Whew, there's a lot of hard pushing and pulling through sand. As they said, the Platte River was too thick to drink and too wet to plow.
The day count follows from the journey across Iowa. The diarists and others mentioned that are not footnoted in this section were back in the Iowa section of the trail.
Locations were much harder to plot when the modern maps have changed significantly with canals and irrigation beyond the 100th Meridian.
In 1856, Nebraska Territory went all the way to the Continental Divide. We'll save that for the Wyoming/Utah final segment of this map.
In this portion the Mormon Pioneer and the Oregon/California Trail really were separate. The Oregon/California started (ironically) in Independence, Missouri and cut up to the Platte River where it followed the south bank all the way to Fort Caspar (Casper, Wyoming). The Mormon Trail cut west from Florence (Omaha), Nebraska and followed the north bank of the Platte with a detour up the Loup Fork cutting back south to the Platte then up the North Platte (all on the north bank) to Fort Caspar. Of course, some Mormons used the south bank and some Oregon/California travelers used the north bank.
The more I learn about these people, the more connected I feel - and that's just not my own Vaughans. The Moyle Family in this company became connected by marriage with my Wood Family of South Davis County, Utah to produce Apostle Henry D. Moyle. The Piedmontese Saints are cousins of my Dad's Mother's family. And I'll let the challenges of the Piedmontese speak for themselves in the accounts that follows.
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| Nebraska Map Part 1, from Omaha to Lexington, Nebraska |
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| Nebraska Map Part 2, from Lexington, Nebraska to the Wyoming border. |
DAYS 31-34
9th to12
We were bussiy ingaged repairing the hand carts. on the 10th Sister Isabella Stevenson[1] backed out with an old apostate. (Galloway OTD).
We were bussiy ingaged repairing the hand carts. on the 10th Sister Isabella Stevenson[1] backed out with an old apostate. (Galloway OTD).
Wed 9th I went with mule team to Kainsville [Kanesville] to get Iron [etc.] for our carts axle skeins. heretofore we had used tin which was found unfit for so great ware.
Thurs. 10th Eve[nin]g attended a Council with Elder McGaw[2][,] El[l]sworth[,] McArthur[,] Wooley[3]—Bates[4] [and] others to devise for carrying sufficient provisions [etc.] we all concurred that we must have more teams to carry the am[oun]t named by E[lde]r D. Spencer (60 lbs per head)
Fri. 11th Remained in camp repairing [etc.] also Sat 12th (Oakley OTD).
Wed. 9th Rested. Florence City.
Thur. 10th Repairing hand carts. Could of got 3 or 4 dollars per day had I not engaged with Brother Spencer to repair the carts. Harriet Better.
Friday 11th Repairing carts.
Saturday 12th Ditto. (Walters OTD).
DAY 35
13th The saints met in meeting at 4 P.M. The saints were addressed by Elders McGraw, Ellsworth, [and] McCarthur [McArthur].
Sun. 13th Meeting. Apostates present and some half Mormons came to see [and] entice whom they could to stop in their glorious place showing especial regard for the sisters—one said to me God never required such hard things as drawing a hand cart[.] I told him he had not read his Book right[.] He required (what he the apostate would call hard) his Only Begotten to do a harder thing than draw a hand cart (Oakley OTD).
Sunday (13th) Wrote to England and rested. (Walters OTD).
DAYS 36-37
14th to16
Engaged geting our outfit for the plains. (Galloway OTD).
Engaged geting our outfit for the plains. (Galloway OTD).
Mon. 14th [nd] 15th Repairing [etc.] also 17th (Oakley OTD).
Monday (14th) Worked all day at carts.
Tuesday (15th) Ditto. Harriet still very ill.
Wednesday (16th) Ditto. (Walters OTD).
DAY 38
17th The camp rolled at 11 A.M. and travelled 2½ milles to summer quarters.[5] (Galloway OTD).
17 left Winter quarters about 3 and went 3 miles to sumers quarters and camped in a very nice camp ground (Ham OTD).
Thurs. 17th Prest E[llsworth]’s Co. moved 3 mi to get in trim for the 1000 miles yet before us[.] Some 30 Italians[6] were added to our Com. 14 cows added to our fit out[.] one to each tent of 20 persons[.] 54 hand carts[.] 5 to a hand cart[.] 4 to a tent. Some faint hearted about 15 in no. backed out here. Two small families backed out on the day before we came to the Mo. River[.] complaining that it was too hard (Oakley OTD).
Thursday (17th) Left Florence City and we travelled about 3 miles. Went to ______ [sic] to seek work to buy a pair of shoes for Sarah but got no work for want of tools. Stopped there all night; slept in a stable. Came back to camp Friday morning, 17th. (18). (Walters OTD).
The first and second companies of emigrants by hand carts, under the care of Captains Edmund Elsworth [Ellsworth] and David D. McArthur, assisted by Elders J. Oakley, William Butler, Truman Leonard, and S. W. [Spicer Wells] Crandall, piloted by Elder Joseph France, who acted as agent and Commissary, arrived in Camp on the 17th of July, in fine health and spirits, (singing, as they came along, Elder J. D. S. [John Daniel Thompson] McAllister's noted hand cart song—"Some must push and some must pull," &c.) One would not think that they had come from Iowa City, a long and rough journey of from 275 to 300 miles, except by their dust—stained garments and sunburned faces. My heart is gladdened as I write this, for methinks I see their merry countenances and buoyant step, and the strains of the hand cart song seems ringing in my ears like sweet music heard at eventide or in a dream.
The first company had among its number the Birmingham Band, and though but young performers, they played really very well—far superior to anything to be found this far west. In giving you this discription of the feelings of the first companies, I give you in effect the feelings of the whole. This is the bright side of the pictures, and is of those who may really be called Latter Day Saints; who have in continual remembrance the covenants they have made; who obey counsel, and may really be called Saints of the Most High God. There are others—for I have seen both sides of the picture—who are apt to forget the God who has delivered them from their gentile chains and task masters, and are allured by fine promises and high wages; others there are whose faith is not of that nature to stand the trials they are called upon to undergo, and back out from five to fifty in a company of 300; but the mirth of the one kind does not interfere with the gloom of the other; or, vice versa, each one does what suits him best. Those weak in the faith soon find those who will make them weaker; those who have backed out before them come up with their long faces, smooth words, and melancholy tone, prating away their words of comfort (?), and if they will only go away with them there is no end of the money and comfort they are going to have, and a team, ONLY NEXT SPRING, to ride in and go to the Valley. I will say that these apostates, who give their time, and horses, and wagons, to pick up the wavering, are right zealous, and I thought if they were only as zealous in assisting the widow and the orphan, instead of those who are already cared for, they would be driving a good team; but it is all right, the sort that are led away from the line of their duty by such spurious promises and oily tongues—well never mind that—are not wanted in the Valley, and by staying here they save themselves two journeys—one to Utah and one back. (Latey, J.H.[7] OTD).
DAY 39-40
18th19th
We remained in camp till saturday finishing the carts and geting the ballance of our outfit. (Galloway OTD).
We remained in camp till saturday finishing the carts and geting the ballance of our outfit. (Galloway OTD).
went to Iowa to wait for handcarts for the trip across the plains. Traveled some distance with them, then stopped to have them repaired, as they were so flimsy they were continually breaking down. Started again on the 20th of July. (Jones-Ellsworth OTD).
18 in camp all day[,] sewed[.] the Brethren very busy getting the carts repaired &c
19 went to Florence in the afternoon with sister Robinson[,] bought some Bacon[,] Apples[.] Paid our share for oil & candle (Ham OTD).
18th & 19 Fited up for our journey Also on Sunday 20th ½ past 5 P.M. Started out[.] came 8 mi.—had much difficulty to keep our cows as we had taken them from their calves only 2 days before we started[.] (Oakley OTD).
Friday (18th) Harriet very ill. Bought her some little niceties but she could not eat the pickles. Had a piece of buffalo beef given to me.
Saturday (19th) Repairing carts all day. (Walters OTD).
DAY 41
20th
The camp rolled out at 6 P.M. and travelled 7[8] miles[.] pitched tents half past nine.
The camp rolled out at 6 P.M. and travelled 7[8] miles[.] pitched tents half past nine.
Sunday (20) Preparing to start; travelled about 7 miles. (Walters OTD).
20 very busy loading the waggons[,] carts &c started at 4 came seven miles[,] did not get into camp untill it was quite Dark[.] had to get a light to find the cow[,] raise the tent &c (Ham OTD).
on the 20th I went out to settle up with Capt. Elsworth [Ellsworth], and saw them start off in good earnest to the tune of "Some must push," &c., (cant move without that.) (Latey OTD).
