A Far Place

Chapter One

NEW BEGINNINGS

The new Mrs.Wamhoff’s hands shook as she nervously fidgeted with her gloves. She dreaded facing her parents with the news that she and John had married without their presence. Mary hoped the letter she had sent ahead had accomplished its intended task and softened the shock of their elopement. She caressed the carved gold band on her left finger, gazing at it and daydreaming about how different her life would be now that she was married. She turned her head ever so slightly and out of the corner of her eye, watched her husband, John. Oh my, he is so handsome, so dear. I will go to my grave trying to understand why he chose me for his wife.

They disembarked from the train. John picked up their suitcases and together they strolled down the street toward his store. He led her inside and they walked through the aisles, directly towards the stairs in the back which led up to his apartment. At the top of the stairs, John sat the suitcases down and before Mary could respond, he swooped her off her feet and carried her through the doorway into what would be their first home. With her arms tightly around his neck, Mary laughed gaily and buried her face in his coat, then kissed him tenderly as he lowered her to the floor.

Dear wife, at your convenience, you may go downstairs and choose the furniture you want, to make this apartment comfortable. However, remember we are on a budget, so you must not get carried away just yet. Please leave some of the furniture to sell. John walked to the front window and looked out onto the street below. As soon as possible, I plan to buy a small house; but for now this will have to do.

Mary was all smiles as she peeked into the small rooms of their apartment. Oh, John, this is perfect for now, just perfect. I can hardly contain myself---to think I can choose a few pieces of furniture for our home right away. I am so happy John, so very happy!

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Early the next morning, after enjoying a leisurely breakfast, and discussed how they should tell her parents. Mary felt it was up to her to break the news.

The dew-filled morning air was filled with twittering birds as Mary walked purposely along the boardwalk. As she turned the corner and crossed the main road, she looked ahead into the Westerhoff barnyard where chickens were busy, clucking, and scratching for their breakfast. Mary swallowed twice before she pushed open the white picket gate and walked to the back door where she paused, steeling herself for the anticipated confrontation. Quietly she pushed it open and stepped onto the back porch. She paused and watched her mother as she stood at the sink, singing softly as she washed the breakfast dishes. Mary stepped into the room and paused, watching her mother perform a task she must have done thousands of times over the years.

Mama---Mama, it’s me!

Startled, Elizabeth dropped a dish into the dishwater. She turned slowly as she and her daughter locked eyes. Mary felt a huge lump in her throat and her heart was beating out of her chest. Mama, I hope you can forgive me. I love him, Mama I love him so very very much! I’m sorry you had to find out by letter. I had to let you know before we came back.

Elizabeth smiled and opened her arms as her middle child filled them and wept on her shoulder. Elizabeth settled Mary at the kitchen table and filled a cup of hot coffee for her. Sit, Mazzie, and we will talk. Elizabeth gave Mary a moment and then she said, So, you are a married woman. I hope with all my heart that you are happy and you never have any regrets about the way you and John married. You realize your life will never be the same again. You have new responsibilities now that you have somebody else to look after, to cook and wash for, to comfort, to have children with. Your life will never be your own again, Mazzie---you will have moments of solace, but they will be very few. Marriage is hard work, it is wonderful, it is fulfilling---the children are blessings. If he is as honorable a man as your father, then you will have a good life and you will be able to work through the hard times. You have grown up around your father so you know how difficult an ambitious man can be at times. You will have your challenges but if the Lord smiles down on you, you will also have great rewards. Patience and trust, Mazzie---those are two things you must have and they are also two things which don’t come easy for you. She smiled as she said, Your husband doesn’t know what challenges he faces with you as his wife either. Try to remember that he is the head of your household—not your boss, but your partner!

Elizabeth smiled and said, Now, tell me about your wedding.

Mary looked at her mother and beamed with newly-wedded bliss. Eloping seemed the best way to marry. Of course, we both wanted you there on our wedding day, but John didn’t want his family---it’s a complicated matter. It made sense to do it our way and we had a wonderful, exciting trip to Fort Wayne. I got to see where he grew up and lived when he was young. He had such a difficult childhood—never knowing the love you and Pap gave me. I want to make the rest of our life together, better for him. I love him more than I ever knew I could love somebody. If anyone is to understand that, I know it will be you.

Mary and her mother chatted for a few more minutes and then Mary asked, Where is Pap?

Elizabeth rose from the table and pointed to the barn. He’s feeding the cows out in his barn. She paused then added, He took the news harder than I did. You know you were always his favorite little girl. He is trying hard to accept it---I just want you to understand that. She started to turn to go back to her dishes and then said, Why don’t you and John come for supper tonight---fried chicken and new potatoes!

