Iowa to Kansas, 1879

Nellie Carpenter & Ada Colvin

INTRODUCTION

In southern Nebraska, near the eastern edge of Lincoln County south of the Platte River, is the Peckham Precinct, settled by members of an 1879 wagon train from Wisconsin. Led by Joshua Peckham, this band of fourteen was seeking land under the Homestead Act of 1862, by which every man or woman of age who established a household on the land and proved up a claim could acquire the rights to 160 acres.

The party was composed of Joshua Peckham and his wife Ann Atkinson with four sons; Joshua’s brother Halsey and wife Paulina, with their two sons Fred and Charley and Paulina’s two daughters, Emma and Nellie Carpenter; Ada Colvin and Tom Northey. Our two diarists, Nellie Carpenter and Ada Colvin, were both young women and good friends. We do not know their exact ages, but they were both at least twenty-one years old when they reached Nebraska, as they were able to place land claims for a section each.

Not for the first time in this series we are presenting two diaries in parallel form. The value of a stereoscopic view of the same journey is obvious, and in this instance the difference in personality makes the comparison even more vivid. Nellie Carpenter is enthusiastic and excited about the move with her family. She is young and in love—she will marry Tom Northey on September 16, 1879, shortly after their arrival in Nebraska. Their son Clyde was the first child born in the Peckham Precinct. Ada Colvin, on the other hand, is often depressed, sometimes to the point of wishing her own death.

A clue to this depression is found in her first entry when she refers to the death of “Arthur.” We were puzzled regarding who this individual might have been—a friend or beaux? Her first words in the entry of July 27 were “Arthur’s birthday.” Finally, on August 15 we find a possible clue to his identity. In her frustration and sadness at not finding housing for the winter and the lack of work, she exclaims, “Why couldn’t I have been on the hill instead of brother?”

The Peckham party traveled with six wagons, four teams and two yoke of oxen, and more than a hundred head of cattle. They left Whitewater, Wisconsin, on May 12. Both men and women drove the teams. The cattle had to be driven on foot, as all the horses had to be teamed with the wagons. The cattle were left in Carroll, Iowa, while the party continued their search for good land.

The families settled the precinct which now bears their name, and many of their homes and homesteads are still held by descendants. Nellie Carpenter died a few years after her arrival. Her husband, Tom Northey, then married Lillian Atkinson, one of Ann Peckham’s nieces. They moved to Colorado in 1915, and later to Mariposa, California. Ada Colvin eventually settled in the Peckham Precinct and lived there until her death in 1906.

Nellie Carpenter’s diary ends abruptly on July 17 as the party searches for potential land claims. We have included Ada Colvin’s diary through September 19, when she happily returns to her home in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Her comments on the difficulties and uncertainties faced upon arrival in Nebraska are revealing.

We are most grateful to Mrs. Bess Balfour of Hubbard, Oregon, for providing the editor with a typescript of the original diary and allowing us to include it in this series. Much of the information in this introduction is drawn from an undated and unreferenced newspaper article by Mary Lou Peckham which was presumably published in one of the Lincoln County, Nebraska, newspapers in or around 1979.

THE DIARIES OF NELLIE CARPENTER AND ADA COLVIN

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10,1879

[Colvin] Arthur [brother to Ada Colvin] died at five this morning, very easy. Why is it if I care for anything or anybody it is either taken from me or leaves me.

MONDAY, JANUARY 13

[Colvin] Buried today at ten o’clock. He is out of this world of sin and misery. God knows I wish I laid beside free from all trouble and sorrow.

SUNDAY, APRIL 20

[Colvin] Went to Arthur’s grave and spent the evening and took supper at Dr. Andersons, had fortune told and a gay one it was too.

FRIDAY, APRIL 25

[Colvin] Was at Mrs. Rounds this evening. Had a splendid time long to be remembered.

SUNDAY, APRIL 27

[Colvin] My last day at home for a good while. Wonder if I will ever be there again and also if I shall ever see the same friends again that I have seen here today or if I shall ever think the same as now. Time will tell what is in the future.

MONDAY, APRIL 28

[Colvin] Started from Whitewater [Wisconsin,] 2 o’clock this morning for Muscoda arrived at quarter to one. Took dinner at Mr. Smalley, half past three went to old Muscoda and stayed all night at Mr. McIntyres, am very tired.

TUESDAY, APRIL 29

[Colvin] Left Mr. McIntyres at half past five tonight. Went seven miles to a Mr. Townsend got there at seven o’clock had supper, going to stay all night. Feel better but have a pain in my right lung and under my sholder blade.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30

[Colvin] Left Mr. Townsends half past six this morning got to Burt Walls eleven stayed to dinner and to Jim Browns to supper, have run the streets ever since I got here. Are going to stay at Jims all night. It is very pleasant weather, am feeling pretty well, ate everything before me.

THURSDAY, MAY 1

[Colvin] Come to Burts this morning went a fishing this afternoon. Am going to stay at Burts tonight. Had a card from home, makes me feel pretty blue and homesick. Would like to run in and see how they all are.

FRIDAY, MAY 2

[Colvin] Staid to Burts until after supper then went to Jims to stay all night. We all tried to see which could do the most sleeping through the day. Hard telling which came out best.

SATURDAY, MAY 3

[Colvin] Come to Burts just before seven. Got ready to go to Port Andrew this afternoon but rained so we couldn’t and was also disappointed in not hearing from home. Tom Northey came up to see Nellie. Have gained five pounds since I came. Staid at Burts all night.

SUNDAY, MAY 4

[Colvin] Went to Port Andrew with Clarence Brown, got left in the streets, had to walk a mile to find a place to stay while he went to Muscoda to get Tommy Northey’s trunk and then didn’t get it. Stay to Burts tonight. Nellie is sick.

MONDAY, MAY 5

[Colvin] At Burts this forenoon to Merrits this afternoon to Jims to supper. Going to stay at Jims all night. Oh dear, visiting is a nuisance. Wonder when we shall get started for Kansas, dreadful cold weather.

TUESDAY, MAY 6

[Colvin] No letters from home yet, guess they are all glad to get rid of me or they would write. On the streets most of the time, first to Burts then to Jims then Merrits then over again, stay all night where night overtakes me. To Burts tonight.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 7

[Colvin] To Burts in bed most of the time. Shall be sick in bed or go crazy if I stay much longer. Nasty little hole, everybody sick with the ague. Paulina tried to get Emma and I sewing, found out she couldn’t work and fell out.

THURSDAY, MAY 8

[Colvin] Went to Joshua Peckhams got there two o-clock feel some better as I have got some of the dirt off and clean clothes once more. We eat on tin plates drink out of tin cups set on camp chairs and sleep tonight for the first time in the wagon. Mr. Richardson thirty today.

FRIDAY, MAY 9

[Colvin] Come to Uncle Harrys this morning. He’s pretty well, she can’t walk a step. Alberts folks live there. Oh dear I have such a cold in head I can hardly breathe and I ache dreadfully. Guess it had a bad effect getting off so much dirt at one time. Stay Uncle Harrys tonight.

SATURDAY, MAY 10

[Colvin] Went to Jason Baileys this forenoon, staid to dinner. Didn’t let up any while there. What is the use of groaning and grumbling all the time. They have eight children and the oldest only ten years old. How is that for High. Come to Henry Baileys this afternoon going to stay all night. One of their horses died tonight.

SUNDAY, MAY 11

[Colvin] Went to Josh Peckhams this morning. Everybody and their relation been nice. Doesn’t seem like Sunday at all. Have spent it being in the wagon and writing home. Had a letter from Ma. Am better than yesterday but not very smart.

MONDAY, MAY 12

[Colvin] On the move at seven o’clock. 142 herd of cattle, 8 horses, 2 hogs, 14 persons, 6 wagons. Lots of men went a piece to help start the cattle, 1 1/2 hour to go up the first hill a few rods from Josh house. Went fifteen miles over the worst roads, we finally made up hill and down sand banks, stones, stumps, roots and everything.

[Carpenter] Tonight we seek our first camping ground. Started for Kansas, for sure! Left Uncle Joshe’s this morning, and had to double teams going up the long hill. We have a pleasant camping ground; situated in a Valley, beside a small stream. Passed over a fearful rough road; came into Camp tired, and hungry.

TUESDAY, MAY 13

[Colvin] Stopped just east of Batavia [Wisconsin]. Been through Mt. Sterling, took refreshments at Seneca, some improvement on the roads from yesterday good deal up hill but smooth roads. From little log huts we saw good framed building. Could see into Iowa and Minnesota some the way. Am very tired.

[Carpenter] Got an early start this morning. Passed through Mt. Sterling 10 o’clock in the morning. Found the roads a great deal smoother than what we passed over yesterday. Stopped and partook of such refreshments as was nessessary to sustain a hearty crew, in the village green at Seneca. Started on our road again at about 2 o’clock. Found the road somewhat on the bias in some places, but smoother in comparison to some we were obliged to ride over yesterday. Drove into camp about 5 o’clock, in quite a pretty place and the ground was not turned up edgewise.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14

[Colvin] A. nasty wet driverless cold day. The boys went back with two teams and Halsey on with two teams and then come back after the other two wagons. E and I staid and come with the two last wagons. Are about eight miles from P du Chein. Pretty good roads, quite nice country and good farm houses. Come through Batavia.

