Transcript

About the 1st of June 1856 the family with many others began their toilsome journey across the plains. The captain of their one, Captain [Philemon Christopher] Merrill, was a splendid man.

Having made the trip several times, he was well acquainted with the route, which made it easy in the selection of camp sites, and watering places. Hardships were fewer on this account. As with most companies, they passed many evenings in music, song and dance, with the camp fire alone to furnish light. It was a welcome change and a rest after the toil of the day’s travel.

It was on this trip across the plains that Kezia [Keziah Giles Carroll] received attention from her first suitor. "Mother did you enjoy it" we would ask her. "O go along" she would reply with a smile. She admitted, however, the thrill of the pleasant hours spent together, and the nice little attentions he gave her helped to shorten the journey.

The Indians gave them no trouble. They saw but few buffaloes. One night the cattle were stampeded, and the family lost two good milk cows. Their names were Stoney and Susy, and these have been perpetiated in family cows, mother owning one a pretty jersey, named Stoney, shortly before her death.

It was supposed that the Indians caused the stampede, as one of the men in persuit of the cattle, lashed his whip around, and it struck what sounded like a slicher, or buckskin jacket. It was a very dark night.

At Fort Laramie an exciting incident occurred. One evening a young Indian Buck rode up to the camp fire around which they were gathered. He said little but kept watching Kezia. Finally in the best manner he was able he made them understand he wanted the young girl for his squaw. He offered her father his best poney in the trade, remarking "He is heap good poney better than white mans." Kezia had stood by her mother, but now becoming frightened climbed into the wagon.

After arguing the question to no purpose the Indian rode away apparently angry and much disturbed. Some apprehension was felt in the camp, and close guard was kept through the night, but nothing more occurred to alarm them. The captain had told the girl never to lose sight of camp, as it was not safe. One day a group of girls decided to walk to Chimney Rock, as it did not seem very far away. They walked and walked and walked, but seemed to get no nearer to their goal. It was quite a level country and the distance was deceptive.

When they returned to camp, the Captain reproved them for their disobedience.

They arrived in Salt Lake City Aug. 16, 1856, remained there a few days, then moved to Provo.