Mary kissed her mother, then pushing the screen door open, she started toward the big red horse barn. Standing in the doorway to the horse barn, she closed her eyes, breathing in the familiar smells of the barn and the corrals. She stepped cautiously onto the well-worn path down the center between the stalls. Mary heard him talking to the horses before she saw him. She moved past the horse stalls until she came to the one where he worked. She paused, Pap--Pap, it’s me---Mazzie.

The silence was deafening as Mary waited for her father to turn and acknowledge her. Pap, please talk to me—I didn’t mean to disappoint you. I love John and---eloping---eloping was the only way for us to be together. Mama was the same age when she fell in love with you, Pap. Surely you remember those days and those feelings. Give us your blessing Pap, it’s important to both of us. John admires you so very much—he never had a father like you—he was never loved by a parent like I was. He’s ambitious and a hard worker, just like you, Pap. Maybe that’s part of why I love him so—because he is somewhat familiar. He works hard and has dreams of having his own place, his own life, of being important in the community--just like you.

John Westerhoff stabbed the pitchfork into the hay. He turned and held his arms out to his middle daughter. Mary saw the tears in his blue eyes and his weathered face grimace with emotion as she moved into the familiar fold of her father’s arms.

They stood like that for a while, each trying to gain control over their emotions before speaking. Finally, John pushed Mazzie back and looked at her tear-stained face. Mazzie, Mazzie, my girl. Now, you are a woman, a wife---not my little girl anymore. I wasn’t ready to give you up—not yet. But you’ve always had a mind of your own and what you did was not unexpected. You always see and do things differently, according to what is in your heart and head; this was no different. John led her over to a bench where they sat.

Mazzie, I don’t know your husband, pure and simple. I am holding my opinion until I get to know him. I do see he is already prosperous and ambitious---farming, running that store, and taking on mortician duties when called upon. I hearsay he is also Lutheran, so that is a plus for you. At least you will go to the same church.

John reached down and took her left hand, touching the gold ring. You are still my girl, but now, another man’s wife. I’ll always remember our good times and the bad ones too, like that blizzard when by God’s grace, we found you, your brother and sister.

Mazzie reached up and laid her hand against her father’s whiskery cheek. Pap, you’ve always been there for me, my hero--you have been my rock and you always made me feel loved and special. I am and always will be so very proud to be your daughter. Just because I went and got married, that won’t change, Pap, you are my father. I’ll always love you and Mama.

Mary dabbed at the tears on her cheeks and said, Mama invited us to supper tonight. That will give you all a chance to get to know John a little better. I’ve got to run now, have shopping to do before John is through working for the day. I love you Pap!

Mary hurried through the open barn door as her emotions began to rise in her throat. After a bit, she stepped off the road, and in the seclusion of the lilac bushes, she fell to her knees as great wrenching sobs erupted from deep within. When she had released the pent-up emotion, she rose and stepped back out onto the road, back to town. Quickly wiping the tears from her face, Mary headed for the furniture store. She pushed open the door and listened to the familiar tinkle of the bell which announced the arrival of a customer. John looked up from where he was working on his books. He stood as Mary rushed into his arms. Neither spoke until Mary said, They were wonderful John, so caring—we even have an invitation to a fried chicken supper at six if that works for you?

The days and weeks seemed to fly by. Mary helped John in the furniture store when he needed her. She caught on fast and was as good a salesperson as was he. She enjoyed unpacking new pieces and helping John arrange groupings of furniture so the customers could imagine how they would look in their own homes. Mary took on a second job at the post office, helping to sort and place mail. She liked to keep busy and her savings jar was beginning to fill.

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August: John rose early and went down to the store to work on his books and orders, leaving Mary to sleep in. She woke around 7:30 feeling guilty for having slept so late. Mary climbed out of bed, threw on her robe, and headed for the kitchen to fix their breakfast. It wasn’t until she cracked the second egg into the frying pan that a flood of nausea hit her and she barely made it to the slop bucket. Mary curled up on their bed as tears rolled down her cheeks. She knew what was wrong. She knew she wasn’t ‘coming down with something’. No, ‘this’ was something that normally lasted nine months. I had so hoped that we wouldn’t have children right away, but if I figure correctly, I must have gotten pregnant on our wedding trip. Well, it is what it is and I must make the best out of it now.

