| Notes |
- RESEARCH_NOTES:
1. Censuses:
1840 US: Quincy First Ward, Adams, Illinois, related families:
P. 6a:
Stephen Hales, males 10-15:1; 15-20:1; 30-40:1; 40-50:1//females 15-20:1; 40-50:1. [Stephen, his wife Mary Ann, Henry W.(12), George (18), {not sure who the 30-40 male and the 15-20 female would be unless it was Charles, age 23 and not over 30, and his new bride Julia Ann, under age 20 - either way it would live Stephen, age 20, unaccounted for}. I do not find Charles or Stephen separately in same census.]
P. 7a:
John Ellis, males 20-30:1//females 15-20:2. [Not sure who the second female would be.]
P. 15a [2nd Ward]:
Joseph Horne, males 0-5:1; 20-30:1//females 20-30:1.
1850 US: Hancock County, Illinois, p. 124 of 309, 22 Oct 1850, house 871, family 872:
John Ellis, 36, cooper, Can.
Harriett, 26, Eng.
Mary A., 10, IL
Hannah I., 7, IL.
Stephen H., 4, IL.
John, 1, IL.
Eliza Hales, 20, PA.
Henry W. Hales, 21, boatman, Eng.
1856 Utah: Per Ancestry.com, John Ellis is indexed on page 223 in the Utah Statehood Census of 1856 as living in 3rd Ward, Great Salt Lake City.
1860 US: Bountiful, Davis, Utah, p. 3 of 23, 13 Jun 1860, house/family 16:
Jno. Ellis, 46, farmer, $800, $630, C.N.
Harriet, 36, Eng.
Isabella, 13, IL.
Stephen H., IA.
Jno. H., 11, IA.
Harriet L., 9, UT.
Joseph, 6, UT.
Sarah A., 4, UT.
Elizabeth I., 1, UT.
1870 US: Bountiful, Davis, Utah, p. 2 of 34, 12 Aug 1870, house/family 13:
John Ellis, 56, cooper, $1200, $1200, Can.
Harriet, 46, Engl.
Stephen, 23, farmhand, IA.
Joseph, 16, farm hand, UT.
Sarah A., 14, farm hand, UT.
Elizabeth J. 11, UT.
Laura V., 8, UT.
Chas. W., 6, UT.
1880 US: Bountiful, Davis, Utah, FHL film 1255336, NA film T9-1338, p. 270B:
Harriet Ellis, keeping house, W, 55, Eng Eng Eng.
Charles Ellis, works on farm, son, S, UT, Can, Eng.
1900 US: South Precinct, Davis, Utah, p. 75B:
John Hatch, Jan 1859, 41, m. 20 years, UT NY Eng, farmer.
Laura B., wife, Oct 1861, 38 m. 20 years, 5 total children with 4 living, UT CanadaFr Eng.
Millica H., dau., Aug 1880, 19, S, UT UT UT.
John I., son, Feb 1885, 15, UT UT UT.
Sarah, dau., Nov 1889, 10, UT UT UT.
Harriett Ellis, mother-in-law, June 1824, 75, widow, 1 total child still living [probable error], Eng Eng Eng.
BIOGRAPHY:
1. Pictures in possession of Kerry Petersen in file folder with father's family group.
2. The book "Mormon Redress Petitions, Documents of the 1833-1838 Missouri Conflict," edited by Clark V. Johnson, contains a copy of the "Scroll Petition" dated 28 Nov 1843 at Nauvoo, IL addressed to the U.S. Congress by members of the LDS Church who had property destroyed by Missouri mobs in the 1830's. Included with over a couple thousand signatures are those of John and Harriett Ellis.
3. Sylvia Barlow, granddaughter tells this story as compiled by Kenneth Hales, "Windows: A Mormon Family," (1985), pp 39-40, as copied at Nauvoo Visitor's Center: "Harriet Hales was born in Kent, England, on June 10, 1824, the dau. of Stephen and Mary Ann Hales. In June of 1832 the family, then consisting of the parents; five boys, Charles, George, Stephen, Henry William, and Elias, and two girls, Isabella and Harriet, emigrated to Canada. They sailed on a ship and the voyage took them eleven weeks. The subject of the sketch spent her 8th birthday anniversary on the ocean had the sad experience of seeing one of her brothers, Elias, buried at sea. They settled in Toronto, Canada. Here the family joined the Mormon Church. When they were first invited to attend a Mormon meeting the father agreed to go to the service but he said he would soon knock that into a cocked hat. However, before the service was over he knew that he had found the truth. Soon after this the whole family was baptized. In the spring of 1838 they started by team to join the body of the saints at Far West, Missouri, arriving in the fall of the same year. While at Far West they endured the persecutions by the mobs with the rest of the Saints. It was here they met the prophet Joseph Smith. After their expulsion from Missouri they moved to Quincy, Illinois. There on October 31, 1839, Harriet married John Ellis, a native of Canada, who had joined the church and emigrated to Quincy. Four chidren were born to Harriet and John Ellis while they lived in Quincy; namely, Mary Ann, Hanna Isabella, Stephen Hales and John Henry. In 1842 they moved to Nauvoo where they lived until the expulsion of the Saints by the mob. Harriet's father and mother joined them commence the journey across the plains. One day the oxen strayed away, and Harriet's father went in search of them. He became fatigued and reaching a spring of water, drank from it. It was later learned that the water was poisoned, and it caused his death. His wife, Mary Ann, started the journey, but she also died while crossing the plains. They started for the Rocky Mountains in the spring of 1851, and it is believed that they were in John Taylor's company. Harriet's younger brother, Henry, and his family were also in the same company. They arrived in Salt Lake Valley in September of 1851. Harriet's sister Isabella's two sons, Joseph and Henry Horne, met them in Parley's Canyon and took them to the Horne home. Isabella and her family had come west with the second company of pioneers in 1847. After resting a few days they went on to Bountiful where they proceeded to make a home. Four months after their arrival a babe girl was born to the family, and she was named Harriet Louisa. They built a one room log house in which they lived for a number of years. Later, in about 1867, they built a four room adobe house. It was located a quarter of a mile south of the Wood's Cross depot. It was quite a roomy house with a large attic, and was built on their homestead. Six more children were born to the family; Joseph Ezra, Sarah Ann, Elizabeth Jane, Laura Victoria, Charles William, George Franklin (who only lived one year), and James (who died at ten months). The family engaged in stock raising. They kept a little flock of sheep to supply wool for clothing. The wool was prepared for use by the industrious mother. She sewed for her family by hand, even making trousers for her husband and sons. She also made them straw hats by braiding the straw and sewing the braids together. They made their own soap and candles. When the grain was ready for harvest it was cut and cradled by hand. During the harvest when the men worked hard Harriet prepared lunches and a cool drink and sent them to the fields during the morning and afternoon. They raised sugar cane and had a molasses mill on the bench land farm. This mill was one of the first in Bountiful. Youngsters came from miles around with their pails to get the skimmings to make candy. The Ellis home was a hospitable one. The mother, and subject of this sketch, was a capable, refined woman, and her husband was a happy, jovial man who loved young people. Naturally their fireside was often the scene of social gatherings. These two often sang together for the entertainment of their family and friends. Singing school was often held in their home. Tragedy struck the family when the father died, after a severe illness of several months duration. He left his widow and ten surviving Children. Some of the cattle and property were sold to pay the doctor bills. The mother kept her family together, and in spite of her strenuous household duties, she always found time to take an active part in church affairs. She was a Sunday School teacher for twenty-five years, and when the Relief Society was orgainzed she served as treasurer of the ward organization. She pieced several quilt tops for the Relief Society; she was a very fine needle woman. She was matron at the Deseret Hospital for about two years. In 1897 she went to live with her youngest daughter, Laura, and she made her home there until her death on May 24, 1910, after having been a widow for thirty-nine years."
