After several years of trying to find more information concerning Henry Corry (younger brother of my/our Great Great Grandfather George Corry (Margaret Climie), I recently found information on Henry and Louisa's daughter, Charlotte Corry--her husband and children and a Picassa album online which contains her picture.
A week or so later, I found Henry's widow, Louisa Austin Corry, in the 1880 Census along with two more children who had not been previously identified. Henry had died by that time, but more research has identified several "new Corry cousins."
Henry's family, according to the 1860 Census, included his wife, Louisa, and five chldren: William H., Charlotte, Maria, Hannah and Mary. The 1880 Census showed Louisa as a widow with two more children: Emma and Frederick.
Attached here are two obituaries. One is for Hannah Corry Herrick, Henry and Louisa's daughter. The other is Vernon Halbert Corry, grandson of Henry and Louisa and son of Frederick.
Death notice in Saginaw Daily News, 22 February 1932: Hannah Herrick, died February 1932 in Owosso, Michigan. Chesnaning resident. 76 years old.
"Chesaning--Mrs. Hannah Herrick, 76, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. C. J. Weisenberg, of Owosso, following a stroke a week ago. Mrs. Herrick was born May 8, 1856. She came to Chesaning when 16 years old. Funeral services were held at the Walker funeral home Monday [or Sunday] afternoon. Rev. Ray Birdsall of ?land officiating. Burial was in Wildwood Cemetery. She is survived by her daughter, two sons, Ray of Chesaning and Frank of Flint, and one sister, Mrs. Emma ? of Jacksonville, Florida.
Obituary from Saginaw Times
"Corry, Vernon H., Saginaw, Michigan. Passed away at Veterans Administration Hospital early Wednesday morning, July 14, 1976. Age 82 years. He was born May 29, 1894, in Riverdale, Michigan and came to Saginaw in 1922. He served overseas in the United States Army during World War I. He was employed by Standard Oil Co., here for 30 years. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and a life member of Pioneer Lodge No.79 F&AM. He married Ann Clark June 23, 1923. She survives him. He also leaves two sons, Sherwood Corry, Chicago, Illinois; Bruce Corry, Saginaw; six grandchildren. Funeral service will take place 2:00 p.m. Friday at the Case Chapel, 409 Adams St., Rev. Harold Kaser will officiate with burial in Roselawn Memorial Gardens.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
September 1--Birthday of Abish Jones Corry and Ruth Corry Urie
ABISH JONES CORRY
1884 - 1968
Abish was born on 1 September 1884, in Cedar City, Iron, Utah, a daughter of Uriah Treharne and Mary Alice Higbee Jones. She was the oldest of seven children (Alma Treharne--1887; Irene--1889; Mary Malicent--1891-1897; U Ashton--1893; Zelma--1895; and Emron H--1898). Her parents were living at the home of her Grandmother, Sage Treharne Jones, and she was probably born in that home. The family lived in that home for four years. Ed Ashton and his wife, Cora, and their baby, Dolly, joined the Jones household while they were "on the underground" (hiding during the polygamy years). Dolly was a second cousin to Abish and they became very close, almost like sisters. Ed Ashton was an excellent builder and bricklayer and he built a house for Uriah's family to which they moved just before Abish's brother, Alma Treharne, was born (23 January 1887). In July 1889, after Abish's sister, Irene, was born, the family moved back to Grandmother Sage Treharne Jones' home. In July 1891, three months after her sister, Mary Malicent, was born, the family went up on Cedar Mountain with Aunt Tury and her family. They carried on the activities of a dairy--milking cows and making butter and cheese. It was a lot of fun for Abbie and her brother and sisters. There was always a clear cold spring of water. Abish was eight years old when her father, Uriah, was sustained as president of the Parowan Stake.
In her own words, Abish tells about her first day at school: "The first day I went to school, I felt bad because I couldn't read and I stayed in at recess to get the teacher to show me how to read and write. Most of the children went out to play. I found out that you can't learn that quick. My Mother and Father helped me a little at home, but I expected to learn faster."
She wrote of another experience: "One day the Indians came to our place to beg for some bread. Mother was holding [my younger sister] and the squaw remarked how pretty she was and asked Mother for her. Well, we all began to cry thinking she was really going to take her but Mother told her no and so they said no more and we felt better."
During the school year of 1894-95, Brother and Sister Warner stayed with Abbie's family. Brother Warner was a teacher at the public school in Cedar City. Abbie was eleven years old at this time. In a letter written in 1896 to Abbie's mother Mary Alice (after the Warners had moved from Cedar City), Sister Warner wrote about Abbie: "There is Abish--a sweet, pure-minded girl. I hope she is progressing in her studies. Often Brother Warner tells me of what a rare intellect she has and he says, 'my, but she will be a smart woman if she continues in her studies as she did in my school.'"
The general authorities would stay at Uriah and Mary Alice's home so Abbie and her brothers and sisters would always be very busy cleaning the house from top to bottom. President Lorenzo Snow stayed with them after he had made known his special "Tithing Revelation" to the saints in St. George, on his return trip to Salt Lake City.
When Abbie was fourteen years old she had her hair curled with a curling iron by her Aunt Millie Higbee. They had wonderful canyon outings at the canyon in the summer and skating trips to "eight mile" in the winter in the white-topped, horse-drawn "station wagon" with two seats all filled and kids sitting in the back with their legs hanging down. One trip was made to Navajo Lake.
On 24 July 1897 when Abbie was thirteen years old, she went [to Salt Lake City] with her father to the great celebration commemorating the arrival of the pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley. President Wilford Woodruff took a prominent part in the events. Abbie marched in the parade with her Salt Lake cousins. They were dressed in light summer dresses and they all carried Japanese parasols which were spoiled when it rained at the end of the parade.
Abbie attended the schools in Cedar City up through the Branch Normal School. After finishing at the BNS, she attended two years at the University of Utah and lived with Aunt Cora Ashton. She graduated from the University of Utah on 8 June 1905. Her father didn't believe in his children dressing extravagantly so Abbie went to school with one or two skirts and two blouses. They were made of fine material, but she had to make them do by washing and ironing them often.
Abbie had earned a teaching certificate but she never taught school. She worked at the bank. The Jones family lived next to the Corry family on 100 West for a number of years. When Elias Moroni Corry went on his mission to California, Abbie and some of her friends decided to write to different missionaries. Abbie wrote to Lyle (Elias) and they dated when he returned from his mission. Abbie said that Lyle took her for granted and at one dance he didn't take her--just expected he'd see her there and take her home. Abbie decided differently, so she told him she wouldn't go home with him since he didn't ask her to go to the dance. She avoided him for awhile and it finally awakened him to the fact that he should do something about it. They had a talk, became serious and were married in the Salt Lake Temple on 6 June 1907. They moved into the Uriah Treharne Jones home on 100 West Hoover Avenue in Cedar City which they bought for $1,500.
Lyle was assistant cashier at the bank. They took in boarders, mostly young women who were attending college in Cedar City. Abbie cooked on a coal or wood burning stove which also furnished heat for the kitchen and part of the room next to it.
Their first child, Virginia, was born 16 April 1908, at home. Next came Elwood on 4 March 1911; Elma on 18 November 1913; Inez on 3 June 1917; Ruth, 1 September 1919 (born on Abbie's birthday); and Beth, 6 February 1922. All these children were born at home with Dr. Menzies MacFarland as the attending physician. The older children were waiting upstairs when Beth was born. After the birth, the doctor came upstairs and asked the children if they would like to trade their new baby sister for his new baby boy (he and Mrs. MacFarlane had all boys). The reply was an emphatic "No".
Abbie did the washing with a scrubbing board and had to boil some of the clothes to get them clean. The ironing was done with a heavy iron that was heated on the stove.
Lyle and Abbie decided to build a new home. The plans were made by a man from Salt Lake City. The family moved into the new home before Melvin was born on 15 March 1924. He was born in the new home. The last child, Lloyd, was born 13 August 1928. [Editor's note: I seem to remember my mother saying that Lloyd was the only child born in a hospital.]