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In late August, John and Mary were invited to the Westerhoff home for another Sunday dinner. Mary had recovered from her ‘morning ailments’ and was feeling wonderful. Before they sat down to eat, John Westerhoff gave a moving prayer of thanksgiving for the blessings of the past year. Mary and her husband looked at each other and smiled---as they had agreed to wait until after dinner to share their news.

After dessert, John Westerhoff made a motion to move his chair back. John Wamhoff stood quickly and cleared his throat. Uhh, before everyone leaves the table, Mary and I have an announcement to make for which we are most thankful. He held out his hand for her to stand beside him. We expect our first child in March.

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Mary’s pregnancy went as smooth as syrup. After the initial morning sickness, she felt fine and the doctor said she was quite healthy. She and John were amazed at how her stomach grew and when the baby began to move, they would lay in bed and watch an elbow, a tiny foot, or whatever it was move inside of her. Mary sewed and learned to knit clothes for her baby. She didn’t care if it was a boy or a girl, she only prayed for a healthy baby and an easy delivery.

~~~~~~~~

Mary spent the morning working on baby clothes. After a light lunch, she laid down for a nap. When she woke, she began to stand up when she felt an odd tightness in her stomach. It passed and so she didn’t give it any more thought. I have felt different lately, I can’t put my finger on it, but just not right? Now that I think of it, the baby hasn't been moving as much as it did for a while, but then I don't know if that is normal or not? Maybe when the area gets a bit cramped it can’t move as much.

Mary did some laundry, then arranged a chest filled with clothes and nappies for the new baby. The birth was almost five weeks off, but Mary noticed she had been spotting blood for a week or two---it’s probably normal. I’ll ask Mama when I see her tomorrow. Mary bent over to pick up a tea towel --- from under her dress a gush of water ran down her legs. She immediately knew what had happened. She dropped the towel and doubled over with a contraction. No, oh---NO---it’s too soon----I know it’s too soon!

John wasn’t working down in the furniture store like he usually did---he had gone out to the farm to help his father with a few things and wasn’t due back until supper time. Mary knew this was not a false alarm---this baby was not waiting. She gathered her things together and prepared to walk to her parent's home where her mother would know what to do. Mary moved to the top of the stairs and looked down to see if she could see the new store clerk. Homer, Homer---can you ---arrgh---can you come up here and help me down the stairs?

Mary heard Homer take the stairs, two at a time. What is it, Miss Mary? The words were no sooner out of his mouth when she doubled over with another contraction. Mary's face was ashen as she managed to stammer, Oh, Homer---Hom-mer—it’s the baby! It’s too soon, Homer. I need to walk over to my parent’s house—I need my mother.

Homer’s eyes opened wide, then his mouth--but nothing came out. Suddenly he got his wits about him and he stammered, Ohhh, Mrs.---What do you want me to do?

Mary handed him her valise and said, Let me take your arm to steady myself. You must help me down the stairs and over to my parent's house if you would be so kind. Homer held tightly onto Mary’s arm as they descended the stairs and made their way through to the front door. Before they went out he hung a ‘Closed’ sign in the door, then they proceeded slowly down the boardwalk and across the street. When they reached the other side, Mary grabbed onto a tree as another pain ripped through her.

Oh, Homer, is it too late to change my mind about having a baby?

Homer stifled a giggle as he said, Well now, Mrs.----I don’t recall ever hearing of this sort of thing being reversed or stopped! Just hang on, we are almost to the house. Your mother will know what to do, she’s birthed many babies.

~~~~~~~~

Three hours later, John Wamhoff was pacing back and forth in the Westerhoff’s kitchen. He knew the doctor and Mary’s mother were both tending to her, but just hearing her scream and cry out made him crazy with worry.

John remembered when the doctor walked into the house, he had heard Mary cry out, It’s too soon, ---nothing feels right? Help me, please help me, doctor.

Mary was in and out of consciousness as the pain intensified. She was aware of the terrible pressure to ‘push’, and gladly took the spoonful of laudanum the doctor gave her. It will help take the edge off the pain. I know you feel like pushing but try your best not to until I tell you. Mary could hear her mother and the doctor talking, but it sounded muffled as if they were in a tunnel. It was all about the pain, the unbearable all-consuming pain, worse than anything she had ever known.

I can’t Mama, I can’t do it!

Elizabeth said, Take a deep breath and wait for the next contraction, and then Mazzie—you show em’ what gumption you have and you push with the pain!

Mary heard the doctor say, Okay, it’s almost over now, Mary—the head is right here. No, Mary, don’t push now. Let your womb and the contractions push the baby out gently.

