Category: Genealogy

Ella and Judson were in North Dakota in 1887. Why I don't know. I do know Uncle Enos was born in Oregon, where they were headed in the last blog entry. So here is a letter she wrote home.
From Frances Spencer Powell's  files

Written in FSP hand at top: "1887?"
Dakota, in the midst of a Simon-pure blizzard-Feb 10th
Dear Folks at Home:
Yesterday Jud went to town as the weather was reasonably good & as usual got caught in a blizzard. He hasn't made but one trip this winter and had pleasant weather both ways & that was in December when I was with him. He said when he left that he should stay all night so that was all that comforted me for I knew he could never reach here alive through the awful driving storm. I kept watch through the window &  just at night when I saw a little let up I took my cat under my arm & ran to the stable. The lower door was drifted fast all ready so I climbed over it & threw the cat in ahead of me. Then I proceeded to fee the horse, cow & calf & chickens. Everything was inside right to my hand. I stuffed the mangers full for I made up my mind that if it was storming the the morning I should not go out. Now I climbed out again & gasping to keep my breath which the wind seems bound to take from me I brace the door firmly, scramble up the bank of snow & turning my back to the wind speed along to the house, wherein is warmth & safety. This morning the storm continued with unabated vigor but about ten o'clock Jud drove up to the door. He did not stay in town over night but came out as far as he thought best that night. Then stopped with a Mr. "Kee-o" at least that's the way they pronounce it. I don't think much of Dakota as a "winter resort" -- it will do as a last resort which is what it is to us.
3
Feb 11th
I will return to the subject of blizzards in order to explain some statements I have made which sound contradictory. In the first place I will assume that you do not know what a blizzard is--I did not till I saw one. The air is full of snow driven before a fierce wind at great speed. If it is snowing the wind is in the north-east and not very cold; but it just as often happens to be in the north-west & then it is bitterly cold as well. The air is full of snow just the same for the snow here is dry & light and ready to move at a moments notice. When it is dark it would be impossible to travel without getting lost but by daylight if one is acquainted with the various landmarks it is _possible_ to travel if the cold is not too severe. Jud froze the top of his nose yesterday coming home. He was about 6 miles from home. He had on a buffalo overcoat & did not suffer otherwise. People here say this is generally the worst winter month. I am thankful it is a short one. Our blizzard ended about noon today having run its course of 48 hours.
Feb. 13th
My journal received no additions last evening as it was the appointed time for the fortnightly bath in which Enos & I indulge. This is a lovely day --warm enough that the eave are dripping some on the south side of the house a thing which has not occurred more than 3 or 4 times before this winter. I hear a dog barking too which is a sound I haven't heard since early fall. Enos just came to me with the comb and said "lay on winnow mama" I worked up in a preoccupied way & he added "mama too busy now" to which I assented & he ran away & concluded he would comb his fathers hair. Poor child he feels the close confinement as much or more than I do.
5
Feb 13 continued
I am re-reading your letter as I write to answer questions etc. On the very first page Mother asks "did I stay along?" No my son is always with me and all the protection I need. I wouldn't stay alone in town for a good deal I am far safer here. I have stayed alone 5 times now. The author of the "Transcendental Poem" describes in a quaint manner what a Scotchman would call "speering into the future" does he not? Speaking of winter I think we have had even more "to the cubic inch" than you have. Blizzard has followed blizzard in quick succession & when not actually storming it has be so terribly cold that no female could venture forth. Mr. & Mrs. Thompson slipped out "between spells" and made us a pleasant visit.
We were very glad to have you say that you thought there was no immediate prospect even of fathers marriage. All I have to judge from is his manner while here which certainly looked very much as though he intended to keep house again. Is it possible he would live alone? Sometimes I wish I had stayed with him. I think he would be contented then. As for Susan's carpet, -- she was making that the fall I was there and has made several and sold them at a fair profit I believe. No wonder Clara failed to smile. It was a cruel stab to her I have no doubt. She is a quiet little women but capable of considerable feeling. If she only had the right kind of a man to guide her! When I read your long welcome letters I think it was too long a trial for her age. I don't see how you can keep up your choir--music being so far from you must be very hard for you to see. Who have you for soprano now either of the "Katies"? I see Father Gonanth [?] soon sets sail for France. I hope you will like his successor as well. While I was writing the closing lines Enos took occasion to write a few on page 1. He calls a pencil a "shirty" and insisting on dipping it into the "Coffee". Father wrote us that he thought it was too hard work for Clara to take care of him--he preferred she should have her strength for her own family.