[Carpenter] Today finds us trying to enjoy life in spite of a cold disagreable rain. Passed through Eastman about 8 o’clock and 30, if I am any judge of time. Left Emma, and Ada, and Chuck, and two wagons in last nights camp, and went about 6 miles, and Pa went back after them. Stopped at an Irishmans: received a hearty welcome in true Irish style. Have had splendid roads today; but horror, such weather! One day it is almost unbearably warm; and the next, it is just as cold, as it was warm the day before. Though I think it jolly fun going west. But as the saying is “They laugh best, who laugh last.” Perhaps I shall not like it so well before I get to my journeys end. But the cook has announced supper and I can’t write another minute. Later. Supper over, and the dishes washed; and I feel somewhat better.

CAMP LIFE [FROM CARPENTER DIARY]

We haul up stakes and leave the camp, whether the weather before be foul, or fair, and over rough roads we jog along, and noon overtakes us, we never know where.

Then all to the provision box will fly, The great, the small, the weak, the strong; and each partake of a bountiful share, but time is precious, and we tarry not long.

We tarry not long, even to eat. We are bound for the West, that glorious land. But oh dear me! How can I write when my eyes are just chuck full of sand?

“But sick is life.” That’s what they say. And away we go, up hill, and down. First, we are out in the country fair, and, the next we know, we are right in town. Then by and by, we camp for the night. And out comes the stove and frying pan. And we set our little camp table, just where ever we can.

Then there is supper to get, and to eat; By the way, we like the latter best. Then into the white covered wagons we pile, and each one seeks his own little nest.

To describe camp life in rhyme, I have tried my very best, and kind friends, If you like my rhyme and me, just pack up your things, and come west.

THURSDAY, MAY 15

[Colvin] Last night in a farmers dooryard. Very clever people named Hughes and Burchal. N and I staid, we come at 1 1/2 o’clock. Are camped in sight of P du Chien. Pleasant day, country about as yesterday. Roads dry and dusty. Emma dreadful sick had to have the doctor. Seen lots of emigrants bound for the west. Good many try to discourage us. Letters from home from Ma and Mrs. R.

[Carpenter] Left our new friends amid many kind wishes for our welfare. Found the roads smoothe, but a great deal up hill and down. Arrived at our camping ground, late in the afternoon, about 7 mile east of Prairie du Chien, which I think is a very pretty place. Such grand bold scenery on the east, and the father of waters on the west. I climed a bluff that towered above our camping ground: and it was the steepest I ever saw or tried to climb; but when I reached the top I was amply rewarded for my labor by a view of the town and its surroundings, which were simply magnificent; it was perfectly splendid. I took a walk down town in the evening. Beautiful trees on either side of the street. Some very nice buildings, and taken all together I like it first rate. I saw the land of another state today for the first time in my life.

FRIDAY, MAY 16

[Colvin] Moved our camp right into town. Josh come quite early this forenoon. Good to be together again. Saw the artisian well, a stream seven inches, tastes like salsatus water, looks like iron rust, smells of sulphur. We washed our clothes at the Davenports. Emma no better. N and I went to see the sights walked farther than for months.

[Carpenter] Moved into town today, and camped near Mr. George Davenports. I visited the artesian well twice today, and drank of its healthgiving water. Took a walk down town to the depot and went to look at the steamer, and saw the largest turtle I ever remember of seeing. Saw a train going up street, loaded with pleating and ruffling; and an other loaded with slashes and so on, quite an interesting sight. And I saw a dog carved out of streaked stone, I thought it real nice.

SATURDAY, MAY 17

[Colvin] Got up at four o’clock, walked over a mile and back before breakfast. Must be getting smarter but didn’t do much the rest of the day to pay for it. Are here in P du Chien yet have washed our clothes dreadful hot and dusty. Got four letters from home and two papers. Seems so good to know that they think of us at home.

[Carpenter] Ada and I took a walk down to the depot this morning before breakfast. We were looking for one of Ada’s friends but was disappointed, he came not. But we had a good appetite for breakfast when we got back to camp. We saw a sight worth mentioning. It was a girl riding a horse to water; and she was bear foot, and had on a short dress, and worst of all, she rode clothes pin fashion. I busied myself this afternoon by writing a letter, the first one that I have written since we started on our journey. We are still camped in town; but I hope we will soon moove on soon. A gentleman took me to hear the brass band play, and I enjoyed it very much.

SUNDAY, MAY 18

[Colvin] Have spent the day in the wagon reading the Register and writing home and sleeping. Don’t seem like Sunday for all are busy the most of the time. The band played last night at the A Well. I went to bed instead of going to hear them. They play tonight at the Winter Garden and have a dance. Think I will go to bed and not attend.

[Carpenter] Today is Sunday, and we are still in Prairie du Chien. I have been in camp all day, and it is very tiresome. I havent done anything but write one letter. There is a German dance in town to night. There is not much of interest to write, or at least not that I know of, for camp has been very quiet, and I have not been out sightseeing. Therefore locals are scarce.

MONDAY, MAY 19

[Colvin] We crossed the Mississippi River today at 4 o’clock. Wonder when I will see Wisconsin and friends again and if ever, it seemed more like home as long as we stayed in the state. Twenty-seven emigrant wagons crossed today and all with the western fever. We camped a mile and half from McGregor. Got the neuralgia in my head.

[Carpenter] Went down to the ferry about 12 o’clock and crossed the Mississippi river over to McGregor on the steamer, it was just splendid! and I wished it was a great deal farther. I to day can say that I have trodden the soil of two states of our blessed union.

TUESDAY, MAY 20

[Colvin] Through Girard [Iowa], Oh dear, when I go a camping again I won’t have any oxen or cattle along. Come through quite fine country, some bluffs and some very handsome prairie, nice farmhouses mostly red brick so far and around McGregor and P du Chien. Dust thick enough for the men to strangle so was the fog. Am so very tired and sore and my fill of dirt.

[Carpenter] I have drove a team all day today, and am so tired that I don’t know what did happen or where we did go, onely I know we are camped close to the narrow guage R.R., the first one I ever saw close to Pony Creek.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 21

[Colvin] Camped last night on Pony Valley Creek. Today crossed Turkey river at Elkader [Iowa], ate dinner side the Volga and crossed it at Osborne. One of the cows gave out and we sold it there. The country hilly and stony, the dust grows thicker and thicker, it is dreadful. The boys are getting about tuckered already driving cattle. I have walked some. Everybody wants to know if we are Oregon hunters.

[Carpenter] I was obliged to drive the team today. Saw a house in Elkader, a small town we came through; that was lathed and plastered on the out side. Stopped for dinner on the bank of the Volga river. I drove cattle this after noon. Sold one cow that got so lame that she could not go. Sold her for $12 dollars. Passed through the village of Osburn. I don’t much like our camping ground as it is too close to the road. Weave passed over some very rough country. The roads have been the most dusty that they have any day since we started.

THURSDAY, MAY 22

[Colvin] Come fourteen miles through Strawberry Point [Iowa], and crossed the Magnoketa river this forenoon. Uphill and down this afternoon, sandy. Then we come to good prairie and no wood only what has been set out mostly soft maple and willow. Don’t believe there is so much dust in the other part of the world. Getting as black as a negro.

[Carpenter] It is rainy this morning. Left camp early, and droven over some very rough roads. Passed through Strawberry Point 11 o’clock and 30 minutes. I have drove the team to day, have had some very sandy roads. Drove into camp in a pleasant lane, near a farm house. The lady of the house came out to make us a call. She seems to be a very nice lady. There has been quite a strong wind all day, But I am tired, and will close.

FRIDAY, MAY 23

[Colvin] Through Wards corners and Buffalo Grove and crossed Buffalo Grove Creek. This is where the wind blows the hair off of a dog but the dust is so thick it could cover him over so it wouldn’t be missed. Over prairie after prairie, are camped nine miles from Independence [Iowa], on Pine Creek. Don’t know why it is called that for there aren’t any pines not even any trees.

[Carpenter] I have been most sick with a bad cold; have been a bed most all day so have not seen much of the country. We crossed a small creek this morning but I did not learn the name of it. Passed Buffalo Grove, and crossed Buffalo Grove creek, and then camped for dinner. The road has been across prairie to day. We are camped close to Pine creek in quite a pretty place, but the wind blows awful.

SATURDAY, MAY 24

[Colvin] Still at Pine Creek, good feed for the cattle. The women wash our clothes, Emma and I made Tommie a shirt, Paulina made him a pair of overhauls. It rained this morning the wind blows dreadful. If this is going to Kansas for everyone headed there I am afraid it would be like the man’s cow. Just as she got used to living without eating she up and died.

[Carpenter] We are still camped on Pine creek. Ma washed to day. I have been a bed most of the time, have felt myserable. Had 4 callers, all men, and not a good looking one among them. I haven’t seen a real pretty lady since we came into Iowa, or a man either for that matter, and onely one that I thought was even good looking.

SUNDAY, MAY 25

[Colvin] Just as we get used to camp life we will up and die. Rained all night dreadful, thundered, lightened and the wind almost blew us away. We are wet and sassy and nasty. We are still at Pine Creek. Don’t know but we shall mire and have to stay. Have been in the wagon all day and it rains yet.

[Carpenter] The storm clouds gathered in their mighty force and poured the viles of their wrath down upon us poor defenceless creatures during the night, and I have heard more than one complain of lying in pools of water, although I did not share their fate. The wind has blown hard all day, and I am getting tired of staying here. I hope we will go on soon. I seems to me I never saw so short a Sunday in my life. It is miserable cold this evening, and I guess I wont write any more.

