Kansas to Oregon, 1883
Mary Matilda Surfus
INTRODUCTION
The letter came from Seattle, and it was signed by Kathleen Sidwell. She told of the diary of her great-grandmother, Mary Matilda (“Till”) Surfus, who traveled with her family from Vallonia, Kansas, to Oregon in 1883. We telephoned Mrs. Sidwell and told her of our great interest in the Surfus document. She sent us a copy of the diary and gave us her blessing in publishing the precious document, which is in her possession. She told how she and her grand mother(called “Ona” in the diary), had transcribed as carefully as they could. Ona’s full name at the time of the making of the typescript was Wynona Eliza (Stahlnecker) Gordon.
Kathleen Sidwell also informed us that “Aunt Till” had written a second document recording the journey. This was an account written in diary form, but it was not a day-to-day record of their journey but an extended reminiscence written soon after the family’s arrival in Oregon City. Normally we would not have included such a document in our publication, but it is an apt commentary on the original diary. This record was so immediate that, despite some repetition, we publish it herein as the indented paragraphs following the original diary entries.
The family has published in typescript form both of these precious records as the Composite Diary of Mary Matilda Park Surfus. Those who participated in the publication were Kathleen L. Sidwell and Clarice O. Hargiss, Seattle, and Peggy E. Price, Renton, WA.
They also published a roster of the overland party, and we have published it as a postscript following her overland records.
WAGON TRACKS: THE COMPOSITE DIARY OF MARY MATILDA PARK SURFUS
May the 21th 1883 Left Vallonia at 1 oclock
The following company left [northwest] Kansas Decatur Co Vallonia at one oclock P.M. on overland trip for Oregon, their names were, A F Surfus & family 10 in No. Isaac D Surfus and family No 5. T W Henderson & family No 5 Thomas Martin & family No 4. Mr Tingley & family No 6. 30 persons, 9 horses 4 mules. 3 dogs 5 waggons.
Campt on the Bever North 12 mi
traveled 12 miles and camped and——. May 12 camped on beaver creek.
23th Campt 4 miles north of Indinola[Indianola, Nebraska] (rained at night Virte had the phthisic1 2 dayes)
Went thru Indinola the 23rd of May & camped 4 miles north of Indinola It rained at night We were all tired Vertie was sick with asthma
24 Campt in spring Creek 24 miles from Indinola had the niceest place to camp (bought a stove at Indinola)
May 24. camped on Spring Creek Vert Better, had the nicest camping place, bought a stove at Indinola camp stove cost $2.50
25th cold & horse bothered took dinner on the Medicine crost a shackley bridge, unhitch from waggons (took them by hand) rained most of day
May 25th We took dinner on medicine creek camped at medicine Bow. tis cold and windy AFS. [A.F. Surfus] horse went off had to hunt half day for him and then he came back to camp himselfe.
May 26 Campt in Wells Canion in Frounteir co. Neb very rough plenty watter & timber Broke 3 waggon 3 bowes in tree, rained again
May 26 camped in Wells canion in Frontier Co Neb crost a shackley bridge unhitched from waggons men took them over by hand, country vary rough plenty grass wood water I broke 3 waggon bows the mules went under a tree limbs caut bows I yelkled who [whoa] but no stopping mules if the teams ahead are going, our waggon bows were higher than the others the mules are hard to manage I dont like them but Isaac does.
May 27 took dinner near North Platte, 2 the knats here beat any incect I ever saw to bite & bother the Platte river is sandy, to day Monday the rest washed & baked I made tent twas vary warm knats bite dreadful alkilie here disagreeable place got $1. worth beans 1 pound pieplant half box crackers 100.lbs corn 5 cts gum & candy
May 27 took dinner by north platte River, camped on same river, there is a gnat here that bite worse than mosketoes the platte river runs over sand and the river changes its bed continually tis raining and there is alkalie here it hurts the childrens feet. We camped to day I made tent and baked here we got our first eatables $1. Beans 100 lbs corn $1/lb pieplant 8cts half box crackers 50 cts 5 cts candy 5 cts gum.
This the 28 of May Mr Aldridg & Co 14 in number came whole Co 48 Cloudy & cold today,
May the 28th Mr Aldridge & company come to us Mr Aldridge his two /4/ sons John and frank /Dube Will/ and his wife 4 /6/ in No. Lawn Aldridge & family 4 in No. Jonah Boylan wife and baby 3 in No. & Mr Griffith wife & child 3 in No. and Mr and Mrs Chute makes 16 more added to our company 52 persons 11 waggons 14 horses 4 mules. /Oh mr Renards two families 6 in No/ Made rules and regulations put A F. Surfus in as captain, are to start in mornings at half past 6 oclock stop at 12. Start at 1. and go in camp at 5.P.M.
May 29 rained most all day campt part of the time campt at night 15 miles west of Platte City,
May 29 camped most of the day. it rained all day camped at night 15 miles west of platte city.
May the 30 high wind campt at Alkalie Station3 14 waggons, made regulation first to start at half past six oclock stop at 11 Start at one go to camp at 5 in evening
May 30 camped at Alkalie station Wind blowes vary hard.
June the first stoped half day Some went hunting some washed and baked I was sick Wind high rained campt at Spring Station 2nd
June the 1st camped at little creek plenty grass water & wood June 2nd camped at spring station camped half day I was sick, men went hunting we baked washed ect. came to south platte river tis like the north platte sandy here we had quite an excitement the men led thier horses in the river to drink and most of them turned around and walked out but our horse charley drank and sank so deep in the quick sand that he could not get out and had to be pulled out with ropes and horses.
June the 3 campt near pole creek no timber plenty wood on railroad all way left South platte June 3th traveled in Colrada 4 miles in sand hills 3 dayes roads good most time June 3th AFS dog sick also Mrs Aldridge’ sick Mr Aldridge well again Mattie Henderson got thresh4
June Sunday 3th. Campt all day on pole creek rained & blowed hard AFS dog died from drinking alkilie water alkalie all long platte no farming done frequent heards of cattle & sheep, road near railroad
Mary M. Surfus memmerandam book sent 3 postal cards home & one letter and I saw plum trees in Bloom and some of the pritiest flowers in Wyoming Territory June the 3th wrote to CVS & N & SE Demos all in one
June 3rd camped near pole creek came in Colorado have been traveling in sand hills for 3 dayes
June 2 camped all day Mrs Aldredge sick also Mattie Henderson water bad AFS. dog sick drank alkilie water he is a large New Founland dog and they think so much of him.
4 teams stayed behind June 4th took dinner on pole creek Campt on pole creek
June 4 took dinner on pole creek also camped on pole creek the sick dog died 4 teams stayed behind
June 5th Campt on antilope station
June 5 camped at Antelope station stoped half day took dinner at Potter station saw 3 deer We meet fraiters almost every day they tell us how the roads ahead of us are. My they can spin yarns.
