Rescue of the 1856 Handcart Companies

by Rebecca Bartholomew

Thirteen years before the railroad was completed, some 2,000 Utah-bound immigrants discovered at Iowa City that they could not afford the rigs and teams necessary for the remaining overland trek. So these resourceful Europeans decided to construct their own makeshift, hand-drawn wagons and walk to Utah. Of five companies, three negotiated the 1,000-mile ordeal relatively without incident, while two companies lagged behind and became bogged down in Wyoming snow storms.

When Brigham Young heard of their plight, he criticized these poorer immigrants for lack of judgment and preparation but nevertheless dispatched search parties to rescue them. However, by the time they were found, many were already dead and others starving. The survivors were resuscitated enough to enable their trek through the snow drifts the rest of the distance to Salt Lake City.

A noteworthy aspect of the handcart pioneers' diaries is that none expressed regret for this alleged foolhardiness. They wrote about their hardships matter-of-factly, expressing admiration for their intrepid rescuers and thanks to God.

That they risked so much to make this pilgrimage is a testament to their faith. Later generations have come to recognize this heroism and identify the handcart as a symbol of the Mormon pioneering miracle. This book tells the factual story behind the true legend.

Genres: History

59 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short book (about 60 pages including notes) covers the rescue operation mounted to save the pioneers of the Willie and Martin handcart companies in 1856. Bartholomew and Arrington have done their research and included extensive notes that support their findings. At the same time, they have written a compelling narrative of the rescue efforts.

Though it is short, it is a moving account of the intense effort involved, and brought me to tears more than once. Many of the rescued, as well as the rescuers, kept detailed journals to which the authors referred and from which they quoted in their narrative. For me, it was a bonus that one of the rescuers, Ira Nebeker, may be an ancestor of mine. Thinking of him brought me deeper into the story and caused me to reflect on my own circumstances, and (embarrassingly) how much I take for granted.

Highly recommended for anyone interested in pioneer expansion in general or the Mormon handcart trek westward in particular.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a scholarly, well-researched--yet brief--account of the heroic rescue of Mormon handcart pioneers in 1856. It is straightforward, unembellished, and does not attempt detailed retelling of individual stories, while still acknowledging some of the more remarkable moments of the rescue. I appreciated the clear, honest description of events and the quotes taken from journals and other primary source material.

[Patrick Trent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading and about the effort to rescue the Willie and Martin handcart company. It was an amazing effort to help these people. Brigham Young was a major driving force in getting the rescue organized and help the immigrants not only get in from the plains, but to be settled and cared for once they reached the valley.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again I was inspired by the early saints and the sacrifice they put forth and would I be able to do it, especially since we have a very chilly fall.

[Dr. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short accurate account, lacks the detail and narrative of other accounts

[Marlene Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tear jerker.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A harrowing account of the Willie and Martin Handcart companies. Interesting to see the events unfold in the rescuing of these pioneers.