Feb 14 1887 Evening
We've got a new blizzard from last night somewhere midnight. It blew terribly in the night and for a while this morning; but through the day it has been less severe and even with occasional lulls of quite a period. So far the February blizzards haven't seemed to have the power to hang on like the ones in Jan. and I am in hopes Winter is gradually wearing out. Thought I would mention the storm so that you would see we were still supplied& about how long a breathing spell we get between spells. Wonder what you & ma have bee doing today I have patched trousers [underlined and and circled--Libbi] all day. N. B. I have just learned that is the most correct thing to say. I sat right down after breakfast & went to work--mended two pair. Jud washed the breakfast dishes and got dinner; made his first mess of biscuit--drop biscuits. They were good.
I have been weaning Enos from his thumb, in fact--I may say he is weaned. Had very little trouble. I put on thumb stalls or mittens when "the fever was on" and talked him out of the notion. Sometimes in the morning before we are up he will ask if he can suck his thumb. I say no but you can suck your toe. "No taint good", and that ends it usually. He is very fond of nursery rhymes and keeps me telling over & over what I can remember. He can almost repeat "Tommy Tucker" and "Jacky Horner." He is learning to count too. While of think of it did Dora or anyone save me and garden seeds? she has never written anything about it. I made Enos such a nice comfortable dress of the dolman. He hasn't worn it any is keeping it for nice or when the weather gets so we are seen and &can see. Rachel sent him cloth & buttons for one. It is wine-colored tricot. Well the room is getting cold & I must go to bed. We go to bed at 8 every night to save coal--think of it!

Feb 15

Just heard from a neighbor that there had been no trains through for five days. Hope the blockade won't last much longer we miss the mail so. Weather warmer and quite pleasant. Washed today & baked some excellent bread and sweet biscuits--have some? I thought I was quite a kinttist till I had ma's report. I have knit four pair of stockings for baby and now am knitting for myself. One pair most done. I might not to have written this I forgot your eye.

Feb. 18th
My journal has been neglected for two days and Dickens is to blame for it. I have been reading "Little Dorrit". We have been very fortunate in the way of reading matter having been supplied by Mr. Blymer. It has all be of good quality too mostly old numbers of the Century, though we have read two of Coopers novels one of Mrs. Alexander's and this one of Dickens.
I had such a fright the 16th. Enos, disappointed because he could not go and ride with his papa, threw himself (in grief and anger) on the floor & came to me crying terribly & refusing to let me move one of his arms or hand. I thought is was either broken or disjointed so ran and called Jack back. We undressed him & tried every bone & joint from the shoulder down to the finger tips and finally found it was only a sprained hand. You can imagine my relief.
We had two day of fine weather right together the 15 & 16. The night of the 16th the wind came up again and has been giving it to us ever since. Will probably wind up tonight. It is not very cold. The enclosed clipping Cara sent us I thought it was good enough to pass on.
We saw the smoke of two trains on the 15th so know we will have mail in town. Jud goes in tomorrow if pleasant.

Feb. 19th
Pleasant this morning as I predicted so this journal will take its winding way to "Wolfs Hall." I like this method of letter writing as I think of a good many things I have been wanting to say or ask that I neglect in writing a hurried letter. You know the old saying, "dream of fruits out of season etc."? If there is any truth in that I surely worry for nothing. IN fact I have dreamed of everything under the sun this winter from fruit to setting on the ridge pole with Frank R. looking over a box of views!! Jud says I eat too much, perhaps I do. Well the time has come to say "adios" and I hope you will won't add like Artemus or Mark Twain may she never "do us" again. Ella Miner

Transcription E. L. Miner's account of trip to Oregon
June 8, 2015 at 9:16am
Bits of Family History Eva Louella Coburn and Judson David Miner En Route for Oregon
(Must have been 1884 or thereabouts Spring--[Frances Spencer Powell penciled note])