June 6 took dinner at potter station Saw 3 deer June 5 stopt half day to wash June the 6th Campt at bushnell station Ona sick & Mattie H sick
June 6th camped at bushnell station Ona sick and Della still sick
June the 7th campt at pine bluffs station [Wyoming] Nice scenery One still sick
June 7 camped at pine bluffs fine sceanery here.
June 8th saw mountains in the distance Sandy here Campt at atcheken Station Ona quite sick Mattie better rained again
June the 8 company got butter 20 cts lb potatoes 1 ct lb
June 8 camped at Atchenson station Ona and Della well, how glad we are when all are well tis so hard to take care of sick foalks on the road, here we have our first veiw of the m.t.s. in the distance we thout them clouds all day. June 4 camped at little stream see m.t.s. plainly to night.
June 10th Campt at russels station See mountains planily came to Sheeanne Learge town 8000 inhabitants in it nice lake near it Wind blowes cold & it rains to day the 11th
June 10 Coame to Cheyenne Wyoming ter tis a nice big town 8000 inhabitants, there is a butifull Lake near it. and the mountains are great but not like I suposed theyd be not so pointed and are almost bare solid rock they are rightly named the rockies. the wind blowes cold and it rained today June 11 camped at otter creek station rained all night but we keep comfortable in tent. June 12 camped at station all well and wether plesant June 13 camped at Arrow station, we do not see any timber but get all the wood we need of the R R old ties sometimes the people living along the R R try to sell the old ties to the men but weve been imposed on so much that we dont believe all they tell us.
12 campt at Otter Station rained all night is still raining We keep comfortable in tent Ona & Mattie better
June the 13th Campt at Burord [Buford] Station AFS baby took very sick heavy frost June the 13th Ona well again.
June the 13th passed granite canion Burford Station & Sherman Station have campt in a vally with mountains all around us Crost the highest point at Marshal a small village had bad slough to cross. Sades baby better Climed up & got some snow 5 more teams joined us today 13 teams now & 5 load horses June 13th campt on Learmie plains
frosted heavy last night and tis June 13. Roy Surfus sick
14th Came to Learmie City tis nice city Mountains all around city, rained
June the 14 spent $2.20 cts at Chainne bought indelable pencil paper at Indnola
June 14 camped in a vally with m.t.s. all around us passed granate canion bashford station and sherman station June 14 We crost the highest point of mts on Marshall a small village we climed up and got some snow. We went up the mts so gradually that we did not know when we were on top I asked the station agent how far it was to the summit he laughft and said you are on it now aint you high enough yet I ans-. no Id like to go up in the clouds.
June 15th Campt at Learmie City went and seen Catholic Cemetry Came through bad mud lane and alkilie Crost one fork of Learmie river & river also several streams, are at Campt at foot of Mountains One of mules sick
June 15th camped on Larmie plains and came thru Larmie city, tis a nice city surrounded by mountains. We camped part of day went and saw catholect cematery. came thru bad mud lane had to double teams crost one fork of Larmie river and the main river also
June 16th Mule well again Stayed all day 16th to rest wash & bake it rained afternoon Clouds looked beautiful over and below mountains Learmie plains in places bare and sandy in places very rockey in places good grass and beautiful moss and flowers on mountains pine trees and quaken aspen We campt on little creek it was very swift so does all the streams saw nice springs
June 16 camped at foot of mts one mule sick stayed all day to rest bake and wash, oh tis just grate here the plains are so changeable in places tis vary rocky and in others tis sandy level and in places there is grass and beautifull moss and flowers my if I could only paint them, on the mts are trees shrubby cedars and tall quaken aspens
June the 17, 1883 Came through 8 or 10 mountains streams & several slough in the plains the plains are betweene the mountains are from 2 to 6 miles wide Learmie plains are 22 miles across the snow is melting of mountains the streams are terable swift but not very deep rained & hailed Sat evening 16th had to double teams to crost slough & today tied ropes to waggons and 14 men helped horses pull, are campt to night by a stream at foot of mountains thay have tall pine trees Very tall and strate Make pastures of them No farming since we left platte city learge herds of horses cattle & sheep Twas very rockey to day AFS traded for large tent
June 17 we camped by a mountain brook came thru 8 or 10 mountain streams they are clear cold and sparkling run vary swift. We came thru several sloughs in the plains the plains are from 2 to 6 miles wide Larmie plains are 22 miles acrost it rained and hailed just showed us how it could do. fine storm sure. We had to double teams to cross slough, came to such sharp steep pitches in crossing streams that they tied ropes to waggons and helped horses pull 14 men helped pull
June the 18 Crost rock creek & 6 mountain brooks roads rockey and in places shady nice sceanery Saw sage hen & nest of eggs paid toll at too bridges one $1 at rock creek & 50¢ at Medicine bow
June 18 crost rock creek camped at medicine bow, AFS traded for a large tent we saw large herds of cattle and sheep, crost 6 or 8 mountain streams and saw sage brush and sage hens and nest of eggs paid toll at rock creek $1. they told us there was no ford at all near but one of our co went up the stream and crost easy at a ford and yelled at us just as we were acrost the tole bridge we paid tole at Indian creek 50 cts and at medicine bow 30 cts.
June the 19th campt at Medicine bow bad roads Sun Mon & tues mountainous & mudy, fine scene to day
June 19 camped at small stream, the roads have been bad for 3 dayes mountaineous and mudy. but the sceanery is just grand.
June the 20th campt on pass creek night & half day Creek up Went Southeast to bridge paid tole 30 cts paid $1 the 18 at rock creek & one half dollar at Indian Creek 37½¢ at a creek
June 20 camped on pass creek roads terable
June the 21 Came to warm springs the springs are in the edge of platte river they boil up higher than the river & are warm thare is a little town thare thare is a bath room I went in & saw the Bath tub or box & the rooms Taylors mare sick Alkalie all along the Vallies We dont use any standing watter that which runs does not hurt anything Most of the water we get is poor took dinner at a large Creek came over bridge June the 21 June 21 sent a letter home
June 21 came to warm springs they are in the edge of platte river they seem to boil up higher than the river the water is hot enough to cook eggs. Taylors horse is sick alkilie water did it, is a little town here springville we camped here (June 21st sent a letter home)
Camt on prairie June the 22 no grass all day Campt at pine grove Store thare
June 22 camped on prairie the water is all bad no grass here is killed by alkalie. took dinner by a large creek & came over bridge Taylors horse all right again
June 23 stoped half day Isaac & Tom Martin killed deer down in Mountains by stream Some men caut mountain trout AFS sick men were afraid some of them are thieves
23th spent $8 in Indinola5 got 5 cts pieplant got 90 cts tea & soap Sydnie got $1.00 golden M discovery cts caned peaches 40 cts pickles Sidney largest ever we seen yet nice place nice scenery spent $1.30 cts at Chyanne Larmie City large place also bought single tree $1.00 1 pound onions 10 cts nuts 50 cts apples lbs sugar 50 cts 2 lbs rice 25 cts 12 lemons 50 cts at Evenston got beaf 7 cts lb onions 5 cts lb best onion ever saw got blackberries 5 lbs to dollar
June 23rd stoped half day Tom Martin and Isaac killed a deer. Saw some rough fellows near. Some of the co was afraid they were thieves kept a watch that night.