MONDAY, MAY 26

[Colvin] We crossed Pine Creek and also the Wapsipinicon and come through Independence and are three miles west of there tonight. I has rained and been dark and gloomy all day. Paulina sick and the rest grunting my head ackes and I am cold and damp. I saw Seth Redmond at Independence.

[Carpenter] At last, we have left Pine creek, and I am glad of it. We have passed over some very pretty country to day. It was very cold this morning, but it is somewhat warmer now. Passed through Independence at 12 o’clock. I think it is a very pretty place. I saw the cutest little Negro boy in town, that I ever saw. We stopped a short distance west of town and ate our dinner. At last we are camped in a very pretty place on the prairie.

TUESDAY, MAY 27

[Colvin] Saw the Insane Asylum just west of Independence, Large building can be seen for miles. Saw the town of Jessup at our right hand, didn’t go through there. Come through Raymond crossed Elk Run are camped on Red Cedar River just a few miles east of Waterloo [Iowa]. Just nothing but prairie, have found out what Iowa is. Paulina is worse and the doctor took her to a farm house of a Mr. Owen.

[Carpenter] Left camp this morning feeling rather dejected. Ma had a chill, and when she is sick it makes us all feel blue. We passed through the village of Raymond to day. Camped about 1 1/2 miles east of Watterloo on the bank of the Red Cedar river, and close to the residence of Mr. Owen and family, who seem to be very nice people. They took Ma in the house as it rained very hard. Pa went to Waterloo after a Dr. I like Iowa very well if it wasn’t so very muddy when it is wet, and so awful awful dusty when it is dry. But in all the fine places we have passed, I haven’t seen a place that I thought I should like to live, and make my home.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 28

[Colvin] Have to stay today as she is no better. Josh has gone along with his family and the cattle. Took Halsey and Tommy with them. I went to Waterloo with Mr. Owen, got letter. Think Ma might have written to me too. Went to see Jane Seeburne, like her quite well. Waterloo is nice place six thousand inhabitants.

[Carpenter] We are still camped on Cedar river. Ma is still sick but some better. I got two letters from Wisconsin, and it seemed awful good to get a letter from the old place. Uncle Josh, Aunt Ann, Fremont, Herman, Elmer, Lessie, Tomie and Chuck, have gone on goodness onely knows where to get feed for the cattle, and we expect to follow when Ma’s health will permit. Pa and Fred have gone to Waterloo. Ada sits here as demure as you please and one might think she was taking her ease, If it wasn’t for a horrid frown on her brow. O! It’s vanished now.

THURSDAY, MAY 29

[Colvin] Still at Red Cedar River. The wind blows almost a hurricane, don’t know but it will quit before morning. Paulina not much better. I baked cake and biscuits for supper. Oh what a wonder I am tired of washing. Think we will be a year at this rate going to Kansas. Another wagon camped here. Rains.

[Carpenter] We are still camped on Cedar river. Ma is some better though confined to the bed yet. It rained some this afternoon but it cleared off again, But now the wind is blowing a regular Jimmy Kane and threatens a torent of rain. I hope whoever reads this will excuse me, for I haven’t the least idea of making a rhyme. But it is getting dark and I will close.

FRIDAY, MAY 30

[Colvin] Come twenty three miles west of Waterloo. Came through Waterloo, crossed the Red Cedar River, come through Hudson [Iowa]. Haven’t caught up with Josh folks yet they are seven miles ahead. Now rains again for a change. Don’t like Iowa at all. Saw Mr. Bennett from Johnstown this A.M. Glad to see anybody that ever saw Whitewater. Missed my letters as they had been sent to Colo.

[Carpenter] We have at last started again. Ma is somebetter. It has been very warm to day; but we have come a long ways, I don’t know how far. Passed through Hudson this after noon, and such a place as it is! There is one dwelling house and a grocers store, and rather a sad looking store it was. We are camped close to a farm house. It is raining. We have not caught the rest of the company yet.

SATURDAY, MAY 31

[Colvin] Only went seventeen miles today, caught up with Joshs folks after fifteen miles. Concluded to stay there the rest of the day as it rains and Paulina is worse. All as cross as sore head dogs. Haven’t very pleasant times. If I can stand all this soaking can stand almost anything. Wish I was at home with my folks.

[Carpenter] Cold and rainy. Caught the rest of the company; found them camped on Wolf creek. Stayed here all day; it is a horrid place, and there is nothing to write about it.

SUNDAY, JUNE 1

[Colvin] Have traveled today for the first Sunday. It is dreadful cold so the men have overcoats on. It is very dismal and pretty cloudy in camp. Makes it worse. We crossed Wolf Creek. It has been very muddy. The country as usual. Paulina no better. Wonder what the end will be.

[Carpenter] It is cold and damp, and we concluded to go on, so we pulled up stakes and lit out. It is the first Sunday we have traveled. Ma is feeling some better, but is tired. We are camped in a lane, and that is all I know about it. We had some callers, four young men, and two ladies. I wrote a letter to a friend in Wisconsin.

MONDAY, JUNE 2

[Colvin] Am sure lame and tired, come through Liscomb, crossed Iowa River, come through Bangor and crossed Honey Creek. Are camped just in the edge of Story County. Some woods today and some prairie and lots of mud, been quite pleasant and some warmer. Paulina better. I have a cold. Have seen lots of Osage orange hedges. Had some radishes to eat tasted good. Don’t have much of chance to get them. Come through Berry.

[Carpenter] I made the second mess of biscuit this morning that I have made since we started. We have found some very rough roads today and lots of nasty mud. Camped on the prairie in a very pretty place. Ma is still improving. I drove the team most all day, and am tired and not feeling well in the bargain. The other girls are to bed and I guess I will go. We passed through Liscomb and Bangor and Berry. Crossed the Iowa river, and a number of other small streams that I did not learn the names of.

TUESDAY, JUNE 3

[Colvin] Come over prairie green and fair but oh how deceitful, a muddy quicksand bottom. No fences and hardly anybody. A very pleasant day have gathered a few strawberries. Paulina some better but I feel worse, guess I have walked too far. We are camped about two miles northeast of Colo [Iowa].

[Carpenter] Came over some very rough roads, and some very muddy ones. I have drove the team all day and am very tired. Camped about 3 miles north of Colo. Pa and Uncle Josh have gone to Colo to see their uncle, a Mr. Brown. We forded one small creek I did not learn the name of. Ma is some better. We had a caller, but he did not stay long. He was a little wrathy because the cattle got on his oat field. For some reason or other I feel unutterably lonely tonight, and therefore I don’t feel in much of a writing mood.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4

[Colvin] Come through Colo. Halsey and Josh went to see their uncle. Their Aunt and three cousins come to camp to see us. They are very pleasant. The country about the same as for two weeks. We crossed Indian Creek and come through Nevada [Iowa], quite a pretty little place. Pauline better. I’m not any better. Got eight letters from W and two Registers, wish I was home.

[Carpenter] Got up, and Oh dear, how I hated to! and got breakfast, and started. Got to Colo about 9 o’clock and stopped in the edge of town, and the ladies of the Brown family made us a call. There was four of them. Nice ladies to all appearances. Passed through Nevada, and well, a man passed us on the road and such a man! He was riding a mule that had had its tail sheared. It has been very warm to day. Our road has led us west, a great deal of the time this after noon, and the sun pored its scorching rays down upon me untill I began to feel as if my head was made of a wilted cuecumber, and my eyes of half peeled onions. We are camped about four and one half miles west of Nevada. Ma is feeling better and is out tearing around. I wrote a postal. We are going to have a mush for supper and I am glad of it. We had company after supper, and Tomie got me some strawburies, and they were just splendid.

THURSDAY JUNE 5

[Colvin] Crossed Squaw Creek, come through Ames [Iowa]. Saw the agriculture college at Ames. Crossed the Skunk River and come through the edge of Ontario. I don’t feel so well. Paulina better so she is out around. Nellie not very well. It has been hot, dry and dusty. Come through more timber than some days. Are camped seven miles east of Boone, the ground covered with snakes but I had good luck not to see them.

[Carpenter] Passed through the village of Ames and saw the agriculture college; it is a splendid nice building. Passed the village of Ontario. I have been sick today, and have not seen much of the country therefore have not got much to write. We had hosts of company after supper. Had some music. Uncle Josh played on the accordian, and the rest of us sang.

FRIDAY, JUNE 6

[Colvin] Picked a mess of gooseberries. Come through Boone and Boonesbora and Shepherdtown, the country hilly and woods. Come to a little miner’s town, had some soft coal mines. The one I went to was a hundred feet deep, twelve men at work through the summer in the winter over a hundred. Mines in the surrounding country larger and a good deal deeper employ more men. Are camped on the banks of the Des Moines River.

[Carpenter] Came over some very rough roads, up hill, and down. Came past the coal mine a short distance from the Des Moines river. Camped on the bank of the river, and Emma and I went to look for shells along the shore, found ever so many, real pretty ones. We went back to camp and found Ada picking over gooseburies; and I sat down beside her, and made myself useful. I wont say as well as ornimental! for I do love originality. Had company, the miners wives, and one miner, and one ferry man. Passed the village of Boon, and Boons Borro, and Shepherds town. Crossed a small creek, I did not learn the name of.

SATURDAY JUNE 7

[Colvin] Crossed the Des Moines River on a cable ferry, the cattle swam across. The country for two or three miles on both sides of river hilly and covered with timber mostly butternut, black walnut and bass wood, lots of wild gooseberries and black raspberries. In the afternoon we left the wood, come to prairie.

