My family is hanging out at a Best Western up here in Hermiston, Oregon.
After making our way this morning across the Snake River Plain of Idaho, we spent a good part of our afternoon at National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center on the outskirts of Baker City, Oregon.
I have always gained much pleasure in tracking pioneer history. And I learned some more about the colorful character named Jason Lee, a western missionary back in the early days of the 1830’s, a period abounding with great religious fervor.
But my title question has been sparked by two sources: 1) I am reading BYU prof. Craig Harline’s book, Sunday (Doubleday, 2007), and 2) I saw an emigrant’s entry today hanging high in the hallway of the Oregon Trail museum.
On May 9, 1852, Esther McMillan Hanna wrote,
I am sorry to see that some of our company are disposed to travel on the Sabbath. . . . We will not have any further dealing with them.
What do you think about this?
Jesus in Idaho Falls 
Most of what I have read concerning the Mormon Pioneers confirms that they chose not to travel on the Sabbath. Given the physical nature of travelling in the 1800’s (mostly walking), and given the admonition for the Sabbath to be a day of rest, I am not surprised to read Esther McMillan Hanna’s decision not to want to remain with the company she was with.
Brian D., I am right there with the Mormon pioneers on this issue.