Dwelling among the Untrodden Ways: Life in Oklahoma Territory

Sensing the hopelessness of the moment, Laura turned toward her children and yelled at the top of her voice, ‘Hold on to the wagon, and pray!’ Her quick turn loosened the Bible and sent it into the churning water. Reaching for the treasured book, Laura lost her balance, fell from the seat and was immediately pulled away by the raging river. Carried downstream, she heard the frantic calls of her children as she struggled to stay afloat. The Mansfields’ attempt to cross a roaring river on the trip to a new land was ending in disaster. Nelle felt the horrific burden of her future life as the oldest child. No more Mother. Never to see her again. No talk. No hugs. No laughter. Nelle pulled her little sunbonnet over her face and remembered seeing her mother do the same on the first day of the journey. Free land in a new territory required unexpected courage. Pioneers in the Twin Territories often paid a bitter price for their homesteads.