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Trek of the Eighth Handcart Company to Salt Lake City, Utah, 1859. Christian Ybañez, ThinkSpatial, BYU Geography.

But some will say it is too bad

The Saints upon their feet to pad

And more than that to push a load

As they go marching up the road.

We say this is Jehovah’s plan

To gather out the best of men

And women too, for none but they

Will ever gather in this way.

—John D. T. McAllister, “The Hand Cart Song,” verse three

Historical Introduction

By the late spring of 1859, about 650 European Latter-day Saint emigrants from the William Tapscott and an additional 650 Church members who had been waiting to travel to Utah were gathered on the west bank of the Missouri River to receive clothing and supplies from Church emigration agents.[1] Their fellow Saints in Utah were kept apprised of these European Saints’ preparations to cross the Great Plains. The Deseret News reported, “We learn from the Council Bluffs [Iowa] Press that there were about thirteen hundred emigrants at Florence [Nebraska Territory] on the last of May, enroute for Utah from different parts of the world; some two hundred and fifty of them were coming over the plains with handcarts, of which the company had sixty, with iron axletrees . . . Gen. [Horace] Eldredge had 150 splendid Chicago and St. Louis wagons there loaded with merchandize and various kinds of machinery for this city, each wagon having about 2500 lbs. of freight; in the aggregate nearly two hundred tons.”[2] During that summer in 1859, about 1,650 Latter-day Saints crossed the American plains and Rocky Mountains for Utah by wagon (86 percent) or handcart (14 percent).[3]

Wallace Stegner, the “Dean of Western Writers,” reminds his readers in The Gathering of Zion: The Story of the Mormon Trail that the Latter-day Saint pioneers were different from the masses they joined on the great migration west. “They were the most systematic, organized, disciplined, and successful pioneers in our history; and their advantage over the random individualists who preceded them and paralleled them and followed them up the valley of the Platte came directly from their ‘un-American’ social and religious organization. Where Oregon emigrants and argonauts bound for the gold fields lost practically all their social cohesion en route, the Mormons moved like the Host of Israel they thought themselves. Far from loosening their social organization, the trail perfected it. As communities on the march they proved extraordinarily adaptable.”[4] The Saints’ path was not novel, but the way they trekked overland as a religious community was unique. Stegner continues: “What was new about the Mormon migration was that it was the permanent hegira of a whole people—grandparents, parents, children, flocks and herds, household goods and gods. In the composition of its wagon trains, the motives that drove them, the organization and discipline of the companies, it differed profoundly from the Oregon and California migrations. These were not groups of young and reckless adventurers, nor were they isolated families or groups of families. They were literally villages on the march, villages of a sobriety, solidarity, and discipline unheard of anywhere else on the western trails.”[5]

Latter-day Saint pioneers did view themselves as the “Host of Israel,” as Stegner suggests. In January 1847, as the vanguard pioneer wagon company prepared for its exodus to the West, then-apostle Brigham Young dictated a revelation, known today as Doctrine and Covenants 136, on the “Word and Will of the Lord concerning the Camp of Israel” (v. 1). “Let all the people of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and those who journey with them, be organized into companies, with a covenant and promise to keep all the commandments and statutes of the Lord our God,” the revelation instructed. “Let the companies be organized with captains of hundreds, captains of fifties, and captains of tens, with a president and his two counselors at their head, under the direction of the Twelve Apostles” (vv. 2–3). Between 1847 and 1868, about seventy thousand Latter-day Saint pioneers made the overland journey to Utah, organized into more than three hundred wagon and ten handcart companies. The pioneer immigration organization would remain very similar until 1869, when the Transcontinental Railroad would make wagon (and handcart) travel obsolete.

On June 2, 1859, George Q. Cannon and his fellow immigration agents organized the Eighth Handcart Company according to scriptural direction and historical precedent. Cannon called thirty-two-year-old George Rowley, a returning British missionary, as captain of the eponymous George Rowley Eighth Handcart Company.[6] Rowley assigned Thomas McIntyre, a Scottish convert, as company secretary. He then divided his handcart pioneers into seven subcompanies led by the following men: Mark Lindsey, first captain of ten (British pioneers); Henry Hobbs, second captain of ten (British pioneers); Thomas Maycock, third captain of ten (British pioneers); William Scogings, fourth captain of ten (British pioneers); Hans Olsen Magleby, fifth captain of ten (Scandinavian pioneers); J. Jensen, 6th captain of ten (Scandinavian pioneers); and Mathias Brock Nilsson, seventh captain of ten (Scandinavian pioneers). Rowley also called Henry Olpin as chaplain of the British pioneers, Andrew Jensen as chaplain of the Scandinavian pioneers, Henry Hartley as captain of the wagon teamsters, and Charles William Mann as captain of the guard.[7]

The trail from Florence, Nebraska Territory to Fort Kearny, Nebraska Territory was about 195 miles long, and it took the Eighth Handcart Company twenty-three days to push and pull their handcarts to Fort Kearny. “From Florence the handcart companies followed the Mormon Trail of 1847 for 1,100 miles to Salt Lake City,” writes western trail historian Stanley B. Kimball. “In general the trail follows the gentle, broad Platte River valley for some 475 miles to Fort Laramie, where the Pioneers crossed the Platte and intersected the Oregon Trail.”[8] To track the Eighth Handcart Company’s route from Florence, Nebraska Territory to Fort Kearny, Nebraska Territory in summer 1859, see “Map 3. Mormon trails in eastern Nebraska,” in Kimball’s Historic Sites and Markers along the Mormon and Other Great Western Trails.[9]

Source Note

Thomas McIntyre, diary, CHL; Henry Hobbs, diary, CHL; Hans Olsen Magleby, diary, CHL; and Mathias Brock Nilsson, diary, CHL.

Document Transcripts

Thursday, June 9, 1859 (day 1 on the Mormon Trail)

[McIntyre] Start from Florence at five o’clock p.m. with handcarts to cross the plains.

We number 258 souls consisting of English, Scotch, Irish, Welsh, Swiss, Danes, Norwegians, and Swedes.

We have fifty-seven handcarts. Four persons are allowed to a cart with twenty pounds of luggage, with provisions the whole amounting to 250 pounds to a cart. Our organization is as follows: George Rowley, captain. Thomas McIntyre,[10] secretary. Mark Lindsey, captain of first ten. Henry Hobbs, [captain of] second ten. Thomas Maycock,[11] [captain of] third ten. William Scogings, [captain of] fourth ten. Scandinavians: Hans O. Magleby, captain of fifth ten. J. Jensen, captain [of] sixth ten. Mathias Nilsson, [captain of] seventh ten. Andrew Jensen,[12] chaplain for Danish and Henry Olpin, chaplain for English. [Charles] William Mann, captain of the guard. We have also eight wagons which carry our extra luggage for the company. Henry Hartley is captain of the teamsters. We travel slowly over some rolling ground for about four miles and pitch our tents at a place called Spring Creek. We have scarcely entered camp when the axletree[13] of one of our wagons gave way. After a good time around the campfire and prayer by Henry Hobbs we retire to rest. Pleased with the first day’s trial at handcart pulling.

