Mormon handcart pioneers

Introduction
For several years in the mid-1850s, the Mormon Church leaders encouraged new members to immigrate to Utah (Zion) from Europe. Those that could not afford ox pulled wagons, were advised to pull their own handbuilt handcarts. In 1856, two such handcart companies Martin Handcart Company and the Willie Handcart Company, started late in the travel season and met with tragedy on plains of Wyoming when early winter storms set in.

Participants
Members of the Martin Handcart Company.
 * 1)  Griffiths, Jane E (1848-1929) - age 8 survivor
 * 2)  Griffiths, John (1810-1856) -  widower, died on the trek west.

Rescuers

 * 1)  Kimball, David P (1839-1883)
 * 2)  Young, Joseph A (1834-1875) - returning missionary who reported companies plight to his father, Brigham Young (1801-1877) and returned with rescue team.