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McKinley/Sullivan and Related Families
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Alexander McKinley born Ballycastle, Co. Antrim 1837 died Lawler (home of son Dr. A. D. McKinley), Chickasaw Co, Iowa 1913 & Rebecca Clark born 1842 Lebanon, Warren Co., Ohio died Parkersburg (rectory of son Rev. Frederick W. McKinley), Iowa 1925
The photo (at left) is of James (1834-1890) and John McKinley (1829-1909) probably taken about the time (1857) they traveled across the Isthmus of Panama to seek gold in California. The story is that John let his beard grow on the trip and never shaved again. With their earnings, the brothers bought adjoining farms in Clayton Co., Iowa. "Alexander McKinley (1837-1913) - PREFACE (by Archibald Gustin McKinley 1871-1959, son of Alex & Rebecca McKinley) Before beginning the story of my life, it seems fitting to give a sketch of the lives of my dear parents, to whom I hereby acknowledge my indebtedness for whatever success I may have attained, or good accomplished, on my journey along life's highway. My father, Alexander McKinley, was born in the little town of Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, Ireland on Aug 16, 1837. He was the third oldest of six children (actually there were eight boys but Patrick died as a child and Daniel died in NYC shortly after arriving in the USA in 1853 at age 21) born to Archibald and Nancy (Ann neé Morrison) McKinley. In his spare hours from school, he herded sheep for a farmer near his home town. In connection with his schooling I am turning over to Stephanie, along with this manuscript, father's little arithmetic, published in Dublin in the year 1852. At the early age of 16 years he emigrated to America, sailing from Liverpool Mar 25, 1853 and landing at Castle Garden, N.Y. on July 4, 1853 (he was traveling with his brother Daniel age 21, who died in NYC shortly after their arrival in the U.S.). He went directly to Meriden, CT to join his brothers John and James, who had come to this country a year or so earlier. He worked in an iron foundry (Parker Bros.) in Meriden until December, 1857 when he returned to Ireland to visit his parents. He remained home until the summer of 1858 when he again embarked for America. This time he decided to seek his fortune in the gold mines of California, and after arriving in New York he lost no time in booking passage to San Francisco via the Panama route -- overland, of course, across the isthmus because digging of the Panama Canal had not even been started at that time. From San Francisco he went to Grass Valley, California to look over the situation and decide where to start work. During the ensuing seven years he worked in gold mines at Reese River, Nevada City and Dutch Flat, California and also in Virginia City, Nevada where he worked in the famous Comstock lode. After accumulating a comfortable "nest egg" he decided to quit mining and again join his brothers John and James who had moved from Meriden, CT to adjoining farms in Grand Meadow Township, Clayton Co, Iowa.
"A Short History written by WAJMcK, Jr (great-grandson of Alexander & Rebecca) - John and James McKinley came to America in 1849 at Meriden, CT, where they met their future wives the McNamara sisters, Ellen and Mary. Alexander and Daniel McKinley came to America on the ship Australia, leaving Liverpool, England on May 25, 1853, arriving at Castle Garden (which was converted from an old amusement park on the tip of Manhattan), New York on July 5, 1853. Daniel died shortly after arriving in New York, while Alexander went to Meriden and joined up with his brothers John and James McKinley. Alexander went back to Ireland in December 1857 to visit his parents, Archibald and Ann "Nancy" (Morrison) McKinley. He then left Ireland in the summer of 1858 and went to California, following in his brothers John and James' footsteps, working the gold mines. He became an American citizen on March 17, 1860 in Nevada County, California. In October 1865, he went to Postville, Iowa and to his brother John's farm in Grand Meadow working there until 1866 when he opened a general store on Clermont, Fayette County, Iowa. The remaining sons of Archibald and Ann (Nancy): Archibald of Foresthill, California; Michael McKinley of Colorado Springs, Colorado and William McKinley of Chicago, Illinois I have no information other than to whom they were married. Alexander came to the U.S. at age 16 from Liverpool 25 May 1853 (may have come with his brother Daniel, who died shortly thereafter in NYC) landing at Castle Garden 4 July 1853. Brothers John and James came a year or so earlier. Alexander returned to Ireland in December, 1857 and came back to the U.S. in 1858." Additional info on Alex: Mary Mckinley 05 Jul 1853 13 Female Liverpool, England Ireland Ohio Australia Margt Mckinley 05 Jul 1853 8 Female Liverpool, England Ireland Ohio Australia
I believe this is the family that traveled on the Australia in
the 1860 Census (the other daughter Mary w/h/b age 20 so she could be married or
have died). I haven't found this family after 1860 yet and don't know if
we will ever be able to connect up with them.