The new home was next door to Grandpa Uriah and Grandma Mary Alice Jones' home. Abbie appreciated the conveniences in the new home--electric stove, furnace for heat, etc. The old coal stove was put in the basement in the laundry room. Abbie suffered from arthritis which made it very difficult for her to do as much as she wanted. She was able to drive the car which she enjoyed. She had to have her teeth removed and had false teeth when she was in her twenties. She said that her bad teeth were probably what caused the arthritis to afflict her so early. She didn't complain of these handicaps. She played the piano when the family lived in the old home on First West, but as the arthritis became worse, she had difficulty in playing. Many times she would have to rock back and forth on the bed in order to stand up.
Abish served as second counselor in the Parowan Stake Primary and was released on 25 November 1928.
She was always busy and she taught her children the importance of work. The girls always had certain jobs to do. They divided up and two would do the kitchen work--meals, dishes, cleaning cupboards, etc. and the other two or three would clean the other parts of the house. They also learned to preserve fruits and vegetables.
Her daughter, Inez, remembers that Abbie came to Bountiful (where Inez and her family lived) to stay and help when each of her children--Corry, Eric and Kathy--were born. She was always willing to help when asked even though it was difficult for her.
In her later years, Abbie broke her hip (the first time was 1953) twice and had to have one eye removed with a glass-eye replacement. Staying at home alone became too difficult so she would travel to Bountiful to stay with Inez and Sterling and family for a month and then with Elma and Orrin and family for a month--back and forth each month. Sometimes she would spend time in Cedar City where Ruth and Scott and Elwood and Iris were able to help with her care. During the last several years, however, it became too difficult to travel to Cedar City so she remained in Bountiful at the two homes. She died on 15 September 1968, at Elma and Orrin's home in Bountiful, Davis County, Utah.
Abbie's daughter, Elma, wrote the following shortly after (October 1968) Abish passed away.
"It is sixteen years ago this year since we moved to Bountiful and it was the summer after we moved here that Mother broke her hip the first time. Mother had a strong constitution and determination to do things for herself. She recovered from the first break and then she had her left eye removed and replaced with a plastic one. A year or so after, she had another break on the other hip. She recovered from this and was able to get around fairly well considering her age and her arthritis.
She spent the last sixteen years with her children and grandchildren in Cedar City and Bountiful. We all learned to appreciate her more and love her.
"Mother had a good appetite most of the time, but about the last couple of years I don't think her body absorbed much of what she ate. At times when she liked some food especially, she always remarked how much she enjoyed it. She whistled and hummed songs quite often--even in this last year she would hum or whistle."
Another daughter, Inez, wrote the following a couple of months after Abish passed away:
"We never remember her complaining about her trials. She always kept wanting to be active and useful and independent. After her hip was broken, both times, she wanted to help with the dishes. We would put the dishes in a pan by the wheelchair and she would wipe them and put them on the table. We got an adjustable ironing board and a small light-weight iron so she could help with the ironing. She would get up out of the wheelchair and push it from behind to exercise her legs before they became too weak. She would go back and forth and then would have to rest.
"Another thing she did was to tell the children stories and poems when they were younger. She could be quite dramatic. She always kept up with current events and seemed to get a lot of enjoyment in discussing things with the family. Also, she would always help the children in learning to use the correct English. She would correct them kindly when they used the wrong parts of speech.
"I think we learned more about patience and endurance from Mother than we could have any other way--and our love for each other also deepened by having the experience and privilege of taking care of her.@
A cousin, Margaret Harmon, said what a beautiful woman Abbie was.
Abbie's brother, Alma Treharne, wrote the following:
"She [Abish] was a wonderful woman and raised a wonderful family. She was always so kind, gentle and understanding, yet firm enough to mold her children's lives to become fine men and women.
RUTH CORRY URIE
1919 - 1990
Ruth was born on 1 September 1919, in Cedar City, Iron, Utah, a daughter of Elias Moroni and Abish Jones Corry. She was the fifth child and fourth daughter.
Her father, Elias Moroni wrote the following about Ruth in August 1932 (he was serving as Bishop of the Cedar West Ward at the time and she was a few weeks from age thirteen): "Our next, Ruth, a beautiful girl full of purity and promise; a blessing to our home and to society, and one worthy of one of God's most noble sons, and whose success is assured if given the proper help from her parents."
Ruth was afflicted with Bright's Disease (nephritis--kidney disease) when she was in seventh grade. She had to miss school because of illness and wasn't able to graduate from high school with her class. She had surgeries at different times because of her illness and went to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to stay with Virginia and Bill for a time because the warmer climate was beneficial.
Ruth married Scott Maine Urie on 23 December 1950. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on 20 January 1956. Scott spent five years on active duty during World War II and also served for three years during the Korean War. He was a partner in an auto repair shop with Richard Stucki--U&S Motor Company. He served for seventeen years in the Southern Indian Mission and was branch president over nine branches in Southern Utah, Southern Nevada and Western Arizona. He also served as first counselor in the Duck Creek Branch presidency.
Ruth was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served as secretary of the Southern Regional Indian Mission for seventeen years. She was a temple ordinance worker in the St. George Temple. Ruth was a talented musician--vocalist, pianist and organist and also played the violin. She served as organist for all the church auxiliaries.
She worked closely with Scott in their business, U&S Motor Company, serving as secretary. Ruth and Scott were the organizers and the enthusiasm behind the "Corry Reunion" which is held yearly at Navajo Lake and Duck Creek. They provided their cabin as a place for some family members to stay and also as the place for the annual talent show.
Ruth died in St. George, Washington, Utah, on 3 July 1990. She was buried in the Cedar City Cemetery.
Friday, August 6, 2010
History of Mary Clark Higbee (1833-1918)
Mary Clark Higbee, my great great grandmother, died in 1918 and so was known to some extent by four of our immediate ancestors, Virginia, Elwood, Elma and Inez.She was born 22 November 1833, at Clark, Clinton County, Ohio, the daughter of Samuel and Rebecca Garner Clark. She was the fifth child in a family of thirteen children. No record is known of her early childhood except that she joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints with her family and eventually came West to Utah. Her older brothers, Joseph and Riley Garner Clark, joined the Mormon Battalion and so Mary was obliged to drive a team of oxen as the family crossed the plains. Her family came with the Heber C. Kimball Company, second division, which left Winter Quarters on 29 May 1848. After a trip without hardship, the family, except for Joseph and Riley, arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on 23 September 1848. Records indicate that the family settled in Provo where her father, Samuel Clark, made the first leather in Utah in 1849.
On 28 October 1853, Mary was married to John Mount Higbee in Provo, Utah. They were later sealed (11 November 1855) in the Salt Lake Endowment House. John and Mary came to Southern Utah where they had been called to help with the settlement of Cedar City. They were the parents of eleven children. Their first two sons, John Mount (1854) and Joseph Somers (1856), died in infancy--John Mount died at three weeks and Joseph Somers at eight months. Another son, Franklin
(1867)died at six months. Silas (1871) passed away at age sixteen. The seven children who lived to adulthood were: Rebecca Ann (1857), Samuel Alonzo (1859), Myron David (1861), Mary Alice (1863; my great grandmother), Isaac Clark (1865), May (1869), and Edward James (1873).
Mary assumed all the family responsibilities when her husband went to Arizona to live with his other family (second wife, Eunice Bladen and their children). This was a very difficult time in their lives as John was obliged to live in Arizona for twenty years and Mary was left to raise her family and manage their livestock and farming interests with the help of her older children. Her youngest son, Edward James, was only one and one-half years old when his father left for Arizona.
Mary was small of stature, with blue eyes, a sunny disposition and was fond of a good joke. She was aristocratic and very precise in manner. She was famous in her family for her sugar cookies and plum preserves. She was an interesting conversationalist. One granddaughter told that when she was young, she preferred visiting with Grandmother Higbee to almost anyone else. Mary moved gently when she walked and was a beautiful, smooth partner on the dance floor.
She was friendly with the Indians who came asking for food or how to cure one of their family members who was ill. Mary wore false teeth and one day, while talking with some of the Indians, she sneezed and her "store teeth" flew out of her mouth. The Indians vanished suddenly and that was the last seen of them for awhile.
