A few miles down the road from Independence Rock is Martin's Cove. This location is important in LDS history because a group of handcart pioneers, those not wealthy enough for an ox-pulled wagon, got stuck here one winter - many died. Normally the pioneers knew that they had reach Independence Rock by July 4th to make it over the mountains before winter, but the Martin Handcart Company didn't make it there until October. They were also short of funds and didn't have enough money to resupply in Fort Laramie so they had to ration - only 4 oz of flour per adult per day. That was it. Kids got 2 oz. Many adults went without food because they would give it to their kids, but then the adults were too weak to push the handcarts and quite often the kids would end up pulling their parents. It was heart breaking to hear about and it really struck a chord with my boys. Now when they are complaining I can say, "at least you have more than 2 oz of flour to eat a day" and that gets them thinking about how they are blessed.
Josh had a great, great (I'm not sure now many greats, but a lot) Grandfather, Asa Smith Hawley, that was in one of the rescue parties sent out from Salt Lake and also great, great, great aunt that was part of the ill-fated handcart company. It is so hard for me to imagine what life was like then, with so much suffering, but I know that I am I so grateful for the sacrifices of my little family's ancestors.
2 comments:
Cool story. I didn't realize they had smaller carts too. Is that just so kids can try it?
Thanks for the picture. My Great...Grandfather Thomas Steed's name is in that picture. That is really cool to see. Glad you are having a fun time!
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