Jane McKinnon

Jane McKinnon is the only child born to David McKinnon and Ellen Duncan. Ellen and Jane immigrated from Scotland to America sailing on the ship “Cynosure.” While on the ship, measles afflicted many of the children. Jane was among those exposed to the disease. After arriving in America, the family traveled to Nebraska and joined the Samuel D. White Company to come to the Salt Lake Valley. With other members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the company left Nebraska on August 15, 1863.

When the pioneers were west of Chimney Rock, 11-month-old Jane passed away, weak from the effects of measles. She is buried by the roadside on the Mormon Trail.

From the journal of William Henry Perkes: “Saturday Sep 12, Nooned for about 2 hours and again travelled on until 5 – 30 when we camped on the banks of the river. Plenty of wood & water but little feed for cattle. The Infant child of Ellen Duncan died last night from the effects of measles taken on board of ship and was buried this morning before we left camp ground.”