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Across The Plains In 1844
Catherine Sager's story is among the most gripping firsthand accounts of life in the American west ever written. This enhanced version of her original manuscript adds explanatory notes, photos, maps, drawings, and 3d visualizations. The bonus material adds a layer of context to make Sager’s fascinating account even more vivid.
Catherine Sager faced almost unimaginable hardship: both her parents died on the journey west on the Oregon Trail; a few years later her adoptive parents were brutally murdered before her eyes. She was even kidnapped and held for ransom. Yet Catherine was a survivor, and she lived a long life in Oregon. Her accounts of life on the Oregon Trail and the Whitman Massacre remain important historical documents. At the same time, she is an excellent writer who knows how to engage the reader.
Catherine Sager faced almost unimaginable hardship: both her parents died on the journey west on the Oregon Trail; a few years later her adoptive parents were brutally murdered before her eyes. She was even kidnapped and held for ransom. Yet Catherine was a survivor, and she lived a long life in Oregon. Her accounts of life on the Oregon Trail and the Whitman Massacre remain important historical documents. At the same time, she is an excellent writer who knows how to engage the reader.
54 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1989
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
March 13, 2017
“Across the Plains in 1844” by Catherine Sager is the story of the Sager family’s trip over the Oregon Trail by wagon in 1844. Sager’s first hand story was written in 1855 but never published beyond Oregon until 1989. What I like about this Kindle version published in 2013 is the addition of maps, photos, drawings; but most of all the insertion of the editor’s notes to explain the situation, add historical clarification or related information explaining life at that time.
Catherine’s parents died of illness on the trip. Catherine had fallen under the wagon and the wheel ran over her leg breaking it. The German physician who set her leg helped the Shaws take care of all the children (five girls and two boys). William Shaw was the Wagon Train Commander. The children were left with the Whitmans until the Shaws could build a home and send for them. Whitman was a physician and with his wife they treated the local native Americans and operated a missionary school. Catherine provides a moving story of what life was like on the Oregon trail and at the Whitman’s. She also provides a detailed firsthand account of the Whitman Massacre. She and a few children were the only survivors. The Shaws came for them and she lived out her life in Willamette Oregon. Three of the girls were the only survivors of the trip to Oregon.
This is an exceptionally well written memoir of life in 1844. The day- to- day details from a child’s viewpoint makes it a most interesting read. The book is short at 39 pages so it is easy to read in one sitting. I am including this book in the books I am reading about women for March as it is Women’s History Month.
Catherine’s parents died of illness on the trip. Catherine had fallen under the wagon and the wheel ran over her leg breaking it. The German physician who set her leg helped the Shaws take care of all the children (five girls and two boys). William Shaw was the Wagon Train Commander. The children were left with the Whitmans until the Shaws could build a home and send for them. Whitman was a physician and with his wife they treated the local native Americans and operated a missionary school. Catherine provides a moving story of what life was like on the Oregon trail and at the Whitman’s. She also provides a detailed firsthand account of the Whitman Massacre. She and a few children were the only survivors. The Shaws came for them and she lived out her life in Willamette Oregon. Three of the girls were the only survivors of the trip to Oregon.
This is an exceptionally well written memoir of life in 1844. The day- to- day details from a child’s viewpoint makes it a most interesting read. The book is short at 39 pages so it is easy to read in one sitting. I am including this book in the books I am reading about women for March as it is Women’s History Month.
March 17, 2016
Pioneer story? I guess, but it is more of who survived on the trip out west and who didn't. This wasn't what I would call a fun read; instead what she went through, and what the people went through was horrendous. It isn't even a story that tells you what it was like traveling or how the people survived, but it was more of a story of who died, who got killed and why. I bought it for 99 cents on kindle, and it was worth the read for historical reasons.
September 15, 2016
Catherine Sager was one of 7 siblings who set out with their parents from Missouri to Oregon in 1844, right at the beginning of the great wagon train migrations. She herself was around 9 years old at the start of the journey. Both her parents died during the crossing and on arriving in Oregon the Sager children were placed in the care of Dr. and Mrs Whitman, missionaries who worked with the local Native American peoples. Only 3 years later Catherine survived the "Whitman Massacre", in which her adoptive parents and 12 other people were killed by Native Americans enraged because swathes of their people were dying of a measles epidemic brought by a wagon train of emigrants.
Basically then by the age of 12 Catherine Sager had experienced enough mental trauma for a dozen lifetimes, but she tells her story in a matter-of-fact style that was not untypical of the era. You can tell though that she wasn't a professional writer. Although her account of the Massacre is dramatic, it is at times quite confusing. My edition had some helpful explanatory notes from the editor, which made sense of the sequence of events, and I was glad of them.
This is actually a very short book. It can comfortably be read in an hour. It is nevertheless a remarkable account of the earliest days of the Oregon Trail.