DAY 42
21st The camp rolled out at 9 A.M. and travelled 18 miles[.][9] crossed the Elk Horn by the ferry Boat and camped about 5 P.M. before all the tents were pitched we had quite a thunder storm & continued more or less all night. (Galloway OTD).
21 travelled 15 miles got to Elk Horn river[.] a v[i]olent storm arose just as we were Ferryed over[.] we all got dripping wet[.] had a wet bedroom[,] got some boughs and laid our bed clothes on[.] had a good nights sleep so none of us took a cold[.] surely thy Preserving Power is truly made manifest upon us from day to day O Lord God of Hosts (Ham OTD).
Mon. 21st Came to the Elk Horn & crosed over in a ferry boat[.] Thunderstorm came on while crossing[.] most disagreable camping we have had[.] high wet grass &; mud to lay down upon. (Oakley OTD).
Monday (21) Travelled about 18 miles. Harriet better. (Walters OTD).
DAY 43
22nd
The [camp] rolled out at 12 P.M. and travelled 17 miles along a good road.[10] passed 5 dead oxen. camped at half past 7 P.M. at Liberty pole camping ground close to the Plat[t]e River (Galloway OTD).
The [camp] rolled out at 12 P.M. and travelled 17 miles along a good road.[10] passed 5 dead oxen. camped at half past 7 P.M. at Liberty pole camping ground close to the Plat[t]e River (Galloway OTD).
22 started at 11, travelled 16 miles[.] we managed to raise the tent before Dark[.] walked 11 miles without water came to Platte river camped there (Ham OTD).
Tues 22nd Waited till noon to dry our clothes & also wait for Bro. Job Welling to fetch the runaway cow—very warm & heavy sand road[.] Came to the Loup Fork of the Platt[e] River (Oakley OTD).
Tuesday (22) Passed of(f) the ferry at (H)elk Horn. Travelled abouts 12 miles. Thunder storm. (Walters OTD).
DAY 44
23rd
The [camp] rolled at half past 7 A.M. & travelled 14¼ . camped at Loap [Loup] fork at 4 P.M. an excellent camping place[.] good feed for cattle. the roads were rather heavey & the day very warm[.] water scarce. (Galloway OTD).
The [camp] rolled at half past 7 A.M. & travelled 14¼ . camped at Loap [Loup] fork at 4 P.M. an excellent camping place[.] good feed for cattle. the roads were rather heavey & the day very warm[.] water scarce. (Galloway OTD).
23 started at ½8, Brother [Thomas] Bourne sick so our cart took the lead[.] we came to a curcular Pond where were Beautiful water lillies growing [illegible][.] we went through acres of what I call Boot cutting grass as high as our heads which made it very hot and caused us to be very thirsty[.] had a beautiful camp ground (Ham OTD).
Wed. 23rd Came 14 mi. no water heavy sandy monotonous road through high grass. (Oakley OTD).
Wednesday (23) Very hot day. Travelled about 14 miles. Harriet much better. (Walters OTD).
24th
The camp rolled out at half past 7 A.M. travelled 9 miles[.] the roads pretty good[.] camp at 12 P.M. at Shell creek. (Galloway OTD).
The camp rolled out at half past 7 A.M. travelled 9 miles[.] the roads pretty good[.] camp at 12 P.M. at Shell creek. (Galloway OTD).
24 this is the anniversary of the Pioneers Entering the valley[.] the Brethern fired two rounds very early in the morning and the band Played[.] started at [illegible sentence] ½8 travelled nine miles camped on a Beautiful place on the Border of the Plain[.] Brother Watts[11] & Brother [George] Hanson shot five Ducks & a P[r]arie Hen gave 1 to Brother Ellisworth and 1 to Borther Farnce [France] (Ham OTD).
Thurs 24 Came 11 mi. my busines is to drive one ox team[.] superintend the other 3 ox teams & 1 mule team & pick up the wearied feeble faltering &c & adjust them in the waggons which contained about 14500 lbs Flour & some 1200 or 1500 lbs of Groceries such as sugar soap salt D[ried] apples Tea &c (Oakley OTD).
Thursday (24) Very hot. Went about 18 miles. Harriet still better. (Walters OTD).
DAY 46
25th
The camp rolled out at 7 A.M. and travelled 19 miles[.] the [roads] were pretty good with the exception of about 5 miles rather sandy. camped at 6 P.M. 2 miles from Luup [Loup] ferry fork.
On the road we came to a large Encampment of Ind[i]ans drying their Buffalo meat, they stood and looked with amazement at the hand Carts and seeing our luse [loose] herd of Cows and oxen they demanded a Beef of the Captain before they would let us pass on which was given to them. (Attley OTD).
The camp rolled out at 7 A.M. and travelled 19 miles[.] the [roads] were pretty good with the exception of about 5 miles rather sandy. camped at 6 P.M. 2 miles from Luup [Loup] ferry fork.
On the road we came to a large Encampment of Ind[i]ans drying their Buffalo meat, they stood and looked with amazement at the hand Carts and seeing our luse [loose] herd of Cows and oxen they demanded a Beef of the Captain before they would let us pass on which was given to them. (Attley OTD).
We were stopped on the Platte river by a large band of Indians who demanded food. They were in war paint and were very hostile. Capt. Ellsworth talked to them and told the brethren to pray while he talked. He gave them some beads and they let us go. [Jones-Ellsworth OTD].
25 started at seven travelled 12½ miles stoped and Had dinner[,] went on 8½ further (sandy)[.] camped[,] were tormented with the musquitoes[.] a storm about 12 at night, I worked with Brother Birch[.] Felt more confident about Eddy than Ever I had before (Ham OTD).
Fri. 25th Came 14 mi[.] Camped again on the L[oup] Fork[.] pased some houses[.] some corn growing by them (Oakley OTD).
Friday (25) Travelled about 18-½ miles. (Walters OTD).
DAY 47
26
At 9 A.M. the camp rolled towards the ferry where were detained 5 hours in crossing. at half past 5 P.M. the camp again moved on about 3 miles where we were over taken by a most terrific storm of thunder and rain in the open prarrie without tents[.] two Brethren & two sisters were knocked down by Light[n]ing Bro Henry Walker[12] from [Carlisle] was killed age 58. he was a faithfull man to his duty. we again moved on for1 ¼ mile and camped for the night[.] travelled 6 miles. (Galloway OTD).
At 9 A.M. the camp rolled towards the ferry where were detained 5 hours in crossing. at half past 5 P.M. the camp again moved on about 3 miles where we were over taken by a most terrific storm of thunder and rain in the open prarrie without tents[.] two Brethren & two sisters were knocked down by Light[n]ing Bro Henry Walker[12] from [Carlisle] was killed age 58. he was a faithfull man to his duty. we again moved on for1 ¼ mile and camped for the night[.] travelled 6 miles. (Galloway OTD).
All went well, till we got to Wood River [Loup Fork] here we had to Ferry across the River. After we all got over one of the company seeing a cloud as big as a man hand at first in the distance. We watched it and found it increased and roleing over and over and coming very rapid towards us, and in a littew[h]ile we was in the middle of it and it Burst with a loud Explosion, the rain coming down in Torrents and the Lightning was terable. and a man was killed by it as he was drawing his hand Cart from the Ferry Boat. We laid by for 2 days and held a Funeral over him and Burried him. (Attley OTD)
while traveling opposite Ash hollow in a rain and thunder storm Father [Henry] Walker was struck & killed by lightning, his wife [Isabella] knocked down, and two young men knocked down and one young man stun[n]ed, all with one cart, no others were Injured. (Bridges OTD).
When about 100 miles East of Laramie we had a heavy rain storm with lightning and thunder--the lightning killed one man named Edward Walker. Three other persons fell down just in front of me being shocked by it as we were going along. Bro. Walker left a wife, who had a son in Salt Lake City. (Phillips, Jonah, Bio at Welsh Mormon History, http://welshmormon.byu.edu/Default.aspx (WMH)).