June 24 We are at Sulphur Springs Stoped to fill up kegs (O dear my lungs hurts me so) took dinner at Mudcreek Camp on prairie to night has been warm since June the 17th June the 25th came by too forts or parts of forts & through a plain a barren lonly place came to whare the ground is white with alkilie or salt some say came to barrel springs tis black looking watter 6 miles to the next water and 17 east /alkalie all along/ to Mud Creek no wood here 4 miles to another fort and spring and twelve miles to bitter creek Abe is better frank Aldridge sick and Mr Chute saw too graves near springs roads the forts are covered with reading Saw another old fort the forts are remnents of forts 10 miles from bitter creek springs to antelope spring tis the niceest spring I ever saw Water good but barrel spring and the one next to it & bitter creek spring are salty not good at all June the 24th came over rough roads came to Hell Creek this morning and 2 springs thought we would find water in snow creek but it was dry had to drive till 4 oclock to find water
June 24 camped on prairie oh my I feel bad We came to Sulpher Springs stoped to fill up keegs such water tis horrid, has been hot for several days.
June 25 camped by old forts Came through a barren lonely plain where the ground is white with Alkilie, came to barrel springs and oh some of the co rushed ahead led thier horses right in the springs [4 little shallow springs with barrel hoops around them hence thier names] and when the rest of the co came to them the water was black and mudy. Well there was some pretty plain talk I was afraid there would be blows. We met Fraiters they tell us tis 6 miles to another spring 17 to Mud Creek
June 26th camped by another old Fort and lakes the water bad. the old forts are only remnants they are covered with names & dates. Isaac found a good bake oven in one and Sade found an old song title I Wandered to the Hills Maggie, how they did sing that the Aldredge family are fine singers are professional ones thats thier main buisness or was east. AFS is sick so is Mr Aldredge and Frank We past 4 more old forts and Bitter Creek the water in bitter creek is poison it looks alright and clear the Fraiters told us of it Before we came to it. Said dont use or let your horses drink of the water of Bitter Creek. We asked Why and he said When you go on the hill thats this side of it look over on the other hill and you can see a good reason why. and We saw lying on the hill they referee! to a large horse dead, and another lying there with a man anti family around it. June 27 camped at Antelope Springs and the water was cool and good and plenty What a blessing is good water, it had been a week since we had a good drink injoyed it hugely.
camp to night the 28 day Mudy Springs came 8 Miles to pritty creek 14 miles farther is Mount Brandy AFS still sick chute better I am most sick June the 28 We camp at Millers ranch nice place in canion, good spring in spring house plenty wood crost big hills today I am so tired my lungs hurts me
June 28 camped by Muddy Springs came over vary rough roads came to hell creek and two other springs But thot We’d find water in Snow Creek at noon but found it dry had to drive till 4 oclock to find water. Hell creek is a bright running stream tis awfull deep down to it and rough hard pitches to get to it that accounts for its name.
Its cold tonight the 29th of June took dinner the 29 on pretty creek and camped at Millers ranch had a fine camping place in canioin. We came over vary rough roads crost big hills We walk up many of them I am so tired and feverish. AFS and the Aldredges still sick. Isaac has to tend Abes team and put up his tent get them wood
June the 30 came over bitter creek 4 times to day thay say animals or man that drinks of its water will die to night we pitched our tents in green river city AFS is still sick frank Aldridge sick We crost green river on flat boat paid $2.00 they ford it in August
June 30 camped at green River city crost river on Boat cost $2. per wagon 25 cts per head for loose horses. Green river city is quite a pretty city Nola Boylan is vary sick June 31st camped at Black creek I am sick with mountain fever so is Mr Aldredge and Frank and AFS June 31st camped. By black creek the children feel bad there is scarcely a well person in the co.
July the 1th We campt by black creek I was real sick with mountain fever am still sick
July 1st We camped by ham fork the mosketoes are thick and saucy it rained several showers we were thankfull for them, it has been extreamly hot for several dayes.
July the second We are campt by ham fork themoscetoes bad it rained a shower it has been extreamly hot for 6 or 8 days Whole company feeling bad past through granges [Granger] today 2nd
July 2nd camped at grange to many in Co for comfort cannot get suplies for so many at the little stores at the stations.
July the 3th Campt all day at ham fork Lawn [Alonzo] Aldridge waggon broke he traded it for another but still they stay We stop to much the rest wash & bake leant do anything I am still sick tis awful hot & moscetoes bite
July 3rd camped at Ham fork a little stream all day & also all night. Lawn Aldredges waggon Broke and he traded it for another. Some of Co are grumbling because we stop so long.
July the 4th we traveled took dinner at Mud Creek thay call most of the creeks & thay are well named it rained several showers We stayed July the 4th at Carter Station I had hives in stomach was vary sick took dinner at fork of bear river
July 4th camped on Mud Creek past several creeks to day and inquire thier names tis oh mud creek and some of them are surely mudy enough.
July the 5th stayed at night at same spring Water sweet not good at all I feel some better to day
July 5th camped at carter station there is some springs here that has yellow looking water that looks and tastes like it had molasses in it tis no good only makes us thirstier after drinking
Mr. Aldredge got mountain fever We take dinner to day the 6th at another poor spring Waschee [Wasatch] Mountains South of us dont cross them tis nice & cool has been since July the 2nd We are in mountainous regions again July the 6 We came to evenston. it has chinnie6 quarters oh my how dirty provesian cheaper here new fruit from Oregon
July 6th camped by spring its water tasted so strong of copper as we cannot drink it we can see the waschee [Wasatch] Mts south of us we wont cross them tho. tis nice and cool we feel better we came to evenstown [ Evanston, Wyoming] it has Chinese quarters oh my how dirty and how funny they look and dress.
