Eastern Sheep Creek Hills Diary Accounts
Here are two trails. The nearest turns to the right up a creek [Thomas Fork] for a mile and a
half, crossed the creek and passes over the hill, and strikes the other trail at the foot of Big
Hill, six miles from the crossings. The other trail crosses the river, follows up its bottom round
the bend for eight miles, to where it crosses the river, then follows down the bottom three miles,
and takes up the valley for one mile to the foot of Big Hill, where it intersects the other trail.
Joel Palmer August 1, 1845
Emigrant Trails of Southern Idaho, page 13
Today at the crossing of a branch of the Bear River, I traded a pony. The goods I gave in
exchange would he worth in the States. about $10 and the pony $40 or $50. Today I had a
long ride with a couple of Shoshonees. They were as lively and good-humored as could well
he. I told one of them that his bow made of mountain sheep horn backed with sinew was only
fit to shoot mosquitoes. To this he answered that he could shoot through a buffalo
Dr. Charles E. Boyle June 23, 1849
The Gold Rush Diary of Dr. Charles E. Boyle
Took an early start this morning. Went about 2 miles and crossed Smiths Fork, where we had
to unload, which was the first time we have had to unload our wagons since we started. This
is the Bear river. We have had a very crooked road today. 2 p.m. Came to Thomas's Fork.
This was a bad place but did not have to unload. The grass has been good. We are all getting
over the mountain fever. It is a bad fever to have. Come over 20 miles and camped 2 miles
from Thomas's fork. Good grass and water. 5 p.m.
George Bonniwell Friday June 28 and 78 day out, 1850
The Gold Rush Diary Of George Bonniwell
[P]assed Owens & Wilsons trading post Situated on Thomass Fork Bear River where Father
bought two yokes of oxen. Crossed the fork & a slough on a bridge by paying $1 per wagon
saved 8 miles by doing so…
Susan Amelia Cranston July 6, 1851
Emigrant Trails of Southern Idaho, page 14
At the end of sixteen miles today we reached Thomas’ Fork. Here found a bridge and trading
post, also lots of Indians.
P. V, Crawford July 9, 1951
Emigrant Trails of Southern Idaho, page 14
This afternoon we came to the crossing of Bear River. We were agreeably surprised to find it
bridged. We paid a dollar apiece for our wagons. The bridge is a very rudely constructed
affair, and no doubt was made by emigrants, but some men are there now taking toll on it,
who had nothing to do with the erecting of it! After crossing, we soon began to ascend a very
steep mountain. We got over safely and encamped in the valley near a little stream. Still the
never-ending procession of rude graves along our path.
Esther B.M. Hanna July 12, 1852
Emigrant Trails of Southern Idaho, page 14