June 28, 1922 crying, crying, crying

Addressed to:
Mr. G. Rayson Brown.
1468 E 67 St.
Chicago Ill.

Return address:
From.
408 Marcy St.
Ottawa Ill.

Transcription:

Ottawa Illinois
June 28-1922

My dear Boy:-

How glad I was to get your dear letter this after-noon for I had been looking for one from you since Mon-day. I was indeed worried I thought sure that you were ill. for I didn't remember of writing any thing that would offend you, although I wrote the letter in an awful hurry. and when I didn't get a letter this morning I cam right in and wrote that awful letter in a hurry so that Evalyn Yost could mail it on her way back to the office. but my dear Boy please forgive me, for I havnt been myself since Mon-day after-noon. every thing worries me so. I got a card from L.A. Calif. Express Company in regard to Edythe's Box and the Trunk, and it worried me so I was nearly sick. my dear girl used to do all of my business for me, and now I have it all to do. 

Yes my dear Rayson I dont say it because Edythe is my girl, but she is an honest kind hearted respectable girl, and no one can say any thing different and tell the truth. it was always Mr Sisson's and my great aim to raise the girl's up honest and respectable, and I think we have succeeded. Rayson I know it was hard for Edythe to tell you what shed did, but down in her heart she knew that she aught to tell you, and did. but I fully intend to relieve her of that embarrassment. My dear Boy when I read in your letter how well you spoke of  Edythe and the great respect you had for her, it made me cry. the poor girl has had quite enough sorrow for once, and no one in this town that knows the true state of affairs blames her in the least. 

Yes Rayson when I wrote that letter to Edythe a week or so ago, I told her that you wrote to me twice a week and that you were coming to spend the 4th with me, so she will know that you have kept your promise. dear Boy you come on the evening train, "I am going to sit up and wait for you," for I am just lonesome to see you.  if I did go to bed I couldnt sleep sleep with the thoughts of your coming. And when you arrise in the morning , I am going to ask you to put up the 4th of July flag. 

I was over to Aunt Vick's yester-day after-noon, and we as we sat out in her swing I thought of Decoration day when we were all there, and the big tears came to my eyes, and finally rolled down my cheek's, and Vick turned to me and said "for goodness sakes Edith what is the matter?" Oh the neighbors come in quite often and find me crying. but my dear boy I am going to try and avoid that when you come for dont want to make your visit an unhappy one.

Well my dear Boy I think I will have to stop writing and go to bed. I didn't sleep much last night. I awaikened ot out of a sad dream crying. I will now close wishing you may may dream of Edythe. 

With lots of Love and best Wishes
I am as ever
Loveingly
Mother.


Note: The shameful thing that Edythe "did" may have been a short disastrous marriage. I was told that she didn't talk about it much. I have looked for details, but so far haven't come up with documentation.

June 28, 1922 Whatever is the matter?

Addressed to:
Mr. G. Rayson Brown.
1468. E. 67 St.
Chicago Illinois.

Return address:
From.
408 Marcy St
Ottawa Ill.

Transcription:

Ottawa, Ill.
June 28.-1922.

Dear Rayson:-

Whatever is the matter I have not heard from you since last Satur-day. are you ill, or have I written something that has offended you? If I have I certainly beg your pardon.

I had a letter from Edythe Monday and they were in Big Pine, Calif. and would be at their destination in three or four days she also said she had just finished a letter to you. three whole pages. 

Now my dear Boy please write and tell me just what the trouble is, for I certainly feel bad. if it is that you dont care to hear from me any more dont be afraid to say. I mailed you a letter Sunday night did you get it. 

Rayson this will be a short letter. I just came in from out door's have been diging digging weed's out of the front yard. and when the mail man came and brought me no letter from you, I came right in to write to you, for I cant immagine what the trouble is.

I will now close and get me some lunch. with love and best wishes I still remain

Loveingly,
Mother.

#virtualoregontrail May 30-June 5, 1845 Buffalo

Continued from the diary of James Field:

Frid. 30. – Again we lay in camp, awaiting the return of Clark and his company, who returned in the afternoon, all but three, bringing near 30 head of cattle with them from near Blue river. The three returned during the night, and our brave ex-captain, T’Vault, was so courageous as to jump out of his tent, on hearing the noise of their approach, and fire at them, raising a pretty row for a while. 

