Mary A. Phelps Rich Miraculously Crosses Swollen River on Horseback

When Mary A. Phelps Rich's mother was determined to reach her imprisoned husband in Columbia, Missouri to help secure his release, she undertook a perilous 150-mile journey. Mary recounted her mother's experience: 'Her horse swam one river with her on it. Some men, who were on the other side of the river, seeing her about to go into the river, called to her, telling her not to go in or she would be drowned as the water was so deep. But she tucked up her feet and started in. She knew the animal she rode was safe and she arrived on the other side safely.' When questioned by the men about her dangerous undertaking, Mary's mother explained: 'She told them she was going to get her husband out of prison (but, of course, she did not know how).' Mary noted with admiration: 'These men wanted to know what her business was that she would venture her life in that way.' This miraculous preservation during a treacherous river crossing demonstrated divine protection of a faithful wife determined to help free her persecuted husband from unjust imprisonment. The protection came despite the genuine physical danger and the skepticism of those who witnessed her attempt.