Rj's Valley: The Journals of Rebecca Jemima Callaway 1860–1862

By Ardith Nelson

RJs Valley is a continuation of the journals of Rebecca Jemima Callaway, who was first introduced in RJs Journeythe story of life on the Oregon Trail. In RJs Valley, the journals reveal the life and thoughts of an adventurous young woman in the mid-1800s in her beautiful and beloved Willamette Valley, Oregon.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Feb 7, 2018
• ISBN: 9781973617563

Ardith Nelson

Ardie Nelson was born and raisesd in Nebraska. She enjoys studying American History, especially the pioneer era. Having grown up on what was the vast prairie of the Great Plains she still wonders what the landscape was like before highways, power lines and barbwire fences. She has taught in private a Christian school in Minnesota and colleges in Minnesota and British Columbia. She has worked professionally with children, youth and adults in churches in Minnesota and Texas. Currently, she lives in Missouri with her husband and near her children and grandchildren.

Book preview

RJ’s Valley

The Journals of Rebecca Jemima Callaway 1860–1862

ARDITH NELSON

27887.png

Copyright © 2018 Ardith Nelson.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

1 [phone]

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-9736-1755-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-1756-3 (e)

WestBow Press rev. date:  02/01/2018

Contents

Acknowledgement

Introduction by Author

Characters

Prologue: (Rebecca Jemima’s Introduction to her Journals)

Journal of 1860

January 6, 1860

January 15, 1860

January 20, 1860

February 28, 1860

March 20, 1860

April 10, 1860

May 25, 1860

June 4, 1860

June 5, 1860

June 22, 1860

July 4, 1860

July 15, 1860

July 30, 1860

August 1, 1860

August 8, 1860

August 18, 1860

August 30, 1860

September 12, 1860

September 20, 1860

October 4, 1860

October 6, 1860

November 1, 1860

November 25, 1860

November 26, 1860

December 8, 1860

December 14, 1860

December 16, 1860

December 17, 1860

December 18, 1860

December 19, 1860

December 20, 1860

December 21, 1860

December 26, 1860

Journal 1861

January 7, 1861

February 1, 1861

February 14, 1861

February 21, 1861

February 22, 1861

March 25, 1861

April 10, 1861

April 13, 1861

May 1, 1861

May 2, 1861

May 6, 1861

May 14, 1861

May 15, 1861

May 17, 1861

May 20, 1861

May 21, 1861

May 25, 1861

June 4, 1861

July 4, 1861

July 31, 1861

August 10, 1861

August 15, 1861

September 4, 1861

September 20, 1861

September 30, 1861

October 26, 1861

November 30, 1861

December 29, 1861

Journal 1862

January 5, 1862

January 24, 1862

February 14, 1862

February 20, 1862

February 28, 1862

March 15, 1862

April 10, 1862

April 30, 1862

May 12, 1862

May 13, 1862

May 14, 1862

May 15, 1862

June 10, 1862

June 12, 1862

July 5, 1862

August 1, 1862

August 10, 1862

August 11, 1862

August 26, 1862

August 28, 1862

September 5, 1862

September 15, 1862

September 20, 1862

September 24, 1862

September 25, 1862

September 28, 1862

September 30, 1862

October 9, 1862

October 30, 1862

November 9, 1862

November 20, 1862

November 30, 1862

December 23, 1862

December 29, 1862

Epilogue

Dedication

To the memory of my 11th Grade English teacher, Miss Skultety, who gave me an A+ and a little note of encouragement on a creative writing assignment. She showed me the power of a positive word. Even though that was decades ago she gave me the gift of a life-long memory and the courage to write.

Acknowledgement

My heartfelt gratitude to Sara J Pugsley who read RJ’s Valley and gave helpful suggestions and encouragement.

Introduction by Author

RJ’s Valley continues a story begun in a previous book, RJ’s Journey The Journals of Rebecca Jemima Callaway. The books are about a fictional character, RJ, who is 12 years old when we first meet her. The first book consisted of the journal entries RJ made from just before her family joined a wagon train in Missouri to the end of her first full year in Oregon (December 1857 - December 1859). In RJ’s Valley, RJ’s journals (1860-1862) continue to tell the story of her life and the lives of her family and friends. Just as life is an ever changing and challenging adventure for all of us so it was for RJ and the families who settled in the Willamette Valley in the little community around her. Some of the changes and challenges are chronicled in her journals. I hope you will follow RJ as she meets each adventure with youthful strength and determination.

The journals in this book pick up after Christmas 1859 in the new year of 1860. RJ had started teaching in Oregon City in the fall of 1859. She was living in town with the Johnson family who ran a general store and lived above it. She lived with her friend Kitty Johnson who was also a teacher.