4. The book "Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude" by the daughters of Utah Pioneers [picture accompanies article]: "Harriet Hales Ellis, b. 10 Jun 1824 at Rainham, Kent, England, d. 25 May 1910 at South Bountiful, Davis, Utah, m. John Ellis 31 Oct 1839 at Quincy, Adams Co., Illinois. Spouse died 3 Apr 1871 in south Bountiful, Davis, Utah. Her parents were Stephen and Mary Ann Hales and she was a pioneer of 4 Sep 1851 with the Garden Grove Wagon Train. Their children:
Mary Ann, 30 Dec 1840
Hannah Esabella, 31 Dec 1843
Stephen Hales, 18 Oct 1846
John Henry, 18 Mar 1849
Harriet Louisa, 21 Dec 1851
Joseph Ezra, 28 Mar 1854
Sarah Ann, 8 Jan 1856
Elizabeth Jane, 3 Jan 1859
Vura Victoria, 12 Oct 1861
Charles William, 13 Apr 1864
George Franklin, 30 Aug 1866
James, 30 Aug 1868
Harriet's family immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1832 when she was only eight years old. She lived with her family on a small farm. It was here that she and her family heard the Gospel preached by Orson and Parley P. Pratt and she was baptized in 1837. Her family moved from there to Far West, Missouri in the fall of 1838. She met and married John Ellis when she was fifteen years old. For a while they lived in Quincy near her family. During the next ten years, four children were born to Harriet, each one born in a different city as they moved from place to place. They stayed three years in Garden Grove where Harriet's brothers were working to make preparations for the move across the Plains. 'This company of Saints consisting of 21 families left Garden Grove on May 17, 1851 and upon arriving at Kanesville, they engaged the services of Harry Walton to lead their company.' Her mother died soon after they had reached the Platte and was buried at Ancient Bluff, Nebraska in a coffin made from a wagon box. They experienced hardships along the way, but the worst was a buffalo stampede which took the lives of some of their company. They arrived in Salt Lake Valley on Sep. 24, 1851 with what they called the Garden Grove Independent Wagon Company. They were met by Harriet's nephews where they visited for a while before locating in South Bountiful, later known as Woods Cross, Utah. They built a one-room log cabin where Harriet gave birth to seven more Children. She made soap, candles, and her dyes for cloth. She carded wool, spun it, and made clothing for the family. She helped at their molasses mill. She sang with her husband and taught a singing school in her home. Harriets's husband passed away on April 3, 1871, leaving her a widow at the age of 47 with ten children. She taught a private school in her home to help support her family. She was a matron of the Deseret Hospital in Salt Lake City. She was an efficient nurse and at one time worked at the mental hospital in Provo. She taught Sunday School for 25 years and spent the last 13 years of her life living with her daughter, Laura."
5. Nauvoo LDS Land and Records Office research file (copy in my possession as of 2 Jun 2007 and also partially viewable at www.earlylds.com). Includes family group sheet from Ancestral File and Susan Black's entry in her book "Early LDS Members." Also includes:
A. Nauvoo property: T6 R7, Sec 32 NW 160 acres.
B. Mention in the "Relief Society Handbook," Nauvoo Members p. 83: Harriet Ellis. Also noted in "Mormon Historical Studies; Maurine C. Ward: Women of the Nauvoo Relief Society.
C. A family group sheet with photos of John Ellis and Harriett Hales with all of their children and their spouses.
D. From the daughters of the Utah Pioneers: "History of Harriet Hales Ellis, written by an unknown member of the daughters of the Utah Pioneers.
Harriett Hales Ellis was born in Rainham, Kent County, England, June 10th, 1824. She left England at the age of eight with her parents, who located in upper Canada, near Toronto, York township. She was baptized in 1837 by Smith Humphry.
She, with her family, gathered with the Saints in Missouri in 1838. They were driven from there in the Spring of 1839. Leaving Missouri, they located in Quincy, Illinois.
On October 31st, 1839, she married John Ellis Jr., they were married by Elder Caleb Baldwin. In the Spring of 1841 she and her husband moved to Nauvoo, Illinois. Her parents also went there.
At Nauvoo, they lived through all the persecutions the Saints were called to pass through, until the Propeht Joseph Smith and [his] brohter, Hyrum were martyred.
Some time after this, they moved to Fort Madison, Iowa, where her father, Stephen Hales, died on April 3rd, 1846. They then moved to Garden Grove in 1847. They started to Salt Lake Valley in 1851 arriving there on the 25th of Sep. locating at Bountiful, Utah. They raised a large family, six boys and six girls. [Kerry's note: John and Harriet stayed in Hancock Co., IL, up through 1850 - so this part of the history is incorrect.]
As of August 1893, they had ten children living and 85 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. She died the 24th of May, 1910, at the age of 86 years. She was honored and respected by all that knew her as a faithful Latter-day Saint.
She visited her native land with her sister, M. Isabelle Horn, and gathered considerable genealogy. She also went ot Canada and got what information she could as regards her hsuband's ancestors.
Her husband, John Ellis Jr., was also a native of Canada. Born Jan. 4th, 1814 in Scarborough township, twelve miles from Toronto, he was baptized in 1837, blessed and ordained an Elder by Patriarch Smith. He acted as commissary for one of the companies at the time of the trouble in Nauvoo. Coming to Utah, he was a Captain of ten. He was one of the brethren sent out to check Johnston's army in 1856-57. He worked for John Tayler as a miller In Farmington. He was well-acquainted with all the leading authorities of the church.
He was at the meeting where the Prophet Joseph Smith preached his last sermon, before going to Carthage Jail, he was ordained a Seventy, and held that office at the time of death. He died April 3rd, 1871."
E. From the daughters of the Utah Pioneers: "History of Harriet Hales Ellis written by Ruby Holbrook in 1947, Rachel Layton Warren Camp, Syracuse, Davis County, DUP.
Harriet Hales Ellis was born in Kent, England, June 10, 1815. She was of the house of Manor and Nobility. She was a very refined lady of polished manners and striking personality, and very kind and considerate of everyone. After her husband's death, she taught a private school in her home for a number of years. Neighbor's children and some of her grandchilren were pupils. I was privileged to know and remember her as an "elect" lady. She became a very efficient nurse in one of the hospitals at Salt Lake City, Utah, remaining there for several years. Later she was transferred to the Mental Hospital at Provo, Utah, to aid those unfortunate souls therein. It was with deep regrets when she left that institution, but Harriet Hales Ellis felt and understood that in her declining years it was best for all concerned. She spent her remaining years in a quite peaceful way, reading extensively the currrent events of the world, her bible, and the literary gems available. She lived heroically in the hearts of those who knew her life story.