Mary became a member of the Female Benevolent Society (now Relief Society) while they were living at the Old Fort. She later served in the presidency of the Cedar Ward Relief Society from 1868 to 1897.
Her parents, Samuel and Rebecca, spent a considerable part of their later lives at her home. Mother Rebecca passed away while living in Cedar City and is buried in the Cedar Cemetery.
Mary lived the last few years of her life at the home of one of her daughters. She enjoyed good health and was especially blessed the last few years with her eyesight improving sufficiently so that she could read, sew and do considerable close work without the aid of eye glasses which she had worn for so many years previously.
Mary Clark Higbee died 26 August 1918, at Cedar City. She is buried in the Cedar City Cemetery.
Obituary from the Iron County Record, 30 October 1918
Iron County Record, Cedar City, Iron Co., Utah, 30 August 1918, pp-1,8
Elderly Lady Called Home
Sister Mary Clark Higbee, at Ripe Age, is Summoned by the Angel of Death.
Sister Mary Clark Higbee, an old resident of this place, died Monday
night, August 26th, after a rather protracted illness. She was the widow of
the late John M. Higbee, and mother to a number of our prominent citizens,
including S. A., M.D., Isaac C. and Edward Higbee, and Mrs. U. T. Jones, and
Mrs. J. S. Woodbury.
Deceased was born in Ohio November 22, 1833, and came to Utah with the early
pioneers, going through all the hardships and trials of that period. In
crossing the plains, as a result of two of her brothers being called into the
Mormon Battalion, she was left to drive an ox team with the company.
Was married to John M. Higbee in the fall of 1853 at Provo and arrived in
Cedar City on her twentieth birthday.
Sister Higbee was the mother of 11 children, six of whom survive her, as do
also 30 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
She has always been a devoted member of the Church of Latter-day Saints and
was prominent in church work. For a number of years she was connected with the
presidency of the Relief Society and did much good in that organization.
Funeral services were held in the Tabernacle Wednesday, and was attended by
a large number of townspeople. Interment was made in the Cedar City cemetery.
(Sources: "Isaac Higbee and Sophia Somers Family Magazine" (1957). The History of Elias Moroni Cory and Abish Jones, Their Ancestors and Descendants (2002). "Iron County Record" (1918).
Friday, April 23, 2010
Passing of a Generation
Lloyd 1928-1967
Elma 1913-1985
Inez 1917-1989
Virginia 1908-1990
Ruth 1919-1990
Melvin 1924-1994
Elwood 1911-1998
Beth 1922-2010
Elma 1913-1985
Inez 1917-1989
Virginia 1908-1990
Ruth 1919-1990
Melvin 1924-1994
Elwood 1911-1998
Beth 1922-2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Compiled by Cousin Kathie Marynik
The following are extracts from Saints Find the Place - A Day-By-Day Pioneer Experience - Winter Quarters to the Salt Lake Valley (1997) by David R. Crockett. Although no specific mention is made of the family of George Corry, Jr., except for their names in the listing of the second company of pioneers, it is hoped that this information provides an insight into their trek across the plains. -- KM
Saturday, June 5, 1847 - Winter Quarters, Nebraska:
Pioneers who would be part of the second company of Saints left the city of Winter Quarters to start the trek west, to follow the lead company to the mountains. Saints had to get 350 pounds of flour for each individual. They also had to take seed grain, farming implements, cooking utensils, etc. Some also would take along chickens or a pig.
Wednesday, June 9, 1847 - Elkhorn River, Nebraska:
Wagons started to arrive at the Elkhorn River. Men began work to build a raft to cross over the hundreds of wagons that would soon follow.
Saturday, June 12, 1847 - Winter Quarters, Nebraska:
More wagons left Winter Quarters to the mountain west. It soon started raining and shortly after that, one of the wagons broke its wagon tongue and had to be repaired. They traveled seven miles toward the Elkhorn River and camped with a company of fourteen wagons.
Sunday, June 13, 1847 - Winter Quarters, Nebraska:
More of the Saints continued to roll out of Winter Quarters to gather at the Elkhorn River and to organize for the next pioneer company departure. This huge company would consist of 1,561 people.
One family recorded their possessions at the start of the journey to be “one wagon, three yoke of oxen, two cows, one mare and colt, provisions for a year and a half, some seed grain, clothing, farming tools, etc.”
Monday, June 14, 1847 - Elkhorn River, Nebraska:
About 200 wagons were camped side by side as the second company of pioneers continued to gather. The men stayed very busy building rafts, crossing over wagons, building bridges and fires, and preparing for the long journey ahead.
Thursday, June 17, 1847 - Elkhorn River, Nebraska:
Included in the third Ten led by Archibald Gardner were “Andrew Correy, George Correy, Janet Correy, Margaret Clemmie Correy.”
Sunday, June 20, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
The huge pioneer company did not move out. They were waiting for the arrival of the artillery. A guard was kept night and day over the cattle herds.
Tuesday, June 22, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
The massive second pioneer company began to roll west along the Platte River. At 8 o'clock AM, the signal for starting was given by ringing of the Temple bell. They journeyed all day for about fifteen miles. They camped in their fifties and formed half moons by the river. They watered their cattle in the river by the light of the moon and then took them out to feed a while.
Thursday, June 24, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
Trouble arose on the trail when two pioneers argued over passing rights. That evening, charges of disobedience were brought against the two men. It was decided that wagons would no longer travel more than two abreast along the trail.
Friday, June 25, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
Timber was sometimes very scarce and hard to get. The wind and dust were “almost intolerable” as the pioneers traveled twelve miles during the day. The pioneer companies reached Loup Fork and camped on its bank for the evening near Looking Glass Creek. A midwife was sent back three or four miles to help deliver a baby. She returned to her camp at midnight.
Saturday, June 26, 1847 - On the Loup Fork, Nebraska:
The pioneer companies crossed over Looking Glass Creek on a bridge and traveled to Beaver Creek where they found many wild berries to eat. The roads were good, and the buffalo grass very short and dry. Suffocating dust flew in clouds. A five-year-old boy was kicked by an ox, fell beneath the wheel, and then run over by the wagon. [He died several weeks later and was buried in a shallow grave.]
Sunday, June 27, 1847 - On the Loup Fork, Nebraska:
The large second pioneer company rested on the Sabbath, but because Beaver Creek was so high, they spent time moving many wagons across the stream. A general meeting was held, and it was decided to take a sixty-five mile detour from the first pioneer company's trail. The waters of Loup Fork were much higher now than when the first company crossed.
Monday, June 28, 1847 - On the Loup Fork, Nebraska:
Some of the cattle started to fail from the hard journey, and some of the oxen started to get sick from "foul feet." More rest would need to be given to the animals. Wagons started to break down from being damaged while crossing the creeks. The main body continued on and crossed Indian Creek. As they neared the Pawnee Mission, caretakers visited the companies.
Tueaday, June 29 1847 - On the Loup Fork, Nebraska:
The pioneer companies passed by the deserted Pawnee mission and village, which was in ruins, having been burned by the Sioux the previous year. The roofs of the wigwams were round and covered with grass and earth. No Indians were seen but it was sensed that some were lurking about. A calf which had lagged behind came up with an arrow shot through its back.
Wednesday, June 30, 1847 - On the Loup Fork, Nebraska:
As the second pioneer company traveled up Loup Fork, they came upon deep ravines that were difficult to pass through. It was decided that it was time to cross over the river. A herd of antelopes was seen running in every direction.
Thursday, July 1, 1847 - On the Loup Fork, Nebraska:
The morning was cold and windy as the second pioneer company worked to cross over the more than 500 wagons belonging to the company. The river was about a half mile wide and shallow, but the bottoms were full of quicksand. They had to double the teams on the wagons. They traveled away from the river, then headed back to the Platte. A few buffalo were spotted for the first time.
Saturday, July 3, 1847 - Between Loup Fork and the Platte River, Nebraska:
The second company of pioneers again rejoined the trail created by Brigham Young's company
and camped on a stream within view of the Platte River. They traveled about fourteen miles. One man broke his arm during the night while wrestling.