[Carpenter] Emma and I went gooseburrying this morning. Crossed the Des Moines river on the ferry boat. The cattle forded it. Had some very rough roads for about two miles after we crossed the river, and then came out on some prairie. Camped on the prairie close to Bever creek in quite a pretty place. I had to drive the team and am tired. Had some company as is usual.

SUNDAY JUNE 8

[Colvin]To night we are camped on Beaver Creek, the handsomest country that we have seen on a rise of ground sloping to Beaver Creek, can see nine miles. It has been very pleasant until four o’clock when it clouded up and has rained and it rains now and the sun shines, has been a rainbow. The wind didn’t blow as hard as I expected being up so high. Have been writing all day. Tommie and Emma and Fremont been to church.

[Carpenter] We are still camped on Bever creek. I have written some, and have taken a short walk. It rained today, and I have been in camp most all of the time, so I don’t know much to write.

MONDAY, JUNE 9

[Colvin] It rained through the night and sprinkled when we started this morning but cleared up and was uncomfortably hot this afternoon. We come through Grand Junction and a grand place it was too. It stunk so of hog manure we had to hold our noses, nasty hot hole it was. We are camped three miles west of there on Butterick Creek.

[Carpenter] We traveled again today. Passed through the village of Grand Junction, and a nastier, dirtier little town I never saw. I has been very warm today. I have not been feeling well, and have not drove the team onely a little while this morning. Camped on the bank of Buttricks creek, and the first thing that I did was to pull off my shoes and stockings and go waiding. Next I went strawburrying, got a few. After supper I went fishing, caught 7, and now the mosquitoes are trying to eat me up alive.

TUESDAY, JUNE 10

[Colvin] Crossed Butterick Creek, Harding Creek and come through Jefferson [Iowa], and took lunch on Coon River, then crossed it, woods along the river the rest prairie. Don’t see what there is to hinder people from knowing something for there is school house every little ways. We camped in sight of Scranton, terrible hot weather.

[Carpenter] Crossed Harding creek, and came through New Jefferson, and then crossed the Coon river. I drove part of the time and then went to bed. Have passed over some very rough roads, and fineally camped on the prairie in a horrid place. The boys killed a snake in camp. Oh dear!! I am tired.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11

[Colvin] Have come through Scranton and through some of the prettiest prairie around and within one mile west of Scranton could see Glidden nine miles off. Didn’t go through Glidden, one half mile from there and come to Mr. Ed Atkinsons six miles southwest of Glidden. Shall Stay several days and rest and wash our clothes. Got letters from home.

[Carpenter] O horror of all horrors!!! It has been hot almost beyond description. Came through Scranton and crossed Willow creek. Came in sight of Glidden. The carravan came to a stand still and Pa, Ma and Tomie went to Glidden to get Tomies trunk.. Crossed the North Coon river, and camped at last in Mr. Ed Atkinson’s yard. I had to drive the team most all day, and am tired.

THURSDAY, JUNE 12

[Colvin] Are at Mr. Atkinsons. It has been a nasty rainy day so we could not wash. Have set in the wagon all day, crocheted and written letters. Think if I went to see my relation I would go in the house and stay, but then I might not if I wasn’t asked but is this a queer way of receiving company.

[Carpenter] It has rained all day to day, and we are still camped at Ed Atkinsons. Pa, and Tomie, and Ted, and Uncle Josh went to Carrol City [Iowa]. I wrote a letter. It has been a horrid nasty day, and there is nothing to write.

FRIDAY, JUNE 13

[Colvin] Rained all night so we didn’t have breakfast until nine o’clock, and have washed the rest of the day until six o’clock. They condecended to say we could come in the house and get our breakfast as the floor was dirty, as much as to say we couldn’t if it wasn’t. What a good thing it is to be among friends.

[Carpenter] Still camped at Ed Atkinsons. It rained hard this morning. Washed a big washing. Tomie helped to wash all the colored ones, did it splendid too. I don’t like to stay here and I hope we will soon moove on.

SATURDAY JUNE 14

[Colvin] It rained all night so we were soaked again. Have been quite pleasant today. We ironed and Halsey, Tommie, Nellie and I went to Glidden. Got a letter from Ma and two Registers. I guess my book will be just as I told pa that all I would have to write would be, it rained, we washed, it was dusty, it was cold and it is just miserable. What are we here for. Nothing as I see it.

[Carpenter] Pa, Tomie, Ada and I went to Glidden to day. Saw lots of folks, but none that had very much style, or that was very pretty either. I did not see all of the town, but what I did see of it, I did not like. I wrote a postal.

SUNDAY JUNE 15

[Colvin] Have set in the wagon all day and wrote. It has rained all night and been cloudy all day, in camp as well as the weather. Mr. Atkinsons folks have had company, Mrs. Atkinson’s two sisters, one Mrs. Stott and the other Miss Griffin of Albany Green Co. Wis. Met her at Miss Pettijohn’s three years ago. She remembered it.

[Carpenter] Sunday still finds us at E.A’s but if the company have any mercy on me they will not stay here another day. Never since I started have I so longed for the associates of earlier day. Ah! how vividly did the old home come before my minds eye. Did I long for that old home as it used to be? Did I crave the companionship of those dear those true friends I had left behind? Was I home sick? I am afraid I was. I have read, I have written to try to keep from being home sick, but all to no purpose.

MONDAY, JUNE 16

[Colvin] On the road again, got started at half past ten. Josh left his cattle, all but two cows and five yoke of oxen that’s on the wagons. Halsey has eight head of cattle along. Have come through the prettiest country that we have seen. It grows prettier the farther west we go. Houses are scarce, not much roads, grass very high.

[Carpenter] Left Ed A’s this morning, and glad I was to get away. Saw some of the prettiest places that I have seen in Iowa. We left most all of the cattle at E.A’s so travel much faster. I felt a real sense of relief as we started this morning. I felt at home once more. Could breathe freely and feel I was welcome to the air.

TUESDAY, JUNE 17

[Colvin] We aren’t out on the boundless ocean but on the prairie. We have found more houses today than yesterday, quite small and some with cellar kitchens. Haven’t been through a town since we left the Atkinsons. It begins to look as if we were going west to a new country. Been quite cold and rained some. Emma sick. About the center of Audubon County.

[Carpenter] I had to drive some of the time, and the country exceeds what we saw yesterday as far as beauty is concerned, rolling prairie. It has been cold to day. Have company in the shape of moovers, from Oak Ridge Wis. Camp is quite a pretty place on a small creek.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18

[Colvin] Come through Audubon to Exira, through New Exira. Audubon’s first building put up last October. New Exira hardly a building done, be quite a pretty place when finished. Came through Oakville. Have seen more woods than for four weeks. The trees were covered with locusts which keep up a perfect uproar. Has a short thick body, light colored wings with yellow edge, about half a finger long, wings and all.

[Carpenter] Started again. Passed through Audubon, Exira, old and new, and Oakfield. Crossed the Nishnebotny river, and lots of other little streams. Our moover friends are still with us. The farther we go the prettier the country gets. Never saw so many locust in my life. Camped in a lain I don’t know where. I have drove the team part of the day.

THURSDAY, JUNE 19

[Colvin] We crossed the Nishnabotny River ysterday and again today. We come through Atlantic. It is a large place and quite pretty. Have heard the locusts most all day. Have seen considerable woods. It is cloudy and looks like rain. Are camped a mile north of Lewis.

[Carpenter] One more days journey ended. Passed through Atlantic, quite a pretty place. Passed through some beautiful country, crossed a small stream I did not learn the name of. Passed a brick kiln, and ate our dinner close to it and O My!! the locust! And then come another locust and flew around, and around but he didn’t fly off as the locust did in the story did. Our moover friends left us to day. Had a very little rain this afternoon. Camped in a queer looking place I don’t know where. But supper is ready and I must go, or I shall miss my share, For we wait not one for another, and I’ll get none if I’m not there.

FRIDAY, JUNE 20

[Colvin] It rained some last night and this morning and has been cloudy, cold and damp all day, rains quite hard tonight, in for another shower bath I expect. We come through Lewis, a small rather dirty looking town, have crossed the Nishnabotny River again and several small branches of it. One of the horses and one of the cows sick.

[Carpenter] Had some rain this morning. Passed through the village of Lewis. Crossed the Nishnebotny river. Met some moovers. Passed over some very pretty country, though the corn crop was not as good as yesterday. Drove into camp on the prairie, and it is raining. I drove team part of the time, and slept part of the time. While I lay on my little bed, With a pillow and a bolster under my head. I was toss about, and tumbled around, and had to try hard to not say confound; Till on my old trunk I bumped my head And then I wont tell you what I said, But I knocked my brains all down in my neck, And that is why my poem is a total wreck.

SATURDAY, JUNE 21

[Colvin] Cloudy and damp in the forenoon, hot enough to roast a negro this afternoon. The locusts keep up such a noise can’t hear ourselves think. We come through Red Oak, at least through the edge of it. Quite a place I should think from what little I did see. Are camped one mile and a half southwest of Red Oak.

[Carpenter] It has been warm to day. Crossed the Nishnebotny river 3 times. Stopped for dinner near a stone querry and I went to see the stone mason work, while Ada and Emma went lamonadin up and down the road, seeking how many lo cusses they might save up. Passed through the village of Red Oak. I don’t like the country here as well as I did farther back. Met a lot of moovers I don’t know how many, some of them were sad looking pieces of humanity. I have not drove team much of the time to day. Camped on the prairie about 1 1/2 miles west of Red Oak.

