John Taylor — The Missouri River Freezes Overnight for the Apostles' Eastbound Crossing (1849)

In the fall of 1849, John Taylor was appointed by the First Presidency to open the preaching of the gospel in France, traveling in company with other members of the Twelve who were appointed to other nations. The party left the Salt Lake Valley so late in the season that the crossing of the plains nearly cost them all their horses — as Taylor told it, 'the hand of God was over us for our good; He delivered us out of all our dangers, and took us through safely.' When they reached the Missouri River, the ice was running so strongly that no ferry could cross. In a single night the river froze over from bank to bank, and the company passed over 'as on a bridge, in perfect safety.' As soon as the last team had crossed, the ice broke up and moved away. Taylor pointed to the timing as the Lord favoring them 'in our extremities.'