She has taken her place beside the great mothers of history. Headlines may not touch them always, but heir stories are written in the hearts of their children and those who knew their valued service to God and mankind, treasuring always memories too tender for words.
She passed peacefully away on 24 May 1910 at the ripe age of 85 years at Bountiful, possessing every faculty until the last. In her passing, a noble faithful sister went to her reward, the reward that awaits the faithful."
F. Author unknown, but photos accompany this article: "Harriet Hales was born 10 Jun 1824 in Rainham, Kent, England. Harriet was the daughter of Stephen and Mary Ann Hales.
Her father's family immigrated to Canada in the year 1832 and settled in Toronto. Harriet was eight years of age when they left England. She celebrated her eighth birthday on the sea.
They became members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while in Canada in 1836. In the spring of 1838, they began the journey by team to join the Saints in Far West, Missouri.
They endured the mobbing and persecutions with the Saints at this time. It was here they first met the Prophet Jospeh Smith and, at this period of time, Colonel George Hinckle betrayed him into the hand of the mobs, and who with others were sentenced to be shot without a hearing. After the expulsion form Missouri, they moved with the saints to Quincy, Illinois.
It was here that Harriet met and married John Ellis 21 October 1839. She was 14 years old and and John was 24 years. Four children were born to them.
In the spring of 1851, they with four children began the long trek across the plains. Mrs. Ellis walked most of the way. During the journey, her mother fell victim to the long tedious hardships and was buried by the wayside. They arrived n Salt Lake in September of the same year. They were six months on this tiresome journey. After arriving in Salt Lake Valley, they were sealed for time and eternity in the old Endowment House, 24 March 1854.
Harriet proved a firm and ever-loyal member of the church. She was a Sunday school teacher for 25 years, and faithful Relief Society worker for many years. It was her older sister, Isabella Horn, who for many years was president of all the Relief Societies of the Church. Mrs. Horn was a very refined, lovable, highly spiritual dignified lady. Mrs. Ellis also possessed these lovable qualities, often going among the sick and needy to render aid when needed. Her husband suffered greatly for a number of years before his death, leaving her with a large family to care for. She taught a private school in her home to meet the demands of caring for her family She corded wool and spun and wove the goods, making it into clothing for herself and her children. She was very frugal and enegetic, as well as wise in all her problems.
After her children was grown and able to care for themselves, she served in a hospital for those who were mentally ill, rendering such assistance as was needed with such deftness, skill and kindness as would win for her the noble laurels as a Florence Nightingale or Clara Baron have won.
She lived alone until feebleness required her to live with her daughter, Laura Hatch. She passed away 24 May 1910, at the age of 86. In her passing, Harriet Hales Ellis, went to the great reward which ia in atore for noble and faithful souls."
6. The following is detail of the 1851 Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel of the Harry Walton/Garden Grove Company (1851); departure: 17 May 1851, arrival in Salt Lake Valley: 24-25 September 1851; company Information: about 21 families from Garden Grove plus other individuals and 60 wagons were in the company when it began its journey from the outfitting post at Kanesville, Iowa (present day Council Bluffs). They left Garden Grove, Iowa on 17 May 1851 and regrouped at Kanesville (modern day Council Bluffs, Iowa). See more detail including a day-by-day colorful journal account by Ossian F. Taylor, a 19 year old non-Mormon who traveled with the company at (http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompany/0,15797,4017-1-313,00.html). A total of 206 known people traveled with this company including the following Hales family members. Mary Ann Hales Thompson was the matriarch of the family and had remarried to William G. Thompson after her husband Henry Hales died in Iowa in 1846. Five of her six living children and their families accompanied her on the trek of which there were fourteen grandchildren and four step-Children. Her daughter Mary Isabella Hales and son-in-law Joseph Horne had crossed the plains to Salt Lake City, Utah, a few years earlier. "Mrs Thompson" dies and is buried on the trail a few miles before the Company reaches Chimney Rock. Her death is reported by four separate journal accounts as noted below - even though her death was a tragedy, it was also a blessing to have had most of her family around her at the time.
Thompson, William G. (56)
Thompson, Mary Ann Hales (51)
Thompson, David (19)
Thompson, Daniel (16)
Thompson, William (15)
Thompson, Maria (12)
Thompson, Orville Browning (10)
Hales, Charles Henry (33)
Hales, Julia Ann Lockwood (26)
Hales, Eliza Ann (10)
Hales, Julia Ardence (8)
Hales, George Gillette (7)
Hales, Mary Isabella (4)
Hales, Charles Henry (2)
Hales, Joseph Lockwood (infant)
Hales, Stephen (30)
Hales, Eveline Lydia Carter (30)
Hales, Stephen (1)
Hales, George (28)
Hales, Sarah Ann Gregory (28)
Hales, Mary Ann (6)
Hales, Harriet Electa (4)
Hales, Sara Jane (1)
Ellis, John (37)
Ellis, Harriet Hales (26)
Ellis, Mary Ann (10)
Ellis, Hannah Isabella (7)
Ellis, Stephen Hales (4)
Ellis, John Henry (2)
Hales, Henry William (21)
Hales, Eliza Ann Ewing (21)
Hales, Stephen Alexander (infant)
Journal Accounts:
A. Death of Mary Ann Hales Thompson from all four journal accounts:
a. Crooks, George, [Diary excerpts], in Elna P. Atchison, [Genealogical information on the Crooks family, ca. 1955], 15-16, Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah:
August 9 Crossed cobble hills. Mrs. Thom[p]son departed this life a few minutes before[.] she said she felt bad and wished the wagon would stop on driving[.] 100 yards further to the Company ground she died. Her death was lovely as the mildest sunset of a summer evening when the sun goes down tranquilly without a cloud.
b. Walton, Rebecca Card, Sketch of Life of Rebecca Card Walton, [1]. (Trail excerpt transcribed from "Pioneer History Collection" available at Pioneer Memorial Museum [Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum], Salt Lake City, Utah. Some restrictions apply.): When we arrived at Winter Quarters, there was not much left of that historic place; a few old chimneys were still standing-the wild mustard had grown and completely covered the ground. It was as tall as the chimneys and was in full bloom. We camped at this two nights. My husband and I visited the City of the Dead. There at rest we found old Brother Bosley and his wife. This was a great surprise to my husband, as the winter before the saints left Nauvoo, he and his father had worked for Mr. Bosley. The day we left Winter Quarters we made but a short drive, for tomorrow was our national holiday. (yes, tomorrow I will be 16 years old.) To our surprise two royal visitors drove into camp. They were Brother Orson Hyde and Judge Brockus. They were on their way to Salt Lake City. They stayed and helped us celebrate. They unloaded a small cannon and while it rang out in that wild country, the flag was flying and music playing. They enjoyed our picnic, then loaded up the "little sow" as they called the cannon, bid us goodbye and left us. We passed Garden Grove and Mount Pisgah. A sister Thompson died and was buried at Ancient Ruins; another woman was killed in a stampede; twin boys were born to another woman. These were some of the incidents of the journey. We arrived in Salt Lake City September 25, 1851-making it a five months journey.