SUNDAY, JUNE 22

[Colvin] Have, stayed in camp all day a mile and a half southwest of Red Oak, have spent the day writing as usual. Have seen lots of covered wagons go by, two stopped here awhile, they from Michigan, come in four weeks made good time. Has been terribly hot today. E is playing the accordion.

[Carpenter] Sunday and we did not travel to day. Tomie and I went back to where we ate our dinner yesterday, to get some maps that we left there, found them all safe. We then went to the stone querry and found some very pretty specimens of lime rock. I enjoyed the ride very much. We started before the sun was up. When we got back we took a nap Had company, some moovers, real nice folk to all appearance. They did not stay long. It has been very warm to day.

MONDAY, JUNE 23

[Colvin] Hot, hotter, hottest. Should have melted if it hadn’t been for the wind. Come past Walnut Mill, saw some men shelling corn the same as they thrash wheat. Have come pretty well toward twenty miles. Don’t doubt we shall melt into a grease spot if it keeps on getting hot. Am tired most to death.

[Carpenter] Another days journey ended. I have not felt well and have not drove the team. Crossed Walnut creek, and several other small streams. I don’t know much how the country looks that we passed this morning, as I slept most of the time. Camped by the road side I don’t know where. It has been very very warm to day and Tomie has been sick with the head ache.

TUESDAY, JUNE 24

[Colvin] Darn such a set of men. They begin in the morning to hunt a place to camp for the night. It is a wonder they ever get anywhere. They won’t get to Kansas before another year. I feel as I would like to shake them up to see them stir. We come through Farmers City today, a city with two houses and a store. It rains.

[Carpenter] We have had quite a variety of weather to day. This morning it was so very warm that it almost melted us, and this afternoon it has been cold, and rained almost a deluge. We came through one place that the people sayd was Farmer’s City, and it looked just as if they kept chewing gum for sale. We camped for dinner on the prairie near a school house and the children made us a call. They were bright, smart, inteligent, and wittie. I haven’t drove the team much to day. We met a lot of moovers. Kansas wasn’t a paradise to them. They didn’t find money growing on trees for the trees didn’t grow there, and they evidently didn’t know that people had to dig for it in that country. I guess they must have come from a place where they made ties for living. Camped on the west branch of the Nishnebotny river in a horrid looking place. We haven’t passed many pretty places to day or, what I call pretty. Uncle Josh traded guns with a moover to night, and there is another train coming in sight.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25

[Colvin] Crossed the river Nishnabotny, been up hill and down, come through Sidney [Iowa], a small town, county seat of Fremont Co., have come several miles over flat level country, see the whole distance, have come a quarter of a mile with the water almost into the wagon box. Are camped in sight of the Missouri River, can see Nebraska City across. Come through Lick Skillet got some Osage oranges.

[Carpenter] Crossed the Nishnebotny river early this morning. Passed through Sidney. I did not like the place though. Have passed some grand, magnificent, splendid wildly beautiful scenery, but I can’t find words to express my thoughts concerning it. It was such a relief after so much prairie, it was so much like home or what used to be home. I haven’t any home now. Came through Lickskillet, and I think it was rightly named, for the people looked as if they had to lick the skillet to get enough to eat. Camped on the bank of the Missouri river: came through lots of mud and water to get here too. The boys found some honey locust beans, and some osage oranges, they were the first ones that I ever saw. I think the river is nice if it wasn’t so muddy. Some moovers came by that had two of the cutest ponies, one was spotted and one was brown: and they had two little antelopes they were the first ones that I ever saw.

THURSDAY, JUNE 26

[Colvin] Come over a mile with the water almost into the box, so muddy and the horses could hardly pull out their feet. Come through Eastport, the nastiest place I ever saw, crossed the Missouri River not more than a quarter as wide as the Mississippi at P du Chien. The sand looks like white wash, very deep and very swift. Come through Nebraska City [Nebraska]. Met a funeral.

[Carpenter] Oh horror of horrors!!! Never did I see such mud in my life. I learned to appreciate old John Day’s storys, of the old Muddy Missouri. Learned to appreciate them as I never expected to. But we got over, or rather through the mud all safe and sound, But those that were not there can never imagine half how bad it was. A lot of men were building dykes to keep the river from running off with the land. Passed over to the town of Eastport, and never did I see such a looking place, in all my eighteen years of experiance, and hope never to again. I never dreamed there was such a nasty, dirty place in existance and I can’t find words to express my feelings when I think of it. After waiting a long time we went on the boat that carried us across the river. And the first thing that met my gase, on entering the cabin was, No writeing allowed on this boat. Please take notice of the e in writing for that is the way it was spelled. The name of the boat was Lizzie Campbell but it wasn’t nice one bit. I wouldn’t have any one name such a looking boat after me; But it took us across the river all safe. Landed in Nebraska, the paradise on earth according to what I have heard. Passed through Nebraska City but did not see much of the city. Met a funeral procession eleven teams. I did not learn who it was, or any thing concerning it. I had to drive the team part of the time. Camped on the little Nemaha river. Passed over some very pretty country. I like it better than I did in Iowa. I got a letter and a postal, the letter informed me of the marriage of Miss Alta Jameson and Mr. Harvey Smith, they left Muscoda and mayjoy go with them nor do I care how far it takes them.

FRIDAY, JUNE 27

[Colvin] Another shower but for this morning took breakfast in our apartment. Has been pretty muddy all day, come through quite pretty country, crossed Nemaha Creek, come through Howard, a town composed of a mill, a store and blacksmith shop and scores of loafers. Guess I have had a breath to many, my lungs feel dreadful bad.

[Carpenter] Whoop! Had a shower of rain this mornings and had our breakfast sent to our chamber. It rains nearly every day for a change. Passed through the village of Howard, There was a mill there that was run by the Nemaha river and the motto on the mill was Live and Let Live. The next buisness house we came to was the Chicago store; but it looked more like a loafers hall to me, for all the loafers seemed to be there and there was a goodly number of them too. We did not tarry long, onely long enough to get some meal. I haven’t drove the team much to day. Have seen some very pretty places; and come through some mud, and over some good road. Camped on the prairie some where in Nebraska in Nemaha Co. I guess. I have sewed some to day I felt so very workish, but I am not often troubled with that complaint.

SATURDAY JUNE 28

[Colvin] Rolling prairie most of the time. Didn’t set up to see anything felt miserable. Don’t know what is going to become of me. Come past Elk Station but not through it. We stopped for supper at five then traveled until ten in the evening when we got to John Atkinsons and camped half a mile from their home until morning and had our breakfast.

[Carpenter] Came past one small town, not through it. Saw a walking bird, the first one I ever saw, and I have wanted one ever since. Tomie went to town and had one of his teeth pulled. Traveled till late, and at last camped in sight of Mr. John Atkinson’s.

SUNDAY JUNE 29

[Colvin] They came after us before we got through eating. When we did we moved down to the house, we clean up, put clean clothes on, went to the house, played on the organ. The old folks went and had a ride in a nice two seated buggy and silver plated harness. When they got back the young folks went and had a ride then had a swing when we got back.

[Carpenter] Sunday, and Aunt Polly and Uncle John came up to see us, and invite us down to the house, so the men hitched up and drove down. It is a pretty place, and the folks interesting. Jennie the oldest girl took me out and showed me around the grounds, and then we had a swing, after which we returned to the house, and had some music, both vocal and instrumental, and we are having a good time in general.

MONDAY, JUNE 30

[Colvin] Had breakfast in the house then washed our clothes in good soft water. Have the reumatism in my arms and hands, have done lots of odd jobs, played on the organ, done ironing, have written letters home, cried and got mad so have made quite a day of it and now it is clouding up to rain.

[Carpenter] We are still at Uncle John’s. Nothing of particular interest has happened. The folks are good natured and jolly, but there is nothing much to write about them.

TUESDAY, JULY 1

[Colvin] Today have ironed, have cooked dinner and a pile of them too. It rained real hard this morning and now its clouding up again. Have been to take a ride. Halsey and Josh have been getting the wagons ready to go farther west. My head aches and I am homesick, have some forgotten so soon.

[Carpenter] The first day of another month. I went buggy riding but did not enjoy it very well for I had the sick head ache. I like the country around here real well. We are still at Uncle John’s.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 2

[Colvin] We ironed, done lots of odd jobs, went to ride in the afternoon and in the evening went to town. Ed treated me to soda water and a friend of Jennie’s treated us to lemonade. It seems good to see such things. Have played on the organ. Ed and Jennie are so jolly, full of fun, smart and educated. A letter from ma.

[Carpenter] I took a short horseback ride to day the first one I have had since we started. But there is nothing to write when we are not traveling.

THURSDAY, JULY 3

[Colvin] On the road again. Come through Pawnee City [Nebraska], come west from there through quite nice country. Gathered some rosin gum. This afternoon rode horseback for the first time, enjoyed it first rate. Saw the next thing to a dug out. It was log sides, didn’t look high enough for a four year old to stand up in. The roof was sod. Saw people harvesting.

[Carpenter] Left Uncle John’s this morning, and worst of all left Tomie behind out to Uncle John. Came through Pawnee City, and I was very much disappointed, it was not near as large or as nice as I expected it was. Have seen some pretty places, but some miserable looking houses, and folks to for that matter. I rode horseback this fore noon, and enjoyed it very much. We left our cattle at Uncle John’s so now we can travel much faster, and don’t have so much work to do. I don’t expect I will have to drive the team any more. We are camped near the Indian reservation. Came through one little town, there was three houses and a shanty. I couldn’t get any one to ask what the name of it was so I did not find out.

