Through Deepening Trials

We have a noble heritage. The stories of the Martin Handcart Company of 1856 are a major part of the Mormon heritage. Many of this pioneer company-- members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints-- gave everything they had, including their lives, in fulfilling the commandment of Brigham Young to come to Zion. One survivor, Frances Webster, summarized the feelings of those who were there. \"I was in that company, and my wife was in it....We suffered beyond anything you can imagine and many died of exposure and starvation, but those who came through ... came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives for we became acquainted with Him in our extremities.\" Sarah Franks and George Padley were called the \"Sweethearts of the Martin Company.\" This is their story. It is a love story, but is also an accurate picture of the journey of the Martin Handcart Company.No fictional names were used in the story, as those who were there deserve the recognition for their suffering,