James F. and Margaret Reed, members of the Donner Party
Image: Photographer unknown, Public Domain
The horrific experiences of 87 American pioneers known as the Donner Party, who became trapped in the Sierra Nevada mountains in winter near the end of their 1846 journey to California, serve as a testament to human endurance. After being snowbound during what later was determined as the worst winter in the history of the Sierra Nevadas, only 45 members of the group survived to see sunny California.
Before winter hit, there was a murderous incident that set the tone for the death and destruction that was to come. Two Donner Party covered wagons got tangled together, infuriating their already exhausted owners James Reed and John Snyder. The men began cursing each other, which led to a fight between them. Several witnesses said that John Snyder beat James Reed over the head with his ox whip. In defense of his life, Reed stabbed Snyder in the chest with a knife, killing him almost instantly.
Initially, most of the Donner Party wanted Reed hanged for murder, yet his wife pled for mercy. Eventually, Reed was merely exiled from the group. He was forced to leave his wife and children and give up his wagon. In their absence, Reed went on ahead of the crowd, hoping to pave his family's way and secure them provisions. Ultimately his actions would help save them in the end.
Read more accounts from the Donner Party expedition here.