First day out. [Tuesday] Left Chicago at 11.30, so did a great many others. There was the usual variety of people including babies and a love sick couple. The lover was a "bonanza" to the train boys as he bought everything they came along with for his lady-love's delectation. Then went even the same car with us as far as St. Paul, where we took the Emmigrant train or car and they continued in the usual way of traveling. Their destination being W. T. From K.K.K (Kankakee?) on we noticed the country will gradually grew wetter and every now and then we crossed a angry little streams. Judging Northern Illinois as we saw it from the car windows, I wouldn't take as a farm gift and be obliged to live there. Land flat and wet, with no chance for drainage. Wisconsin was not much better. At Milwaukee we stopped 25 minutes but could not see much of the place from the car windows. The railroad runs through the back streets and alleys and but for one [manuscript torn] had of the city before we reached it we should have [manuscript torn] a very poor impression of it. It grew dark soon after leaving [manuscript torn] we spent the night as best we could in a crowded car. Our satchels and bundles made it much worse for us as we had no place to stretch out comfortably. Jud took occasional trips to the smoking car so as to give me the seat to rest in. So ended the first day and night.

(Second day out.) [Wednesday] We reached St. Paul at 7:20 and had to spend the day there. The day was very unpleasant -a light snow falling and melting as it fell. We went on tour a little while but the streets were so dirty and slippery that there was little comfort in it. It is a very pretty little city, but the streets are very narrow. We laid in a supply of bread there and got it very reasonable. The depot was clean and pleasant, well warmed and conveniences for wash and combing etc. At about 7 o'clock the Depot Master came to us and advised us to go on the car early and secure our berths. Here we were turned over into the hands of a burly, important Irishman, who settled us according to his liking and then left us. The train did not leave until 8:30 so we had ample time to settle ourselves and take a view of our fellow passengers. A family of six settled themselves behind us. A man, a woman and 4 children; three of them under 6 years of age. Twins and it might have been worse. We concluded to make the best of it although the children yelled in chorus; for the poor woman looked tired to death. (she had some from [manuscript torn] Co. N. Y.) At last the train started, we made up our beds [manuscript torn] retired to peace(?)ful [sic] slumber. We slept soundly, as we [manuscript torn] had so little rest the night before. That is, we did until the earthquake struck us. The first we knew babies were squalling by the dozen, men were swearing, women scolding and all was confusion. To explain, we had reached Minneapolis and the overflowing emigrant cars ahead of us had generously sent us a delegation. There were three families and they had 11 children. They were from Missouri and tired out with their trip. The men had been standing up and the women sitting on the floor holding their children in their laps. But we knew nothing of this and we were tired too, and didn't relish being disturbed. We women sat up and jawed and pounded our pillows while we remarked that they had better not try to put any young ones in with us. Zina and Will were luxuriating in a berth apiece but when the conductor invited them to take in a few children, they crept in together, careful to take their bedding with them. At last the conductor had them piled in and very corner was full. We didn't take any children into our bunks. We had solos and choruses all night but slept considerably not withstanding., we were so tired. When morning came and we all turned out, there wasn't room to swing a cat. We were not favorably impressed with the newcomers. They were dirty, ignorant, and taken altogether not our style. We gave an upper berth to them and one seat in the day time. But when the trespassed farther we soon settled them. Scenery very uninteresting so far.

(Third Day) [Thursday] Morning found us in Dakota--snow on every side, nothing but sleighs in use. The weather was quite cold, we sat with shawls on, and had a good fire in each end of the car. The car has double windows and those who raised the inside one to get a better view, soon had no view at all as the windows were quickly covered with frost. The children, poor dears, had bad colds and their mothers were short of handkerchiefs or didn't know what they were made for. The first part of Dakota that we passed through was quite flat. None of us were pleased with it. The last part was more rolling, and what we say by daylight more thickly settled and more pleasing every way. Although the snow still covered it all. At Fargo, we made a long stop; it was a nice looking little city. We had not time to explore however and one cannot see much from car windows. Jud is off the minute the train stops no matter how short the stay. I expect to leave him somewhere on the road.

