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rain water and went to my room where I had a glorious wash, then comenced writing

     There is now a pleanty of places where I could get my board at Saratoga, but I could not get as good accomodations. I now have a room to myself and every thing I could ask for and if I should be sick I should have the best of care. I am well acquanted with The Generals family and feel at home and do not wish to change for an uncertainty. At any other place I should be obliged to share my bed with every body and three or four beds in a room and all sorts of people for associates  The Generals family are plan every day sort of people, although intelligent and educated and their associates are the best in the Territory including the dignitary and territorial officials. I could not have got another such a place to board in this entire teritory. Were I sick at most places I should be neglected or hustled off to the pest house. I shall ever feel under lasting obligations to General Estabroks family  Mrs. E. Is none of your hitytity flyaways but a substantial matter-of-fact woman And is quite a business woman. One whose acquaintance is worth cultivating and the better you know her the better you like her she is a large woman almost masculine. never fretts or gets out of patience with her children. Is always the same decided, firm, calculating, and patient woman, ever sensative to the wants and sympathies of those around her, whether in her own house or that of her neigbors. Such is my hostess. The description of whome has served to fill this page that I may send it with letters by Mr Gridly and thereby save time

     Closing up my package of letters I took them up to Mr. Kellums and delivered to Mr Gridley. He goes over to Council Bluffs in the ornnibuss this afternoon and startes across the county in the Stage at 2 o'clock in the morning. He expects to be with his family as soon as next Saturday I almost envied him his happiness and it made me quite homesick like to bid him goodby. He has got himself fairly established here in a Banking house and is doing well. is delighted with the country was on the old fogy order when he came here and I did not suppose he would like here. He is however strongly attached to the place. Goes east to arrange business and will return the fore part of September

     The steamer "Dan Converse" came in this morning about daylight

     Monday 13  Went early to Saratoga Spent a very busy day returned on foot about two o'clock P. M. and immediately got into a waggon and rode up and back again figured some and made a good day of it.

     Tuesday 14  A threatning storm prevented my going to Saratoga this morning. spent the time in writing letters afternoon went up and examined improvements. stoped at Mr Smileys and made arangements with Miss Smiley for my children to go to school.

     Wednesday 15 -- The hotest day I ever knew. still the constant breeze makes it very comfortable when compared with the hot days in New York where the is no breeze. The themometer has ranged to 100 most of the day in the shade. I have walked to Saratoga and back. then rode up and back

     Selected a lot for a Union church which is soon to be erected. Received and answered a letter from Br. Frank. The Steamers "Asa Wilgus" and "Alonzo Childs" in today.

     Thursday 16 -- A threatning storm prevented my going to Saratoga this morning. in the afternoon stoped in the store for Cook under pay of course. Equally hot today with less air stiring than any day since I have been in Nebraska  We have had an election to day to decide whether this County will take $200,000 stock in M. & M. R R. to be expended on the west end of the route terminating a Council Bluffs this city polled 1156 votes.  this vote showes we must have at least a population of $3000 incuding Saratoga which has near 100 voters at this time. The vote was favorable to taking the stock by a large majority. Florance voted largely against it. In fact they would burn their own town if they could spite Omaha. Almost every town in the territory seemes to be jealous of Omaha and oppose every thing favorable to Omaha the result has a tendency to build up Omaha instead of the reverse as they would wish. The steamers in today are the "Edenburg" "Dan Converse" and "Watossa" Wrote a letter this afternoon to Frankford Mower Co. Minnesota

     Friday 17 -- Guns firing all the morning over the result of the R. R Election. Excessively warm. Not feeling will I attend store for Mr Cook this forenoon and wrote a number of letters received a letter from wife and answered the same hour. also received advises of the shipment of my goods stating I ought to receive them as early as the 25^th of July I shall not look for them before the 10^th of August.

     Four o'clock in the afternoon rode up to Saratoga with a Lutheran clergyman who wished to select a lot for a church made a number of selections to submit to the Company  The Steamer Omaha just in.

