The Transcribed Diary of
Eli Casey Cooley
as he came across the Oregon Trail and the Meek Cutoff
in 1845
by Michael F. and Mary Lou Cooley
for the
Officer-Cooley Family Association
November 2004
Eli Casey and Lydia Ann (Bonney) Cooley
With children Laura Eveline “Eva”, Benjamin F. & Mary Emeline
Circa 1870
The Transcribed Diary of Eli Casey Cooley
as he came across the Oregon Trail and the Meek Cutoff
in 1845
By Michael F. and Mary Lou Cooley for the Officer-Cooley Family Association
November 2004
Introduction
An estimated 3000 emigrants traveled over the Oregon Trail to the Oregon Territory in 1845. This was the biggest migration to date and it is said to have doubled the non-Indian population of the territory.
Most of the 1845 emigrants followed the traditional route of the Oregon Trail up the Platt River from Missouri, through South Pass in the Rocky Mountains and then down the Snake River and its upper tributaries to Fort Boise. From there they crossed the Snake River, proceeded up the Burnt River into the Grande Ronde Valley and then over the Blue Mountains eventually reaching The Dalles, Oregon at the east end of the Columbia River Gorge. At that point they abandoned their wagons and went down the Columbia River by canoe or boat to Ft Vancouver and eventually the Willamette Valley. But a mountain man and adventurer named Stephen Meek talked a significant portion of the 1845 emigrants into following him across eastern and central Oregon on what he described as an easier shortcut to the Willamette valley which would avoid the dangers of rumored Indian hostilities in the Blue Mountains and save time and mileage. Unfortunately, the supposed shortcut turned into disaster when Meek became lost and lead them onto a nearly waterless route where people became sick and began to die. The hardships were magnified by the fact that 1845 was an extremely dry year and they were crossing the desert area of eastern, Oregon during the driest part of the year. The route Meek followed has become known as the Meek Cutoff and is probably the most infamous passage across the Oregon Territory on record. The number of emigrants that died on the trip is estimated to range from 23 to 50 people. At the high end that is more than died in the better known Donner Party disaster crossing the Sierra Mountains in 1846.
Eli Casey Cooley and his extended family were on the trip over the Meek Cutoff in 1845.
About the Officers and the Cooleys
The Officer and the Cooley families were in what became Missouri as early as 1811. This location at the eastern beginning of the Oregon Trail placed them perfectly to be swept up by the migration of emigrants across the continent that began in the early 1840's. Those Officers and Cooleys that made the perilous journey in 1845 were:
We know that the Officers and Cooleys joined an Association in Missouri which was named the Savannah Oregon Emigrating Society to make the trip to Oregon. All of the adult male Officers and Cooleys are listed in the Constitution for that Society. We also know that Solomon Tetherow was elected Captain of the wagon train which was usually referred to as a Company. There is also some evidence that Stephen Meek was hired as a guide for the Company starting in Missouri but was not in their employ by the time they reached Ft. Hall along the Snake River. In addition, we know that wagon train companies often split or merged after they left Missouri for a whole range of reasons including different traveling speeds and various disagreements and disputes. There is evidence in Eli Casey Cooley's diary that Eli followed Solomon Tetherow across the Meek Cutoff. The route taken by Solomon Tetherow is of historic significance because it is different than the route followed by most other emigrants over the Meek Cutoff. Eli's diary finally may solve the mystery that has existed over the route taken by Solomon Tetherow.
We like to think that the Officers and Cooleys stayed together as a tight knit family for the whole passage. This would have allowed the single adult males like Jackson L. and Eli Casey Cooley to help Christopher Columbus Cooley and James Officer with there large families. There is some evidence that this did indeed happen but it cannot be proven with certainty. We do know that Christopher Columbus, Jackson L. and Eli Casey Cooley took up adjacent homesteads near present day Woodburn, Oregon after they reached the Willamette Valley. And James and Evaline Officer were only a short distance away near present day Molalla, Oregon. Mathias lived with Jackson L. Cooley for a time and eventually settled near present day Silverton, Oregon.
About the Officer-Cooley Family Association
The Officer-Cooley Family Association consists of descendants and spouses of the Officers and Cooleys who came to Oregon by the Oregon Trail and the Meek Cutoff in 1845. We have been meeting every year since 1967 in an annual family reunion held somewhere in the northwest to celebrate our common ancestry and exchange information. Among our membership there is a wealth of information on family history which we are always glad to share or add to. We maintain an extensive Email and ground mail mailing list. Our interests are strictly noncommercial and we maintain our reunion by voluntary contributions. Many of the members of the Association are active family historians and genealogists.
Other Sources of Information
There have been a number of books written about the 1845 migration over the Oregon Trail. Also, there are a number of diaries available either over the internet or through purchase from the Oregon Historical Society. Some of these documents were used to help interpret or clarify Eli Casey Cooley's diary. They include:
Special Thanks
A special thanks is given to Mrs. Grace Armstrong, a great grandchild of Eli Casey Cooley, who inherited the diary from her mother and gave us a copy with permission to transcribe and share it widely. As far as we know, no previous copy of the diary has left the family or ever been shared in this manner.