[Hobbs] Gathered a few strawberries in the afternoon. Brother [George] Cannon addressed us and said the angels should go before us and be round about us if we would be obedient to those over us. He said he felt justified before God and man of having done his best in fitting us out with provisions for the plains. Brother [Robert] Neslen spoke a short time and then the following items were attended to: Henry Olpin, chaplain for the English; Brother [Charles] Mann, captain of the guard; and Brother [Henry] Hartley, captain of the teamsters. The meeting then broke up and we started for Spring [Creek], [blank] miles, with fifty-six handcarts and 230 persons. It was a fine afternoon and the sun shining bright when old and young rolled out with their carts. It was a sight which many will not soon forget. We had some steep hills to climb on our way, which tried the strength of the strong, say nothing of the feeble, the halt, and the lame. We arrived in camp at half past eight [p.m.], being about two and a half hours making the trip. Sometime after our arrival the teamsters came into camp. My brother [William Hobbs] reported that [Martin] Hansen’s[14] wagon had broken down. A chain[15] belonging to another wagon broke making the descent. I engaged in prayer and then laid me down to sleep under the handcart with Jane [Hobbs]. The sisters carried Cannon and Neslen to the dance. At three a.m. was called to go on guard. There was a heavy dew and the night quite chilly.

[Magleby] Good weather. Received some provisions and our extra property. In the afternoon had a meeting where Elders [George] Cannon and [Robert] Neslen gave us a farewell message, after which we broke up camp and began our journey. A number of our brethren and sisters followed us some distance and then bade us farewell. We answered them with tears and greetings. We then left the city and the Saints, which we now cannot hope to see until the Lord gathers us in the mountains. Continued until the evening. Some Indians met us and shook hands with us as a sign of farewell. The road was uneven and hilly, but we pulled through it with joy. Watchmen were placed and songs were heard from the different groups

[Nilsson] We made our final start from Florence with our handcart company and traveled that day three and a half miles and camped. Here we laid over another day.

Friday, June 10, 1859 (day 2)

[McIntyre] Morning prayer by John Cartwright.[16] We remain in camp all day. We sign receipts made out to us by George Q. Cannon, emigration agent, for deficiencies in funds for handcarts and fit out. Meeting in the afternoon. Addressed by Brother Cannon and Robert F. Neslen, who give us some very useful information in relation to our journey and great blessings promised to us if we attended to them. Evening prayer by Mark Lindsey.

[Hobbs] Attend prayer. Went for a bath. Spent some of the forenoon getting provisions for my camp. Note: I forgot to say we passed a Mormon burial ground[17] near to Florence with lots of boards up, which gives the names of many of the Saints. Two pounds of bacon and one of sugar was dealt out today. This is the allowance for two persons for one week. The water where we are now is excellent. Plenty of grass but we have a long way to go for fuel. Some Indians in camp today. I had some fun with them. This morning four of the brethren left for Florence who spent the night with us. They had been four weeks coming from the [Salt Lake] valley with mules. The sun is very hot today. In the evening several more of the brethren arrived, one named Daniel W. Davis.[18] They spent the night with us. We had some dancing, the band played, etc. Brothers [George] Cannon, [Robert] Neslen, and [James] Bond left us. The Saints gave three cheers to George Q. Cannon for his kind and fatherly care over us tonight. Me and Jane [Hobbs] slept under our handcart.

[Magleby] It was cold this morning. We remained quiet this day. Divided our provisions, flour, bacon, salt, and sugar. We received visits from some Scandinavians who were on their way to California.

[Nilsson] A meeting was held in camp at which Brothers George Q. Cannon, Robert F. Neslen, and [Soren] Guhl[19] preached to us. We were told how to assist one another on our long journey before us. The brethren wished us goodbye. Caroline Chappell [Woodward],[20] who went with my handcart, left her son William [Woodward],[21] to come with her cousin Sarah, who were to cross the plains with an independent ox train that would not be ready to start for another ten days. Robert F. Neslen and Guhl had been appointed captains of that train.

Saturday, June 11, 1859 (day 3)

[McIntyre] Prayer by the chaplain. We start at nine a.m. in good spirits and roll merrily on very good roads for five miles and camp at Big Pappea.[22] The remainder of the day is spent in finishing the signing of receipts. Brother [Robert] Neslen and a few other brethren visit us. The day is closed by prayer by Brother [William] Jarvis.[23]

[Hobbs] Started for Big Pappea, six miles. Had some steep hills to climb. One of our provision wagons stuck in the mud and took some time to get out. When we arrived at Pappea, we saw some five thousand head of sheep going to California. There is good water and fish here and very good feed. This afternoon Brother [Robert] Neslen arrived in camp to do some business for Brother [George] Cannon. Brother [Soren] Guhl, who brought him, went back with the mules and left Neslen and [James] Bond to walk ten miles. Went out and picked some gooseberries tonight. We had our flour, seven pounds for one week, and a can of beans. Slept under our carts at night.

[Magleby] Broke up camp. Traveled about nine miles this day. Brothers [Robert] Neslen, [Soren] Guhl, and others came once more to our camp and bade us farewell. Our baggage was weighed, for overweight payment was to be made. We received some more provisions.

[Nilsson] We made another start, and after traveling nine and a half miles we camped and remained in camp the rest of the day. Here all our luggage was weighed, and as some of the handcart emigrants had more goods than were allowed, they had to send some of their things with the wagons. A big man by the name of [Mark] Lindsey, the biggest man in our company, who was also a captain of one of the English tens, was always complaining of the Scandinavians; sometimes they would wash their hands in the wrong place, at other times the smoke from their fires would blow his way, and another complaint was that we did not go far enough from the camp to blow our noses. Most of the Scandinavian Saints did not know what he said, but they knew that he was finding fault with them, and they disliked him for it.

Sunday, June 12, 1859 (day 4)

[McIntyre] Sabbath morning prayer by Henry Hartley. Considerable time is spent in weighing luggage, a few of the Saints having too much in their carts. After all were put to rights, we again take the road and travel about ten miles and camp at Elkhorn.[24] Some of the brethren from the [Salt Lake] valley are also camped here. Many questions are asked of them concerning friends and relatives in the valley. We are very much tormented by mosquitoes. We are all pretty well branded by them. Evening prayer by William Scogings.

[Hobbs] Our luggage was weighed. Tea served out. Wrote some. Administered to Mary Kirkpatrick and left at about twelve o’clock p.m. for Elkhorn, eleven miles. Got a little water. Five miles out here there was a deep descent and ascent and several others on the way. We should have camped on top of the hill when we reached Elkhorn, but there were two hundred soldiers there going through to California, and as we did not like their society, we made a deep descent and camped near the river. As soon as we got there, four wagons arrived from Deseret [Utah], drawn by mules. They had traveled forty miles today. Brother [Asa] Calkins’s wife was in the company. Here the mosquitoes were very numerous, and scarcely a soul slept and all were bit very severely. Some of their eyes were closed up. I went on guard part of the night. At half past two o’clock [p.m.] I went into the river for a bath. Several Indians made haste from the camp when they saw we were armed.