     Saturday -- 18. Walked up early to Saratoga with Dick Darling, to show lots I wished to trade for his claim, have not succeeded in tradeing and probably shall not T he price asked for the claim is $800. At the price claims are held here I consider it cheap and should buy it but cannot unless I dicker. Spent the afternoon and evening with the Secretary of the Saratoga Compy give him my bill for cervises rendered upt to Monday next, and the terms I would continue work upon. We have a Meeting on Monday and I shall then know if I am to be paid and if so how much, and if not paid, I shall devote no time to the company, but make different arrangments as to what I shall do to keep off starve-to-death

     Sunday, 19.  After breakfast walked up to Cooks. found him ready for a stroll, which we both improved. The weather being cloudy made it a treat when compared with the previous hot days when the thermometer ranged at 100. We walked about three miles down the river along the edge of the bluff returning come up the bottom along the margin of the river. It was a region of country I have never before visited and was delighted with it as only this territory can delight one. Found some fine raspberries

     Afternoon clear and hot wrote some, slept some, and fretted some. In the evening took a walk. Steamer "E. A. Ogden up from St. Louis.

     Monday, 20 -- Went up early to Saratoga and prepared my report for the meeting to take place at Eleven o'clock  After the meeting had convend I submited my report, which was satisfactory. Then left my bill for my time and resignation with Secretary to submit to the Company and left for Omaha Here I found a letter from Robert Adams from which I am lead to think Frank has accepted my proposition on the Wisconsin land, if so I shall look for my family within a week unless I hear to the contrary  My resignation was accepted and the payment for services deferred one week. A long talk with Mr. Tuttle this evening resulted just as I wished

     Tuesday 21 -- Walked up to Saratoga and delivered the papers to my succesor and immediately returned. Contracted to sell the lot and office belonging to Mr. Cacket for $500. received as the first installment $115. Stoped at the stove store in the afternoon

     The letter received from Robert yesterday under date of the 9th set me to figuring and I came to the conclusion I should look for my family the last of this week provided I did not hear from them to the contrary.  Just at Dusk we saw the Steamer "Minnehaha" coining up the river Cook and Myself figured up the time again and decided it was barely possible either of our families might be on board So down we went to the levee. I for the first to look for my family. Slight as the chances were, the possibilluty was sufficient to excite us some what. We were the first on the boat as she touched the shore. Not finding our friends we joked each other some went up town took some ice cream and retired

     Wednesday 22 -- Stoped this day in the store for Mr. Cook being few costomers in passed the time in reading and writing received letters from Mitler Orton & Co and Cousin Benjamin of Tenessee. Watched anxious for the morning mail in the hope of hearing from Frank or wife. nothing being received I am lead to look, still with more assurance for the arrival of my family.

     Thursday 23 -- Remained in the store during the forenoon no letter from Cooperstown. Going to dinner heard the whistle of a steamer hurried to landing, found it was the new ferry "Omaha City" for this place built at Pittsburgh Pa The Admiral now due was expected every hour. I though perhaps my family would be on board, and left directions with Mrs. Estabrook, and after dinner went out to Dick Darlings and others claims, in company with the Mr. Zollars had a very pleasant time concidering I was suffering with a boil the first one I ever recollect of having. We did not return until about nine o'clock I was somewhat anxious to know if the Steamer Admiral was in and if so had my family Come ? Before reaching the Generals I discovered no boat had arrived and of course my family could not be here. I was not disappointed as the grounds on which I base my reasons for looking for my family are not the most substantial

     Friday -- 24 -- Passed a sleepless night so severe was the pain of my Boil. It is located on my backbone between my hips. I think it is a blood boil. Those

that have been thus afflicted with jobs Comforters alone can appretiate the affliction. I did not sleep untile after daylight and then so sound was my sleep I was called twice to breakfast and heard nothing of it. The Steamer "Watossa" from St. Joseph came in during the time and fired an arrival gun still it did not awake me. As soon however as my boil commenced paining me again I awoke and was in time for my breakfast but surprised to learn the above facts.

     Evening  Oh such a day I have passed and such agony as I am in. At noon I was obliged to leave the store, since which time I have been unable to sit, walk, stand or lay, been in every possble position only for a moment at a time. How anxiously I have watched for the Admiral hoping my family Might be on board. I am well cared for here but what a blessing would be the kind hand of a wife to aid in soothing my pains or give me her heartfelt sympathies, and my little children to come around me and express their unaffected sorrow It seemes I could bear my pains with much more fortitude.