July 7th seen some nice country for the first in along time came to utaw this morning came to Washington Station7 got good water at Evenston first for 8 days the water is most all poor what a blessing is good water poor water & hot weather is what made us sick I am most well now Mr Aldridge is better Will Aldridge is sick
July 7th camped at Washington station Saw some nice country the first in along time and got good water all feel better Will Aldredge got mountain fever
July the 7th campt in echo canion Saw 18 Indians on ponies Some of company was afraid July the 8th came all forenoon in canion came to echo mill passed some of the finest sceanry we ever saw saw castle rock it is the collor of brick so is most of the roks along the canion a stream runs through the canion & the RR does to thare is dwelling houses in the beginning of the canion with herds of cheep Some cows & gees some gardens eragated farther on thare is the nicest trees tall bushes quakenasp boxelder elder berry goosberries currents cherries black haws thorn haws sarves [service] berries and a number of bushes & berries I do not know & thay are just loaded with fruit the roses are in bloom & some of the pretiest flowers our road is sometimes way up on the sides of the bluffs then way to the bottom crosses the stream then the RR road the bluffs and hills on either side of the canion is half mile high some of them red rock steep up with edifices domes spires steaples & arches all naturel July 8 campt still in canion Weber canion passed echo town vary pritty town also Weber town & a little town did not learn name of it tis Mormon town Weber river runs through canion thay eregate from it
July 8th came in Utah camped in echo canion. Saw 18 indians in paint some of co were afraid of them. We came all forenoon in the canion July 8th came to echo town /Echo mills/ and castle rock the rock is about the color of brick a creek or River runs thru the canion so does the R R oregon short line in the 1st part of canion are small farms as vegatable gardens and sheep cows geese ect. then the canion gets narrow and has the nicest trees of wild goose berries currents choke cherries black haws hawthorns all filled with delicious fruit We were camped and got all we wanted and wild roses and other beautifull flowers. Why it was a feast to of good things after dreary wastes and bad water, the road sometimes runs way up on the side of the bluffs and then way down to the bottom, crossed the river then the R.R. the bluffs on each side of the canion here is half mile up to the top. the rocks in shape of castles domes spires steeples and Arches all natural but almost perfect
July the 9th Came through some of the fineest sceanery saw the devils slide & saw tunnel for cars to run through saw most curious rocks & hills or mountains the gap was so narrow but one team could pass Weber river runs through it on edge bushes & trees trees loaded with fruit our road run on high bluffs in places tis all together the pritiest & grandest sight I ever saw tis imposible to give any idea of how the canion looked the canion is mostly erigated houses all long Mormons mostly
July 9 camped in canion but here called Weber tis a continuation of same canion. Widens here and we passed Weber town Weber River runs thru canion they eregate from it and raise the finest vegatables & small fruit. We passed another small town did not learn the name tis a mormon town, and now we come to some of the finest sceanery we have yet seen the Devils slide his eye glass and tunnell and gap the slide is white rock looks like marble, our waggons were on opisite side of slide it looked to be as wide as waggon bed had sides like one and at top was seat rounded off like a big rocking chair, the slide begin at the top of this and ran as smooth as marble clear to Bottom 60 feet long, here and at edge of river it was rounded off in shape of seat the same as at top. & just opisite it was the eye glass it was a round hole through a huge rock July the 9th the tunnel was made thru the solid rock for cars to run through, and the gap is a fearfull looking place high mountains of rock on each side and the canion here is so narrow we can only see a streak of light and so deep deep down and quite a falls and the river plunges down over rock and forms a white spray that is fethery and flies on you and on sides of canion and makes a roar louder than thunder, the cars run thru the tunnel here, and the river and waggon road so near only just room for them thru the gap. the waggon road just cut out of the rock up above the roaring river the men had us all walk for fear the teams would get unmanageble but they were as afraid as some of the people were and crowded as near the side of the bluffs as they could, tis a mile thru from one end of gap to the other, but not so narrow all the way. it widens out in places then becomes narrow in other places tis grand beond description to me & most of the co. others could not see any thing but fearfullness in it. tis 20 miles thru echo canion and 30 through Weber
July the 10 came through devils gap tis a fearful looking place high mountains of rock on each side & the river running over rock makes it foam white & such a roar louder than cars the river & road is near just room for them through the gap tis a mile through from one end to the other but not so narrow all way as in first end echo canion is 20 miles Weber 30 miles campt at Ogden large town are Mormans settlements they look like towns We came to another hot spring it was walled up it looks vary curious boils up from botom is about 4 ft deep thay have bath rooms here also a thick yellow scum rises on top water
July 11th camped at ogdan8 a large mormon town we came to another hot spring it was walled up it boils up from bottom about 4 feet acrost they have bath rooms here.
June the 12th took dinner at a settelment of Mormans under the shade trees by an eregating ditch thay have nice yards & houses 2 or 3 on one place & good orchards We can see Salt Lake half mile west of us—still in Utah—tis a nice sheet of water—the largest I ever saw the sea gulls are all along the lake thay are white & black the town is named Brigam campt at another gentile town did not learn the name the Mormans tell us thay dont have anything to do with the gentiles thay have a tabernicle in Brigham Salt Lake Valley is about 20 miles wide & thay eregate it portions of it they can thare is Mulberries trees are planted on the streets have berries on them splendid orcherds in yards full of apples, the country is dried up intirley except where they eregate have to buy hay
July 12 camped in Mormon Settlement under thier shade trees by an erigating ditch they have nice gardens and several houses on every place, good orcherds to
July 13 campt in prairie hailed water with us get sage bush for fuel past over bear river through Corinne town [Utah] found no water but salty stuff came to a nice little lake & spring this afternoon but they was salty Mr Aldridge is vary sick a stroke of palsy tis hot & vary dusty the roads must be 4 or 5 inches deep in dust
July 13 camped near brigam Salt lake is the nicest Lake I ever saw it glistens like glass and there is a crust of salt all around it the seagulls are all along the lake they are white and purple, they have a tabernackle in Brigham [City] that is a great building the most wonderfull one as the 7th wonder of the world
July 14th camped in Prairie hauled water with us get sage brush for fuel passed thru mormon town and a gentile town the mormons tell us to have nothing to do with the gentiles and the gentiles tell us the same of the mormons, we came to a little lake but the water is salty. Mr Aldridge is vary sick had stroke of palsy, tis hot and vary dusty I think the road is 4 or 5 inches deep in dust
June [July] the 15th came to another warm spring campt to night near a ranch found good spring water the wind blew the dust so we could scarcley see twas afful twas rocky to part way we left the RR at Corinne July 13th staid & washed & baked a family campt near us had worked with marvin this summer he turned back with us sent home 2nd letter July 13 AFS traded old doll for a pony mare July the 14 came in Idaho we came through a cedar grove saw more timber than we seen at all campt on a little stream near a range of mountains the wind blowed the dust fearful tis cool July the 15th campt near raft river We camp to night in a pretty place like Idaho better than Wy ter or Utah it was cold this morning but hot at noon We came over a sandy plane nothing grew atall came to raft river thar was a family living thare had a pasture told us we find no grass for 18 miles but we drove a mile found plenty grass the people will tell the bigest falshoods to get to sell thir hay June [July] the 15 came to kizer creek tis a nice creek We seen some nice country but they have to erigate We saw some curious stones mountains one looked like rusty stove pipes standing up right & one like pleats standing up Idaho is altogether nicer than W.T. [Wyoming Ter.] or Utah the streams are plenty water good no alkalie here not much in utah but salt in Utah. We are in Albion [Idaho] town today tis the dearest place we come to since we left warm springs.
July 15 came to another warm spring it was in a slough with tall grass all around We did not learn any thing about it But camped near it the 15th and some of the co took a bath in it. found a good cold spring too. the wind blew the dust so we could hardly see twas rocky to today we left the R R at Corinne.
