I've been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints my entire life. I've grown up listening and singing pioneer songs, celebrating the 24th of July and being taught that had it not been for the courage and endurance of those early saints to get to Zion, the church would not be what it is today.
In spite of that lifetime of exposure, I can honestly say that I did not know the story of the Willie and Martin Handcart companies. I knew that they got caught in an early snow storm and I knew that a lot of people died, but I didn't get it. I didn't get the why and, most importantly, the who.
Andrew Olson explains upfront that it is a misconception most people have that the Willie and Martin Handcart companies are one in the same. They are not. Their tragedies were the result of the same early storm and much of the same mistakes in decision making, but they were in two separate places along the trail and had two different experiences and rescues. For that reason, he tells the stories individually, the Willie being the first half of the book and the Martin finishing the second half.
They are similar in that most of the members of the companies had similar backgrounds. Poor European converts and returning missionaries all eager to reach Utah and convinced that their faith will see them there. It was hard for me, emotionally, to finish the Willie story and begin again with the Martin. Instead of interweaving the timeline, he starts and finishes each one to completion. So many names and wretched history after another made it difficult for individual names and experiences to stick. Still, some did. I read this in preparation for a Youth Pioneer Trek and was so much better prepared from doing so. It opened my eyes to why their stories have needed to stay relevant for the past hundred and fifty years. It opened my eyes to be able to understand the current day parallels that motivate wards and stakes to put on these elaborate and painstaking Treks.
There are few books I would classify as life-changing, but, for me, this is one of them. I am humbled and grateful to better know my own history.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Book Review - The Price We Paid - The Extraordinary Story of the Willie and Martin Handcart Pioneers
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2 comments:
When we were doing research for our trek, we discovered we had direct ancestors who were in the Martin handcart company. I am alternately ashamed that my family tree has forgotten that and thrilled to know that the Openshaws were, literally, THERE. It was amazing to walk the same trails my ancestors did. I haven't blogged about it because it's nearly too overwhelming...hard to find the words! I'm glad you enjoyed this one. It was on our list of books to choose from for the Trek. I didn't read THIS one but I still want to.
I skimmed through a few other books, but this is the only one I read. It is excellent. It's not just the during, but the background stories and the follow-up that complete the story. I was like you in that I didn't know one of my direct ancestors was one of the rescuers until I saw a short chapter about him. It really brought it home.
I'd be really interested to hear about your feelings and experiences when you're ready:)
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