Harrison

George Harrison was only 12 years old when he and his family walked Martin Handcart Trek.  He contracted Malaria near Deer Creek (Pg. 195).  His health deteriorated until he sought refuge in an Indian camp.  One of the squaws took pity on him and fed him.  She also nursed his sickness.  When his father, William, found him, the woman begged him to leave him with her.  She pleaded that in his present condition, he would not make it to the Valley alive (Pg. 207).  She promised him that she would take good care of him.  She did. George actually began to feel that she was his red mother.  She made him Indian clothing to replace his ragged ones.  During the winter, the Indians had made many moves.  When spring came they were near Ft. Laramie.  Johnston’s Army had made it that far.  George made connection with them and they agreed to help him get to his family as they were going that way.  George had always loved to cook so he hired on as an assistant cook.  He learned to cook beef steak very well.  He actually made it his life’s work.  Beefseak Harrison actually became his moniker!  (Pgs. 325-6)