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WAGON TRAIN TRIP 1908 Hattie Stevenson Diary (Transcribed as written with punctuation added for ease of reading) submitted by Michael Peavey 
 PEAVEY WAGON TRAIN TRIP 1908 Oct. 15 to Nov. 11 Trip to South Dakota: from Diagonal, Iowa to Faulkton, South Dakota. Honeymoon trip of Gertrude and Nelson Peavey, Married 4 Oct., 1908. Thursday, Oct. 15Had four covered wagons one extra team and a colt and two buggies. The persons in the gang were Dell and Edith Williamson with son Cletuce, Hattie (mother of the Peaveys), Nelson and Gertrude Peavey, C.H. Peavey (Grandpa), Frank, Hallie, Babe and Pearl Peavey, George Strange. E.W. Peavey went with a loaded car by train to make ready our landing. Dell took dinner with Johney Bailey�s, then to Peaveys to make ready to proceed with journey. Friday Oct. 16All in the wagons: with a goodbye to all behind. Started at 11 o�clock, drove four and a half miles and stopped to serve lunch, the menu, ribs, tomatoes, bread and butter, this the first lunch, it went well, all over and ready to start again at 1-5. The colt was hard to handle it had to be broke to lead. Met an automobile not knowing how the horses would face such a sight. Pearl thought it best to get out and walk by, the horses went by as though they had made up their minds to meet anything. Nearing camping time had good luck at finding at first stop feed for horses. A fine place to camp stopped at 5:30 pitched tent set up stove as there was plenty of brush to burn. Had spare ribs, potatoes, kraut and celery and hot tea. Cletuce had tooth ache put him to bed early, camped five miles south of Creston, had the wagons rather unhandy but, expect to improve this by experience. Worship over, ready for bed at 9 o�clock. Goodnight, this is first day. Saturday Oct. 17Started at seven, stopped in Creston. Dell had team shod, discovered when we stopped we had lost the little willow rocker, had one left. Set bread last night, sponge fine, bread raised good, molded in pans. Hauled it on Edith�s Lap in buggy, baked it at noon when stopped for dinner, took it in school house and baked it in gasoline stove. While stopped in Creston Pearl and Gertrude loaded up with 10 cent goods so we had a 10 cent store along with us. Dell purchased a second hand gun to get game with. Crops fine north of Creston but poor south of there. Gertrude sprained her ankle as she got out of the wagon. At this stop we were 6 miles from Orient started 1:30. As trouble must come will mention just a little of it. We tried to lead old Kate behind Grandpa�s buggy and it was behind his wagon and she just set herself to stay and broke the strap. We found the colt would not lead after it was abused enough. With much praying with those of us that had higher power to look to prevail. The plan was to ride Kate while colt followed her along. Edith and Hattie in buggy behind, always to find what might fall off the wagons. We picked up the gasoline can put it in the wagon again. Ok started on went about 1 mile to Orient found that the circle on Nelson�s wagon was broken, we wrapped it up pulled into Orient. The blacksmith was not in so tied it up the best we could with some splints of iron and all ready to start, and in turning Grandpa shut in his wagon turned around to start and hung a woman�s buggy on his hind wheel and started off with it. Meanwhile the lady that owned the horse and buggy was standing and watching the performance, but the rig did not get damaged any as a wonder. The gasoline stove tank sprang a leak so we had it mended there, stopped late pitched tent rather cool and cloudy. The menu for supper was cold ham, fried potatoes, hot tea. This ends this week two days out had prayers and retired. Sunday Oct. 18Have a fine place to camp and tried to keep the Sabbath day Holy. But George not letting us know of it, made a bargain with a man to let his colt go, so Monday he took Dick and buggy and went back to settle for it. Rained hard but we did well, rested horses and all, had the heater up and made it real pleasant, prayers over went to bed early good night. Monday Oct. 19Arose at 4:30 eats over started at 6:30 real foggy, drove to Greenfield did some trading. Nelson got his wagon fixed. Dell and George got shaved. Kate and colt are going alright now. Greenfield is a nice place, and when we started to pitch the tent we thought we had lost one of the poles, as we have got to where we expected trouble of most any kind we thought we would change the place for the poles, and went several days and discovered that the pole was where we had always put it. We had bought a pole of a farmer and it worked fine. Was very dark and our lantern