1860 Census - MCKINLEY A 32 M W IREL CA NEVADA GRASS VALLEY TWP 1860
(is this Archie or Alex, age, with date of birth 1827, would be wrong for either
of them. Or could this be Alex, with the right age for someone born in 1837? St.
Croix, Wisconsin is where AGMcK says Alex & Rebecca were married in 1867.
1870 Census, Clermont Twnshp, Fayette County, IA, 19 Aug 1870, page 4,
line 20, dwelling 32, family 32; Alex McKinley age 32 dry goods merchant born
IRE, parents born IRE; Rebecca McKinley age 27 keeping house born OH, Mary age 2
born IA Patrons of the Iowa State Historical Atlas 1875 Who Were Born in Ireland - Fayette County - Name, Residence, Business, Nativity, Came To Iowa, Clermont Twp 1878 History of Fayette County: McKinley, A., merchant, Clermont. Alex
McKinley was a trustee in Clermont in 1875 & 1876. McNamera, A., far., Sec. 35;
P. O. Clermont. Nothing for Alex' younger brother William McKinley. 1850 U.S. Federal Census 1860 U.S. Federal Census, Clermont, Fayette, Iowa 1920 United States Federal Census "The Second Honeymoon Trip of Alexander and Rebecca McKinley, Taken 37 Years after their marriage by Rebecca Ann Clark McKinley (written to their children) – Fall, 1905 -- This wonderful letter was shared by CME. We left Clermont on Tuesday morning, September 5, 1905,
arrived in Iowa City 11:35 a.m., engaged a hack and drove through the
southeastern part of the city on our way to your Aunt Mary’s (note:
I think this is Mary McNamara McKinley, widow of James, and sister-in-law
of Rebecca) residence on North Linn Street.
Found them all well and surprised and delighted to see us; spent a short
time with them asking and answering questions, entered the hack and drove
through the northwestern part of the city so your Pa could get a view of the
Church, the University Buildings, the Old Capital building, etc., etc., and
drove to the Rock Island Depot. Found
our train thirty-five minutes late; spent this time writing home, also writing
to Chicago. Left Iowa City something after 3 o’clock p.m.; don’t
remember at what time we arrived at Omaha, but at Council Bluffs it was raining
very hard. Your Pa was anxious to
see as much of the place as he could. He
said he would go to the door and look out.
I warned him not to get off. The
passengers got off and others got on, the conductor called out:
“All aboard”, the bell rang and the train started and no sign of your
Pa. I waited awhile and then went
to the door. He was nowhere to be
seen. Imagine my fears!
I was sure he got left and was just going to speak to the conductor, when
up in the forward end of the car, your Pa loomed up behind a large fleshy man,
passed out into the aisle and came down to me.
(Fright No. 1). At Omaha we secured a sleeper and retired for the night.
Next morning, away out on the plains the sun was shining brightly and
beautiful and we were feeling much refreshed after our good night’s rest.
Spent the day looking out upon the plains of Colorado, some parts not
very pleasing to look upon, rather bare and forlorn looking.
Arrived in Denver 5:15 p.m. and found to our dismay that our train for
Idaho Springs had been gone sometime. Next
thing to do was to find out how far it was from the depot to John McNamara’s
address (note: brother of Mary and Ellen McNamara McKinley).
They told me eight or nine blocks. I
thought that too far to walk and carry our luggage and asked how much the charge
would be for a hack to take two passengers and luggage and was told:
fifty cents. I ordered the
hack and away we went to 17th street – about eight blocks, then
went on Arapahoe Street to John’s residence.
He is now living over a grocery store.