     I cannot write now. I will have a large poltice made and take a dose of perrigoric or lodnum and try to so stupify myself as to get some rest. Good night.

     Saurday and Sunday, 25th and 26 -- The poltice releived my pain the whole night, but the opiate I had taken made me wakefull instead of sleepy and 1 did not close my eyes to sleep until daylight. Kept my bed and room all day Saturday except when the mail come in went up and got a paper from Irwin Mailed the 15^th  this satisfies me that Frank might have been in receipt of my letter eight days and still write an answer which I should now have. this fact streangthens my convictions that my family are on the way to this place could not write any this day being in constant pain and two nights without sleep. My nerves had become completely unstrung  At seven in the evening my pain stoped and such a relief I never before experienced. On going to bed renewed the potice which renewed the pain also bore it until midnight then removed it and found the boil was discharging some.  dressed myself and walked the room about an hour during a storm lopped down on the floor and got a good sleep.  crawled on the bed with my cloths on and forgot my troubles until morning. On waking heard a steamer puffing. Hobbled down to the boat which was the "Col. Crosman" as she came nearer and nearer we saw plenty of children that might be Irwin and Sophia but the ladies all had children in arms. they could not be mate. Cook was down before the boat got in not to look for Lib as he has a letter stating she will not start yet awhile. but equally anxious with me to see my family. we did not have the pleasure however. The Steamers "Emma" and "Admiral" are hourly expected they may be here before night. It is now about ten o'clock A. M. Sunday and I am feeling quite comfortable my boil has undoubtedly had its ache out. I am however about used up myself

     Evening  Been up to Cooks for the last hour chatting  Came home in the rain. The day has been warm and showery. This evening is cooler and there is a slow rain set in which seemes it would continue all night. I have had a

very comfortable day of it. My boil continueing to discharge every few minutes. No further information from boats from St. Louis. Now for a good nights rest free from pain

     Monday 27 -- A dilghtful day, rested well last night have been busy attending to my boil. Sent to Saratoga for my wash which I had left at a Mr Grey's the man from Little Falls. He had been so carefull as to put the clothes in his trunk, and having occasion to go out to preempt took his Trunk with him and cosequently my clothes so I am shirtless for a few days a sad misshap when one has a boil discharging freely on his back

     No letters still from wife or Frank. Have one under date of the 18^th from James Crocker in reply to one written a week or more after the one I wrote Frank I am getting anxious to know his decission and to be relieved of the anxiety with which I am watching the arrival of Steamers for my family. The Steamer Admiral arrived this Evening left St Louis the 17^th  Had a number of Lady passengers and Some children  Could not pick out my wife and children in the crowd

     A Letter from Mrs Cook received by the Deacon today informs him as a reason for here not coming as requested she had been and was very sick then but fearing to give Cook unnecessary uneasiness she did not say the worst. But made various excuses about the warm weather &c

     Propositions have been made to me to day I will not mention at present

     Tuesday, 28 -- Received a letter this morning from Mr. Cockett, from which I learn that my wife and children are still in Cooperstown this fact together with one other probably decides that I shall not see my family here very soon. The proposition I wrote of yesterday cannot be accepted or executed on account of my wife's not being in the territory. particulars I will give at another time

     It is quite provoking to me to have Frank delay answering my letter so long as he has. he may have a reasonable excuse I cannot however conceive its nature if he has any excuse to offer. I wrote him today.

     Walked up to Saratoga and back this afternoon found many new improvements going on. The Landlord for the "Central House" had arrived and was aranging the furniture and carpets. Has his help all with him, will open the first of next week Has a number of rooms engaged already. is to run his omnibus regular to Omaha, fare a dime a head.

     This evening had a talk with Dick Darling he says he will accept one of my previous propositions for his claim I think I shall arrange matters with him and go out at once and pre-empt.

