18. In company with Brother S., visited the scene of the late fire. Visited the great water-works, also the exposition building, the largest building I was ever in. Walked through the tunnel and visited the Union, Michigan, and Jefferson Parks, where was much of interest. Traveled by street-car and on foot about ten miles. Took train on the Burlington at 10 P. M.
19. Reached Red Oak, Iowa, 7 P. M. Put up at the Tremont House. A lady was shot in the place tonight by one whom she had opposed as a suitor for her daughter. Four balls were fired, some of which took effect in the neck. She may possibly recover. The assassin was arrested and confined.
20. Took train for Nebraska City. Western Iowa is beautiful; Sarah much admires it. Reached the Missouri River at ten, and Brother Kimmel's in Nebraska City at eleven. Took train for Seward. The country looks beautiful. One thing strikes the mind as different from Iowa and Illinois, and that is the great abundance of wheat on this side of the Missouri River. Corn is raised in abundance in those States; but little proportionately is raised here, and will be almost an entire failure this year owing to the drought and grasshoppers. As soon as we crossed the Missouri we landed among swarms of those insects. Landed safely at Seward at 10 P. M. Thank God for his kind care over us, permitting us safely to return to my field of labor.
21. This morning Sarah and I walked over the prairie two miles to Bro. William Anderson's.
22. P. M., we went out to visit a colony of prairie-dogs. Eve, preached from 2 Pet. 1:3.
24. Went to Seward, Wife and I and Bro. J. W. K——. He leaves on the train this morn for Ohio to take a wife, a dear sister, Eliza T——, who was converted under my labors and is a special friend of mine. About a year ago I introduced them to each other, since which time they have corresponded and now have pledged themselves to live in unison for life. I pray God that their union may result in unbroken happiness and usefulness.
26. Wife and I came to Polk County. Wife is pleased with the home, but fears we shall not be able to build. I pray God he may send help from some source.
29. Drove about twenty-three miles, to Fillmore. Preached in the old sod schoolhouse. The brethren and sisters were glad to see me, as I also was to see them. Brother Grigg has been preaching for them during my absence. He does well and is sound in the Scriptures. I am glad that I found him out before I left.
31. At 3 P. M. started for Seward County, thirty-eight miles. At sunset stopped and ate our supper by the way. Turned out Mattie Blaze to pick grass. Then came on. The curtains of night were soon thrown about us. It was cloudy, and not being able to see my guiding stars we lost our way. When I discovered the north star we traveled some distance by it with no road at all. We went several miles out of our way and landed at Bro. J. Anderson's after twelve.
Sept 4, 1874. Drove twenty-six miles to Polk County.