Ellen Joransson was the daughter of Karna Nilsson and Soren Joransson and was born in Sweden, March 9, 1842. Her father changed his name to Yorgason while on a Mission to Sweden in 1882 and the family was always known by Yorgason or Yorganson thereafter.
The Joransson five were very early converts to the Church. The family consisted of father, mother, two brothers, and three sisters. At the age of thirteen, Ellen stood guard at the meeting place of the Saints to warn of the approach of mobs, and she was ever faithful. At that early date the Elders and Saints were never safe from mob violence.
In the fall of 1855, the family left a comfortable home, being in prosperous circumstances, and set out for Zion.
They embarked on the sailing vessel, John Boyd, and left Liverpool, England, December 12th, 1855. The weather was good for the first four days, but on the 16th, 17th, and 18th, a terrific storm raged and no fires were allowed on board; therefore, no cooking was done. The little craft was nearly destroyed by the great breakers. The company was at sea ten weeks and three days. During this time forty-five of the occupants died.
They landed in New York City, February 15th, 1856. The family immediately set out for the western frontier, arriving at Keokuk, Iowa, just below Nauvoo, Illinois, March 3, 1856. Here they stayed for about one year.
Ellen worked here as a nurse because the family had spent most of their means in assisting the poorer Saints make the journey to America. Over fifty were helped by them. With the assistance of Ellen's earnings they managed to get outfits to make the long overland journey.
On the road she acted as herd girl and picket guard to look out for Indians and wild beasts. Many people died during this Journey.
On October 13, 1857, the family arrived in Salt Lake City. There were fifty-two wagons in the company. Mostly all of the travelers were from the Scandinavian countries and were unable to speak English. Ellen soon learned the language and acted as an interpreter for those who could not speak English
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=61505807
http://www.familydastrup.org/2010/10/voyage-to-america/
http://lib.byu.edu/mormonmigration/person.php?id=36734
http://beusfamily.wikispaces.com/John+J+Boyd+Passenger+List
No comments:
Post a Comment