Joseph's Story
Birth: November 16th, 1854 | male | in Bishopwearmouth, Durham, England
Death: June 27th, 1856 | 1 year old | at Coon River in Iowa
Memorial: Stone 7 | left column
Joseph’s parents are Ralph Ramsay and Elizabeth Burns, both from England.
The family left England and sailed to America, after arriving they joined the Daniel D. McArthur Company with other Saints they had sailed with. At the time Joseph Smith was also known as John. The company left Iowa on June 11, 1856.
Little Joseph came down with diarrhea and passed away.
According to the company journal, Joseph is buried:
“Friday 27th Left the Middle Coon River at 7½ OCo A.M. Traveled 9 miles. Camped on the banks of the South Coon River at 12¼ OCo P.M. A very plesent day with a nice breeze. At 6¼ OCo John Smith son of Ralph & Jane Ramsey [Elizabeth Burns Ramsey] died of Diarrhoea. Aged 19 months and 11 days.
Saturday 28th Left the South Coon River at 6½ OCo A.M. Traveled 16 miles. Camped at Middle River at 3½ OCo P.M. stoped during journey for some purposes 2½ Hours. The buirrel [burial] of the child that died last evening was attended to on starting this morning at Middle River."