July the 16 campt on the prairie had to hall water from Alben [Albion] came through canion half a mile long twas rough
July 16th camped on a little stream near a range of mountains staid all day washed and baked, sent letter home. AFS traded horses for pony. Paid $40 Boot Came in Idaho.
July the 17 we take dinner on good [Goose] creek no more water for 18 miles came on to spring creek July the 16 bought hay July the 17 came to rock creek 8 miles came to it 2 or 3 times before we cross it tis a worthies peice of country we went over 16 and 17th tis level but covered with sage no rain cant eregate AFS waggon whele ran off campt at Spring Creek July the 17 campt on rock creek herded horses along the stream
July the 17th camped by raft river tis a pretty country we like Idaho best of any place weve seen yet. But not so well as kansas. We came through a ceder grove the most timber we have seen in a body yet.
July 18th camped on kizer creek we saw some nice country but they have to erragate we saw some curious stone hills one looked like old rusty stone pipes standing on end, and one like plates standing edgeways great hills of them, we passed thru Albino town, every thing is vary high nothing less than 5 cts no pennies in use here. We come over spring creek and rock creek same old names continually Delia Tingley helps me to learn the names of places and streams. She laughs and sayes Mrs Surfus no use to ask the names of these streams just put down spring or rock creek two thirds of the time.
July 19 Hailed water campt on prairie
July 19th hauled water and camped on prairie, came to Salman creek. We saw sand springs from here they run down over high banks and make a nice falls
July the 20 came to salman creek we can see the sand springs from here they run down over the high banks at snake river & make a nice water fall Came to snake river to day tis a big one for this country the rivers are not any larger than creeks in Iowa salman river emties in snake river here
July 20th came to Snake River tis a large river for this country the most of the rivers are small but swift
July the 21 we are still on snake river we stop to wash and bake I had a big washing to do & baked 12 loaves of light bread campt the 20 on snake river July the 21th We came to the falls oh how beautiful nicer than anything I ever saw in echo canion Weber canion rivers mountains lakes trees flowers gap slide springs all combined cant compare with the waterfalls nature can & does go far ahead of art the salman falls are terabley grand but the falls that run down out & over the banks of the snake river is just sublime thare is a river running on the right of snake they call blind river which runs under the ground part of the time and part along through it as others do & it is higher up than the Snake & makes its way through the ground & rock & runs down the banks of Snake river the banks on that side are 60 or 75 feet high & the water runs down in hundreds of little streams as large as my arm & larger counted 20 hills where it runs out of they look pritier than any water in any other shape I ever saw salman falls is the snake river its selfe that falls down a high place thare is a store post office & 3 or 4 houses in the town /Sent a card July 20th home/ We came to sage plains or desert tis 20 miles acrost the plain and there is no water till we get through it was past 10 oclock & we could not reach water at night nor hall enough so we camp till morning
July 21 camped on Snake River stoped to wash and bake I had a big wash this time have been sick so long hitched up about 3 oclock P.M. the men had been hunting came in to tell us of a falls, the Salman Falls tis the river that runs down in the Snake tis wonderfully grand. Ribbon Falls is just sublime there is a river called blind river on the right of snake and part of it runs underground and part through it as other Rivers do. it is higher up than the Snake and makes its way under ground near the Snake and runs down the banks of Snake, the banks on that side are 60 & 75 feet high and almost strait, and the water runs down in hundreds of little streams the size of a knitting needle to that of a stove pipe the sun shone on the falls and the green trees above and the foliage beneath made the colors of the rainbow, the streams come out in all shapes and we all voted it the prettiest sight we had yet seen, is a little town here. July 21st We camped at Edge of sage desert tis 20 miles acrost and no water they tell us till we get through in the middle of the desart is a man By a well & sells water we took dinner on the plain or desert tis dry sandy and sage brush and grease wood is all that growes on it. they both emit a sickening oder it seemed along 20 miles. We came over it in the one day tho it was a hard drive just a dead pull thru the sand the sand makes the hardest wheeleing of any thing else.
July the 22 we took dinner on plain it is not like learmies [Laramie] plains it is not level here & it has grass the grass is all dry but is good we got fruit cheaper than at all before tame plums dryed for 10 cts lb & peaches apples the same We follow Snake river all day but not near enough to get water it is vary crocked that why it is called Snake river We killed a rattle snake today saw wild geese to we came through sand the roads was bad & steep hills to pull up
July 22 we came to habitations got fruit here dryed for 10 cts lb killed a rattlesnake sent letters home, we follow snake river found grass and water.
July 23 We came over the worst roads weve seen at all We stop to dinner on Snake river follow it 30 miles the grass is salt grass is not good We found a number of fish skeletons they mesured 3 feet in lenght the Oregon short line RR runs along this river tis hot to day Alvaretta Martin is sick We killed a rattle snake to day So far saw 7 deer We campt near a large rock that looks like a torr [tower] & near Snake river we passed to places on Snake river where men was diging gold they say one of the mines brings his owner $30 per day tom Martin caut 10 fish out Snake river
July 23rd camped camped near Snake R again followed it 30 miles the grass is salt not fit for the horses. We found some fish skellitons they mesured 3 feet in length Alvaretta Martin is sick we killed another ratler to day saw 7 deer
July the 24th We stoped to get dinner on a biyow & the moscetoes drove us out they were as thick all over as I ever saw knats the horses run out of the grass & would not eat We drove out on hill We camp to night by Branew [Bruneau] creek it emties in snake river near here We have had bad roads the last three days had to double twice up hill & the sand ran over the rim of the waggon whele July the 24 sent a card home to
July 24th camped by bruno creek stoped to get dinner on a Biou and the mosketoes really drove us out the horses ran up on the hill and refused to eat the children screamed and twas out of the question to keep the mosketos off of us so the men hitched up and drive up the hill saw bear and two cubs on a log playing Sent a card home to day
July the 25th We stop to rest Abes horses one of them give out yesterday We are by snake river in sage or alkilie desert no grass for our horses no way to get hay & some of company short of provesian & money thare was 25 teams campt on branno [Bruneau] river last night
July 25 stoped to rest AFS horse gave out. We saw tower rock today passed two places on snake river where men were diging gold Tom Martin caught 10 fish. July 25 camped on brouren creek it emties in the Snake, had had roads to day had to double twice up hills we camp on Snake R again are in Alkilie plain some of the co are out of Provesion and means the rest of us are helping them thru, was 25 teams camped here last night.
July the 26 We came over a vary dusty road We came to kizer creek stop to let our horses eat awhile tis 15 miles to water so we will fill up our kegs & go on 8 or 10 miles I am most sick We went 2 miles & found plenty grass & good water it was the same creek kizer we camped
July 26 camped on Burrough [Bruneau] River came to kizer creek let our horses eat awhile cannot find feed now every day we by hay and put it in the waggon tis bailed and when we find grass we stop and let them eat for sometimes we cannot get neither grass or hay. Will fill up our kegs and drive 8 or 10 miles tis 15 miles to water.