I would also like to give a special thanks to my wife Mary who labored over the typing and original transcription of Eli Casey Cooley's diary into a readable document.
About the Transcription
We have endeavored to maintain the original diary the way it was written in 1845 even down to misspelled words and grammatical errors. However, where we thought a word might not be understandable because of the spelling, we have shown the correct spelling in parentheses. We tried to do this only once per word. We have also added some notes in bold type where we thought they would add to understanding by the reader. In addition, there are some comments in brackets that describe entries in the margins, torn pages, smears, and erasures etc.
/s/ MICHAEL F. & MARY LOU COOLEY
Michael F. Cooley, President and Mary Lou Cooley
Officer-Cooley Family Association
Grants Pass, Oregon
Diary of Eli Casey Cooley
Entitled: “Journal of the Savannah Oregon Emigrating Company
Page 1:
Away and away to the settting sun h.h.h.
Our troops are bound for the Oregon h.h.h.
On the Rocky Mountains Snow Capt (Capped) Highth (Height)
Our flag shall stream in the morning light
And over the plains of Oregon. h.h.h.
Away and a day for a thousand miles. h.h.h.
To the climes whare Summer ever smiles. h.h.h.
For a few stout harts can lead the mass
Thrugh the hostile Tribes and the Mountains pass
Away and away for the Oregon. h.h.h.
This poem was written in Eli's hand at the beginning of the Diary but we don't know if he was the original author or if he copied it from some other source.
Journal of the Savannah Oregon Emigrating Company
The Company consist of 66 Wagons and ---____ Men ____ Women and Children ____ and the whole amount of persons belonging to the Company is ____
Amount of Stock ____
Head of Horses: ___ Mules: ____ ____Yoke of Cattle and ____ Head of loose Cattle
Eli evidently never finished filling in the above census. Fred Lockley documented a census of 66 wagons, 100 armed men, 293 persons, 63 women under 14, 56 women over 14, 624 loose cattle, 398 oxen, 74 horses and mules and 170 guns & pistols for this Company. The title “Journal of the Savannah Oregon Emigrating Company” was written by Eli at the start of the diary and raises an interesting question. Was Eli assigned or appointed to be the official journal keeper for the Company? If that was the case it was not documented in the Company's constitution.
May 6th 1845 Tue.
The Company left the place of Rundeyvases (rendezvous) on Wolf River and proceeded on their Journey and camped at Brush Point. Common rode (road). Weather fine; water and wood plenty. One wagon broke; oxen bolt (bolted) but got in to camp at night. One ox killed.
Traveled 6 miles.
It was said that the wagons did not roll until the rivers were down and the grass was up. The emigrants had to be able to ford the rivers and feed their large herds of stock. Most wagon trains left the Missouri area between late April and the middle of May in order to reach their destination before winter. A late start could be fatal.
It was a normal practice to assign a child to walk alongside one of the wagons and count the number of revolutions that a wheel made over the day. The emigrants knew how many revolutions it took to make a mile and in this fashion were able to approximate their daily mileage. Since Eli had lots of nieces and nephews on the trek, he probably used them for counting the revolutions.
Wed 7th May
Nothing of any importance occurred to day. First rate rode (road). Weather good. Camped at Holy Creek. Wood and water plenty.
10 miles
Thu 8th May
The Company camped on Oak Branch. Road First Rate. Weather fine; wood and water plenty.
10 miles
Fri 9th May
The Company camped on the Main Fork of Wolf River. Water & wood plenty; road first rate; weather fine.
10 miles
Sat 10th May
The Company laid by to day for the purpose of other wagons overtaking. Here was the first Seder (Cedar) wood on Wolf River. Weather fine.
Juniper trees were referred to as cedars.
Sun 11th May
The Company traveled to day but gained but verry (very) little. They left the divide and started down the Nimahaw and had to turn back. Traveled about 12 miles but have gained but about 5. The rode is first rate; weather good. Camped on the head of the East fork of the Nimahaw. Wood and water plenty.
5 miles
The diary of Jesse Harritt mentions the Wolf River on May 3 and the Nimahaw on May 10. James Field's diary mentions crossing both forks of the Nimahaw on May 6.
Mon 12th May
The Company traveled to day. The rode is first rate. Wee had a sprinkle of rain this morning but the day has been fine for traveling. Camped on the Second fork of the Nimahaw - wood and water was plenty. When the Company was forming at night a small child of Mr. Hall's fell out of the wagon and the wheel ran over it's head; which at this time there is no life expected. A sprinkle of rain to night.
14 miles
A Benny and a Benjamin F. Hall are listed in the Company census.
Tue 13th May
The Company traveled to day over a first rate rode; weather fine. Camped on the head [“of the East fork of Caw River” marked out] of a small creek that empties in -?- [corner of page torn off]. Wood and water plenty.
12 miles
Wen 14th May
Wee traveled to day. The rode is first rate; weather fine. Wee crossed the main channel of the Nimahaw with out any difficulty and camped on the west side of it - wood and water plenty.
