Transcript
Transcript for "Memoirs of Isaac Riches, As Told to Mary Riches," p. 2-3
It was after the Fourth of July when the company got on their way. This company seemed to be quite fortunate in its journey. As Isaac remembers, there was little sickness and no deaths that he remembered. There was no serious trouble with Indians. The party followed the regular trail, out through central Nebraska, leaving the Wood River, and following the north bank of the Platte, then to South Pass, along the Sweetwater, the Green River, the Upper Bear, down Chalk Creek to Coalville, down Silver Creek Canyon to Parley's Park, down Parley's Canyon to the valley.
The company proceeded under definite plans. They travelled no more than twenty-five miles a day and rested on Sundays. Isaac Riches, along with all other able-bodied men walked the entire distance. Camps were made at night in the circle formation with two men on guard. Each family received its rations each day. There was plenty of bacon and bread was baked in the evenings. No butter was to be had. The Riches family, as had no doubt others, had saved some food from their ship rations and had recourse to these on "the plains."
Mother Riches was not well. The preparation for the journey, the change of situation, poor diet affected her health but toward the end of the trip they were able to procure milk for her. Her health improved when she reached the valley.
The days journey began about seven and ended at five. As a general thing a stop was made at noon. The party came in contact with the "Pony Express" and "Overland Stage" all along the way.
The wagon train came through Parley's Canyon and down the Sugar House hill. It proceeded then to "Emigration Square" the ten acres upon which the City and County building now stands. They arrived in the afternoon of September 15, 1861. They camped for the night on the "square."