Joseph Hyrum Ellwood Morris

Joseph's Story

Stories > Joseph Hyrum Ellwood Morris
The Story

Joseph's Story

researched by Unknown

Birth:  April 28th, 1855   |   male   |   in Barrowden, Rutland, England

Death:  September 17th, 1862   |   7 years old   |   East of Chimney Rock on the Platte River, Wyoming

Memorial:   Stone 11   |   left column   |   5th name

Joseph’s parents are Charles Morris and Ann Ellwood, both of England. After crossing the Atlantic Ocean to come to America, they went to Ohio to live for a few years.

In 1862 the family joined the Henry W. Miller Company to come to the Salt Lake Valley. There were three children with Charles and Ann, Joseph, Louise and Sarah Ann.

Shortly after beginning the journey, because of not enough food, all three children came down with a bad case of canker. The children became weaker as they traveled. Joseph's little sister Sarah passed away on August 28th. One month later, Joseph was really bad, according to the history, the canker had eaten the entire roof of his mouth away.

An entry in his father's diary, said:

“Joseph Hyrum died 17 Sep 1862 and was buried the same day at the place of encampment, ten miles east of Chimney Rock on the Platte River, a short distance to the left of the road going east. Ann wrapped seven year old Joseph in her circular cloak, then taking one long last look at his dear face, placed him in a shallow grave in the ground.”

submitted by Penny Magnusson Hannum