The Family Crosses the Mississippi on Ice That Breaks Up the Moment They Reach the Other Bank

During the forced exodus from Nauvoo in the winter of 1839, the Hancock family arrived at the Mississippi River and camped because they had no way to cross. The next morning brought an unexpected blessing and a breathtaking close call:

'The next morning the river was frozen over with ice — great blocks of frozen ice all over the river, and it was slick and clear. That morning we crossed over to Quincy, Illinois. I being barefooted and the ice so rough, I staggered all over. We finally got across, and we were so glad, for before we reached the other side, the river had started to swell and break up. Father said, "Run, Mosiah," and I did run! We all just made it on the opposite bank when the ice started to snap and pile up in great heaps, and the water broke through!'

The ice appeared overnight to allow the stranded family to cross. The moment they reached the opposite bank, the river began breaking up behind them. Divine timing preserved the Hancock family at this critical moment.