Henry William Bigler's Companion Alpheus Harmon Dies Crossing Prairie in Winter

While on missionary assignment, Henry William Bigler traveled with companion Alpheus Harmon through Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. As winter approached and opportunities to preach were limited, Harmon became discouraged and decided to return to Nauvoo. The two parted ways with blessings. Tragically, Bigler later learned that Harmon froze to death on the prairie before reaching home. This sobering account served as a reminder of the extreme dangers and sacrifices made by early missionaries in spreading the gospel, and the necessity of divine protection during such perilous journeys.