Sunday, July 4, 1847 - Between Loup Fork and the Platte River, Nebraska:
It rained for awhile in the morning. The pioneers held a celebration to recognize Independence Day. A public meeting was held. The leaders asked the pioneers to work together and to be obedient. They were warned to not build large campfires that would attract the Pawnee Indians. It was decided that the companies travel separately, because it was impossible to feed and water so many people and animals in one place. They would have to start camping more spread out.
Monday, July 5, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
One wagon broke down while crossing Wood River. The rest of the camp reached Grand Island and found a guide board left by the first pioneer company that read: “April 29th, 30th, 1847. Pioneers all well, short grass, rushes plenty, fine weather, watch Indians – 217 miles from Winter Quarters.”
Tuesday, July 6, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
Across from Grand Island, two babies were born, delaying one company for a few hours. Some pioneers waded the river to get wood and brought it back on their backs.
Wednesday, July 7, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
The second pioneer company traveled fifteen miles and found another guide board left by Brigham Young's group. It said that they had killed eleven buffalo. The companies passed by a
large prairie dog village. A wagon wheel ran over one pioneer’s foot, so he was unable to drive his team.
Thursday, July 8, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
The pioneers found another buffalo skull with a message that Brigham Young's company had
written to them on May 4. Some wild or stray horses were spotted. They were caught and brought into the camp. The companies crossed over several steams and built bridges over some of them. Buffalo were again spotted.
Friday, July 9, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
Another broken wagon delayed one company, but they later caught up on the banks of the Platte. Some of the men went on an unsuccessful buffalo hunt. Because the waters were high with more mud slues, the camp had to take a slightly different route than the first pioneer company. Several women washed in the river.
Saturday, July 10, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
The second company of Saints traveled only about eight miles and camped early for the weekend near an island full of willows. Hunters were sent out hoping to kill some buffalo, but they came
back with only some antelope and deer. They were about 252 miles from Winter Quarters and about 700 miles behind Brigham Young's pioneer company at Sulphur Creek.
Sunday, July 11, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
Hunters were sent out to hunt buffalo. Eight were later brought in. [Sunday hunting had been
prohibited in Brigham Young's company but had not yet been discouraged in this second pioneer
company.] A public Sabbath meeting was held at 1 PM. One woman who had been ill for six months died; the second death on the journey from Winter Quarters.
The women washed, ironed, and cooked, while the men repaired their wagons and let their teams rest and recruit. When all the companies came up, they would start on again.
Monday, July 12, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
They traveled about twelve miles and camped. Many of the men were busy smoking buffalo meat. “The men fixed scaffolds out of willows and spread out the meat cut up in thin slices, and made fires underneath, as one side of the meat would get dry, they would turn it over, and by so doing, it became dry. They called it ‘jerk’ meat. We put it into sacks, and had enough to last us all through and it was the sweetest meat I ever tasted. The children grew fat on it.” They obtained wood by wading over the river to Grand Island.
Tuesday, July 13, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
The second pioneer companies started the day's journey at 7 AM. They crossed trodden down buffalo paths that led from the bluffs to the river. [When the first pioneer company passed this location in May, they saw thousands of buffalo making their way to the river.]
Wednesday, July 14, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
One company had difficulties and was delayed. During the night, their herd broke out of the yard and crushed two wagon wheels, killed a cow, broke off some horns, and broke the leg of a horse.
The pioneers arrived at the location where the first pioneer company camped on May 9, 1847.
[This was near present-day Brady, Nebraska]. They found the post, guide board, and box with a letter and history of the journey up to that point. The guide board stated that they were 300 miles from Winter Quarters. Several herds of buffalo were spotted, and hunters were successful in killing some for meat.
Thursday, July 15, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
The companies had to travel over some sandy bluffs away from the river in order to avoid
swampy land. They camped at a spring of cold water. Because of problems with cattle, it was thought best to begin forming the wagon circles as companies of fifty rather than larger groups. Larger numbers of buffalo were beginning to be seen.
Friday, July 16, 1847 - On the North Platte River, Nebraska:
The second company traveled about twelve miles and saw thousands of buffalo. The grass
was very short, eaten by all the buffalo. After camp was established, a herd of buffalo ran into one of the camps among the oxen and cattle. One of the buffalo was shot in full view of the women and children.
Saturday, July 17, 1847 - On the North Platte River, Nebraska:
Patty Sessions wrote of this day: "I gather a few dry weeds, built a little fire on a buffalo dung, broiled some meat for my dinner, drank sweeten ginger and water. I have seen many thousands of buffalo today. One crossed our track just forward of us. We had a fair view of him."
Great joy was felt when the pioneers met some trappers heading east. They said they had met Brigham Young's pioneer company at South Pass. They also mentioned that several of the pioneers had been left at the North Platte river crossing and were operating a ferry. The trappers brought back letters from the pioneers.
As the pioneer companies were sleeping during the night, they were alarmed by the bellowing of a huge herd of buffalo on the other side of the river.
Sunday, July 18, 1847 - On the North Platte River, Nebraska:
At 11 AM, a public Sabbath meeting was held. Jedediah Grant's company, twenty miles behind, had lost 75 head of cattle two night earlier, and some men were sent out to help find them. The men were told to quit killing buffalo needlessly. At 4 PM, another meeting was held at which letters from the men at the Mormon Ferry were read. After the meeting, a baptismal service was held for many of the youth. Confirmations were given and many children were blessed.
Tuesday, July 20, 1847 - On the North Platte River, Nebraska:
The lost oxen could not be found, so it was ordered that other companies provide some oxen to be used as replacements. Large herds of buffalo could be seen on both sides of the river. The companies traveled on about twelve miles.
Wednesday, July 21, 1847 - On the North Platte River, Nebraska:
The second pioneer company traveled on, gazing on multitudes of buffalo. Some of the companies had to pass directly through the herd. "This is truly a land of buffaloes -- they are in sight all the time -- an almost innumerable herd of them came over the bluff today & seem'd about to cross our Camp on their path to the river -- our hunters met them & they chang'd their course, much to our
gratification." That evening, the cattle were very uneasy because of the sounds of the numerous buffalo.
Thursday, July 22, 1847 - On the North Platte River, Nebraska:
Dead carcasses of thirteen buffalo were spotted, indicating that there were probably Indians
nearby. At midday, the companies came in sight of 100 or 110 Indian lodges. “We were no sooner in camp at evening, than they came running on horseback to our camp, about 100 in number. Report rang through the camp that a body of Indians were coming with a Red Flag, but on near approach it proved to be the Stars and Stripes. They are of the Sioux nation -- the neatest and most cleanly Indians I ever saw. They were friendly; we gave them a feast of bread etc. After firing a cannon, the Indians retired to their lodges about 2 miles distance." These were the first Indians seen since leaving Winter Quarters.
Friday, July 23, 1847 - On the North Platte River, Nebraska:
It rained during the night and into the morning. The pioneer companies remained in their camps
while they waited for the Jedediah Grant hundred to catch up. The Indians again visited the camp in even larger numbers, including women and children. Trading took place for moccasins, buffalo robes, and other items. In the evening a feast and dance was held. The Indians would dance for the Saints, and then the Saints would return the compliment by playing violins, fifes, and drums. Cheers were heard throughout the camp. The pioneers fired two cannons, and soon all the Indians returned to their lodges.
Saturday, July 24, 1847 - On the North Platte River, Nebraska:
The second company of pioneers, unaware that their new home now had been found in Utah by Brigham Young’s company, left their camp at Cedar Bluffs and passed the Indian lodges which were on the other side of the river. Some of the men went over to their lodges and were kindly received and invited to dine, which they accepted. Their meal consisted of dried meal pounded. All the dishes which the Indians had were earth shells. Skins of beasts were used to carry water, corn, etc. This was a hunting party 200 or 300 strong, with a considerable number of horses for pack horses. Their tents or lodges were small and made of skins “gaily painted." Many of the Indians followed the companies as they traveled, still trying to make bargains with the pioneers.