Sat. 31. – Went about 20 miles, camping near a place just deserted by a hunting party of Indians, whose camp, from the abundance of greasy bones, and scraps of buffalo meat and skins, gave evidence of a successful hunt here lately, although we have not yet seen the first buffalo. The creek we left this morning was not Plum creek, as we passed it about noon. 

Sun. June 1. – We camped last evening in two companies, with every evidence of a general split, which accordingly took place this morning, McNary telling us he is no longer captain. It has been very evident throughout our journey that we could get along much easier in smaller companies. This day was taken up with dividing out the cattle, and towards evening near one third of the company left, under McNary, and went on some five or six miles, followed by some 12 or 13 wagons under J. Waymire, the late lieutenant. The company which last evening broke off, remained still upon the ground, and to this company I was attached. I will here say that it was from no ill feeling toward the captain or any of the company we broke off in the manner we did, but merely to get along easier than we could in the large crowd we were in, as for the last week we had been compelled to either make short drives or lay by every other day on account of the straying of our cattle.  

Mon. 2. – Went 22 miles this day. Saw plenty signs of buffalo, but we discovered none until evening, when two men went out and fired at one of two that had come down into the bottom, but did not get him. 

Photo from Flickr CC Public Domain

Tues. 3. – Went about 18 miles, the road broken with dry water-courses and the land dryer than any yet traveled in this bottom. About noon, five companies of U. S. dragoons, under Col. Kearney, 250 strong, overtook us, and camped soon after. They were hardy looking fellows, and as they passed along in two double lines, leading their horses, they looked nearly as dark as natives, and some of them, with their mustachios, a good deal savager. Two buffalo were killed by our party to-day, and opposite this evening’s camp scores may be seen across the river. 

Wed. 4. – D. Lafield, the only Yankee in the crowd, and he from old Connecticut too, had to take to the bush yesterday on the dragoons’ approach, he having been one, and quit Fort Leavenworth without saying By your leave, Mr. Officer. Every man in camp was his friend, and he had been a good fellow, for, if a man had a cow or anything strayed, Davy was always ready to follow the trail, and he went back two or three times, nearly always with success, though afoot and alone, and several times he laid out in the prairie at night. He was accounted the best cattle-driver in camp, though a footman, and was as good as half a dozen such horsemen as some were. He came into camp this morning, having lain in the prairie all night without gun, blanket, or provisions, and came near running into the dragoons’ camp in the night, but, hearing the relief guard called, he scattered off in another direction. We went about 16 miles this day, camping on a clear-water slough, with only buffalo chips for fuel, which would also have been the case last night had we not taken wood in the wagons the day previous. This was the shortest day I have seen on the road, as there was something to vary the monotony of our journey. Just as we were fairly on our road, the dragoons passed us and overtook a large herd of buffalo feeding in the bottom. They had five horses with them kept during their whole march for running buffalo, and when these were put after them, the buffalo took to the sandhills, among which they were running them all day, we enjoying the sport. I had supposed, from the slowness of their motions, they would make a poor race, but in this I was mistaken, and it is no common nag that outruns them. One of our company gave one of them a shot, which passed through the body and lungs above the heart, and he then outran a dragoon for half a mile, after which he laid down and died. 

Thur. 5. – To-day we went 17 miles, camping on the river near a company which passed us some 10 or 12 days ago. 

From “The Diary of James Field” Willamette Farmer (Portland, OR, Fridays: April 18 – August 1, 1879). 

 25 Apr 1879 (May 28-June 17) 

https://oregonnews.uoregon.edu/lccn/sn85042522/1879-04-25/ed-1/seq-3/  

June 25, 1922 Mother writes of her lonesomeness

Addressed to:
Mr. G. Rayson Brown.
1468. E. 67. St.
Chicago Illinois.

no return address

Transcription:
Ottawa Illinois.
June 25 - 1922.

My dear Son:-

Your very dear letter came Saturday morning, when I was cleaning the front porch, and Rayson I sat right down in the swing to read it. I am always more than glad to receive your letters for you seem as one of my very own children.

This certainly has been a wonderful day. if the day was as nice where you were, you must have enjoyed your self without a doubt. and you must tell me all about it when you come home. 

I had a letter from our Father friday, and he said when he got the children located he would be back after me, but he said he had a house to build and some other work before he could come.