July the 27th We have found bad roads sand was 8 or 10 inches deep it rained last night & is sprinkling now We can get plenty new potatoes 3 cts lb
July 27th camped on Snake River found bad roads to day got new potatoes for 3 cts lb AFS horse gave out again tis sandy roads tis a dead pull our mules stand it fine are much better to travil with than horses, we can see silver mts on our left are in foot hills the country here is bare or covered with sage. We see some of the prettiest hills and curious rocks standing up like trunks of trees, tis nice and cool we can in morning see snow on the mts but hot in middle of day. The dust is mixed with Alkilie and hurts us to Breathe it and tis so deep, and rools up so we cant help it Snake R runs thru Sage at Alkilie desert, it is 60 75 & 100 feet down to the its waters we have drove dayes along its banks and not got one drop of water no trees or bushes grows along it only vary rairly. it has islands ocasionly and people live on them and eragate and fish, they stretch lines big ropes or wire from one island to another and fasten smaller lines with big hooks on them on the ropes and catch the biggest fish. What a life away from church or school & civalizatoin
July the 28 We came to snake river again campt at night AFS horse gave out again We can see silver mountains on our left we are in this foot hills the country here is level but bare or covered with sage brush We have seen some of the pritiest hills lately & great curious rock standing up like trunks of trees it nice & cool this morning We can see Mount Snowan tis vary hot in midle of day the salt is mixt with alkalie & is hard on man or beast Snake river runs through sage or alkilie desert it has the highest banks of any river I ever seen & not much shrubery grod along it & no trees at all people live on its banks & its Hands in fraim houses they have little patches iregated & rais potatoes & vegetables & catch fish they fish with lines stretch clear acrost the river or from one iland to another & the line is fixet with hooks & little fish for bait 28 campt on Snake river
July 28 camped on Snake again, found a salty hot spring we got some fine turnips to day but could not get any thing else Floar is $7.-per hund $1. for 3 doz eggs potatoes 3 cts lb we have been where we could not get any thing but onions and potatoes for 8 or 10 days at a time
July the 29 campt on Snake river saw a hot salt spring in the grass We stoped near a house & they gave us all turnips we wanted could get no butter or meat or flour & some of our copany is out of all of them 3 doz eggs cost $1 floiur $7 per hund potatoes 2 cts ½ lb We have been where we could not get any thing but onions and potatoes for 8 or 10 days it is cold nights & hot dayes the roads are bad & our horses are falling away & part of the time we cant find grass for them nor hay to buy We take dinner to day by the Snake again Isaac catched a fish & killed 3 rabbits he has killed 26 the grass that growes along the Snake is salt grass it is not good you can see the salt on it & taste it oh it is hot we came to sinker creek it emties into the snake here Could get rosenears [roasting ears] for 35 cts a doz
July 29 cmped by sinker creek isant that a name for a creek. Isaac caught 4 nice fish & killed 3 hairs we eat them to. We would not eat them at tall at first but travelers cannot be choice hah the drinking is worse than the eating but the fine sceanry pays for it all we got 12 ears of green corn for 36 cts
July 30 campt on Snake
July 30 camped on Snake R AFS horse gave out Taylor H [W.T. Henderson] put his spare horse in and we went on
July the 31th took dinner on Snake came through some bad sandy roads AFS horse gave out Taylor had him put calenel in & drive in afternoon Saw some of the pritiest sandhills they were drab culler & laid in waves I walked over them dont sink in them but a little
July 31 camped on snake again saw some of the cutest sand hills they were drab color and lay in waves like water waves we walked over them dont sink in much July 31 camped on snake the snake river gets larger as we go North west tis a muddy looking river reminds me of the Missouri
August 11th We came to the Owyhee tis a nice big river the Snake river gets larger as we go northwest the Owyhee emties in Snake here the country is dry all through it don’t rain here either We are just in Oregon but so far we have seen no Co we could swap decatur Co for in kan Some of our company are intirley out of provesion and money but wont give contract or security for it & have went on without it 5 of our teams went on AFS horse cant go the 18 miles drive we have to go before we find water So Mr. Tinglies Taylors Abes & us stay till tomorrow & put our horses in the pasture give 25 cts a team for puting them in one day & night he did not charge kansas goes far ahead of anything we have seen yet I think & know
August the 1st we came to the Owyhee tis a nice big river it emties into the snake here. We are just in Oregon we like Decatur Co Kansas best yet. we will have to go 18 miles before we find water and tis nearly noon so Mr Tingly Taylors Abes and us will put our teams in the pasture and stay till morning give 25 cts a team and can overtake the co tomorrow August 1st camped on Malhure River tis a nice big river tis vary dry here reminds us of Kansas when there is drougth did not overtake the other teams AFS traded horses again
August the 2 campt on Willow Creek August the 2 we came to Malhue river it is quite a nice river came to a stone store
August 2nd camped in a valley are in Baker Co Oregon. The vally is green with grass but tis salty can see the salt on the blades and taste it We dont want to stop here
August the 3 we came in baker Co did not overtake the others AFS traded old bill for a grey pony he paid $40 difference We have come to the niceest valley we seen yet tis green with grass but tis salt grass most of it the Willow Creek is dry Most all the streams have white willow in them took dinner at grove springs & picked goosberries on shares I picked 3 quarts campt by a house at Willow Creek put horses in pasture Wind & dust blew offal in night
August 3rd camped at Groves Springs overtook the other teams the water is good here and the grass also I sent letter home We picked goosberries on shares here at ranch I got 3 quarts,
August the 4 took dinner at a mining camp thare is a gold mine near hear & they are diging ditches to run water to wash gold thay have a ditch dug from burnt river to Willow Creek the distance of one hundred & 30 miles We can see the gold in the sand Where there is a reveane they make troughs to run acrost & where they want to turn it up hill they run pipe up We seen one pipe 90 or 100 yards long We have seen some bunch grass today the sage gets thinner We found lots of wild berries today they are larger than those of kansas but not as good, are more bitter We are on what they call the duly road it is a told road
August 4th. camped near a mining camp. There is a gold mine near and they are diging ditches to run water to wash gold have ditches from burnt river to willow creek the distance of 130 miles. We seen some bunch grass to day the sage bush gets thiner found lots of choke cherries they are larger than those of Kansas but not so good.