[Magleby] Broke up our camp and went quickly along the road, passed Elkhorn. Some distance therefrom we saw a camp of soldiers who had come from Fort Kearney on their way to Minnesota. We camped by the river. I had a bath. Many visited us, both soldiers and Indians.

[Nilsson] We traveled eleven miles and made camp on the east side of the Elkhorn River. Here we were nearly eaten up by the mosquitoes, some of them being so large that many of them weighed a pound. We roasted quite a number of them during the night.

Monday, June 13, 1859 (day 5)

[McIntyre] Prayer by Henry Hobbs. Very pleasant morning. We make a very early start with the intention of making a few miles in the cool of the morning; but not coming to any proper camping place we continue our journey uninterrupted till we come to a place called Fremont[25] on the Platte River.[26] We have traveled today about sixteen miles. We feel much refreshed by bathing in the Platte. In the evening we are visited by Indians who wait upon us at supper and proffer to pull our handcarts if we pay them a little money. Day closed with prayer by Brother [Abraham] Duffin.

[Hobbs] Left at half past five a.m. for Fremont, sixteen miles. Did not get any water till we reached Fremont Farm. Had much sand to travel over after leaving Elkhorn and one mudhole. Some of the sisters were carried over, and others had to take the roughs. The road was very rough and unlevel most of the day, the sun very powerful and the Saints panting for breath. When we got to [blank] we rested two hours. Some laid in the dusty road like so many oxen and sheep. The most of the folks were hungry, having had no breakfast, as they expected to have got it early, but there was no water or wood till we got to Fremont Farm. Left [blank] for Fremont three miles. Had a good place to camp, and most of those who were exhausted and footsore recruited themselves and felt tolerably well by night. Lots of Indians enjoying themselves with us this afternoon. In the night the lightning and thunder was terrific. Some rain with it. I and many more slept under our handcart.

[Magleby] Broke camp early. The road was very uneven, the weather warm, so that we were tired after having gone about fifteen or sixteen miles, which was our day’s journey. Camped in a pretty place. A number of Indians visited us. Much bad weather.

[Nilsson] We resumed our journey early in the morning, glad to get away from the mosquitoes. We traveled about sixteen miles and encamped for the night at a place called Fremont, not far from the Platte River. During the day we traveled over some lowlands and crossed several sloughs[27] over which we had to wade. In the afternoon we encountered a heavy thunderstorm accompanied by severe lightning.

Tuesday, June 14, 1859 (day 6)

[McIntyre] During the night we had a thunderstorm. Morning prayer by John Smith.

At half past eight we are again in marching order and move out amidst the sweet fragrance of briar and prairie flowers caused by the rain of last night. We feel refreshed and enlivened, and as we jog along the hymn and favorite song[28] can be heard along the line of march. Today we feel more reconciled to our novel way of traveling. We have very good roads and a fine breeze which fans us very pleasantly.

A large herd of sheep is before us. Occasionally one or two is left behind footsore, which come in very good for us who have no fresh meat.

We reach camp at four o’clock. It is called North Bend.[29] Mosquitoes very troublesome. We have traveled today fourteen miles. Prayer by Brother [Joseph] Broadbent.[30]

[Hobbs] Left at nine a.m. for North Bend, fourteen miles. We had a laborious day’s work. Brother [Mark] Lindsey and some of his company were left behind, some of mine and some of [Thomas] Maycock’s. We got very good water at a house at Fremont’s precinct. We picked up a sheep on the way and had a fine time of rejoicing over it. It was divided in our company.

[Magleby] I was mouth in prayer. Continued our journey.

[Nilsson] We traveled today about fourteen miles and camped for the night near the Platte River, at a place called Vallas posthouse.

Wednesday, June 15, 1859 (day 7)

[McIntyre] Prayer by Brother [Edward] Shanks.[31] Very fine morning and in good spirits for another long pull, but we only make seven miles and camp at Shell Creek[32] at four o’clock [p.m.]. Another sheep dropped from the herd before us, which we are thankful for. Prayer by Brother [William] Scogings.

[Hobbs] Left at [blank] a.m. for Shell Creek, ten miles. Stuck a sheep on the way and divided it among our company. Rested several hours two or three miles this side [of] Shell Creek. There is good water at Shell Creek, especially at a house nearby. Good feed for the cattle. Brother John Smith struck Henry Hartley for insulting him and turning [Frances Smith][33] out of the [supply] wagon. Hartley said if he struck him again, he would put a ball [bullet] through him, in the name of the Lord, etc. I was like a coal of fire when I went to bed. Jane [Hobbs] was much pained in her stomach. Tonight we had some beans given to us.

[Magleby] Started early. My company is the last today. We take turns in going first and last. Rested for noon. Continued until evening. Camped in a nice place.

[Nilsson] We traveled six miles and stopped for dinner. In the afternoon we traveled four miles further and camped on Shell Creek, where we found good water, wood, and grass.

Thursday, June 16, 1859 (day 8)

[McIntyre] At half past eight [a.m.] we move out of camp but [are] soon overtaken by the rain, but not being heavy we keep on our journey amidst it. Soon it fairs again and we have good roads and an excellent time for the rest of the journey. We reach camp at five o’clock called Platte Valley. A Scotch and Welsh family of Saints live here. They are very kind to us. We have traveled today about fifteen miles.

Our baggage wagons do not reach camp till eleven o’clock. In crossing a creek one of the wagons broke down. This mishap will keep us in camp tomorrow until it is mended. Prayer by Brother [Henry] Olpin.

[Hobbs] I and Jane [Hobbs] are much better. A little rain this morning. Traveled to [blank], fifteen miles. Broke a wagon some two miles from where we camped. Some brethren were sent to watch it all night.

[Magleby] Continued. A company headed for California drove by us. The road in the beginning was swampy, wagons came late to the camping place.

[Nilsson] We traveled about fourteen miles and camped on the north bank of the Platte River. Here we had to lay over a whole day as an old wagon which the agents for the emigrants had bought for us to cross the plains with broke down. Some of the wagons bought for us for that purpose were not worth $10.00 each, and some of them broke down as soon as we had started from Florence. As we waited, I went out a short distance from camp and found some grapes and plums growing wild. I also picked some good wild peas. Towards evening a train of emigrants from the States under Captain [James] Brown[34] arrived and camped close to us for the night. This was an independent company in which the emigrants owned their own teams and wagons. Nearly all were Mormons bound for Utah. Among them were a number of Scandinavians. We held a meeting with them, and some of the brethren gave us good counsel.

Friday, June 17, 1859 (day 9)

[McIntyre] Remain in camp all day. A prominent feature of today’s doings is mending the broken wagon. It is a busy day with the sisters washing and fixing clothing. Brother [James] Brown’s [wagon] train camps near to us. We have lots of good company and enjoy ourselves tonight in singing and dancing. Prayer by Mark Lindsey.

[Hobbs] Stayed all day to repair the wagon. Went on guard at night.

