The Handy family’s story is one of faith, resilience, and perseverance—a journey that took them from the rolling hills of Warwickshire, England, to the vast plains of the American West. Along the way, Samuel and Hannah Handy, along with their children, faced immense hardship, but their unwavering faith and determination carried them through. This is the story of a family who paved the way for future generations, leaving behind a legacy of strength and unity.

The Early Years in England

Samuel Handy was born in 1819 in Alveston, Warwickshire, England, to Joseph Handy and Rebecca Harris. The family lived a modest life, deeply rooted in the working-class countryside. Samuel's father was a well-respected farmer and bailiff, and it was through this upbringing that Samuel learned the value of hard work.

In 1841, Samuel married Hannah Watts, a young woman from Gloucestershire who had also grown up working the land. Together, they settled in various locations around Warwickshire, with Samuel working for local farmers and millers, while Hannah managed the household and took on backbreaking farm work. The family faced poverty for many years, surviving on meager food rations and the little income Samuel could provide. Despite these challenges, they remained hopeful and steadfast in their faith.

A New Faith and the Decision to Leave England

The turning point in their lives came in 1852 when Samuel and Hannah were introduced to the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). After hearing a sermon from a Mormon elder, the Handys were baptized into the faith, a decision that would shape the rest of their lives. However, their newfound faith was not welcomed by everyone in their community, and the family faced opposition and isolation.

In 1855, with the help of Samuel’s family, the Handys saved enough money to emigrate to America, where they hoped to join other members of the Mormon Church. It was a daunting decision, but their faith in the gospel and hope for a better life fueled their determination to leave everything behind and start anew.

The Journey to America

The family set sail from Liverpool in July 1855 aboard the ship Cynosure, along with hundreds of other Mormon emigrants. After a difficult six-week voyage across the Atlantic, they arrived at Castle Garden in New York with only $15 to their name. The journey was just beginning, and hardship followed them almost immediately. Their son Joseph fell ill and tragically passed away just days after they arrived in America.

From New York, the family moved to Williamsburg, where Samuel struggled for months to find work. The winter was harsh, and food was scarce. Eventually, Samuel secured a job chopping cordwood in Toms River, New Jersey, which allowed the family to survive and save for their next move.

A New Beginning in Iowa City

In the spring of 1857, the Handy family moved to Iowa City, a major jumping-off point for Mormon pioneers heading west. Here, they found support from the local Mormon branch, and Samuel took on any work he could find, from sawing wood to odd jobs around the community. Despite the hardships, the family began to rebuild, and slowly, they saved enough to prepare for their final journey west to Utah.

The Trek to Utah

In 1859, the Handys were finally ready to make the journey to Utah. With a yoke of oxen and a wagon they had purchased with their hard-earned money, the family set off across the plains. Their journey was grueling, but they were fortunate to travel with other Mormon emigrants, and they relied on each other for support. By the time they reached Florence, Nebraska, they were in good spirits and ready to tackle the final leg of their journey.

In September 1859, the Handy family arrived in Utah, where they settled in Provo. Samuel worked hard to provide for his family, taking on jobs such as hauling wood and working at the Tithing Office. Over time, the family’s circumstances improved, and they began to prosper in their new home.

Pioneering in Cache Valley

In 1860, Samuel, Hannah, and their children joined other Mormon settlers in moving to Cache Valley, where they helped establish the community of Franklin. Life in Cache Valley was harsh, with cold winters and the constant threat of conflict with local Native American tribes. Samuel was even taken prisoner by a group of Shoshone Indians at one point, an experience that left him injured but not broken. Despite these challenges, the family thrived in Franklin, helping to build important community structures like the meeting house and school.

A Legacy of Faith and Perseverance

The years that followed were marked by both prosperity and hardship. The family faced crop failures due to grasshoppers and epidemics like diphtheria, but through it all, their faith and unity remained strong. Samuel Handy passed away in 1882 after a tragic accident, but his legacy lived on through his children and the community he helped build.

The Handy family’s journey from Warwickshire to Utah is a testament to the power of faith, hard work, and resilience. They faced unimaginable trials, but their belief in something greater than themselves carried them through. Today, their story serves as an inspiration to their descendants and to anyone who seeks to understand the power of perseverance.

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