26 Started about eight came to Platte River were we had to ferryed over which took some Hours then we had to cross a small stream barefoot then through some Heavy sands which caused a break down of Agriles [Argyles] cart[.] we had not gone far when the clouds began to gather[.] blackness[,] the lighting flashed and the thunder rolled[.] Presently the rain Poured in torrents another burst of thunder and a stream of lighting and oh my God what a sight[.] ten out of one tent fell to the ground[.] one of the number[,] Brother [Henry] Walker[,] fell to rise no more untill the mor[n]ing of the first resurection, his wife [Isabella] was struck on one side of her face as though she was burnt with fire and a young lad was struck from head to foot on one side, he was quite helpless for some time[.] the Brethren laid Hands on him and he soon became better[.] Brother Walker has left a widow and one son, the son is in the valley[.] Be thou her comfort, her solace, her strength, Her Preserver and may she live to reach Zion in safety, He was aged 58 years. we stoped untill the storm was over and then went two miles further. found our tents raised ready for us; this is a day to be remembered by us as a camp and also as individuals (Ham OTD).
Sat. 26th Crosed over the L Fork in a ferry boat Prest E[llsworth] sent me forward of the Hand carts to find a camp ground[.] after going 3 mi a verry severe rain Thunder & lightning storm came on before I found a camp about 5 o'clock P.M. The hand cart train was some 2 mi. behind me & the waggons which carry the tents. we all got most thougerly soaked, water in a few minutes stood a foot deep in places in the road[.] Bro. Henry Walker who was with the Handcarts was kiled by a stroke from lightning[.] some 8 or 10 others struck down at the same time & Bro. Walker's sons skin was broken in a number of places on his body & legs making him verry sore. For the first time we put up our tents in [illegible] (Oakley OTD).
Saturday (26) Passed over the Ferry—Luke [Loup] Fort [Fork]. Travelled about 6 miles. (H)as soon (h)as we crossed it looked very heavy and black. We had (not) got far and it began to lightning and soon[.] the thunders roared and about the middle of the train of hand carts the lightning struck a brother and he fell to rise no more in that body,—by the name of Henry Walker, from Carlisle Conference; aged 58 years. Left a wife and children. One boy burnt a little, named James Studard [Stoddart]; we thought he would die but he recovered and was able to walk and Brother William Studard [Stoddart], father of the boy was knocked to the ground and a sister, Betsy Taylor, was terribly shook but recovered. All wet through. This happened about 2 miles from the Ferry and we then went 2 miles to camp. I put the body, with the help of others, on the hand cart and pulled him to camp and buried him without coffin for there was no boards to be had. (Walters OTD).
DAY 48
27 Bro H. Walker was burried this morning 4 miles west of Loap [Loup] fork fery on sandy rize right hand side of the road. at 12 P.M. the camp rolled and travelled 2½ miles to a better camping ground where we remained for the rest of the day[.] a Beef was killed at night for the camp. about 8 P.M. a meeting was called[.] Bros Oakley, France, & Ellsworth, addressed the meeting. (Galloway OTD).
27 started at 11 traveled 3 miles[.] found a good camp ground plenty of wood and water[.] Camped here for the day[.] Brother Ellisworth killed an ox for us[.] Brother Watts shot a Duck[.] a meeting in the Evening[.] Brothers [William] Butler[,] [Joseph] France[,] Ellisworth addressed us[.] Promised us every desire of our Hearts in rightousness if we would live[.] my soul thrills with joy concerning Eddy (Ham OTD).
Sun 25th [27th] Burried the body of Bro. Walker near our camp on a mound to the left & near the road 4 mi. from the ferry[.] Age about 50 years. Came on 4 mi to get a good camp[.] found it in 4 mi travel on the Loup Fork. Kiled our first beef steer[.] A Italien [Italian] brother while stroling out came in reported he saw a white woman crying near some Indians[.] some 5 or 6 brethren went out with guns to find her but returned without finding her or the Indians[.] Meeting in the evening (Oakley OTD).
Sunday 27th The next morning, Sunday 27th, 1856, four miles west of Luke Fort [Loup Fork] Ferry. Rose about 4 o’clock. Put a new axletree to a cart that was broke yesterday. Travelled about 2 miles to a better camping ground. (Walters OTD).
DAY 49
28th
At 15 past 7 A. M. the camp rolled out and travelled 20 miles[.] the road in many parts very heavey[.] we rested two hours and had dinner[.] we turned of to the right about ½ mile and camped for the night at half past 6 p.m. (Galloway OTD).
At 15 past 7 A. M. the camp rolled out and travelled 20 miles[.] the road in many parts very heavey[.] we rested two hours and had dinner[.] we turned of to the right about ½ mile and camped for the night at half past 6 p.m. (Galloway OTD).
28 Started at seven travelled 21 miles Drove down to the river side[13] to camp about a mile from the road[.] I worked with Brother Hanson [uninterpreted code] (Ham OTD)
.
Mon. 28th Came 20 mi (Oakley OTD).
Monday 28th Travelled about 18 miles. Harriet much better; for such we feel thankful. (Walters OTD).
DAY 50
29th At 9 A.M. the camp rolled out and ascended a Bluff to the right of the camping ground. travelled 15 milles[.] the roads in some parts a Little sandy[.] camped at a quarter to 3 P.M. about 4 miles from the upper crossing,[14] plenty of wood & water[.] two good springs on the west side of camp ground[.] one of them dugg out by Bro Card. (Galloway OTD).
29 travelled 15 miles met a Party of gold seekers coming from California[.] Camped near the river[.] sister Downy [Ann Doney[15]] gave birth to a fine Daughter [Mary Jane]. (Ham OTD).
Tues. 29th In consequence of threatening Thunder & rain storm did not start early[.] left the river & came 15 mi[.] Some 25 persons on horse back & in waggons (Some 2 or 3 women in Co.) came to us while camped on their way from the Cal[iforni]a Gold mines (Oakley OTD).
Tuesday 29th Travelled about 15 miles. Met a Company coming from California. A child [Mary Jane Doney] born in camp. Sister [Ann Temperance George] Doney. My birthday. (Walters OTD).
DAY 51
30th
The camp rolled out at 7 and travelled 25 miles[.][16] a great part of the road very sandy and heavey for hand carts & wagons[.] no wood near water till we camped, and that not very plentyfull. still plenty for camping purposes. camped at 15 past 6 P.M. (Galloway OTD).
The camp rolled out at 7 and travelled 25 miles[.][16] a great part of the road very sandy and heavey for hand carts & wagons[.] no wood near water till we camped, and that not very plentyfull. still plenty for camping purposes. camped at 15 past 6 P.M. (Galloway OTD).
30 Started at seven travelled 24 miles[,] no water only what we took with us[.] the Brethren [Joseph] France[,] [Cyrus] Card[,] Edwards[,] &c came out to meet us with some, some part of the road very sandy[.] the children walked all the way which a great testimony that the Lord[,] Even the God of Israel is with us[.] there were 12 wells Dug where we camped but no wood save a little brushwood (Ham OTD).
Wed 30th Came 22 miles[.] no water by the way[.] took water with us but not half enough[.] this added much to the severity of a long days journey. Came to some wells dug by emigrants out of which we drew water to give our humble thirsty cattle[.] Prest E[llsworth] taken sick with a severe pain in his head (Oakley OTD).
Wednesday 30th Travelled 22 miles. (Walters OTD).
DAY 52
31st
The camp rolled out at 7 A.M. and travelled 18 miles. the road leading from the camp is a very heavey sandy road and continues so for about 13 miles[.] it is allso very hilly. camped about 15 past 6 P.M. alongside of Prairrey [Prairie] Creek[.][17] no wood but plenty of Buffallo chips. There is a Well about 7 miles from where we camped last night on the right hand side of the road. (Galloway OTD).
The camp rolled out at 7 A.M. and travelled 18 miles. the road leading from the camp is a very heavey sandy road and continues so for about 13 miles[.] it is allso very hilly. camped about 15 past 6 P.M. alongside of Prairrey [Prairie] Creek[.][17] no wood but plenty of Buffallo chips. There is a Well about 7 miles from where we camped last night on the right hand side of the road. (Galloway OTD).
31 Started at 8[.] very sandy roads found that we were 30 miles out the road[.] camped on the Plains where was no wood[.] made our fires of Buffalo chips[.] before we had taken our tea a storm & wind arose and rent the tent in two[.] me and Hannah slept in Brother Elisworths tent (Ham OTD).
Thurs 31st Came 18 mi sandy road[.] heavy wind & tore down tent[.] much Thunder & lightning (Oakley OTD).
Thursday 31st Travelled 18 miles. Heavy thunderstorm. (Walters OTD).