c. Lamb, Elizabeth Zimmerman, Autobiographical sketch, Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah: "We left Garden Grove the 17 of May, 1851. Arrived in Salt Lake City 24 September, 1851. Father [George Gotleib Zimmerman] was old and never drove oxen so we got a boy to drive our team, Al[mond] Clyde. There were about 20 families of us a number of young folks. There were more joining our company when we left Winter Quarters. Our number was 50 families and 60 wagons. Harry Walton was our captain, he had traveled the road before. We stayed in Mount Pisgah several days. It was very rainy that spring and lots of mud and heavy loads. When we got to Winter Quarters our team consisted of one yoke of oxen, one of steers, one of cows. When we got near the old camp ground, our lead steers turned and led the team into a slough to get a drink and turned out wagon over into the water. Our things, most of all got wet so did the bedding. We camped 2 nights and had a gay time drying our things and a good time sleeping with most of our bedding wet but none of us took cold. The Elk Horn River was so high we could not cross it so we had to head it and had to travel several hundred miles further. Apostle Hyde took charge of 5 or 6 company. There was no road and it drilled our teams. It took us one month longer. It was a wild country. Thousands of buffalo could be seen. One day we could hear them come a roaring noise when they were miles away. They came straight for our train. We could not get out of the way so half of the teams stopped and the others went on. As they came up the hill and passed between the wagons, ours was the second one that stopped. It was a fine sight to look at. We had to give them room or they would have run over our teams. There was about five thousand of them. It took such a long time for them to pass. The men put ropes on the oxen horns and loosed them from the wagons. The women and children got in the wagons. It was a scary time for our cattle were so afraid of them. We had some of their meat. It was fine we could cut it in slices, salt it, and string it on sticks and jerk it over the fire to let it dry. It was sweet and good. We were in a wild country. Our cattle got so they could hardly be controlled. There were a good many stampedes. Whole trains would run at breakneck speed. Spect half of our teams stampeded. One woman by the name of Ellen Weingsley [Kingsley] jumped from her wagon, as she did so the next team and wagon run over her and she never breathed again. She left one child and sister. It was hard for them to leave her in that lonely spot. She was washed and dressed and some goods box put in the grave and she was put in and left. One day we travelled, all day till dark in deep sand. We had no water only what we were hauling. It was very hot and our teams almost perished. When we got to water it was a warm slough and full of live wrigglers. We strained and boiled it before we could use it. Then set it in the slough to cool it. In the night the buffaloes came near enough to frighten our teams and they stampeded so we had to camp there all day. We all washed in the boiling hot sun with no wood. The men had to hunt all day for them and found some with the buffaloes and had hard work to get them. One of our cows was with them. She was so wild they had to lasso her so they could milk her for the boys were almost perished. They said they could never have reached camp without a drink so she saved them. They were so glad she was there. Sister [Mary Ann Hales] T[h]om[p]son (who was Sister M. I. Horn's mother) died and was buried by the Platte River. The lonesomest night I ever spent, Betsy Crooks and I set up with her. There were a few wagons camped to one side so as to be out of the noise. We could hear the buffalo pass to go to the river. They made such a roaring noise we were frightened. There were 2 births in camp. There were many interesting things to see such as the Chimney Rock, the Lone Tree, the Devil's Gate, and a cave we went in to it, Independence Rock, we would climb on rocks, almost mountains. I often think it was dangerous. We might have run among wild beasts. Two or three days before we came to Salt Lake, Sister Farrer sent us some garden stuff by boy and sent some to all the company, but he sold some of it, that vexed her, but we did enjoy it after not having green all summer. We never forgot her kindness to us. We had many good times. We would camp at night, get supper make our beds and our chores would be done. When the boys would scrape of the grass and we would dance as if we were not tired. We had 2 good fiddlers and several good callers in camps. The men had to stand guard every night, 7 till 12, then 12 till morning, rain or shine. Sometimes it would rain and the mud would be hub deep. We would have to double teams from 6 to 8 yoke of oxen on a wagon. We crossed one stream, it was so deep and no timber to build a bridge, so they cut long grass and put it in and a few wagons crossed and they had to put in more. We camped on one side of the stream one night and on the other side the next morning and the men worked so hard all day. There was 2 wagons emptied and put into the stream, one behind the other and the women and children walked over. That was fine for us all to sit in the boiling sun all day on the grass. For a long time we had to burn buffalo chips as we called them or dung. There was no wood to get. Then we got to wild sage, it was worse than the chips. The first night to it, oh how sick I got of the smell. We had to do all our cooking with it everything was seasoned with it. When the wind blew, we could not relish our meals, but the Lord provided for our needs. We used tar to grease our wagons with the tar was carried in buckets swung under the wagons. We were getting short, but came to a tar spring. The men filled the buckets with tar. I did not see the spring but saw the tar. It was so far for the women to walk so we missed seeing it. Our supply was flour, meal, beans, dried bread, crackers, dried apples, sugar and milk, with some butter and bacon and a few dried parsnips. No wonder we were glad to get something out of a garden. One man killed a very large tortoise and divided it to 5 or 6 families only kept one meal for themselves. It was fine, it was the only one I ever tasted. Our company was heavy loaded and had to walk so much. I have walked 20 miles in one day. We had good health all the time for which we thanked the Lord many times. It was fun to see the green teamsters drive unruly teams. They would run around behind their wagons to head their teams if they were off. I will relate one incident of the hundred that I saw. . . One man, a clothesman, he has a 3 yoke on his wagon. He never handled a team before. He was a blacksmith and had his heavy tools in his wagon, oh the times he had. One day we crossed a stream and had to go up a long steep hill, all had to double teams when his wagon got part way up the hill the chain next to the tongue broke. The wagon and the wheelers went back in the creek so the end gate dipped water and most of the things got wet. The wagon had to be unloaded. All along the route, if any man had a mean ox he would sell it to the Saints. We had the largest ox in the company. He could start the load himself, but if he took a notion not to pull, they could not make him. He was good most of the time. We left Garden Grove the 17 of May and arrived in Salt Lake the 24 of September in good health, ... . When we were crossing the plains we came to large beds of salaratus [saleratus], white as snow. We gathered some, it made good bread, we brought some with us. It was all the kind of soda we used. That is all the settled used it." Source: http://www.esu3.k12.ne.us/districts/elkhorn/ms/curriculum/Zimmerman.html (accessed 18 March 2005)
d. Taylor, Ossian F., Journal, 1851 Apr.-Sept., Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah, partial journal dealing with Mary Ann Hales Thompson's death:
"Monday July 28 Capt.ain Walton and those who went toards the Platt have got back again. Robert Jelford, [Telford] C. Stodard have found more cattle. Capt.. Walton and Mr. Hale went to the Platt and stopped all night. They think it about thirty miles from where we are now camped. I tell you this was good nuse to us.
