Robert and Jemima

Robert and Jemima are now both in New Jersey, and after working and saving up, the New Jersey Saints are prepared to go West. According to the recollections of their children, Robert and Jemima's courting began in New Jersey, continued on their travels to Nebraska and upon their arrival in Omaha, on May 1, 1859 they were married.  Robert was 30 yrs old and Jemima was 21 yrs old.

Nebraska was just half-way to their goal, but many of those seeking to go to Utah needed to find work to earn enough money to fund the rest of their journey. As luck would have it, after a few short months, a company led by Captain Little came from Salt Lake City needing supplies taken back to the Utah. Robert and Jemima were hired as part of the crew to return the supplies to Salt Lake. Robert was to drive two span of mules hitched to a large carriage, and Jemima was to cook for the company of nine men and two women.

Jemima only missed cooking one meal the entire journey due to illness, unfortunately Robert did not have the same experience. Soon after leaving he became sick with chills and fever and was unable to drive the wagon, leaving the job to Jemima. She was too short to drive from the wagon seat so she had to walk along side the mules to keep them inline. By the time Robert recovered from his illness, Captain Little's son became ill and Jemima was recruited to take over his duties, while Robert resumed his team. It was recorded by her children that she walked most of the 1,000 mile journey while pregnant with their first child.

Crossing the plains was always an arduous journey, fraught with danger. The newlyweds were not left untroubled. One day while crossing the plains a thunderous noise was heard and the ground began to rumble. Captain Little had them circle the wagons quickly, but a large herd of stampeding Buffalo could have easier run their small company through. It is not mentioned in recorded journals of their children, but I believe many prayers went up at that moment in pleas for protection. What is recorded, is that the head Buffalo stopped in front of them and stared at them for several minutes, then shook his head, and turned and led the buffalo off in another direction.

They arrived in Salt Lake City, October 8, 1859, after their three month journey.

I always wonder, if I had been born during their era, would I have done the same? When we talk of the pioneers we are often challenged with the mantra, "I can do hard things." It is not always "Can I?" but maybe, "Would I?" Reading of their challenges strengthens me, it makes me grateful for their sacrifice and helps me to overcome the challenges that have been placed in my path that are designed to help me become who my Father in Heaven already knows I am.