didn�t seem to be sufficient light but we were thankful for that light it did give us. Set stove up but used it for the oven to bake the light bread. The girls had peeled the potatoes as we drove along, they were to throw out. Our evening meal was cold lunch such as we could get ready cooked, then it begin to rain before we had all things in ready for it. Evening prayers over ready for a good night, but it was a sleepless night for all except Pearl. Nelson and Gertrude slept in their wagon, Gertrude was very sick and came into our or mother�s tent as she had prepared medicine for our journey. So we all gladly partook of camphor and pain killer. By and by this was all over and all were Oh, so hungry, as had no hot evening meal but was ready to start on. Tuesday Oct. 20All feeling pretty tough started 7:30. Grandpa has trouble with his buggy, broke the phills and got stuck so a change was made. Tied the buggy behind Nelson�s wagon and having no way for it to track or follow it caught on a light pole and broke a wheel down, and Nelson left it there. These were troubles hard to bear. Dell and George were stringing out and the rest of the crew dropping behind. They failed for some reason to keep watch of the rest, so Hattie and Edith with the buggy had to drive fast to catch up with them and wait till all was together again. Just had cold lunch, started 1 o�clock about 7 miles from Exica, Iowa. Anxiously looking for timber but saw none till we were north of Adair, IA. A nice valley road for a while then the crookedest roads ever saw, crops not extra, the first country without fences, quite noticeable for us, next we saw a very bad hill ahead and it was being worked on, this is to be remembered. Old Moll played out here and the other teams. Hattie and buggy had gone on by and by and by all got to the top of this awful hill, then nice roads to Exica, found a nice place to pitch tent, the folks real accommodating, they gave us milk, and let the boys put the horses inside which we were very thankful for, it was pouring down rain. We had been taking cold lunches till we all agreed something hot would come in good. So Edith in her anxiety before the stove was put in it�s place or the pipe put on it, she had gathered sticks and had the fire soon kindled and going hot before it was in order. But soon with smoke thick and plenty we were all enjoying making ready to satisfy the hungry family. It was salmon fritters, potatoes, bread and butter and hot tea. Prayer time again asking God�s protecting hand in the grace as we had remembrance of recent restless night it was good night again. Wednesday Oct. 21With the rest needed and expected we are all up at 4:30 for another day�s journey with its pleasures as well as conflicts. Well the first test on this day is Hattie had placed the lower set of her false teeth in basin as canker was bothering and not yet used to them at camping time and dark, unloading the wagons they had fallen out by the buggy. Some were so cross and trouble was starting. The only thing was to pray through as that had been our lesson learned before on our trip. All was completely left with the all seeing eye, as we looked everyone with eyes sharp over the camp grounds and the tent. With our natural eyes it looked impossible to think they could be found as it was rainy and muddy they could sink out of sight, all anxious to see or hear they were found. Ah, the Lord knew the heart and it was completely left with him, he can direct a right. Soon the sound came ringing Gertrude had found the teeth. He only tells us to cast all on him, which was done with blessings to all the camp victory was ours it pays to be true, all over and ready to start at 7, looks like it would be a fine day but the roads are muddy. Edith had headache, changed horses with Grandpa so he could keep up. Went through Hamlin, IA small place followed the R.R. to Audubond, IA left R on to the right, had lunch, begin raining and kept it up all afternoon, stopped at a vacant house but the accommodations were not for us so went on. Were about 5 miles from Templeton, IA we hurried but when we reached there we could not get feed so drove one mile from town, was raining hard, didn�t pitch tent, those that slept in wagons were ok. Took cold, evening meal this time. And this is the way the part slept that usually had tent to sleep in. Pearl and Hattie slept with chins on their knees. George on round top trunk, Hallie and Babe rolled up in coil like caterpillars. Prayers in time of need were ascended. Don�t know what time we all got still, it was all night instead of good night. Thursday Oct. 22Up and going late, raining, muddy, wind raising, turning cold. The boys went