Basically then by the age of 12 Catherine Sager had experienced enough mental trauma for a dozen lifetimes, but she tells her story in a matter-of-fact style that was not untypical of the era. You can tell though that she wasn't a professional writer. Although her account of the Massacre is dramatic, it is at times quite confusing. My edition had some helpful explanatory notes from the editor, which made sense of the sequence of events, and I was glad of them.
This is actually a very short book. It can comfortably be read in an hour. It is nevertheless a remarkable account of the earliest days of the Oregon Trail.
May 9, 2014
I found this title a little misleading. There is some description of the author's journey 'across the plains' but most of the narrative concerns her time spent with the Whitman's and the subsequent massacre at their home.
It's a succinct personal account, lacking in detail and emotion, which somehow enhances the shocking brutality of the events and left me wondering how anyone could survive this kind of horror and remain sane.
There are a few notes and maps but I felt the story deserved a more robust historical framework. It would have been very helpful to have had additional, pertinent information for someone like me who has very limited knowledge of this period in American history.
It's a succinct personal account, lacking in detail and emotion, which somehow enhances the shocking brutality of the events and left me wondering how anyone could survive this kind of horror and remain sane.
There are a few notes and maps but I felt the story deserved a more robust historical framework. It would have been very helpful to have had additional, pertinent information for someone like me who has very limited knowledge of this period in American history.
June 8, 2014
If you ever had romantic ideas about travelling in a wagon train or living as a pioneer in Indian country in the 19th century, this book will cure you of it.
A gripping read that keeps you turning pages (or flipping through your kindle), this is not a book to miss. One of the things that struck me were the extremes of kindness and cruelty in human nature that were so vividly on display in this book.
A true historical account that must be read by anyone interested in our country's past.
A gripping read that keeps you turning pages (or flipping through your kindle), this is not a book to miss. One of the things that struck me were the extremes of kindness and cruelty in human nature that were so vividly on display in this book.
A true historical account that must be read by anyone interested in our country's past.
March 18, 2014
A good short book--if you can call it that--only 35 pages. It details the harrowing ordeal of a family traveling the trails in 1844 to Oregon. What the family endures is horrific. I read it to inform myself more of the trials and tribulation of life on the trail to what many hoped was a better life. It was helpful to my teaching this part of history to my students.
May 12, 2017
Difficult for modern people
This is a rather graphic eye witness account of life on the Oregon Trail in the 1840s, including the "Whitman Massacre". The style of writing is not attractive to us of the 21st century nor are her descriptions and appellations of native Americans politically correct. However, if one considers the state of war between the two races at the time and the fact that she observed a number of people she loved murdered, then a certain latitude for the ideas of the day might be allowed. The value here is that this is one of the few accounts from that time and place. If one balances what one reads with accounts from the native American side, say accounts of Sand Creek and Wounded Knee, it would be apparent that savagery was perpetrated on both sides, and that understanding history is rarely comfortable. Reading accounts from the time will not spare our sensibilities, but it is still the best way to find out what really happened. Still, I would caution those who need "safe spaces" from modern life or those with difficulty dealing with unvarnished life to avoid this book because nothing is spared here in description.
This is a rather graphic eye witness account of life on the Oregon Trail in the 1840s, including the "Whitman Massacre". The style of writing is not attractive to us of the 21st century nor are her descriptions and appellations of native Americans politically correct. However, if one considers the state of war between the two races at the time and the fact that she observed a number of people she loved murdered, then a certain latitude for the ideas of the day might be allowed. The value here is that this is one of the few accounts from that time and place. If one balances what one reads with accounts from the native American side, say accounts of Sand Creek and Wounded Knee, it would be apparent that savagery was perpetrated on both sides, and that understanding history is rarely comfortable. Reading accounts from the time will not spare our sensibilities, but it is still the best way to find out what really happened. Still, I would caution those who need "safe spaces" from modern life or those with difficulty dealing with unvarnished life to avoid this book because nothing is spared here in description.
July 14, 2015
Excellent
Factual, blunt, and enlightening
Fast reading and brief
Enjoyable but sad story by a courageous female survivor
A quick historical read
Factual, blunt, and enlightening
Fast reading and brief
Enjoyable but sad story by a courageous female survivor
A quick historical read
March 7, 2024
Listened to on youtube
June 23, 2018
Read this as a followup to "Treasured Grace" by Tracie Peterson. A very brief accounting of Catherine's journey along the Oregon Trail. I assume she's written this after the fact since her speech and grammar are more advanced than that of a petrified 13-year-old. During her account of the Whitman Massacre, she was obviously in shock and therefore wrote with few details, leaving me kind of wishing for more. Although the events during the 2 weeks she was in captivity were horrific, I followed up by reading about it in Wikipedia. It provided a better understanding as to the Indian's motivation behind the attack so you can understand how the events played out and why. To quote Mrs. Whitman... those "poor children"!
