My Life: Traveling West Created By: DH

Introduction

I am a pioneer mother, aged 31. My name is Mary Roberts. At the moment I live in Missouri with my husband and daughter, Lily. I do not believe that our future is here, though. I enjoy caring for my family, and helping with our small farm. As a family we are happy, but we are struggling to make enough money. I hope that our family can settle in a new place with new opportunities. http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&tbo=d&biw=1366&bih=566&tbm=isch&tbnid=-7khOhCqyNQD_M:&imgrefurl=http://sites.google.com/site/usin1800s/western women&docid=4oKrFAnCyviLrM&imgurl=http://www.library.wisc.edu/etext/wireader/Graphics/pioneercover.jpeg&w=446&h=350&ei=fc4TUbmeFMTJrQHqt4GQDw&zoom=1 &iact=hc&vpx=521&vpy=125&dur=124&hovh=199&hovw=253&tx=100&ty=111&sig=109205253375332816401&page=1&tbnh=145&tbnw=177&start=0&ndsp=23&ved=1t:429, r:3,s:0,i:91

October 1

st

, 1842

Today, Father announced that we would travel to a new home, making it official. Hearing him say this brought me a few nerves, of course, but I cannot help but anticipate the journey that lies before us. The Oregon trail, the path we will follow, is a symbol of hope to my family. I have begun to pack, and I am already considering what we should bring and what I should prepare. I can only hope that our destination will be as wonderful as it is so often described!

October 2

rd

, 1842

To my horror, a death in our family has occurred. Father was hurt in an accident in town, when he went to gather supplies for the journey. My daughter and I are devastated. My heart is filled with sorrow over his death, but I have no time for grieving. How will we attempt such a difficult trip without him as our guide? He told me though, that we have to continue no matter what. So, I know that my only choice is to move forward, and take his place as the leader. I am afraid to travel across this massive county now, with only myself and my daughter… Maybe we will travel a slightly different route, so our situation is not as obvious to others who may take advantage of us. All in all, my final decision is to go on with Father’s plans, and do so with courage.

October 3

rd

, 1842

As you can see in my drawing below, we have gathered all of the necessities for the trip. I pray that I haven't forgotten anything. These items will be our only sustenance for quite some time. We leave today.

http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&tbo=d&biw=1366&bih=566&tbm=isch&tbnid=9tyZbR0XnFPv9M:&imgrefurl=http://www.p

robertencyclopaedia.com/cgi-bin/res.pl%3Fkeyword%3DBonnet%26offset%3D0&docid=-9JLh7wOjB BRM&imgurl=http://www.probertencyclopaedia.com/j/Covered%252520Wagon.jpg&w=200&h=143&ei=4c8TUZ_kMIe5qQG6 ICABw&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=250&sig=109205253375332816401&page=1&tbnh=114&tbnw=154&start=0&ndsp=22&ved=1t:429,r:6,s:0,i: 100&tx=110&ty=27

October 5

th

, 1842

We have traveled the trail for a short while now. It has been exhausting, and it is a struggle to keep from giving up when there are so many miles to go. I have led the horses, while my daughter has traveled in the covered wagon with our belongings. It’s definitely not a comfortable journey, as the terrain is rough in several areas. Our supplies are running low, but there will surely be a place to restock soon. I am covered in sand and dust, and my clothing is soiled and needing a wash. My feet ache and my limbs are sore. Even the horses are tired, and hungry. Our only choice is to keep walking.

October 10

th

, 1842

Today was a day of fear, danger, and courage. My worst fear: we encountered Native Americans, who called themselves the “Cherokee”. Despite my cautious approach, they felt the need to defend themselves, and acted in violence. A young girl came between us and them, trying to bring peace. How terrible, that she put herself in danger! She explained to her people that we were not a threat, and they left us alone, but banished her as well. Now, this girl, named Dakota, joins our group, and will follow us on our journey to Oregon. My daughter enjoys Dakota’s company, and although she is another mouth to feed and body to look after, I have decided to welcome her into our family. I shall act as though she is my own, and we will be family, as though she was my own from the beginning.