[Magleby] We had to remain in camp to repair the wagons which were broken by the bad roads yesterday. Received some more provisions. During the afternoon a company of the Saints camped by the side of us. The company consisted of some Danish and some English people. Sixty-seven wagons in charge of Captain [James] Brown.

[Nilsson] We traveled about fourteen miles.

Saturday, June 18, 1859 (day 10)

[McIntyre] We have a thunderstorm this morning preventing us from starting very early.

We try it at eleven o’clock [a.m.]. The roads are soft, and many pools of water are formed on the roads. We make circuitous routes to avoid them, which makes it very tedious traveling. We reach a place about five o’clock [p.m.] tired and weary called Cleveland.[35] Traveled ten miles. Our little trials are finished off today by the pesty mosquitoes. Prayer by William Scogings.

[Hobbs] Traveled to Cleveland ten miles. Brother [James] Brown’s company of sixty wagons camped near to us tonight.

[Magleby] We determined to start early, but a rainstorm prevented us. [James] Brown’s company broke camp and traveled by us. Caught up later and passed the company again. Camped.

[Nilsson] We traveled about sixteen miles.

Sunday, June 19, 1859 (day 11)

[McIntyre] Prayer by Brother Henry Hobbs. We make an early start at five o’clock [a.m.]. It is a very cool morning for traveling, only the roads a little soft owing to late rains.

We are met within seven miles of Genoa[36] by a party of brethren who come to help us, for which we feel very grateful. We are pursuing our journey merrily under this feeling when we have another accident with one of our baggage wagons breaking down again; but as we are near a friendly settlement, a “lie over” in camp for a day will do us good.

When within three miles of Genoa we are overtaken by a real American thunderstorm, which drenches us “through and through” as the Scotsman we say. However, we are not long in getting right again. Distance from our last camp sixteen miles.

[Hobbs] Traveled to Genoa. Saw [a] mill about three miles from Genoa. Broke a wagon at Looking Glass Creek.[37] Rested there some time. Some wagons met us nine miles off and helped some of the old and infirm along with some of their luggage. While on our way from Looking Glass Creek there came a tremendous thunderstorm, which wet us all through to the skin. The handcarts were very hard to draw the last five miles on account of the wet. Met with Margaret Threlkeld[38] at Looking Glass Creek. She gave me a piece of corn dodger,[39] which was very acceptable. When we got into camp, I changed my clothes and went with Brother [Charles] Mann to Genoa three miles and was completely used up by the time we arrived. Called at Brother Joel Johnson’s,[40] president of the branch. Slept at his house.

[Magleby] Some Indians visited us. They were peaceful. We broke camp. The air was cold but good traveling. We were approaching the settlement Genoa when several wagons therefrom came to meet us. In the afternoon we had a terrible thunder and rainstorm which wet us through, but we camped, made a fire, and cooked supper, which put everything in tip-top shape again. Several of the wagons injured. Slept well.

[Nilsson] We started on our journey at 5:30 a.m. and traveled at a good speed all forenoon. About ten o’clock a.m. we met several teams coming from the Mormon settlement Genoa. These teams took some of the children and older people in their wagons and at eleven o’clock a.m. we made camp. This settlement is situated about five miles to the right of the road. Here we had dinner, and at one o’clock p.m. we resumed our journey and traveled about four miles. A heavy thunderstorm came upon us before we had made our camp and could get our tents pitched. We all got a good drenching.

Monday, June 20, 1859 (day 12)

[McIntyre] As expected, we remain here all day until the wagon is mended.

A meeting is called in the afternoon when we are addressed by our captain [George Rowley] and the captains of ten, who counsel and instruct us in their turns.

The Saints feel well and seem to think it a privilege to go to Zion by handcarts. A collection is taken up to defray the expense of ferries. It is moved and seconded that Brother Henry Hartley be relieved from taking charge of the baggage wagons and that Brother William Harris take his place. We enjoy ourselves in the song and dance with our Genoa brethren and sisters.

[Hobbs] Took breakfast with Brother Joel [Johnson]. My wife [Jane Hobbs] got breakfast at his house too. She informed me that she had slept in a very unpleasant place where bugs was crawling about, etc. This morning Brother Johnson read me some pieces of his poetry, which was very good.[41] There are at the present in Genoa some eighty or ninety families. There is a bowery in the town with a public square of ten acres. The streets are a good width. Potatoes and wheat and other things grow fine. Walked to camp three miles. Went with Brother [Charles] Mann to chop a tree through, but when we had done it, the four oxen[42] could not draw it, so we fixed up a load of branches and learned one more lesson. In the after[noon] we had a meeting opened by prayer by myself. Sung two hymns, “O My Father”[43] and “Softly Beams the Sacred Dawning.”[44] Brother George Rowley then said that there was much stubbornness manifested with some parties when they were called to go on guard. But that he should see that the law of the plains was put in force and such persons should be expelled from our camp and carry their own provisions and that they may either go before the company or behind. He said that unless we were united, we never should get to the valley, but if we would do right, sickness should banish from us, and we would become strong. Myself, [Mark] Lindsey, [Thomas] Maycock, and [William] Scogings spoke our feelings in favor of what our captain said. A collection was then taken up to pay for our crossing three or four ferries.

[Magleby] Good weather. During the forenoon were visited by Brother [Niels] Thuesen and family.[45] He lives in Genoa. He baptized me into the gospel, and I was glad to see him again after several years’ separation. We had meeting during the forenoon, which gave me joy. I visited Genoa and went back to camp at night.

[Nilsson] Another old wagon was broken, and we had to remain in camp all day. We held a meeting in the afternoon and were called upon to raise some money, as we had three rivers to cross soon and would have to pay toll for crossing. Each person was assessed fifty cents.

Tuesday, June 21, 1859 (day 13)

[McIntyre] At one o’clock p.m. we reluctantly part from our Genoa friends and commence crossing the ferries. Brother [Joel] Johnson, who owns the ferry, generously gives us a free passage. After this trouble is safely over, we travel about half a mile through heavy sand and accept the invitation to camp with Brother [James] Brown’s company. Our chaplain being sick, prayer is held in the different companies.

[Hobbs] After breakfast struck our tents, walked some distance to the ferry, and spent the day getting our wagons and handcarts across; the rope broke and lots of the boys went in naked and fixed it again. Went up to our knees in mud and water, and for a half a mile had a rough road to camp. A great many mosquitoes round camp; kept the most of them off by making good fires.

[Magleby] The Scandinavians had a meeting, at which I spoke, after which the whole company had a meeting concerning the required money for ferry purposes. I collected $17.70. During the afternoon I went down to the ferry landing, where we crossed and landed on the other side, where the ox team company were camped.

[Nilsson] [blank]

Wednesday, June 22, 1859 (day 14)

[McIntyre] Prayer by Thomas Maycock. We are detained here in consequence of the wagon which stuck in the sand last night till half past two [a.m.]. Having good roads we make twelve miles and camp at seven o’clock [p.m.]. Prayer by Brother Mark Lindsey.

