Tell My Story, Too

Going on a pioneer trek or visiting sites along the Oregon or Mormon Pioneer Trail?

Take along a story of a pioneer who walked there in late 1856. Imagine yourself to be that person. How did they respond to challenges? How did they triumph over adversity? What lessons can we learn and metaphors can we find for our own lives?

You’ve heard much about the tragedies of the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies of 1856. Now learn of their triumphs, their miracles, their bonds with one another, and how they came to “know God in their extremities.” (See Francis Webster — Martin Handcart Company) Tell My Story, Too (Seventh Edition) by Jolene S. Allphin, is a collection of 258 biographical sketches of pioneers and rescuers of the Willie, Martin, Hodgett and Hunt Emigrating Companies of 1856. The 528-page book also contains 302 pictures; an index of all names and ages of the pioneers in the four emigrating companies and their known rescuers; three of their emigrating songs, including all verses of the original “Handcart Song” by J.D.T. McAllister; a brief chronological overview of their immigration and rescue; an 1855 map of the trail that they used, and more. The stories in the book may be copied and given to individuals to take on pioneer trek reenactments. They may also be copied for other non-commercial uses.