Catherine Haun

Catherine Haun was a young bride when she and her husband decided to cross the plains in a prairie schooner. They wanted to leave behind some old debts and the cold winters of Iowa that were affecting Catherine's health and find a better life in California. In her reminiscence, dictated to her daughter many years after the 1849 journey, Haun vividly describes the details of furnishing the wagon for the trip. She tells about the clothing, food, medicine, and supplies they packed into their wagon. She also relates how a code of regulations was drawn up, officers elected and duties assigned to each member of the party once the wagons were assembled in a caravan. Despite their thorough preparations, Catherine and her husband had second thoughts after the first night on the trail. They were on the verge of turning...