8 miles
Thu 15th May
Wee traveled to day and crossed a prong of the Little Blue; 3 m and 2 m crossed another prong [“The main Creek” marked out]. Wood plenty at both places and 1 ½ miles come to Burnett's trace and went 1 ½ miles and camped on a prong of the Blue. Some wood and first rate water; weather fine; rode first rate with the exception of the creeks and wee crossed them with out mutch (much) difficulty.
8 miles
Fri 16th May
Wee traveled to day. Crossed several streams to day. 2 miles crossed the little blue and six miles crossed and other (another) prong and camped on the west side of it. Wood plenty; the rode has been quite broken to day; weather fine. One ox killed tonight. Mr. Hall's child that got [“got” written over “fell”] hurt by the wagon has recovered.
8 miles
Sat 17th May
Traveled today. Wee come 4 miles and crossed big blue with out any difficulty and went 4 miles and camped on the head of a branch of blue. Wood plenty. The rode is broken. Wee had some rain today. The name blue should be Caw.
8 miles
Sun 18th May
The rode has been tolerable good today. Weather fine. Camped on a Branch of Blue. Met 6 wagons from the mountains. Wood and water was plenty.
8 miles
Other diary's have mentioned meeting a group of travelers that were returning from the Oregon Territory to the United States. Such travelers must have been extensively questioned about what lay ahead for the emigrants.
Mon 19th May
Rode tolerable good today; weather fine. Camped on a branch whare (where) the wood and water was plenty.
8 miles
Tue 20th May
Rode common. Crossed some dreans. Come 4 miles and crossed a creek and 6 miles and turned to the rite (right) and camped. Wood and water plenty; weather fine. Mr Cunningham and Owenbey (Ownbey) with 5 wagons left the Company today.
10 miles
The word “dreans” was used by Eli more than once. It could be a common name used in 1845 for seasonal stream drainages. Eli did not provide an explanation why Cunningham and Ownbey left the Company. Ownbey became the Captain of a different wagon train Company later on.
Wen 21st May
Rode quite broken today. Wee crossed several dreans. Come 5 miles and crossed a creek and come 3 miles and crossed another and thare the Company camped and Mr. Officer, Cooley, Wilson, Moreland, Thompson and Patterson with 12 wagons left the company and went 2 miles and turned to the left and camped on the long fork of Blue. Wood plenty, weather fine. From Elizabeth Town to this place wood and water can be had plenty by leaving the divide ½ mile at any time; never further than 5 miles.
10 miles
The “Mr. Officer, Cooley, and Wilson” mentioned here must be James Officer, Christopher Columbus Cooley and William Wilson. James was Eli's brother-in-law and was married to Eli's sister Evaline. Christopher was Eli's older brother and was married to James Officer's sister Nancy. William Wilson was not related to Eli. However, Wilson had taken in Mathias Cooley who was a young second cousin of the Cooley brothers Eli, Christopher and Jackson and their sister Evaline. There is no mention of Jackson Cooley here but since he was single he was probably traveling with the same group and giving assistance with their large families. Moreland, Patterson and Thompson are listed in the census for the Savannah Oregon Emigrating Company along with the others males mentioned.
This record on May 21 indicates how wagons in a single Company tended to spread out once travel was started. It was simply impossible for all of the emigrants in a Company to stay grouped together. But it is also likely that families and friends attempted to stay as close together as possible for purposes of helping one another.
Thu 22nd May
The rode has been first rate today. 6 miles to the rite about ½ mile is wood and water. We procured wood this morning and wee found water to the rite of the rode ¼ of a mile and camped 4 miles from the first camping ground. Mr. Wilson with 2 wagons left this morning and went back to the Company. Today has been fine for traveling. [written in both left and right margin but marked out in right margin]: 4 miles wee struck Blue again.
10 miles
Fri 23rd May
The rode has been tolerable good today. Wee had some rain this evening and at night after wee camped the Company passed us and camped about 2 miles on ahead. We camped on the long fork of Blue; wood plenty. [written in right margin]: Come 4 miles and struck Blue again.
10 miles
Sat 24th May 1845
Wee have had a tolerable good rode today. Wee passed the Company this morning; thare one of our men left us and joined the Company. Camped on the long fork of Blue. Today has been fine for traveling.
16 miles
It begins to sound by this point that “the Company” Eli refers to often was the core of people from the Savannah Oregon Emigrating Company to which individual wagons and groups of wagons were constantly merging and then separating.
Sun 25th May
The rode has been good today with the exception of some several hollows. We have traveled mostly in the bottoms of the long [“long” written over “north”] fork of Blue today and camped on it. Wood plenty, weather fine.
12 miles
Mon 26th May
The rode has been first rate today. We left the long fork of Blue today and struck across to Platte. 2 ½ miles is wood and water and 2 ½ miles further, ¼ of a mile to the rite is also wood and water. Wee went 7 miles further and wee camped in the open porairy (prairie). We had wood and water with us. Some rain this morning but today has been fine for traveling. Met 7 Indians today which is the first that wee have saw since wee left the Sack (Sac) Village. A very hard rain at nite.
