companies total. Only 2 companies had trouble and they became famous and the image of pioneers. I had ancestors cross with the Ellsworth company which was one of the first to arrive. They had little difficulty. The ancestors I referenced earlier came in 1848 with Brigham Young. The husband later went back and brought another company of pioneers. I have another ancestor who crossed 3 times: once with his family, once with a freight company and lastly he brought a group of Danish saints. He had a son who brought 2 companies across. It was especially routine to cross after the handcart era ended in 1860. The companies were usually led by men who knew the trail well and the way stations were well supplied. There was a significant amount of traffic heading East as missionaries were going out on missions. There were also plenty of folks travelling the nearby Oregon Trail. Yes old people died and a few got sick here and there but by and large it was a fairly regular and enjoyable adventure.