DAY 53
August 1st
The camped rolled out at 8 A.M. travelled 16 miles[.] the roads in good condition[.] Crossed Prairrey [Prairie] Creek twice[.][18] the second crossing the hand [carts] had to be carried over by the brethren. there was a Little difficulty in geting the wagons over[.] the banks of the creek were so steep. We allso crossed Wood River by the means of a good Bridge. We came very close to a herd of Buffallo. Bro Ellsworth went out with his Riffle. wounded two but not sufficient for him to get them. at 30 past 6 P.M. we camped alongside of Wood River.[19] plenty of Wood & Water. a good camping ground. (Galloway OTD).
The camped rolled out at 8 A.M. travelled 16 miles[.] the roads in good condition[.] Crossed Prairrey [Prairie] Creek twice[.][18] the second crossing the hand [carts] had to be carried over by the brethren. there was a Little difficulty in geting the wagons over[.] the banks of the creek were so steep. We allso crossed Wood River by the means of a good Bridge. We came very close to a herd of Buffallo. Bro Ellsworth went out with his Riffle. wounded two but not sufficient for him to get them. at 30 past 6 P.M. we camped alongside of Wood River.[19] plenty of Wood & Water. a good camping ground. (Galloway OTD).
August 1st Started at ½8 travelled 16 miles camped at the side of a creek[.] Plenty of wood & water (Ham OTD).
Fri . Aug 1st Came 16 mi. (Oakley OTD).
Friday 1st Travelled 16 miles and camped at Prairie Creek. (Walters OTD).
DAY 54
2 travelled 16 miles[20] saw a herd of Buffalo in the distance[.] Brother Ellisworth & Watts went to them but did not succeed in killing one[.] Sarahs Birthday aged 20[.] camped again on the creek[.] we had to cross two creeks[.] the Brethren carried the sisters & children in their arms and took the Handcarts on their shoulders (Ham OTD).
Sat. 2nd Came 16 mi & camped on Wood River. here we found two rows of stakes for several miles that seemed to be put down with accuracy some 5 rod apart—saw a large heard of Buffalo. Pres[iden]t E put out after them & I took charge of the camp leaving the teams in charge of Thomas Fowler[21] (Oakley OTD).
Sat. 2nd Crossed over 2 creeks,—forded them. Stopt dinner. Camped by Wood River. We saw many buffalo. Travelled about 18 miles. (Walters OTD).
DAY 55
[Sunday] 3rd
We remained in camp all day and attended to such duties as we were neccissited to do. Meeting at 7 P.M. Bro Oakley, Butter, & Ellsworth then addressed the saints. (Galloway OTD).
We remained in camp all day and attended to such duties as we were neccissited to do. Meeting at 7 P.M. Bro Oakley, Butter, & Ellsworth then addressed the saints. (Galloway OTD).
3 camped on the creek[.] Brother Watts[,] sister W; Lizzy & me went a fishing[.] I caught 3 & Lizzy 1[.] Camped all Day (Ham OTD).
Sun. 3rd Prest E[llsworth] went out to hunt on horse back[.] saw the same heard but returned unsuccesfull as yesterday the ground too level & the Horse frightened when nearing the Buffalo—By Prest E[llsworth]’s request I caled the camp together & addressed them[.] Caled them to witness that it was highly probable that we as a camp a whole never enjoyed so good health in our lives as at this time notwithstanding we are living on ¾ lbs of Flower per day[.] verry little of anything else[.] Bro. El[l]sworth & [William] Butler also spoke[.] Came 18 mi. over a desert plain to the Platt[e] (no wood or water) (Oakley OTD).
Sunday 3rd Rested but mended hand carts. Got shell fish out of the creek for we was very hungry. Only ¾ of lb. of flour; 1-½ oz. of sugar; a few apples; tea plenty. (Walters OTD).
DAY 56
4th
at quarter to 8 A.M. the camp rolled out and [traveled] 18 miles[22][.] good roads[.] camp at a quarter to 3 P.M. near to the Platte (Galloway OTD).
at quarter to 8 A.M. the camp rolled out and [traveled] 18 miles[22][.] good roads[.] camp at a quarter to 3 P.M. near to the Platte (Galloway OTD).
4 travelled 18 miles before dinner[,] camped[.] Brother Watts & Hanson killed a Deer[.] we had the Head & feet boiled down for broth which made us a nice tent supper[.] Hannah & me had a nice pi[e]ce for which we felt thankful to our Brethren and to our Heavenly Father for sending it in their way[.] I dont remember Ever suffering so much from Hunger I have for the last few days (Ham OTD).
Monday 4th Travelled 18 miles. Camped by Platte River. (Walters OTD).
DAY 57
5th At 8 A.M. the camp rolled and travelled 16 miles[.] the roads pretty good with the exceptions of one or two places. camped about 4 P.M. Wood plenty[.] water rather scarce[.] still plenty for camping purposes. (Galloway OTD).
5 Had a dream concerning Edmond [uninterpreted code]. travelled 15 miles met three companys of Callifornias[.] camped at Elm creek,[23] but I think it should be Grasshopper creek for there were millions of them, watter bad & scarce[.] Brother Ellisworth shoot at a Buffalo & wounded him[.] the creature turned upon him and in Defending himself broke the stock of his gun[.] did not succeed in getting him (Ham OTD).
Tues 5th Came[.] camped on Elm Creek[.] dug a well there. Prest E[llsworth] rode on a mule after a Buffalo[.] shot one down then made to him the mule running head up awkwardly on the Buffalo before seeing him. the Buffalo arose[.] affrighted the mule so he threw Prest E[llsworth] near on the Buffaloo. the B[uffalo] made fight[.] Prest E[llsworth] gave him a punch in the head with his heavy rifle breaking the stock[.] the B[uffalo] turned tail & went his own way. Prest E[llsworth] & the mule to camp but not in company (Oakley OTD).
Tuesday 5th Travelled 16 miles. (Walters OTD).
DAY 58
6th
At 9 A.M. the camp rolled out and travelled 12 [miles] roads good[.] camped about 2 P.M. on Buffallo Creek.[24] 4 miles from the crossing of B. Creek. We killed 4 Buffalos to day. the camp got quite a good supply of meat. Galloway (OTD).
At 9 A.M. the camp rolled out and travelled 12 [miles] roads good[.] camped about 2 P.M. on Buffallo Creek.[24] 4 miles from the crossing of B. Creek. We killed 4 Buffalos to day. the camp got quite a good supply of meat. Galloway (OTD).
6 started ½7 the brethren killed 3 Buffalo[.] before dinner we came wherer there were thousands of them (Ham OTD).
Wed. 6th Came 10 mi. & camped on Buf[fal]o Creek where we can now see tens of thousands of Buffaloes[.] some 3 or 4 was shot & the meat distributed in camp. (Oakley OTD).
Wednesday 6th Saw thousands of buffalo. 4 was killed. So thick together that they covered 4 miles at once. Camped by Buffalo Creek. Travelled 10 miles. (Walters OTD).
DAY 59
7th
At 15 to 9 A.M. the camp rolled out and [traveled] 25 miles.[25] the roads good with the exception of about 2 miles which is rather sandy. There is no water after leaving the crossings. camped about 30 past 8 P.M. no Water but by digging for it[.] no Wood[.] plenty of chips. (Galloway OTD).
At 15 to 9 A.M. the camp rolled out and [traveled] 25 miles.[25] the roads good with the exception of about 2 miles which is rather sandy. There is no water after leaving the crossings. camped about 30 past 8 P.M. no Water but by digging for it[.] no Wood[.] plenty of chips. (Galloway OTD).
7 travelled twenty three miles did not get to camp til nine oclock[.] the Brethren had to dig wells before we could get water[.] Hannah & me had the bowel complaint[.] Hannah rode in the wagon (Ham OTD).
Thurs. 7th Came 21 mi. but did not find water till we dug in a slow place for it 2 feet[.] the cattle humbly knealt down to satiate their thirsty souls (Oakley OTD).
Thursday 7th Thousands of buffalo. Travelled 25 miles. Camped late at night. Had to dig for water and it was very thick. Our hungry appetites satisfied by the buffalo. Goy up soon to repair hand carts. (Walters OTD).
DAY 60
8th
At 15 to 9 A.M. the camp rolled out from this place of desolation and travelled 13 miles without water[.] the roads good[.] camped about 30 past 2 alongside the Platte[.] by turning of the Left about ¼ mile you will find a good camping ground but no wood. there is another camping ground about 2 miles ahead. By some means Father Sanders[26] got Left behind. the brethren have been out on Foot & Horse[.] as yet they have not succeeded in finding him. (Galloway OTD).
