"Following is an account, copied word for word from notes made in pencil in his notebook, by my grandfather, George R. Hamerick, of travel by wagon train from Missouri to California in 1863. George M. Taylor"
"First day's of travel Wednesday the 22nd of April 1863 found us all ready to start to the Pacific state California after bidding adieu to the old Homestead and friends, and started on our long and perilous Journey, and camped at the Widow Holt's the first night; nothing happened of any consequence during this....
April the 23rd
Second days Travel after parting with relations and friends at first camp we
resumed our journey the accidents during the day were brakeing our
buggy tongue and the upsetting Bro. John waggon Waggon was hardly
damaged nothing more of consequence during the day, camped 1 1/2 miles
north of Rivana
Apr. the 24th
Third days travel
Resumed our journey this morning with the rest of our train Camped six miles
north of the Missouri line in Iowa and Eleven miles South West of
Coridon
April the 25th
Resumed our journey this morning and nearly North and most of the time without any Road
between Grand River and Charlston River and about 9 o'clock struck the
state road leading from Keokuck to Council Bluffs
April the 26th
Continued our Journey on the state road to Decatur the seat of
Justus of Decatur Co. and then went on to the main branch of Grand
River 3 miles west of Decatur and camped
April the 27th
Remained in Camp all this day waiting for the Peterson and the rest of
the Train they arrived in the evening
April the 28th
Resumed our Journey this morning 28 wagons in train traveled
Two miles and Peterson's and Billy Bleges Buggy Broke camp in 4 miles
of Mount Air
April the 29th
Resumed our journey this morning we drive on with our buggy to town and
get a new tongue made and camp 14 miles east of Bedford
April the 30th