Kenneth L. Holmes (1914–1995)

This is a thoroughly engaging book composed of journals kept by women as they crossed the prairies in 1850, destination California, Oregon, or Salt Lake City. The daily struggles to feed their families and stock, keep their children safe, and assist in all aspects of survival are fascinating to read, and contemplate. I especially enjoyed comparing the descriptions of the same landmarks, like Chimney Rock, by different writers. A map of the routes taken would have been great.

Some reviews I've read have criticized this book because of the repetition of the diary entries. I read each of the entries with an appreciation for all that these brave women endured. I cannot imagine the courage and determination it took for them to make it to their chosen destinations, whether Oregon, California, or somewhere else in the West, through so many challenges and trials. I have some other books in this series coming so I can learn more.

This book is a collection of letters and diary entries made by the women who crossed the Oregon Trail in the 1840s. They speak of the troubles they came across, the death of husbands, children, loved ones. They talk about how their wagons overturned, and how they had to lay under their dogs at night to keep warm. There is a story of a midwife who delivered babies while she was on the Trail - how she would travel back 5-10 miles sometimes to reach a woman in labor.

The collection comes from show more many museums across the United States. It was interesting to hear the journey from a woman's point of view. Very rarely did the woman complain about her dire circumstances, or about the death of her loved ones. They would bury their husbands and children, and the next day they would start again on their travels. Most of the women had around 8 children to care for, plus her husband. They would cook for their families and keep things in order day after day. Through the snow and rain and across the Snake River. It was truly remarkable to read.

I really enjoyed this book, and cannot believe I almost forgot to blog about it!! GREAT book - check it out. I can't wait to read volume #2. show less

This is a fascinating selection of letters and journal entries from women who crossed the Great Divide. To his merit, Mr. Holmes has left these records pretty much alone. He has not changed the writers creative spelling nor punctuation, except to provide [spaces] where the sentences are run on and the meaning consequently obscured.

In addition to the original writings, Mr. Holmes provides background information for each diarist, and footnotes throughout. While I found the footnotes show more interesting and informative, the introductory material dealt almost exclusively with with genealogy (rather than historical backdrop) and so was not of much assistance to me in trying to understand the emigrant's experience. show less