FRIDAY, JULY 4

[Colvin] Celebrated today by traveling through the Otoe Indian reservation. Come through their village and visited their school. Like other schools they are taught to sew, wash, iron, cook as well as read and write. They had a croquet ground, we swang on their swing, visited their wigwams, couldn’t get them to talk. H killed a rattlesnake between 4 and 5 feet long and bigger than my arm around.

[Carpenter] Away on the prairie far from kindred and home, and it is the fourth of July. Came through Otoe Agency. Went to see the school house where the indian children went to school. It was a large house. One of the ladies was kind enough to show us all over the house. There was school rooms, working rooms, bed rooms, laundry, kitchen, and dining room. It was full of house plants most, and everything was a model of neatness. The schollars were not there, as it was a holliday, and there was a vacation, so I did not see them. There was some splendid drawings and penmanship and figures on the black-bord, executed by the schollars. In the back yard was a splendid swing, and croquet ground, every thing was fixed to their comfort. We went down to the lodges. The indians were nearly all gone, there was a few women and children there. The women most all had their bead work, and some of it was real nice. They were not much inclined to talk but we stayed quite a while, and resumed our journey. Forded the Big Blue river. Pa killed a big rattle snake when we stopped for dinner. Camped on a small creek, I don’t know where. I ran a race with Pa, rode horsback and wrote a letter.

SATURDAY, JULY 5

[Colvin] Crossed Blue River came through not very thickly settled country, prairie with a great many ravines, what few houses we did see was mostly sod, no roads to amount to anything. We come through Charleston a town composed of a few shanties, come through Steele City, a little larger town than C and a railroad station. Terrible hot weather, wouldn’t stand it if it weren’t for the wind.

[Carpenter] Came through Charleston. Crossed the little Blue river, came through Steele City. Saw Mr. Si Poff, an old acquaintance from Bell Center. I was horseback and ran a race with Fremont and walked one with him, beat him too. We have arrived at the land of locuses again, and their voices are heard in the land. Camped on the bank of the little Blue river.

SUNDAY JULY 6

[Colvin] Are camped on Big Blue River. It is terrible hot and sultry. Had chicken for dinner, they were real good. Halsey and wife have gone back to Steele City to see some friends of theirs. We three girls have been in the river to swim, was in most two hours, had a splendid time. It is clouding up again and it did rain too.

[Carpenter] Sunday and we are still camped on the Blue river, near Steele City. It has been very, very warm to day. Ada, Emma, and I went in bathing in Blue river. It is threatening to give us another bath to night. I hear the distant thunder roll, and there is warning in the voice of the wind. There was another moovers wagon went by, a little while ago. The curtains of night are throwing her shadows around us, and the chime of the distant church bell, comes floting on the air.

MONDAY JULY 7

[Colvin] We come through Steele City again as we only went through it Saturday to get to the river to camp. Come through Fairbury. It was so hot we stayed most of the afternoon, it was 102 in the shade. The men went swimming in the Blue River. Had a dreadful thunder shower towards night lasted two hours. Killed quite a number of cattle and one man. We were pretty wet.

[Carpenter] Hot, hoter, hotest. We were obliged to stop and wait untill it got cooler. Passed through Fairbury. Left old Shep, Uncle Joshes dog at Steele City. Had the hardest rain storm that we have had, since we started. It just pored. We caught nearly a pail full of water on the side of the wagon. And, peal after, peal of crashing thunder and flash after flash of vivid lightening that sent into eternity more than one poor beast. It became so dark before the sun went down that people lit their lamp and a few minutes after the sun shone forth in all its splendor. The thermometer stood at 102 degrees.

TUESDAY, JULY 8

[Colvin] Have come quite a distance. Saw Alexandra at our right and a small village at our left, didn’t learn the name, crossed the river, come over quite a piece of live prairie, could see for miles, don’t like it as well as rolling prairie. Come through Hebron, about the size of Hebron, Wis. Camped on Blue River again, hot but some wind.

[Carpenter] It has been another warm day. I wrote a letter and mailed it at Hebron, a small town we came through. Have passed over some very nice country this after noon. Camped on the bank of the little Blue River, close to some more moovers. We saw a jack rabit, the first one. Uncle Josh tried to shoot it but did not. My, but the mosquitoes are thick.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 9

[Colvin] The day has been hot but some wind, the country as usual rolling prairie considerable Buffalo grass. Didn’t pass a house this forenoon once in awhile a house this afternoon, some dug outs. Saw several covered wagons bound for the promise land, I guess there won’t be a foot of land but we will see before we get settled.

[Carpenter] Crossed the little Blue river this morning. Came over some very pretty country. Came across some moovers, that had broken down, one of the wheels was off their wagon, and the tire off the wheel. Another pilgrim overtook us but did not camp with us. We are camped on the prairie about 7 miles from Superior. We expect to get there before noon to morrow, where we expect to find Mr. Webster’s folks, old acquaintances from Muscoda Wis.

THURSDAY, JULY 10

[Colvin] Only come seven miles to Superior and stopped at a Mr. Websters to make a visit, one of Halseys friends. Had a good time at dinner and supper there. They have a music teacher there, had some splendid music. It is terribly hot, such a lot of flies and mosquitos. Are camped on the bank of the Republican River.

[Carpenter] Arrived at Superior, this fore noon: found Mr. Webster and family well. Stayed with them to day, and have had a splendid time. We have had some music this evening, by Miss Jessie Warren, who played on the organ and sang. She is a beautiful singer, She sings for concerts.

FRIDAY, JULY 11

[Colvin] Went to Kansas and back before breakfast, mosquitoes drove us out at four o, clock, never saw them so thick. The men went to look at some land so we didn’t get started from Mr. Websters until noon. Has been terrible hot but very little wind. It is clouding up for a rain with probably a regular thunder shower. Have traveled near the Republican River. Come through Guide Rock town.

[Carpenter] Left our kind friends, amid shaking of the hands, repeated good bys, and kind wishes for our welfare. Passed through Superior, apparently a very nice place. We came through a place where there had been a river, but there onely remains a bed of sand and gravel, to tell of the sunlit waves that once played over their surface. Came through a small village called Guide Rock, are camped close to it.

SATURDAY JULY 12

[Colvin] Come along the Republican River through Red Cloud and through Rivertown, crossed the river to camp, another hot day and very little wind. The river full of sand bass. Saw some clear creeks with gravel bottoms. It seemed good for before all have been so muddy.

[Carpenter] Came through Red Cloud, though it was on earth. Dear reader don’t for an instant think that I meant it was else where. Cave came through a place where the road went under the railroad track. High banks of rock towered far above us on either side of the river, the Republican. We came through Riverton situated on the bank of the river. We are now camped where we have a view of the town. I might make a great many remarks about our journey to day but it is getting dark.

SUNDAY JULY 13

[Colvin] Have traveled all day if it was Sunday, over a dreary dismal country with Buffalo grass and a red redish brown grass that looks as if nothing could eat it anymore there is so much. We come through Macon, a city composed of two small wood buildings and several sod huts. I saw the first cactus. Got to Mr. Wilsons at seven o’clock.

[Carpenter] Arrived at Uncle Lewis Wilsons in Franklin Co. Came over some of the worst looking country I ever saw. Lonely, desolate, dreary. Thinking of it now reminds me of those who choose to spend their lives in what they would—I presume—call single blessedness—but what I would call old maid, and old bachelor ship It was one vast, dreary waste, with onely now and then a sod shanty to verry the scene. I hope to be delivered from another day’s journey over such a country as that. This afternoon it has been some what better. The first houses we saw was four sod houses close to the road. After traveling quite a distance we arrived at Macon. The houses are mostly of sod. We stopped and watered at the wind mill in the center of the village We got here a little before dark. We were welcomed by Aunt and Uncle, who have the appearance of being very fine people.

MONDAY JULY 14

[Colvin]I have washed and mended all day, visited some with Mrs. Wilson. Halsey, Paulina and Nellie gone to Mr. Carpenters. Fred went to the post office. Nary a letter. The folks grow worse all the time about writing. Gone two months and forgotten so soon by those that pretended to be my best friends. Rode one of the horses to water.

[Carpenter] Stayed and visited our relatives to day. Stayed at Uncle Lew’s this fore noon an went to see Aunt Em and uncle Wash Carpenter this afternoon. Found Aunt sick, had a nice visit though. We got lost when we were coming back, but fineally arrive safe just at dark.

TUESDAY, JULY 15

[Colvin] Left Mr. Wilsons about seven this morning. Emma stayed there, Paulina is sick, has sore throat. We come over prairie, part of the way and over the Nebraska sand hills. Saw no buildings but sod houses, some looked very nice. Saw six antelopes. Are camped on the banks of the Platte River. Helped unhitch the horses.

[Carpenter] Left our friends this morning, and left Emma with them. I went to bed and went to sleep and slept nearly all the fore noon; but they were kind enough to wake me to see an antelope, but I soon went to sleep again. Ma is sick. We are camped on the bank of the Platte river, it is about one mile wide, and very shallow. Uncle Josh waided across it. I saw the nicest sod house to day that I ever saw. It had a beautiful trailing vine clambering over it, and it looked as neat as a new pin.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 16

[Colvin] Staid in camp today as Paulina is sick with sore throat and it jars her to ride. Nellie and I done the work. I wrote some letters home. Saw Sam Millard on his way to Kearney to buy things, is camped a few rods of us. He has a claim in Phelps County ten miles west of Phelps Center.

