Transcript
Transcript for Aveson, Robert, to Robert H. Cowley, 8 Aug. 1938
Seventy-two years ago, from August 2nd to September 30 <1866,> I was in Captain Joseph S. Rawlins’ ox-team Co. of 400 crossing the Plains, walking on the dusty roads in the burning sun, 20 miles a day average.
Your mother, [Sarah] Jane Worthington (then a girl of 16) was in the same company, and belonged to the same wagon. I had the pleasure of traveling from New York (July 14, 1866) <with Mary T. [Isom] Worthington> as one of her family, and then across the Plains. The family consisted of mother, two sons, [Hyrum] John [Worthington] and Harry [Orson Henry Worthington] , and one daughter [Sarah] Jane [Worthington].
Those were happy days, although days of hardship. The spirit of the Latter-day Gospel reigned in the <bosoms of the> majority of the immigrants (although there were murmurings in the camp). We were going to a land where we could worship our Maker unmolested, and where Freedom’s Banner waxed supreme.
Since that lengthy period all the family have died as faithful members in the Gospel of Christ. According to Holy Writ: “They rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.”
Peace to their memories. We Were a united family in that long, weary journey
From your brother in the Gospel of Jesus Christ,
Utah Pioneer of 1866
24 M Street, Salt Lake City, Utah
August 8, 1938
(Excuse the writing.
The weather so hot)