Disappointed again -- they were not home. We then left our baggage in the grocery store, went to a
restaurant and had supper, and such a time and such crowds of people I never
saw. We succeeded in getting supper
after quite a struggle, started out again to find John, but he had not yet
returned. We walked around, took in
the sights, saw the firemen’s parade, the Indian float with the Indian war
dance going on as the large float passed along the street. As it was getting rather late and near closing time for the
grocery store and we did not want to leave our baggage there all night, we
returned and found to our dismay that the McNamaras were still out.
We then concluded to look up lodgings and were very fortunate in securing
a fine front room in Hotel Colorado on Larimore Street.
Left our luggage in the room and went out again to see what was to be
seen. We returned to our hotel about 10:30 p.m. and retired for
the night. Arose early the next
morning, had breakfast and again repaired to the McNamara domicile.
This time was more fortunate, found Mrs. McNamara at home.
She invited us to remain for lunch, but we declined as we thought we
could go on the 9:20 a.m. train for Silver Plume.
So we got John’s office address and called on him there.
He knew me at once, but did not know your Pa for some time.
He insisted on us staying over, said he would like to entertain us and so
on, but your Pa declined. We said
goodbye and hastened to the depot. After
reaching there, found we could not leave Denver until 3:20 p.m. We then look up Mrs. Gleason’s address
(note:
this would be someone related to Mary Gleason McKinley, wife of
Alexander’s brother Michael McKinley, both of whom were deceased since 1890
and 1887, respectively; Mrs. Gleason was probably Aunt Mary Gleason,
sister-in-law of Mary Gleason McKinley, who helped raise the McKinley girls
after their parents' deaths), called on her and then went to a restaurant and had
lunch. We then did some
sightseeing. Saw the new Mint
Building, almost completed. A very
fine building. Then went back to
John McNamara’s office and told him we could not leave until 3:20 p.m.,
visited with him for awhile and then took the street-car to the depot.
Waited around until almost train time and then were told our train would
not leave until 4:30 p.m. owing to the time being taken by excursion trains for
the G.A.R. to visit Silver Plume. Your
Pa concluded he would go to the tonsorial parlor and fix up a bit and left me to
watch the baggage, and such a crowd of people I never saw at one time in a
depot. I thought the Union Depot in Kansas City was wonderfully
filled with people when I was there, but it was nothing compared with this.
So many old soldiers, their wives and daughters, people from every state
in the Union. It was very interesting to me for quite awhile, but as our
train time drew nigh, I began to get uneasy wondering what had become of your
Pa. One of the uniformed officers
of the depot passed near me. I
spoke to him and asked when the train which should leave at 3:20 p.m. would
leave today. He replied:
“That is #14. It left at
4:10 p.m.” Well, can you imagine my chagrin? I don’t think you can. I waited a little while and then could not stand it any longer. I stood up and was just in the act of hailing a colored porter when your Pa loomed up as big as life – all shaven and shorn – and a sack of fruit in his hand. “Well, Alex,” I said, “where in the world have you been? Do you know that we have missed our train? A man just told me that it left at 4:10.” “It cannot be,” he replied. “The man at the gate told me 5:10.” “Well,” I said. “You sit here awhile and I will investigate.” I went through to the center room and saw the train caller just mounting one of the seats to call a train. I stepped up to him, tapped him on the elbow. He turned to me like a ferocious animal and yelled out: “What do you want?” I stepped back and raised my finger at him and said: “You address me civilly or I’ll report you. The company does not pay you to insult people.” “I beg your pardon, lady,” he said. “What is it you want to know?” I told him and he said not till after five o’clock, did
not know just what time, but for me to come out to the gate at five o’clock
and he would show me my train. I thanked him and went back to your Pa and told him what
the man had said to me and what I had said to him.
Your Pa was indignant. Said
I had no right to act that way. I
thought and still think I was right. Five
o’clock came around, and we went aboard our train, but we did not leave the
yard until 5:45 p.m. Arrived at Idaho Springs at 7:45 p.m.
Lou Shaffer (note: husband of Hattie), Hattie (note: niece) and Will Woodward (note:
husband of Anna) were at the depot to meet us. Anna and Kate (note: nieces)
were at the Shaffer chateau with house illuminated and door open to greet us and
bid us welcome. Found them all well and apparently doing well
(note:
Kate would die within months 25 Mar 1906 at age 20 during a diphtheria
epidemic). We spent Thursday
evening until Sunday afternoon. Excuse
me, I am getting at the wrong end of my story.
