The family embarked in a small sailing vessel some time in June, spending six weary weeks crossing the ocean. Father told of encountering a terrific storm when it seemed several times all would be lost. Lightening flashed and thunder roared around the waves which were sweeping over the ship. Grandfather having some knowledge of seafaring ways was called upon deck to assist. All the people were ordered to the other lower part of the vessel. After some hours of mad fury the storm ceased and all was peace and quiet again.
During the voyage large whales were sighted in the distance and shoals of porpoises followed the ship for days before the storm which according to the old seamen is a sure sign of a storm. After six weary weeks of the ocean the ship docked at New York and the passengers landed.
Immediately all emigrants going west were loaded into double-deck cattle cars provided with seats and beds where they were fairly comfortable travel--in their way. The rest of the Journey was made by rail as far as North Platte. The party camped out in the open here for several days waiting for ox teams and provisions preparatory for the westward journey. They rested and visited each other getting better acquainted and thoroughly enjoying a few days of relaxation.
Somewhere near the last of July or the first of August the party started westward by ox teams loaded with saints and provisions and household effects and escorted by men and horses. Brother Gillispie was sent from Salt Lake to supervise the group and everything was arranged and carried out under his direction. The first week was without incident as most of the time they were traveling through sparsly [sic] settled country.
Later on groups of Indians began to make their appearance, eyeing the emmigrants and causing more or less concern as to what their intentions were. They finally left peacably but all emigrants were warned to keep their guns within easy reach.
Evenings were spent in songs and dance and many happy times were enjoyed. Two cornets, a violin, and a banjo furnished the music. Also regular times were outlined for religious meetings. Sundays were spent in camp in worship ana any necessary work to prepare for the jorney the next day. Brother Gillispie called the group together quite often instructing them as to their duty and obligations during the journey and as to what they might expect on reaching the valley.
After traveling about a month and near Sweetwater they came suddenly onto a camp which had been raided by Indians. Two men were lying dead. One had been scalped and the other had his tongue cut out and his
ears cut off. Provisions were strewn about. Shovels, axes and other tools such as prospectors might use were lying about. Harnesses were cut to pieces and part of the wagons burned. The bodies had lain there for several days and so shallow graves were dug and the men buried. It was naturally supposed that Indians were responsible. A few days later they met up with a party of men who were looking for their companions as they had planned on a place of meeting, and the two had failed to appear.
During their travels a large herd of buffalo were encountered on the way. They were grazing peacefully on the plains in their own natural way of living. A man of the party killed one which provided fresh meat for the company.
The party was nearing the valley now and all are anxious to see their new home. When they arrived at the mouth of Emigration Canyon ail teams were halted and everyone saw for the first time the Great Salt Lake Valley. None vere accustomed to the mountains and valleys and many phases of their home in the valley would be new and very different to what they were accustomed to in England."
Eva M. Bird, "Biography of E. J. Marchbanks (Pioneer) Came to Utah in 1868 Written by Eva M. Bird his Daughter of Camp Springville of Daughters of Utah Pioneers of Utah County Springville, Utah," in Biographies of Utah County Pioneers, Vol. XXVII , Adria R. Porter et al, eds. ([Provo?]: Utah County Daughters of Utah [Pioneers], 1940), pages 150-152.
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