(Fourth Day.) [Friday] We arose and put on our clothes, behind our curtains (which was a luxury but few enjoyed). Early in the morning we passed through the town of Glendive, a pretty little place. And now the weather began to moderate, and snow was melting although the sun refused to shine. We haven't had a pleasant day yet. If it wasn't actually storming, the weather was still cloudy. We stopped about half an hour here and women and all got of a few minutes. Glendive is on the Yellow Stone River and the second station we passed through in Montana. We picked up a few stones as relics and marked them Glendive. The Yellow Stone in not a large river, not wider than the Iroquois and not as deep on the average I should judge. There are high bluffs along the river and the cars ran along underneath for some distance. Jud was nearly sick with his sore eyes and throat but the colored glasses he got at Fargo relieved his eyes considerably. We ran along the Yellow Stone all day not being more than a half mile distant at any time. We reached Billings a little before night. A man came on board the train for the first time with provisions. Offered nice bread for ten cents a loaf, big loaves and good bread; men were off of course so although we were nearly out, did not get any. Nearly dark now and in the night we left the banks of the river. An hour or so before sundown we passed freight cars on a side track snow under, nothing visible but the brake wheel. They were flat cars though.

(Fifth Day) Saturday morning, the sun consented to come forth and smile on us, our first pleasant day. We went to bed in a land of snow and awoke in a country where all the snow that was visible lay on the mountain tops! We had beautiful scenery all the way and our eyes scarce left the windows. High hills with over-hanging crumbling rocks were hedging us in on one side or the other nearly all the way now, and in fact sometimes on both sides where a passageway had been blasted through solid rock. Sometimes we had a river on one side and bluffs on the other, and the thought that some of these huge rocks might loosen as we rumbled by and sweep us off the embankment down into the turbulent river below was rather depressing. But the scenery was so varied and grand now mountain clothed with evergreen and son, then beautiful little valleys, that such thoughts quickly vanished and we were lost in wonder. We were constantly exclaiming, and point out curious things to each other. Windows at last did not satisfy us and the car platform was crowded continually. I counted 14 at one time on our rear platform. We are the last car on our train which gives us a better chance for sight-seeing. Small cabins and dugouts are scattered all along the route; occasionally we see Indians or Chinamen occupying them. But most of them are deserted, having been built by track layers probably. We have seen a number of Chinese graves too, surrounded by little log pens, with a pine board for tombstone with Chinese hieroglyphics. We made a stop at Garrison of half a day's length. How we rushed through dinner, grabbed hats, shawls etc and prepared to climb the mountain that lay behind the town! "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again" was our motto and at last we succeeded in reaching the top. Nearly all the passengers were out and as excited as school children; we had been penned up so long! we gathered stones and evergreens, and captured a cactus of the prickly variety, with which the mountain was well supplied. Jud and I also took a walk of over a mile down the track on which we were going to leave town, trying in vain to get around the curve with was always just before us. We saw a veritable cow-boy today, he rode out from his home, lariat in hand, and rode a short distance into a group of horses who were feeding on the dead grass, and soon had the one he wanted by the neck. We saw plenty of horses, cattle and sheep feeding on dry buffalo grass, and all looking well. We got out of bread today and Will went out and got one small loaf and eight dry biscuit for a quarter. We wished we had laid in a supply at billings. Eggs 50 cts., butter 5 cents, canned peaches 50. Went to bed tired with our tramp, but closed our eyes regretfully on the beautiful scenery which lay all around us.