Elizabeth said, Mary, Mary—listen to me—pant, Mary; pant and exhale in long ‘whooshes’. The shoulders are out - now give us an easy little push. Mary tried but she slipped into unconsciousness, her last thought was---none of this delivery is right—all w-rongggg—my ba--by."

The doctor passed the newborn baby to Elizabeth who looked into the face of her granddaughter. The baby was so very tiny and limp--lifeless. She had a blueish color, not red like newborns usually are. Tears rolled down Elizabeth’s face as she recalled how it felt to lose a baby, a child. Oh Mary, my girl---this is going to be so hard for you, but it is what it is. This tiny soul was never meant to be---your first baby.

Slowly, Mary regained consciousness and recognized the doctor, her parents, and John standing close to the bed. Not one person was smiling. She tried to sit up but collapsed back onto the pillow.

Then it occurred to her---the delivery, the pain—baby--where is my baby? Why is everyone looking like this? Why don’t I hear my baby crying?

The doctor bent forward and took Mary’s hand. Mary, you’ve had a very difficult delivery. The baby was turned wrong. She was born with the cord wrapped around her neck. She wasn’t ready to come into this world yet. Sometimes things go wrong inside. There was----nothing you did or could have done and nothing I could do for her. I am very sorry Mary. Very sorry, but your baby daughter didn’t live.

Screaming, screaming---the room, her world was filled with screaming. Mary felt a cold cloth on her face and firm hands on her shoulders. She opened her eyes to see John. His face was pale and tear-stained. Mary, Mary---oh my love, my precious. Our daughter was so tiny. She was perfectly formed but she couldn’t survive everything that happened. I won’t leave your side, Mary, I am here.

Then it was her mother, her father, Emma, the doctor--everyone was sorry! But nobody could give her back her baby girl. Mary said, I want to see her, I want to hold her---NOW!

The doctor left the room and came back in with a tiny body wrapped in a blanket. He placed the lifeless baby in Mary’s arms. Mary, I would caution you to let your body rest. To not have another baby for at least a year or two.

John sat on the edge of the bed and held her hand, Mary, I believe we should give a name to our baby.