I also had a letter from my sister in Long Beach, she said she was so ancious to see the girl's she could hardly wait until they got there, she hasn't them for ten year's. 

Aunt Vick was here for a little while this after-noon. she was feeling blue. she said she had only one letter from Ryburn since he went to Camp Knox. dear Rayson I hope when we hear from our dear ones again they will be in Los Angeles. it seems as though they have been gone a year. I try not to worry, and feel cheerful, but I just cant help it. it is the first time I have ever been left all alone and I hope it will never happen again.

Now my dear boy try and come the evening before the 4th, tell Old Moragn you have just got to go. I am so lonesome to see some one of my dear children.

The cousin that was here went to Aurora this morning to visit Roy Beguin and his wife. her husband was Roy's father. 

Now my dear boy I will have to stop writing and get ready to go down town it is after seven and I want this letter to go out tonight, as I know you will be expecting one to-morrow. with lots of love and best wishes to my boy I am as ever,
Loveingly Mother.

June 25, 1922 - We arrived in Los Angeles, California!

Addressed to:
Mr. G. Rayson Brown.
1468 East 67th St.,
Chicago,
Illinois.

From:
5135 Grange Ave.
Los Angeles, Calif.

Transcription:
Los Angeles, Cal.,
June, 25 - 1922

Dearest Rayson:

We arrived last evening in this beautiful city and surprised our dear Father almost beyond words. He was in his room at the hotel at half past five, reading his paper, not expecting us before today. He is so thin dear, since the last time I saw him that I just broke down and cried but didn't tell him why. It would only worry him, poor fellow he has had a bad time all by himself and was really getting discouraged. If we hadn't come soon I don't know what he would have done.

Darling, I had a lovely surprise also, for Father handed me two letters, one from our dear Mother and the other from you. It made me so happy dear to hear from you so soon.

Father brought us all our to the new house where we stayed all night. It is surely a cute little place, like a doll house. Some day maybe we will have one just like it. There are four rooms, a parlor, kitchen, bedroom and bath room. The only thing lacking is clothes closets. We are all wondering where we will put our clothes, when they come from the express office.

Tomorrow we will go down town and buy curtains, shades and other fixtures, then Vera has rugs and so on, so by the time Mother and you arrive things will seem like home. 

There is no water, gas or electricity as yet but that will be in very soon. Anything seems like home to us after sleeping in a tent for so long.

We are pretty lucky to be here, last Thursday afternoon we got stuck in Westguard pass out of gas and as it is so far to the nearest town we had to stay until morning. We four slept in the car as there was no place to put up tents, and really I never spent such a night. We were all cramped and stiff in the morning.

William Bucko is still with us and will stay until the car is repaired. The regenerator is broken and the car is just white with alkali dust and needs washing badly.

The nieghbors were awfully good, we had hardly landed before they were here to meet us. Mr & Mrs Stawinski live on our left and Mr & Mrs Clayton and daughter are just back of us. The Clayton's brought us bedding and benches to sit upon.

Today Father started building a house for the Stawinski's and at noon she brought him his dinner of chicken, potatoes, lettuce salad, cookies, pie, cantaloupe, peaches and large red cherries, also two bottles of near beer. She is a wonderful cook for a foriegner. 

We have just been up town to get Father's clothes from the hotel and on the way back a cop picked us up for having only one dim light. They are very strict here we are told.

I am glad dear that you liked the little snapshot but I will surely be glad to get some other clothes to wear for a change. I had almost forgotten that I had anything else to wear.

Darling I am glad you have started packing, it surely sounds good to me, only I wish you were here now. Tomorrow I will have your photo to look upon, just think dearest I haven't seen you for so long, it seems an age. The time cannot fly any too quickly to suit me, until we can be together again.

Mother surely thinks a lot of you dearest and was so glad to think that you thought enough of her to leave Chicago and come down to spend to fourth of July with her. She didn't mention a thing about getting hurt, I suppose she didn't want to worry us. Please dear do not mention anything to her that I write to you, that you think might worry her.

Darling it is getting very late and I must close. I imagine you can tell by this letter that I have not entirely collected my senses, I start in on one subject and finish up on another. When we get settled things will go better.

