Happy Pioneer Day! I love to have the excuse to barbecue and have fireworks TWO days in July.. it's awesome. But let me indulge for a minute to give a brief history and convey my love and gratitude to a great lady; one of my pioneer ancestors and my daughters' namesake: Julia Ann Shumway. Born and raised in Massachusetts, she was brought up in a rather prosperous and proper family; but met and married a man- Charles Shumway- who was more rugged and unpolished. With their two children, Andrew and Mary, their little family went west to find land in Illinois. They met the missionaries who converted them to the LDS faith, and joined the saints in Nauvoo; where Julia added baby Charles, who later died; then gave birth to Harriet, a daughter. Forced to leave Nauvoo to come west, Charles was a captain of fifty- and they were the first wagon to cross the Missisippi. At Winter Quarters, Julia became sick with Diptheria- what they called the black canker. Pregnant with her would-be fifth child; Julia passed away and was buried there; with Harriet passing away just days later. Andrew- my fourth- great grandfather came west with his father, Charles, the advanced company of men- blazing the trail to make it ready for all to come- he was only fourteen. I have such deep gratitude for being born into such a fine family- and have a great love for this great lady who recognized the gospel of Jesus Christ, followed the prophet, and gave everything in faith. I am truly grateful for their Legacy.
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