Mary looked down at the tiny perfect face of her daughter. Amanda Jane---it is the name I had thought of if we had a daughter--Amanda. I want her to be buried in the Germantown Cemetery close to the plots my parents have chosen.

~~~~~~~~

Against her doctor's recommendations, eleven months later, Mary delivered her second child - a beautiful, robust son. Elizabeth hurried from the room and into the kitchen where the new father and grandfather were sitting at the table drinking coffee. She cupped her son-in-law’s face in her hands and smiling, said, You have a perfect, new son. He was a pretty big boy and Mary will need a good bit of time to recover. However, both are fine. Come with me and meet your first-born son----and grandson!

John Wamhoff rushed to the bed where Mary sat propped up with pillows, holding their newborn son. He bent and kissed her pale, tear-stained face, and reached for their perfect baby cradled in her arms. Ahhh Mary, he is wonderful. How much did he weigh? Cradling the infant in his arms, John exclaimed, He looks half ‘growed’ to me.

Mary smiled weakly, The doctor thinks he is probably around eight pounds plus a bit more. I would have preferred a smaller baby, but he is so healthy and it’s over now. Would you like to tell my parents what our new son is to be named?

John beamed as he announced, He is to be named William John after our fathers.

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John worked every minute of every day to support his new family. He bought a small two-bedroom house on Black Street in Germantown. Mary delighted in choosing furniture for her home, and she hung lace and red velvet drapes at the windows. The floor in the front room was covered with a fine carpet that John had purchased just for her. She spent her time tending to the house and their son. Baby Bill was so healthy and growing like a weed—it was a busy but happy time for them. The next few years flew by and the little family flourished.

In April 1899, Mary knew she was pregnant again. Based on her calculations, the baby was due after the first of the year.

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January 23, 1900: Ruth Elizabeth Wamhoff was born on a Tuesday after an easy pregnancy and birth. She was a beautiful baby with a head of blond hair and the sweetest little face. Five-year-old Brother Bill couldn’t keep his hands off his baby sister. I wanna hold baby sister.

Mary recovered quickly and her days were consumed caring for her two small children. By April, curly-headed Ruth weighed twelve pounds. Bill was growing like a weed, and he was tall for his age, like the Westerhoffs. He had his father’s broad shoulders and was as stubborn as the day was long.

Life was good as John seemed to succeed at everything he put his mind to. He was highly respected in Germantown—but, not as respected and beloved as his father-in-law, John Westerhoff.

Chapter Two

WE WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT

2 Corinthians 5:7

April 1900: The westbound loop of the B&M train pulled into the station at Germantown, Nebraska. This loop was connected to the extensive Nebraska line of the ¹Union Pacific Railroad which ran the east-west route from Omaha to Cheyenne, Wyoming. As the steam belched from beneath the black smoking iron beast, a dapper John Wamhoff disembarked, carrying his valise. He momentarily surveyed Germantown, then headed over to his store on Main Street.

Whistling as he walked, John moved in long confident strides past the collection of stores on Germantown’s Main Street. He turned the doorknob and entered the front door of his furniture/mercantile store. The bell over the doorway tinkled familiarly as he firmly closed the door and scanned the store to see who was about.

Store assistant, George Wildorf, was writing up an order for a client as John waved to him and walked to the desk where the books were kept. He quickly scanned the sales of the past week.

John’s mind raced ahead as he speculated whether or not George might be interested in buying the store. Leaning back in his chair, John let his thoughts take over. I must speak to Mary as soon as possible. We have some decisions to make. This is what I have been waiting for, the chance to be my own man, to have what I’ve always dreamed of---to be like my father-in-law without walking in his shadow. A wide smile crossed his face as he thought. I feel it in my bones--THIS is my destiny---the opportunity I’ve waited for, and it’s within my reach. Now I play my cards!

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At five o'clock sharp, John closed the door of the store, bid good evening to Geroge, and headed east toward his house on Black Street. Walking like a man with a purpose, it didn’t take him long before he was on his front porch. He paused a moment, I must get this right and present this timely prospect to Mary so she visualizes the possibilities of this opportunity as I do. She must agree with the timeliness; agree that this is the chance to grab hold of the future which awaits us.

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Mary, Mary my dear, where are you? John raced through the small immaculate house looking for his wife, finally spotting her and their two children out in the backyard. Their baby daughter was only three months old and playing with a cloth doll as she sat on a blanket on a small patch of grass, while five-year-old Bill was busy helping Mary pull debris from around the bushes.

Mary stood when she saw John and rushed into his arms. Oh my, you have been gone so long, I thought perhaps you had run off with some young thing! Bill attached himself to his father’s leg and wasn’t about to let go. John picked up Bill, throwing him up into the air. He put him down and kissing him, said, I have to talk to, little Mother. Bill, you are doing a good job cleaning out the bushes, so let’s see if you can finish by yourself!

Mary laughed as John kissed her soundly and took her by the hand. Come, Mary, sit down on the step here. I have something very exciting to share with you, very exciting indeed.

Mary’s blue eyes were wide with curiosity as John guided her to the back steps where they sat. "Mary, when I tell you of my encounter on the train and what a difference it could make in our future, you will be as astonished as was I. It seems remarkable—destiny—my chance meeting with this Lutheran missionary, ²Pastor August Wunderlich from Omaha. His missionary travels take him through Nebraska, up into South Dakota, Montana, and now the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming."

John stood, nervously pacing as he continued speaking rapidly, Pastor Wunderlich told me about a tantalizing meeting he had a few months ago with a well-known land developer by the name of Solon Wiley, who discovered this fertile, sage-covered benchland in the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming which has recently been opened for settlement. Numerous Mormon families have already moved into lower portions of it and settled areas around the Shoshone River basin and along the Greybull River. However, there is this particular area of flat benchland just to the north of Burlington. As an ancient river bottom, it has very fertile soil which holds great opportunity, especially with the irrigation project which the Mormons have begun. Mr. Wiley is deeply involved in working with them as well as other investors to build canals, dams, and headgates to control and utilize the river water coming from the high mountains to the west.

John didn’t give Mary a chance to speak as he continued, Mary, oh Mary—there is all this land, land to be had, to homestead under the Homestead Act which is almost extinct. Pastor Wunderlich has already started a German Lutheran colony in this particular area. Last spring he took the first group of about thirty Lutherans from Hemingford and Rushville, Nebraska, and also from Ardmore, South Dakota. They moved their families, farming machinery, livestock, and household goods---they have built adobe and dugout houses and have plans for a wood church. Most traveled by train to Billings, Montana, then overland south, crossing the Montana/Wyoming border---down into this formerly remote Wyoming valley known as the Bighorn Basin. He tells me it is a beautiful and fertile country with high blue, snow-covered mountains surrounding it.

Pastor Wunderlich told me there is another route which may be better for us---to travel by train from here to Cheyenne, where we could buy wagons, livestock, and whatever we need for the journey at a most reasonable price. We would then follow the road along the railroad tracks north to Douglas and then west through Casper, Wyoming. From there we simply follow the stage route northwest which is built over the Old Jim Bridger Trail. This trail/road would take us up and over the Bighorn Mountains into --the Bighorn Basin. Once we ferry across the Bighorn River, it's only a matter of a few days before arriving at the Benchland. The railroad is already building track into the Basin from the north, which in time, would be another asset for us.

Reverend Wunderlich and family. Edna Guebert

John paused long enough to look at Mary’s face. It was not what he had hoped for, not at all. Her face was pale and her eyes glistened like blue steel. She stood motionless, her jaw clenched tightly with her hands clasped together in a prayerful knot. Aghast, Mary stammered, John--John Wamhoff—I--I am in shock that you are even considering this---this wild story. It all sounds like a great needless risk, involving years of struggle in a wild remote place. We have two small children to consider and you are talking about selling your prosperous business. You expect me to give up my comfortable home with carpets, velvet drapery, and lovely Victorian furniture--to---to travel by wagon over the prairie, perhaps fighting off Indians, to a place you have only been told about? You would have me give up a life that I’ve grown to love so that you might—and I do emphasize ‘might’--- realize a new opportunity for yourself? You can’t be serious. John, I can’t believe you don’t realize what you are asking me to give up---to leave everything and everyone I have ever known? Just so you,---you can go off on this wild goose chase and live some dream of yours, which I might add could very well be nothing but folly! It sounds quite foolhardy to me.

Mary stood, picked up the baby and grabbing Bill by the hand, turned, and went into the house to prepare the evening meal. She settled the children, then began to peel potatoes. Her hands were shaking so badly, she had to stop and calm herself. Her fingers gripped the edge of the table until they were white. Tears ran down her face at the thought and enormity of John’s proposal.