July 29 Mr. Alreads [Allred's] Company[,] hunting after their cattle they lost sunday night, found twenty head of our cattle and drove them to our camp today. We all went out today probably for the last hunt for the remaining lost cattle. I went about ten miles. Saw an abundance of Elk and Antelopes and I did admire to see the beautiful animals skip over the ground almost as swift as the wind. We found no more of the cattle today. Mrs. Thompson very sick with the congestive fever.
July 30 Hitched and moved over about six miles of a very rough trail, then we came to a plain almost as level as a house floor, which we could roll over with the greatest ease.
July 31 We arrived at the Platt a little af[ter] dark last evening where we found fo[u]r or five companies camped, for they had waited untill the streams fell and then came [to] the old road, and have arrived here before us, for we have traveled four hundred miles to head the horn and Loup fork and have only gained two hundred and fifty miles. (Brocckus measured where we came with a roadometer.) It is rather discourageing so late in the season and we have[,] I believe[,] about seven hundred fifty to go yet, before we arrive at our place of destination. Some talk of returning again, but Cap. Harry say[s] he shall go if he is obliged to go alone, so there is no danger of any backing out if the Capt.ain does not, for some of the women dare not take pills without asking his advice, but do not laugh, for it is a fact, but I expect they would be mad if I should tell them so but never mind I will not read this part before them. We are in hopes our greatest troubles [are] over with now[,] that is stampeeding, for it strikes the traveler with perfect horror to wake up in the middle of the night, hear the cattle running and bellowing like bull-dogs nothing but the yel[l]s of the savages could sound worse. Mrs. Thompson very sick, and some of the wagons needs repairing, so we shall stop a day or two to recruit a little. Some of the company talk of or think best for the company to separate and travel in smaller parties. I went to bathe in the Platt and crossed it but could find no place deep enough to swim. The Bohoise have kill[ed] a buffalo, to jurk [jerk]. If you should not happen to know what we mean by saying "a buffalo to jurk", I will tell you how we jurk meat here: we take the best pieces and put them in brine about twelve hours and then we take it out, and cut it into thin slices[,] hang it into the sun untill it becomes dry: or dry it over a fire, it will then keep first rate. And it's good too. I wish I could send a slice, to see how you would like it.
Aug. 1 The camp held a meeting this morning to see if they should divide or not. John Jelford chairman. Came to order when the following resolutions were made. First, to still continue to travel together, ne[ve]r[the]less any ten should wish to leave, they might leave for good. Carried unanimously.
Second. That the teams should be disposed of as the Capt.ain saw fit[.] that is[,] if any man had more team[s] than they needed, that he might take them and help those who had weak teams, for some had their teams greatly weakened by loss of their cattle in Stampeeds &[c]. Carried also.
Third. That if a guard was found not doing his duty by sleeping &c. he should be marched three times round the camp, the next morning with a paper cap upon his head, with these words written on it with large letters "Sleepy head". Carried also. So the sleepy fellows had better be very careful how they take a nap while on duty, unless they wish sealed upon them eternal shame. Verrious other things were brought before the meeting which I shall not ate[m]pt to record in these limited sheets. Some of the company got frightened last by the noise the buffaloes made, they thought they were comming toard the camp, but probably they were four or five miles off, for it is so level here on Platt[e] bottom you can hear the noise the animals make a great way off.
Aug. 2 Started quite early this morning (all hands) passed over some good and some sandy road, made about 22 miles, thought that would do, so we camped at skunk creek.
Sunday Aug. 3 Started early: at noon passed by the junction of the north and south forks of the platt[e] which you will see on the map, if you do not recollect where it is. At evening arrived at a wide deep creek which is twenty two and one fourth miles from skunk creek.
Monday Aug. 4 Traveled about eighteen miles drove off of the road toards the river to camp, corraled on rather a rough place.
Aug. 5 Had a stampeed this morning at one o'clock and the loose cattle all ran away like a streak of lightning, trampling Buccannon [Buchanan] to the earth and hurt him very much. We jumped out of our beds and drove back what we could see, but when we came to see them by day light thirty five h[e]ad were a missing. So we had the pleasure to hunt them, found them about five miles on [a]head to another camp. Mr. Hale, A Walton did not come in from hunting. So Mr. M[e]rrill's ten stoped to waite for them, and the rest moved on as fast as possible untill we came up with Mr. Jones'es ten who were camped and a waiting for us. So we thought it best to stop there all night, expecting the company were seven or eight miles ahead.
Aug. 6 The moon shone very beautiful last evening. I sat a while singing 'Roll on silver moon &c.' interrupted now and then by the bitter howling of the wolves hunting for a chance to drink at some new victems clear red spring. At length I went to bed, and took a five nights rest with jolly Tom. The cattle behaved very well and we soon got started this morning, found the rest of the company about two miles on a head. Rolled over some bad sandy bluffs, crossed about five creeks, and passed by some excellent springs. Made about eighteen miles and then we camped. Fine day.
Aug. 7 A very fine evening last night, the Girls sung some pretty songs, and we cracked a joke or two, had a good time, and went to bed. But the oxen that was chained to our wagon kept it a jiggling or wig[g]ling about so we could not sleep but little. We keep the cattle chained up nights now to our wagons, so if they run away they can take us with them. Cool breezes this morning, about right for the teams to travel with ease. Crossed a steep and sandy bluff; made about twenty one miles[,] camped near a place called the lone tree, for there is one tree standing here alone, there being no more trees on this side of the river for two hundred miles. You might ask what do you do for wood to cook with. To tell you the truth, travelers are obliged to burn chewed grass, or to speak polite about it, buffalo chips. The victuals cooked with them, tastes little the richest of any thing out, jail if I do not fib. Mrs. Thompson very sick again.
Friday Aug. 8 Fine moonlight last evening.
Queen of the night roll on roll on- How many stars hast thou hid? Lend us thy gentle beams till morn Then we'll with pleasure bid- Thy form good by
Antelope skip skip away With thy form so light and free. Nimble hare run run and play, Would I could thy playmate be; This lovely night
Prairie dog bark, bark away- There's music in thy tiny voice, But there's a wolf can he catch thee nay! For thou canst skulk like a mouse Away into thy hole
O, I can sing my broken song No matter whether it rymes or no, No matter whether its short or long, If I but sing it very low, So none can hear
Day is approaching good by moon Thou must now fold thy gentle beams To behold thy face what a boon Sparkling in the crystal streams Good by Good by OFT
moved on as usual but Merrill's ten goes ahead now all of the time now. At ten o'clock crossed castle creek, six feet wide, and passed castle bluffs on the opposite side of the river. They are bluffs resembling the ruins of ancient castles and fortifications. I wish I could have gone and seen them. I would have written more about them. Made about eighteen miles, camped early in order to give the sick a little chance to rest a little, for it is so late in the season we are obliged to travel when we should not, were it otherwise. Another very fine camping ground, would there were none sick in the company. Mrs. Thompson very low, Joseph Merrill and one of Mr. Chritchalows boys are very unwell, but have entirely recovered, and feel first rate.