Sunday, July 25, 1847 - On the North Platte River, Nebraska:
In the morning, the pioneers were excited about the arrival of Saints sent back by the first company. They held a meeting and read letters from Brigham Young and Willard Richards. Letters were then written to be taken to Winter Quarters. It was recommended that the companies start traveling in fifties. Some of the companies moved out in the evening.
Monday, July 26, 1847 - On the North Platte River, Nebraska:
With permission to travel in smaller groups of fifties, the companies were free to depart from
camp whenever they were ready. They ascended some sandy bluffs during the day, "the hardest sand hill we have found." Large numbers of Indians were seen traveling on the other side of the river. They had tents and baggage fastened to mules, horses, and on drays formed of tent poles drawn by horses, mules, and dogs. Covers for the baby Indians were made by fastening skins over bows which were fixed to the upper side of the drays.
Tuesday, July 27, 1847 - On the North Platte River, Nebraska:
The second company traveled about eighteen miles. Along the way they met another party of
Indians who were friendly to the pioneers. It commenced raining just as they stopped , leaving no time to cook supper. During the day, they traveled across from Ash Hollow which was still 650 miles from the Great Salt Lake Valley.
Wednesday, July 28, 1847 - On the North Platte River, Nebraska:
The pioneers reached Ancient Bluff Ruins, about 612 miles from the Great Salt Lake Valley. A violent thunder storm blew in. Sand came down from the hills covering the pioneers, animals, and wagons
with dust. At times, the wagon covers had to be held down to keep them from blowing off. On the other side of the river, the ground was all flooded.
Thursday, July 29, 1847 - On the North Platte River, Nebraska:
The first of the pioneer companies arrived across the river from Chimney Rock. They met a party of men on horseback returning from Oregon.
Friday, July 30, 1847 - On the North Platte River, Nebraska:
More of the companies passed by Chimney Rock. “The bluffs truly present views wildly magnificent.” The sun was scorching throughout the day, and the nights were cold. Some of the men climbed the heights and shot some mountain goats, an animal most had never seen before.
August 1-7, 1847 - Near Fort Laramie, Wyoming:
The company met General Kearny's detachment and had a happy reunion with the fourteen Mormon Battalion soldiers who were part of the detachment. They rested several days and repaired wagons. During the week, a mother of nine children died and was buried near the trail. "The body was wrap'd in a quilt & consign'd to its narrow home without a coffin. It truly seem'd a lonely grave."
August 8 - 14, 1847 - West of Fort Laramie, Wyoming:
The pioneers continued their journey through the Black Hills in Wyoming. "The country here is rugged enough -- diversified with scrubby pine, hemlock, cottonwood & very thinly scatter'd; with bluffs presenting the appearance of well fortified castles the inhabitant of which exclude themselves from our view, altho' 2 grizly bears have been seen.”
On Friday evening, young people met for a dance. However, some of the pioneers "intruded with much insolence" and had to be tried before a bishop's court on Saturday.
August 22-28, 1847 - Near Mormon Ferry and Independence Rock, Wyoming:
The "Big Company" of more than 1,500 pioneers continued their journey westward. They
traveled in groups of fifty families, spread over about fifty miles. The river was considerably shallower than when the first pioneer company ferried across. Some of the wagons had difficulty while crossing the river. As the pioneers moved away from the North Platte toward the Sweetwater, many of the oxen became sick from drinking alkaline water, causing some of them to die. Some of the pioneers reached Independence Rock where hundreds of names were painted or engraved.
September 5-11, 1847 - Near Big Sandy River, Wyoming:
Those traveling in the lead fifties continued their trek west. As they reached Hams Fork, many of the women gathered currants and bull berries. They crossed Green River, and by Saturday some of these pioneers reached Blacks Fork.
September 12-18, 1847 - Wyoming:
The company started their week's journey spread across a 115-mile stretch of the trail from the Continental Divide at Pacific Springs to Fort Bridger. "The ridges of mountains so distant that it seems like a prairie country. A few scattering trees to be seen." The next day: "The mountains very grand -- ridge rising after ridge in front of me -- the clouds sometimes obscuring the distant ridges." On Wednesday, the lead companies traveled through Echo Canyon. "It is very narrow, only room for the road on one side. The rocks several hundred feet high; in some places overhanging the road." By Saturday, the lead companies reached East Canyon, only four days away from the Great Salt Lake Valley.
September 19-25, 1847 - Utah and Wyoming:
The company started the week spread across an area from Green River in Wyoming, to East Canyon in Utah. On Wednesday, a dance was held at the home of a Frenchman near Fort Laramie. Many of the men and women of the pioneer company attended.
A number of the companies were being delayed because of lost cattle, broken wagons, and sickness. The companies were joyful when they met Joseph Young coming from the valley with teams to assist those in the rear.
Isaac C. Haight arrived at the fort in Great Salt Lake City on Wednesday. He wrote: "Our cattle worn out and all of us tired of traveling. The Fort contains 40 acres of land surrounded with houses made of sun-dried brick built after the Spanish fashion on three sides and with houses on the other. We went immediately to work to prepare to build us houses. The Fort, not being large enough to contain all the inhabitants, we had to enlarge it."
When companies entered the valley on Saturday, the men fired rifles and pistols in the air and shouted for joy.
[The George Corry, Jr. family is said to have arrived at the Great Salt Lake Valley on September 29, 1847. Unfortunately, there was no special note for that day.]
Saturday, June 5, 1847 - Winter Quarters, Nebraska:
Pioneers who would be part of the second company of Saints left the city of Winter Quarters to start the trek west, to follow the lead company to the mountains. Saints had to get 350 pounds of flour for each individual. They also had to take seed grain, farming implements, cooking utensils, etc. Some also would take along chickens or a pig.
Wednesday, June 9, 1847 - Elkhorn River, Nebraska:
Wagons started to arrive at the Elkhorn River. Men began work to build a raft to cross over the hundreds of wagons that would soon follow.
Saturday, June 12, 1847 - Winter Quarters, Nebraska:
More wagons left Winter Quarters to the mountain west. It soon started raining and shortly after that, one of the wagons broke its wagon tongue and had to be repaired. They traveled seven miles toward the Elkhorn River and camped with a company of fourteen wagons.
Sunday, June 13, 1847 - Winter Quarters, Nebraska:
More of the Saints continued to roll out of Winter Quarters to gather at the Elkhorn River and to organize for the next pioneer company departure. This huge company would consist of 1,561 people.
One family recorded their possessions at the start of the journey to be “one wagon, three yoke of oxen, two cows, one mare and colt, provisions for a year and a half, some seed grain, clothing, farming tools, etc.”
Monday, June 14, 1847 - Elkhorn River, Nebraska:
About 200 wagons were camped side by side as the second company of pioneers continued to gather. The men stayed very busy building rafts, crossing over wagons, building bridges and fires, and preparing for the long journey ahead.
Thursday, June 17, 1847 - Elkhorn River, Nebraska:
Included in the third Ten led by Archibald Gardner were “Andrew Correy, George Correy, Janet Correy, Margaret Clemmie Correy.”
Sunday, June 20, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
The huge pioneer company did not move out. They were waiting for the arrival of the artillery. A guard was kept night and day over the cattle herds.
Tuesday, June 22, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
The massive second pioneer company began to roll west along the Platte River. At 8 o'clock AM, the signal for starting was given by ringing of the Temple bell. They journeyed all day for about fifteen miles. They camped in their fifties and formed half moons by the river. They watered their cattle in the river by the light of the moon and then took them out to feed a while.
Thursday, June 24, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
Trouble arose on the trail when two pioneers argued over passing rights. That evening, charges of disobedience were brought against the two men. It was decided that wagons would no longer travel more than two abreast along the trail.
Friday, June 25, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
Timber was sometimes very scarce and hard to get. The wind and dust were “almost intolerable” as the pioneers traveled twelve miles during the day. The pioneer companies reached Loup Fork and camped on its bank for the evening near Looking Glass Creek. A midwife was sent back three or four miles to help deliver a baby. She returned to her camp at midnight.
