The picture to the right shows the back of a T-shirt that my mom received from our relatives at a family reunion. It shows a map that describes the route of a pioneer family of 7 children called the Mellors. They were an English family who immigrated to the United States for religious reasons. Once in America, they joined the Martin Handcart Company as they migrated west. As they started their journey from Iowa City to Salt Lake City, Utah, they experienced many hardships, especially Mary Ann Mellor, because she had recently struggled with a miscarriage that nearly killed her right before she voyaged to the United States. At one point during the journey west, she stopped and said she could go no further, so her teenage daughter, Louisa, stayed with her as her family continued onward without them. Louisa found a place alone and said a prayer for her mother, and when she came back, she found a pie in the center of the road, which she gave to her mother. After eating the pie, they had the strength to continue their journey west. They were able to catch up with their company and continue to Salt Lake City where they eventually had the opportunity to help settle Fayette, Utah. Mary Ann Mellor (my great, great, great, great grandmother) and her family demonstrated that being an American means persevering through your trials and challenges, even when it seems impossible to keep going.

– JAC

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more