Transcript

In the summer of 1850 we went forth again in the time to join a company of saints moving to the Valley. My father [James Lake] was chosen captain of fifty. Our company was well supplied with provisions of food and clothing. Father had one large wagon with three yoke of oxen and a smaller one with two. Our family then consisted of father and mother [Philomena Smith Lake], my two brothers, Bailey and George, and my sister, Samantha and myself. Along with our company were my three married sisters, Sabre Dixon, Clara Taylor, and Jane Ordway and my married brother, Barney [Barnabus], who had just returned from the Mexican War. While on our way Barney’s wife [Fanny Electra Snyder Lake] was buried on the plains.

The most vivid event of the journey occurred at Green River, Wyoming. In crossing the river the wagon box floated off a wagon box and began drifting downstream. In the box were a young woman named Snyder and a little girl about nine years old. All was excitement for a few minutes. The only man in the company who dared to swim the stream and effect a rescue was a youth named Price W. Nelson, a young man who at the time I had paid no attention to. He was of quiet nature and I knew nothing of him except that he drove his aunt’s team. After this we two became better acquainted which resulted in our marriage after arriving in Salt Lake City.