12 miles
The Sacs were a prominent Indian tribe of the period. Originally from the northeast US, they had been moved to the Oklahoma/Missouri area by this time in our history.
Tue 27th May
This morning our cattle was very badly scattered which detained us until 2 o'clock, then we started and come across to Platte and camped. The rode is first rate, weather fine, wood plenty.
10 miles
Although Eli never specifically says it, he may have been traveling with a group that was responsible for herding the Company's livestock.
Wen 28th May
Wee have traveled up Platt bottom today. The rode is quite level but quite muddy. Camped on the Platte. Wee have plenty of wood but it is not good - nothing but willow - weather fine.
9 miles
Thu 29th May 1845
The weather is fine and the rode is perhaps the best in the world. Wee have traveled up the bank of Platte today and camped on it. Wee had plenty of wood by wading in to a island after it. Met 4 Indians.
20 miles
It was quite a feat when the wagon train could make 20 miles in a day. The average was closer to 12 miles and often was less in rough terrain. Eli's comment that the “rode is perhaps the best in the world” may be a little bit of an overstatement but it was still the longest mileage that they had made in a single day since starting the trek.
Fri 30th May
The rode has been about like it was yesterday. Wee come 8 miles and passed the St. Joseph Company; they were camped on Mussel Creek and laying by. Come 2 miles further and crossed the Creek - it comes down threw the bottom and at this time has but verry little water in it - only in holes. Where wee crossed it was perfectly dry - some wood. Come 7 miles further and camped on Platte. Plenty of wood on an Island across a small slue (slough). We had some rain this morning but today has been fine for traveling.
17 miles
Sat 31st May 1845
The rode has been about like it was yesterday with the exception of a few small hollows. We traveled [marked out] 11 [appears to be erased then written in darker ink]; crossed the Plumb Creek which is 11 miles from whare wee lay last nite and went 7 miles further and camped on the bank of Platte. Some wood on a small island. Plumb Creek at this time only has water about in holes - they is no wood on it. The weather has been fine today. 20 miles
Eli may have added 11+7 wrong to arrive at 20 miles for the day. We'll never know.
Sun June 1st 1845
The rode is still the same, the weather fine. Come 8 miles and passed the Bronolle Company and come 8 miles further and camped on the bank of Platte in a hollow. They is a spring and plenty of ash wood. Today we killed the first Buffalo.
16 miles
Mon 2nd June
The rode is still the same, still first rate. We got in site (sight) of Mr. Owensby's Company today. The weather has been fine today; a sprinkle of rain at nite. Wee had wood with us and camped in the bottom on a small creek near the river. Plenty of wood on the river. 10 miles
Tue 3rd June 1845
The rode is still first rate. The weather is fine. Wee camped in the edge of the Botton (bottom) on a small creek at a spring. A Company camped in site of us tonite. Here is a Dog Town. They is no wood on the creek tho wee had wood with us. (written in the left margin): Plenty of wood at the river.
10 miles
This is the first mention of prairie dogs, a common occurrence on the plains.
Wen 4th June
The rode is still first rate, the weather fine. Wee come 2 miles and thare the river come to bluff and we went on the bluff 6 miles and then struck the river again and traveled 12 miles firther (further) and camped in the bottom on a small dorean (drain); the water in holes. Wee had some wood with us tho (though) the willow is plenty on the river. Wee passed another Dog Town. 20 miles
Thu June 5, 1845
The rode is first rate, the weather fine. Wee come to the river today to hunt for a ford. About 10 miles and while wee was hunting 16 wagons of the St. Jo. Company come on and found a ford about 2 miles below us and crossed and camped on the bank after they had crossed. Wee went to the same place and crossed our wagons without any difficulty and went about one mile above and camped. Wee left our loose cattle as wee had not time to cross them this evening. [written in left margin]: Wee had some wood with us and made use of some chips - South fork of Platte.
10 miles
Fri 6th June
This morning wee went back and crossed our loose cattle quite easy. While wee was crossing our cattle the Company passed us. Wee have traveled in the bottom today South and camped on the river. Wee was overtaken today by about 250 Dragoons with 17 wasons (wagons). Wee camped ahead of them tonite. The rode first rate; weather fine. Wee found some wood today and carryed it with us - timber is verry scerce (scarce) here on the river.
12 miles
Dragoons is a term used interchangeable for Calvary.
Sat 7th June
The rode has been partly good today; the weather fine. Come 2 miles and struck across to the North fork of Platte; 2 miles thrue (through) the bluff the rode is broken then it becomes verry good for 11 miles and then quite broken for 3 miles. The Dragoons passed us today. Wee camped in a half mile of the North fork; first rate water and plenty of ash wood. When wee come to the bluff wee passed 16 wagons of the St. Jo. Company. [written in left margin]: North West corse (course).
16 miles
I get the impression that there may have been some friendly competitiveness in the way the various wagon train Companies passed one another from day to day.