I should not have mentioned anything about that subject, when I wrote to you enroute for dearest lover, I did believe what you said and am very sure you love me, I love and care for you also dear and will try to make you as happy as you have already made me. I only wish you could be here where I could take care of you always, as it is I can only say good night for this time, and with all my love I remain as always, your own,
Edythe.

June 22, 1922

Addressed to:
Mr. G. Rayson Brown.
1468. E 67. St.
Chicago Illinois.

From.
408 Marcy St.
Ottawa Ill.

Transcription:
Ottawa Illinois.
June 22 - 1922.

My dear Son:-

Your very precious letter came this morning, and I certainly was more than pleased to get it. Rayson I hadn't heard from my dear children since Monday, and last evening I was worried. I went to bed crying, wondering if something had happened to them, but I got a letter this morning when your's came so I am glad again. They will soon be with their Father.

Sometimes I just think I cant stand this lonesomeness any longer it surely is awful. I try and keep busy at something to get the time over. My dear boy I am so glad you wrote to Edythe, it surely will be a glad surprise for my dear girl.

Rayson if I was to tell you what I have been doing for the last three morning's, you would be apt to give me a good spanking when n you come home, it might possibly be you will notice it when you come.

It has been nice and cool here all week. Sunday it was quite cold. Well Rayson I had a glad surprise yester-day. I received a letter from a very dear friend, "Mrs Challis", in Ulysses Nebr. and she is coming to pay me a visit after the 4th. and I am going to keep her here just as long as I can. We were girl's to-gather long long ago. Now my dear Rayson while I think of it why cant you come down the evening before the 4th. You can just as well come over here and stay all night, there are tow vacant bed's here and you might just as well occupy one of them. and I will sit out on the front porch and wait for you. get a Taxi to bring you over and then you won't be so tired and you will have all the next day to visit. what do you say?

Well my dear boy I will have to stop writing and get something extra for supper. the cousin that came from N. Dacota has been in the country visiting and came back here this morning so I will have company for a day or two.

I will now bring this letter to a close. with love and best wishes to my dear Boy, I remain as ever,
Loveingly
Mother.

June 20, 1922 - "We are just starting to have our trouble."

Addressed to:
Mr. G. Rayson Brown.
1468 East 67th St.,
Chicago,
Illinois.

From:
E. G. Sisson
408 Marcy St.,
Ottawa, Ill.

Transcription:

Ely, Nevada
June 20 - 1922

Dear Rayson:

I am so sorry not to have written before now, after I promised you I would write every day but dear I didn't realize then what that would mean on a trip like this. We are just starting to have our trouble.

Saturday morning after I finished writing to you we had to hurry and dress, meet the McCaffreys down town for breakfast and then went to the organ recital. The music was wonderful and I hope some day you may hear it. We went from there to see the capital building and then out to Great Salt Lake. Billy and Buck went in bathing but Mr. Mac. wouldn't go in. They have all sorts of amusements besides. It is a very pretty place.

Sunday morning we left early and thought we could cross the desert by night. We could have it if had not been for a tourist we met in Tooelle. He directed us to take another trail, saying it would be better, which we did. We went altogether about ninety nine miles out of our way and probably would still be somewhere in Utah now if we hadn't met a couple fellows in a ford coming east over that trail. They told us to turn back as there was seven miles of the road under salt water, hub deep and they had had a terrible time. Can you imagine us in a mess like that. We came back and spent the night in Tooelle and as we started early Monday morning, before the stores opened we didn't get anything for dinner or anything to eat if we got hungry on the desert. We reached Gold Hill about two oclock, all the cafes were closed for the summer and they would not feed us at the hotel, needless to say we were nearly starved. All we could get was bread, preserves and cookies from the store and then everyone had ice cream at the drug store.

Last night we camped at Tippetts Ranch, right out in the farm yard. They had a little one horse store, but nothing in it except canned goods. We had to eat crackers instead of bread.

Tonight we are here in Ely, a much larger place but a very poor camp grounds. Out here they have no trees so you can imagine what the grounds look like. We drove today until three oclock, having had our two first punctures and dirty spark plugs, and so we are calling it a day.

Please darling do not get out of patience with me if you do hear from me every day although I would like to do so. When I am all settled in my new home which I hope will be in about five days now, I promise you will hear oftener and dear what will be even better, I shall hear from you. I miss you dear even more than you can imagine and dream about you constantly. I shall be very glad when the time is up and you will be coming west also.

