Show 18 complimented by a visitor who was here many years ago the following article on ogden and the west is taken from the omaha bee it was contributed by david an derson who is at present in this city ogden utah aug 15 correspondence pon dence of the bee riding over nebraska by rail a few days ago my mind was continually running back to the territorial days while I 1 was anxiously peering on either side of the steel highway to catch a glimpse of some of the pioneer homesteads and other landmarks of ye early days before the building of the union pacific railroad pr the location of any of the present towns along its line except perhaps fremont columbus or grand island which were then but mere hamlets all the stately trees that now constitute the numerous groves and adon ado n the quiet peaceful farm houses that are so graciously dotted all overlie overl he length and breadth of our state have been planted and fostered within the memory and observation of the writer so the reader can readily realize the stupendous interest I 1 exper ieh ced on this occasion while rail the same open plain and vast expanse of lone allness and solitude I 1 was wont to travel ath ox and mule teams in that long time ago of nearly fifty years from the observation car my thoughts were especially attracted toward uie Ju lesburg sand hills south of the platte river through which the old mormon and california trail bended wended its dismal and tortuous course tor miles and miles then again my mind was diverted back fo an adventurous and perilous trip I 1 made from omaha to denver in the dead of winter in 1860 with no companion except my old faithful dog who accompanied me over the plains on two previous trips the cheyenne indians at that time were hostile and actively engaged on the karpath warpath war path on the plains in early days I 1 also recall to mind a return trip from denver in the tall of 1859 when our train overtook at Ju lesburg croos ing at that time known as the parting pt the ways en route to colorado and california a notable group of travelers from salt lake bound for the eastern states enjoying the pleasure of their company all the way to omaha among this jovial party was william H hooper delegate to congress from utah joseph young son of tho mormon ruler and charles F browne alias artemus ward the famous wit and humorist of that period these famous personages added spice music and wit to camp fire life on the plains which made the remainder of the journey pleasant and highly enjoyable the last time I 1 crossed the great and oyer tho miles of cactus and sage brush area by rail was twenty two years ago arriving here at ogden utah a very great change is perceptible its general aspect Is greatly improved the old rattle trap building of that date has been supplanted by a largo spacious brick structure bcd as union headquarters for all railroads entering the city the population has grown to more than genial people the majority of whom own their own homes the streets are broad and clean and mostly macadamized all streets running east and north appear to terminate at the base of a high mountain like salt lake cay little streams of mountain water course their way through the gutters of many streets all public buildings arc spacious of splendid modern architectural tec tural design and up to date in every respect mountains and canyons the highest mountain peak is malana height feet above sea level overshadowing halt the city A narrow steep winding wagon road has been constructed summit three hours is consumed by the trusty old horse team that hauls passengers up this stupendous and awe inspiring precipice ogden canyon is a very attractive place for tourists and sightsee sight see rs it Is a restful and cool hot weather resort the canyon reaches for miles up into the very boughs of the wasatch mountains the ogden river paral lela and runs through its entire length crossing the great gully many times in its meandering course toward the vaclev below hundreds of people from distant points are camped along tho margin of this rumbling majestic stream all summer long the mormon inhabitants here predominate but cormons mormons and gentiles get along amicably together I 1 have carefully watched the course and conduct of the mormon people for acty alyo years or since joseph smith the r t prophet throughout the tedious journey toward zion eastern part of pennsylvania and stopped two nights and days at my fathers home A little later in 1844 joseph and hyrum smith his brother were killed by a mob at nauvoo As far as my knowledge extends they are an industrious temperate and frugal god fearing and law abiding people reunion of patriarchs last thursday the first settlers and pioneers of ogden and vicinity held their annual picnic at glenwood park it was strictly a patriarchal affair men and women were present over 70 years old while a score or more were up in the many of these aged people away back in the traveled on foot all the distance from the missouri river to salt lake well do I 1 remember the long trains of prairie schooners ners wending their way westward past my farm and ranch in those early days and how earnestly and eagerly with bright anticipations of the future the olet inoffensive mormon emigrants in small groups and squads ramped and trudged along mostly barefooted while many pushed along go carts containing all their earthly possessions it was a pitiful sight indeed to seo these careworn fatigued individuals tramp tramp all day long on their long and land of promise however the majority of these loyal pilgrims to their religious faith have been amply rewarded with good health prosperity and longevity in this their new eldorado yesterday sunday we attended the double funeral of mr and mrs alexander swan both deaths occurring within thirty hours of each other mr swan was well known during the and by many omaha and nebraska citizens aa an extensive cattle grower in the western part of the state and wyoming I 1 believe he wa also one of the original stockholders in the south omaha stock yards company DAVID ANDERSON |