By end of April

November 20

th

, 1842

By end of March By end of February By end of January By end of December By end of November By end of October This is a map that shows where we hope to reach by what month.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://start-wa.com/trailmap.gif&imgrefurl=http://start wa.com/maps.html&h=503&w=988&sz=71&tbnid=7k5pbwSKO1u58M:&tbnh=63&tbnw=123&zoom=1&usg=__zD1LHAnjLQ9Lb1RQeMRMNwZcpwM=&docid=WEQ1O04bcPlSnM&hl=en&s a=X&ei=imAUUfCbLqXhyQHitYDACg&ved=0CDgQ9QEwAg&dur=461

December 25

rd

, 1842

We nearly met our goal, and have made it to Chimney Rock by December. The rivers are beginning to freeze over and it is unbearably cold. We are in desperate need of supplies. Luckily we found a trading post and were able to trade some fabric for necessities. I am worried about how we will cross the rivers now, if they are icy, but not solid enough for safety. Also, illness could strike us at any time, being outdoors in such unforgiving weather. It truly upsets me as a mother to see my girls in these conditions, but we must work together, all three of us.

January 29

th

, 1843

We stopped at this fort to regain our strength. Thank goodness we were able to stop, as one of our horses lost it’s strength, and we traded for a new one.

https://www.google.com/search?q=oregon+trail+fort&hl=en&tbo=d&rlz=1C1SKPM_enUS436US436&sou rce=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=zG4UUdngFYalqwHIqIHIBg&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAA&biw=1366&bih=607#img rc=CxQkEDs30wbGNM%3A%3Bku53NWxyW6fTDM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.frontiertraveler.com

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February 7

th

, 1843

We are taking a break, as the horses cannot bear the burden any longer. Today we passed Independence Rock, in Wyoming. That was great, but then we discovered we would have to cross a fairly large river. We were so frightened, and with no one to help us if we needed! The water had a thin layer of ice above it, so there was a great chance we’d damage the wagon. My daughters hid in the wagon, overcome with fear, and I led the skittish horses through the dangerous river. My hands trembled, but we passed, with only a broken wheel. Luckily, a generous man, with a caring soul, helped us repair the wheel in exchange for food. Now, we have less food, but at least we have our lives! I wonder what dangers are to come…

February 8

th

, 1843

Today we made it to South Pass. Now, we can say that we have officially made it into the Oregon Territory. This part of journey through the Rocky Mountains had been the most challenging.

http://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/places/states/wyoming/wy_southpass.htm

February 12

th

, 1843

We have made it to Fort Bridger, a trading post run by a mountain man. I am so relieved that we can restock on supplies. We are in need of food, fabric, and some replacement parts for the wagon. I plan to purchase a set of cards for the children, so that they can have a pleasant surprise.

http://www.historyglobe.com/ot/ftbridger.htm

February 28

th

, 1843

We made it to a major landmark! It is called “Soda Springs” and there is water that shoots up from the ground. The weather is still cold, so we have not seen this happen yet. We are nearer to Oregon every day.

http://www.untraveledroad.com/USA/Idaho/Caribou/4SSign.htm

March 2

nd

, 1843

The children are getting restless and bored, even though I purchased them a game. I am bothered that they are forced to work, and cannot play, but we do what we must to survive. The path we travel is long, and the people around us are struggling like we are. It is unnerving to see so many graves, and scattered remains of humans along the trail- even young children such as my own. I try with all of my strength to protect them from the dangers around us, but there are so many threats in these desperate times.

March 5th, 1843

I have a few spare minutes to write in this journal. We are currently stopped, and have set up camp. Lily gathered wood, and Dakota collected buffalo dung to burn. The weather is cold, and we have few blankets, but it is enjoyable to look up at the night sky, as we lay under the wagon. As long as I am able to ignore the crawling scorpions, and slithering snakes, I can enjoy a few hours of rest.