[Hobbs] Brother [James] Brown’s company have rolled off. At three p.m. left for Loup Fork,[46] a distance of twelve miles. It was wet when we got in camp, which made it disagreeable to the feet. Brother Brown’s company and some bound for California camped close by. Tonight a small bar of soap was given to each handcart to last through to the valley. By five a.m. the camp was roused, and at half past seven [a.m.], we left for Loup Fork, [twelve] miles. Took our carts through five mudholes up to our knees. Got but little water on the way, although there was both wood and water at some distance on the right, and our wagons could not conveniently be brought through the mud, so they camped four miles from us. Twelve men were sent from the camp to their assistance to guard the cattle. It was a heavy dew and a cold night. I was on guard till twelve p.m. in my wet thing; had to go a long way for wood.

[Magleby] Good weather. The [James] Brown Company went on, and we broke camp also after we had obtained some potatoes from the brethren in Genoa. We overtook the ox team in the evening.

[Nilsson] We crossed Loup Fork on the ferry, and the cattle swam over.

Thursday, June 23, 1859 (day 15)

[McIntyre] It is a beautiful morning. Prayer has just been offered up by the chaplain invoking the protection of our Heavenly Father; Captain [James] Brown’s [company] has just moved out of camp. We are all standing by our respective carts, some singing, some merrily talking, awaiting orders from our captain [George Rowley] to march. At half past eight [a.m.] we start in Indian [single] file. The company that came last yesterday going first today.

We roll on at a good rate over good roads for several miles, taking a rest of ten minutes every hour, when lo! we are brought to a halt by the oft-talked-of mudholes.

We can get no way to get past them, so of course we go through them, which is a very disagreeable thing, especially for the sisters, who have to turn up their petticoats;[47] many a fair leg went in there and came out black with much mud above the knee. After considerable struggling, hallooing, and laughing we get through all right and camp at “Loup Fork” about thirty-five miles from Genoa. Captain Brown’s company camp near to us again and we enjoy a good time. We have traveled today twenty-two miles. Our baggage wagons have not arrived; they have had great difficulty in getting through the mudholes.

We sleep without our tents tonight, quite an annoyance to the older folks and the sisters. This interesting day is closed with prayer by Thomas Maycock.

[Magleby] [James] Brown’s company broke camp a little before us, but we reached the same camping place in the evening. Today the road was very heavy and uneven, so that our wagons could not follow us and did not reach us in the evening. This evening in the old country the Saints [create a bonfire for] burning.[48] We burn one here also.

[Nilsson] We traveled twenty-two miles over a good road and camped for the night on Platte River. Our teams and tents did not arrive until the next morning, so we had to spend the night laying under the handcarts.

Friday, June 24, 1859 (day 16)

[McIntyre] Our last wagons came into camp at eleven o’clock a.m. We remain here today. The balance of the day is spent in dealing out provisions to the company. Brother [James] Lemmon’s[49] [wagon] train[50] camps with us tonight. Prayer by Brother [Thomas or John] Schofield.[51]

[Hobbs] This morning the wagons arrived all safe; flour and bacon was given out to last for ten days, a little salt, tea, and a few ounces of sugar. I spent most of the day sewing. In the evening Brother [James] Lemmon’s company of sixteen wagons camped close by us p.m. This morning Captain [James] Brown’s company left camp. We stayed in camp all day by orders of the captain, probably to rest ourselves and the oxen. Today the folks are cooking a heap of bread. Today the folks are well and looking cheerful, some few sick, Brother [Henry] Olpin among the rest. This morning I was struck blind and deaf for a few moments by the sun.

[Magleby] The [James] Brown company continued, but our wagons did not reach us until sometime during the forenoon, after which provisions were distributed so that we had to lay over today.

[Nilsson] We laid over all day. Provisions for ten days were distributed to the emigrants. It consisted of ten pounds of flour, one pound of bacon, and a little sugar and salt to each person.

Saturday, June 25, 1859 (day 17)

[McIntyre] We roll out at seven o’clock [a.m.] and travel slowly behind our provision wagons in order that the brethren of the handcarts may assist the teamsters when the wagons get mired in the many mudholes which are in our way. We then encounter very heavy sandy roads and finish up with hilly sandy ground. The hardest day’s travel we have had yet. And worse, we camp at a late hour where there is neither wood nor water. Tired and footsore, we lay down to rest at nine [p.m.], having traveled twenty miles over very bad roads for narrow-wheeled handcarts such as ours were.

[Hobbs] Traveled upwards of twenty miles, mostly over sandbanks. We arrived at sandbank just at dark. The strength of the Saints was quite exhausted with but a few exceptions. Brother [James] Lemmon’s teamsters hitched some of the handcarts on to the wagons. We could get no water scarcely on the way and but very little when we camped. Passed through five mudholes. Picked up some bones with writing on,[52] stating that Captain [Horton] Haight’s[53] and [James] Brown’s company had passed along on such a date and were all well.

[Magleby] We went on our way early. Had a heavy road and came very late to a camping place. We were very tired.

[Nilsson] We traveled about twenty miles and found this a hard day’s journey as the roads were sandy. Some of the handcarts were left behind and the water was very scarce at our camping place.

Sunday, June 26, 1859 (day 18)

[McIntyre] Sabbath morning, but instead of resting we are glad to get out of this sandy country and to where we can get wood and water so that we can rest properly and be refreshed. So, we start on a hard day’s work again over sand still worse than the previous day. We come to blessed water and take dinner and a rest for two hours. We pursue our journey for seven miles and camp at Prairie Creek.[54] We have some difficulty in crossing this creek. Traveled today twelve miles.

[Hobbs] Traveled to Prairie Creek fifteen miles, a rough road most of the way. At our journey’s end we had quite a time in getting our carts over the creek. Today we had a strong headwind. At night it sensed and commenced to lightning and thunder. The mosquitoes are very busy tonight sucking the Saints’ blood. Oh, how the Saints scold them for making them so restless. I went on guard at three o’clock this morning. I was very tired.

[Magleby] There is fine weather. Somewhat heavy road and many sick ones, so that the well people had to be separated. My wife [Mary Magleby] had to go to another handcart. We reached Prairie Creek, which we crossed, and camped for the night.

[Nilsson] We held a little meeting in the morning at which a call was made on us for a contribution towards buying a pony for the captain [George Rowley]. The money was raised, and the pony purchased. Some bacon was turned out to pay for the pony at the trading post. We only traveled six miles this day as the road was very sandy.

Monday, June 27, 1859 (day 19)

[McIntyre] We roll out at ten [a.m.] and travel over good roads, but under a very scorching sun which overpowers a few of the Saints. We travel slowly, resting often until we come within five miles of Emigration Springs, and there we camp for the night. Eleven miles made today.

[Hobbs] I went and had a good bath in the creek and know it revived me much more than food. Left this forenoon and traveled twelve miles. Camped at Wood River[55] or a point of the same. Caught some fish. Had a meeting in the evening. Brother [George] Rowley gave some good instructions about getting to the [Salt Lake] valley and working for our winter’s provisions. Spoke about going on guard, the importance of keeping a sharp lookout for the Indians, to speak kind to each other and not tread on each other’s corns so much. Spoke about the captains keeping their handcarts together while traveling, for if one stopped, it would throw all behind, etc.

