Omaha daily bee., 1905-08-20
OLD TINES ON TIE PLAINS
Recent Journey Puts a EsbraSkG Pioneer
in a Reminiscent Mood.
FORMER souTUDEs NO LONGER VISIBLE
Scenes Beyond the ROckies-PrOgres-
sive strides of OEden-The Neigh
boring Mountains and Canyon
-ReuniOn OF Patrtarchs.

-ReuniOn Of PatrtArchs.
OGDEN. Utah, Aug neutrality-suspicious.
OF The Bee. Riding over Nebraska by
rail a few days ago my mind was contin-
ually running back to the territorial days,
while l was anxiously peering on either
side Of the steel highway to catch a glimpse
Of some Of the pioneer homesteRds and
other land marks Of ye early days" before
the building Of the Union Pacific railroad
or the location OF any OF the present towns
along its line. except perhaps Fremont,
Columbus or Grand Island, which were
then but mere hamlets. All the stately
trees that now constitute the numerous
groves and adorn the quiet, peaceful farm
houses that are 80 graclously dotted all
over the length and breadth Of our state,
have been planted and fostered within the
memory and observation Of the writer, so
the reader can readily realize the stupen-
dous interest experienced on this occa-
sion While travelling by rail. the same
open plain and vast expanse Of loneliness
and solitude, was won't to travel with OK
and mule teams in that long time ago Of
nearly fifty years. From the observation
car my thoughts were especially attracted
toward the Julesburg sand hills, south Of
the Platte river, through which the old
Mormon and California trail wended its
dismal and tortuous course for miles and
miles. Then again my mind was diverted
back to an adventurous and perilous trip
I made from Omaha to Denver in the
dead Of winter in 1850. with no COM
panion except my old faithful dog, who
accompanied me over the plains on two
previous trips. The Cheyenne Indians at
that time were hostile and actively engaged
on the warpath.
On the Plains in Early Days.
also recall to mind a return trip from
Denver in the fall Of 1859, when our train
overlook at Julesburg crossing. at that
time known as the parting OF the ways
enroute to Colorado and California, a not
able group of travellers from Salt Lake,
bound for the eastern states enjoying the
pleasure Of their company all the way to
Omaha. Among this jovial party was
William H. Hooper. delegate TO congress
from Utah; Joseph Young, son of the Nor
mon ruler. and Charles F. Browne. alias
Artemus Ward the famous wit and humor-
list Of that period, These famous preson-
ages added spice, music and wit to camp
fire life on the plains, which made the re-
NAMED Of the journey pleasant and highly
enjoyable.
The last time crossed the great Rockies
and over the 300 miles OF cactus and sage
brush area by rail was twenty-five years
ago. Arriving here at ogden, Utah, a very
great change is perceptible: its general
aspect is greatly improved. The old rattle
trap building OF that date has been sup
plemented by a large, spacious brick
structure used as union headquarters for
all railroads entering the city. The popula-
ton has grown to more than 5000
genial people, the majority of whom
own their own homes. The streets
are broad and clean and mostly macadam-
lied. All streets running east and north
appear to terminate at the base of a high
mountain, Like Salt Lake City, little
streams OF mountain water course their
way through the cutters OF many streets
All public buildings are spacious, of splen-
did modern architectural design and up-to-
date in every respect
Mountains and Canyons.
The highest mountain peak is Malan's
Heights. 1000 feet above sea level, over
shadowing half the city. A narrow, steep,
winding wagon road has been constructed
to the summit. Three hours is consumed
by the trusty old horse team that hauls
passengers up this stupendous and awe
inspiring precipice.
Ogden canyon is a very attractive place
for tourists and sight-seers. It is a rest
full and cool hot weather resort. The can
yon reaches for miles up into the very
boughs Of the Wasatch mountains The
Ogden river parallels and runs through its
entire length, crossing the great gully many
times in its meandering course toward the
valley below. Hundreds of people from dis
oil 81 ~
OF this rumbling, majestic stream all sum-
mer long.
The Mormon inhabitants here predom-
mate, but Mormons and Gentiles get along
together. have carefully watched
the course and conduct OF the Mormon
people for sixty-fve years, or since Joseph
Smith, the prophet, proselyted throughout
the eastern part of Pennsylvania and
stopped two nights and days at my fathers
home. A little later. in 1874, Joseph and
Hyrum Smith, his brother were killed BY
a mob at Nauvoo, Ill. AS far as my knowl-
edge extends they are an industrious, tenn
perate and frugal. God-fearing and law
abiding people.
Reunion of PatriaFchs
Last Thursday the FIRST settlers and pio-
neers OF Ogden and vicinity held their an
nual picnic at Genwood park 1t was
strictly a patriarchial affair, 800 men and
women were present over 70 years old.
while a score or more were up in the COS.
Many Of these aged people away back in
the COS Travelled on foot all the distance
from the Missouri river to Salt lake Well
do remember the long trains OF prairie
schooners vending their way westward
past my farm and ranch in those early
days, and how earnestly and eagerly. with
bright anticipations OF the future, the
quiet inoffensive Mormon emigrants. in
small groups and squads tramped and
trudged along, mostly barefooted, while
many pushed along go-carts, containing all
their earthly possessions. 1t was a pitiful
sight, indeed, to see these oareworn. ia
tigued individuals tramp tramp all day
long. on their long and tedious journey
toward Zion. their land or promise How
ever, the majority OF these loyal pilgrims
to their religious faith have been amply
rewarded with good health, prosperity ana