Aug 9 Left our fine camping ground at half past seven this morning. In the afternoon crossed crab creek and arrived at Hobble hills, and while crossing them Mrs. Thompson expired, another painful event which I was in hopes I should not have had to write in this Memorandum. She seemed to be comfortable for an invalid all day, the hills were very sandy and hard for the teams, so her daughter, or the girl that was with her got out of the wagon to walk a piece, and when she got into the wagon again, behold she had breathed her last. Only the Oh! God can comfort her children, who are most of them in the company, for it is a very painful thing to bury a friend on these loansome plains; especially a dear mother. Stephen Hale, George Hale[,] a printer[,] and Henry Hale, are her sons, which some of them I have spoken of before. We went to cobble hills west foot and camped making about nineteen miles.
August 10 We are encamped near some more bluff ruins, which I have been to and examined they appear curious indeed, formed of rock, which looks as though they were made, or composed, of cement and clay, the outside being hard like common rock but when broken the inside appear[s] a great deal more soft and brittle. In some of the cliffs we have found what the Dr. said were once human bones, but now they are nearly petrified. Mrs. Thompson was buried at eleven o'clock after Prayers and singing &c. A board was placed at the head of her grave with the usual inscription. Neatly lettered by her son Stephen Hale who is a stone cutter. May all who read it remember that "blessed are the dead, that die in the Lord." We hitched up about noon, and bid farewell to [the] grave of a good old Lady who will long be remembered by those who knew her.
A friend to all, a mother dear, But who can leave, that hast thee known, Without dropping a silent tear. OT
Proceeded on our journey, passed Brown's and Phelpes'es company[.] rolled over about ten miles of sandy road, and camped near the river.
Monday Aug. 11 Hitched up as usual traveled nineteen miles, and camped nearly opposite the famous chimney rock. This rock is about four hundred feet high, it is quite large at the base and then it['s] slanting enough for a man to go up it, a piece, and the rest of it is very steep, or almost perpendicular, so that a person cannot go within a hundred feet of the top. Five or six of the boys went over the river, to the base of it, after we camped, but it was so late, they did not have time to go up it any. This natural monument, which can be seen at a great distance, resembling then a big steam chimney which you have no doubt noticed at mills and factories, cannot properly be called a rock since it is formed of a substance about half way between hard clay and soapstone. A portion of one side has fell off lately I believe. Herry and a Mr. Simeon Card climbed up it last year when they went it, as high as they could, and wrote there names. Sim threw one [of] his boots down to see how long it would be falling to the bottom, unfortunately for him it caught in a crag before it reached the base and he was obliged to go back with one boot that was a nice joke for fooling, what a pity it was that he did not go up it bear footed. I wish we were not so much hurried, so that we could stop and scruternize such curious natural Geological fixings which we are obliged to hurry by. I cannot even get time to attempt to draw them, with my old lead pencil, which I would like to very much."
B. Taylor, Ossian F., Journal, 1851 Apr.-Sept., Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah, full journal account of the entire trek with several mentions of various Hales family members (note Henry would be Charles Henry Hales):
May 1 The weather as cold as in the frigid zones. traveled about fourteen miles[.] fine roads most of the way, passed through Unionville and camped at Soap creek. Quite different from what I had been in the habit of spending May-day[,] driving oxen along, singing out every three minutes whoe haw you hairry monsters. In 1849 I was in a place called Whyomin in Stoneham Mass. at a family picknick. And in 1850 I was in Bangor Maine upon mount Hope enjoying the company of some of my young friends. Alas! never to enjoy again-time flies on and every momend brings us nearer to that boon from whence no traveler returns. The young should remember that youth is the spring time of life[,] the morning also. And in 1851 in Iowa on my way to the great Salt Lake valley, far away from all of my relatives excepting one sister Mrs. Frances Walton. At soap creek saw some of Mr. Waltons acquaintance[s] by the name of Dorhorty. In the evening we had some fine fiddling, by a man that gave us a call who was a pretty good musician.
May 2 Very chilly in the morning and it soon began to snow the hardest k[i]nd, so we concluded to wait there untill it might clear off.
May 3 It looked likely to clear off so we b[e]gan to pack up, and was soon on our way once more. Frances baby is rather unwell, it got a bad cold the day or two before. We went about fifteen miles, and camped on a pleasent place not far from a little timber. Thomas and myself cut a hickery and hitched a yoke of cattle to it and draged it up, to make a fire. Cooked beans in the evening. My pen is so poor it would puzzle a Philadelphia Lawyer to read this short sketch of a journey to the Great and wonderful Salt Lake, even if he had a chance. Or more properly the lights and shadows of the emergrants [emigrants] bound for the far, far west, For through "Numerous tracless wiles they stray"
May 4 A poor chance for our cattle so concluded to move on a piece bfore breakfast: so we moved on and crossed a bad crick[,] Sharadon river, and camped neare it the rest of the day and stoped.
May 5 We trveled sixteen miles and camped on the open prarie, about seven or eight miles from a creek.
May 6 The wind blew so hard, that women folks could not cook breakfast; so we yoked up and started on, as fast as we could, intending to continue untill we might come to warmer place to camp. Before night we reached Garden Grove, and found the company we were expected to go with, making wagons, covering wagons, and prepairing for a start as fast as possible. We camped about one half a mile from town about 4 o'clock by a fine creek in a grove of big scattering timber.
May 7 Frances baby quite sick, she s[t]op[p]ed at a house in town to doctor it a little. no swing in town to put the cattale into to shoe them. So we thought it best to fix one of our own. So the old gent found three trees that nature had formed in the shape of a frame, that would do for a part of it, if a man is not very particular, so we stuck up a forked post, to compleat it, and took the machine belts for gurts, and was soon ready to try an animel. Emerline Owens was down to see us in the evening.
May 8 Shod some cattle. Harry took his wagon dow[n]to the creek and Frances baby (little George) got better so that she could attend to washing &c.
May 9 Nothing new today-talked some of proceeding tomorrow, thunder showers, in hopes it will be a little warmer soon, if it should clear off again. Stormes may rise and thunders roar- But God's kind hand is ever o'er: How quick the bright lightning flies, See how his glory fills the skies. All things both great and small- Not a sparrow to the ground shall fall; Without the God who rules on high, Seeing it with pitying eye.
May 10 Harry & Damia bought a fine ox. Did not s[t]art some expect to tomorrow if the weather will permit. Frances baby quite smart. Andrew shot the old Malate ox, that had been sick fo[r] a week. May he rest in peace. Very he[a]vy thunder showers in the evening, some afraid the trees would blow down upon us, but fortunately they stood as straight as a starched dickey.
May 11 Sunday Not very pleasant this morning but One thunder shower in the afternoon, to[w]ards night. I went after the cattle, killed a rattlesnake, the first one I ever saw. Before we went to bed it began to rain and it thundered so loud it seemed as though the very bolts of heaven were breaking and the lightning flew like wildfire, and it kept it up all night the hardest I ever saw. Shower after shower, peal after peal, cracking down ever and anon. It beat into our wagon boath wind and rain, so it was with some difficulty we gout [got] any sleep, but Thomas, my partner, was a jolly fellow, and you would have laughed if you had heard him singing in the middle of the night. The weather was so dry, The sun so hot I froze to death Susannah dont you cry- Or calling out to me, to keep my head as high as possible, so that the water would not run into my breath-hole, &c.