Friday morning your Pa took in the town and business.
In the afternoon, Kate and your Pa and I visited the Springs, the
Natatorium and drank the mineral water. Returning
to Anna’s house, we took dinner with her and Will and spent the evening.
Spent the night at Hattie’s. Saturday
at 7:30 a.m., Kate left for Boulder where she is attending the University, this
being her second year. Your Pa, Lou
Schaefer and little Phillip (Hattie’s little boy) (note: he would die two
years later at the age of 7) went with her to the depot.
Your Pa then walked up Chicago Canyon to the cemetery and visited your
Uncle Michael’s grave, also your Aunt Mary’s, Cousin Phil and Gertrude.
At 10:30 a.m., your Pa, Hattie and I took the train for Silver Plume, or
rather Greytown. They have extended the road two or three miles farther up
than Silver Plume. It was an ideal
day and we had a pleasant time; returned at 4:15 p.m.
After supper, the three families, i.e. Anna and Will Woodward, Will
Gleason and wife, and Lou and Hattie all congregated at the Shaffers.
We spent the evening talking and visiting and the time passed all too
soon. Sunday morning we attended
Mass. After dinner, Hattie and two
children (note: probably Philip 5 and Marjory 1),
your Pa and I had a carriage ride around the city and vicinity, which was very
much enjoyed by your Pa and me. At 3:45 p.m. we bid adieu to Idaho Springs and our friends and departed for Denver once more, arriving on time, but found that no train left Denver Sunday evening. So away we went to find the McNamaras again, but were disappointed. They were not at home. We went to the hotel and put up for the night. Next morning we took the 9:20 a.m. train over the Colorado Midland for Colorado Springs. Now my hardest task begins. To describe the scenery along this route is beyond my capability. I don’t think anyone can do it justice with pen and paper. The scenery along the line going up through Ute Pass is simply grand – it is beyond me to describe. To see the winding wagon trail, the beautiful clear stream passing down, rippling along over the stony bottom of the canyon; the beautiful green and variously tinted foliage of the stately trees and humble brushwood of the canyon; the bold rocky sides of the stupendous mountains hanging over the road as we passed along, looking as though they were ready to topple over on us at the least provocation. Some of these were in the shapes of gigantic monuments or marble shafts, others, called The Needles, were really as pointed as a needle of that size could be, and so many of them standing one after the other in a line. Then there were others – great piles of rock like the ruins of some great magnificent building. These were called “The Palisades”. And still another that interested me was one gigantic fellow standing alone composed of pebbles from the size of your finger tip to the size of a goose egg, of every hue and color imaginable. All cemented together forming this immense mountain, a wonderful creation of Nature, with its rugged stony sides standing up so bold, defying everything: wind, rain, snow, frost, lightning and the rays of the sun for thousands of years without making the least change in its surface. This is only a little of what was to be seen on this route over Ute Pass. Arrived at Colorado Springs O.K. Only stopped a few minutes and on we went to Leadville, the next important stop. It was getting dark when we reached here, -- could only judge the city by the lights we could see. On we went to Grand Junction where we changed cars for Ogden, taking the Rio Grande. Here we changed cars again, taking the Southern Pacific to Colfax, Cal., crossing over the point of Great Salt Lake at Promontory Point. Shortly after crossing the lake, we retired for the night. Awakening the next morning, we were on the plains of Nevada. I looked out upon the vast expanse of desert land, so bare looking, and the thought came to me of how many poor people lost their lives and left their bones bleaching on those barren plains. I could not refrain from bowing my head and offering a prayer for the souls of those poor people. The train stopped some little time at Reno, Nevada. Your Pa went out and walked around, cam back and told me he had his feet on Old Nevada ground once more, first time in forty-one years. We arrived at Colfax something after 10:00 a.m. Your Aunt Maggie’s (Margaret McGrath McKinley, wife of Archibald C. McKinley) brother met us at the train, took us to the waiting-room and then ordered a carriage to take us over to Foresthill, and such a ride and such a road – dust, dust and much dust, just like brick dust, not only coloring your clothes and face and hands, but was gritty, and cut your face. