Unsung

Ollie Madsen — Mormon handcart pioneer Ollie Madsen made the ultimate sacrifice for this family. On October 23rd, 1856, he carried his wife and children through freezing water and deep snow. Helping his family cross Strawberry Creek, his boots froze to his legs. Ollie later died at Rock Creek Hollow and was buried in the common grave. Ollie’s daughter, Christena, would later tell of the experience: “Father pulled his handcart all day without having anything to eat. At last one evening he rolled up in scanty covers, laid down and passed away…”