February 28, 1857
Here begins the journal of Arthur Faull, formerly a pharmacist. Tomorrow we leave Independence behind to begin our journey west to Sacramento. We must still purchase the supplies that our large farmwagon will hold to sustain us during our long trek.
I hope that the following skills will prove of some use along the trail: medical, carpentry, farming/animals, botany, cooking.
Well, we are travelling west to meet our dear son, Nick, and his wife, Tess. We have also heard that we are the grandparents of 4 children, Jacilia, aged 8, Mitchell, aged 8, Riveria, aged 6, and Christopher, aged 6. We can't wait to see all of them again. Also seems we have a lot to live up to. One party headed out to Sacramento made it there in June, leavin' same time as us. We'll see if we can do that as well.
March 1, 1857 Took advantage of the package deal offered to me. What a relief not to have to shop for all that individually! Purchased 20 boxes of 20 bullets. Purchased 12 oxen, 13 chickens, 4 milk cows. Purchased 725 pounds of bacon, 19 blankets, 12 canteens, 100 5-lb. sacks of dried fruit, 100 5-lb. sacks of dried vegetables, 3 fishing nets, 4 fishing poles, 4 fishing spears, 110 pounds of ham, 6 lanterns, 25 16-oz. tins of lantern oil, 30 10-lb. sacks of onions, 1 pail, 100 20-lb. sacks of potatoes, 350 pounds of salt pork, 1 shovel, 2 tents, 2 30-lb. kegs of vinegar, 8 water kegs. Purchased 1 small farmwagon. Purchased 1 small farmwagon. Purchased 4 oxen. Made it to Blue River. From now on, no stopping until we are ready to drop in our tracks. The ice looks like it will hold the wagon... So across we go. Today we drove our wagons and teams past Westport.
March 2, 1857 Came to New Santa Fe.
March 4, 1857 As expected, we made it to Lone Elm today.
March 5, 1857 Today our eyes were greeted with the sight of Blue Mound.
March 6, 1857 Rested the animals near Lawrence.
March 8, 1857 We lost a chicken today. Mr. Tillman claims it's the Oregon Territory up ahead, but the guidebook says it's Topeka.
March 9, 1857 It is mighty cold today. WeÕre going to continue as usual. Today we saw Kansas River. How sublime it appears by moonlight. The ice looks like it will hold the wagon... So across we go.
March 10, 1857 Today we have traveled 100 miles. Today I saw Saint MaryÕs Mission.
March 11, 1857 With such bitter cold weather, Jessica Faull is freezing. We're hoping to feed patient warm food. Today our eyes were greeted with the sight of Red Vermillion River.
March 30, 1857 We lost a chicken today.
April 2, 1857 [name] [have/has] a bad cold. We're going to rest here awhile. Today we saw Scott Spring. What a sight!
April 4, 1857 Enjoyed some good fiddle music today during our nooning near Alcove Spring. Arrived at Big Blue River, despite some ÒhelpÓ from Nicholas J. Tillman.
April 5, 1857 We were delayed at Big Blue River. We decided to wait our turn to cross. Decided to caulk the wagon and float it across. Our train lost 4 wagons and 10 people crossing the river today.
April 6, 1857 Our wagon tipped over. We lost 61 pounds of bacon; 2 boxes of 20 bullets; 10 pounds of cheese; 12 pounds of coffee beans; and various other items. The trail continues to provide wonders and surprises! Today we made it to St. Joseph Road Junction. Had a lengthy chat with Mr. Lumare today near Hollenberg Ranch.
April 7, 1857 Played cards with Mr. Tillman today while nooning near Rock Creek Station. I suspect he cheats.
April 9, 1857 Mr. and Mrs. Billings came by for a visit today near The Narrows; had a very nice chat.
April 11, 1857 Made our way past ÒThe Coast of NebraskaÓ late today. Trail could be better. Saw an empty wagon abandoned on the trail today near Fort Kearny. If it could talk, what stories it might tell!
April 13, 1857 Encamped a while near Plum Creek.
April 18, 1857 Reached OÕFallonÕs Bluffs. Strangely beautiful country.
April 20, 1857 Today our labors were rewarded with the sight of South Platte River. Fording the river looks to be our best option.
April 21, 1857 Passed the five hundred mile mark today. Reached Ash Hollow.
April 23, 1857 We were treated to a remarkably beautiful sunset near Courthouse and Jail Rocks. Had a lengthy chat with Mr. Lumare today near Chimney Rock.