     Received pay for my cervices for the company this morning and paid assessments on three shares and. settled up my board bill

     Wednesday, 29 --Received letters this forenoon from wife and Brother Frank. It appears Frank has written me a letter I have not received, which has caused all this anxiety I have felt, and been the cause I expecting my family when they were still in Cooperstown with no thought of even starting. I have no doubt all will be for the best I think so at least

     Closed my bargain with Dick Darling this morning and passed papers we are making preparations to go out in the morning to live on it five days and then prove up and preempt. Expect a happy time among the musketoes

     Answered letters this afternoon and in the evening went up to Mr Tuttles and had a chatt with him. It is now bed time and I will retire. Tomorrow night expect to sleep out at the farm. Good Night

                 At the Generals ten o'clock at night

July 29^th 1857

E. F. Beadle

 

     Rock Brook Farm Six Miles

     West of Omaha July 31, 1857.

     On the Big Pappio Creek and Nin-na-bak In township 15 range 12 East section 28. North half of South East quarter, and East half of South West quarter.

     Two o'clock P. M. Our cabin being finished, preliminarries aranged for an actual residence and having had a short nap after lunch I will commence to bring down my diary to date:

     July 30, 1857 -- Immediately after breakfast Set about collecting suplies for "the farm"  Borrowed a Sheet-iron cook stove of the deacon, an old coffee pot, plates, cups and saucers, knives and forks, pepper, salt, flour and a little butter of Mrs. Estabrook. Bought a fourteen pound chunck of dried beef 7 lbs. crackers, 4 loaves bread, 4 lbs. sugar one quarter tea and four pound nails. These we packed into a tea chest adding the contents of Mrs. E's cake box.  next we supplied ourselves with two blankets and two Buffalo robes, Hickory shirts, the poorest pair of pants we had, a revolver a bowe knife and fowling piece. stowed all into the lumber waggon of the Generals and with his man Jake for driver started via Saratoga  Thermometer at 100. At Saratoga we took in some dozen pine boards for roof to cabin and a glazed window sash, also two bottles Turners blackbury Brandy. For the information of my temperance friends I would state that this brandy is not intoxicating. Is used more as a cordial or for medicinal purposes.

     Leaving Saratoga we struck across the prarie intersecting the Elkhorn road some two miles from Omaha.  at the first Pappio we succeeded in crossing without unloading which we did not expect when we started. Two miles more across the prarie brought us to the big Pappio opposite the farm or claim. here Mr. Darling, who is to be my witness forded the stream and fell three trees across the creek all together, forming a fine crossing. In a half hours time we had our lumber packed across and landed on the South side of the Pappio together with our supplies  Our Man Jake returned with his team, Darling and myself commenced packing our effects over to the cabin a distance of one fourth of a mile. Two packloads each and we sat down and took our dinner and supper together. After this we had five packloads each before our

lumber was all on the ground. Now came the putting up of the shanty or Cabin the one previously erected by Darling never had a roof, and had consequently blown down. We worked like men to get up our cabin as the muttering Thunder and heavy black clouds at the south and west threatened a storm, which would make a shelter comfortable. It was sundown however before the roof was on our cabin. This being completed we crossed the little brook to where some German people had been making hay on my claim and took the liberty of taking what we could carry this we aranged in one corner of the cabin and sprad thereon our robes and blankets and straightened ourselves out to sleep two as tired men as ever saw the sun go down. To prevent sickness from drinking an excess of water we tried a little of the Blackbury juice

     The storm continued threatning with tremendous thunder and vivid lightning. It passed arround to the south-west not more than a dozzen drops falling on our cabin

     During the night we had a constant Seranade So that we could not sleep. The numbers of the troop were countless. Their music was very romantic and extremely fine toned, but the multitude of the performers made the whole air vocal for miles around. At first we were delighted with such sweet music to sleep by, and all would have passed off pleasantly. Had not our Seranade troop become to affectionate, and were determined every one of them to salute us with a Kiss before they would allow us to go to sleep. We allowed a few to try it by way of experiment but they kissed so warmly the effect was painfull for a half hour after, and we determined to fight them off which could only be done by "smoking them out," and it was near daylight in the morning before we could sleep, at all.

     Friday 31 -- Our Serenaders left us about daylight and we improved the time until 8 o'clock in sleep when we got up so weak we could hardly stand. Put up our stove and made a fire  Cooked a little dried beef and made some tea in a large basin, our coffee pot we found leaked. Laid our window sash on the tea chest for a table and took a hearty breakfast our tea tasting fine. After breakfast walked over to see our German friends who were cutting our hay  Mowed a little for exercise The company making hay consisted of two men and one woman. the woman used the cythe just as well as the men.