to town to do some trading. Dell took sick on the way to town and fell in a ditch. Frank was feeling bad also. The town folks thought Dell was drunk, but it was the only door open so George took him in a saloon and sent for the doctor, he gave him some medicine. This town was Arcadia, IA a town of foreigners, hard to get accommodations. This was a busy evening. Hattie was washing tea towels. Pearl and Edith, writing letters. Saw the elevator some of the farmers use. The last end of journey the roads were fine. Retire with thanks not knowing what time. Friday Oct. 23Up at 4, stormy, snowing some, started early drove north all forenoon, got off the road � mile, stopped for lunch 3 miles from Wall Lake, IA There is 2 R.R. in this town. This is a swampy place grass grows 10 feet high, still snowing. A fine town, are in sand since left swamps and coming in a pop corn country, met two big loads of popcorn going to town just 11 mile from Odebolt, IA. Had fine roads, passed a fine cemetery of five acres in it. We were just the beholders of the scene. George went ahead to find a good camping place, could not decide and moved on, and it was snowing to bad to stand the horses out so went on three miles, awful cold, camped by a livery barn. A cold meal again and fares very poor, had to sleep in wagons but some comfort with the lantern burning. Retire without family worship but prayed without ceasing. Saturday Oct. 24Still cold and rainy, got up at 5:30, all here in wagons. Took, breakfast in wagons got hot coffee. The journey hard to bear for some took some corrections, this occurred with Babe and Hallie and was settled with the sole of a shoe which answered this time for the rod of correction. From here we went following the R.R. northwest to Ida Grove arrived here 1 o�clock. Still the weather awful bad. The boys found a room to rent, set the stove up, moved in. A fine opportunity to dry things out, straighten up in general. The Lord was very good to watch over us. Put the horses in a feed barn. Had a nice hot potato soup for supper. This is a fine town, some buildings made of stone. We all felt quite at home after supper was over. Hattie did a washing and made 7 pairs of mittens as we were nearing a still colder country. Each had gone to their places to sleep in the wagons, but we that used the tent to sleep in was granted a floor to sleep on in a house. And now was time, thanks was given to the one that was unseen but was with us. Another day and week end. Good night. Sunday Oct. 25Got up real late, raining, and resting today. All things nicely dried out, had our dinner about 3 o�clock. Had a large roast, boiled cabbage, potatoes, bread and butter, hot drink. All had dandy appetites. Retired early 7:30 with prayer of thankfulness. Good night. Monday Oct. 26Up at 4 o�clock, had to repair lid to grub-box so was putting in time while it rained, had rained all night. Breakfast over and started out in rain about 10 o�clock, roads pretty bad but level. Had dinner about noon, got feed and water handy, had cold lunch but tasted awful good. Started out about 1 o�clock, stopped raining for a while but soon commenced. Cletuce and Edith went to bed to keep warm. Gertrude was keeping warm by lantern under bed covers. Nelson had headache. We missed Holstein about 1 mile. Went through Cushing; just 4 miles from Connectionville. Had good accommodations, folks were kind, hay to put in tent, also gave us milk. This was a chance for some good milk gravy. It seemed we were all starved and in a hurry to eat. Gertrude was laughed at as we spread our table on the ground or floor it happens to be, she landed one of her feet in George�s plate, upset her plate, and Pearl sat down in it. All must keep cheerful as it is still raining, commenced a week ago Sunday, but we have a fine fire and are comfortable tonight. Retire with prayer for protection to journey end. Good night. Tuesday Oct. 27Got up at 5:30. Still raining, breakfast over, all loaded and started out about 8:15 near Connectionville. This is a scattered town. Nelson got Dell a whip. 2 R.R. running through. Left here northwest, crossed a big valley, awful muddy, then came to some awful hills, also some timber, stopped by a school house, stopped raining and we were made glad. Dinner over, started out about 1 o�clock, got about 2 miles from Moville and noticed Bess was lame, thought she was sweanied, had to change horses, lost some time. Nelson stopped at Moville got a sweat pad. Dell got a lantern globe. Grandpa and George went on. Had some trouble finding a camping place, discovered we had left our coal by the road and a man gave us lots of green walnut limbs to burn and supper did taste good when we