They Required my Assistance

Levi Savage

Arriving in Florence, Nebraska in August, 1856, members of the Mormon migration’s Willie Handcart Company debated about continuing to Salt Lake City of wintering over. Levi Savage had been across the emigrant trail many times and knew that it was too late in the season to depart. He vehemently argued against setting out. “With tears streaming down his cheeks, he pleaded with the people, ‘Brothers and Sisters, wait until spring to make this journey. Some of the strong may get through in case of bad weather, but the bones of the weak and old will strew the way.” Levi was voted down and summarily reprimanded for his opposition. He then pledged himself to the Willie Company, faithfully serving as a sub-captain. When as early fall blizzard struck the handcart pioneers, Levi placed the needs of his charges before his own, and never uttered a word of dissension. He wrote “…I got them as comfortably situated as circumstances would admit…I had not shut my eyes for sleep, nor lain down. I was nearly exhausted with fatigue and want of rest.”