Before leaving Plattsmouth, the little caravan experienced a terrific storm of wind and hail and rain. The wind felt as if it might overturn the wagons and the hail pelted them as they gripped the flapping ends of the wagon …
A Pioneer Story: Pioneer Days, Part 5: Across the Plains of Nebraska to Denver Read more »
As Laura wrote, J.W. Booth wanted to investigate for himself the rumors of gold in the Rockies. He presented the argument that “a trip over the plains would be beneficial to his health and result a permanent cure for the …
A Pioneer Story: Pioneer Days, Part 4, Heading West Read more »
Happy New Year everyone! Here’s to a wonderful year for all of us! I just briefly scanned my last year’s January post and see I have not managed to focus on at least one of the goals I set. Specifically, …
Having made it through their first winter in Iowa, J.W. and Laura were ready to take up the spring work of clearing some land for a garden and then more land to be planted in grain in the fall. They …
A Pioneer Story: Pioneer Days, Part 3, Life in Iowa Read more »
When I last left off with Laura’s tale, she was having a more extended visit with her Townsend relatives and her husband, J.W., was off to Iowa to find a place for them. Once her husband had found land that …
A Pioneer Story: Pioneer Days, Part 2, Starting in Iowa Read more »