effort to become prepared for TREK this summer. This was an amazing book. It is pioneers stories of children and teenagers. I cried several times during the book and felt a real connection to their stories.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this collection of first hand accounts of pioneers.

[Sandra Strange · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a collection of pieces from journals and personal histories, personal stories of kids (from very young to adult) who emigrated to Zion: everything from their experiences aboard the ship to their first experiences in the new settlements. It ranges from harrowing accounts of the Willie handcart company experiences to much lighter stories of romances struck up walking alongside oxen drawn covered wagons. Each account also briefly tells what happened to the person after reaching Zion. Thoroughly enjoyable and suitable for the pre adolescent reader.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this book because we were traveling to Iowa City - a major starting point for handcart/wagon companies on the Mormon Trail. The stories are in first person (excerpts from journals/memories/autobiographies) and are focused only on children that traveled the Mormon Trail. Each story had a picture and biographical information which I liked. It's hard to understand what it would have been like to be a little kid walking 3 months with little food and provisions to the Utah valley. But this book helped. I so admire these individuals for their perseverence and sacrifice.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice collection of pioneer stories told by people who were children when they crossed the plains. Most of these stories were new to me, although some of the names were familiar. And you get a totally different perspective on pioneer life, because most of these children considered the trip a marvelous adventure, barely aware of the hardships their parents were facing. If you read too many of these stories all at once, however, you get the feeling you’re crossing the plains over and over again, and it’s exhausting. It’s better if you spread them out.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book because it was on the recommended reading list for Ma's and Pa's for Trek. But then Trek got cancelled, but I still decided to finish the book.

This book was interesting because it was basically journal entries of kids and teens of their experience crossing the plains. Many mentioned interactions with Indians, getting to bathe in the river, how people died (either accident, sickness, or the elements), what they ate, how the animals behaved, excitement at certain landmarks, etc.

Some parts were happy, others sad, and some spiritual miracles. I enjoyed it.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of two books I set to reading on Pioneer Day, July 24. The other book was Pioneer Stories by Preston Nibley. I enjoyed this compilation of stories more of the two books. The reason being, I Walked to Zion is a collection of stories by children that walked the 1000+ mile journey from Iowa - some from Illinois - to enter the Great Salt Lake Valley of Utah. Most of these pioneer children began their trip, prior to their long walk, on trains, and ships - some without one or both parents.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I come from LDS Pioneer heritage. The stories of my ancestors have always fascinated me, so when I found this book told in the voice of children, I was thrilled. They suffered and struggles just like their parents; but the innocence and naivete of youth often made their journey an adventure instead of a daily trudge through the grasses. LOVED reading this book.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love reading about the history of the west, then this might be a book that interests you. These first-hand accounts document the travels of several children who crossed the plains. It is interesting to see that long and ponderous trail through the eyes of a child. I was delighted to find that one of the stories was about one of my ancestors. It was a wonderful connection to discover.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I loved the short stories. Just perfect to read when you have a few minutes. Makes you very grateful to live in this time. Lots of heart ache and death, but also love and perseverance.

[Ranette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true novel about many children who came to Utah, many be themselves. Some traveled with others and some had parents die on the trip. The stamina of these folks is amazing. A great read about the times in the 1860s etc.

[Lynnae Pulsipher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like reading journals and memoirs, especially these accounts, the recollections of pioneers who crossed the plains as children. The tales are interesting and the chapters are short and easily shared in a lesson or family night.

[LINDSEY M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this little book. These narratives included the inspirational, the informative, the heartbreaking, and the laugh-out-loud funny. I gained a greater appreciation for the humanity of the individual pioneers.

[MaryAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading stories of young individuals who “crossed the plains” in the mid-1850s to freely practice their religion without persecution. I have ancestry who did so. Thus, it was interesting to read example of what my ancestors may have experienced.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun stories from the trek west. Much sacrifice from the early pioneers.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this to my 12yo son who enjoyed the sad, adventurous, and humorous stories some of the children experienced during their journey to Utah.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am SO glad I have this book. It's a jewel.

[Kathy]

I didn't read the whole thing!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

True stories about latter day saint pioneers.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of this is hindsight many, many years after these people crossed the plains, just basically recalling memories. I definitely liked the journal entry entries better. Still a fun read.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the short story format. Great read!

[Rex Cluff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick read about child pioneers giving short excerpts about their life crossing the plains from Illinois to Utah. It is entertaining and helps see the journey from a younger perspective.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun to discover two of my ancestors’ stories in this book!

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn't the kind of stories I expected.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was so fascinating and fun to read. The stories are all short (2-3 pages) and written in first person from the young pioneers that experienced life on the trail to Utah. It wasn't white-washed or edited to be faith promoting. There were a wide range of stories, from light-hearted to heart-breaking, but all were enlightening for me about what that time period was really like.
My husband received this book as a gift before our marriage, so I'm mad at myself for letting it linger on our bookshelf all these years without giving it a read. It was especially appropriate for the time of year, and I recommend it to anyone.

[Mommywest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book that gives you several perspectives about what it was like to be a Mormon pioneer child or teen in wagon and handcart companies. This is a great book to help you prepare for trek, a trip to Church History sites, or to just help yourself or your family gain a great understanding and appreciation for what he pioneers really did when they agreed to leave all they knew, and in many cases, much of what they had, behind in order to accomplish something they believed with all their hearts.

[Carmen Maloy]

History buffs will love it, even those who arent into history will get a kick out of it. All these stories are actual events that happened to youth and children while traveling from Illinois to Utah. These youngters had an amazing amount of faith to go through what they did.

If you're ever down in the dumps and feel that your lot is tough, pick this book up and you will feel humbled and blessed beyond belief. A great read and also includes some incredible pictures.

[VeeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great stories! Some are much better than others. I especially liked the account of Margaret Gay Judd (Clawson). She was hilarious. It was also fun to read about Shelli's ancestor, Edwin Pettit, who dressed in disguise. I believe the only one included that I am distantly related to was that of Lucina Mecham (Boren). Quick read. It answered some of the questions I have had about the pioneers. My only complaint - more stories needed!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is like reading a page out of about 50 journals. I liked that it not only talks about their experience along the Mormon trail, but also what happened to each person after arriving in the Salt Lake Valley. Many pages include quotes from their children and grandchildren many years later. Any time I read about these pioneers I am always inspired.

[Mtalley2]

I loved this book. One of the Great Granddaughters spoke in Sacrament Meeting while I was in Utah. I had to rush out and buy the book. It is amazing to see how children now can't cope with bad hair days or without cell phones. Yet these children seemed to know what was important because they weren't distracted by the frivolous unnecessary things in life.