     Leaving the hay makers I started of to find the limits of the farm. At the South East corner I was met by the German woman of the hay-field who came up to see that I was not going to claim a portion of her farm. I satisfied her all was right. She invited me to her cabin which was but a quarter of a mile South, her land joining mine. I went with her but declined going in. Went to the spring and got a drink and borrowing a spade started off to find other corners and mark them returned to my Cabin at noon took a bath in the creek, a lunch, a snoose and then commenced writing  While Dick Darling mowed some grass to enlarge our bed. dug out the spring and commenced ditching for a drain from the spring

     During the afternoon the German woman came to our spring for water for the men making hay. she agreed to sell us some milk at night if we would come for it to the cabin

     About four o'clock it commenced as it did yesterday afternoon clouding up and Thundering. The wind blew severely making our cabin tremble. It rained on all sides of us but not sufficient here to test the utility of our rooff which we fear will serve as a poor protection during a rain-storm  At half past seven we concluded it would not rain here, so we took each a loaf of bread and spoon and started for our German neighbor when we each disposed of a quart of new milk, sitting out doors with a barrell head for a table. Coming home we saw some splendid sights in the way of lightning which performed such freaks as I never before saw.

     Saturdaay Aug. 1, 1857 -- Another night of torments from our Serenaders has just passed still we managed to get more sleep than the previous night, much to the gratification of our tormenters who covered the walls of our cabin when daylight came gorged with our best blood, giving the cabin the appearance of being ornimented with red beads

     Another trial as cook succeeded most admirably and we had a fine breakfast of dried beef with thickned gravy bread, crackers, cake and tea. dishes being washed Darling went to work on the ditch while I resumed my writing

     Three years ago this day Dick Darling first saw this claim at the time there was but one house in Omaha and much of the time for a few weeks he was the only white man this side of the Missourie river among the Indians then more pleanty than the white men are now. He came out here from Omaha, alone to see the country traveled all along the Pappio and fixed upon this spot as being the most desireable and lovely any where in this reagion and determined to be the possessor at some future day if in his power. On or about the 241h September following Darling and a companion came out and marked the limits of his claim including all the most valuable portion comprising near 600 acres. Since the government surveys were made, last summer, he has given 80 acres to one man sold 160 to another and 40 to a third in order to piece out each ones claim, he having more than he could hold  The original claim was made sufficiently large to be sure to comprise in one claim, when surveyed, all that most valuable portion. The claim I have purchased comprises three Eighties 240 acres  I can only pre-empt 160 this however includes all the timber and rock the remaining 80 is bare prarie with the Min na bah running through it.  It is preempted on all sides and there is no danger of its being jumped. I shall hold it by claim club, improving that part, and as soon as the land comes in market cover it with an 80 acre land warrant  Thus securiug 240 acres for the best farm in Nebraska Territory

     Three years ago the Omaha's village was about six miles below here, and the Day Darling first came out here Aug 1, 1854 The Omaha's started on their annual Buffalo hunt, passed through this claim within three rods of where our cabin now stands. The party went in indian file and were a half day in passing each Indian had a poney heavily packed which he lead by a lorette or lasso. The

path they made is visable today and can be followed. in the night. It is known as the Omaha Buffalo trail and can be followed into the heart of the Buffalo country. This trail of one summer will be visable for five years to come. Where they crossed the Alin na bah is a fine gravel foot path and is in the shade of some splended elms just the place for a summer house. I shall gather some curiosities from the spot.

     This morning when we first got up we saw six large Swallow tailed Eagles sitting on the dead branches of a Black walnut tree. They were a beautifull sight. Were to shy to get a shot at with a fowling piece. If we had had a rifle we would have brought one down

     Darling having worked at ditching until he was satisfied for the time, gave me up my boots he was wearing and I devoted two hours to tracing the course of the Min-na-bah and transfering it to paper just as it passes through the farm. Found otters in great plenty along the Pappio and Minnabah  Should I be here in the fall or winter I could trap enough to rig my family out in fur of the costliest kind with little trouble