April 24, 1857 Today our eyes were greeted with the sight of Scotts Bluff. From our guidebook, estimated we would reach Mitchell Pass today, and sure enough, there it was!
April 25, 1857 The fog was awful this morning. We decided to continue as usual. The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual.
April 26, 1857 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual.
April 27, 1857 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual. Sore feet today, but I'll manage. Saw Laramie River. Caulk the wagon and float it across, that is the way to go. The trail brought us to Fort Laramie today. Had a lengthy chat with Mr. Lumare today near Register Cliff.
April 28, 1857 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual.
April 29, 1857 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual.
April 30, 1857 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual.
May 1, 1857 The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. We will continue as usual. Passed some time near Ayers Natural Bridge.
May 2, 1857 A chicken died today. We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual.
May 3, 1857 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual. Rested for a time near North Platte River. Decided to ford the river. Nooned late today not far from Mormon Ferry Trading Post. The trail continues to provide wonders and surprises! Today we made it to Emigrant Gap.
May 4, 1857 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual. Made an early start this morning; passed Willow Springs.
May 5, 1857 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual. Passed Independence Rock about noon. Found ourselves at DevilÕs Gate this day. Got a nasty splinter in my thumb, but extracted it without too much difficulty.
May 6, 1857 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual. Mr. Lumare figured we would reach Split Rock today, and he was right.
May 7, 1857 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual. The wagon train reached Three Crossings this day. Saw buzzards circling today not too far from First Sweetwater River Crossing. If I were superstitious, IÕd call it a bad omen. Fording the river looks to be our best option. Came to Second Sweetwater River Crossing. Fording the river looks to be our best option. Rested for a time near Third Sweetwater River Crossing. Fording the river looks to be our best option.
May 8, 1857 The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. We will continue as usual. Nooned at Ice Spring Slough.
May 9, 1857 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual.
May 10, 1857 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual. The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. We will continue as usual.
May 11, 1857 We tipped the wagon and lost 45 pounds of bacon; 3 pounds of coffee beans; 1 coffee mill; 1 10-lb. sack of cornmeal; 3 10-lb. sacks of dried beans; and various other items. Much grumbling today about Nick Tillman near Lander Trading Post.
May 12, 1857 For a time today we feared we were lost. We were much relieved to find ourselves at an identifiable location, Final Sweetwater River Crossing. Decided to ford the river.
May 13, 1857 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual. The fog was awful this morning. We decided to continue as usual. There was a wedding in camp today not far from South Pass. A joyous occasion in the wilderness! Came to Pacific Springs. Had a talk with some of the other folks in the wagon train.
May 14, 1857 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual. Made it to Dry Sandy. Misplaced my guidebook at ÒParting of the WaysÓ today. Luckily we found it before leaving.
May 15, 1857 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual. This morning it was very foggy. We decided to continue as usual. Arrived at Haystack Butte, despite some ÒhelpÓ from Nicholas J. Tillman.
May 16, 1857 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual.
May 17, 1857 We're nearly choking on the dust of the trail. We've decided to continue as usual. Nooned near Green River. Fording the river looks to be our best option.
May 18, 1857 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual. Today we have traveled 1,000 miles! The fog is as thick as pea soup. I reckon we'll continue as usual. Rikie Smith suffered a sprain. We'll immobilize affected joint. Saw buzzards circling today not too far from Branley Pass. If I were superstitious, IÕd call it a bad omen.
May 19, 1857 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual. Camped today near Emigrant Spring.
May 20, 1857 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual. We laid by today near West End of the Sublette Cutoff. Came to Thomas Fork. Decided to caulk the wagon and float it across. We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual.
May 28, 1857 Essia Smith has a bad cold. We're going to rest here awhile. The fog was awful this morning. We decided to continue as usual. Much grumbling today about Nick Tillman near SmithÕs Trading Post Site.
May 29, 1857 We're nearly choking on the dust of the trail. We've decided to continue as usual.
May 30, 1857 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual. Reached Soda Springs about noon--about time! Went gathering. We found edible Blue-bead Clintonia berries. We stopped along the trail to fish. We obtained 14 pounds of fish. We stopped along the trail to hunt. We obtained 156 pounds of meat.