At 15 to 9 A.M. the camp rolled out from this place of desolation and travelled 13 miles without water[.] the roads good[.] camped about 30 past 2 alongside the Platte[.] by turning of the Left about ¼ mile you will find a good camping ground but no wood. there is another camping ground about 2 miles ahead. By some means Father Sanders[26] got Left behind. the brethren have been out on Foot & Horse[.] as yet they have not succeeded in finding him. (Galloway OTD).
8 Hannah & me were administered to by Brother Ellisworth[.] very sick all day[,] could not keep up with the carts[.] Brother [Walter] Sanders lost[.] camped by the Platte River[.] the Pre Brethren were sent in all directions to seek for Brother Sanders but returned without him (Ham OTD).
Friday 8th at noon camping we mised Bro. Sanders an old man. Bro. Stephen Moile [Moyle][27] one of the teamsters unknown to me had told him to get out of the waggon to make room for a sick boy—spent the remainder of the day hunting Father Sanders without sucess[.] some 25 of us hunted till 12 o.c. at night (Oakley OTD).
Friday 8th Rose soon to repair carts. Travelled about 15 miles. Camped by the side of Flat River. Repaired hand carts. Harriet getting round nicely and I feel truly thankful. My wife very ill tempered at times. An old brother lost named [Walter] Sanderson. Many went in all directions but could not find him. (Walters OTD).
DAY 61
9th
The camp rolled out at 10 past 1 P.M. and travelled 13 miles. Bro Thos. Fouler [Fowler] found Father Sanders this morning about 5 miles a head of the camp. The road for about 7 miles is very heavey sandy road. hard pulling for hand carts & ox Teams. camped beside the Platte about 2 miles from Skunk Creek[28] about 15 past 8 P.M. (Galloway OTD).
The camp rolled out at 10 past 1 P.M. and travelled 13 miles. Bro Thos. Fouler [Fowler] found Father Sanders this morning about 5 miles a head of the camp. The road for about 7 miles is very heavey sandy road. hard pulling for hand carts & ox Teams. camped beside the Platte about 2 miles from Skunk Creek[28] about 15 past 8 P.M. (Galloway OTD).
9 Brother Sanders found about ten o clock[.] started about one o clock travelled 14 miles through a very heavy sandy road[.] met some Callifornia Emigrants (Ham OTD).
Sat. Bro. Tho[ma]s. Fowler found Father Sanders some 4 mi. fo[r]ward of our camp wandering in the Praraire[.] I feel most excedingly thankfull to the Lord[.] Came 12 mi. (Oakley OTD).
Saturday 9th Found the old brother Sanderson on a hill about 6 o’clock. Brought him into camp on a mule. Travelled about 15 miles after repairing hand carts until 12 o’clock. (Walters OTD).
DAY 62
10th
About 9 A.M. the camp was called together for meeting. Elders Ellsworth, France, & Oakley addressed the saints[.] a good meeting.
About 9 A.M. the camp was called together for meeting. Elders Ellsworth, France, & Oakley addressed the saints[.] a good meeting.
The camp rolled out at 10 past 11 A.M. travelled 14 miles;[29] for two or three miles the [road] is sandy & Bluffy but they can be greatly avoided by winding round them[.] camped at a cold spring camping ground about 6 P.M. a most excellent place for a camp (Galloway OTD).
10 Sunday[,] had a good thrashing from our captain[,] also from Brother France[.] started at 12 travelled 14 miles[,] camped at a Beautiful spring of water (Ham OTD).
Sun.10th Prest E[llsworth] told the camp he would lead them no further unless they would do better[.] accused them of stealing one anothers provisions[,] hipocritically pretending sick to ride & c & c[.] told them to put the coat on if it fitted & he knew it did some[.] I spoke some[.] The Camp voted to do better[.] Came on 14 mi & camped by the Big Cold Spring. Much bowel complaint during the past 4 days causes retards our progress much—stopping the teams &c to wait for the sick ones[.] caused no doubt by eating the Buffalo meat & change of air &c (Oakley OTD).
Sunday 10th Travelled 14 miles. All, or most of the people bad with the diarrhoea or purging,—whether it was the buffalo or the muddy river water. (Walters OTD).
DAY 63
11th
The camp rolled out at 50 past 7. A.M. & travelled 17 miles.[30] the roads were pretty good with the exception of some that are rather sandy but that can be avoided by turning of a Little either to the right or Left. plenty of water every three or four miles[.] 1 of our Milch Cows died near the camping ground. We crossed over a small creek and camp close to the platte opposite to two or three small Islands where there is wood but rather difficult to get at. We had two Buffalo brought into the camp to night killed by the brethren appointed for that purpose[.] We camp at 4 P.M. all well. (Galloway OTD).
The camp rolled out at 50 past 7. A.M. & travelled 17 miles.[30] the roads were pretty good with the exception of some that are rather sandy but that can be avoided by turning of a Little either to the right or Left. plenty of water every three or four miles[.] 1 of our Milch Cows died near the camping ground. We crossed over a small creek and camp close to the platte opposite to two or three small Islands where there is wood but rather difficult to get at. We had two Buffalo brought into the camp to night killed by the brethren appointed for that purpose[.] We camp at 4 P.M. all well. (Galloway OTD).
11 travelled 16 miles camped Early for the Brethren to kill Buffalo[.] they killed three (Ham OTD).
11th Remained in camp to lay in Buffalo meat[.] 3 Bulls kiled[.] no cows to be seen[.] we have come too far to suit our purpose in this but I think it for the best as all the meat we have yet had seems to have done us little or no good[.] it seems to me that we might have been 50 miles farther had we seen no Buffalo[.] I was occupied in repairing carts &c heavy rain during the night (Oakley OTD).
Monday 11th Travelled about 17 miles. 4 men sent to shoot Buffalo. Harriet much better; very weak myself. I expect it is the short rations: ¾ of a lb. of flour per day. It is but little but it is as much as the oxen teams that we have could draw from St. Florence. Forded over 2 creeks. Met a man coming from California by himself; going to the States. One of our cows died. Buffalo killed. (Walters OTD).
DAY 64
12th
Theremained at rest today to rest up[.] Buffallo to dry for the journey. and repaire the hand carts. (Galloway OTD).
The
12 in camp all Day Drying and Preparing the meat to take with us. a storm in the Evening and again in the night (Ham OTD).
Tues. 12th Our first cow or animal of any kind died with the hollow horn (Oakley OTD).
Tuesday 12th Rested while some of the brethern with Captain Ellsworth went and shot 2 more Buffalo and we dried the meat. (Walters OTD).
DAY 65
13th
The camp rolled at 30 past 9 A.M. and travelled 12 [miles.][31] the roads were rather heavey owing to last nights rain[.] camped about 5 P.M. alongside of Bluff Fork. We forded the river previous to camping. (Galloway OTD).
The camp rolled at 30 past 9 A.M. and travelled 12 [miles.][31] the roads were rather heavey owing to last nights rain[.] camped about 5 P.M. alongside of Bluff Fork. We forded the river previous to camping. (Galloway OTD).
13 travelled 12 miles through very bad road and crossed several creeks[.] very tired and weary (Ham OTD).
13th 14th & 15th Came over very sandy road aver[ag]ing only 14 mi per day (Oakley OTD).
Wednesday 13th Travelled 12 miles; forded a large creek. (Walters OTD).
DAY 66
14th
The camp rolled at 10 past 8 A.M. and travelled 18 miles.[32] the first 12 miles was nearly all over heavey sandy bluffs[.] right from the camp it made heavey pulling[.] the last 6 miles the road was pretty good. 1 of the [ca….d] cavered [covered] hand carts broke down. camped about 7 P.M. alongside of the Platte. (Galloway OTD).
The camp rolled at 10 past 8 A.M. and travelled 18 miles.[32] the first 12 miles was nearly all over heavey sandy bluffs[.] right from the camp it made heavey pulling[.] the last 6 miles the road was pretty good. 1 of the [ca….d] cavered [covered] hand carts broke down. camped about 7 P.M. alongside of the Platte. (Galloway OTD).
14 travelled 18 miles through very sandy road, sick (Ham OTD).
Thursday 14th Travelled 18 miles. Crossed three creeks. Last herd of Buffalo seen. (Walters OTD).
DAY 67
15th
The [camp] rolled out at ¼ to 8 A.M. and travelled 14 miles[.][33] for the first 6 miles the sand was fully as bad if not worse than yesterday. we crossed 4 creeks[.] took dinner at Goose creek. for the next 8 the road was good. We forded Rattle Snake and camped about ¼ mile from the old Rattle snake camping ground. camp about ¼ past 6 P.M. (Galloway OTD).