August the 5 came where they was diging gould in 3 places they had along rubber pipe as thick as a man & 100 rods long it was fixt so as to throw the water with great force & they was washing the gold out of the mountain way down thare Was a lader to go down & it was open at top I went most down but the rest was afraid so I came back We came to the Duly [Dooley] mountains they are a spur from the blue mts We went over them most the higest place it was 7 miles from the base till the summit & 7 miles down & it was covered with fir & pine trees it was the bigest & most timber I ever saw the trees was from 100 to 125 feet high & so strate it was the pritiest sight I ever saw to run up on the highest point & look down between the mountains the rest of the women said it made them dizy but it did not me We found rasberries currents cherries & sarves berries the currents are just like the tame red ones & thare is black ones just like the red except the culler the strawberries were all gone & most all of the berries We campt at the Mountain house We came through Malhue town & several Mining camps & over burnt river & some mountains streams it rained the mountains are covered with grass so beautiful & geen there is strawberrie vines on Mo-ts
August 5 we camped at the foot of the duly mts they are a spur from the blue mts we went over them it was 7 miles from the base to the summit, we saw the first big trees here they were fir from 125 to 200 feet oh what beauties
Aughust the 6 came down west side of M & 12 miles to baker city it is as larger than oberlin tis situated in a vally tis vary pritty here We met the rest of our co & the best thing that happened to us on the road came to us it was a letter from home Aldridges & Jonies got letters from Oregon Jony got $20 from his father and Al $20 of george they write very incurrageing to us We are campt to night by powder river in as pritty a vally as I ever saw We got a letter from SED Aughust 6 tis Isaac berth day he is 31 years old 20 teams campt here
August 6th came down west side of mts. Camped at mountain house. We came thru Malhure town and several mining camps over burnt river and mountain streams cold swift and lovely tis 12 miles from mts to baker city tis large as Oberlin [Kansas] situated in a lovely vally. a happy event awaited us here letters from home it had been nearly 3 mo. since we heard from there. When we left mother was prostrated with grief and we left with vary sore hearts but the letters said she was well. Isaac was 31 years old that day 20 teams camped with us last night Some going east but most of them west A Mr James wife and baby came in our co at baker city
August the 7 came over north powder & several mountain streams through powder vally & powder town it is a pritty vally the water was yellow or clayey & some the culler of water which a gun has been washed with but the wells water is good to drink
August 7th we came over North Powder river and several mts streams and thru powder vally and Powder ville. the vally is very pretty the water vary bad in powder springs they looked and smelled like water which a gun has been washed in. But the well water is good there is no grass to speak of in this vally but the soil is vary black and loose, we are hunting homes in Oregon but dont want any here, camped in vally.
August the 8 We stoped to wash & bake We emtied a waggon & went 2 miles to gether berries on the shares but when we got there thay had none for to pick Some people told us they had but we bought some cabbage & got some milk Alldridge Jonie Lawns gripheffs stoped a mile or to back Jonies came in our company at baker city the 6th August & sent a letter 8th in offace for father
August 8th stoped to wash and bake the people there told us there was berries to pick on shares 2 miles off. So we emtied a waggon and went to pick or buy some but they were all gone, but we got some cabage and milk I put letter in office to day for fathers.
August the 9th we came through bad canion over several streams & in grand round vally it is the nicest vally weve seen We took dinner near a house in vally the vally is 25 through came through legrand tis a nice town turned off mane road took a new road it is not good is very rocky came to house on mountain at 1 m stop & taylor & abe went to find right road Isaac & tom went back & followed a road till it gave out We are all getting gum spruce & fir tis like that we buy we could get pounds of it part of our company went the pendelton road We went over some bad roads came to the old road came over the blue mountains it was vary steep & rocky We came to where they was building R R the ground was covered with tents & chinemen We came campt on a mountain AFS waggon whele run off again
August 9 we came thru bad canion and into Grand round vally to day. the people told us not to stop in city for the children there had Diptheria in a vary bad form so we went a mile out of town and stoped near a house so as to get water, the vally is 25 miles thru it we came to Legrand tis a beautifull town August 10 we took a short cut road. Some man told us we’d save 5 miles by doing so 4 waggons of us the rest took the Pendelton road, well our road was terable and dangerous we stoped and Isaac Tom went to look ahead and found the old government road we gethered spruce gum and some juniper berries neither is vary good, well the men came back in an hour and what a time we had we could not turn back the road was up on a high bluff and just room enough fora waggon so the men unhitched and partly emptied the waggons locked the wheeles tight tied ropes to them and got them over the bluffs into the old road it took a good half day and a lot of hard work We will not try any more short cuts. We camped in blue mts at foot
August the 11th came over mountain came through a stateon they are working RR here We came the free road thare is a tole road the roads are 6 or 8 inches deep the mountains are heavy with timber juniper spruce & 3 or 4 other kind I dont know AFS horses are gone Isaac is helping hunt them we find some black haws that is good and mealy not like the black haws of Iowa but like the red ones the afternoon nearly gone & no horses yet We campt here tis Meter9 station AFS horses came back early Sun Morning
August 11 we came over the Blue mts it was vary steep and rocky oh how pretty the trees and streams. Ina and I walked a great deal wanted to see the sights the mts streams were numerous and the trees so tall and the mts so straight not like any we had come over but prittier by far. We would go on top they are bare on top down quite a peice too. the trees cannot grow above the friezeing point freizes every night I supose. We could look down between the mts and see the streams rushing over rocks and the trees stood up tall and strait their tops coming up on the mountain sides & such a lovely green Ina would clap her hands and say oh if grandma and uncle Jim could see this Id be so glad, they were working R R in here we camped at station Aug 11
August the 12th We start for pendelton tis a RR town 28 miles from Meter Station tis cold We came at Umatilla vally tis pritty but vary dry We pass large schoolhouse Indian School We came through the Umatilla reservation or a part of it saw a good meny Indians & ponies
August 12 We camped by meeter station AFS horses ran off he and Isaac are hunting them we are injoying ourselves picking haws black and red. Hawthorn trees grow in abundance here AFS children are sick with sore throats we fear tis Diptheria well here comes the men and horses Sunday morning August 12 we start for Pendelton tis 28 miles from meeter station Ina is sick, Johny Surfus quite sick, he rides with us some of them ride most of the way with us they have such a load. We took dinner in Umatilla Vally tis a pretty vally but dry and hot. we pass a large schoolhouse tis an Indian school
August 13th came thru umatilla reservation saw a good many Indians & ponies they wont allow us to tuch the timber not even pick up the dead limbs we have to twist up hay to bake with there is lots of dead grass here
August the 14 came to Pendelum campt came up on high land level & it was fenced all in lanes they was harvesting it was a nice scene after so long a barren country We campt on the umatilla
August 14th came to Pendelton. camped on high level land in lane tis all fenced in they are harvesting tis refreshing to see big fields of grain after traveling so much in a barren country the children are nearly all sick Ina is bad we got some medicine at Pendelton for her.