May 31, 1857 Rested the animals near Hudspeth Cutoff at Sheep Rock. Rested the animals near Buckskin Mountain.
June 1, 1857 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual. A thick fog rolled in today. Looks like we'll continue as usual. Sora Smith has been bitten by a snake. I'm going to use tourniquet/suction method.
June 2, 1857 Our path was blocked by fallen rocks on the trail. We decided to try to clear the path.
June 3, 1857 Anne Smith has been bitten by a snake. I'm going to use tourniquet/suction method. Today we drove our wagons and teams past Marsh Creek. Decided to ford the river.
June 4, 1857 Arrived at Little Malad Spring, despite some ÒhelpÓ from Nicholas J. Tillman.
June 9, 1857 We lost a chicken today. We have been traveling for 100 days, today.
June 13, 1857 Sora Smith has a bad cold. We're going to rest here awhile.
June 15, 1857 Nooned late today not far from Raft River. Fording the river looks to be our best option.
June 16, 1857 Rested the animals near West End of the Hudspeth Cutoff.
June 17, 1857 Passed City of Rocks. Got a late start; passed Salt Lake Cutoff Junction.
June 22, 1857 The ox yoke broke, and I decided to try to repair it. We were successful.
June 23, 1857 The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. We will continue as usual. We saw a small party of coyotes today, just a mile or so west of Hot Spring Valley.
June 24, 1857 We're nearly choking on the dust of the trail. We've decided to continue as usual. The fog is as thick as pea soup. I reckon we'll continue as usual.
June 25, 1857 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual.
June 26, 1857 The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. We will continue as usual.
June 27, 1857 The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. We will continue as usual.
June 28, 1857 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual. It was extremely foggy early today. We figured it was best to continue as usual.
June 29, 1857 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual.
June 30, 1857 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual. Today we drove our wagons and teams past North Fork of the Humboldt River. Fording the river looks to be our best option.
July 1, 1857 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual.
July 2, 1857 We're nearly choking on the dust of the trail. We've decided to continue as usual.
July 3, 1857 We're nearly choking on the dust of the trail. We've decided to continue as usual. Enjoyed some good fiddle music today during our nooning near Emigrant Pass.
July 4, 1857 It is Independence Day and we're going to continue.
July 5, 1857 Found a clean, well-formed ox skull a short ways from Gravelly Ford of the Humboldt River; tempted to take it with me, but decided against it. Fording the river looks to be our best option.
July 11, 1857 It was extremely foggy early today. We figured it was best to continue as usual. Saw a mountain lion not far from French Ford Trading Post. Purchased 4 30-foot lengths of rope, 1 water keg.
July 13, 1857 Nooned late today not far from LassenÕs Meadows.
July 15, 1857 Reached Big Meadows about noon--about time!
July 16, 1857 Passed Humboldt Sink about noon.
July 18, 1857 We lost a chicken today.
July 19, 1857 A chicken died today.
July 20, 1857 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual.
July 21, 1857 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual. Mr. Tillman claims it's the Oregon Territory up ahead, but the guidebook says it's Ragtown. Went gathering. We found edible Black Mustard greens, edible Prickly Pear pads and edible Salsify roots. Purchased 18 5-lb. sacks of dried vegetables, 12 20-lb. sacks of rice.
We heard from our son and our daughter-in-law that they used to have two guitarists who played a solemn yet beautiful tune on the guitar. When we asked around, the people said that one of the guitarists died in an Indian attack and the other hasn't been heard from for a few years. It's too bad, really. We really could use some good music in our train.
July 22, 1857 A chicken died today. The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual.
July 23, 1857 The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. We will continue as usual.
July 24, 1857 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual.
July 25, 1857 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual. Passed Eagle Ranch Trading Post. Road fair to middling.
July 26, 1857 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual. Reached Genoa. Strangely beautiful country.
July 27, 1857 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual. Another step on the trail; today we reached Sierra Nevadas.
July 28, 1857 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual.
July 29, 1857 The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. We will continue as usual.
July 30, 1857 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual. We saw a small party of coyotes today, just a mile or so west of Carson Pass.
July 31, 1857 We lost a chicken today. We're nearly choking on the dust of the trail. We've decided to continue as usual.
August 1, 1857 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual.
August 2, 1857 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual.
August 3, 1857 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual.
August 4, 1857 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual.
August 5, 1857 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual. Passed Placerville today.