The [camp] rolled out at ¼ to 8 A.M. and travelled 14 miles[.][33] for the first 6 miles the sand was fully as bad if not worse than yesterday. we crossed 4 creeks[.] took dinner at Goose creek. for the next 8 the road was good. We forded Rattle Snake and camped about ¼ mile from the old Rattle snake camping ground. camp about ¼ past 6 P.M. (Galloway OTD).
15 travelled 15 miles much sand and several creeks[.] Hannah and me both very poorly, creek (Ham OTD).
Friday 15th Forded over 5 creeks; camped at Snake Creek. Travelled 19 miles; from Florence 352 miles. Harriet much better and walked all the way. (Walters OTD).
DAY 68
16th
The camp moved of at a ¼ to 8 A.M. & travelled 16¾ miles[.] a good part of it heavey sandy travelling[.] other parts of the road was good travelling. We crossed severall creeks[.] had dinner on the banks of Camp creek[.][34] camp[ed] about 7 P.M. on the East bank of Wolf creek.[35] Buffallo chips not so plentyfull here. good feed for the oxen. (Galloway OTD).
The camp moved of at a ¼ to 8 A.M. & travelled 16¾ miles[.] a good part of it heavey sandy travelling[.] other parts of the road was good travelling. We crossed severall creeks[.] had dinner on the banks of Camp creek[.][34] camp[ed] about 7 P.M. on the East bank of Wolf creek.[35] Buffallo chips not so plentyfull here. good feed for the oxen. (Galloway OTD).
16 travelled 17 miles very sandy & several creeks[.] camped not far from the Platte River (Ham OTD).
Sat 16th Came 17 mi. & camped on Wolf Creek (Oakley OTD).
Saturday 16th Forded over 5 or 6 creeks. Travelled 17 miles. Camped by Wolf Creek. (Walters OTD).
DAY 69
17th
The camp moved out at a quarter to 9 A.M. and travelled 12 miles. We crossed over Wolf creek and a ascended the sandy Bluf. We crossed the Bluff to the Left instead of going up the old Track. it is easier for hand carts and for ox teams. the road to day was very sandy for severall milles. passed over severall creeks. camp at 4 P.M. on the side of the Plat[t]e apposite to Ash Grove.[36] Brother Peter Stalley[37] died to day. he was from Itlay [Italy]. (Galloway OTD).
The camp moved out at a quarter to 9 A.M. and travelled 12 miles. We crossed over Wolf creek and a ascended the sandy Bluf. We crossed the Bluff to the Left instead of going up the old Track. it is easier for hand carts and for ox teams. the road to day was very sandy for severall milles. passed over severall creeks. camp at 4 P.M. on the side of the Plat[t]e apposite to Ash Grove.[36] Brother Peter Stalley[37] died to day. he was from Itlay [Italy]. (Galloway OTD).
17 Sunday[,] travelled 12 miles[.] the road very sandy at places and the weather very Hot[.] the poor Itelian [Italian] Brother [Jean Pierre Stalle] left his tabernacle of clay which has been wasting for some time to go where affliction and Pain is not felt[.] we had a meeting in the Evening[,] Brother Ellisworth addressed us[.] a storm arose and we were Dismissed but it was not very volent[.] camped at Ash Hollow (Ham OTD).
Sun. 17th Came 12 mi. verry Sandy[.] ½ mi had to double team during this time all walked on. one Bro. Rosing [Giovanni Michel Rochon] an Italien much reduced for want of his accustomed beverage (Brandy) was left behind the teams having taken a different road[.] I went back having taken the horse out of the team to do so intending to put him on the horse but found him to feeble after a thougher trial so I came to the waggons (1 mi.) took [or broke] one the mule teams & came to get him[.] had to lift him in[.] he died before I catched up with the other teams which had moved on. Camped on the Platt[e] opposite Ash Hollow where we burried Bro. Rosong (Oakley OTD).
Sunday 17th Crossed over some creeks. Camped over the Platte River. Travelled 12 miles. Brother Missel Rossin, Italian,[38] found dead by the side of the road. (Walters OTD).
The Mr. [Edmund] Ellsworth who had charge of the company, for some reason, badly mistreated the French saints, even depriving them of food. It is claimed, by the children of [Jean] Pierre (Peter) Stalle that he died of starvation. It is claimed that Mr. Ellsworth sold part of the food that should have gone to the saints. When Pierre Stalle was dying, his wife [Jeanne Marie Gaudin-Moise] climbed to the wagon to have a few last words with her husband. Ellsworth came with a rope and cruelly whipped her until she was forced to get down. This was verified by the French families who came. "The captain was a very mean man. At one time a man died and they whipped and kicked him and threw him under the tent. His wife took his shoes to wear and some lady called her a dirty Italian." Susanna [Goudin Cardin] thought she would get it back on them, so one day an English boy told her he would give her some fire wood for a kiss. She took the wood and then slapped him. His mother called her bad names. The next day was raining and she had buffalo chips as well as some wood to burn. They always gathered wood by day for their fires at night. She pulled a hand cart all the way across the plains. (Barker-Cardon OTD).
The Mr. [Edmund] Ellsworth who had charge of the company, for some reason, badly mistreated the French saints, even depriving them of food. It is claimed, by the children of [Jean] Pierre (Peter) Stalle that he died of starvation. It is claimed that Mr. Ellsworth sold part of the food that should have gone to the saints. When Pierre Stalle was dying, his wife [Jeanne Marie Gaudin-Moise] climbed to the wagon to have a few last words with her husband. Ellsworth came with a rope and cruelly whipped her until she was forced to get down. This was verified by the French families who came. "The captain was a very mean man. At one time a man died and they whipped and kicked him and threw him under the tent. His wife took his shoes to wear and some lady called her a dirty Italian." Susanna [Goudin Cardin] thought she would get it back on them, so one day an English boy told her he would give her some fire wood for a kiss. She took the wood and then slapped him. His mother called her bad names. The next day was raining and she had buffalo chips as well as some wood to burn. They always gathered wood by day for their fires at night. She pulled a hand cart all the way across the plains. (Barker-Cardon OTD).
DAY 70
17th <18 mon="">
The camp rolled out at 20 past 7 A.M. and travelled 19 miles.[39] the road was very good to day. forded Castle creek[.] passed no other creek during the day[.] had dinner along side of a slough on the left hand side of the road about 4 miles from the Platte. Camped at 20 to 7 P.M. on the side of the Platte. (Galloway OTD).
The camp rolled out at 20 past 7 A.M. and travelled 19 miles.[39] the road was very good to day. forded Castle creek[.] passed no other creek during the day[.] had dinner along side of a slough on the left hand side of the road about 4 miles from the Platte. Camped at 20 to 7 P.M. on the side of the Platte. (Galloway OTD).
18 Started at ½ seven travelled 20 miles[,] a better road not much sand[.] Absalom [Frisby][40] left the tent[.] Charels [Charles] Bridges put in his Place (Ham OTD).
Mon. 18th to Friday 22nd [August] averaged 20 per day[.] Some travelers told us some 50 teams had left the Valey to meet us (Oakley OTD).
Monday 18th Travelled 20 miles. Camped by the Platte River. (Walters OTD).
DAY 71
18th [19th Tues]
The camp rolled out at a quarter to 8 A.M. and travelled 20 miles[.][41] the road to day in parts was very sandy especially crossing the coble Hills it was very sandy. We crossed crable [Crab] creek to day[.] camped about 30 past P.M. on the Platte opposite ancient Bluff Ruins. (Galloway OTD).
The camp rolled out at a quarter to 8 A.M. and travelled 20 miles[.][41] the road to day in parts was very sandy especially crossing the coble Hills it was very sandy. We crossed crable [Crab] creek to day[.] camped about 30 past P.M. on the Platte opposite ancient Bluff Ruins. (Galloway OTD).
19 travelled 19 miles not much sand[.] camped by the side of the Platte[.] Brother Ellisworth killed a Beef[.] a volent storm before we lay Down to rest. we are now 91 miles from Fort Lar[a]mie (Ham OTD).
Tuesday 19th Travelled 19 miles. Camped by the Platte River. A nice camping ground. Buffalo chips to burn. (Walters OTD).
DAY 72
19th 20 Wed
The camp rolled out at 30 past 7 A.M. and travelled 20 milles.[42] the road was tolerable good till we came to the last 5 miles when it became very sandy in some parts especially in crossing crera [?]sand Bluff. camped on the side of the Platte 45 past 6 P.M. (Galloway OTD)
The camp rolled out at 30 past 7 A.M. and travelled 20 milles.[42] the road was tolerable good till we came to the last 5 miles when it became very sandy in some parts especially in crossing crera [?]sand Bluff. camped on the side of the Platte 45 past 6 P.M. (Galloway OTD)
.
