June 1864 – He Gives Until It Hurts. “One of our mares took sick… it died. I think it likely if he had stayed where we were, the Dr. would have cured her.” – Sarah J. Rousseau. Retired physician, land surveyor and mailman, Dr. Rousseau helped sponsor the Pella Company’s Oregon Trail adventure led by the notorious
Nicholas Earp.
September, 1864 – Unto Us, A Son Is Born. A sudden “sickness” takes over the women of the Pella Company, followed by the arrival of a child. Three babes are born enroute. Meet Jane Hamilton and Eliza Hays: two first-time mothers who give birth when violence and disease are striking.