[Magleby] Broke camp somewhat late but had a good road. However, it was very warm. We camped by a creek. One of the men in my company took sick. I had to go back after him and bring him on the wagon. Yesterday we were requested as a company to furnish a horse for Captain [George] Rowley. I gathered six and a half dollars which I gave today to the secretary [Thomas McIntyre].

[Nilsson] We resumed our journey early in the morning, passed some Church teams going to Florence for goods, and traveled about eleven miles. We camped near a small settlement of Mormons. In crossing a creek today, we broke a wagon.

Tuesday, June 28, 1859 (day 20)

[McIntyre] Start at five a.m. all in good spirits and roll over excellent roads like an unbroken chain until we arrive at Wood River slough, and here comes another test for our old wagons.

With a severe struggle they come out minus two wheels. Camp here beside Wood River, a very pleasant place. A few brethren with their families live here. Traveled today sixteen miles. Prayer by Brother [Charles] Gledhill.[56]

[Hobbs] Traveled some sixteen miles to Wood River settlement.[57] The roads were very dusty. Some of the Saints were nearly used up for the want of water. We passed by Emigration Spring on our way. Stopped and refreshed ourselves for a few minutes. Broke one wagon at a small creek near Wood River that we had to pass over. Caught a few fish with some crickets.

[Magleby] Continued the journey early today. A good road and very pleasant weather. In the afternoon our road took us over a marsh where one of the wagons broke two wheels. We camped for the night on the other side of Wood River, where some of our brethren had settled.

[Nilsson] We paid two dollars in flour and some bacon for having the wagon fixed. Together with others I took my gun and went out hunting. I shot two ducks on the Platte River and brought them to camp.

Wednesday, June 29, 1859 (day 21)

[McIntyre] We remain here all day. Most of the Saints make it a day of pleasure in fishing, hunting, and bathing. The sisters take advantage of the time in doing up their washing. The families who live here are very kind and show us many courtesies, for which we feel very grateful. To save us the trouble of dragging our handcarts through the river, which is very disagreeable especially for the sisters, they build us a bridge. They also exchange our broken wagon for a good one. Brother [James] Lemmon’s [wagon] train leaves us today. They also have been kind to us. Our captain [George Rowley] buys a pony from Lemmon so that he may ride ahead and find proper camping places. We have an excellent meeting at night. Addressed by Captain Rowley.

[Hobbs] Brother [George] Rowley got his pony, and a nice one it is. Today we remained in camp while the broken chains and wagons are repaired. The sisters are washing, and most of the boys are fishing. There are only a few families living here. They are well supplied with water and wood but are badly off for clothing, sugar, etc. Caught some fish today. The brethren at this settlement are building us a new bridge that we might cross over the water in safety.

[Magleby] Remained in camp today. Made a bridge over the river in order to cross it and busied ourselves with hunting, fishing, washing, cooking and baking, and so forth. In the evening we had prayer meeting. All is well. Only a few sick ones.

[Nilsson] We traveled twelve miles.

Thursday, June 30, 1859 (day 22)

[McIntyre] We set out again at ten o’clock a.m. and travel eleven miles and camp a mile off the old road and about three miles from Nebraska Center.[58] Prayer by John Smith.

[Hobbs] Left Wood River and traveled eleven miles to Nebraska Center. Camped by a good spring of water. Caught some fish.

[Magleby] Broke camp at eight o’clock. Crossed the river on a bridge. Good road, pleasant weather. Camped by a creek for the night.

[Nilsson] We started on our journey early in the morning, traveled nineteen miles, and camped near the Platte River.

Friday, July 1, 1859 (day 23)

[McIntyre] A beautiful morning, we are just ready to start when a herd of buffalo[59] is discovered in the distance, and being the first time we had seen these oft-talked-of animals, a wild excitement immediately took place. A number of brethren could be seen running out in their shirt sleeves with an old gun of some kind, and some of the Danish brethren, in their excitement, ran out with an axe or anything they could lay hands on.

The buffalo are soon out of sight, and we are again in traveling order again and keep on the march till we reach a point of the Platte [River] and there we camp. We have a large number of invalids today. Prayer by John Cartwright.

[Hobbs] Traveled eighteen miles. Saw lots of buffalo. We could have had several, had not men, women, and children frightened them away. While traveling today we came across the best part of a buffalo killed by the Pike’s Peakers[60] the day before. Some portions of it stunk, being exposed to the sun. But many got a good supper out of it. I enjoyed mine well. Camped at the first point of the Platte River. We saw the soldiers’ camp at Fort Kearny[61] on the opposite side of the river, a poor place for wood.

[Magleby] This morning while we were yet in camp, we saw a flock of buffaloes. During the day while we were marching, they passed by us. We hunted some of them but without result.

[Nilsson] We traveled sixteen miles. Provisions were distributed for six days in the evening.

Notes

[1] On the 1859 emigration from Liverpool, England, the British editors of the Millennial Star reported the following:

Out of the 725 Saints sent out in the William Tapscott, 650 have proceeded on to the frontiers with the intention of going through to Utah this season. Although all were anxious to go through as soon as possible, yet, when they left these shores [England], only about 400 felt themselves prepared and able to continue the journey further than to the [United] States this season. We much rejoice, therefore, to learn that on arriving at New York, through the faithful attention and wise provisions made for them by Elders [George] Cannon and [Thomas] Stenhouse, so great a number of them found themselves in a condition to proceed on their journey to their long and anxiously-desired mountain home this season. May the blessings of the Lord attend them in all their travels, and crown their efforts with success!

The editors continued: “We are happy to learn that several hundreds of the Saints from the States are also on their way to Utah. We are glad to find that the sojourn of our brethren in the States, surrounded as they have been by the most determinedly-opposing influences, has not caused them to lose the spirit of the work or their high and holy callings.” “Arrival and Departure of Emigrants,” Millennial Star 21, no. 26 (June 25, 1859): 413.

[2] “Health of the City. Emigration,” Deseret News, June 29, 1859, 4.

[3] Church leaders arranged for the following five major pioneer companies––four wagon trains and one handcart train––to depart from Florence, Nebraska Territory in June 1859: the James S. Brown Wagon Company (353 individuals and 59 wagons), the Robert F. Neslen Wagon Company (380 individuals and 56 wagons), the Horton D. Haight/Frederick Kesler Freight Wagon Train [Alaina: This is called “The Horton D. Haight/Frederick Kesler Wagon Freight Train” in the style guide and other notes.](154 individuals and 71 wagons), the Edward Stevenson Wagon Company (285 individuals and 54 wagons), and the George Rowley Handcart Company (235 individuals, 60 handcarts, and 8 wagons). Ten smaller wagon companies of Latter-day Saints also made the overland journey west to Utah that summer: the Augustus S. Beckwith Wagon Company (22 individuals), the Philip H. Buzzard Freight Train (16 wagons), the Russell K. Homer Company (4 individuals), the James Lemmon Freight Train (a few family wagons), the Feramorz Little Company (7 individuals), the John McNeil Company (6 individuals), the Redfield and Smith Freight Train (15 individuals), the Hiram T. Spencer/John Y. Greene Freight Train (3 individuals), the Abraham R. Wright Company (17 individuals and 8 wagons), and the Ebenezer R. Young Freight Train (9 individuals). About another 160 pioneers that travelled to Utah in 1859 have been identified by name but not by company. Pioneer Database, 1847–1868, in Church History Biographical Database.