August the 15 We came along the river found some of the red alderberries they are sour & are larger than them east We came through echo town a small town on the umatilla We take dinner near some houses lillie & Johny Surfus is sick & Dealy & Jame tingly thare is all of us campt here it is very dusty we cant see the teams next us sometimes & tis rocky in places we see some nice apples in orcherds all vegetables growd good here & small grain & ear corn growes to people have rosenears [roasting ears] We haul water & take dinner on the prairie the bunch grass is good tis 30 miles acrost the prairie without timber & 14 miles without water the prairie is nice & raised good small grain & some early corn the timber was 40 miles through & water plenty campt on prairie it was a regular sand storm We had to stop traveling
Aug 15th camped on the umatilla came along the river found some Oregon Elderberries they are biger than those in Iowa and are sour quite good, came thru Arlington [Echo] town
August the 16th We came through wind & sand & take dinner on willow creek traveled part afternoon and had to stop campt on prairie
August 16th camped on prairie had a hard dust storm We could not see even our horses they refused to face the storm turned around. We had to camp the wind blowed so hard it lifted the waggon covers bows and all off of the waggons, but A.F.S. neiled his on two of his children are sick Ina seems some better
August the 17 came to willow creek Wind & sand is vary bad came to rock creek followed it down had to stop again on account of wind & dust We could not see our horses We had to drive back half or quarter mile to get behind bluffs the country is vary rough & some places vary rocky & sandy We dont like it here We got some of the best haws we ever saw got some sweet corn 15 cts doz We camp to night near rock creek we came through canion crost toll bridge John Day River paid $1.00 take dinner on prairie water in draw half mile away wind blows yet same tis cold we ware hoods & shalls has been cold 3 days
August 17th came to Willow Creek wind and dust vary bad we get green corn here 15 cts per doz. We came to rock creek have to follow it down and had to stop again on account of wind and dust could not see where to drive and horses would not face it everything is completely covered with dust cannot see our faces they are the color of wood ashes, hard wood We find different wood makes different colored ashes. We had to turn back a half mile to get behind bluffs to camp. We dont want any of this part of Oregon. Camp by rock creek came thru Canyon crost tole bridge on John Day River paid $1. tole tis so cold we ware hoods and shawls We are in foot hills tho comming to Cascades. Ina vary vary bad oh We are where we cannot get a docter or any help tis so far back to a town and on to Oregon City here my diary ceased it took all my time and attention to care for Ina
We came thru foot hills and it was cold and we came to some little vallys and I remember they fetched Ina apples and blue and red Hucklel berries but she would not eat them her throat was so sore 3 days passed and it was August 20 at 3 oclock in afternoon her nose began to bleed and it continued to bleed untill 3 in the night we done all in our power but could not stop it. the next day we stayed all day in camp she was so bad could scarcly breath and the lineing of her stomach came out she would strangle and sink away then revive again We could not get feed for teams and the next morning we emtied our waggon and intended to only stop long enough to let the horses eat grain without unhitching them and drive to some town before we stoped we fixted a swing bed in the wagon and she lay on it and the jolts did not hurt her. She was delerious part of the time. I had to fan her for it seemed she could not get breath enough we were coming up the Cascades it was near 3 oclock AM when she said to me mama you need not fan me now I can breath eisier I said Ina you are better she said no I will never get to Oregon City I tryed to hush her and said oh yes we will be there before long we wont unhitch till we get there She said oh mama hear me let me tell you dont stop me this time it hurts me to talk (she had started to tell me before that she would die but Id try to incourage her so I said well tell us what you want to and Isaac said let her talk) She said you and Papa and Virtie and Ona will to to Oregon City but I will go to my home that my hymn tells about, and oh I could not bear the idea of her dying in the mountains so I cryed out oh Ina not way up here in the mountains she said why Jesus is here to he knows where I am and will take me from here as easy as from Oregon City, her father said yes Darling he can. then she closed her mouth and Eyes folded her hands acrost her breast and slept for 15 minits. I said oh is she not better? Isaac shook his head, then she awoke with a gaspe and said oh mother we saw she was dying and called Taylor Henderson he came in our waggon and put her head in his lap and said now till be quiet let her go in peace, and a few breaths she was gone oh the anguish of that, our god alone knows, but she has gone home as she said her hymn was this, I will sing you a song of that beautifull land the faraway home of the soul where no storms ever beat on its glittering strand while the years of Eternity roll ect. tis found in gospell hymns No 20 We sang a great deal on the road and at night and that hymn was her favorette she was’8 years lakeing 11 days. We drove on untill we came to a camping place. (Camping places are cut out in the woods on mts sides) so we stayed there till morning then drove on up to the summit house twas 10 oclock
August 23rd it was our 10th weding anaversery just 10 years on that day we were married. We stayed all day at the summit made a coffin of the top side hoards of our waggon it was a new waggon the boards were oak and well painted Isaac took some mesures of her coffin so as to make one when we got to Oregon City thinking he could come right back and put her coffin in it and bring her to the cemetry at Oregon City but we hurried her at Mount Hood in an Emegrant grave yard by another little girl who was laid there, and Vert and Ona were both sick Ona soon got well but Vert was not expected to live for 6 weeks, and did not get well for 5 years, he had sinking spells for 5 years, then he got stout, and when Isaac wanted a pass in fall to go to Mount Hood to get Ina the roads were closed and he did not get to go till the next August just the year from the day she was laid there Isaac and Taylor took her up and brought her to Oregon City grave yard and laid her there Roy our first child died when he was 6 months old is burried Iowa Butlar Co Isaac is buried in Elwood Oregon mary M Surfus’s diary kept while coming to Oregon in 1883
ROSTER OF 1883 TREK
INA ELIZABETH SURFUS About age 3, before the trek on which she died at age 7, near the end of the journey in 1883
ONA AND VERT SURFUS About 1883, at ages 3 and 5, after the trek. Vert still recovering from diphtheria.
Both photos from the Composite Diary of Mary Matilda Surfus.
1 In those clays “phthisis” meant any wasting away of the body, especially consumption.
2 It was at this point that they joined the overland trail route along the Platte River.
3 Alkali Station was about 40 miles west of North Platte. Charles Edgar Ames, Pioneering the Union Pacific (New York, 1969), p. 217. Ames also has a detailed map of the U.P. stations. It is a reprint of an 1871 map, and appears in two parts on the inside covers at front and back of the book.
4 Here she refers to the disease, “thrush, ” an affliction that attacks the mouths of children.
5 This is evidently a summary of things purchased along the way.
6 Chinese. A settlement of Chinese laborers was formed north of the tracks in Evanston. There were many Chinese workers brought in by the railroad. Mae Urbanek, Wyoming Place Names (Missoula, Montana, 1988) p. 38.
7 Wasatch Station.
8 One wonders that Salt Lake City was not visited by the Surfus wagon train. The story is that the original railroad by-passed the Mormon capital taking a route farther north which saved 76 miles. Ames, op. cit., p. 267.
9 Could it be that she meant the Meacham Stage Station, built by Harvey J. and Alfred B. Meacham in 1863? The broad mountain meadow had been Lee’s Encampment, not for Jason Lee the missionary, but for one Henry A. G. Lee. Meacham enlarged his station in 1865. One wonders just how Mary Surfus managed to call it “Meter” or “Meeter.” The best new study of this region is the newly published book, Powerful Rocky: The Blue Mountains and the Oregon Trail, by John W. Evans (LaGrande, Oregon, 1990).