Pioneer Day is this month, we remember our brave ancestors
I had a brave great – great – great Grandma, named Susan Ellen Johnson
She left her home in Nauvoo after the temple was burned down, and came west with her Aunt and Uncle.
Her Uncle died from stomach sickness along the way, and so she worked for the group’s captain in the camp.
She walked most of the way with bare feet, and came to Salt Lake with only the dress she was wearing.
On their way to Salt Lake, an Indian came to visit with their group. He wanted a wife. A man in the group said he would trade her to the Indian for 5 ponies. When the Indian came back later with the ponies, the man told him he was only joking. The Indian went away angry. Later that night, when Susan was helping to set up a tent, it was dark and stormy. Suddenly she felt strong arms lift her to the back of a pony—she screamed. A flash of lightning lit the sky, and the men saw the Indian trying to kidnap her. She slid off the horse, and the Indian got scared and rode away.
She felt that Heavenly Father protected her by sending a lightning flash to show her group what was happening, and to save her from being kidnapped.
She made it to Salt Lake and married James Henry Martineau. She had 11 children. She never complained, and was very brave. I hope I can be faithful like my pioneer ancestors.