August 7, 1857 Another step on the trail; today we reached SutterÕs Fort Site. Arrived today at Sacramento!! At last we have reached our destination! Truly this is the land of opportunity!
We met our grandchildren for the first time today! Nick, Tess, and their four children greeted us at Sutter's Fort. We're going to live about 5 miles away from our children, but Rikie, Essia, Sora, and Anne are going to live right on the American River, next door to Rikie and Sora's sister, Alex, who is now the mother of a daughter named Tora. She looks exactly like her mother, except she has her father's black hair. Well, that's our journey for you. If I had the choice, I would do it again. But I'm also happy here, so here I will stay.
October 9, 1857 Obtained a land deed today from the county for 519 acres. Now I can begin to build my new life! Final Score: 9587
A sad time has befallen our son's dear friend Andy. His wife, Sarah, died in childbirth last week. The baby is still alive, but barely. Andy named her Sarah, after his dear wife. We all feel sorry for the poor man. Maybe the next train will bring another woman for him, or maybe there will be a young woman in camp who will love him as much as Sarah did. We've started to build the home next door to a young couple by the name of McLaird. The young man is rather handsome, but the missus is rather tired-looking. I can understand why, seeing as how she has 6 children! Their names are: Terrence, Nathan, George, June, Hilary, and Joshua. The parents introduce themselves as Glenn and Tess McLaird. More later.
October 10, 1857 In 1857, Arthur Faull built a home on 519 acres of land in the Sacramento Valley of California. Despite some hardships in the early years, Arthur Faull proved extremely prosperous, steadily acquiring more land and becoming a leader in the growing community. Regrettably, several of Arthur FaullÕs descendantsÑincluding a major figure in an early twentieth-century government and business scandalÑhave managed to tarnish the familyÕs good name.
As promised, here is more on our neighbors, the McLaird's. Well, Glenn is quite the gentleman. Just a couple hours ago, he offered to help me and the missus build our new home. When he found out that we were Tess Faull's mother- and father-in-law, he immediately brightened. I imagine that they are good friends, seeing as how he wouldn't stop talking about her after I mentioned this. I also found out that his wife had her first child the day after they reached this place. That was June, named for her birthmonth. She and Hilary are the only two girl children. June is only 5 years old, and such a little sweetie! The end of the journal and the end of the journey. Our house needs to be worked on. I'll go & help Glenn.
Well, we are travelling west to meet our dear son, Nick, and his wife, Tess. We have also heard that we are the grandparents of 4 children, Jacilia, aged 8, Mitchell, aged 8, Riveria, aged 6, and Christopher, aged 6. We can't wait to see all of them again. Also seems we have a lot to live up to. One party headed out to Sacramento made it there in June, leavin' same time as us. We'll see if we can do that as well.
March 1, 1857 Took advantage of the package deal offered to me. What a relief not to have to shop for all that individually! Purchased 20 boxes of 20 bullets. Purchased 12 oxen, 13 chickens, 4 milk cows. Purchased 725 pounds of bacon, 19 blankets, 12 canteens, 100 5-lb. sacks of dried fruit, 100 5-lb. sacks of dried vegetables, 3 fishing nets, 4 fishing poles, 4 fishing spears, 110 pounds of ham, 6 lanterns, 25 16-oz. tins of lantern oil, 30 10-lb. sacks of onions, 1 pail, 100 20-lb. sacks of potatoes, 350 pounds of salt pork, 1 shovel, 2 tents, 2 30-lb. kegs of vinegar, 8 water kegs. Purchased 1 small farmwagon. Purchased 1 small farmwagon. Purchased 4 oxen. Made it to Blue River. From now on, no stopping until we are ready to drop in our tracks. The ice looks like it will hold the wagon... So across we go. Today we drove our wagons and teams past Westport.
March 2, 1857 Came to New Santa Fe.
March 4, 1857 As expected, we made it to Lone Elm today.
March 5, 1857 Today our eyes were greeted with the sight of Blue Mound.
March 6, 1857 Rested the animals near Lawrence.
March 8, 1857 We lost a chicken today. Mr. Tillman claims it's the Oregon Territory up ahead, but the guidebook says it's Topeka.
March 9, 1857 It is mighty cold today. WeÕre going to continue as usual. Today we saw Kansas River. How sublime it appears by moonlight. The ice looks like it will hold the wagon... So across we go.
