Eliza, a courageous member of the Martin Handcart Company, endured much tribulation as she crossed the plains with her family. Eliza tenderly carried her baby sister under her clothing for warmth and protection. It is believed that without Eliza's care the baby would never have reached Salt Lake alive.
Lydia and her family left their beautiful grape vineyards in Italy and set sail for America to unite with the members of the church. As they continued their journey from Kansas City, Lydia's father and two brothers died. Thus, the burden fell to Lydia, who was twelve years old, to drive two yoke of oxen all the way to Utah.
This afternoon the girls and I made these pioneer dolls. In loving remembrance we named them Eliza and Lydia.
