EYES TO SEE DELIVERANCE
submitted by: SUP Trail Marker Pioneer Stories March 2023
By Richard D. Kirkham - Area Vice President - Sons of Utah Pioneers
The history of the Hodgett Wagon Companies' hardships is intertwined with the more famous accounts of tragedy remembered of the Willie and Martin handcart companies. In 1856, winter storms trapped the Willie, Martin, Hunt, and Hodgetts companies, on the plains of present-day Wyoming. Close to 1,500 people were stranded along the trail, approximately 250 of whom died after suffering exposure, frostbite, and starvation. A rescue effort enlisted thousands of Church members in Utah to provide food and aid. Some 300 rescuers risked their own safety to meet the companies enroute and help them reach the Salt Lake Valley, saving over 1,200 lives. This rescue has inspired generations of Latter-day Saints for the rescuers’ rapid response and heroic willingness to take personal risks, and the community’s support and care for the survivors.
The Hodgetts company consisted of 160 individuals and about 33 wagons when they left from the outfitting post located at Iowa City, Iowa. William Benjamin Hodgetts was the captain of the company. Twelve-year-old John Bond was a member of the company. He and parents and 6 siblings were converts from England, bound for Salt Lake City. He remembered well the day the rescuers arrived from the Salt Lake Valley.
“Along in the afternoon, I was playing in front of Sister Scott’s St. Louis wagon with her son Joseph, then seven years old, and his mother was looking to the westward. All at once Sister Scott sprang to her feet in the wagon and screamed out at the top of her voice, "I see them coming! I see them coming! Surely, they are angels from heaven!" At such a thing being said I looked the way she was looking, that I may see what she saw in the distance. Then she called out, "I can see them plainer! plainer! plainer!" I still looked the way she was looking but could not see anything. By this time more of the brethren and sisters came from their tents and wagons from all over the camp, anxious to see what she saw in the distance.”
“All kept looking to the westward for the moving objects, when all commenced to see in the distance at the curve of the hill, what Sister Scott saw, appearing to be three men on horses, driving another slowly in the deep crusted snow, as the wolves howled from all directions. Still the Saints kept watching for the moving objects as all were anxious to see the relief party coming to relieve the distress all were in, bringing assistance to alleviate the loving Saints of undaunted faith. As the moving objects could be seen distinctly, a general cry rent the air. Hurrah! Hurrah! Some of the voices choked with laughter and falling tears. They were tickled to know that they were to be saved and delivered from the fears of an ignominious death. When sister Scott waved her shawl calling, "We are saved!" It was so loud that all the camp could hear her, and repeating, “It is! It is surely the relief party from Utah.“
“Joseph A. Young, Daniel W. Jones and Abraham Garr came into camp with a small dun colored pack mule packed with supplies which caused much rejoicing throughout the camp with Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! again and again. The broken-hearted mothers ran, clasping their emaciated arms around the necks of the relief party, kissing them time and time again as do the brethren also, rushing up in groups to fall on their necks, the tears falling from their eyes in profusion. They were overjoyed to think that all were soon to have relief and care for the living and sick and burial for the dead as they go to their silent tombs. "God bless Brigham Young and the rescuing parties sent out to help all to the valleys over the snowclad Rocky Mountains," was heard all over the camp.”
Sister Scott was one who was faithfully watching, waiting, hoping for salvation and delivery from their terrible plight. Her eyes were attuned, and her response was swift. She shared the good news of their deliverance. Together they all became partakers of the heavenly gift. May we all have eyes to see. May we all be quick to rally around our spiritual deliverer who is Jesus Christ for He is nearer than we think!