It is my intention to write in such a way the reader becomes interested not only in the fictional characters of the story, but also the historical season and locale in which the story is set. As you read try to picture yourself in a time before highways, power poles and barbed wire fences. It was a time when information about world or national events was not available at the touch of a screen. RJ had no phone, no electronic tablet and no computer. She had very little in the way of conveniences yet she thrived without them. In fact, if I know RJ, I am sure she would be proud of the fact she lived and thrived in an era when one needed to be adventurous and strong to survive. She knew how to be independent and yet interdependent with her community. She had faith in God who is faithful.

Ardie Nelson

Characters

RJ – Rebecca Jemima Callaway 14 years of age as of August 1, 1859

William Boone Callaway – RJ’s Father

Malinda Silvy Callaway – RJ’s Mother

Howard Daniel Callaway – RJ’s Brother who stayed in Missouri

Nancy Callaway – Howard’s wife

William Silvy Callaway – RJ’s Brother who stayed in Missouri

Emily Callaway – William’s wife

Malinda (Lindy) Susannah Callaway Miller – RJ’s Sister

Cade Miller – Lindy’s husband

Washington William Callaway – RJ’s Brother

Morgan James Callaway – RJ’s Brother

Silvy Elizabeth Callaway – RJ’s Sister

Little Dan’l – Callaway family dog that made the whole Oregon Trail journey

Boone Callaway – RJ’s Uncle who settled on property next to RJ’s family

Abby Booth Callaway – Uncle Boone’s mail order bride

Frank Callaway – RJ’s cousin

Jenny Callaway – RJ’s cousin

Booney Callaway – RJ’s cousin

Captain Seth and Sally Weaver – friends of the Callaways who had come west on the same wagon train and settled in the community near the Callaways

Adam Weaver – Captain and Sally’s son

Joshua Weaver – Captain and Sally’s son

PROLOGUE

(Rebecca Jemima’s Introduction to her Journals)

If you read my journals (December 1857- December 1859) in RJ’s Journey about my family’s move from Missouri to Oregon Territory in 1858, you already know my background. As a descendant of Daniel and Rebecca Boone I have adventure in my blood. Life is not easy for adventurous people but I believe it is the challenge and thrill of accomplishment that keeps us going. My Pa and Ma brought two of my brothers (Washington and Morgan), my sister (Lindy) and me to Oregon. When we got here the first year was spent getting our homestead set up and establishing the work which would be our livelihood.

We worked together to build cabins for the people in our little community. Ma gave birth to Silvy Elizabeth and sadly, Aunt Esther died soon after we arrived in Oregon Territory. Some of what we experienced was new and exciting. Other things were plain, hard work.

In this volume, RJ’s Valley, I have compiled some highlights and some difficulties I recorded in subsequent journals. The entries included in this book were written when I was roughly 15 to 17 years of age. Those first years in Oregon hold memories I cherish to this day. Not everything was rainbows and roses, but in everything God was faithful.

Rebecca Jemima Callaway Weaver

Portland, Oregon 1902

JOURNAL OF 1860

January 6, 1860

It is a new year and a return to teaching duties. With some of the students it seemed like we were starting over. Thankfully, most of them only needed a quick review. I certainly hope we will be back into our routine by the end of the week.

Yesterday, when I got back to Oregon City, Kitty and her parents were busy in the store. A shipment of goods had arrived and they were doing inventory and stocking shelves. I took Kitty’s place so she could have some time with Washington. He and Pa had brought me back to Oregon City. Washington was eager to see his girl and Kitty had the biggest smile when we walked into the store. Pa got needed supplies for home. Then he and Washington were on their way back to the Willamette Valley community we call home.

Today after wrangling my students into some kind of order and hearing their Christmas recess stories the day finally came to an end. I am much more comfortable than I was my first day of teaching last fall. In fact, I feel like an old hand at teaching now. I did not know what to expect upon my return as far as being back in the classroom. I had enjoyed my time at home over Christmas with family and our little community of friends. It had been a great homecoming after being away from the country for so long. But, it actually felt good to be with my little first year students again.

I had expected and was not disappointed to have an after school visitor. I wanted to get this over with. Chad bounced into my classroom and asked if he should have Kitty join us to chaperone. I said he did not need to do that. I had something I wanted to say in private. He stopped in his tracks and looked expectantly at me. I knew I had to be firm in my resolve to be honest with him. I did not want him to think I was teasing. Otherwise he might laugh off what I had to say. I also wanted to be gentle and kind. I did not want to hurt his feelings. My speech went something like this, Chad, it has been a pleasure getting to know you. You and Kitty and I have had some laughs. To be fair to you, I want you to know I am not interested in continuing our relationship.