March 10, 1857 Today we have traveled 100 miles. Today I saw Saint MaryÕs Mission.
March 11, 1857 With such bitter cold weather, Jessica Faull is freezing. We're hoping to feed patient warm food. Today our eyes were greeted with the sight of Red Vermillion River.
March 30, 1857 We lost a chicken today.
April 2, 1857 [name] [have/has] a bad cold. We're going to rest here awhile. Today we saw Scott Spring. What a sight!
April 4, 1857 Enjoyed some good fiddle music today during our nooning near Alcove Spring. Arrived at Big Blue River, despite some ÒhelpÓ from Nicholas J. Tillman.
April 5, 1857 We were delayed at Big Blue River. We decided to wait our turn to cross. Decided to caulk the wagon and float it across. Our train lost 4 wagons and 10 people crossing the river today.
April 6, 1857 Our wagon tipped over. We lost 61 pounds of bacon; 2 boxes of 20 bullets; 10 pounds of cheese; 12 pounds of coffee beans; and various other items. The trail continues to provide wonders and surprises! Today we made it to St. Joseph Road Junction. Had a lengthy chat with Mr. Lumare today near Hollenberg Ranch.
April 7, 1857 Played cards with Mr. Tillman today while nooning near Rock Creek Station. I suspect he cheats.
April 9, 1857 Mr. and Mrs. Billings came by for a visit today near The Narrows; had a very nice chat.
April 11, 1857 Made our way past ÒThe Coast of NebraskaÓ late today. Trail could be better. Saw an empty wagon abandoned on the trail today near Fort Kearny. If it could talk, what stories it might tell!
April 13, 1857 Encamped a while near Plum Creek.
April 18, 1857 Reached OÕFallonÕs Bluffs. Strangely beautiful country.
April 20, 1857 Today our labors were rewarded with the sight of South Platte River. Fording the river looks to be our best option.
April 21, 1857 Passed the five hundred mile mark today. Reached Ash Hollow.
April 23, 1857 We were treated to a remarkably beautiful sunset near Courthouse and Jail Rocks. Had a lengthy chat with Mr. Lumare today near Chimney Rock.
April 24, 1857 Today our eyes were greeted with the sight of Scotts Bluff. From our guidebook, estimated we would reach Mitchell Pass today, and sure enough, there it was!
April 25, 1857 The fog was awful this morning. We decided to continue as usual. The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual.
April 26, 1857 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual.
April 27, 1857 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual. Sore feet today, but I'll manage. Saw Laramie River. Caulk the wagon and float it across, that is the way to go. The trail brought us to Fort Laramie today. Had a lengthy chat with Mr. Lumare today near Register Cliff.
April 28, 1857 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual.
April 29, 1857 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual.
April 30, 1857 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual.
May 1, 1857 The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. We will continue as usual. Passed some time near Ayers Natural Bridge.
May 2, 1857 A chicken died today. We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual.
May 3, 1857 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual. Rested for a time near North Platte River. Decided to ford the river. Nooned late today not far from Mormon Ferry Trading Post. The trail continues to provide wonders and surprises! Today we made it to Emigrant Gap.
May 4, 1857 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual. Made an early start this morning; passed Willow Springs.
May 5, 1857 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual. Passed Independence Rock about noon. Found ourselves at DevilÕs Gate this day. Got a nasty splinter in my thumb, but extracted it without too much difficulty.
May 6, 1857 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual. Mr. Lumare figured we would reach Split Rock today, and he was right.
May 7, 1857 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual. The wagon train reached Three Crossings this day. Saw buzzards circling today not too far from First Sweetwater River Crossing. If I were superstitious, IÕd call it a bad omen. Fording the river looks to be our best option. Came to Second Sweetwater River Crossing. Fording the river looks to be our best option. Rested for a time near Third Sweetwater River Crossing. Fording the river looks to be our best option.
May 8, 1857 The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. We will continue as usual. Nooned at Ice Spring Slough.
May 9, 1857 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual.
May 10, 1857 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual. The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. We will continue as usual.
May 11, 1857 We tipped the wagon and lost 45 pounds of bacon; 3 pounds of coffee beans; 1 coffee mill; 1 10-lb. sack of cornmeal; 3 10-lb. sacks of dried beans; and various other items. Much grumbling today about Nick Tillman near Lander Trading Post.
