Memory-1841, May 21

On May 21, 1841, Joseph Williams visits the Shawnee Mission on his way to Oregon. He writes:

   ….I rode over, the next morning, to Westport, and finding the company* were all gone, and no possibility of overtaking them, with much pain or mind I gave up going any farther, and knew not what to do. I then rode across to the Shawnee mission, three miles from Westport, across the Missouri line, and, there I met brother Greene, presiding elder, who told me the company, about four days previous, was eighty miles ahead of me, on the Caw River. I said within myself, surely the Lord is opening my way to go on. I began to get ready to go on, but could not get half prepared. Bought some powder and lead, and some provision and a gun, but was disappointed in getting my gun. My feelings were much harrowed up with the brethren trying to discourage me, and keep me from going to the Mountains. One of the preachers told me it was almost presumptuous for so old a man as I to attempt such a hazardous journey, and added, that he had awful feelings for me through the last night; and be said, so had some of the rest. Mr. Greene said there was a possibility of my returning, but not a probability.

   I started out on Saturday, with brother [William] Johnson, a missionary, and two Indian chiefs, of the Caw tribe. We reached, that night, Wakloosa Creek, and camped under the trees. Brother Johnson cooked supper, and we had cakes and coffee. We laid down to sleep; the thunder and lightning could be heard and seen, and the wind began to blow. I was somewhat alarmed, for fear of the trees falling on us. The rain soon began, and the wind ceased. Then I soon fell asleep, and rested well and comfortably. I rose next morning happy; bless the Lord, O my soul; praise him who takes care of us in the desert!

   This day we traveled through extensive rolling prairies, with some few skirts of timber. We rode forty-five miles that day, and reached brother Johnson’s mission. Brother and sister Johnson furnished me with provisions, and everything that I needed, and offered to do any thing that they could for me. Brother Johnson has died since, and I doubt not, has gone to heaven to reap his reward. I shall never forget their kindness to me….

[* This was the Bartleson party, one of the first emigrant companies to Oregon. Father De Smet was traveling with this party. Mr. Williams came up with them a few days out from Westport. He was 64 years old when he started on this journey.]

[Joseph Williams, Narrative of a tour from the State of Indiana to the Oregon Territory in the years 1841-1842, p. 29-30.] Read the book.