got it. It was ready at 9:30. Cleared off stars bright, had liver smothered in onions with bread and butter and tea and expected to have liver for breakfast but some hungry town cat or dog had lunch on it in town somewhere for it was gone. Again the days travel is ended in the thanks to the Lord it is as well as it is. Wednesday Oct. 28All slept well. Up at 5:30, still clear, saw the sun come up for the first time for a week. Could not see much difference in Bess, her shoulder swollen, bad yet, we lead her now. Went through hills higher than telephone poles; stopped 6 miles from Sioux City, for dinner. Got feed and water for horses, the sun was cheering us while we had lunch by wagon. Hitched Kate to buggy, had to break her. Still went through hills Sioux City S.D. a terrible dirty and rough town, lots of saloons, got through all right, lots of hustle and crowd in city, stayed together good, did some trading, drove through some bluffs, another little town. Drove past a man who had too much saloon, driving as best he could, vomiting at the same time, the end gate was out and his coal was falling out. Dell tried to straighten him up and he went on. Went into a field of corn where a man was working and got corn for the night. Near was a summer resort, boating and a fun place. 10 o�clock we were glad to camp and rest thanking the Lord for his love to us we say good night. Thursday Oct. 29Camped by the R.R., lots of trains running, but had a good sleep. Up at 5, fine morning. Started at 7:15 thru the hills, we think to look northwest, it looked level, drove all day by the R.R. in the valley and did not strike a hill, went through McCook just a depot, also Jefferson a small place. Next was Elk Point, S.D. a county seat, fine court house, stopped there for dinner, the next town was Burbank. Looking for a camping place stopped near Vermillian, S.D. county seat. Tent pitched, evening meal made ready and thankful no rain and good roads. With praises to God we retire. Good night. Friday Oct. 30Making the first move; at 5 o�clock breakfast over, all loaded, and ready to go, at 8 o�clock. Old white Kate had her fill for once of corn. A sack was left out and she ate 50 ears as much as we could guess. Bess is better, the swelling proved to be a bruise. Old Dick hurt his leg some way, it is swollen bad and old Ribbon has gravel in her foot. And still we are trusting in one that is acquainted with all our grief and we are able to keep moving on. All the water is so hard, soap will not phase it. We are getting in need of good water and soap. At Vermillian in S.D. went to the post office and found the boys Charlie and Fred Strange were five miles northwest of town, was noon when we got there as they were anxiously waiting came to meet us. Was awful cold, could hardly eat, our hands were so cold. Mr. Sammison wanted us to come in and get a cup of coffee. Gertrude and Pearl partook, but the rest of us took cold lunch. Hallie not well but think with the medicine given him he will be alright. Charley and Fred made ready in haste and started out with us. All was dumped in any way, a sight but all was loaded with fun and a jolly good time. Started 2:30, the horses not feeling like rushing we went slow, only went a little way. Took Ribbon�s shoe off, Bess is able to go to the buggy. This, the best camping place we have had so far. The boys had their tent. Just as our supper was over the good people made us a call and were so kind, they gave us a gallon crock of apples, three pounds of butter and a big plate of honey. The good man worked hard to relieve old Kate. She had got to the worse from her feast of corn, but they brought relief to her and she was able to move on in the morning. All could see as prayer was ascending to God he was with us through all that had been hard for us to understand. Time to say thanks to God 9:30. Good night. Saturday Oct. 31Up at 5 o�clock to find the wind blowing hard, thought was fearful we would have trouble getting breakfast, but backed the wagon to brake the wind and breakfast was prepared alright. The boys put the cover in their wagon and we did not get a very early start. Kate was better, all the cripples are doing fine. We went through Centerville at noon; it was a nice town, the country level, saw a town just a little in the distance. The boys thought they would walk and hunt, but were gone and found it was five miles. With that surprise they made it and were good and tired. Stopped 2 miles from town for lunch, was late, it seemed a day of hindrances. Traveled late did not find a good place to camp. In the hunt the boys got a muskrat. Dressed and cooked it and invited the rest of us to help eat it but they had their