. . . We became converts to the Mormon Faith in 1854 and on May 3rd 1856 started our journey for America, to find Zion, then a wilderness, later to be known as Utah the queen of the West.
The journey across the great Atlantic was made in a sailing vessel and required six long weeks. During this voyage my parents were called upon to part with their baby. Death claimed our little Jane and we were obliged to place the precious bundle in a watery grave. Mother's heart strings were torn, but the brave little mother that she was felt not to murmur against the will of him who gave. This weary journey was ended June 17th and we certainly felt thankful for our safe deliverance. We landed at New York and continued our dreary march of 1300 miles across the plains.
We were met met [SIC] at Camp Iowa by Elders from Salt Lake, with tents, handcarts and provisions, we were told that all must walk that could and pull our baggage and provisions. The emigrants were divided into four companies. The company in which we traveled was Willie Company and numbered about 500 souls. We left camp Iowa July 15th and the first 200 miles of our journey was filled with pleasant memories. After leaving council Bluffs, Iowa, we started on what is know as the most remarkable journey recorded in the annals of history. . . . [p.2]
. . . The rest of the journey was terrible. . . . We arrived in Salt Lake Nov. 9th 1856. . . . [p.3]
BIB: Dangerfield, Mary Ann James. Family History. (Ms 2050, reel 4, bx. 4, fd. 10, item #1), pp. 2-3. (CHL)
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