May 12 The old gentleman up early this morning found Mr. Scriggins'es wagon partly under water and himself sound sleep. We got up, and soon hauled it out, of (then part of the creek) But he lost three of his boots and a coffepot which probably the swift current wafted them a piece toards the Gulf of Mexico. Kindled a fire and prepaired breakfirst, which was doenuts (or in the vulger way of speaking "nut cakes") beans, apple-sauce, hot coffe &c.
May 13 We, and a number of families from this place started this morning and after breaking a wagon in the first move and stoping to fix it we all rolled on about seven miles, we camped. Found by counting, our company had increased to sixteen wagons.
May 14 Started very early, but found the roads very mudy in places, and numerous creeks where we were obliged to double teams to get along. Broke three chains crossing one creek, and after advancing eleven miles, it began to rain, so we took the precaution to camp; but that was not all of our trouble that day, for the horses ran away. Dania Thomas and myself chased them six miles before we could catch them. I mounted one of the horses, but he reared, and tumbled over backwards a[c]ross my leggs most beautifully, but we were up again as quick as thought, and I hung to him as tight as a father to a child.. And the way we rode them back to the camp, was a caution to Antelopes. If you will allow me to use the expression. They told us the girles had been dancing while we were gone, that was the worst of it.
May 15 We were hushed to sleep by last night by the ever solitary howling of the wolves. Such music may you never hear, dear reardreder [reader.] why do I say reader when prhaps no friend or relative will ever do me the favor, to study out six lines of this miserable comp[o]sition. Traveled about fifteen miles, camped near a creek that was some to cross. One of the oxen got his leg in the bridge, took them off, rolled the wagon over by hand. Nothing more to say at present.
May 16 The weather somewhat rainy this morning, as usual, passed over a few miles of pretty good road, and then, it was then, when we reached Pisgy [Pisgah] one of the towns that I thought beat my first wifes relations, but I shall not atemped [attempt] to describe it at presant. At about five o'clock we arrived at Grand river or one of its branches: found there a company building a bridge across it; so we took hold with them and soon finished it, and before night forty wagons rolled over the famous minute bridge, and camped near it.
Saturday May 17 We got a pretty early start, had a bridge to cross built over a creek which was so narrow that we did [not] try to drive our teams over with our wagons hitched to them. But just roolled them ove[r] by hand like a mice, and was soon on our way crossing a twelve mile prarie. We camped just afte[r] crossing another narrow cassa. But we all passed over safely soon after we crossed, a man from Pisgay lost one of his oxen over the cassa, into the creek, but we soon gave him chance to get out, by cutting the bow pin, and giving him his liberty. Clark Roberts blind horse came very near running over some of the women but fortunately they darted out of the way and he ran aganst the Machine, and oxen and was soon glad to retreat. The cows ate up some of Mrs. Rob[e]rts'es dough that she had prepaired to bake for supper. What very saucy cows, indeed, to torment an old Lady like that. I wander [wonder] my Grand mamma did not have such saucy cows.
May 18 So rainy, we were obliged to stop that day. I must not forget to speak of the coun[t]ry and the beautiful scenery, which notwiths[t]anding so many hardships in rain and mud, I cannot but behold with delight, although I am no genius to describe such a picturesque scenery. Indeed it looks rather odd, to me, so lately from the rocky coast of New England, now beholding the smooth and beautiful Praries just as spring is smiling - Yes the wild flowers feel her moist approach, and many are hanging their heads down, preparing to bid her farewell, and others are puting on their richest colored robes to welcome the next Virgin which they expect soon in all her lov[e]liness. May our hearts be as pure, and well prepared to meet her.
May 19 Rolled on about fourteen miles, camped on an open Prairie. Very cold this evening-kindled a little fire with some wood we brought from the timber, for wood is not very plenty in this country. My birth day, but feel about eighty instead of-a boy. Greesed the wagons, and retired to rest soon after.
Tuesday May 20 Moved over various mudsloughs, ditches, &c., and at length came to a bridge that was so sidelling, that, if persons had seen it, who was not used to such things, as we were, their hair would have stood erect on the top of their heads, at the thought of crossing it, especi[al]ly with heavy loaded wagons. But we all got over safe thank kind pro[v]idence, and camped near the stream that evening.
May 21. All got s[t]arted, but our five wagons and Mr. Merril's Mrs. Clyde. At length we got started, but had gone not far, when it commenced raining, and the lightning blazed[,] the thunders rolled peal after peal, we went off from the road to the next timber as soon as possible, and we built a fire as soon as we could, turned out the teams, But the company that started in the morning was in the middle of the prairie[.] they had no chance to camp as we did[,] so they pushed on to meet the storm in all its fury. Shower after Shower followed each other, untill we had a shower of what do you think? I must own a stone Shower, for it hailed hailstones as big as prairie chickens eggs. It was a curio[s]ity [to] see them, and an case to feel them, for w[h]ere they hit, "It raised a blister" The horses ran not knowing whither to flee to avoid being pelted so unmercifully. the hail was soon over with, but it rained all day such as cannot be beat down east I must as[s]ure you. It wet into the wagons the worst kind. My bed got not a little wet, but Tom and myself got some of the girls to help us dry them in the evening, by one of the bigest fires you ever saw, so we had a very comfor[t]able nights rest, for they were not only dry but warm too. Very heavy showers in the night that ended the thundering at that time.
May 22 Started quite early, but it was quite mud[d]y, and it could not help raining a little. To[w]ards night we arrived at Nodaway stream, found the wagons that was a head of us across the stream, and the bridge washed away. Windy &c.
May 23 The menfolds [menfolks] went to building a bridge, and the women to washing. Happy it did not rain. found it had wet and damaged some of the goods in the wagons.
May 24 Quite pleasant this morning. Started as soon as we all got ready. At noon arrived at a branch of Nishna Botna [Nishnabotna River]. Built bridge across it, twenty feet long, but did not cross. Deers and wolves very numerous in this place.
Sunday May 25 Crossed all safe, and proceeded on our way, untill we arrived at Nishna Botany. Found it to[o] high to ferry at presant. Camped near an old Indian Burying ground, for this place was formily [formerly] an Indian town. (Pottawatrmy [Potawatamie] tribe.) Saw some of their skulls and examine[d] them but they were much flat[t]er than a white mans. It does not seem much like the Sabbath, passing through so new a country. "The sound of the church glowing bell" "These v[a]llies and streams never heared [heard]" but it will be all the sweeter when we do get a chance to enjoy it again.
May 26 Very heavy showers last evening[,] the river still rising. Probably shall have to stay a week longe[r] b[e]fore we can cross. So we mist [must] content ourselves by picking wild fruit, wild flowers, hunting, killing rattlesnakes &c. Would I could give this beauquette [bouquet] to you, but Alors (alas)! dear [S..b], full may a flower will wither long before I shall have the privilege of telling you what I am wishing now, while gazing at this rud[e] bunch of flowers. Harry and Frank have gone over the river in a kind skiff to visite some of the people that live there. Thunders again[,] probably we shall get rain soon.