[4] Stegner, Gathering of Zion, 6.

[5] Stegner, 11.

[6] Company captain George Rowley was born on September 20, 1827, in Yorkshire, England, and was baptized a member of the Church in 1847. He subsequently married fellow Latter-day Saint Ann Brown, and they both felt the call to gather to Zion. Rowley preceded his wife to America, arriving in Utah in November 1855. Two years later, he was called as a “handcart missionary” to England and was there reunited with his wife and infant. After Rowley’s honorable release in 1859, the Rowley family boarded the William Tapscott in Liverpool, England, and sailed to America. On board the ship, Rowley served as a counselor to Robert F. Neslen, who presided across the Atlantic. Rowley and his family arrived in Florence, Nebraska Territory with the large company of British and Scandinavian Saints. He appears to have been chosen as company captain for several reasons: he had already crossed the American plains twice (west by wagon in 1855 and east by handcart in 1857), he was a seasoned missionary, and he was already respected by the majority of the company for his leadership as Neslen’s second counselor while crossing the Atlantic. Kate B. Carter, comp.,“They Came in 1859,” 30–31.

[7] See Hans Olsen Magleby, diary, June 2, 1859, herein; Mathias Brock Nilsson, diary, June 2, 1859, herein; and McIntyre, diary, June 9, 1859, herein.

[8] Kimball, Historic Sites and Markers, 40, 49.

[9] Kimball, 5.

[10] Thomas McIntyre (1832–1914), FamilySearch–K24D-TMV. See “Appendix 3: Eighth Handcart Company Roster,” in this volume; hereafter Appendix 3.

[11] Thomas Maycock (1833–1900), FamilySearch–KWJZ-74S. See Appendix 3.

[12] Andrew Peter Jensen (1837–1921), FamilySearch–K2WT-5R3. See Appendix 3.

[13] A shaft on which a pair of wheels rotates.

[14] Likely Martin Hansen (1828–1906), FamilySearch–KWJF-38M. See Appendix 3.

[15] Overlanders used chains and ropes to lock or slow their wagons’ and handcarts’ wheels when descending steep hills.

[16] John Cartwright (1837–1915), FamilySearch–KWC4-DFH. See Appendix 3.

[17] The Mormon Pioneer Cemetery in Winter Quarters (Nebraska) was the final resting place for hundreds of Latter-day Saints who wintered in Nebraska’s first city during the winter of 1846–1847. Richard E. Bennett, “Winter Quarters,” in Encyclopedia of Latter-day Saint History, 1349–50; see also “Winter Quarters Historic Site/Markers” and “Winter Quarters Cemetery Historical Site/Markers,” in Kimball, Historic Sites and Markers, 51–54.

[18] Likely either Daniel Davis (1808–1892), FamilySearch–KWJZ-7C2; or Daniel Davis (1831–1887), FamilySearch–KWZT-PYC.

[19] Soren Peder Guhl (1821–1883), FamilySearch–KWJ8-9RQ, was a member of the Robert F. Neslen Wagon Company in 1859.

[20] Caroline Chappell Woodward (1828–1908), FamilySearch–KWVH-PBZ. See Appendix 3.

[21] William Woodward (1850–1921), FamilySearch–KW8F-DTB, was a member of the Robert F. Neslen Wagon Company in 1859.

[22] Big Pappea or Big Papillion (Nebraska) is a river running not far from Florence, Nebraska. It was named by early French explorers for the numerous butterflies that once lived in the area. Clayton, Latter-day Saints’ Emigrants’ Guide, 41–42; and Perkey, Nebraska Place Names, 161.

[23] William Henry Jarvis (1817–1895), FamilySearch–KWJ4-CPY. See Appendix 2.

[24] The Elkhorn River (Nebraska) empties into the Platte River. A post office was established on the riverbank in 1857, and the pioneers likely camped nearby after leaving Florence. Clayton, Latter-day Saints’ Emigrants’ Guide, 41–42; and Perkey, Nebraska Place Names, 63.

[25] Fremont (Nebraska) had a post office established there in 1857; the settlement was named in honor of explorer General John C. Fremont. Perkey, Nebraska Place Names, 60; see also “Mormon Pioneer Trail Marker” and “Mormon Migration Marker,” in Kimball, Historic Sites and Markers, 55–56.

[26] The Platte River (Nebraska) is about 39 miles from Florence, 992 miles to Salt Lake City. The North Platte begins in north-central Colorado and flows east until converging with the South Platte, which originates south of Denver, Colorado; the main stem of the Platte empties into the Missouri River. Clayton, Latter-day Saints’ Emigrants’ Guide, 41–42. The Platte River Valley became the “main highway to the West” during the middle of the nineteenth century. Robert W. Durrenberger, “Platte River,” in New Encyclopedia of the American West, 891–92. See also “Great Platte River Route Historical Marker,” in Kimball, Historic Sites and Markers, 56–57. Trail historian Merrill Mattes writes, “The Platte resembled no river any of the emigrants had ever seen before, contradicting their idea of a ‘normal’ stream. It was miles wide and inches deep; thanks to Indian-set prairie fires and grazing buffalo, no timber grew on its banks; and it seemed to flow almost higher than the surrounding country. . . . Equally remarkable was the gelatinous character of the water itself.” Great Platte River Road, 163.

[27] An area with deep mud; a mire.

[28] Likely “The Hand Cart Song,” written by John D. T. McAllister.

[29] North Bend (Nebraska) was named for its location as the farthest point north along the Platte River. Perkey, Nebraska Place Names, 61.

[30] Joseph Lees Broadbent (1836–1920), FamilySearch–KWJW-43P. See Appendix 3.

[31] Edward Shanks (1793–1859), FamilySearch–KWVL-FMH. See Appendix 3.

[32] Shell Creek (Nebraska), named after the nearby creek, was about 62¼ miles from Florence, 968¾ miles to Salt Lake City. Native American traders built a bridge here to collect tolls from overland emigrants. Clayton, Latter-day Saints’ Emigrants’ Guide, 41–43; and Perkey, Nebraska Place Names, 42.

[33] Frances Smith was John Smith’s wife. John Smith’s mother, Elizabeth Young Smith (1814–1884), FamilySearch–KWJ8-1P5, immigrated to America in 1861.

[34] James Stephens Brown (1828–1902), FamilySearch–9H1W-W67, was captain of the eponymous James S. Brown Wagon Company in 1859. See Jenson, Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, 3:30–31.

[35] Cleveland (Nebraska) was founded near Columbus but never established a post office or permanence. Perkey, Nebraska Place Names, 147.