~~~~~~~~

Mary fed the children and put them to bed. She put John’s supper on the table as she sat across from him, her plate empty. Mary’s face was etched with fear as worry and alarm filled her eyes. She was tied in knots, far too upset to eat.

John asked, What? You aren’t eating? Come on, Mary, I have spoken to you before of looking for an opportunity to better myself, to become my own man and not live under the giant shadow of your father’s prosperity or the ill reputation of my father.

Mary raised her face and boldly looked John straight in the eye. You--you, are the only one who thinks you live under my father’s reputation here in Germantown. He is a highly respected man who has done a great deal for this community and you begrudge him that. You are jealous John, that is your problem. You want what my father has, don’t you---and you know that will never happen here in Germantown, admit it! Furthermore, why do you have to choose a place as far away as this, which you have never even seen?

John slapped the table with the palms of his hands and shoved back his chair. Listen to yourself, Mary! I am your husband and it’s my job to give you and our children a better life. I admire John Westerhoff. I have always said openly that someday I hoped for an opportunity to build a life fashioned after what he has done here in Germantown. He had the opportunity right here, to build something new for himself and his family which he didn’t have in Illinois. I might add, he never laid eyes on this property either—only the opportunity. John added, Your mother came with him with two small children, didn’t she? She left their comfortable home in Illinois to travel by wagon and live in an adobe house until your father built up the farm. She had faith in him.

Before Mary could reply, John said, But you, Mary, are you telling me that you won’t do the same for me as your mother did for your father? That you would deny me the opportunity to build something to be proud of, to build a new life of our very own, because you don’t want to leave your comfortable house and nice furniture? You are a grown woman with the capacity to see the opportunity this would provide for our family.

John paced back and forth across the kitchen floor. Mary sat stone-faced, glued to the kitchen chair, with trepidation eating holes in her. She saw the writing on the wall and there was no doubt about what was going to happen whether or not she agreed.

