Researching the Mormon Trail, the Mountain Meadows Massacre, and the Graham family's arrival in Utah
In which I relate more Mormon history, describe the Mormon Trail and the Mountain Meadows Massacre, and discuss the Graham family’s arrival in Salt Lake City, Utah, in the 1880’s.
Researching the Oregon Trail - Captain John Knox Kennedy, Big Platte, and Fort Laramie
In which I relate some history of the Oregon Trail and key stops along the way, as well as describe Jane’s brother John Knox Kennedy and a bit more about their journey along the trail; I also share information gleaned from the book Trail of Innocents, written by Everill Cummins, about the Kennedy Train.
Some Family Members Move West - A Letter from the Oregon Trail in 1862
In which I share more letters from the Oregon Trail, this time from Jane Kennedy Hale, the widowed wife of James’s brother Meshack, who was killed by Confederate sympathizers; Jane, who traveled with the “Kennedy Train” led by her brother, eventually settled with her son William in Walla Walla, Washington.