     The middle and latter part of the afternoon we whiled away in our cabin reading, laughing, jokeing, story telling and snoozing. Thundered a little toward night but was very distant and threatened no approch in our direction. About half past six we took our spoons and a loaf of bread and started over to the germans to take our supper of bread and milk. In our route we passed over the highest point on my claim if not the highest any where in the vicinity. The prospect was grand and sublime unlike anything I ever saw or my fancy ever imagined. In a north-west direction the eye could follow for twenty miles the course of the Pappio maked by the few trees that skirted its banks in every other direction as far as the eye could see was a wide expance of rolling prarie, unmolested by the hand of Man it lay in silent slumber just as it was left at the creation no signs of human life was visible. no looing herd was seen on the hills. no tinkling bell of the flock was herd as it wended its way to the foald. no tired husbandman sought his cottage on the prarie. no domestic fowl was heard to crook or cackle not even the robin or sparrow is known here, no sound save ones own breathing is heard. The same stillness characterises the morning, noon, and night, you rise with the first approach of light and listen until the sun has commenced his march in the heavens. No crowing cock saluts the morn, no rumbling wheels or baying watch dog is heard. the same continued deathlike stillness prevails as at the beginning of time. Who shall mark the change ten years hence in this garden of the world? Enough of this.

     Our German friends, (the only family in this reagion) had our milk ready, and we were soon on our return stoped at an old camping ground of the Omahas and gathered a few limbs to start our smudge to drive of the serenaders  Darling cut a lot of grass and soon had a thick smoke poaring up which drove off our tormenters. Enabling me to go to sleep while Darling kept up the smudge I had the best nights rest yet.

     Sunday, 2 --Breakfast being disposed of and the dishes washed, I gave my boots over to Darling who went to work on his ditch while I continued my writing  An hour finished the ditch to Darling's spring a job done worth ten dollars to the spring. Being again in the possession of my boots I wandered in the Ninnabah exploring among the rocks and trees, found some curious stones and a wild turkeys quill. Gathered a lot of pipe clay took it to the cabin and manufactured a pipe in true indian fashion, and prepared some of the clay to take east with me. While Darling was making the ditch this morning I made a pencil sketch of the cabin which I enclose by way of illustration. I consider it a master production.

     We had the promise of a visit from some of our friends in Omaha today, waited for them until three o'clock and thinking they would not come we started off for a tramp up to a Mr McCardles an Irishman living some two and a half miles up the Pappio.  followed the Indian trail to the place found the family enjoying themselves over their "Sod corn whiskey" the next day was to be election and the polls for this presinct was to be held at McCardles including McCardle his four sons, Dick Darling and myself it was supposed they woould poll 20 votes in some eight or ten townships. we decided to come up and vote. Returning to our cabin we found our friends had been there brought with them two bottles of porter which they had empted and made a good show on our provisions got out my pencil sketch wrote under it and posted it up in the cabin, took out my writing materials and wrote a letter calling upon us to "be at the polls the next day and look to the rural districts" "Vote for Hickneey" (one of the persons who came out) "and our names should be handed down to posterity"  We regreted very much not seeing them. consoled ourselves by going over to the Germans and finishing the last of our bread in a bowl of milk. The German walked out on my farm to show me where there is a road to pass between us running in a direct line from Chicago, a little town west of us to Omaha  Advised with him where I should have some breaking done also arranged with him to look after my farm and keep the fire out of the timber. all of which he will do as he has cut $100 worth of hay on my farm. The land is much better for having the grass cut as it will not burn over in the fall or spring and will yield double the amount another year he says after all the bottom land has been mowed once I can cut 150 tons of hay every season. Bottom land is so scarse here bay is a cash article. After a long talk about farming generally &c we parted and I went to the cabin when Darling had a good Smudg, so I curled down and had a good nights sleep

     Monday 3 -- Got up an hour earlier than usual got the breakfast ready and ate it alone  Darling not wishing to get up after breakfast prepared our cabin to leave it for Election. Our German neighbor and his man came along about eight o'clock when we armed ourselves with our revolvers and bowie knives and taking the trail in Indian file started for the polls. The Judges of election had not arrived. we here first learned we were entitled to two Constables and two justices we accordingly nominated our German neighbor and Dick Darling at Constables and one of the McArdles and O. P. Ingles as justice.

© 2001 for the NEGenWeb Project by Pam Rietsch, Ted & Carole Miller