John paced the floor, We will have the same opportunity to build a close-knit Christian community there in Wyoming, why don’t—why won’t you see this? This particular part of Wyoming is not easy to get to. That’s exactly why it hasn’t been settled or homesteaded to the extent the rest of the west has been. I’ve figured it all out, how we would sell out here, giving us a sufficient startup fund, and how we would travel there. Don’t disappoint me, Mary—you are made of stronger discipline and conviction, I know you are. I need you and our children with me, I need my family to support this new life I want for all of us. If any woman can do this, it’s you—I have no doubt.

~~~~~~~~

The next morning, John rose early and went to the store without speaking of Pastor Wunderlich again. After a sleepless night and still distraught, Mary moved stoically through her morning routine. Standing at the kitchen sink, washing the breakfast dishes, she knew she had to confide in her mother. Pushing Ruth in a pram with Brother Bill holding onto the side, she walked quickly down the boardwalk to her parent's home at the edge of town. Mary drew in a deep, relaxing breath as she walked under the cool shade of the lovely trees her father had planted during those first years in Nebraska. Her Mother’s spring flower garden was glorious with color and fragrance. It was hard for her to imagine this land any other way than what it was on this day.

Mary lifted Ruth from the pram and pushed open the door to the back porch. Her mother was sitting in the front room working on her mending. Oh my, Mary—what a nice surprise. Come here my little Bill and give your grandma a big hug.

Mary sat in the chair, across from her mother. After a few moments, Elizabeth looked up. Tilting her head she said, So, something tells me this isn’t just a friendly visit on this beautiful morning. What’s on my girl’s mind?

Mary laid the baby on her tummy on a blanket, then looked up at her mother, with tears in her eyes.

Elizabeth sensed this wasn’t going to be good as she busied little Bill with a ginger snap cookie. Okay, Mary, what is the matter? Are you pregnant again?

Mary tilted her head back and looked at the ceiling, smiling ever so slightly as tears ran down the back of her throat. Oh Mama, no, it isn’t that, thank heaven. It’s just that---. Mary attempted to stifle a sob that escaped her throat. It’s just that John wants to move away—to leave Germantown.

Elizabeth smiled and said, Well my dear, there are lots of nice farms or towns nearby—or does he want to move into Seward where he could have a larger store?

Mary gritted her jaw, No, Mama---not Seward, not Nebraska---to Wyoming. Oh, Mama ---- this, Wyoming is such a far place. He met a Lutheran missionary on the train from Omaha who has convinced him this particular unsettled area of the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming, would be a wonderful opportunity to start a new German Lutheran colony. There is already a handful of people living there. They are working on getting water to the farms which need to be irrigated; not dryland farming like here in Nebraska. John said there are Mormons already living there who have built canals and have plans for a vast dam. Mary hesitated just a moment, as her emotions threatened to get the better of her, she swallowed hard then added, "And, and that we would live in an adobe house for a few years until he can get a farm going. It would be the place he has dreamt of m-making a life similar to what Pap built here."

Mary covered her face with her hands as heartwrenching sobs came from deep inside her. Elizabeth rose, moved across the room, and stood in front of her daughter. Reaching down she pulled her to her feet, Well, Mary, I can’t say this comes as a surprise. I’ve always felt that John Wamhoff has had an eye on your father’s success from day one. This town is too small for the two of them as I see it. This place in Wyoming sounds like just the ticket for him---for him to fashion his life after your father’s, but all on his own. It offers him a clean slate on which to build the life he envisions, a place to be his own man.

Mary cried even harder, Yes, that’s it exactly, but what about the life I want, that I dreamed of? I have it now, right here in Germantown, with my family close by. I have everything I want and he expects me to throw my dreams away, just so he can have his!

Mary Elizabeth, I will tell you this. When you are married to an ambitious man, you have to prepare yourself to do many things that you aren’t particularly eager about. I know you don’t want to move away from here, from Nebraska to this far place in Wyoming, but it is what your husband thinks is best for you and your children. It’s where and how he believes he can build a good life for your family. I know you have it in you, Mary, to make a home there. It will be hard at first, like nothing you have ever known, but you are a fighter--- determined to have it your way, you always have been. However, you are also a smart woman, you are no shrinking violet, no Mary, not you! You will dig deep and you will make a good home there; and in the end, it will be something you too will be proud of.

Elizabeth smiled reassuringly at her middle daughter and continued, Mary, nothing ever---ever stays the same no matter if it’s something good or bad. I am confident you will be able to do this thing. Make up your mind, and just like I did, you will make a home for your husband and children wherever you live. Adobe houses aren’t all that bad—they are very warm in the winter and cool in the summer. I wouldn’t take your velvet curtains with you though. You can pack them away and when the day comes when you have a proper house again, you can hang them in the windows. Your lovely lace curtains would give the windows a nice civilization, paired with a heavier material to keep out the cold.

Mary stood and slowly walked across the kitchen to the sink where she had washed many a dish while growing up. She turned and looked at her mother through puffy, teary eyes. Mama, I don’t know how to keep an adobe house clean. I have so many questions and fears. Where we will sleep, how will I cook and care for my babies? Who will be with me when I have another baby?

