Asleep on the Niobrara

ASLEEP ON THE NIOBRARA. BY ELDER SETH W. BALLARD.

[Here is a simple story that will awaken many memories of the "Mormon" Exodus. This company had set out for the West, after the expulsion from Nau- voo. President Brigham Young sent Newel Knight to direct their return to the main body, but winter prevented, and as a result many fell asleep on the banks of the Niobrara. The monument is a fitting memorial of their hardships, faith and sufferings, Editors.]

In the extreme Northeastern part of Nebraska, where the Niobrara river empties into the Missouri, stands a most beautiful

and Where the Niobrara River Empties into the Missouri, Separating Boyd Knox Counties, Nebraska.

896 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

mounument of Temple granite rising about twenty feet from the ground. It is situated on the west bank of the Niobrara river and can be seen for miles around. This monument marks the resting place of a number of the exiles from Nauvoo and Missouri who may be classed as maityrs to the cause of truth. Among them rest the remains of Newel Knight, the father of Jesse Knight. A little distance to the north from the sacred spot is the place

The Movument of Newel Knight and other "Mormon" Exiles who died during the Exodus from Nauvoo to Salt Lake, on the west banks of the Niobrara, Nebraska, erected, 1908.

where a company of exiles spent the winter of 1846-7, where they endured many hardships in facing the fierce winter winds. Their numbers were decreased that winter by eleven faithful souls. Six of us elders visited this beautiful place and while there we sang the favorite song of the early pioneer wanderers, "Come, come, ye saints, no toil nor labor fear, but with joy wend your way." As the echoes of our simple song died away, we felt the Spirit of the Lord watching over the silent sleepers, and our tes- timony grew stronger as we contemplated what the Lord has done for their children and his people.