Mon 9th June
The rode has been tolerable good today, though some sand in places. The Dragoons passed us this morning and went on ahead of us. Wee have traveled but a short distance today. Camped on the river; no wood here though wee had wood with us. A sprinkle of rain this evening.
6 miles
Tue 10th June 1845
The rode has been verry good today; the weather fine. They has been some scattering timber along the bluff today though they is none along here on the river except 3 trees which is about 1 mile above a small creek which empties into the river. The creek is 10 miles from whare wee camped last nite. Wee come 5 miles beyond the creek and camped on the river. We found some dry wood on an island whare we camped tonight; some frost this morning.
15 miles
Wen 11th June
The rode has been first rate today. Wee had a sprinkle of rain today. Come 6 miles and crossed a creek and come 9 miles further and camped on the bank of the River. Wee found some dry wood on an island. They has been some timber along the bluff today though they has been none on the River today.
13 miles
Thu 12th June 1845
The rode has been first rate today; the weather fine. This morning wee passed a Mound. Which the mound is about 200 feet nigh (high) and they is a peak on it which is about 100 feet high. About 25 feet of the peak is nearly round and is about 30 feet thrugh and the top part of the peak which is about 75 feet high is a square about 12 feet one way and about 6 the other. They is many other Mounds along here. Wee camped on the river and found plenty of dry wood in an island. They is no timber on the River except some 3 or 4 trees which is in islands. They is some timber out on the bluff.
13 miles
These mounds are mentioned frequently in other diarys kept while coming over the Oregon Trail.
Fri 13th June
Wee left the River this morning and went to the left of a verry high Mound up a valdy (valley) between the Mounds. The distance from the peak wee passed yesterday to whare the rode leaver (leaves) the River is about 8 miles. The rode is verry level; after about 10 miles then it becomes a little broken for about 4 miles to whare wee camped on a little Drean. They is water plenty for the stock though they is no wood here; had some wood with us. To whare the rode becomes broken they is a first rate spring which makes a beautiful Branch. They is some seder, pine, boxelder and hackberry timber on the branch.
14 miles
Sat 14th June
The rode has been a little rolling today though it is first rate; the weather fine. Come 6 miles and crossed a creek and there wee struck the North fork again and come 12 miles further and camped on the River again. They is plenty of wood here. They is some timber along the River though it is not verry plenty.
18 miles [written in the left margin): 765 Rails - Tum a Do adadinty do do da
We don't know why Eli wrote “765 Rails .....” in the margin. Perhaps he added it later? Perhaps he was just fooling around? We'll never know.
Sun 15th June
The rode has been tolerable good today; the weather fine though wee had a sprinkle of rain this evening. The timber has been tolerable plenty on the River today. Wee camped on the River at the mouth of Larimers Fork opposite Fort Laramere (Laramie) [St. Johns crossed out and Laramere written over it]. They is a great many Indians here now. Mr. Owensby's Company is camped about 1 mile below us tonight. Plenty of wood now.
15 miles
Mon 16th June
Wee designed laying by here today but the grass not being verry plenty wee went about 2 miles up Laramere's (Laramies) fork and camped in a beautifull little bottom; wood plenty here. About 1 mile above Fort Laramere is another fort by the name of St. John. Both the forts is in the fork of the River between Laramere fork and the North fork. The Dragoons is camped about 1 mile above us and about 1 mile above them Mr. Owensby's is camped. The Dragoons held a counsel with the Indians today and gave them some presents. Drizzle of rain this evening.
2 miles
The entry for this day indicates the importance of finding forage for their stock to keep them healthy and strong.
Tue 17th June
The Dragoons left 2 Companeys of men here and with 3 Companys started on to the South Pass in the Mountains; Mr. Owensby's Company after them and wee after Owenby's Company. Come 1 mile and crossed Laramere fork without any difficulty and then traveled about 1 mile up the River on the North side to whare Owenby camped and thare 4 wagons that belonged to Owenby Company joined us. Thare the rode left the River. The rode is broken today though it is verry good only one steep hill. It is generally sand. They is scattering seder and pine timber on the bluff. Camped on a small creek about ½ mile above Owenby Company. Wee had plenty of wood. A drizzle of rain this morning and verry cold last night. The trail ropes to the horses froze. Plenty of grass on the creek.
12 miles
“South Pass” is probably the most important geographic feature on the Oregon Trail. Located in present day Wyoming, it marked the boundary between the United States and the Oregon Territory and was the passage way to the Pacific. But rather than a narrow defile as the name implies, it is wide and relatively flat.
The fact that four wagons from the Ownbey Company joined Eli's Company is indicative of how easily people could move back and forth among the various Company's that were traveling on the Oregon Trail that year.
Wen 18th June
The rode is broken today though it is tolerable good. Come 2 miles and crossed a creek. Plenty of timber on the creek; seder and pine timber on the bluffs; some grass. About 8 miles from the creek is a first rate spring and some timber and grass; plenty of grass here. Wee camped about 2 miles beyond the spring on a creek just below Owenby's Company. Plenty of wood; fine weather for traveling. Rode generally sandy.