May 27 Showe[r] after Shower, last night [.] hope it will rain Saturday nights and Sunday so that poor hired men can rest.
May 28 The river up full bank. terrible freshets all about here. they say the bridges are all washed away between here a[n]d the Missouri river and the Platt[e] river is eight miles wide. We shall have som[e]thing to do to build bridges, in order to proceed, so I fear I shall not have much time to write in this Memorandum. We are obliged to cross the river to get good water to drink, but it is rather hard boating, the current is so strong it fetches down trees stimps [stumps], logs[,] bushes, and most every thing to bother the little boat. We young folks had a fine dance, last evening, which I nearly forgot to mention. Daniel Bunnel that lives over the river played for us. Snakes and Lizards very numerous here, the boys have killed a number six and seven feet long.
May 29 To the weather Come dreamy nature dream no more, But give us days pleasant three of four; Give us sunshine to dry up the creeks, And help us out of such a fix. Then we'd with pleasure pass along, And snap our whip and sing a song. Once more the trees are clothed in green, O let our hearts with rapture gleam. O glorious sun shine out again Sparkle once more on the dewy glen Senter of light do not forget We are not prepaired for darkness yet. O[ssian] F T[aylor]
Saturday May 31 A part of us started this morning after the ferry boat to take it a mile down the stream to try to cross there, for the water has not fell but very little yet, and we can hardly afford to stay here, doing nothing any longer. About noon we moved the wagons and commenced operations, but it was hard p[u]lling, for the water moved with a perfect rush and we had about a half a mile to ferry. We managed to get over seven wagons by night, and was happy to retire to rest.
June 1 Commenced ferrying this morning quite early, continued all day but did not get quite through. Tried to swim some of the cattle over, but did not do very good business, for they floated down the channel trying to get on shore the same side they were driven in. We were afraid they would get entangled amongst the willows and get drownded, so we followed after them with the big boat, but they soon began to go on shore so we hung up by some trees that was then in the current, to help some of the cattle out. I then jumped over board and swam a shore to go farther down the stream to see if any of the cattle had got entangled in the bushes, but could see none but those that came on shore. So we made the best of our way back to the camp, by wading a qua[r]te[r] of a mile. I was wet and cold, but shifted my clothes directly and went to bed.
June 2 Slept rather cold last night. Finished ferrying this morning, swam the loose cattle and had better luck than we had yesterday, for they swam over like a [m...]. Fortunately we did not lose any.
June 3 Pleasant day moved on to the big Nishy Botna, but the bridge was washed away in the freshet, but found we could get a ferry boat for fifty cents a wagon. But we had a half a mile to row, as we did at the last branch.
June 4 Commenced ferrying this morning, worked hard all day, but did not all cross so we had to remain there another night.
June 5 Finished crossing this morning. Moved on about ten miles, camped near Pony Creek. In sight of the council bluffs, which are curious looking hills rising about two hundred feet or more, smooth as prairie covered with grass, but notwithstanding they look quite wild and present a novel[t]y not soon to be forgoton by the beholder, for they are very [st....] picked sanding thick together as possible.
June 6 Moved on about one half a mile farther to a fine spring, and learning the mosqueto [Mosquito] creek had risen, so we could not cross[,] thought it best to stay there a while.
June 7 Pleasant day. Part of the menfolds [menfolks] went to Hanesville [Kanesville], a town situated about two miles from Missouri river.
June 8 Worte [wrote] a letter to father and Mother, afte[r] hunting after the cattle two or three hours. We had a meeting to[w]ards night, some singing and music in the evening, by Miss Owen and Dr. Roberts.
June 9 Went two [to] Hanesville[,] loocked [looked] about all day. thought it quite a smart chance of a place, it being only four or five years since it was settled. The weather pleasant and water falling a little in the creeks, hope it will be so we can roll on within a few days.
Jun 10 Went to hunt a place to build a bridge over Musqueto [Mosquito] creek, but after traveling all of the forenoon we gave it up and returned home. (I mean camp). Looks very much like rain but it holds up yet however.
June 12 A wagon from Garden Grove came up with us today, that had a boy hurt very much by the wagons runing over him, the boys Grandfather went to take him out of the wagon while the horses were a going, but missed his hold and let him fall, and the wagon ran over his stumache [stomach], but fortunately no bones were broken, and Dr. Roberts thinks he well recover.
June 13 Hunted all of the cattle, moved on toards Hanesville[.] saw the rest of the Garden Grove wagons rolling in sight, so we stoped untill they came up with us and then we rolled on two town. Stoped there most all day, and went about a half a mile toards the Missouri river and camped, but had not scarce time [to] eat supper before it commenced raining, the like I have mentioned before in this little memorandum, accompanied by thunder which sounded like the report of cannon, and lightning as sharp as ever Franklin dared to bottle up, I do believe. Expect organ[i]ze tomorrow morning, and then cross the big river as soon as possible.
June 14 The bottom where we are camped part[l]y co[v]ered with water two or three feet deep and some of the wagons standing in water, for it poured down all night. a perfect creek. Frances little George very sick, hu[n]ted our cattle and moved our wagons up to Hanesville again. But the water ran three feet deep in the s[t]reet most all of the way up. Found an old cabin with a stove in it, built a fire, &c. We feel very much discouraged, the season so much advanced, and we hardly started on our long journy. Talk some of giving up the journey this year, for fear we cannot get across the rocky mountains before the snow falls, and then we should be in a pretty condition surely.
June 15 Little George very sick in the night but in hopes he is a little better this morning.
June 16 Little George no better. Fear is apprehended from the Indians on the north rout[e], Armed men are a going to stop the companies that have crossed the river, untill all of the companies can go so we can defend ourselves. They have also applied for some of the government troops to escort the companies through the savage tribes. The Neomihaws are the fir[s]t tribe we have to pass and also the most hostile, demanding pay for passing through their hunting grounds. There may be some trouble but I hope not.
June 17 We are camped now about a mile from town, but Herry[Harry Walton] and Frances are in town with Little George who is no better. A very fine morning[.] the sun shines with all its [s]plendor and we are happy to see it. Thomas Winn, J Murrel, Emerline Owens, Emily Card, myself &c. went to one of the finest little lake[s] you ever saw, a fishing. I caught a Pike, the others caught none. The ladies, as well as the Gents got their feet wet, a fine fishing excurtion [excursion] but no fish.
June 18 A fine morning[,] rather warmer than it was yesterday. Little George no better.
Thursday, June 19 Very heavy showers last evening. A man and his son near here was struck by lightning[,] the boy instantly killed[,] but the man soon recovered. I have also to relate the painful event in this little book of the death of little George who[,] after suffering intensly with the congestive fever, died this morning about five o'clock, aged seven months and 19 days. He was as pretty a child as I ever saw, and the only thoughts that can comfort his mo
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Chris & Julie Petersen's Genealogy
1824 - 1910 (85 years)