May 12, 1857 For a time today we feared we were lost. We were much relieved to find ourselves at an identifiable location, Final Sweetwater River Crossing. Decided to ford the river.
May 13, 1857 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual. The fog was awful this morning. We decided to continue as usual. There was a wedding in camp today not far from South Pass. A joyous occasion in the wilderness! Came to Pacific Springs. Had a talk with some of the other folks in the wagon train.
May 14, 1857 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual. Made it to Dry Sandy. Misplaced my guidebook at ÒParting of the WaysÓ today. Luckily we found it before leaving.
May 15, 1857 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual. This morning it was very foggy. We decided to continue as usual. Arrived at Haystack Butte, despite some ÒhelpÓ from Nicholas J. Tillman.
May 16, 1857 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual.
May 17, 1857 We're nearly choking on the dust of the trail. We've decided to continue as usual. Nooned near Green River. Fording the river looks to be our best option.
May 18, 1857 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual. Today we have traveled 1,000 miles! The fog is as thick as pea soup. I reckon we'll continue as usual. Rikie Smith suffered a sprain. We'll immobilize affected joint. Saw buzzards circling today not too far from Branley Pass. If I were superstitious, IÕd call it a bad omen.
May 19, 1857 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual. Camped today near Emigrant Spring.
May 20, 1857 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual. We laid by today near West End of the Sublette Cutoff. Came to Thomas Fork. Decided to caulk the wagon and float it across. We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual.
May 28, 1857 Essia Smith has a bad cold. We're going to rest here awhile. The fog was awful this morning. We decided to continue as usual. Much grumbling today about Nick Tillman near SmithÕs Trading Post Site.
May 29, 1857 We're nearly choking on the dust of the trail. We've decided to continue as usual.
May 30, 1857 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual. Reached Soda Springs about noon--about time! Went gathering. We found edible Blue-bead Clintonia berries. We stopped along the trail to fish. We obtained 14 pounds of fish. We stopped along the trail to hunt. We obtained 156 pounds of meat.
May 31, 1857 Rested the animals near Hudspeth Cutoff at Sheep Rock. Rested the animals near Buckskin Mountain.
June 1, 1857 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual. A thick fog rolled in today. Looks like we'll continue as usual. Sora Smith has been bitten by a snake. I'm going to use tourniquet/suction method.
June 2, 1857 Our path was blocked by fallen rocks on the trail. We decided to try to clear the path.
June 3, 1857 Anne Smith has been bitten by a snake. I'm going to use tourniquet/suction method. Today we drove our wagons and teams past Marsh Creek. Decided to ford the river.
June 4, 1857 Arrived at Little Malad Spring, despite some ÒhelpÓ from Nicholas J. Tillman.
June 9, 1857 We lost a chicken today. We have been traveling for 100 days, today.
June 13, 1857 Sora Smith has a bad cold. We're going to rest here awhile.
June 15, 1857 Nooned late today not far from Raft River. Fording the river looks to be our best option.
June 16, 1857 Rested the animals near West End of the Hudspeth Cutoff.
June 17, 1857 Passed City of Rocks. Got a late start; passed Salt Lake Cutoff Junction.
June 22, 1857 The ox yoke broke, and I decided to try to repair it. We were successful.
June 23, 1857 The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. We will continue as usual. We saw a small party of coyotes today, just a mile or so west of Hot Spring Valley.
June 24, 1857 We're nearly choking on the dust of the trail. We've decided to continue as usual. The fog is as thick as pea soup. I reckon we'll continue as usual.
June 25, 1857 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual.
June 26, 1857 The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. We will continue as usual.
June 27, 1857 The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. We will continue as usual.
June 28, 1857 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual. It was extremely foggy early today. We figured it was best to continue as usual.
June 29, 1857 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual.
June 30, 1857 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual. Today we drove our wagons and teams past North Fork of the Humboldt River. Fording the river looks to be our best option.
July 1, 1857 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual.
July 2, 1857 We're nearly choking on the dust of the trail. We've decided to continue as usual.
July 3, 1857 We're nearly choking on the dust of the trail. We've decided to continue as usual. Enjoyed some good fiddle music today during our nooning near Emigrant Pass.
July 4, 1857 It is Independence Day and we're going to continue.
July 5, 1857 Found a clean, well-formed ox skull a short ways from Gravelly Ford of the Humboldt River; tempted to take it with me, but decided against it. Fording the river looks to be our best option.
