Mormon handcart going to Nebraska gathering

BURLEY, Idaho (AP) — One of only three known intact Mormon handcarts from the 1856-60 exodus, owned by an Idaho family, will be taken to Fort Kearney State Historical Park in Nebraska in June for a gathering known as the 150th Anniversary of the Handcart Pioneers.

The handcart, known as the Stanley Cart, is owned by Tony and Jacquie Clapier. It was built by Chauncy Webb, who was appointed by Brigham Young to be the handcart supervisor in Iowa City. Webb, his brothers and his sons made the handcarts and wagons that transported the church members to the Utah territory.

Built in the pattern of a Welsh cart, it came to be known in the Mormon handcart companies as a covered cart or family cart. The cart was the only Mormon handcart known to travel west to Oregon from Salt Lake City.

The Stanleys pulled their cart to Zion, where they spent the winter and, on the advice of Brigham Young, traveled on to Independence, Ore., where they helped establish a branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The family moved to Idaho with the cart, which is now used in Fourth of July parades and in July 24th Pioneer Day celebrations.

The Clapiers bought the cart at a public auction 30 years ago. The family, whose ancestors traveled across the plains in the handcart companies 150 years ago, will participate in the two-day reenactments and anniversary celebrations.