THE PARIS POST, PARIS A TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS WITH THE CHARLES C. RICH CO. of PIONEERS OF 1847. By LETTIE B. H. RICH In this little poem I have mentioned the names of Apostle Charles C. Rich and his wives. To pay honor to their memory, and to bring back to our remembrance those days of trial and hardship they passed through. This is an imaginary trip with them. The wives are named in the order of their marriage to Charles C. Rich. I wish I had been a pioneer And walked across the plains, To have the record up above That the pioneers have gained As we could not all be there Let us in fancy; With that sturdy band of Pioneers In the heat and the winter snow. Of course it wasn’t all hardships As we traveled over the plains, For many a happy time we had And many a lesson gained. We left our home and loved ones, The Gospel call had come; To prepare, and go to Zion, A great trial it was to some. We left the City of Nauvoo In the early month of May, Adjusting ourselves to camp life As we traveled on our way. At night the camp fires burned so bright As we gathered around in prayer; To thank our Heavenly Father For His blessings and watchful care. Our voices arose in singing As we gathered all around. Our seats were soft as a palace chair As we sat upon the ground. Captain Charles C. Rich gave a talk To the men and women too, Saying he had noticed some in camp Who did things they shouldn’t do. “We have left old Babylon behind All sinful habits too, A new world to seek and find And live the Gospel true.” As our covered wagons moved along Over burning sand each day, We were thankful for a cool green spot To rest along the way. On day we traveled oh, so far Aunt Sarah D. said, in her optimistic way: “We will gather enough buffalo chips To last us all next day.” Eliza Ann said: “My shoes are wearing out, A few holes here and there, And sad to say today I stepped Upon a prickly pear,” Today as we all camped beside The beautiful river Platte, The feed was good for the cattle, The ground was smooth and flat, The family washing soon was done And hung out in the sun. As night a social dance was called And pioneer songs were sun. “Come, Come ye Saints,” rang sweet and clear Upon that starlit night. Looking down upon this little group, It was a lovely sight. Sometimes we met with storms and rain, With swollen streams to cross, But all would lend a helping hand Getting through with little loss. As we stopped to dry our clothing, The women got camp kettles out, To cook us all some buffalo meat Brought in by Indian Scouts. Aunt Mary made some biscuits, They tasted very good, Cooked in a baking skillet With buffalo chips for wood. The sisters set the table Upon a cool green place, The men carried the water, Captain Charles C. Rich said the grace; Sarah Jane packed the dishes, Each pot and pan so clean; Emeline said “This surely is The prettiest spot we have seen.” That night as they all made their beds, Beside some tall green willows; In the early morning when they awoke, There was frost upon their pillows. And, now the cattle are all yoked up As we travel on once more. Aunt Harriet and her yoke of oxen Have started on before. There are other faithful souls We haven’t mentioned here, But to this little band of saints, They are to us most dear. At last down Emigration Canyon Men and women slowly tramp, Feeling they are near the journey’s end To make a permanent camp. Nearing the valley of Great Salt Lake, With smiles upon each face, They hear these words ring clearly, “This is the Place.” In the year 1851 Charles C. Rich (Apostle) was called by Brigham Young in company with Apostle Amasa Lyman to go to San Bernardino, California, and make a settlement for the saints, and have an LDS organization. Then in the year 1864 Brigham Young again called him to settle Bear Lake Valley, which we did, moving his families there and establishing a branch of the Church.