Ohio to Utah - Part 2 - Missouri

Adam-ondi-Ahman

On Monday morning, we got up and drove to Missouri. Our first stop was a place called Adam-ondi-Ahman. This is a huge, beautiful area of the country and there is a valley that is enormous. My dad was such a great guide for us in all of Missouri. There have been and will be significant events that take place here and it was great to feel the peace that is there.

My parents

Haun's Mill

Haun's Mill was a sobering place to visit. This is where a small community of Saints were living and they were attacked by a mob of men. The women and children crossed the river and hid, while the men tried to defend themselves. Most of them gathered in the blacksmith's shop, which ended up being a death trap. (I didn't know this before our trip, but one of my ancestors, George Washington Clyde had arrived at Haun's Mill the day before the masacre. He was somehow able to escape). There is nothing on this piece of land now, but it was great to visit. It was actually owned by the Community of Christ Church, and was a little disturbing to see that the one sign that is there had been knocked over and there are bullet holes in it. Obviously, there are still some strong feelings in Missouri.

Emily & Lindsey (with Jon, Jack & my dad in the background) standing on the shore of the river that used to be swift enough to run a mill.

Far West

Far West, MO was another town where the Saints attempted to settle, only to be kicked out by the mob. Today, a small lot is there, with 4 cornerstones to mark where Joseph Smith prophecied a temple would be built. Far West was also the birth place of Joseph F. Smith (who later become a President of the Church).

Lindsey & Emily in front of one of the temple cornerstones

Hannah & Grandpa

This was the start of Kate's sickness. She was so tired and feverish.


Liberty Jail

After Far West, we drove to Liberty, MO. Liberty is where Joseph and other church leaders were imprisoned. The Church has built the visitor's center around the original jail and it was a humbling place. Some of Joseph's hardest days were spent while in Liberty Jail, and yet some of his most comforting moments from the Savior.

This is a cross-section of what the Jail looked like. A man could barely stand up.

Independence

Our last stop on Monday was Independence. Independence was also a city that the Saints started to live in, but were kicked out of. The Church has a really nice Visitor's Center there, so we went to it. A sister missionary showed us a couple of videos and a replica of what a cabin may have been like. She said that sometimes, as many as 10 families would live in one cabin!

Perhaps what it would have looked like if my parents were pioneers - my dad asleep at the "wheel" and my mother with a worried look on her face.

We had a great day in Missouri. We saw a ton and we were so tired by the time we checked into our hotel in Independence. I'm so grateful for the faithful Saints, who endured trials beyond comprehension!