The 1864 Diary of Mrs. Sarah Jane Rousseau is receiving some wonderful attention from readers, experts, awards committees, publishing professionals, and more!
Well, I honestly couldn’t think of a better way to launch Emigrant Tales of the Platte River Raids than by heading straight to the ol’ Rousseau hometown in San Bernardino, County, California. The reception was warm and the crowds lively, even though the breeze had me adding on some layers. (Videos included!)
Women historians talking to and about women historians. *NEW* program in development through the Wyoming State Historical Society. Learn more and get involved, today!
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.
July, 1864 – A Lusty Encounter Goes Unhindered by Dust. At twenty-nine, Miss Matilda Fields is an unwed spinster, indebted to the Rousseau family for safe passage. “TJ,” is a foul-mouthed cowboy and opportunist who does two things well: shooting and avoiding commitments.
August, 1864 – A New Friendship Leaves a Lasting Impression. Mr. Parker and Dr. Rousseau form a bond and in a dire moment, when everyone else turns their back on the Rousseaus, Mr. Parker does not. “For which,” Mrs. Rousseau wrote, “I shall always remember with gratitude.”
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.
October, 1864 – A Wagon Train Divided. “[Earp] told the whole train he would give up his Captaincy unless they would adhere to the rules he gave.” To get across the Mohave Desert, the Pella Company would need a leader with more diplomacy…