feast all by themselves and said it was good. Another day ended late, but our hearts throbbed with God�s love. Praise him and go to bed. Good night. Sunday Nov. 1Another day of rest both man, and beast: always late on Sunday morning getting a full day of rest. The sun did all it could to cheer us on our way, warm and nice. Had corn cakes, French fried potatoes, bread, butter, and coffee. Hattie has 11 to cook for and all have a good appetite. Dell herded the horses, had good pasture, sun was warm all day. That night the boys played pranks. They went to Grandpa�s wagon after he had gone to bed and begin to shake the wagon and tipped it up. He was yelling at the horses and trying to get them quiet. The boys got to laughing and made more noise than he did at the horses, then all was found out. George also had the bad luck to loose his watch. There were a bunch of young men over to visit them in the afternoon and we all thought there was a pick pocket in the crowd, but with diligent searching and prayerful thoughts, we found the watch in the dead grass in the boys tent. This evening the day kept Holy, except public worship. All retired early. Good night. Monday Nov. 2Up early at 4:30 had a good breakfast and got a good start, made some changes with the horses, Fred took the lead. Fred shot a muskrat, Nelson shot three squirrels. When we had traveled some ways, the man where we had camped phoned ahead to see if he could get the boys to husk corn for him, the message was brought by a girl on a fine white pony, but the boys thought they would go on. We next went to Hurley, S. D. Here we saw some of the effects of a good time Halloween night; we did a little trading and moved in to Parker. Grandpa thought Dell was leading to fast so Dell took his old place in the lead. The next town Monroe had nice stores but a small place. Have had some contrast from part of our trip. So warm we shed our overshoes and heavy coats. Crops fine and in abundance the best country we have gone through, could all be plowed. George is going to find a camping place as that time is nearing. Always finds a place where we can get feed for the horses. Our camping place is 6 miles from Canistota, S.D. Again we have soft water the first for some time. All meals taste good if not a good variety. Tonight it was boiled potatoes gravy bread and butter and tea, our deserts all the while was molasses. George just discovered he had lost his watch again. So there our turn to lead in praying, it pays, we will be true. Good night. Tuesday Nov. 3Awakened, 4:30 A.M. had quite a time getting the boys out, going. Started, at 6:30 A.M. Fred, George and Charley thought they would like to husk corn a few days so they took Bess and buggy and drove ahead to Canistota early in the morning, this is a fine little place. The boys found a job, and thought they would work. That took some from camp and the rest felt a little blue. Saw the first corn husker in its field. Nelson and Dell had to satisfy all wonderings by going over to see it work. We are nearing Salem, S.D., had two R.R. in it. The colt showed real weariness and took a little sneak on us. We crossed the R.R.; the colt was just behind and decided he would stay on the other side where there was some nice green grass. The R.R. was in a small grade so he could easily keep out of sight. Hattie, Nelson and boys were searching the town for her, looked a long time. Still our Trust in the One who can make all things, abound toward us. The colt was seen going her way along the track, quite a ways from where we crossed, she was very tired. Camped west of Salem for lunch, went on west from here to side track called Unityville. Time to camp, west of town. Nelson and Dell had to go back for a little feed. Now a well relished evening meal, then thanks to the One, who knows our hearts, all slept and ate well. Good night. Wednesday Nov. 4Up as usual, rising time 4:30, cold and frosty this morning. Watered horses first thing; this morning usually after start. Got a good early start, drove to Canova did some trading. Got the news that Taft was elected; this pleased Grandpa. And behold, on the streets we saw part of our company we that had left behind. They soon got enough corn husking and took the train and headed here, we were well pleased. Canova is a small place. Drove north to Howard and it�s about noon. Here the colt gave out, we camped a little early. The boys emptied the back of the wagon and loaded the colt. This was Frank�s wagon and there was lots of sport about the animal wagon. There was no time to waste in getting out of humor, for someone was laughed out of it. Howard is the county seat of Miner county, the smallest county seat