20 Started at 8 o clock travelled 18 miles through a very heavy sand a great part of the way. Brother Ellisworth gave Each man that worked at the carts a can of flour and Each single Person that was not conected with a family one, we did not get into camp till after sunset[.] Bufflao chips very scarce (Ham OTD).
Wednesday 20th Travelled 19 miles. Camped by Ruver [River] Platte. (Walters OTD).
DAY 73
20th 21 Thurs
The camp rolled out at 30 past 7 A.M. & travelled 16½ miles[.] the road to day was tollerable good[.] no water for 14½ miles. camped on the Platte 2 miles beyond Chimney Rock at 4 P.M. Buffallo chips rather scarce. (Galloway OTD).
The camp rolled out at 30 past 7 A.M. & travelled 16½ miles[.] the road to day was tollerable good[.] no water for 14½ miles. camped on the Platte 2 miles beyond Chimney Rock at 4 P.M. Buffallo chips rather scarce. (Galloway OTD).
Thursday 21st Travelled 18 miles. Camped 4 miles past Chimney Rock, Platte River. Sandy Road the last 3 or 4 days. (Walters OTD).
21 started at 8 travelled 18 miles no water[.] got to camp quite Early[.] did our washing[.] Brother Ellisworth read us a song which he was composing, Chorus[,] [“]Out of the way Out of the way the Handcarts they are rolling Zions Children now are coming,[”] (Ham OTD).
When from Iowa City first we started,
with our friends in tears we parted.
Our arms and legs were very weak,
our handcarts loudly they did creak.
So get out of the way, the handcarts are rolling,
Zion's children now are coming.
When to the sandy road we came,
we called upon both old and lame.
Out of the wagons for to get,
and around the handcarts form a set.
So get out of the way, the handcarts are rolling,
Zion's children now are coming.
Our sisters, they stout hearted were,
and seldom ever shed a tear.
They pulled their handcarts all along,
and cheered up on with joke and song.
So get out of the way, the handcarts are rolling,
Zion's children now are coming.
But we had some young men so faint hearted,
so that their handcarts soon they parted.
Their legs were weak and toes were sore,
so into the wagons they went to snore.
So get out of the way, the handcarts are rolling,
Zion's children now are coming.
But when a ship was brought in sight,
it seemed to set all things quite right.
For their toes got well and legs got strong,
and with their handcarts they jogged along.
So get out of the way, the handcarts are rolling,
Zion's children now are coming.
When in our tents so close we fitted,
our toes and arms you might have pitied.
But when a cup of tea was ended,
all angry words were then suspended.
So get out of the way, the handcarts are rolling,
Zion's children now are coming.
The little toes they trudged along,
forgetting all but Zion's songs.
Their little feet in blisters were,
but seldom did they shed a tear.
So get out of the way, the handcarts are rolling,
Zion's children now are coming.
with our friends in tears we parted.
Our arms and legs were very weak,
our handcarts loudly they did creak.
So get out of the way, the handcarts are rolling,
Zion's children now are coming.
When to the sandy road we came,
we called upon both old and lame.
Out of the wagons for to get,
and around the handcarts form a set.
So get out of the way, the handcarts are rolling,
Zion's children now are coming.
Our sisters, they stout hearted were,
and seldom ever shed a tear.
They pulled their handcarts all along,
and cheered up on with joke and song.
So get out of the way, the handcarts are rolling,
Zion's children now are coming.
But we had some young men so faint hearted,
so that their handcarts soon they parted.
Their legs were weak and toes were sore,
so into the wagons they went to snore.
So get out of the way, the handcarts are rolling,
Zion's children now are coming.
But when a ship was brought in sight,
it seemed to set all things quite right.
For their toes got well and legs got strong,
and with their handcarts they jogged along.
So get out of the way, the handcarts are rolling,
Zion's children now are coming.
When in our tents so close we fitted,
our toes and arms you might have pitied.
But when a cup of tea was ended,
all angry words were then suspended.
So get out of the way, the handcarts are rolling,
Zion's children now are coming.
The little toes they trudged along,
forgetting all but Zion's songs.
Their little feet in blisters were,
but seldom did they shed a tear.
So get out of the way, the handcarts are rolling,
Zion's children now are coming.
DAY 74
21st 22 Fri
The camp rolled out at 20 past 7 A.M. and trvelled 21 miles.[43] The road to day was good[.] we were detained about 3 hours on the road by a thunder storm. 12 miles without Water. camped about 30 past 7 P.M. on the Platte about 7 mile from spring Creek. Buffallo chips & Wood scarce[.] Poor feed for cattle. (Galloway OTD).
The camp rolled out at 20 past 7 A.M. and trvelled 21 miles.[43] The road to day was good[.] we were detained about 3 hours on the road by a thunder storm. 12 miles without Water. camped about 30 past 7 P.M. on the Platte about 7 mile from spring Creek. Buffallo chips & Wood scarce[.] Poor feed for cattle. (Galloway OTD).
22 Started at ½7 travelled 20 miles met some Callifornia Emigrants who informed us that 50 waggons had started from the valley to meet us[.] had a slight storm at dinner time[.] Put up our tents &c (Ham OTD).
Friday 22nd Good road. Travelled 24 miles. Camped by Platte River. (Waltes OTD).
DAY 75
22nd 23 Sat
The camp rolled out at 5 past 8 A.M. & travelled 15½ miles before we struck the Platte where we camped. Wood plentyfull on the south side by fording for it[.] the River from two to three feet deep[.] about 6 miles of thewas rather sandy[.] camped about 2 P.M. on the side the Platte near [blank space][44] Killed a Beeff to night (Galloway OTD).
The camp rolled out at 5 past 8 A.M. & travelled 15½ miles before we struck the Platte where we camped. Wood plentyfull on the south side by fording for it[.] the River from two to three feet deep[.] about 6 miles of the
23 travelled 18 miles sandy road great Part of the way[.] camped at the river side[.] Brother Ellisworth killed a cow[.] we were in camp in good time[.] a storm arose as soon as the tents were up (Ham OTD).
S. 23rd Came 16 mi. camped on the Platt[e] near Scots Bluffs [Scotts Bluff] (Oakley OTD).
Saturday 23rd Travelled 16 miles. Camped by Platte River. Harriet getting well, thank God, and not been in the wagons to ride. Our allowance of flour tonight was 1 lb. a head. For this I was thankful for I never was so hungry in my life. Captain Ellsworth shot a cow. Very thankfully received. (Walters OTD).
DAY 76
23rd Sun 24
The camp did not travell any to day[.] We were busey with the hand carts[.] At 6 P.M. We had a sacramental & saints meeting[.] a good time of it (Galloway OTD).
The camp did not travell any to day[.] We were busey with the hand carts[.] At 6 P.M. We had a sacramental & saints meeting[.] a good time of it (Galloway OTD).
24 Sunday in camp all Day[.] an Indian visited us, we had a good meetting Partook of the Scarment some of the Brethen testified[.] Brothers France[,] Oakeley [John Oakley] & [William] Butler spoke[.] felt well and to thank my God for my Deliverance (Ham OTD).
Sun 24th The 1st Indian we have seen since leaving Florence came to our camp. Broke up an old waggon[.] Meeting in the eve[nin]g[.] Sacrament administered (Oakley OTD).
Sunday 24th Rested from travels but had to repair hand carts. Meeting at night. Received the Sacrament. Spoke at the meeting. Bro. Ellsworth spoke some time and said we had made great improvement; that the last week there had been less quarreling and those that had robbed the hand carts, or wagons, unless they repent their flesh would rot from their bones and go to Hell. (Walters OTD).
DAY 77
24th Mon 25
At half past 7 A.M. the camp rolled out & travelled 19 miles[.][45] for 6 or 7 miles the road was rather sandy. at ¼ to 5 P.M. we camped not far from the Platte[.] good feed[.] plenty of wood. (Galloway OTD).
At half past 7 A.M. the camp rolled out & travelled 19 miles[.][45] for 6 or 7 miles the road was rather sandy. at ¼ to 5 P.M. we camped not far from the Platte[.] good feed[.] plenty of wood. (Galloway OTD).