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the ride. The scenery was so grand and magnificent, but we were a sorry looking pair when we reached Foresthill. Your Uncle Archie’s folks were all looking for us and it was a sad sight to see two bothers (born and brought up in the bosom of the same home, loving members of the same household) meet and not know each other. Your Uncle Archie (note: three years younger than Alex, Archie would die 10 April 1906) was very much affected, broke down and cried like a child. It was a pathetic scene. Your Uncle Archie did not know me and I would never know that I had ever seen him before. He had changed so, does not look like the Archie he was at all. After meeting your Pa and the emotion attending it had passed over, he enjoyed your Pa’s visit so much; and the longer he was with your Pa the more natural he appeared. Said he was now the same as when he was a boy at home, had the same quick walk and his voice was the same. We arrived there Thursday afternoon and left Monday evening. We enjoyed our visit very much. While there we attended Mass on Sunday. Did not go around much in Foresthill as the weather was so warm and the streets so dusty. Met quite a number of the family’s friends who called to visit us. Your Uncle and Aunt seem to be quite popular. I think Mary (note: maybe Archie’s daughter who would die at age 28, 2 Feb 1906) is a very nice girl. She accompanied us as far as Colfax on her way to Sacramento to visit her aunt.
Your Pa knew the town and started out from the depot to find Barney McGrath (note: was he a relative of Archie’s wife Margaret McGrath?). Of course, the town is built up considerably since he was there, yet, withall he made his way good and when he came to where he thought Barney’s house ought to be, he met some boys and asked them where Barney McGrath lived (note: 1900 census, shows Barney age 66, born 1834 Ireland, emig. 1849 living with wife Margaret & niece Rosina Finnegan age 44, BORN 1856 New York in Grass Valley, Nevada, California). They pointed to a house about three buildings on ahead of us. One boy said: “There, where that man is leaning over the fence.” We thanked him and walked on. After going a little way, your Pa said to me: “I think that is Barney himself.” We soon reached the place and sure enough it was Barney. Your Pa put out his hand and said: “How do you do Barney?” Barney took your Pa’s hand and replied: “All right, but who are you?” “Don’t you know me?” your Pa said. “No,” Barney replied, “but wait awhile.” Your Pa then laughed and Barney clapped his left hand on your Pa’s shoulder and said: “Alex, my boy, how are you?” Then they both laughed. We then went into the house and met his niece who keeps house for him, and were royally entertained, had luncheon, and then the niece, your Pa and I took a walk. Went up to the mine your Pa worked in when he was there forty-five years ago (note: WAJMcK, Jr. notes on Alex say that he came to Calif. in 1858 following his brothers John and James. Alex became an American citizen 17 Mar 1860 in Nevada County, Calif.) He pointed out the spot where the cabin that he, James and John and little Johnnie had lived in stood. (Note: who is little Johnnie? 45 years ago would be 1860 and none of the brothers were married then. John F. McKinley would have been about 21; John born 1829 w/h/b about 31; is John F. little Johnnie? Bill Waters said that Sr. A told him John F. was called "little Johnnie"). I picked up some quartz from the dump of the mine – thought you children might like to have them. We then visited the Church that they attended so many years ago. Your Pa pointed out the places where they used to sit, but could not remember the number of the pew. It was on the left side of the church as you enter on the side aisle, about the tenth pew from the alter. It is a very nice church. We then walked around the city, stopped at a restaurant and had ice-cream sodas. Got back in time for supper and spent the evening listening to Barney and your Pa go over old times; your Pa asking questions and Barney answering. Bade adieu to poor old Barney and his niece next morning (Tuesday), shook the dust of Grass Valley from our feet and at 8:50 a.m. away for Colfax again. Waited here only a short time until we boarded the Southern Pacific for San Francisco. Passing down the Sacramento Valley we saw some fine
orchards and vineyards, peaches, pears, plums oranges, lemons and grapes in
great profusion. It was a grand
sight. Arriving at Benetia we had
the pleasure of riding on the largest ferry boat in the world.
