. . . On the 8th of February 1854 I took leave of my friends and left Crostwick in company with Horace Howcett, John Lambert and wife and Eliza Goodson (my brother's widow and child, now my daughter Sarah Ann Brockbank), and was joined by many others.
At Norwich all Saints who were going on the same vessel; took train from Yermouth and from there by steamboat to Hull and on to Goles [POSSIBLY Goole] and from there to Liverpool, but on arrival there we found that the vessel could not sail for 2 weeks so we had to put up at a lodging house until we could take berths on board ship on the 21st.
On the 22nd of February, as the vessel was about to set sail, I was married to Eliza Goodson by Daniel Cornes [Garn], president of the company. We had on board 464 Saints beside the ship crew. We set sail with light hearts singing the songs of Zion. But our joyful time was soon clouded as most all commenced to be terrible seasick. But most all soon revived. But after a few days the small pox broke out on board and before we landed at New Orleans 11 died and was buried at sea, most of whom died of this disease, some recovered and after one of the roughest voyages ever witnessed (so said the captain and many of the sailors) we landed at New Orleans, having been on board 8 weeks 4 nights and 5 days April 23rd. We were held 3 days in quarantine [p.3] on an island in consequence of small pox being on board, but no fresh cases appearing we were allowed to proceed up the river. We proceeded up the Mississippi River and the Missouri River for 1200 miles to Atching, Kansas our outfitting place for crossing the plains.
I will state that before landing at New Orleans we became short of provisions being longer making the trip than was expected, so the company was put on half rations. I well mention some circumstances that happened on this voyage as at times the sea became so rough and the waves so big they would roll over the ships deck and the hatchways had to be closed down and the captain became alarmed that the vessel would be over come by the high winds and go to the bottom. He told Brother Cornes [Garn] that he better pray to his God to save his people for if God didn't we would go to the bottom. But after a few days the sea became calm and we landed as stated. Our vessel was towed up the river by tug boat to New Orleans. At this place slaves were being bought and sold at the market place. In traveling up the river we were soon overtaken with another evil. As the cholera broke out and carried off many of the Saints and before we landed 42 died in some instances some strong healthy people would be taken sick and in a short time would be dead. I was often called upon to help to burry the dead. As soon as one was dead a rude coffin would be made, the boat put to shore and a grave dug and the corps would be put therein. In one instance we put 2 corps in one grave which had to be dug in a hurry, often the brush and roots were so thick that we could scarcely get dirt sufficient to cover the bodies before the bell would ring out and the word would be given, all aboard and the boat would start up. It was against the law of the State to consign the dead in the river so we had to burry on the river banks. I was often called upon to administer to the sick and some would revive, one instance I will mention. Brother John Lamburt was very sick. His fingernails became black and he appeared to be dying, but after being anointed with oil we laid our hands on him and rebuked the power of the evil one. He was restored and came on to the valley and lived to be 80 years old. We arrived at Atchens, Kansas and soon arrangements were made for crossing the plains. . . . [p.4]
. . . We traveled on from day to day and finally arrived in Salt Lake September 30th 1854. We were met by many of the brothers and sisters who brought us many things to eat and administer to our comfort, so it made us feel that we had indeed landed in Zion among the people of God. . . . [p.5]
BIB: Jex, William, 1831-1924. Autobiography [ca.1921]. (CHL)
(source abbreviations)