(Sixth Day) Sunday -- but no one would imagine it, here where no one seems to fear, or reverence God. It seems as though the country we are passing through must impress the most hardened mind, with the wisdom and power of Him who hath made it all and keeps us in the midst of danger as in "the hollow of His hand." But on every side we see men busily at work, the acquisition of gold their only thought. This morning we found ourselves in snow country again, with a heavy fog hanging on the hilltops. I forgot to tell you that the express train took us 50 miles beyond Helena, where you remember we expected to be left for a freight. Since we became freight of course our progress is slower, as we make so many stops. Early this morning we crossed a high trestle-work bridge said to be over 200 feet high. Judson says 220. Later we crossed on 95 feet high, which we thought high as we cared for. It was not considered very safe we were told after crossing and that no more trains would be allowed to pass! They are going to put in an iron bridge. We went through these tunnels today, one was a mile long, and we were six minutes and a half going through. In all there are six tunnels on our route. In the afternoon we were reading and enjoying ourselves in various way not paying much attention to scenery, when something jarred our car, and the brakeman came running through and told us the step had been swept off our car by a falling rock! It was on the side where Jud usually stood, but just then he was on the other side, and said he saw something go flying along under him as the car sped along. It was a narrow escape, and we don't admire rocks so close at hand any more. On one side of us was perpendicular rocks, on the other a river, called Clark's Fork. So that if the rock had been a little larger we must have been swept off in the river and if we had escaped being crushed would probably had been drowned. Tonight as Settie and I were retiring she told me that some of the passengers had told her that we would cross Lake Pend Oreille [Editor's Note: pronounced: pond-ə-ray] on the ferry in the night -- two cars at a time. We were so frightened at the idea that we could not sleep. We crossed the lake about an hour before dark on a high bridge and rode along beside it till dark and we couldn't see why we need cross it again. Finally we slept and next morning inquired eagerly if we have ferried in the night. no one seemed to think we had and on questioning the trainmen found that we were to ferry the Snake River late that afternoon. We passed through Spokane Falls at night so had no chance to see Isaac or his farm.

(Seventh Day - Monday) We begin to see a hint of green grass today and the sagebrush has taken on a green hue. We have made some very pleasant acquaintances on board and some very disagreeable ones. Nearly all our passengers left today, most of them bound to Walla Walla. the 15 children and their parents we were not sorry to part with. A Dr. Buffum and family we made friends with and we lose them tonight regretfully. Right across from our seat live an old couple on their way to Eugene City OR. The old lady is 72 years old but has stood the trip remarkably well. She has a feather bed with her. She is going to her sons at first and after a while to W. T. where she has a daughter. They have come out to live with their children. He is a step-father. We like them very much. The stop off at Portland with us and wait till the next day for their train. Between 3 & 4 o'clock we reached Ainsworth on Snake River and were ferried across safely. After we saw the boat we were not afraid; it looked strong enough to carry a whole train. We went way up on deck and watched our progress. The Snake River is a very swift stream of water. They are building an iron bridge at Ainsworth for the cars; it is to be a swing bridge. Nothing but sand and sage brush to look at from now until dark so we visited and when we reach Wallula unction [WA], said goodbye to the Dr. & family. Some of the trainmen tell us we will reach Portland at 6 o'clock and we are filled with dismay as in that case, we cannot see the Bridal Falls. Someone contradicts the story, and we go to rest determined to wake up early.

(8th Day) And do so! and dress, and hurry out on the platform as we are informed we are nearing that beautiful fall of water of which we have heard so much. The Falls is a beautiful stream of water coming down almost perpendicularly from the mountains till it is within 20 feet or so of the valley where it strikes and falls again! Of course it is a snow-fed river and the water is as white as snow. We passed several lesser falls which would be considered grand anywhere else. As soon as these were passed we hurried to our packing and had not much time to spare as the cars steamed into East Portland at 7.30. [manuscript torn] we left the Emigrant car (without regret) and ferried over to [manuscript torn]land proper. Fighting our way to the International Hotel through [manuscript torn] usual crowd of hawk-men & hotel runners. And so ended our journey.

One incident worth of mention has been omitted. At Missoula, a brakeman came in our car at four o'clock in the morning and ordered passengers to get out of their berths and make room for others who had just got on the train. He said they had carried the banner all night and now it was our turn and that it was time to get up anyway. But Dr. Buffum drew his revolver and swore an oath that made the lamps rattle. And the old man from Mich. who was in the opposite berth began to pull up his socks and gird his loins and prepare himself for battle. The brakeman left and did not show himself for several hours.

[This is on the last page. Very faded, and in the creases the paper is disintegrating]
The rolling stock of the N. Pacific is new [manuscript torn] and [manuscript torn] bad [manuscript torn] seems to [manuscript torn] Management is poor and the employees do not know [manuscript torn] thing more about railroading than a pack of cowboys [manuscript torn] No attention is given to the wants of passengers after [manuscript torn] are once on the train. All of the circulars about [manuscript torn] richness of the Coeur d'Alene mines come from the [manuscript torn] road to get people to travel. The Oregon Rez & Nav Co [manuscript torn] from Wallula Junc. to Portland seems to be better managed. The Oregon Short Line will be completed to Ogden this summer [manuscript torn but I think it says something about a better alternative to] Northern Pacific.
Bits of Family History J. D. & E. L. Miner

For the cousins:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glendive,_Montana
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garrison,_Montana
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Pend_Oreille
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clark_Fork_River#/media/File:Clark_Fork_Map.png

Big Thanks to DearMYRTLE.com for coming up with this idea!

