Willie Martin Handcart Tribute Traditional Cache
Willie Martin Handcart Tribute
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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The Willie & Martin handcart companies of 1856 departed late from England. The ship Thornton, carrying the emigrants who became the Willie Company, did not leave England until May 4. Another three weeks passed before the Horizon, carrying the emigrants who formed the Martin Company, departed. The late departures may have been the result of difficulties in procuring ships in response to the unexpected demand, but the results would be tragic for these two companies.
My Great Great Grandfather imigrated to the United States on the ship Horizon. I had originally intended to place this cache as a tribute to him. In my posession I have letters where he was able to talk his way to be part of the Willie company instead of waiting several weeks for the Martin Company.
980 members of these two companies left Florence, Nebraska. By the time they reached Salt Lake City, Utah, 213 of them died on the trail. Nearly 25% of those who started the journey never saw it completed. Thomas Hooley, my relative, lost several toes from frost bite during this trek.
Thank you for taking the time to visit this area. Whether your LDS or not, the visitor center has many neat stories and activities for you to enjoy.
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