25 travelled 20 miles very sandy road met some men from the fort Passed an Indian camp[.] several of them Both men women and children came to look at us[.] they were very civil & quiet[.] had a good camping Place for wood[.] bid farewell to the Buffalo chips (Ham OTD).
M. 25th Came 20 mi. Camped on the Platt[e] by a grove of cottonwood (Oakley OTD).
Monday 25th Travelled about 19 miles. Saw many Indians. Camped about 19 miles from Fort Laramie. Hand Cart axle tree broke on the road. Plenty of wood. Quite a treat after burning so many Buffalo chips. (Walters OTD).
Continue across Wyoming here.
[1] Isabella Stevenson (1828- ). Traveled with brother, Alexander Stevenson (1820- ), and his family, wife, Magdelene Paterson (1821- ), and their children, John (1844-1920), Alexander (1849- ), Orson (1851- ), Joseph B. (1853- ), and Maria (1855- ). All appear to have left the company and settled in Nebraska. The “old apostate” remains unidentified. (OTD, FS).
[2] James McGaw (1824-1872). First arrived in Utah in 1852. As a returning missionary, he served as immigration officer and came with the Grant Wagon Co., 1856. (OTD).
[3] Not yet identified which Wooley or Woolley this may be, Samuel Amos Wolley (1825-1900), left Florence with the Merrill Wagon Co., earlier in June, 1856. (OTD).
[4] Not yet identified which Bates this may be.
[5] This is not the Summer Quarters that was at Ft. Atkinson or Ft. Calhoun some miles north of Florence. This is more likely a play on the “Summers Quarters” that was some miles farther north. If they followed the BY route along what is now McKinley St., they would be at about 60th St. According to Barrett, the Ellsworth Co. generally followed the BY ‘47 route through Nebraska. (SP5). The Military Road route running more to the northwest had been used by travelers but it was being surveyed in 1856 and not fully constructed until ’58. NPS, NHP NE, http://www.nebraskahistory.org/histpres/nebraska/douglas/DO09-Military-Road-Segment.pdf. As the handcart companies were led by returning missionaries, it would be reasonable for them to follow the road with which they had the most familiarity which would be the Brigham Young route of ’47. That led out of Omaha roughly on present Highway 64. The Pioneer route through Nebraska is today mostly obscured by farming, the railroad, and modern roads. It is safe to assume that it would be along established roadways or the railroad most directly along the northern side of the Platte River above the wetlands area as it existed back then.
[6] A contingent of the Piedmontese Saints, French-Italian converts from the area around Torre Pelice, taught by Elder Lorenzo Snow along with other missionaries. The family names were Beus (10), Chatelain (3), Goudin (2), Lagaird (3), Rochon (6), and Stalle (6).
[7] John Henry Latey (1835-1915). Traveled with the Grant, Hodgett, and Hunt Wagon Companies, 1856. One of those assigned to stay with personal belongings of rescued emigrants at Devil’s Gate, winter of 1856-57. From Devon, England. Married one wife, Eleanor Jane Thompson (1842-1916). Settled in Salt Lake City, and Beaver, Utah.
[8] About N. 138th St. on Bennington Rd. just east of Bennington. (Bennington not founded until 1880s as Bunz Town).
[9] 15-18 miles would put them close to the Platte River on Bennington Rd. or Highway 36. Galloway mentions “Liberty Pole camp” for day 43. But it would have had to be Day 42 when they first came to the Platte. Liberty Pole Camp was just southeast of the modern town of Fremont, NE.
[10] Galloway mentions “Shell Creek” for Day 45 but that is a known place from BY Co. near present Rogers, NE., so it would be more likely for Day 43. Days 42, 44, and 46 are fixed points with regard to the Platte and Loup Fork and Ferry. Days 43 and 45 must be estimates with variances in miles.
[11] Henry Watts (1817-1885). Traveled with his wife, Eliza Whale Watts (1822-1863). They were from Wiltshire, England. Settled in Smithfield, Cache Co., UT, where they both lived out their lives.
[12] Henry Walker (1805-1856). From Carlisle, Cumberland, England. Traveled with his wife Isabella Dixon Walker (1994-1881) and son John (1829-1894). Isabella was born in Dumfries, Scotland. After arrival in the Valley, she lived with her son James in Sanpete County. John also settled in Sanpete, Co. (FS).
[13] This would be close to the North Platte again likely near Central City, Nebraska. (SP5)
[14] This must refer to a crossing of the Wood River just east of Grand Island, NE, rather than a crossing of the Platte near Ft. Kearney or the daily miles simply don’t work.
[15] Ann Temperance George Doney (1831-1910). Travelled with John Doney (1821-1899). And the child born, Mary Jane (1856-1937). The Doneys were from Cornwall, England and settled in Cottonwood then Payson, Utah, and then Franklin, Idaho in Cache Valley in 1860. John appears to have taken two additional wives. (OTD, FS).
[16] This would be near present-day Wood River, NE.
[17] This would be close to present-day Gibbon, NE.
[18] It should be noted that original creek beds in this area have been significantly altered by agriculture and irrigation canals.
[19] Probably on the west side of Kearney, NE.
[20] Probably near Elm Creek, NE.
[21] Thomas Fowler (1838-1901). Fowler was from Droitwich, Worcestershire, England. He settled in Lehi, Utah, where he was Sherriff.
[22] Appears south of Lexington, NE.
[23] This could be Willow Creek at present-day Cozad, NE.
[24] Possibly near present-day Gothenburg, NE (days 58-68 are roughly calculated based on the Lake McConaughy Reservoir and the difficulty of modern maps reflecting the mileages recorded by the Company).
[25] Likely east of Brady, NE.
[26] Walter Sanders (1793-1 Sept. 1856). Died at Deer Creek. Traveled with Mary (1838- ), James (1840-1918), and Thomas Sanders (1846- ). Walter Sanders was from Birmingham, England. James settled in Salt Lake City and worked at ZCMI. This group came together on the Enoch Train from Liverpool, but the relationships among them are not clear. (FS).
[27] Stephen Moyle (1840-1901). Traveled with father, John Rowe Moyle (1808-1889), mother, Phillipa Beer Moyle (1815-1891), sister Elizabeth (1837-18610, and brothers, Henry (1844-1925), Alfred (1846-1870), and John (1851-1934). The Moyles were from Cornwall, England. They settled in Alpine, Utah. John and Phillipa’s eldest son, James Moyle (1835-1890) had arrived in Utah in 1854. James was the grandfather of Apostle and member of First Presidency, Henry D. Moyle (1889-1963).
[28] Berrett says Skunk Creek, named by H.C. Kimball, is Pawnee Creek today. This would be a fixed spot near Brady, NE, but the creek runs down from the west so it could be anywhere along it for a few miles. Based on previous mileages and matching up to Ash Hollow up river, this is likely west of Brady.
[29] Likely near the present-day town of North Platte, NE.
[30] Likely somewhere near the Birdwood River.
[31] Somewhere near the Keith and Lincoln County line.
[32] Likely west of Keystone, NE.
[33] Possibly under the reservoir west of Kingsley Dam.
[34] Possibly Sand Creek.
[35] Possibly Otter Creek.
[36] Ash Hollow is a fixed spot on the opposite bank of the North Platte. However, exact locations are difficult to determine.
[37] Jean Pierre Stale (1803-1856). Traveled with wife, Jeanne Marie Gaudin-Moise Stale (1811-1898), and children, Susette (1837-1923), Bartolomi[y] (1838-1912), Marie (1844-1929), and Marguerite or Margaret (1850-1938). The reports of tensions among the Piedmontese Saints, Captain Ellsworth, and others may be in part due to the language barrier as the Piedmontese were bilingual in French and Italian, but knew no English. This may also help explain the confusion in the records with the names. The Stalles, generally changing the spelling to “Stalley” settled in the Ogden, Utah area along with most of the Piedmontese Saints.
[38] It is most likely that Jean Michel Rochon died on 22 September 1856 in Echo Canyon, Utah Territory. There was not careful attention in the records to distinguish the Piedmontese Saints.
[39] About half-way between Oshkosh and Lisco, Nebraska.
[40] Absalom Frisby (1835- ). Was a tinplate maker from Birmingham, England. He appears to have settled in Kansas and fought for the Union Army in the Civil War.
[41] Likely 2 or 3 miles southeast of present-day Broadwater, NE.
[42] Near present-day Northport, NE.
[43] Between Minatare and Terrytown, NE.
[44] Likely just west of the present-day town of Scottsbluff to make the mileage work.
[45] Probably just west of the modern Nebraska-Wyoming state line.
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| Chimney Rock with wagons, not handcarts |
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