12 miles
Thu 19th June
Thrugh neglect they was 3 horses left behind yesterday which caused us to have to lay by today to hunt the horses which was found in another Company behing (behind) us. The Company come on and camped above us on the same creek. They is 21 wagons in the company. Mr. Owenby's Company left this morning. The weather is fine today. (no mileage written)
Fri 20th June
Wee passed the Company this morning before they got reddy to start. About 6 miles from the creek wee camped on last nite wee struck the North fork again. It comes down in a verry narrow place between two rockey hills then runs thrugh a small bottom (bottom) and makes an elbow. The rode runs up to the point of the elbow then leaves the river and in about 4 miles wee struck it again and camped at another bend. The rode is verry good today; grass here. Wee had some rain this evening. Wood plenty at both plates; still pine and seder timber on the bluffs. After part of the Company had went to bed the balance of them called a meeting and elected L. Thompson Captain which is the first offiter (officer) that wee have had in our Company.
10 miles
L. Thompson was listed in the census for the Savanna Oregon Emigrating Company captained by Solomon Tetherow. It could be that part of the Company broke off and formed a separate Company at this point.
Sat 21st June
The rode is broken today; the weather fine. Wee left the old Trace this morning and aimed to follow the Dragoons but the River prevented us from crossing as it was two full. The Dragoons crossed in the Bend about 1 ½ miles above whare wee camped last nite. The old Trace runs up the bluff about 5 ½ mile from the point of timber wee camped at last nite. It is about as near to go thrugh the point of timber up the bottom to the first hollow and turn left up that. It is verry good as wee had to go up that to strike the old Trace again. Crossed a creek in about 12 miles. Plenty of wood here; grass here. Went about 1 mile down the creek then left it in about 2 miles; come to another and camped here. Plenty of grass here; wood plenty here. Mr. Owenby was camped here just above us on the creek. Some rock and sand today. Still seder and pine timber on the bluffs. The banks of the creek and hills around is of verry red culler (color) of well burnt brick when pounded up.
15 miles
Sun 22nd June
Fine weather today though the rode is verry broken and some verry rocky places. 4 miles crossed a hollow; some timber here and a little water at this time. 4 miles wee crossed another hollow. Some timber here and about 2 hundred yards below whare the rode crossed this hollow they is an excellent spring. Went about 2 miles further and camped on a creek. Plenty of wood here; plenty of grass. They is 2 other Companys here on the creek tonite, Owenby's and a part of the St. Jo. Company.
10 miles
Mon 23rd June
The rode has been considerably better today then it was yesterday; weather fine. Come 5 miles and crossed a small creek. Some timber on the creek; some grass though not verry plenty. 3 miles further crossed another; timber here. 2 miles further struck the North fork again. Come 3 miles up the north fork and camped on a creek. Plenty of timber here. Owensby's Company is camped just above us. Tonite the 21 wagons of the St. Jo. Company come on and camped with Owenby's Company. Plenty of grass. (written in left margin): The Dragoon come in the old trace just below whare wee camped tonite. [written in the right margin]: Come to buffalo again.
13 miles
Tue 24th June 1845
All the Companys was trying to get the lede (lead) this morning but Owenby was first and the 21 wagons next and us behing (behind). Wee have traveled up the north fork today. They is generally timber on the River. The rode has been verry good today; weather fine. Camped on the North fork; plenty of wood and grass. Here the Companys has gone on ahead of us some distance. Wee got out of the Buffalo about 50 or 60 miles below Fort Laramere and have seen none until yesterday.
6 miles
It was desirable to be in the lead because there was less dust.
Wen 25th 1845
The rode has been tolerable good today; had a shower of rain. Wee have traveled up the North fork today. Come about 1 mile and crossed a creek; it has no timber on it. Come about 3 miles and crossed a hollow; timber in the hollow and some water at this time and about 3 miles further crossed a branch; no timber here; and crossed about 3 miles further and camped on the north fork. They is generally timber and grass on the River. 12 miles
Wen 26th June
The rode has been verry good today; had a shower of rain. Come 1 mile and crossed a branch; no timber on the branch. Come 2 miles further and crossed the north fork; grass on both sides here. Wee had to raise some of the wagon beds to prevent the water from running into them. Before wee got to the crossing the loose cattle was rushed on by the wagons which caused some of the oxen to run away though thare was not mutch damage done; only one axel broke. Wee mended the axel and crossed. Plenty of wood here; still some timber on the River.
3 miles
The need to raise the wagon beds at a creek crossing plus a broken wagon axel reduced the distance traveled to only 3 miles this day.
Fri 27th June
The rode has been verry good today; had a shower of rain. They is a spring had water in about 12 miles which forms a small lake. Some grass. 6 miles further is some water which is not good and grass. No wood at the places. 4 miles further whare wee camped is a small branch; good water and grass, no wood.
22 miles
Eli did not explain why the water was “not good”.