If you ever wake up one morning and say to yourself, 'Self, I want to learn more about genealogy today', then  head over to  GeneaWebinars.com. There you will find a Google Calendar schedule of  online meetings, classes, hangouts, seminars and webinars to be held on the Web. Many are free, although many are fee-based.

Note: The times on the calendar are  in U. S. Eastern Time Zone (New York).  If you need a time zone converter see: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html.

Click on any entry and you will find details on the sponsor or presenter, probably the originator's web site and details on the subject matter. The presenters may use  Adobe Connect, AnyMeeting, Captera, Google Hangouts, GoToMeeting, GoToWebinar, Live Meeting, Skype, Web-Ex, and Wiggio for a few examples. The presenter's web site usually has details on how to download what you need.

What else is great: If you have your OWN Google calendar as I do, you can make GeneaWebinars appear on yours. Down in the extreme right bottom corner you will see this image:

Click on it, and your Google calendar appears. Tell the dialog box yes, and poof! you now will see all the upcoming GeneaWebinar events.

How Cool is THAT?

Thanks again to DearMYRTLE for this great tool!

This is about my Powells. And about documentation.

In my mother's Powell file, which has documents from my Powell grandparents, I found a photocopy document entitled Family History.

No date, no author, no idea where the original resides.
But this is what it says (I kept the author's misspellings and punctuation):

------------------------
"As I record. this history, May 1970, it seems farfetched to think it took six weeks to travel from Yazoo Co. Miss. to LaSalle, Parish La. when man can travel to the moon in something like four days. Travel by rocket is quite an improvement over the covered wagon mode of travel in 1895. A span of only 75 years. 

FAMILY HISTORY
Reese (Reason Powell) first married Ann Gibson and fathered Mary, Christine, and George W. (could have been others, don't think so though). After Ann died, Reese married Louisa Foster who was some twenty years younger than he, and fathered Nancy Ann, John Wesley, Benjamine Franklin, William Henry Harrison, James Randolph*, Francis Marion, Josephine, Thomas Jefferson.
Reese Powell's father came to America with a Brother and Sister late in the 17th. century and Landed at Charleston, S. C. His Brother and Sister returned to Ireland but he stayed, married and fathered Reese. This Emigrant Powell (first name unknown) was a descendant of the Powel who fought with Cromwell during the Puritan or Religious wars in the 16th century. Because of his service to Cromwell was given land on the northern shores of Ireland. It is tradition that this Powell who fought for Cromwell was a Scottsman.
Reese Powell with his family moved from Sumter Co. Ala. to Lauderdale Co. Miss. about 1855. This family lived many years at Meridian, in Lauderdale Co. and Reese died and was buried there. "
-----------------------------

The document goes on to describe the families of William Henry Harrison Powell who married Matilda. Rushton; John Wesley Powell who married Syrilde Rushton, Matilda's sister; and related families.  JW Powell and WHH Powell were uncles to my grandfather.

The history recounts some movement between Yazoo MS and Caldwell Parish LA of the families and their friends, culminating in an 1875 trip that involved weeks of rain, camping in a cabin that burned, camping in covered wagons and other adventures. It ends with :

"William H. H. Powell family settled in Calahoula Parish (LaSalle now). Some of the men went to work loggin woods and some farmed. "

Because of the last paragraph, I think perhaps this was written by a descendant of W. H. H. Powell. Because it was in the file with my grandparent's deeds, wills, marriage license, and a letter from a Beeman relative, I am thinking the author is a cousin to my grandfather who perhaps sent it on to Granddaddy thinking he would be interested. Or maybe Mother asked for it back in 1970. I don't know because Mother, bless her heart, didn't write down where she got it, or where GrandPowell and Granddaddy got it.

LESSON: Record your sources.

*William Reason Powell>James Randolph Powell>James Toxie Powell, Sr.>James Toxie Powell, Jr.>me