I paused to give him a chance to respond. I think he was so shocked he did not know what to say. Finally, he asked if we could continue as friends the way we had been. I indicated I did not think that would be appropriate. I told him about Washington and Kitty’s engagement. I said I prefer to wait for a serious relationship with a man. Chad said he was willing to get serious. I declined. I asked him not to think ill of me. He turned and left my classroom without another word.

I fear my attempt to let him down easily did not go well. Later I talked it over with Kitty. She said she does not know how I could have done it any better. Apparently, Chad cared more for me than he had let on. Regardless, I was relieved it was over. I feel badly now that I even agreed to spend time with him in the first place. I did not intend to lead him on in any way. I trust he will get over me and get interested in someone else in short order.

Just before we went to sleep Kitty asked how I was doing. I said I was fine. She asked if I had an opportunity to visit with Joshua while I was home at Christmas. I told her I had, but did not want to talk about it now. She asked if I could at least tell her if it was a good visit or not. I laughed and told her it was indeed a good visit. That seemed to satisfy her.

RJ

January 15, 1860

We are back in our routine in the classroom. The students are excelling in their lessons. It turned out to be a good thing to send some challenging reading home over Christmas with Buster Malone. His mother sent a note to me saying she had never seen him so eager to learn. When the other students are doing their desk work I have Buster read to me. I talked with the principal today and suggested if his parents agree we should move Buster into the second year classroom. He is doing so well. I do not want to hold him back. The principal agreed to let the parents decide. I sent a note home with Buster about this. Hopefully, I will hear back from his parents soon. I will be sorry to lose him from my classroom. After our rocky start Buster and I have made our peace with each other. I think we actually enjoy each other. At least, I enjoy him. I will be eager to know how he progresses in school and what he ends up doing as an adult. I have high expectations for him.

RJ

January 20, 1860

Uncle Boone, Miss Abby, Jenny and Booney arrived in town today. It is a rarity to have them in Oregon City. Their big news for me was the announcement of the birth of Margaret May Miller, January 11, 1860. Lindy and the baby are doing well. Cade is proud as can be. No one is getting much sleep, but as Miss Abby said, The new family is as happy as can be. My ma had helped with the birth, but Lindy had attended enough births to know what to expect.

I asked and Miss Abby confirmed they are calling the baby Maggie May. Miss Abby, Jenny, Ma and Silvey walked to Lindy’s together a couple days ago to meet the baby. Jenny says she is cute as a button and so tiny. She also said Silvy was very interested in the little bundle. Silvy wanted to sit in Lindy’s lap with the baby, so Lindy made room. Miss Abby said Ma is pleased to be a Grandmother. I am happy for Lindy and Cade. But, I am sad I will not get to meet little Maggie May for almost six months.

I joined Uncle Boone and family for supper at the café. Other than the birth of Maggie May life seems to be fairly routine in the country. It appears Uncle Boone and Miss Abby are feeling more comfortable with each other.

Jenny is asleep already. She is staying overnight with Kitty and me. She said Christmas was somewhat of a turning point for her family. She could not explain it, but knew things are different between her pa and Miss Abby. Miss Abby still has her own bedroom. But, according to Jenny, the ice between Miss Abby and Jenny’s father seems to be melting a little.

RJ

February 28, 1860

Washington came to town for supplies. He and Kitty have set July 14, for their wedding day. I had dinner with them in the café tonight. Washington announced to me he would be moving to town when school is out. He said he and Kitty want to live in town. This really surprised me. I asked about their plans to build a cabin on Cascade Creek. He said that might come later, but to begin with he wants to work at the mill in town to earn money. Kitty will keep teaching. I asked what this will mean to Pa and had Washington told him yet. Washington knows it will leave Pa short-handed. He has not told Pa yet about these plans. I want to be supportive of Washington and Kitty but my initial reaction is not positive. I urged him to think through this decision carefully. I think Kitty was put out with me for not readily accepting the idea.

I excused myself by saying I wanted to go to my room. Washington had brought a letter to me from Joshua. By now Washington knows Joshua and I are interested in each other. Since I told all my Joshua news to Kitty back in January I expected she would tell Washington at least part of my story. It is alright these two know, but I asked them not to tell anyone else. They agreed to respect my request. I trust them.

Joshua’s letter was short and sweet. He has been busy logging and working with his horses. The cows are starting to calf. He alternates between his two bay mares to ride out and check the cows. So far everything has gone well. He happened to be in