Joseph Edwards Hopla

Joseph Hopla was the seventh child born to John Hopla and Catharine Edwards, both from Wales. The family sailed from Wales to America. Upon arrival, they joined the Edward Stevenson Company with other members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Wales and England. They left June 26, 1859 for the Salt Lake Valley.

When the company had traveled three days, on June 29, at 5:00 a.m. on the banks of the North Platte River, Nebraska, Catherine delivered a son named Joseph Edward, and passed away. Later, near east of Chimney Rock, Wyoming, 6-week-old Joseph died away from diarrhea. The illness and lack of nourishment was too much for a child so young. He was buried along the Mormon Trail in Wyoming.

Thomas Wasden stated in his journal of the journey: “29th. Pleasant day with the death of Sister Hoppley, wife of Brother Hoppley, died of the cold, been exposed to hardships which she could not endure and was buried at Castle Creek.

Thomas Wasden wrote of Joseph in his journal: “2nd. Fixed up the wagons till dinner time. Pleasant day and in sight of Chimney Rock twenty miles ahead. Traveled 10 miles with a little rain in the evening with the death of Brother Hopla's child, five months old, died of diarreah.”