July 11, 1857 It was extremely foggy early today. We figured it was best to continue as usual. Saw a mountain lion not far from French Ford Trading Post. Purchased 4 30-foot lengths of rope, 1 water keg.
July 13, 1857 Nooned late today not far from LassenÕs Meadows.
July 15, 1857 Reached Big Meadows about noon--about time!
July 16, 1857 Passed Humboldt Sink about noon.
July 18, 1857 We lost a chicken today.
July 19, 1857 A chicken died today.
July 20, 1857 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual.
July 21, 1857 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual. Mr. Tillman claims it's the Oregon Territory up ahead, but the guidebook says it's Ragtown. Went gathering. We found edible Black Mustard greens, edible Prickly Pear pads and edible Salsify roots. Purchased 18 5-lb. sacks of dried vegetables, 12 20-lb. sacks of rice.
We heard from our son and our daughter-in-law that they used to have two guitarists who played a solemn yet beautiful tune on the guitar. When we asked around, the people said that one of the guitarists died in an Indian attack and the other hasn't been heard from for a few years. It's too bad, really. We really could use some good music in our train.
July 22, 1857 A chicken died today. The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual.
July 23, 1857 The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. We will continue as usual.
July 24, 1857 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual.
July 25, 1857 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual. Passed Eagle Ranch Trading Post. Road fair to middling.
July 26, 1857 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual. Reached Genoa. Strangely beautiful country.
July 27, 1857 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual. Another step on the trail; today we reached Sierra Nevadas.
July 28, 1857 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual.
July 29, 1857 The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. We will continue as usual.
July 30, 1857 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual. We saw a small party of coyotes today, just a mile or so west of Carson Pass.
July 31, 1857 We lost a chicken today. We're nearly choking on the dust of the trail. We've decided to continue as usual.
August 1, 1857 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual.
August 2, 1857 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual.
August 3, 1857 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual.
August 4, 1857 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual.
August 5, 1857 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual. Passed Placerville today.
August 7, 1857 Another step on the trail; today we reached SutterÕs Fort Site. Arrived today at Sacramento!! At last we have reached our destination! Truly this is the land of opportunity!
We met our grandchildren for the first time today! Nick, Tess, and their four children greeted us at Sutter's Fort. We're going to live about 5 miles away from our children, but Rikie, Essia, Sora, and Anne are going to live right on the American River, next door to Rikie and Sora's sister, Alex, who is now the mother of a daughter named Tora. She looks exactly like her mother, except she has her father's black hair. Well, that's our journey for you. If I had the choice, I would do it again. But I'm also happy here, so here I will stay.
October 9, 1857 Obtained a land deed today from the county for 519 acres. Now I can begin to build my new life! Final Score: 9587
A sad time has befallen our son's dear friend Andy. His wife, Sarah, died in childbirth last week. The baby is still alive, but barely. Andy named her Sarah, after his dear wife. We all feel sorry for the poor man. Maybe the next train will bring another woman for him, or maybe there will be a young woman in camp who will love him as much as Sarah did. We've started to build the home next door to a young couple by the name of McLaird. The young man is rather handsome, but the missus is rather tired-looking. I can understand why, seeing as how she has 6 children! Their names are: Terrence, Nathan, George, June, Hilary, and Joshua. The parents introduce themselves as Glenn and Tess McLaird. More later.
October 10, 1857 In 1857, Arthur Faull built a home on 519 acres of land in the Sacramento Valley of California. Despite some hardships in the early years, Arthur Faull proved extremely prosperous, steadily acquiring more land and becoming a leader in the growing community. Regrettably, several of Arthur FaullÕs descendantsÑincluding a major figure in an early twentieth-century government and business scandalÑhave managed to tarnish the familyÕs good name.
As promised, here is more on our neighbors, the McLaird's. Well, Glenn is quite the gentleman. Just a couple hours ago, he offered to help me and the missus build our new home. When he found out that we were Tess Faull's mother- and father-in-law, he immediately brightened. I imagine that they are good friends, seeing as how he wouldn't stop talking about her after I mentioned this. I also found out that his wife had her first child the day after they reached this place. That was June, named for her birthmonth. She and Hilary are the only two girl children. June is only 5 years old, and such a little sweetie! The end of the journal and the end of the journey. Our house needs to be worked on. I'll go & help Glenn.
