William and Grandma Atkin Miraculously Cross Swollen Green River Without Wetting Their Cart

William Atkin and his wife (referred to as 'Your Grandma') of the 1859 Rowley Handcart Company found themselves separated from the main company after crossing the Green River in Wyoming. They arrived at the river the next morning to find the company had crossed the night before and were no longer visible. Looking at the swollen river before them, William said to his wife, 'We cannot cross this river alone.' His wife replied with steadfast faith, 'No, but the Lord will help us over.' Their hearts leaped with joy at her words, and they immediately knelt down and humbly told their Heavenly Father that they were doing all in their power to keep His commandments and gather to Zion. They testified that they had come to this river and could not cross it alone, yet they knew the Lord could help them. Rising from prayer, they pulled their handcart into the swollen river. Miraculously, though they could see deep water just ahead of them, with every step they took, the deep water remained one step ahead of them. They landed safely on the western bank without even wetting the axletree of their cart. Their hearts were full of gratitude to their Heavenly Father for answering their prayers and providing divine protection. This account was recorded by their granddaughter Luella M. Atkin.