As we cannot hear from Mother I am always wondering how she is getting along all by herself. Write her a card dear once in a while to keep her in good spirits.

Well darling I am going to write her a little letter and so will close. With all my love I remain
Lovingly yours,
Edythe.

June 19, 1922 - "Till We Meet Again" on the player Piano

Addressed to:
Mr G. Rayson Brown.
1468 E. 67. St.
Chicago. Ill. 

From.
408 Marcy St.
Ottawa Ill.

Transcription:
Ottawa Illinois.
June 19 - 1922.

My dear Son:-
Your precious letter came this after-noon and I certainly was glad to get it. and I sat right down and wrote a letter to our Father, telling him there would be two letters come for Edythe, (very important) and they would be sent in his care, and that he must give them to her as soon as she arrives. and I know every thing turn out all right.

I am going to send my letter to Edythe about Thurs-day. and I will tell her all. and Rayson if you dont mind, I will enclose your last letter to me, and then the dear girl can see for her-self just how much you love and care for her, and I am going to do all I can to make you both happy. Now my dear Boy cheer up don't feel sad. for I know my dear girl isn't going to worry any more after she receives both of the letters. And Rayson when they reach Los Angeles and you want to go to Edythe, dont stop fr on my account, go to her for I know she will be waiting for you.

I wrote and told our Father to come home to me for it seems year's and years since he has been gone.

I was all all alone yester-day. and such a day. The P Petersons next-door started their player Piano going and played Till we meet again and I was sitting in the swing reading and they started that, I got out of the swing and came in the house and had one good cry.

Image from wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Till_We_Meet_Again_(1918_song)

Smile the while you kiss me sad adieu,

When the clouds roll by I'll come to you,

Then the skies will seem more blue,

Down in lovers lane my dearie,

Wedding bells will ring so merrily,

Every tear will be a memory,

So wait and pray each night for me,

Till we meet again.

I had a card from Vera this morning and they were in Salt Lake City, so they will soon be at their destination.

Rayson I said in the beginning of my letter that I would send Edythe's letter Thurs-day. I think Rayson we had better send our letters Tomorrow or next day, and not wait until Thurs-day. I think I will write tom-morrow night and mail it Wednes-day.

Well my dear Son I think I will have to stop writing and go to Bed for I am pretty tired Wishing you happy dreams. I will close this letter with love and best wishes, and remain as ever
Loveingly
your Mother.

June 17, 1922 Salt Lake City, Utah

Addressed to:
Mr. G. Rayson Brown.
1468 East 67th St.
Chicago,
Illinois.

From:
408 Marcy St.,
Ottawa,
Illinois.

Transcription:
Salt Lake City, Utah
June, 17, 1922

Dearest Rayson:

I am wondering how you are this morning. I could not sleep any more so thought I would write to you. Please excuse the writing dear as it is rather difficult to write on ones lap.

I'll bet you think my letters few and far between, but dear it is hard to find time to write as we are always on the move and just remember that I am thinking of you anyway.

Thursday night we spent the night in a little log cabin which we rented for the night there was a stove and table in it and so we managed to keep warm. Dear I wouldn't live in this country if they would pay me, it is so cold nights, we all nearly freeze.

We arrived here at Salt Lake almost sundown last night. It looks awfully pretty from the mountain tops. We are now in the mountains proper and although we go through some pretty risky places yet I like them just fine. There are several snow covered peaks and so there are a great many springs of fresh water as cold as ice.

Yesterday the Ford gave us a little trouble, mornings we have to make all the hills in low and in the afternoons we make them all in high, but for a change it balked a couple of times. One of the spark plugs needed attention and then you should have seen how it ran.

The two families of us went up town to dinner last night and the mosquitos nearly ate us up. There will be a whole swarm light on you at once let me tell you its a fight to get rid of them.

The rest of the family just got up and announced that we would breakfast uptown and go from there sightseeing. We are going to lay over a day here for that purpose, also to give the car a rest.

At twelve oclock we are going to the tabernacle to hear the organ recital. I suppose you have heard all all about its being the largest organ in the world and so I will not bother telling you. Then this afternoon we will go to the lake. I would like very much to go in bathing but that all depends on how warm the water is.

Vera is trying to find some one to press our dresses. You can imagine how they look after being in a suit case all this time. We thought we should dress up a little to go to the temple.

