Elizabeth Simpson Haigh Bradshaw was born into a family of wealth. Although she was orphaned at age nine, she continued to be raised as a child of privilege. By the time Elizabeth was 48 years old, she had been widowed twice, had five children and had longed to emigrate to Zion for 16 years. Although her brothers tried to persuade her to remain in England, promising to care for her and educate her children, she turned to them and said, "I am going to Zion."
As the Martin Handcart Company left Iowa City, the abundance of clothing and other belongings that could not be packed into their handcart were given to the needy or left behind. Sarah’s mother was able to save her two wedding dresses and later give them to her daughters. Elizabeth had also been promised in a Priesthood blessing before leaving England that she would take all her children to Zion. This blessing was honored as two of her sons were saved from drowning and death by the power of the Priesthood and Elizabeth’s faith. She traveled with her children, Sarah Ann, who was nineteen, Isabella, Samuel, Richard and Robert.
At the last crossing of the icy North Platte River on Oct. 19, 1856, the first early winter storm began. The river was swift and deep. Of this day, fellow traveler John Jacques wrote:"That was a bitter cold day. Winter came on all at once, and that was the first day of it. The river was wide, the current strong, the water exceedingly cold and up to the wagon beds in the deepest parts, and the bed of the river was covered with cobble stones. The company was barely over when snow, hail and sleet began to fall, accompanied by a piercing north wind . . ."
Elizabeth, with her 6-year-old son, Richard, perched on her shoulders, was swept off her feet and downstream in the crossing. Several on the banks called out to her, "Let the boy go . . . or you will both be drowned. Save yourself . . ." She refused to give them heed and struggled on until she finally made it to the opposite side whereupon she immediately raised her right arm to the square as a witness she then bore to the waiting crowd that God had protected and saved her and her son. (This incidence is portrayed in the movie, "Ephraim's Rescue")
Elizabeth's daughter, Sarah Ann, also made thirty-two trips across the swiftly running river, carrying sixteen people to safety on her back. She was only about five feet tall herself. The next day, between thirteen and eighteen people died, some being those who had spent their last strength carrying others across this river. Sarah told how the icicles jingled from her wet skirts and mud froze to her feet. In later years she would also tell her children that she had wondered if it was the end and if the Lord had led them over that long hard road just to let them perish in the storm and cold.
As conditions became worse for the company, Elizabeth’s son, Samuel Haigh, was one day brought into camp and pronounced dead. Elizabeth still believed the promise that she would take all of her children to Zion. She invited the Elders to anoint him with oil and administer to him. The Elders did so and Samuel recovered.
It was "not the end" for Elizabeth and her family. The first rescuers from Salt Lake City came nine days later, bringing hope to these starving Saints. Sarah would meet one particular rescuer, Franklin Standley, who would soon become her husband. Franklin died after a few short years and Sarah then married Louis Miller.
Later in life Sarah recounted the day of rescue when she said: "Imagine, if you can, what it meant to those starved, freezing Saints out on the plains not far from the North Platte River, when one evening, just as the sun was leaving a beautiful rosy afterglow...to see silhouetted against the evening sky, several covered wagons coming over the hill in their direction. News spread through the camp like wild fire, and all who were able to leave their beds were out to meet them. Tears ran down the cheeks of men and women alike, while the young men who came to their rescue were deluged with kisses."
Like many of the pioneer stories, Elizabeth's is a story of remarkable faith. I am impressed that she gave up so much (all of her wealth, contact with her brothers, and a promise that her children would be educated) to come to Zion. Her influence was obviously impressed upon her children as her daughter Sarah stepped up to rescue so many at the crossing of the Platte. It is remarkable to me that she would, as a single mother, endeavor to accomplish such a daunting task, and hers is a lesson to all of us that no challenge is too hard when you have The Lord on your side to assist you.
Have a great week!
Sister McHood
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