The train runs on to the deck of the ferry and stops, then the boat lets
go of her moorings and pulls for the other side, a place called Vallejo.
If one kept his seat on the car, he would not know that he was crossing
water. I went out on the deck and
looked over the railing out into the water while crossing.
When nearing the other side I went aboard the car for fear of being left.
The train steamed up and pulled off the dock, passed on down the coast to
Oakland. Here we left the train and
went aboard a steamer named “Oklahoma”, crossed over the waters of the
Pacific to San Francisco. I enjoyed
the trip very much. All too soon
for me the boat landed, the gates were opened and passed out into the busy city
of the Pacific Coast. We arrived here at 4:45 p.m. Out of the many that were soliciting patronage, we chose the bus for the Ross House on Montgomery Street, next door to the Diamond Palace. Washed, cleaned up and then had supper, after which we went out for a stroll. Looked up Mr. Weck’s brother first. Found the place, but it was closed. We then look up George Shriner, Mrs. Johnson’s brother. Found him as proprietor of the Regina Hotel in Turk Street. He, of course, did not recognize us at first, but in a little while he did, seemed very glad to see us and certainly treated us fine. His wife is a very nice appearing lady. They are running a very large hotel. We inquired for Joe Pringle, Rob’s brother. George told us where he lived and said: “If you are not too tired, I will go with you out there.” We said: “All right, we would like to go as we intend to leave the city next evening and would like to get around as much as we can in that time.” So away we went to Height Street to see Joe. I wish you could have seen him when he recognized your Pa and threw his arms around him and said: “Alex, I am so glad to see you.” Turning to me he said:
“And this is Miss Clark.” (that
is what he always called me before I was married). “Excuse me, Mrs. McKinley, I am excited.”
He then sat down and began asking questions and telling us how he was
fixed and how he got along. He has a very nice appearing wife. They are very nicely fixed as to this world’s goods, living
nicely on their income which amounts to $100.00 per month.
Made an appointment to meet them next morning at the Regina Hotel at 9:00
a.m. and they would accompany us to the most interesting places.
We did and spent a most enjoyable day.
They, of course, knew which way to go to make the most of the time we had
to spare, which was a good thing for us. At
first, went straight out to the Cliff House, sat a little while in the
Observatory, looking at the seals as they came out on the rocks to sun
themselves and also watching the steamers passing in and out of the Golden Gate.
It was a grand sight to see. We
then passed down into the bathing department and saw the bather shoot the
chutes. There was one large fleshy lady that amused me very much.
Our time being limited, we soon left this place and passed down in boats
into the water; and passing on we came into the greenhouse where all tropical
plants are on display. Still further on and we were in the Zoo where they have all
kinds of animals. Here we saw the
largest lion in captivity. Last
year the Mayor of London offered San Francisco $4,000.00 for him, but San
Francisco would not part with him. He
is a large ferocious looking fellow. It
was dinner time when we were there and he began to roar and such a noise, it
would terrify anyone to hear. We
saw a baby bear, baby leopards and baby tigers.
Time was pressing on us so we passed out of this place and in an outer
room had our pictures taken. We then took the street cars back another route along the
coast all the way, and only for a fog that was rising, would have had a fine
view of the Pacific Ocean. Next we went to the Park and that is a beautiful place.
There we saw more animals and tropical birds; saw the largest bear in
captivity and he is a monster. We
passed through the mineral display, which was quite interesting – too much so
to be compelled to give only a passing glance – would like to have had time to
read all the inscriptions and taken noted of them – also the museum with its
many wonderful things; but could have only a passing glance, but even that was a
great treat. Time now to turn our
faces cityward. We boarded a car
and away to the city, arriving there at 3:45 p.m. We went to the Emporium, a large retail department store.
Before entering, we bade good-bye to Mr. Pringle and Mr. Shriner, our
hosts of the day and never were guests more royally treated then we were by
them. We passed into the store and made a few purchases for the
folks at home. From there we went
into the Diamond Palace and purchased your souvenir spoons.
From there, we went to Chinatown, passed through and returned to our
hotel, packed up our grips and made ready to leave at 5:30 p.m.