How did you like the picture dear? Please do not think too badly of it. Everyone here wears the knicker suits, they are much handier to climb in. Once in a while we have to walk up a steep grade, and they are fine.

They have a fine camping ground here, it is just back from the ball park. Everyone registers as they come in, they have shower baths and a little grocery store. There are something like a hundred machines here. Everyone lays over a day to see the sights.

Well dearest, I never can seem to have two minutes to myself. Vera has just told Billy that we would meet them downtown in an hour and that means hurry again. They are going down to get shaved. I will write again soon. With all my love I am as allways,
Lovingly yours,
Edythe.

#virtualoregontrail May 23-29, 1845, Slowed by heavy rains

Continued from the Diary of James Field:

Frid. 23. – Still raining this morning. We lay in camp until near noon, then went 4 miles and camped, the pilot telling us that it was the last camp we could make on Blue. 

Sat. 24. – Owing to the straying of some oxen, it was 9 o’clock before we got in motion, striking off in a northwest direction for Platte river, on which we expected this evening to camp. About noon the pilot ran us off the track, and we doubled back, losing some two or three miles travel, and when we struck off on the right trail, we hurried with all speed, but night overtook us in the prairie, and we were obliged to camp in the prairie, without fire or water, and most of us without any supper, after traveling 25 miles. Saw more game, deer and antelope, this day than during the whole previous journey. Their abundance is no doubt owing to their vicinity to the buffalo, which are better worth hunting. We also crossed three trails leading to the Pawnee villages. These trails looked as though they were made by six or seven parallel files of horsemen. 

Sun. 25. – Gathered up the oxen as soon after daylight as possible, and went five miles, to Platte river, where we camped for the day. This stream bears a close resemblance to the Missouri river, only its bottom has much less timber in it, has few snags, and never overflows its banks, although they are always full. During the afternoon, the small company in our rear from Independence passes, in two divisions, they having split through. 

Mon. 26. – It was raining heavily this morning, and we did not start until it ceased, toward 11 o’clock. However, we made about 15 miles, camping upon the river, with nothing but willow bushes for firewood, and most of them green ones at that. Went the most direct course along the level bottom of any day’s travel yet, our direction being near w.s.w. 

Photo from Flickr CC Public Domain

Tues. 27. – Last night had one of the hardest thundershowers since starting, and the way the tents flew was some; a half dozen are lying around camp, deserted by their occupants. Kindling a fire with willows soaked in rain is an operation that tests the patience and perseverance of any man. The cattle were also very much scatter, so that, after hunting all day, many are still missing, and, after moving on 4 miles, we camped, to lay by another day and hunt them, as their trail was found, and had been followed some 15 or 20 miles up into the high prairie beyond the bluffs. Some 50 or 60 head were driven in form 6 to 12 miles distance. An accident occurred whilst moving our camp in the afternoon which nearly proved fatal. A child fell from one of the wagons, and it ran over his breast and one arm, but, the ground being soft underneath the wheels, he was not killed, although taken up senseless, and is this evening in a fair way to recover. 

Wed. 28. – To-day we lay in camp, as the pilot, with 8 men, went back early this morning to hunt the strays, a part of which returned of their own accord about noon; indeed, all the missing working cattle have returned, but the men are not in this evening. 

Thur. 29. – This morning our camp was visited by 4 Pawnees, with their ponies laden with buffalo meat, which they must have killed with their bows and arrows, as they had no guns with them. Went 15 miles, camping on Plum creek. The Platte is the most singular river in our country, and differs from all I ever saw. Its banks are low, with a broad alluvial bottom, yet it never overflows it. The stream varies one to two and three miles in width, with a rapid current, yet a man can ford it most anywhere, and we have followed it 35 miles now, and this is the first branch to cross, and even though the land along the bottom is quite moist with showers nearly every night, this little branch looks more like a pool of water than a running stream. 

From “The Diary of James Field” Willamette Farmer (Portland, OR, Fridays: April 18 – August 1, 1879). 

 18 Apr 1879 (April 16, 1845-May 27) 

https://oregonnews.uoregon.edu/lccn/sn85042522/1879-04-18/ed-1/seq-3/ 

 25 Apr 1879 (May 28-June 17) 

https://oregonnews.uoregon.edu/lccn/sn85042522/1879-04-25/ed-1/seq-3/