[Carpenter] Stayed in camp all day to day, as Ma was to sick to go on. I have written a letter and that is all I have done to amount to anything. It is real cold, I have on Ma’s big double shawl and now I am cold. The men have gone to Kearney about three miles from here, and I guess they are likely to stay as it is dark and there is no sign of their coming yet. We had a caller this evening; a gentleman friend of Ada’s from Whitewater.

THURSDAY JULY 17

[Colvin] Rained last night, Paulina better. Come nine miles west along the Platte River and stopped so the men could go to look at land, we women baked. I had a slight hemorage, guess I caught could last night waiting for the wagons to come back from town. The roads been dreadful rough. Kearney has two thousand inhabitants.

[Carpenter] Started on again this morning as Ma was some better. Have come over some nice country. Have kept up the Platte river all the fore noon. We camped for noon close to a farm house. The men have gone to look at some land about 6 miles from here. We bought some butter and eggs of the lady of the house. It has been quite cool to day.

This isn’t all of my diary, but I have got my paper full. [At this point the diary of Nellie Carpenter ends. The remaining entries are all from the diary of Ada Colvin]

FRIDAY, JULY 18

Come quite a ways along the river a piece, then through the sand hills again, very nice country. Saw Phelpes Center at our left composed of one or two buildings. Camped on farm that’s land claim and a nice one it is too, quite level with a gully at one edge with wild grapes and cherries and traces of water on it.

SATURDAY JULY 19

Stayed in camp until after dinner then come over splendid country. Saw once in awhile a canyon but that only made the country more romantic. Wanted to stay and should if it wasn’t for staying alone. Can’t believe we shall find anything to suit better because they can’t have the whole unit suited mostly. My I will go through the world and take up with a crooked stick.

SUNDAY JULY 20

At least have traveled all day (not in a wash tub) but in canyons and on the ridges. Are camped in a canyon tonight, the mosquitoes as thick as a pultes. Have seen but one man today besides our own crowd and he was far from any house. Saw several antelopes, number of buffalo bones and some elk and deer horns in this country very broken.

MONDAY, JULY 21

Up hill and down through canyons and over hills, haven’t seen a person nor a house today. Tried to cross Plum Creek, Josh broke one of the tugs, had to give it up as a bad job. Tried again in another place and made it out although they broke some more of their harness. Dreadful hot and very tired regardless thunder shower last night.

TUESDAY, JULY 22

Steep hill and down again today, grows worse all the time, this afternoon in one deep canyon for miles and miles until we came out on the Platte River bottom. Haven’t seen a person nor a house today but at night see a light, across the river, most likely if it was light might see a house. Saw a herd of cattle on the river bottom 20,000 herd, 15,000 belonged to one man, quite a sight, mostly Texan cattle.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 23

Got up this morning, looked at the house first thing as I hadn’t seen one since Saturday morn and I saw the cows too, saw four men for a wonder, saw none besides our own crowd since Sunday morning. Didn’t accomplish much today as the men had to look around so much. Went west along the Platte River. Rained as usual last night, saw a light from other side, still on.

THURSDAY JULY 24

Come quite a good ways along the Platte River all day. Come through Fort McPherson, went in to the garrison, saw the soldiers, only had two canons. They were getting their dinner, think it was cucumber day from the looks. One man sawing wood, a sentinal over him, some shingling their barracks, some blacksmithing and one hauling wood with a mule and old fashioned dump cart.

FRIDAY JULY 25

Are camped in sight of North Platte. The river was so low can wade it anywhere, last night water didn’t come to the top of my rubbers, today it is a deep running river, even in the wagon road the water is so deep it comes to the wagon boxes. We stay in camp today and the men went to town to the land office. Ann washed, Paulina baked, Nellie and I grunted. I have such a cold I can hardly breathe, is dreadful. Thunder shower last night.

SATURDAY JULY 26

On our way back [returning east] from North Platte and a good days travel we have made too passed Fort McPherson. It rained very hard so didn’t see many soldiers only two sentinels. There’s two companies of artillary and one of infantry there. I get worse of my cold that I caught at Kearney all the time, don’t know if I shall ever get better, had cramps in the stomach.

SUNDAY, JULY 27

Arthur’s birthday. Stayed in camp all day. The men are surveying their land. Wonder if it will turn out as the old saying is “The better the day the better the deed.” I have spent the day writing home, tonight I’m setting with a bed quilt around my chest, hat on my head playing dice with Fred. Such is western life. Wouldn’t the Whitewater falks stare in aghast?

MONDAY, JULY 28

Halsey and Josh had to start last night for the land office to get in ahead of a fellow they took in partnership in the plot. They saved themselves and that is all. Fremont, Nellie and I started for North Platte and the land office at half past six. We arrived too late to get our papers tonight but shall early in the morning. It has rained this afternoon. I saw a prairie dog.

TUESDAY, JULY 29

Went to the land office, got papers for timber claim 160 acres and preempted 160 more. Wonder if I have missed it and shall ever be sorry for it, noone knows what is in the future. Started back at half past ten, got so dark couldn’t find them, traveled until ten then stopped. The mosquitoes so thick almost ate us up.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30

Got up and started early and got there to breakfast. They were only a mile and a half from us. Haven’t felt very smart today, rode to see my land, feel pretty well satisfied with it after looking it over, better than I expected. They all seem to think I am hogish but I took the same as the rest did. I can hardly make it seem as if it is mine.

THURSDAY, JULY 31

Have sat around and lolled around. Wrote home. Been learning Charley to play chess and Fred how to whittle out chess men. Halsey and Paulina went to hire a breaking plow but couldn’t get it, but went ten miles for some drinking water. Been very warm today, am sitting looking at the river in the distance.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1

Josh saw two deer. Got started on our way back to Pawnee this morning about eight o’clock, came quite a piece along the Platte river, have no way of knowing the distance only once in a while a house and most all sod at that and new ones. Been very hot all day and no air stirring tonight. Fred shot a badger, the first I ever saw. Had our dinner with Josh.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 2

Today is Pa’s birthday, wonder how he and Ma are passing the day. We have traveled all day again east along the Platte river. Here it is Saturday night and our supplies have run out but the flour, a bright prospect for Sunday with nothing to eat and no where to get it either. Camped in Williamsburg, a town of two empty houses.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 3

Another days travel east along the Platte river, this morning cold and damp, this afternoon quite warm, rained last night. Nothing particular has happened. We had green corn for breakfast which they stole. Guess we shall have some more in the morning as they stole some more tonight. Camped in Eustoris, a town composed of four houses.

MONDAY, AUGUST 4

Come through Lowell a small dirty town of a few houses a railroad station. Had a chance to work out eight miles east of Kearney at a Mr. Newell and a Mr. Whitney. They wouldn’t set any price. I thought it too much of a good thing to work at two houses at once and to many bosses. Paulina didn’t want me to stay so far from them either.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 5

Rained all night, has been very muddy, been dreadful hard on the horses so Prince gave out before night. Come through Juniata and Hastings, both quite stirring towns but dirty and unsightly. The houses all small and most all one story high. Five young men camped where we did at noon. One played the violin. Made me think of the dances I went to last winter and wish I could go again and with the same company.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6

Are camped at Inland, a small town of the depot, water tank and post office. William Alexander from Cold Springs, Wis. he knew lots of folks I did. It rained last night and some today so we didn’t start until nine o’clock. Come through Harvard. The roads worse than ever, so very muddy.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 7

Come through Sutton. The towns improve the farther east we go but that isn’t saying much yet as there was no sidewalks and the streets very muddy. The roads are very bad so we don’t go very far in a day. Wish we could go twice as far for I want to get to Pawnee to get my letters and papers so as to find out what I am going to do for the winter.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 8

Come through Geneva, another dirty little town, only traveled until two o’clock then stopped at one of Josh’s friends, a Mr. Delameter. Have been learning Fred and Halsey to play chess, offended Paulina and Nellie by the means. Saw Whitewater wagons for sale at Sutton yesterday, reminds me of home and friends to see such things.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 9

Left Mr. Delameters about nine o’clock and traveled southeast through good farming country, good gardens and a great deal of corn raised and the houses pretty good but mostly small. Haven’t passed any towns but are aiming for Beatrice. Don’t get along very fast for the horses are getting very tired. Saw a Marsh corn drying mill, makes me think of relation if they have any.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 10

Traveled southeast all day. Haven’t seen a town either, over prairie most of the time. Nellie sick, the rest grunting, guess have to eat too much green corn, cucumbers, onions, turnips, radishes. Never heard of stolen fruit making folks sick before. Nothing of interest to write if it’s Sunday.

