Marinda was my great great great grandmother. She was born in Denmark, and at the age of 9, her family heard the Mormon missionaries, believed what was preached, and joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
The state religion of Denmark was Lutheran, and it was hard for people to accept those with a new religion. Because of their new belief, Marinda’s family (and all the other people who had joined the Mormon church) were persecuted, much like the Mormons in America- with mobbings, beatings, tar and featherings, and more.
Marinda’s family decided to move to America to join the rest of the Mormons heading west (who were also escaping persecution in Illinois). Marinda’s family was lucky enough to be able to sell their house before they left. Other Mormons were not able to sell their houses, and instead watched their neighbors move in, steal their furniture, and get nice and comfy while they set out on their long journey- leaving behind everything they had ever known.
This was what their beautiful village looked like (I stole this picture from my mom, who recently travelled to Denmark). How hard to leave that behind and move on to unknowns!
Marinda lost three sisters on the journey across the Atlantic Ocean, one who was born during that journey. Upon reaching America, her father contracted cholera from drinking water in New Orleans and died. That left Marinda, one sister, and their grieving mother to set out together on foot towards Utah, only a tiny fraction of what their family once was.
Once in Utah, Marinda’s mother re-married, had a child, and died in childbirth. Marinda ended up living with another family.
Remember when I told you yesterday about my favorite paintings from The Hope Gallery?
Take a gander at this first one, entitled “Immigrants.” I imagine Marinda as the little girl holding the orange in the tiny family at the front of the painting, waiting to board the ship for their journey across the ocean. She had no idea what was in store for her or what sadness she would soon endure. But she knew her family would be able to worship and live the way they believed.
Immigrants Edvard Petersen
And this painting, “Visit by Mormon Missionaries”- is she the little girl interested to hear the message from the missionaries?
Visit by Mormon Missionaries Carl Dalsgaard
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I am always captivated by ancestor accounts – “real” life stories of “real” people that lived so long before our time. And then when you see pictures of that proof – it just gives me goosebumps! I love the story of your great great great grandmother – she definitely developed such strength through her trials and experiences. Makes me appreciate my blessings! We really do have it good!! (And p.s. I’m pretty sure they’d be pleased with how you’re living up to their sacrifices)
What a wonderful story. I love the paintings too. So beautiful. We enjoy so many comforts and their whole life was a sacrifice of comfort, loved ones, and what we view as blessings. They were also blessed, but in ways we may not understand or recognize. I loved your story, what a treasure. I think you should name your next daughter Merinda. It’s a pretty name.
I don’t know how I happened onto your blog, but I feel so blessed to have found it. I was prob’ly looking for family history stories and yours certainly did inspire me; thank you.
I have searched ever since the first day I began studying the Gospel for my family (39 years), with very little success. To read stories from other families gives me hope as I continue to feel the pull from my own departed ancestors.
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful and inspiring story; one which has added to my faith that I will, indeed, be able to find and be link to my own dear ancestors. I’m so sure that Marinda must know and be quite proud of the work you are doing.