Elizabeth warmly embraced her middle daughter as she spoke. "Mazzie, there will be other women there who will know how to do things and know where to get things you don’t. I want to give you this here booklet in which I have written down some of the old-time remedies for when your babies or you are ailin’, and there isn’t a doctor close by. Most of them work real well and you can mix them right at home. This all brings back so many memories of when your Pap and me moved here from Illinois. The years ahead won’t be easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is---you remember that and you do the best you can do---always do the best you can.

Remember what our Lord says in the Bible, Philippians, chapter 4 verse 11 which has given me comfort many a night. "For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am---therewith to be content." Those words have given me the strength to go on, to do what I had to do---so many times in my life. You are going to find out for yourself the depth of your inner strength as a strong woman, wife, and mother---you will do what you have to do, I have no need to worry about that. Just you pray that the Lord keeps you all safe on your journey and that you remain close to him and stay in his ways over the years. Elizabeth patted Mazzie’s back and said, You make up your mind now, that you are going to march out there and bend your back to the task—as you did in that terrible blizzard. You were only eight or nine years old but you did what you had to do even if you didn’t want to, even if you were scared! Elizabeth wrapped her arms around her daughter, then cupped her face in her hands as she said, My Mazzie---you were always the adventuresome one, the one with gumption! This may test all you have to offer!"

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John Wamhoff had no problem selling his mercantile store at a fine profit. His father sold their joint farming venture and moved back to Indiana. By the first of May, John and Mary had sold everything they owned or couldn’t take with them to Wyoming. It was devastating for Mary to part with her charming little yellow clapboard home, decorated with Victorian furniture, carpets, and velvet drapes. She knew it would be a long time, if ever, that she would have a life or things this nice again.

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Elizabeth helped Mary pack several trunks with the essential things she would need on the trail, as well as when they first arrived in Wyoming.

Mary’s father said, "Mazzie, it sounds like John has a solid plan to travel across Nebraska by train to the Wyoming border, and then on to Cheyenne. It’s where he can get the best deal on quality wagons, horses, and the necessities you will need. You could take the train to Casper City, but Cheyenne is the best place to buy everything you will need for the trip and to set up once you arrive in the Bighorn Basin. John has thought this through.

John has talked to the right people and has maps of the roads and trails you will travel, following the new roads along the railroad tracks and over the North Platte River to Casper. I would say the man has done his homework and he is pulling at the bit to get on the road. I can’t say I blame him---brings back memories of when we struck out from Illinois to make a new life here in Nebraska. It’s an exciting opportunity and a great time in your life. Trust and pray, Mazzie. I know you are a strong woman, a good woman---you can do anything you set your mind to!"

Mary stopped packing and gazed out the window. John is making arrangements for some of our furniture and larger things we will, to be shipped on an emigrant car for a reasonable fee. It takes quite a spell for them to travel that way. We will already be in the Bighorn Basin before they arrive in Billings, Montana, and then will be taken by freighters down to Wyoming where we will pick them up. At least I will have our beds, table, and chairs to begin with--and a few things I am partial to.

"You know, Pap, the good thing is that the ³Homestead Law is still in effect so once we get to the benchland, we can choose our parcel, live on it for five years, build a house, and then with a small payment the land will be ours."

Mary looked up at her father, Pap, what if we get there and we or I can’t make a go of it—what if I hate it?

John looked her straight in the eye, Mazzie—if that be the case, then you must reach deeper until you find what you need to persevere and get through it. I have faith in John, and I have no doubt whatsoever that you will---will do what you have to do! If I know anything, I know you, my girl, my marvelous Mazzie!

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June, 1901: The crowd that gathered at the train depot in Germantown was both sad and happy to see the ambitious young couple leave for their great adventure.

Elizabeth had packed a basket of food for them to eat on the train ride to Cheyenne. But not until the train pulled away, did she let go of her own emotions. Oh John, it’s like watching us all over again—leaving Illinois to come out here to start a new life. I suppose it’s the way of the Lord, for young families to leave their homes to strike out on their own. I just hope God gives our Mazzie the strength she will need. She isn’t as excited about moving as I was.

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John Wamhoff watched closely as Mary stared out the grimy window of the train. He knew well enough to leave her to her thoughts and in time she would regain her temperament. She occupied herself with feeding little Bill and Ruth a light lunch and then got them settled down for naptime. They were all becoming accustomed to the rocking of the train car every time the great iron wheels slid over a rough seam in the rails. She closed the window, not because she didn’t want fresh air, but because the air coming in was filled with coal smoke from the locomotive along with insects and dust.

Mary straightened her skirt, tidied their seats, and then---she was