Sat 28th June
The rode has been tolerable good today; had a shower of rain today. 2 miles is water and grass and some small timber. 3 miles further is some water on branch and plenty of grass; no timber. 3 miles further struck the same branch again; some grass but no timber. 1 mile further wee crossed a small creek; some grass here but no wood. Come 2 miles further and turned to the left about 1 mile and camped on the creek - plenty of grass, no timber. One wagon was upset whilst crossing the creek but no damage done.
11 miles
Sun 29th June
The rode has been tolerable good today. Weather fine. Come about 5 miles and struck Sweet Water Creek and about 7 mile further come to the Indipindance (Independence) Rock where wee crossed the creek - no timber here; grass here. The rock is in a valley on the bank of the creek. It covers about 4 or 5 acres of ground and is about 250 feet high; very smothe (smooth). The is the names of many persons written on the rock. The next place of great curiosity is about 5 miles from the Rock; it is called Hells gate. The rode passes thrugh between 2 verry large rocks or mountains which is very narrow. The rode leaves the creek here for a small distance and the creek passes thrugh between 2 very large rocks or mountains which it is confined in a very narrow place. The place is about 4 hundred yards thrugh and the rock on both sides is about 500 feet high; almost perpendicular. Wee camped up the creek about 1 mile beyond the place; no timber on the creek but wee got some wood at Hells gate as thare is some small seder and pine on the bluff; plenty of grass here. Crossed a small branch in about ¼ mile from Hells gate and in about ¾ of mile camped on another branch.
12 miles
Independence Rock is a State Historic Site in Wyoming.
Mon 30 June
The rode has been tolerable good today; weather fine. Just above whare we camped some small timber or bushes. Wee have traveled up Sweet Water; grass is plenty for about 3 mile then the rode leaves the River a small distance. 2 miles crossed a branch. Come 3 miles further and struck the river; grass here and a few trees of small timber here. The rode leaves the river here again and in 6 miles further wee turned to the rite and camped on the river; grass here and some small timber on the bluff. The river runs to the bluff here.
14 miles
Tue 1st July 1845
The rode has been tolerable good today; weather fine. Traveled up Sweet Water today. Come 3 miles and crossed a hollow; some timber in the hollow and about 1 mile further the rode leaves the river. They is a mountain between the river and rode. Some grass on the river to whare the rode leaves it. Struck the river in about 4 miles and crossed and camped. Some wood here. They is a part of the Dragoons left here.
8 miles
Wen 2 July 1845
The rode has been verry good today; weather fine; some wood whare wee crossed first. Come about 1 mile and crossed the river and in a few hundred yard crossed it again and about 1 mile further the rode leaves the River. Plenty of grass to whare the rode leaves the river. Struck the river in about 1 mile again then traveled in site of it for about 5 mile and then crossed it again. Here the rode leaves the river again; plenty of grass on the river. In about 6 mile they is grass and water and in about 5 mile further is grass and water and in about 3 mile further struck the river again and camped. Plenty of grass here and some wood. They other companys was camped here. A little rain tonite.
22 miles
Thu 3 July
[written in margin] Crossed the river in a small distance here whare wee met the Dragoons.
Crossed the river this morning. Mr. Ownby with 6 wagons took the lead and wee was next an the other company behing (behind). The rode leaves the river here and strikes it again in about 4 miles. Here wee met the Dragoons on their return. Traveled up the river about 4 miles then the rode leves (leaves) it again; plenty of grass on the river from whare wee strike it to whare wee left again and some wood. The rode is verry good to here then it is verry broken and rough for about 1 ½ mile then it becomes verry good again to whare wee camped. About ½ mile further is 2 lakes at this time and plenty of grass; no wood. One man and wagon joined us this morning and about 2 miles further is grass and water; no wood; and about 2 miles further to whare wee camped is plenty of grass and also some wood and water, A small distance South of here is a small grove of beautiful timber; fine weather.
14 miles
Fri 4th July
The rode has been verry good today; weather fine. Traveled up the stream wee camped on last night about 2 ½ mile then turned to the left and in about 1 ½ mile crossed a creek. Plenty of grass and wood at the creek. In about 2 miles further crossed an other small creek; plenty of grass and wood here. And in about 3 miles struck Sweet water again and crossed and camped; plenty of grass and wood here. Crossed small stream just before we crossed the River.
9 miles
Sat 5th July
The rode has been first rate today; weather fine. Wee left Sweetwater to our rite after crossing it 9 times and also left Wind Mountain on our rite and entered the pass. About 10 miles is a spring which makes a beautiful branch and runs to the west; plenty of grass here but no timber. And about 8 miles further to whare we camped is also water and some grass; no timber. Wee had to make use of sage in place of wood. Mr. Ownby was camped here.
18 miles
This is the point where Eli crossed the Continental Divide.
Sun 6th July
The rode has been first rate today; had some rain. Come about 10 miles and struck little Sandy and crossed it; plenty of grass here and some wood. Then traveled down it until wee struck Big Sandy - here wee camped. The distance is about 10 miles - plenty of grass and wood here.