[36] Genoa (Nebraska) was about 103¾ miles from Florence, 927¼ miles to Salt Lake City. It was founded in 1857 by Latter-day Saint settlers and was granted a post office in 1858. Clayton, Latter-day Saints’ Emigrants’ Guide, 44–45; Perkey, Nebraska Place Names, 132. See also “Genoa Historic Site/Marker,” in Kimball, Historic Sites and Markers, 58–59.

[37] The Looking Glass Creek or Grape Creek (Nebraska), which had been bridged for emigrants, was about 95¼ miles from Florence, 935¾ miles to Salt Lake City. Clayton, Latter-day Saints’ Emigrants’ Guide, 44–45.

[38] Margaret Threlkeld (1840–1914), FamilySearch–KWNR-R4C, joined the William Budge Wagon Company in 1860.

[39] A fried or baked cornbread dumpling.

[40] Joel Hills Johnson (1802–1882), FamilySearch–L6C8-YGW, joined the William Budge Wagon Company in 1860.

[41] Joel Hills Johnson wrote approximately one thousand original poems and hymns, including “High on the Mountain Top” and “The Glorious Gospel Light Has Shone.” Davidson, Our Latter-day Hymns, 431.

[42] Adult castrated cattle used for domestic purposes.

[43] “O My Father,” originally titled “My Father in Heaven,” was written by Eliza R. Snow while she was still living in Nauvoo, Illinois. It was published in the Times and Seasons in 1845. Davidson, Our Latter-day Hymns, 320–22.

[44] “Softly Beams the Sacred Dawning” was written by John Jaques as an expression of his hopes for a peaceful Millennium while the Latter-day Saints were struggling for earthly survival. Davidson, Our Latter-day Hymns, 56–57.

[45] The Thuesen family—Niels Thuesen (1812–1892), FamilySearch–L5FK-HXH; Engelika Kirstine Thuesen (1808–1863), FamilySearch–KWV9-YVY; Johan Nicholia Thuesen (1843–1932), FamilySearch–KWNP-L25; and Laura Christine Hansena Magdalena Thuesen (1846–1920), FamilySearch–KWN6-Y9W—immigrated to Utah with the James Darling Ross Handcart Company in 1860.

[46] The Loup Fork (Nebraska) is a branch of the Loup River, which is a tributary of the Platte River in central Nebraska. It is about 114¼ miles from Florence, 916¾ miles to Salt Lake City. Clayton, Latter-day Saints’ Emigrants’ Guide, 44–45; Perkey, Nebraska Place Names, 99.

[47] An underskirt worn by women, often with a decorative edge of ruffles or lace.

[48] Saint John’s Eve, known in Scandinavia as Sankthansaften, is celebrated annually by Christians across Europe beginning on the sunset of June 23, before the Feast Day of Saint John the Baptist (see Luke 1:26–37, 56–57). This holiday takes place six months before the traditional Christmas birth of Jesus Christ. Spicer, Festivals of Western Europe, 153–54.

[49] Likely either James Abbott Lemmon (1815–1882), FamilySearch–KWNV-18W; or James William Lemmon (1827–1908), FamilySearch–K2Q6-2ST.

[50] The James Lemmon Freight Wagon Train departed from Genoa, Nebraska, in June and arrived in Salt Lake City on August 29, 1859. “Arrived,” Deseret News, August 31, 1859, 1.

[51] Likely either Thomas Schofield (1840–1882), FamilySearch–KWJW-W7B; or John Schofield (1830–1905), FamilySearch–KWJH-YGL. See Appendix 3.

[52] Historian John Unruh explains that “the ‘roadside telegraph’ which the overlanders devised was a crude but surprisingly effective means of communication. Anyone wishing to leave a message would write a short note and place it conspicuously alongside the trail so that those following behind would be certain not to pass it by. Occasionally strips of cloth were attached as a kind of signal. The notes were usually of two types, those written on paper and those inscribed on such things as trees, pieces of wood, rocks, and animal bones.” Pioneer messages were “written, often in pencil, on the skulls and bones of buffalo, cattle, elk, and deer.” Plains Across, 131.

[53] The Horton D. Haight/Frederick Kesler Freight Wagon Train consisted of 71 wagons and 154 individuals; it departed from Florence, Nebraska Territory on June 6 and arrived in Salt Lake City on September 1, 1859. Horton David Haight (1832–1900), FamilySearch–KWJ6-HN5; Frederick Kesler (1816–1899), FamilySearch–KWJC-293; “Arrived from the Plains,” Deseret News, September 7, 1859, 4.

[54] Prairie Creek (Nebraska) was about 157½ miles from Florence, 873½ miles to Salt Lake City. Clayton, Latter-day Saints’ Emigrants’ Guide, 48–49.

[55] Wood River (Nebraska) was about 169¼ miles from Florence, 861¾ miles to Salt Lake City. Clayton, Latter-day Saints’ Emigrants’ Guide, 48–49.

[56] Charles Gledhill (1838–1904), FamilySearch–KWJW-WFT. See Appendix 3.

[57] Wood River Center (Nebraska), today known as Shelton, was named for nearby Wood River by Latter-day Saint settlers, including Edward Oliver, who established it as a way station for fellow overlanders. Perkey, Nebraska Place Names, 19.

[58] Nebraska Center (Nebraska) was named for its central location; a post office was established there in 1854. Perkey, Nebraska Place Names, 18.

[59] The American buffalo, properly known as a bison, is a large North American bovid featuring short horns, powerful forequarters, and a big hump on its back. “The most important animal on the western plains and prairies. It even surpassed the mustang and the longhorn in importance. As a social factor the buffalo’s influence on Indians and non-Indians alike was tremendous.” David A. Dary, “Buffalo,” in New Encyclopedia of the American West, 139–40. Merrill Mattes writes:

No animal along the Great Platte River Road created more excitement than the lord of the Plains, the big, lumbering, shaggy-maned buffalo. . . . When he first appeared, whether in solitary majesty or in a modest family-size group, the effect on travelers was electric, and there was a general rush for weapons, to sally forth and engage the monster in thrilling combat. When his numbers multiplied by the tens of thousands and became an enormous herd, blackening the earth and making it tremble with his passage, the emigrants were transfixed and overawed, for nothing they had read or dreamed of had prepared them for the spectacle.

Great Platte River Road, 253.

[60] Participants in the 1859 Pike’s Peak Gold Rush.

[61] Fort Kearny (Nebraska) was founded by the U.S. Army in 1848 on the south bank of the Platte River, opposite the Mormon Trail on the north bank. It became the gateway to the Great Plains, and it was one of the most significant sites on the Oregon Trail, as several emigrant trails from Missouri River towns joined near the fort. Richard N. Ellis, “Fort Kearny,” in New Encyclopedia of the American West, 384. Obridge Allen’s guide notes a “Sutler’s store, black smith shop and post office.” Guide Book, 61. See also “Fort Kearny State Historic Park,” in Kimball, Historic Sites and Markers, 117–18; and Mattes, “Chapter 6: Fort Kearny and the Forty-Niners” and “Chapter 7: Fort Kearny, Gateway to the Great Plains,” in Great Platte River Road, 167–237.