Saturday, June 26, 1847 - On the Loup Fork, Nebraska:
The pioneer companies crossed over Looking Glass Creek on a bridge and traveled to Beaver Creek where they found many wild berries to eat. The roads were good, and the buffalo grass very short and dry. Suffocating dust flew in clouds. A five-year-old boy was kicked by an ox, fell beneath the wheel, and then run over by the wagon. [He died several weeks later and was buried in a shallow grave.]
Sunday, June 27, 1847 - On the Loup Fork, Nebraska:
The large second pioneer company rested on the Sabbath, but because Beaver Creek was so high, they spent time moving many wagons across the stream. A general meeting was held, and it was decided to take a sixty-five mile detour from the first pioneer company's trail. The waters of Loup Fork were much higher now than when the first company crossed.
Monday, June 28, 1847 - On the Loup Fork, Nebraska:
Some of the cattle started to fail from the hard journey, and some of the oxen started to get sick from "foul feet." More rest would need to be given to the animals. Wagons started to break down from being damaged while crossing the creeks. The main body continued on and crossed Indian Creek. As they neared the Pawnee Mission, caretakers visited the companies.
Tueaday, June 29 1847 - On the Loup Fork, Nebraska:
The pioneer companies passed by the deserted Pawnee mission and village, which was in ruins, having been burned by the Sioux the previous year. The roofs of the wigwams were round and covered with grass and earth. No Indians were seen but it was sensed that some were lurking about. A calf which had lagged behind came up with an arrow shot through its back.
Wednesday, June 30, 1847 - On the Loup Fork, Nebraska:
As the second pioneer company traveled up Loup Fork, they came upon deep ravines that were difficult to pass through. It was decided that it was time to cross over the river. A herd of antelopes was seen running in every direction.
Thursday, July 1, 1847 - On the Loup Fork, Nebraska:
The morning was cold and windy as the second pioneer company worked to cross over the more than 500 wagons belonging to the company. The river was about a half mile wide and shallow, but the bottoms were full of quicksand. They had to double the teams on the wagons. They traveled away from the river, then headed back to the Platte. A few buffalo were spotted for the first time.
Saturday, July 3, 1847 - Between Loup Fork and the Platte River, Nebraska:
The second company of pioneers again rejoined the trail created by Brigham Young's company
and camped on a stream within view of the Platte River. They traveled about fourteen miles. One man broke his arm during the night while wrestling.
Sunday, July 4, 1847 - Between Loup Fork and the Platte River, Nebraska:
It rained for awhile in the morning. The pioneers held a celebration to recognize Independence Day. A public meeting was held. The leaders asked the pioneers to work together and to be obedient. They were warned to not build large campfires that would attract the Pawnee Indians. It was decided that the companies travel separately, because it was impossible to feed and water so many people and animals in one place. They would have to start camping more spread out.
Monday, July 5, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
One wagon broke down while crossing Wood River. The rest of the camp reached Grand Island and found a guide board left by the first pioneer company that read: “April 29th, 30th, 1847. Pioneers all well, short grass, rushes plenty, fine weather, watch Indians – 217 miles from Winter Quarters.”
Tuesday, July 6, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
Across from Grand Island, two babies were born, delaying one company for a few hours. Some pioneers waded the river to get wood and brought it back on their backs.
Wednesday, July 7, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
The second pioneer company traveled fifteen miles and found another guide board left by Brigham Young's group. It said that they had killed eleven buffalo. The companies passed by a
large prairie dog village. A wagon wheel ran over one pioneer’s foot, so he was unable to drive his team.
Thursday, July 8, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
The pioneers found another buffalo skull with a message that Brigham Young's company had
written to them on May 4. Some wild or stray horses were spotted. They were caught and brought into the camp. The companies crossed over several steams and built bridges over some of them. Buffalo were again spotted.
Friday, July 9, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
Another broken wagon delayed one company, but they later caught up on the banks of the Platte. Some of the men went on an unsuccessful buffalo hunt. Because the waters were high with more mud slues, the camp had to take a slightly different route than the first pioneer company. Several women washed in the river.
Saturday, July 10, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
The second company of Saints traveled only about eight miles and camped early for the weekend near an island full of willows. Hunters were sent out hoping to kill some buffalo, but they came
back with only some antelope and deer. They were about 252 miles from Winter Quarters and about 700 miles behind Brigham Young's pioneer company at Sulphur Creek.
Sunday, July 11, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
Hunters were sent out to hunt buffalo. Eight were later brought in. [Sunday hunting had been
prohibited in Brigham Young's company but had not yet been discouraged in this second pioneer
company.] A public Sabbath meeting was held at 1 PM. One woman who had been ill for six months died; the second death on the journey from Winter Quarters.
The women washed, ironed, and cooked, while the men repaired their wagons and let their teams rest and recruit. When all the companies came up, they would start on again.
Monday, July 12, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
They traveled about twelve miles and camped. Many of the men were busy smoking buffalo meat. “The men fixed scaffolds out of willows and spread out the meat cut up in thin slices, and made fires underneath, as one side of the meat would get dry, they would turn it over, and by so doing, it became dry. They called it ‘jerk’ meat. We put it into sacks, and had enough to last us all through and it was the sweetest meat I ever tasted. The children grew fat on it.” They obtained wood by wading over the river to Grand Island.
Tuesday, July 13, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
The second pioneer companies started the day's journey at 7 AM. They crossed trodden down buffalo paths that led from the bluffs to the river. [When the first pioneer company passed this location in May, they saw thousands of buffalo making their way to the river.]
Wednesday, July 14, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
One company had difficulties and was delayed. During the night, their herd broke out of the yard and crushed two wagon wheels, killed a cow, broke off some horns, and broke the leg of a horse.
The pioneers arrived at the location where the first pioneer company camped on May 9, 1847.
[This was near present-day Brady, Nebraska]. They found the post, guide board, and box with a letter and history of the journey up to that point. The guide board stated that they were 300 miles from Winter Quarters. Several herds of buffalo were spotted, and hunters were successful in killing some for meat.
Thursday, July 15, 1847 - On the Platte River, Nebraska:
The companies had to travel over some sandy bluffs away from the river in order to avoid
swampy land. They camped at a spring of cold water. Because of problems with cattle, it was thought best to begin forming the wagon circles as companies of fifty rather than larger groups. Larger numbers of buffalo were beginning to be seen.
Friday, July 16, 1847 - On the North Platte River, Nebraska:
The second company traveled about twelve miles and saw thousands of buffalo. The grass
was very short, eaten by all the buffalo. After camp was established, a herd of buffalo ran into one of the camps among the oxen and cattle. One of the buffalo was shot in full view of the women and children.
Saturday, July 17, 1847 - On the North Platte River, Nebraska:
Patty Sessions wrote of this day: "I gather a few dry weeds, built a little fire on a buffalo dung, broiled some meat for my dinner, drank sweeten ginger and water. I have seen many thousands of buffalo today. One crossed our track just forward of us. We had a fair view of him."
Great joy was felt when the pioneers met some trappers heading east. They said they had met Brigham Young's pioneer company at South Pass. They also mentioned that several of the pioneers had been left at the North Platte river crossing and were operating a ferry. The trappers brought back letters from the pioneers.
As the pioneer companies were sleeping during the night, they were alarmed by the bellowing of a huge herd of buffalo on the other side of the river.
Sunday, July 18, 1847 - On the North Platte River, Nebraska:
At 11 AM, a public Sabbath meeting was held. Jedediah Grant's company, twenty miles behind, had lost 75 head of cattle two night earlier, and some men were sent out to help find them. The men were told to quit killing buffalo needlessly. At 4 PM, another meeting was held at which letters from the men at the Mormon Ferry were read. After the meeting, a baptismal service was held for many of the youth. Confirmations were given and many children were blessed.
Tuesday, July 20, 1847 - On the North Platte River, Nebraska:
The lost oxen could not be found, so it was ordered that other companies provide some oxen to be used as replacements. Large herds of buffalo could be seen on both sides of the river. The companies traveled on about twelve miles.