we went through. Dell got the way mapped out to him by an old Dutchman at Huron. It was 1 mile then I mile west for a long ways till we struck an angled road. Here we saw some ducks that put a hunt craze in the boys they took their guns and think that they would have some ducks. We drove to a little store and elevator, got some corn for horses. And George as he had to try every restaurant got some cookies that had dried out since the war of 12. He said this place is St Mary. Drive away across the R.R. to camp and that started us in the wrong road, we were encamped in a man�s stubble field. The hunters came real late with 1 jack rabbit and two ducks. Boiled the rabbit real hard to be eatable they had walked about 5 miles and were tied but as usual the last meal of the day was eaten with thanks to the only one that can keep the heart as well as our bodies. Good night. Thursday Nov. 5Up at 4:30 and with all things loaded and ready to go at 6:30. Awful cold this morning; started to fast for Grandpa, here we had quite a time, one of the things not so pleasant. This was the saying for the day. It was the reply from George to a woman when she asked how we woman folks liked to travel this way. Some things are pleasant and some things are not so pleasant. Well, the next town is Carthage. George, Dell and Charley had to take time to drive here. It is a fine place, quite a business place, drove out of town and camped for lunch near an Iowa farmer, got feed for horses from him. Shivered quite a little at lunch time. Started at 1 o�clock, drove to Esmond, a little town. There George and Fred left for Willow Lake on train. We took across the prairie and camped by its first artesian well. The water tasted as though it had salt or soap in it. The boys saw some ducks and away they went. They could not get hay so they tried turning the horses loose for the first time. The boys had no game when returned. Time to eat again: and pack away for night. Trusting that all the days in this journey, will be as good as this one. Good night. Friday Nov. 6Got a late start today, the hands on the clock stuck and fooled us, but daylight came and that was about 6 o�clock. Horses were hard to find, started about 8:30. Cricket felt bad, did not eat any supper but ate alright this morning. Next town Iroquois watered horses at artesian well had our lunch about 2 miles from there, nice and warm. Hattie walked about a mile for some potatoes at a farm house. Horses all loose again, chores done, supper made and eaten. Ready to praise the Lord for this day�s journey. Good night. Saturday Nov. 7Got up early but did not get started until late. The horses were hard to find, finally found all but Grandpa�s team. There was great suspicion. We felt bad but as in times before in this journey prayer from the heart was offered and answered. The horses were found, this was a fine morning, warm, of course, and the boys took their guns to find the horses. Nelson got 2 rabbits and one duck. As we journeyed we had to go get feed. Found man in a corn field, asked to buy some corn, but he said we could have what we could husk, but he would not sell what was in the wagon, so Nelson and Hattie husked a couple sacks, and we had to drive fast to find our campers. Stopped for lunch near a Russian family, we counted and all dressed alike and clothes made the same. Here the wind, begin to blow and it did get high. We intended to go through Lake Side but missed it about three miles. The first time we had missed the towns all day. And as it was cold Hattie could not bake bread any longer, just had enough for our lunch and our next town was 30 miles away, but was favored enough to have flour with us and set sponge to bake next day. It was sure good, but this was one of the Citizens, they were foreigners and did not get accommodations much. When we were nearing the James River the boys planned on a big hunt. So they took the buggy and went ahead of the women and Grandpa. Was to come as best we could, did fine for a little way, but the colt that was in the animal wagon broke a board in the bottom of the wagon, and one of her hind legs was hanging down, for a little while it was quite exciting, but soon our thoughts came to us and we got her leg up out of the hole. Hattie just slipped the end gate over the hole and nailed it down, and wired across the end of the wagon bed so she could not back out, and soon we were in the wagon with trouble all over. The next stop was to be over Sunday. With some words but not bad, the Sabbath was for another rest day to us and poor horses. Had a good camping ground near a rock house that was vacated, it was a level sight, also a little way a family lived and � mile