Tracy and Marsha Smith attended the dedication of the Handcart Pioneer Monument at Winter Quarters, 19 Sept., and submitted this report:
Elder Truman F. Clawson, Director of the Mormon Trail Visitors' Center, told the history of the 3,000 pioneers who chose to come to Utah via handcarts (662 were made; carried 400 lbs.; for 5 or more people), in 1856-60. They were poor city folk and farmers, eager to reach Utah and the Saints. They sailed from Europe (steerage class) in small ships. They faced death on board ship, and on the rudimentary trains, and, especially, on the 1,000 miles of plains and mountains; yet, they were anxious to take the risk. Many died; but many more lived to contribute to the spirit of Mormonism that conquered the West. He pointed out, "They were moved by the Spirit to go--to seek better lives--to be with others of similar faith, and to enjoy the blessings of worshiping in God's Holy Temple. They came as families--children, babies, pregnant mothers, and grandparents. They were excited to depart. Brother Franz Johansen, the sculptor of this beautiful and poignant monument who himself is a descendant of handcart pioneers, wanted to depict them beginning their trek filled with joy, optimism, and excitement. So you see this family almost floating in the air as they begin their journey. Can you feel their joy, their excitement and happiness as they wend their way to Zion?.... What great and wonderful riches they have left to us all--if we will just think about it and understand the gift that we have received from them."
After this talk, descendants of handcart pioneers were asked to stand: The Smiths stood. Tracy had a 2nd great grandmother, Mary McGowan, who came alone in the Daniel MacArthur company in 1856; and Marsha represented Daniel Tyler, the assistant to Edward Martin in that ill-fated Martin Handcart Company who came that same year. All ancestors of handcart pioneers were given a special ribbon to wear, and asked to sign a book beside their ancestor's name, to be on display at the Visitors' Center.
Elder Hugh Pinnock gave some brief remarks in which he presented Gov. Benjamin Nelson with a copy of his own genealogy (researched by the FH Library personnel). Marsha and Tracy presented a copy of Daniel Tyler's book to the Governor at the close of ceremonies.
An interesting after-thought by Marsha: "Last year Tracy was in the color guard of the Battalion at the 24th of July Days of '47 Parade. You will recall that this was the year that the Sesquicentennial Wagon Trek was part of the Parade. The governors, of those States covered by the trek, were honored guests. Being brave Battalion soldiers, Ltc. Sheldon Teeples, and Pvt. Tracy Smith approached Governor Nelson, and Tracy said, "I am moving to Nebraska next month, and I need a job!" The Governor invited him to stop by his office when he got to Nebraska, but Tracy never did. However, as I presented Tyler's book to him, I reminded him of the incident and told him that that man was my husband. He graciously accepted the book."
Thanks, Marsha, for this report! (Editor)