MONDAY, AUGUST 11

The folks worse, I feel dreadful sick. We traveled southeast came Through Beatrice, quite a good sized city and seemed to be enterprising and stirring. Saw Whitewater wagons and Marsh harvesters and windmills for sale there. Been quite warm and roads rough. Wish we were settled for the winter so to know the prospects for the future.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 12

Traveled southeast over prairie. Three months today on the road, passed very few houses, seen only very few people. The sick ones some better but not very smart. It rained all forenoon, been very slippery and hard on the horses. Been considerably up hill and down. Have been gathering rosin gum this afternoon. Could have got a lot but for having to keep up with the wagons.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13

Come southeast up and down, crossed Turkey Creek. The men stopped there and gathered several pails of grapes. We arrived at Pawnee at Mr. Atkinsons about five o’clock at night, found sixteen letters and seven papers, a pattern and a package waiting for me. Like the fickleness of the men no dependence to be put in them.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14

It rained all the forenoon but has been quite pleasant this afternoon. Have been all day in the wagon, cleaning up, writing to Ma and read letters and papers from home. Got another letter from Pa, Ma and Mrs. Rounds. Oh dear why can’t people mind their own business and tell the truth besides.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 15

Rained through the night enough to keep it sticky and nasty. Washed the clothes, Halsey and Josh went to look for a house to live in this winter. Not a house in Pawnee City empty. Don’t know what is to be done. Mrs. Atkinson says that work is scarce. Why couldn’t I have been on the hill instead of brother.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16

Was sick all day. Guess I had eat too much. Some better at noon so crochet some and wrote a letter to Mrs. Rounds. Had a bad spell spitting blood at night. Haven’t much to write, nothing of interest except dirt and children and a great plenty of both. Rather too much for comfort.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17

Have passed the time writing home to Pa and Ma and Mrs. Rounds and reading the Register. Had company to dinner, had chicken to eat and played the organ some. Got a chance to go to Lincoln this week with Halsey cousin Nathan Peckham.

MONDAY, AUGUST 18

Today have packed my trunk ready to start, finished Ellen Peckham’s apron, cut sweet corn to dry for Paulina then went and had a swing, then watched the boys look at the well. Joshes folks left today for N.P. [North Platte]. Repentance come, to late.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 19

Left Mr. Atkinsons at ten o’clock for Lincoln, with Mr. Nathan Peckham and his son Thergal and a Mr. Baskins. The roads very rough and hilly. Some quite nice looking country. Traveled until after dark before could find a house to stay all night. Quite a change in drivers, not so careful as the old ones. Came through Tecumsah.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20

Stayed all night with a family by the name of Boggs, quite clever but nasty. On the road at six, rough and hilly and roads very crooked. Got a cup of tea at noon of a Mrs. Haselton. Came through Sterling and Bennett, both small places but railroad stations are in sight of the city but four miles off.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21

Stayed with a Mrs. Gertile all night arrived at Mr. Leightons half past seven, found them by going to the store. Been very hot and uncomfortable, almost melted. Lincoln quite a large place, nine thousand inhabitants, haven’t seen much of it yet, am rather on the homesick list.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22

Have lolled around all day, played, read and crocheted. This evening went to the State Post Office. No mail but went to the top of the building, had quite a view of the city, some quite nice buildings, and some not so nice. Am tired. It has been very hot. Feel better than yesterday but that isn’t saying much.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23

This is another hot day, spent as yesterday, lolling, playing, reading, crocheting. Have plenty of time as no one seems to be bothered about me. No letters this week from home, wonder what the reason is, am homesick and blue. Would I were side of Arthur.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 24

Have written almost all day, has been very warm, went out riding around the city this afternoon, quite a place. I had ice cream for supper, am as much too cold now as warm before.

MONDAY, AUGUST 25

Shall be glad when I get back into the country where there is a breath of air for it is so terrible hot here in the city. But then rather like being waited upon, living in style. Having nothing to do but play the organ and read. Have my washing done for me.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 26

The usual routine of laying around and doing nothing but read, play and crochet. Went to the Post Office after tea, no letters, no papers nor none last week. Has Ma forgot me as well as the rest.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27

As usual Oscar come a little afternoon. He looks as he used to and not much of any older. Fetched his little boy with him. After tea he, Edith, the boys and I went to the Green house, quite a nice place but nothing that I wanted.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 28

Was sick all night and all day, better towards night so I went down town. Got a letter from Ma and Pa, both been sick but better. I have heard from the absent they were homesick, terrible. It grows hotter every day. Mr. N. Peckham took my things.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29

Left Mr. Leightons at half past on the bus to go to the depot. Started at eight found Mr. N. Peckham on the train, arrived at Table Rock at eleven and took the stage for Pawnee. Arrived there half past twelve. Stopped at the Shannons got dinner then waited until half past four then walked to Mr. Atkinsons.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30

Found Halsey had gone two miles further to cut hay. Guess if it had been any of their folks there would have been a fuss. Oh well it is no one but me and who cares. Went over to Halseys with Mr. Atkinson and we had breakfast there.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 31

Guess you’d think they didn’t want me to come back. Have been washing then went after Elderberries with Fred then went after gooseberries. Halsey hasn’t spoken to me since I came back. Oh dear, what is going to become of me this winter, money all gone and nothing to do about it.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

Paulina went to town to Josh’s, left Nellie and I to get dinner and supper which is quite a lot to do if it was Nellie’s business alone. The forenoon I slept and the afternoon read novels. The dog staid by. Come to a pretty pass when a dog only company.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

This forenoon washed, this afternoon gathered wild grapes. Nellie and I both climbed a tree. A pretty position for two young ladies but nevertheless it is true. Moved down to Mr. Atkinsons tonight. Had cramps in my stomach.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

Nellie and I washed and wiped dishes most all the forenoon. This afternoon made buttonholes for Mrs. Atkinson and dressed five hens. Comes pretty tough to work after baby myself so long. Have a pain in my side and in my lungs.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

Helped Mrs. Atkinson this forenoon pick over grapes to can. This afternoon made fifty buttonholes for her. My side and stomach ache worse than ever. Might as well die as be no good for anything but grunting.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

Haven’t don’t much today, only made thirty-three buttonholes. Got a card from Ma, wrote to tell of Polly Dickerson’s death. One by one they die off and I am left who have nothing to live for. My life is in ruins behind me while others go that are young and have everything before them.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

I rinsed up the clothes and made buttonholes, washed the breakfast and dinner dishes and that wasn’t any small job either to wash for so many. Made buttonholes this afternoon then Ponto (that’s the dog) and I went after grapes, had quite a time of it too.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

Spent the forenoon writing as usual, had chicken for dinner. Tommie, Jennie, Halsey and I went to Nathan Peckhams in the afternoon and down to Joshs. Fremont had a boil on his hand. We all like to froze coming home. Had mush and milk for supper.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

Finished writing home. The four Atkinson girls went to school. I churned and washed and wiped dishes, basted on Mr. Atkinsons shirts, made buttonholes and fetched water. Made myself generally useful. It is terrible cold nights and mornings.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

I made buttonholes as usual, washed and wiped dishes. Very cold all day and the Nebraska wind blew for all that was out. Wonder if it ever blows the hair off the dogs. Seems as if it blew about hard enough. Am getting ready to go to a dance. No good sitting around.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

Got a letter from Lucy Devomy. Joshs went over to Nathans tonight and had a good time. I’m dreadful tired. There aren’t any very good looking folks here but all seem clever and pleasant. Moved from Mr. Atkinsons. Started about half past eight down the other side of town. Stopped where the men are making hay. After they got through at night we moved down where Joshs folks were.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

Camped at a pretty spot. I went off over a mile after butter in the morning, didn’t get any. Got back just as it began to rain. Rained all day so we had to stay in the wagons until five o’clock. Didn’t get very wet but it was terrible cold and damp.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Got a letter and paper from home. Had a frost last night, quite pleasant this forenoon but too wet for the men to hay only Fremont is cutting. Tomie and Halsey gone to town. At noon men all went haying. Nellie and I went after plums. This afternoon Tomie like to have got lost but the turkeys he got we cleaned and got them cooked. Were good but terribly tough. A letter for my orders to come home.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

Went to Nathan Peckhams this morning. Was terrible tired when we got back, staid abed most all day then went up to Nathans again tonight to get butter for supper. Terrible cold. It is getting pretty cold to camp out now, to sleep in the wagons nights.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

Has been quite pleasant but pretty cold. Josh, Halsey and Paulina went to Robert Peckhams this forenoon, this afternoon to John Atkinsons house, Elmer and Tomie took them. Nathan Peckham’s wife and two youngsters been here. Gave me an invitation to come and stay several days with them.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

Have been abed most all day, terrible sick. This is our last day of all being together in camp. The men got through haying and we came back to John Atkinsons to pack up our things and break up. Had a chance to work but at house work. There were only a big house and several persons. Part of the job was to sew and wash dishes all day.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

All gone and also the young folks. I staid and packed my trunk to go home. Toward night Halsey, Paulina, Josh, Nellie and I went to Robert Peckams and stopped at Nathan Peckhams and when we got to town stopped at Elder Prentiss to see Nellie and Tomie married.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Left John Atkinsons half past seven this morning. Fred and Jennie went to Table Rock with me. Left there at eleven o’clock arrived at Tecumseh half past three. Waited there two hours then started for Rock Island. What a breaking up of our camp, Josh, Fremont, Herman, Elmer started for Iowa. Halsey and family go tomorrow to Kearney.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

Wonder if we shall all ever meet again in this world. Came through Rock Island, got to Milwaukee at Half past six. Didn’t get a chance to get anything to eat until I got there. Waited there two hours then to Whitewater. Got there at eleven and staid the rest of the night at R. Colvins house.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

Called Ma and Mrs. Rounds at eight. Came home with Mr. Gyler, got here about nine o’clock. Later called friends, went to cemetery. Spent the afternoon and took tea with Elvira Seymour. Mrs. Rounds, P. Ressen and Ida all seem quite pleased to see me back. Quite good to see old friends again.

MARY E. BOWER

Courtesy of Harry J. Loggan, Portland Oregon