Wednesday, July 21, 1847 - On the North Platte River, Nebraska:
The second pioneer company traveled on, gazing on multitudes of buffalo. Some of the companies had to pass directly through the herd. "This is truly a land of buffaloes -- they are in sight all the time -- an almost innumerable herd of them came over the bluff today & seem'd about to cross our Camp on their path to the river -- our hunters met them & they chang'd their course, much to our
gratification." That evening, the cattle were very uneasy because of the sounds of the numerous buffalo.
Thursday, July 22, 1847 - On the North Platte River, Nebraska:
Dead carcasses of thirteen buffalo were spotted, indicating that there were probably Indians
nearby. At midday, the companies came in sight of 100 or 110 Indian lodges. “We were no sooner in camp at evening, than they came running on horseback to our camp, about 100 in number. Report rang through the camp that a body of Indians were coming with a Red Flag, but on near approach it proved to be the Stars and Stripes. They are of the Sioux nation -- the neatest and most cleanly Indians I ever saw. They were friendly; we gave them a feast of bread etc. After firing a cannon, the Indians retired to their lodges about 2 miles distance." These were the first Indians seen since leaving Winter Quarters.
Friday, July 23, 1847 - On the North Platte River, Nebraska:
It rained during the night and into the morning. The pioneer companies remained in their camps
while they waited for the Jedediah Grant hundred to catch up. The Indians again visited the camp in even larger numbers, including women and children. Trading took place for moccasins, buffalo robes, and other items. In the evening a feast and dance was held. The Indians would dance for the Saints, and then the Saints would return the compliment by playing violins, fifes, and drums. Cheers were heard throughout the camp. The pioneers fired two cannons, and soon all the Indians returned to their lodges.
Saturday, July 24, 1847 - On the North Platte River, Nebraska:
The second company of pioneers, unaware that their new home now had been found in Utah by Brigham Young’s company, left their camp at Cedar Bluffs and passed the Indian lodges which were on the other side of the river. Some of the men went over to their lodges and were kindly received and invited to dine, which they accepted. Their meal consisted of dried meal pounded. All the dishes which the Indians had were earth shells. Skins of beasts were used to carry water, corn, etc. This was a hunting party 200 or 300 strong, with a considerable number of horses for pack horses. Their tents or lodges were small and made of skins “gaily painted." Many of the Indians followed the companies as they traveled, still trying to make bargains with the pioneers.
Sunday, July 25, 1847 - On the North Platte River, Nebraska:
In the morning, the pioneers were excited about the arrival of Saints sent back by the first company. They held a meeting and read letters from Brigham Young and Willard Richards. Letters were then written to be taken to Winter Quarters. It was recommended that the companies start traveling in fifties. Some of the companies moved out in the evening.
Monday, July 26, 1847 - On the North Platte River, Nebraska:
With permission to travel in smaller groups of fifties, the companies were free to depart from
camp whenever they were ready. They ascended some sandy bluffs during the day, "the hardest sand hill we have found." Large numbers of Indians were seen traveling on the other side of the river. They had tents and baggage fastened to mules, horses, and on drays formed of tent poles drawn by horses, mules, and dogs. Covers for the baby Indians were made by fastening skins over bows which were fixed to the upper side of the drays.
Tuesday, July 27, 1847 - On the North Platte River, Nebraska:
The second company traveled about eighteen miles. Along the way they met another party of
Indians who were friendly to the pioneers. It commenced raining just as they stopped , leaving no time to cook supper. During the day, they traveled across from Ash Hollow which was still 650 miles from the Great Salt Lake Valley.
Wednesday, July 28, 1847 - On the North Platte River, Nebraska:
The pioneers reached Ancient Bluff Ruins, about 612 miles from the Great Salt Lake Valley. A violent thunder storm blew in. Sand came down from the hills covering the pioneers, animals, and wagons
with dust. At times, the wagon covers had to be held down to keep them from blowing off. On the other side of the river, the ground was all flooded.
Thursday, July 29, 1847 - On the North Platte River, Nebraska:
The first of the pioneer companies arrived across the river from Chimney Rock. They met a party of men on horseback returning from Oregon.
Friday, July 30, 1847 - On the North Platte River, Nebraska:
More of the companies passed by Chimney Rock. “The bluffs truly present views wildly magnificent.” The sun was scorching throughout the day, and the nights were cold. Some of the men climbed the heights and shot some mountain goats, an animal most had never seen before.
August 1-7, 1847 - Near Fort Laramie, Wyoming:
The company met General Kearny's detachment and had a happy reunion with the fourteen Mormon Battalion soldiers who were part of the detachment. They rested several days and repaired wagons. During the week, a mother of nine children died and was buried near the trail. "The body was wrap'd in a quilt & consign'd to its narrow home without a coffin. It truly seem'd a lonely grave."
August 8 - 14, 1847 - West of Fort Laramie, Wyoming:
The pioneers continued their journey through the Black Hills in Wyoming. "The country here is rugged enough -- diversified with scrubby pine, hemlock, cottonwood & very thinly scatter'd; with bluffs presenting the appearance of well fortified castles the inhabitant of which exclude themselves from our view, altho' 2 grizly bears have been seen.”
On Friday evening, young people met for a dance. However, some of the pioneers "intruded with much insolence" and had to be tried before a bishop's court on Saturday.
August 22-28, 1847 - Near Mormon Ferry and Independence Rock, Wyoming:
The "Big Company" of more than 1,500 pioneers continued their journey westward. They
traveled in groups of fifty families, spread over about fifty miles. The river was considerably shallower than when the first pioneer company ferried across. Some of the wagons had difficulty while crossing the river. As the pioneers moved away from the North Platte toward the Sweetwater, many of the oxen became sick from drinking alkaline water, causing some of them to die. Some of the pioneers reached Independence Rock where hundreds of names were painted or engraved.
September 5-11, 1847 - Near Big Sandy River, Wyoming:
Those traveling in the lead fifties continued their trek west. As they reached Hams Fork, many of the women gathered currants and bull berries. They crossed Green River, and by Saturday some of these pioneers reached Blacks Fork.
September 12-18, 1847 - Wyoming:
The company started their week's journey spread across a 115-mile stretch of the trail from the Continental Divide at Pacific Springs to Fort Bridger. "The ridges of mountains so distant that it seems like a prairie country. A few scattering trees to be seen." The next day: "The mountains very grand -- ridge rising after ridge in front of me -- the clouds sometimes obscuring the distant ridges." On Wednesday, the lead companies traveled through Echo Canyon. "It is very narrow, only room for the road on one side. The rocks several hundred feet high; in some places overhanging the road." By Saturday, the lead companies reached East Canyon, only four days away from the Great Salt Lake Valley.
September 19-25, 1847 - Utah and Wyoming:
The company started the week spread across an area from Green River in Wyoming, to East Canyon in Utah. On Wednesday, a dance was held at the home of a Frenchman near Fort Laramie. Many of the men and women of the pioneer company attended.
A number of the companies were being delayed because of lost cattle, broken wagons, and sickness. The companies were joyful when they met Joseph Young coming from the valley with teams to assist those in the rear.
Isaac C. Haight arrived at the fort in Great Salt Lake City on Wednesday. He wrote: "Our cattle worn out and all of us tired of traveling. The Fort contains 40 acres of land surrounded with houses made of sun-dried brick built after the Spanish fashion on three sides and with houses on the other. We went immediately to work to prepare to build us houses. The Fort, not being large enough to contain all the inhabitants, we had to enlarge it."
When companies entered the valley on Saturday, the men fired rifles and pistols in the air and shouted for joy.
[The George Corry, Jr. family is said to have arrived at the Great Salt Lake Valley on September 29, 1847. Unfortunately, there was no special note for that day.]
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Our Climie Ancestors (continued)
(Continuing portions of the letter from John Climie (February 1821), in Ontario, Canada, to his brother, Andrew, still in Scotland.)
"The families are left in a village, while the husbands are sent away to view their land, at a distance of 15 or 30 miles farther up the country. . . .
"Lying in a wigwam, and nothing but a blanket about you, and perhaps not a change of clothes for two or three weeks, and all this time absent from your wife and children, until our houses are up; and carrying provisions on your back for about three months; and, worst of all, separated from religious society. . . .
