Ole and Marn Peterson had left Denmark in April of 1857 bound for Utah. Once in America they had been assigned to the Park handcart company. However, at the Missouri River, Marn, who had an infection in her leg, was told she would never make it. So they stayed near Council Bluffs and farmed, preparing for that day when they could continue on to Zion. Then in the spring of 1861 a large wagon train was organized, and Ole and Marn and their four children, Peder - 14, Annie – 6, and the babies - Mary and Joseph joined with them.

Somewhere along the trail sickness spread through the camp and Annie became ill. Notwithstanding she was administered to and the fervent prayers (offered) on her behalf, Annie grew weaker until at last she was declared dead. There was danger on the trail from Indians. Hence, it was decreed that the company had to move on, and there was not time to dig a proper grave. According to family records, the child was wrapped in a blanket and covered in heavy brush.

Now, death was no stranger to Ole and Marn as they had already buried three children in their native Denmark. But it was hard to leave Annie behind. Obediently, however, they went on.

They had not gone far when it was deemed expedient to make camp as Indians threatened. That night around the fire, as was customary, the company sang, “Come, Come Ye Saints,” the anthem of the trail. As they raised their voices - “all is well, all is well!” - the feeling gnawed at Marn that all was not well. It was like the Spirit was trying to tell her something.

"Ole,” she said, “I can't feel our baby was dead.”

"I know dear," said Ole gently. "We had so many plans, but she was, and there is nothing we can do now but pray that we will be able to raise the family we have, and more when we settle in Zion. Come to the wagon so you will be refreshed for tomorrow's travel."

Wearily Marn started for the wagon.

"Ole, listen to the wolves, and our baby is lying back there alone, not even protected by a grave. How can we stand to go on?"

"We must make up our minds to go on and trust in the Lord for the rest," he replied.

"I can't, Ole! I just can't!"

Gently but firmly, Ole took her by the arm and led her back to their wagon.

The next morning at dawn, Ole discovered that Marn was not in her bed and nowhere to be found in the camp. A search was mounted until suddenly someone spotted her in the distance coming toward camp from the east. She was carrying a burden, and stumbling with weariness.

Ole ran to his wife and lifted the burden from her arms. As he spoke to Marn it struck him the burden she was carrying was Annie, and the child was warm - she was alive!

Annie Christina Peterson would recover, and live to marry Samuel Wilcox, bear 9 children, and as a midwife bring many children safely into mortality.

God be thanked for all those mothers who in love and tenderness never give up.