Transcript

Transcript for Mary Ellen Harris Abel Kimball, "Sketch of pioneer history, 1895," 24, 27-28

Pres. Young recovered his health and began to prepare for traveling. A company of one hundred men and 3 women namely Sister Harriet Young & Sis. Ellen Kimball & Clara Young with their husbands. They were ready to start about the first of April. They thought another Co. might be ready to go the first of June to bring grain &c. for farming. I found that Father& Mother were expecting to go at this time. I did think of going until our family went. But often thought of mother. How would she stand the journey. Should I ever see her again in this world. These thoughts troubled me. Wm. Kimball came in one evening (after loading up the wagons for the journey) he said, there is room for one more to go, who volunteers. I replied I will. Can you be ready by monday morning, said he. Yes I replied. The family took hold and helped me; and I was ready in time. There was one female beside myself to go in our wagons. She was the wife of one of the brethren who had gone in the Battalion to Mexico. Her name was Mrs. Mary Forsgreen [Forsgren], wife of John Forsgreen. She expected to meet her husband in the valley on his return home, which she did.

After leaving Scotts Bluffs we found Salurates [saleratus] ponds <or lakes> of water which poisoned many of the cattle & some of them died. But before reaching this place we saw several herds of buffalo at a little distance off[.] This was an interesting sight, Yet fearful, least they cause a stampead. This did not occur however with us. We also met several tribes of indians. The Shoshonies were the best looking, and most cleanly. They really looked nice in their costume of skins, ornamented with beeds. But the calamity of our teams droping off one by one was allarming. This caused many an anxious prayer to ascend to our Father for wisdom what to do. At last we arrived at the Pacific Springs. Here we met the Pioneers on their way home. This must have been the last of August or first of September. We were all overjoyed at the sight. Also to learn the history of their travels. They stoped with us two days, when we seperated[.] They for the east, and we for the west. Immediately we had a snow storm. When we arose in the morning every thing was loaded with snow. This looked fearful[.] many miles and mountains too <were> between us <and the valley>. Yet we were on the Pacific slope, as all the streams since we came to the Pacific springs ran to the west, toward the Pacific Ocean[.] But in a few hours the snow melted off. This was the only snow storm of any account that we had on the road. In about 10 days <at last> we had reached the top of the high mountain where we could see Salt Lake. I shall never forget the sensation it gave me, to see that peaceful lake. It seemed that my heart jumped into my; mouth, and tears in my eyes. I felt to exclaim thanks to my Heavenly Father that we are so near our place of destination.

On the 2d day afterward we arrived into the Valley. I think it was 16th of September 1847.

. . . .We arrived Sept 15th or 16th I am not sure which,