The bus driver soon called: “All
aboard.” We then bid adieu to San Francisco and turned our faces
toward the East, I feeling a little sad to think our pleasant trip would soon be
at an end. About 10:00 p.m. we
repaired to our berths, rested well, and awoke next morning (Thursday) with the
sun shining brightly and our train side-tracked at a small place up in the
Sierra Nevada Mountains, called Blue Canyon.
Cause – wreck ahead. The
evening before, a freight train with a carload of dynamite which exploded,
burned the train and track and set fire to the snow sheds. We had to wait until the damage was repaired which took until
six o’clock Thursday evening. We had a great time. There were five passenger trains all side-tracked and loaded with passengers. We soon cleaned the town of everything eatable and drinkable except a spring of water – the best in California. There was as much water flowing when we left as when we stopped there, but all else was cleaned out. When we reached the scene of the wreck it was dark and the fire was still raging in the forest. It was a grand sight to see, and yet sad to see those majestic cedars enveloped in flames, the tongues of fire shooting up towards the heavens and wavering back and forth with the wind. The sheds were burned for quite a distance. There are forty miles of these sheds in these mountains. The snow falls here to the depth of seven to eight feet
during the winter and the sheds are to protect the tracks from snow it being
cheaper to build them than to keep the track clear of snow. We passed another uneventful night speeding over the
mountains onto the plains of Nevada again, and at a small station (Imlay?) near
Battle Mountain, we saw the remains of a wreck of a few days previous where
there were four trains in the ditch – two freight and two passenger trains.
Several were killed and quite a number were injured.
You, no doubt, saw an account of it in the papers. On we sped and soon reached Lakeside and were again
crossing over the Great Salt Lake. Arrived
in Ogden eighteen hours late. Here
we again changed cars for Salt Lake City and bade adieu to the few people we met
on our trip from San Francisco. Some
very pleasant people – and here let me say, I met a lady from Ravenswood.
She lives across the street from Maude’s Father and Mother.
Her name is Mrs. Thomas, -- a very nice lady.
We also met an English lady who was touring.
She had been to San Francisco to visit her brother and was returning
home, or, at least, to Canada. At
Ogden she got off like everyone else and lost her car.
Your Pa went with her to inquire when she could get another train.
I thought for awhile he had gone with her to Canada, he was gone so long.
However, he came back and soon we were on our way to Salt Lake City. Arrived at Salt Lake City at 12:30 a.m.
At the depot we took the bus with the largest crowd and were taken to the
Cullen House; secured a very nice room on the second floor with all modern
conveniences. We retired at once.
Slept well until seven o’clock next morning.
After breakfast we started out to do the city.
We went to the Temple Square, viewed the outside of the temple, entered
the Assembly Hall, passed through and then entered the Tabernacle.
It is certainly a wonderful building.
In here we listened to an explanation of the Mormon Religion or faith,
and its origin from their standpoint, given by a talented lady.
She was a very pleasing speaker with a rich toned voice and pleasing
address. Her talk was very interesting to me. I enjoyed it very much. On our way back to the hotel for luncheon, we made our few
purchases. After lunch we boarded
an observation care and took in the city. There
was a man with a speaking trumpet on this car who explained everything of
interest and called our attention to them.
Sometimes the car would stop while he would explain the place or
building. We saw Brigham Young’s
grave, several wives graves, also the beautiful residence he built for his
favorite wife, Amelia, who is still living; saw the house he lived and died in,
which is now occupied by President Joseph Smith; saw the Eagle Gate, the large
monument erected to the memory of Brigham Young with a large statue of him on
top; saw the beautiful Catholic Cathedral now almost completed; the magnificent
hospital erected by Mrs. Judd, a wealthy lady of Salt Lake City, for sick or
disabled miners of Utah and is supported by her.
I was well pleased with my visit at Salt Lake City and would like to have
spent Sunday there, but time would not permit. Left Salt Lake City 9:30 a.m. Saturday, arrived at Grand
Junction Sunday 12:30 p.m. Had
dinner here and took the Colorado Midland for Colorado Springs and Denver.
Arrived at Leadville along about 3:00 p.m.
While crossing over the divide we were 15,000 feet above the level of the
sea, the altitude being so high that many do not try crossing, others nearly
lost their lives and a few die while crossing over.
