My father had two sons and eight daughters when she became his wife; but their immediate family circle consisted only of his aged parents, and Elitha and Leanna, young daughters of his second marriage, until July 8, 1840, when blue-eyed Frances Eustis was born to them.

While this was being done, Elitha, Leanna, and Mrs. Wolfinger were bringing poles and brush with which to strengthen and sheath the tent walls against wind and weather.

Finally Elitha and Leanna came and kissed me, then father, "good-bye," and went up the steps, and out of sight.

Leanna, the last in line, was scarcely able to keep up.

How they suffered I learned many years later from Elitha, who said, in referring to those pitiful experiences: After Sister Leanna and I reached the Fort with the First Relief, we were put in different families to await our parents; but as soon as the Second Relief was expected, we went to housekeeping, gathered wood, and had everything ready.

Elitha and Leanna tried to keep us little ones in ignorance of the report that our father's body was mutilated, also of what was said about the alleged murder of our mother.

Elitha was not yet fifteen years of age, and Leanna was two years younger.

Our neighbor gave us breakfast next morning and spruced us up a bit, then led us to the house where a number of persons had gathered, most of them sitting at table laughing and talking, and among them, Elitha and Leanna.

It was after one of these reminders of a new day that I saw Leanna.

Leanna washed the dishes and did the other work before she joined me in watching for grandma's return.

And grandma told them she was sorry for us, and would take you and me if she could keep Leanna to help her do the work.

Some days later Georgia and I were playing in the back yard when Leanna appeared at the door and called out in quick, jubilant tones: "Children, run around to the front and see who has come!"

Elitha could not persuade Leanna or Georgia to go with her, nor was I inclined to do so when she and grandma first urged me.

The prospects were so alluring that I went at once with Leanna, who was to get me ready for the journey.

Leanna did not share my enthusiasm.

A few months ago, I wrote to Georgia (now Mrs. Babcock), who lives in the State of Washington, for her recollections of that brief reunion, and she replied: Before we went to Sonoma with Grandma Brunner in the Fall of 1847, Leanna and I paid you a visit.

Leanna ate with the grown folks, who, upon learning that we had only come to say good-bye, told her we must for your sake get away before you awoke next morning.

The Indian took his dollar with a grunt of satisfaction, and Jakie bade me wave to the friends I had left behind, as he put me on old Lisa's back and hurried off to grandma, Leanna, and Georgia, waiting at the gate to welcome me home.

It was about this time, that Leanna confided to me that she was homesick for Elitha, and she would go to her very soon.

She also stated that her little daughter Elisabeth and her sister Leanna were with her on the ranch, and that she was anxious to learn how Georgia and I were getting on.

If this was not enough to take us to Sacramento, we might get a chance as Sister Leanna had, to work our way.

Georgia's place was by my side, while Elitha, Leanna, and Frances each grouped with husband and children in front among friends, who had come to witness the plighting of vows between my hero and me.

Lewis Donner, Samuel Donner, George Donner, Sr., Tamsen Donner (his wife), Elitha Donner, Leanna C. Donner, Frances Eustis Donner, Georgia Anna Donner, Eliza Poor Donner, Patrick Dolan,[20] John Denton,[20]

The account by Fallon regarding the fate of the last of the Donners in their mountain camp was the same as that which Elitha and Leanna had heard and had endeavored to keep from us little ones at Sutter's Fort.

and Leanna and Martha.