from the river where the children all had such a good time. Pearl, Gertrude and boys stayed down there till 10 o�clock in night gathering shells and stones. Edith and Hattie went to the Swedes and got some bread and potatoes for supper and the meal was all arranged. The Swedish lady could not talk to us but her little boy could. As it was 30 miles to the next town we would go through, I had to bake bread that day. The Swedish lady had us bake it in her oven and we were glad to do so. All gone down to the river but Hattie and Grandpa, all returned tired out and ready to retire. With God�s watchful care over us we are ready to retire. Good night. Sunday Nov. 8As usual late on Sunday seemed we were going to have a fine day but about 10 o�clock the wind came up and tore the tent rope loose and we had to do some hustling to get the fire out and wagon so they would not blow away. Went up to the house to cook the meat beans and bread on the Swede woman�s stove. As Edith came for our dinner she was invited to eat with the neighbors, she accepted and enjoyed eating at a table once more. The folks were real kind. Had company after supper, stayed real late. Now all rush for their sleeping quarters. With a Sabbath days rest all is well, will bid all a good night. Monday Nov. 9All loaders in a hurry took a long time to get started about 8 o�clock we were going. Made it to Creston about 18 miles from where we camped. To cold to eat our lunch, was much holding our breath, felt we were almost through. Was now 8 miles from Redfield, S.D., did not see the town till we were right there. This is a fine town. Nelson got a shave and hair cut. Drove two more miles west and camped had a good place. We had artesian water for horses and our use. Stopped late was cold, but soon warmed up when tent was set up. Turned horses loose, they had a hay stack to eat and sleep in. They were easy to find in the morning. Edith had an awful toothache; could not eat supper. Went to bed late; asking strength from above, for the morrow and a good nights rest. Good night. Tuesday Nov. 10Did not get started until late. Nelson was sick, could not get up, his back hurt him bad. Just got started on the road a little way and the wind begin to blow and snowfall came. We made up our minds we better go the rest of the way by train. Zell was the next town. When we arrived there the men folks went to the depot to see when the train would leave that town. They came to tell us it would leave in 10 minutes. Well, we women with children did for once hustle to get to the train. Quite a sight now to be sure! It was so cold in the morning we could not get all the black off our faces and hands. Our hoods all tied down tight. Some slits in our dresses, but tried to keep them covered with our coats. Charley went for our tickets and we all went on the run for the back of the train. And as thoughts travel back, Pearl stopped us going in and said hurry up I don�t want to go alone. And we were crowding as fast as we could soon we were all on board. Frank was watching us and just as we got in the train started up and Charley had not come with our tickets yet. Waving his hand to the conductor said wait they have not got their tickets yet. Charley thought we were going sure. The conductor let him know he was tending his business alright. The train was switching. Soon the tickets were there and got to our journeys end at Faulkton, S.D. place we were bound for. We knew Everett knew we were coming, but not on the train. But he was there ready and well planned to meet the dirty gang. George and Fred intended to go to Willow Lake but instead they came to our place. Next was to go to a restaurant for a lunch. No matter about our looks, we as usual were all very hungry. Of course this had to happen on Main Street. The lunch was finished up with a nice juicy berry pie. The next was to walk 3 miles to the farm he had rented. Cletuce got real tired, at last landed and rested a while, had supper over, then had prayers and gave thanks to the one that had journeyed along with us. Then Everett was rejoicing along with us at this time. Good night at home. Wednesday Nov. 11The last day: for the teams and drivers. Campers came in all tired out, real thankful to be in a house once more to rest where it is good and warm. Nelson�s back was better. Came in just before dark to all find places in a three roomed house. The number of the campers was 15. Thursday Nov. 12Next day all here and well had an all days wash with tub and wash board. Ready for home hardships, also full of praises to the One that has sufficient Grace for every test. Good bye one of the gang.
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