March 6

th

, 1843

Since we have set up camp, there was time to go fishing. We were able to build a net to capture fish, and managed to catch a few, more than enough to satisfy our appetites.

http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&tbo=d&biw=1366&bih=566&tbm=isch&tbnid=y5h4WhBW prQEIM:&imgrefurl=http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/bruggers/2008/03/study-ohio-river-fish doing-well.html&docid=4zL_LkgOhDfRJM&imgurl=http://www.courier journal.com/blogs/bruggers/uploaded_images/chad 776357.jpg&w=800&h=522&ei=nhoZUYjEOoevqAHUqoDICw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=240&vpy=168&dur= 982&hovh=181&hovw=278&tx=115&ty=115&sig=104465190864587765485&page=1&tbnh=140&tbnw=2 00&start=0&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0,i:154

March 9

th

, 1843

We decided to make bread over the fire today, using flour from the wagon. The children often complain about the bread’s dull taste, but food is food. http://www.google.com/imgres?q=bread+campfire&hl=en&tbo=d&biw=1366&bih=566&tbm=isch&tbnid =sMUrQwy6ODauCM:&imgrefurl=http://passengersonalittlespaceship.blogspot.com/2011/08/lughnasad h-and-campfire-bread.html&docid=lvNMl5CzD0FElM&imgurl=http://2.bp.blogspot.com/ rB8KNQklm3U/TkAajgrsNeI/AAAAAAAABSI/uobqxHXLV34/s1600/campfire bread.JPG&w=800&h=800&ei=pLUbUdHFK ie2AXt5oFA&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=577&sig=109937292139056874189&page=1&tbnh=135&tbnw=135&s tart=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:9,s:0,i:108&tx=78&ty=85

March 27

th

, 1843

Although I am not sure of it’s name, this is the river which we must cross today. It is very deep, and the currents are strong, now that the ice has melted. It will be very dangerous, and I am very fearful. I am overcome with anxiety, because our lives depend on chance, and our fate may not be one that I agree with… Similar river to the one we had difficulty crossing http://www.kshs.org/kansapedia/oregon-california-trail/12161

March 28

th

, 1843

Yesterday’s river crossing was absolutely terrifying! We couldn’t make it through. I can still hear the rushing water, threatening to take our lives, and the desperate shouts of the girls. The horses were scared, but they were able to push their way through the currents to the other side. We held onto the horses, and hoped we would survive, and we did. Even though we made it to the other side, our wagon and everything inside was not so lucky. I am glad we are alive, but times are desperate, because now we have to walk the rest of the way. We traded the horses for some bacon and flour. We may have enough food to survive, but we have no protection from the harsh winds. Every mile is a struggle, but also one mile less to go.

April 5

th

, 1843

As we walk, I see that there are MANY others like us. It seemed we were alone, and other travelers were sparse in the beginning, but now there are major amounts of people walking. People alone, and in groups, with few belongings, and only their feet to carry them. I can relate, but when I see their worn expressions, and dusty clothing, I can hardly imagine that I look the same. http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ortttp/History/Trails/Free-emigrant-Road/free.htm

April 16

th

, 1843

Lily is ill now. She is horribly sick. She must have been affected by the cold water, from when we fell into the river. Or perhaps the illness was spread by the many other travelers around us. We are not exactly sure what it is, but a few other pioneers thought cholera. I am awfully worried, because she could have this deadly disease. We met a man who was a doctor, and he suggested she rest and stay hydrated, so I have carried her for a while. Thank goodness we are nearly to Oregon where we can find real help. I hope my dear daughter does not become another roadside grave, like so many others.

http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/10-worst-disease-outbreaks

April 30

th

, 1843

I can hardy believe this as I write it in this journal: we have arrived in Oregon. It took so much willpower to survive the journey. I am proud of myself for discovering my own independence and strength, and of the girls for their patience and gratefulness. They never complained, even through the hardship we endured. I don’t know how to handle my emotion, in this unfamiliar place. I am overjoyed, relieved, and excited, but also nervous about what this new life will bring. We have nothing, other than each other, because we lost so much on the way. There is no home to return to, so our only future is here. There are many opportunities, and though the next few years will be challenging also, we are officially in a place where we can settle.

Bibliography

• • • • • • "All About the Oregon Trail." The Oregon Trail. N.p.. Web. 11 Feb 2013. .

"The Oregon Trail." The Oregon Trail. historyglobe.com. Web. 11 Feb 2013. .

"Life and Death on the Oregon Trail." Oregon- California Trails Association. OCTA. Web. 11 Feb 2013. .

"Oregon Trail." Family Search. Intellectual Reserve. Web. 11 Feb 2013. .

"Manifest Destiny." ushistory.org. US HISTORY. Web. 11 Feb 2013. .

"Pioneer Travel on the Oregon Trail." . N.p.. Web. 11 Feb 2013. .