Transcript
Transcript for Symons, Charles William, "Life of Charles William Symons," Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, Apr. 1939, 92-3
I was engaged to drive one of the teams to Salt Lake, the agreement being my fare and board as well as that of my mother for my services. This was new work for me as I had never seen any oxen yoked before, but by watching old teamsters it soon became easy. Experience taught me that kindess to oxen availed much for the cattle came to know my voice. While many accidents occurred, I had no trouble from the Missouri River to Salt Lake. Mother rode in the front of the company and I with the rear guard, so she had a fire started an hour before I came into camp at night and something hot ready for a meal. One night coming in I found no fire nor supper and found mother very ill. She said, “I am afraid I shall not live to get to Zion.” I answered, “Yes, mother, you will live to get to Zion and will live for twenty years among the Saints,” which promise was fulfilled.
John Kay, president of the company on the ship “Hudson” died on the plains and we made a rough box and dug a hole for burial. Other deaths occurred and I assisted in the burials.
We arrived at the 8th Ward Square where the City and County building now stands, on November 2, 1864 in Captain Warren S. Snow’s wagon train. It was a cold reception for we had no relatives or friends to greet us.