A few days before we crossed, a young man died while passing over.
They did everything for him, but to no avail. His heart simply could not do its work. Your Pa and I did not have any trouble, did not notice any
difference whatever. We must have
very strong hearts, everyone said. Just after crossing over the divide, the road passes into a
tunnel two miles long and when halfway through it from 800 to 1000 feet to the
top of surface above. After passing
through the tunnel we soon reached Leadville where they cannot boil beans.
The longer they boil them the harder they get.
This is one of the richest mining towns of the West.
It has a population of 11,000 to 12,000.
As we had passed through, they seemed to be God-fearing people.
They were dressed in Sunday attire, walking the streets, apparently going
to or returning from Church services of some kind.
Some were sitting on their verandas reading.
This I observed as the train passed through the town.
The mountain scenery along this route was grand and preponderous in the
extreme. It was getting dark when
we reached Colorado Springs. After leaving Colorado Springs my first fear began to creep
upon me, and as the night advanced the more my fear increased.
Our train was late and it being Sunday evening – not many trains on the
road, our train tried to make up time, and I having passed over this part of the
route in daylight, knew what dangerous places we were passing over and at such a
rate of speed. My heart was in the
my mouth most of the time, but, thank God, we arrived in Denver at 12:15 a.m.
safe and sound. Went to the St.
Elmo Hotel and went to bed and slept until eight o’clock Friday morning. We again called to see John McNamara at his office as we
were passing by on our way to the State building. We went through it, saw there the largest piece of virgin
gold ever mined. It was from
Australia. Of course, what we saw
was only a facsimile of the original. We
walked up the winding stairs (seventeen flights in all) to the dome and took a
look at Pike’s Peak, the snowy range and the City of Denver and vicinity. After this, made for the depot, took our train at 11:20
a.m. for Lincoln, Nebraska. At
Limon Junction we were delayed waiting for the train for Colorado Springs.
After waiting awhile, word came that the engine of this train had broken
down and the engine of our train had to go after the disabled train and bring
her to Limon Junction, about twenty miles.
These delays are quite tiresome. The
train soon came and in a little while we were whirling over the plains toward
Lincoln. We had one or two delays
during the night with a hot box. They
had to stop and cool the box by pouring water into it someway.
I didn’t go out to see. We arrived in Lincoln at 6:00 a.m. Found your Uncle Jim all right without any troubles. We were just in time for breakfast, after which your Pa and Uncle Jim (note: maybe this is Rebecca’s brother; James McKinley (brother of Alex) having died in 1890) went downtown, visited the Capitol building, etc., etc. I remained at home and visited with your Aunt Mary and the girls. They are two very nice girls. After dinner your Uncle Jim, Aunt Mary, your Pa and I look a carriage ride around the city. Saw all the principal buildings, the Penitentiary, etc., etc. Called on Mrs. Don Love. Only intended a carriage call, but she insisted on our coming into the house, which we did. Found them very comfortably situated in quite a commodious modern home with all modern equipment and beautifully furnished. Found her very busy cutting winter garments preparatory to making up. Drove through both the Protestant and Catholic cemeteries; saw Wm. J. Bryan’s home, which stands just back of Don Love’s residence, facing the other street. Returned home in time for supper, after which we visited until it was time to go to the depot. Left Lincoln at 1:55 a.m., arrived in Iowa City, but the
conductor said: “No, West Liberty
is your place.” He said we could
make connections there all right. So
we went on that wild goose chase to West Liberty.
Found the train gone twenty minutes.
The conductor came to us and said: “Your
train has gone. You will have to
take a local freight to Elmira and catch the suburban there for Cedar
Rapids." We arrived in Cedar
Rapids at 7:30pm. Just think of it.
All day coming that far. We
had dinner and went to bed tired out. Next
day, your Pa wanted to call on some of his business friends and order some
goods, which he did. We left Cedar Rapids at 4:00pm Thursday evening, arriving home at 8pm. Bessie and A.D. were at the station to meet us. Glad to see us home again, as we were glad to reach home safe and sound in mind and body. Found everything in fine shape, thanks to the efficient and able hands we left in charge of affairs." |
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