Background of the Event
In November 1843, a Latter-day Saint baptism in England resulted in the drowning of a woman named Sarah Cartwright. The tragedy became the subject of later storytelling and embellished retellings, including a dramatic quote attributed to Sarah prior to her baptism.
Primary Latter-day Saint Source
The core Latter-day Saint account originates from Jonathan Pugmire Jr., who wrote about the missionary experiences of his father, Elder Jonathan Pugmire Sr. His narrative was later incorporated into the History of the Church.
Timeline of Events
November 6, 1843 – Husband’s Baptism
Thomas Cartwright was baptized by Elder Pugmire Sr.
Sarah opposed the baptism and reacted with anger.
Jonathan Pugmire Jr.’s later account claimed she said something similar to:
“I hope to God if I am ever such a fool as to be baptized, I’ll be drowned in the attempt.”
This line appears only in a later LDS reminiscence and is not found in contemporary non-LDS documentation.
Sarah’s Change of Heart
According to the LDS narrative:
Sarah softened over time.
She began attending meetings.
She reported having a dream that persuaded her to request baptism.
She requested the baptism be performed privately, at night, with only Sister Pugmire present.
November 23, 1843 – The Night of the Baptism
Setting
A creek near Crewe, England, previously used for multiple baptisms.
Heavy rainfall caused the creek to overflow.
The bank was weakened by floodwater.
Sequence of Events
Elder Pugmire led Sarah into the flooded overflow area.
After baptizing her by immersion, the bank collapsed.
Both were swept away by the current.
Thomas Cartwright attempted rescue but could not pull his wife free.
Another man, James Moore, managed to pull Elder Pugmire out by the hair.
Sarah’s body was found the following day, standing upright, with her feet stuck in the mud as waters had receded.
This narrative emphasizes a flood-related accident.
Legal Aftermath – Arrest and Trial
LDS records state:
A Church of England clergyman initiated the arrest of Elder Pugmire on the night of the drowning.
Thomas Cartwright was later arrested as well.
They were detained for approximately six weeks on manslaughter charges.
At the Chester Assizes, the judge declared the event a religious baptism, recognized it as an accident, and acquitted both men.
The judge admonished them to evaluate baptismal locations more carefully.
Contemporary Non-LDS Newspaper Reports
Multiple English newspapers, generally hostile toward Latter-day Saints, confirmed:
The drowning occurred during a Mormon baptism.
Pugmire and Cartwright were charged with manslaughter.
Both were acquitted.
Newspapers commonly:
Misstated names (“Pogmore,” etc.).
Described nighttime baptism in deep floodwater.
Used sensational language concerning clothing and modesty.
An Anglican publication, The Church Intelligencer, reported:
The brook was normally shallow (1–1.5 ft).
Flooding increased depth and created a strong current.
Absence of prosecution witnesses led the judge to direct acquittal.
The judge criticized the baptismal site selection.
Assessment of the Famous Line
The widely circulated quote—
“I hope to God if I’m ever such a fool, that I’ll be drowned in the attempt.”
—originates only from Jonathan Pugmire Jr.’s later reminiscence.
It does not appear in:
Newspaper reports
Coroner statements
Court transcripts
Any independent contemporary records
Therefore, the quote remains possible but unverified.
What Is Historically Certain
Sarah Cartwright drowned during a Latter-day Saint baptism on 23 November 1843.
Flood conditions played a significant role.
The missionary and husband were charged with manslaughter and later acquitted.
Contemporary press corroborates the basic facts.
What Remains Uncertain
Whether Sarah actually spoke the dramatic pre-baptism line.
Exact wording, if any, she may have said.