"I have got up my house, which is 16 feet by 20, and two stooped beds, of my own making, and a case for my library, and a shelf for the dishes. We hope you will bring a good supply of them with you, for they are a dear article here. . . .
". . . .will you still say, America is not for us? Surely not; and to tell you more. . . .we in this Concession have formed ourselves into a religious society, and two of our number are appointed to lead the worship; and we intend to meet in our several houses, till we get a house built for the purpose. . . .Books of a religious nature are of great value here, to a sober mind, for there are troubles here as well as at home."
"The families are left in a village, while the husbands are sent away to view their land, at a distance of 15 or 30 miles farther up the country. . . .
"Lying in a wigwam, and nothing but a blanket about you, and perhaps not a change of clothes for two or three weeks, and all this time absent from your wife and children, until our houses are up; and carrying provisions on your back for about three months; and, worst of all, separated from religious society. . . .
"I have got up my house, which is 16 feet by 20, and two stooped beds, of my own making, and a case for my library, and a shelf for the dishes. We hope you will bring a good supply of them with you, for they are a dear article here. . . .
". . . .will you still say, America is not for us? Surely not; and to tell you more. . . .we in this Concession have formed ourselves into a religious society, and two of our number are appointed to lead the worship; and we intend to meet in our several houses, till we get a house built for the purpose. . . .Books of a religious nature are of great value here, to a sober mind, for there are troubles here as well as at home."
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Our Climie Ancestors
As you know (see Corry Book) our ancestor, Andrew Climie, (my 3rd great grandfather), his wife, Janet Turnbull, and their children emigrated from Scotland to Canada in 1821. Their ninth child, Elizabeth, was born right after they landed in Quebec (literally--they arrived June 20, and she was born June 27, 1821).
Andrew's younger brother, John, and his family also emigrated the year earlier, 1820. John wrote back to his relatives in Scotland telling of their journey and adventures in the new country. Since his account is likely similar to the experiences of our Andrew (and also to our George and Margaret Corry and their children), I will share them here. (The Brother referred to below was likely Andrew since he and his family left Scotland May 11 and arrived June 20, 1820--three months after the date of the letter).
"From John Climie, to his Brother and Sister.--Dalhousie, Upper Canada, 8th February, 1821
"Although it is but about six months since we had the pleasure of seeing one another, and enjoying one another's conversation, spiritual and temporal, I trust to our mutual benefit, and although at the distance of about 5000 miles, we rejoice to know, that we can meet, day by day, at a throne of grace, and also in our night visions, and almost every day you form a part of our conversation.
"The vast vicissitudes that we have gone through since parting, we can hardly with pen and ink relate. All has been new, and all has been a wonder. . . .I do not know whether you are in the same mind as you were when we were together, or not, about this country; but I can safely say, that I have seen nothing contrary to what we anticipated, save that the winter is far milder than we imagined. All the Emigrants agree with us, that winter is pleasanter here than at home. . . .I can say that I bless the Lord that I have come here, and am obliged to those who were the means in his hand to the obtaining of it. May they find mercy of the Lord in that day.
". . . .it is very expensive coming from Quebec to this place [they landed in Quebec and then traveled to Lanark County, Ontario, and settled], and maintaining a family, until a crop is got off the land.
"Indeed, there are a good deal of hardships to overcome, before obtaining the prize; such as selling our articles for half-nothing--leaving our country and friends we held so dear--crossing the Atlantic--meeting with gales of wind--sometimes sea-sick--too much - choked up in our berths--sometimes loathing our food, though good and wholesome--wearying for a sight of land, but, with bad navigators and contrary winds, going faster back than forward--and, to crown all, associating with profane swearers and Sabbath-breakers--then landing in a strange country; and if you are not on your guard, you will be taken in, in making merchandise--
". . . .jogging in wagons--going up the river in small boats--landing at night at the side of a wood--kindling a fire--cooking our victuals--making our beds--every one running faster than another, to find the lownmost spot--then hurried up by the break of day, by the conductor crying, 'get into the boats,' scarcely giving us as much time as to collect our children and bed-clothes (for there is no casting off body-clothes on these occasions) together, till the boats are off--
". . . .then plying and rowing with oars, till coming to the strict running of the rivers, which they call rapids, on which poles and oars have no effect--then the male passengers, with all the sailors but one who is left to guide the boat through, whilst we are pulling with ropes, till we get it through the stream, which is sore work; indeed, you must understand, that the boats sail by the sides of the river, so as that we are on land, while pulling the same.
"Then, after water-passage, the land-carriage, which is about 60 miles, which they accomplish in about two days, with four-wheeled carriages with two horses. . . .The road is very rough, and they go with such fury, that sometimes, going down a hill, all is upset. . . .The families are left in a village, while the husbands are sent away to view their land, at a distance of 15 or 30 miles farther up the country. . . ."
(To Be Continued tomorrow, I hope---------Sue Anne)
Andrew's younger brother, John, and his family also emigrated the year earlier, 1820. John wrote back to his relatives in Scotland telling of their journey and adventures in the new country. Since his account is likely similar to the experiences of our Andrew (and also to our George and Margaret Corry and their children), I will share them here. (The Brother referred to below was likely Andrew since he and his family left Scotland May 11 and arrived June 20, 1820--three months after the date of the letter).
"From John Climie, to his Brother and Sister.--Dalhousie, Upper Canada, 8th February, 1821
"Although it is but about six months since we had the pleasure of seeing one another, and enjoying one another's conversation, spiritual and temporal, I trust to our mutual benefit, and although at the distance of about 5000 miles, we rejoice to know, that we can meet, day by day, at a throne of grace, and also in our night visions, and almost every day you form a part of our conversation.
"The vast vicissitudes that we have gone through since parting, we can hardly with pen and ink relate. All has been new, and all has been a wonder. . . .I do not know whether you are in the same mind as you were when we were together, or not, about this country; but I can safely say, that I have seen nothing contrary to what we anticipated, save that the winter is far milder than we imagined. All the Emigrants agree with us, that winter is pleasanter here than at home. . . .I can say that I bless the Lord that I have come here, and am obliged to those who were the means in his hand to the obtaining of it. May they find mercy of the Lord in that day.
". . . .it is very expensive coming from Quebec to this place [they landed in Quebec and then traveled to Lanark County, Ontario, and settled], and maintaining a family, until a crop is got off the land.
"Indeed, there are a good deal of hardships to overcome, before obtaining the prize; such as selling our articles for half-nothing--leaving our country and friends we held so dear--crossing the Atlantic--meeting with gales of wind--sometimes sea-sick--too much - choked up in our berths--sometimes loathing our food, though good and wholesome--wearying for a sight of land, but, with bad navigators and contrary winds, going faster back than forward--and, to crown all, associating with profane swearers and Sabbath-breakers--then landing in a strange country; and if you are not on your guard, you will be taken in, in making merchandise--
". . . .jogging in wagons--going up the river in small boats--landing at night at the side of a wood--kindling a fire--cooking our victuals--making our beds--every one running faster than another, to find the lownmost spot--then hurried up by the break of day, by the conductor crying, 'get into the boats,' scarcely giving us as much time as to collect our children and bed-clothes (for there is no casting off body-clothes on these occasions) together, till the boats are off--
". . . .then plying and rowing with oars, till coming to the strict running of the rivers, which they call rapids, on which poles and oars have no effect--then the male passengers, with all the sailors but one who is left to guide the boat through, whilst we are pulling with ropes, till we get it through the stream, which is sore work; indeed, you must understand, that the boats sail by the sides of the river, so as that we are on land, while pulling the same.
"Then, after water-passage, the land-carriage, which is about 60 miles, which they accomplish in about two days, with four-wheeled carriages with two horses. . . .The road is very rough, and they go with such fury, that sometimes, going down a hill, all is upset. . . .The families are left in a village, while the husbands are sent away to view their land, at a distance of 15 or 30 miles farther up the country. . . ."
(To Be Continued tomorrow, I hope---------Sue Anne)
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