20 miles
Mon 7th July
The rode has been first rate today - weather fine. Wee have traveled down Big Sandy today. Crossed it this morning and here the rode left the river. Some distance struck it again in about 10 miles. Some grass and wood here though it is not verry plenty. About 5 miles further to whare wee camped struck it again - plenty of grass and wood.
15 miles
Tue 8th July
The rode has been verry good today - weather fine. Wee left Big Sandy this morning and struck across to Green river. The distance is about 6 miles to the River. It was up so that wee could not ford it and wee made a raft and tried to cross but did not prove successful; so wee camped on the Band (bend) of the River - plenty of wood and grass here. Mr. Owenby got 1 wagon over this evening.
6 miles
Wen 9th July
Today we got over a part of the wagons and Mr. Ownby finished getting over all his. The weather has been fine today.
They spent all day but only managed to get a part of their wagons across the Green River.
Thu 10th July
This morning wee commenced work again and got over all the wagons except 1 and the most of the stock. Today while crossing a wagon the raft sunk and the hind part of the wagon floated off the raft but it was then tied to the raft and landed without a great deal of damage. Some of the loading was lost - the weather was fine today.
Fri 11th July
This morning wee finished crossing and then traveled down Green River about 4 miles and camped - plenty of grass and wood here and thare is generally grass and timber along the River. They is 2 other companys at the River now crossing. The rode is verry good - weather fine.
4 miles
It took from July 9 through part of July 11 to get all of the Company's wagons across the Green river. They were evidently using rafts to accomplish the job.
Sat 12th July 1845
The rode has been verry good today - weather fine. Wee left Green River this morning and struck Ham creek in about 10 mile and traveled up that about 5 miles and camped. Plenty of grass and wood on the creek.
15 miles
Sun 13th July
The rode has been verry good today. Weather fine. Wee crossed Ham Creek this morning and left it - some grass and wood here. In about 1 mile struck Black Creek and crossed it. Here the rode left it for about 10 mile and then struck it again and about 1 mile crossed it again and traveled up it about 1 mile further and camped. Plenty of wood and grass here. They is generally plenty on the creek of wood and grass.
13 miles
Mon 14th July 1845
The rode has been verry good today. Weather fine. Traveled up Black Creek today. Wee crossed it this morning whare wee camped and in about ½ mile crossed it again and in about 2 ½ miles further crossed it again. A small distance from here the rode leaves the creek though some times in site of it. It strikes the creek in about 7 miles further and here wee crossed again and camped. They is generally grass and wood on the creek. About one mile and half above here is an old fort by the name of Bridges.
10 miles
Ft. Jim Bridger was established on the Blacks Fork of the Green River in 1842 by the famous trapper, explorer and mountain man Jim Bridger. For many years it was a principal trading center in this area. Evidently the Company Eli was with did not visit the Fort. Jim Bridger lived until 1881 and was probably not a widely known or famous name in 1845.
Tue 15th July 1845
The rode has been verry good today with the exception of some 4 or 5 miles which wee had to go up and down. Weather fine. Wee left Blacks Creek this morning and in about 8 miles crossed Muddy Creek. The creek has some grass on it but no wood and about 7 miles further struck Muddy again and traveled about 1 mile up it and camped. Plenty of grass here and some water and small wood. They is only water in holes.
16 miles
Wen 16th July
The rode has been some what broken today. Weather fine. Come about 3 miles up Muddy and crossed it; here the rode left it and struck it again in about 6 miles. Come about 6 miles further up it and camped - plenty of grass here and some small Willow.
15 miles
Thu 17th July
A verry heavy frost this morning and ice ¼ of an inch thick. The rode has been quite broken and rough today except about the last 3 miles that is verry good. Weather fine. Traveded up Muddy out at the head the distance is about 8 miles. A small distance above whare wee camped last night is several first rate springs and about 1 mile further struck a hollow and traveled down that to Bear River and camped. The distance is about 8 miles. Plenty of grass and wood here.
17 miles
It is interesting to hear of a heavy frost on July 17.
Fri 18th July
Traveled down Bear River today. The rode has been first rate today except 1 hill. Come about 1 mile and crossed a small creek and about 3 miles further is a verry large spring which makes a creek of considerable size. Come about 6 miles further and camped on Bear River. Plenty of wood and grass on the River though the wood is small. Some frost and ice this morning. Saw 3 Indians today.
10 miles
Sat 19th July
Traveled down Bear River today. The rode has been verry good today. Weather fine. Come about 7 miles and crossed Smith's Fork and come about 5 miles further and camped on the River - plenty of grass and wood on the River. Saw 3 Indians today.
12 miles
Sun 20th July
Fine weather today. Traveled down the River today. The rode for about 11 miles today has been tolerable good. Here the rode leaves the river for a small distance and passed over a verry large hill which is in places quite rough; it is about 2 miles over it. Wee went about 1 mile further and camped on the River - plenty of grass and wood here. In about two miles wee crossed the River and in about 6 miles further crossed it again.
14 miles
July Mon 21