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.]