“[The driver] made me travel in my weak state, ... during which time I suffered the most excruciating weariness and pain.” — Joseph Smith Jr.1
When the Smith family decided it was time to move after a series of crop and financial troubles, Joseph Sr. went ahead to Palmyra, New York, to prepare the way. Lucy worked to pack up their belongings and prepare their children for the journey of over 300 miles.2
When it was time to leave, Lucy hired a Mr. Howard to drive their wagon, and the family set out. When the family joined another heading west, Mr. Howard would not allow Joseph Jr. to ride in the wagon. Joseph, Jr. struggled to walk the journey because he was still recovering from his leg surgery.3
About a third of the way through the journey, Mr. Howard threw the Smith's belongings onto the street and tried to rob them of their horse and wagon. Lucy found the man and declared that the horse and wagon were truly hers. When Mr. Howard said he would go no further, Lucy told him she had no use for him and she would take charge of the team herself. In the harsh winter conditions, she drove her family the remaining distance to Palmyra.3