March 4, 2014
An engrossing account of tragedy in a young girl's life whose family traveled the Oregon Trail.
The reality of this memoir is staggering to comprehend in such a young girl's life. The trail ride, living at the mission, and personal account of an Indian massacre combine into an account that informs and shocks the reader with such a vast amount of tragedies in such a short period of time.
The reality of this memoir is staggering to comprehend in such a young girl's life. The trail ride, living at the mission, and personal account of an Indian massacre combine into an account that informs and shocks the reader with such a vast amount of tragedies in such a short period of time.
May 2, 2014
A family on the Oregon Trail and their hardships (death, massacre, etc). Told by one of the surviving daughters. It's interesting from the point of the child and is written very matter of factly. It's obvious from my rating that I didn't like it much at all. Some parts of it didn't even seem to make sense, like parts were being left out.
May 5, 2017
A book that entails the journey of families attempting to travel West despite the dangers involved. Ms.Sager described her father as restless,on the move to the next place. I felt for the wife and the seven children who had to suffered such a long journey. A journey that ended tragically, with just a younger sister and herself as survivors.
July 1, 2017
Fascinating, and revealing
I have visited the Willamette valley and certainly appreciate the perspective of individual that was present during this time. I have the feeling that we visited the old grits mill referred to in Portland Oregon. Had a very pleasant lunch there and will return again one day. That valley is one the most scenic in u.s.
I have visited the Willamette valley and certainly appreciate the perspective of individual that was present during this time. I have the feeling that we visited the old grits mill referred to in Portland Oregon. Had a very pleasant lunch there and will return again one day. That valley is one the most scenic in u.s.
February 3, 2018
A sobering read. This account gives a glimpse of the hardships of life along the Oregon Trail and the horrors of the Whitman massacre. It is hard to imagine the terror that Catherine and other children experienced as they sat for days, expecting to be killed. A story of survival that gives you a sense of perspective about lesser challenges you might be facing.
February 8, 2014
This is Catherine's journal describing her early life coming across the plains to Oregon. Tragic story, but told in a matter-of-fact manner that had no self-pity. Especially sad is that she took these horrible events as just as it is, and really did not know that this was not how life is.
June 19, 2014
a delightful read although the story was morbid. short and interesting. it was written by one of the girls who survived an Indian raid. enjoyed the book and would recommend it from a historical and cultural perspective. I hope to read several more books of this genre in the near future.
October 19, 2014
This tragic first hand account of the Orgon Trail and the Whitman Massacre was short, but difficult to read. Living was hard and many sacrificed so much (even their lives) in spreading the Gospel and in chasing their dreams. I am thankful for those who paved the way for us in so many ways.
January 1, 2015
Almost more honesty than a human should have to share. I can't even imagine the horror and sadness this poor woman had to endure. A reminder that our lives are almost too easy compared to our ancestors.
March 2, 2015
Very entertaining and short account.
Excellent writing in a woman's voice in the old West. The publishers notes are a big help to give this diary perspective. You will surely enjoy being transported to another time.
Excellent writing in a woman's voice in the old West. The publishers notes are a big help to give this diary perspective. You will surely enjoy being transported to another time.
April 10, 2015
Highly recommended
Even though the book is short, it tells a he story and gives a clear picture of Pioneer life. Msn. Saver was a brave woman, a true role model. Worth the time to read.
Even though the book is short, it tells a he story and gives a clear picture of Pioneer life. Msn. Saver was a brave woman, a true role model. Worth the time to read.
December 27, 2015
All I can say is..wow!
Murder,rape,kidnapping. What a story for a little girl to have had to endure. Why these parents took their children on such a dangerous adventure is beyond me. First hand witness account. Fascinating.
Murder,rape,kidnapping. What a story for a little girl to have had to endure. Why these parents took their children on such a dangerous adventure is beyond me. First hand witness account. Fascinating.
December 1, 2018
Fast reading historical encounter. No long drawn out gorry
details. Felt the
impact of horrible situation and sacrifice these early pioneer's suffered in opening of the early untamed west
details. Felt the
impact of horrible situation and sacrifice these early pioneer's suffered in opening of the early untamed west
March 18, 2013
Having read Stout Hearted Seven, the story of the Sager family's trip on the Oregon trail, I found this to be interesting to learn of Catherine's own account of this tragic story.
May 17, 2013
Interesting as writing from a real pioneer girl but confusingly written in place
August 31, 2013
This is a brief account of a young woman who crossed the plains. It is a harrowing account of the hard life the pioneers endured in settling the West.
November 4, 2013
Amazing story.
January 28, 2014
Praise for Catherine Sager's story
good story and a quick read. I couldn't put it down.
A powerful tale from the eyes of a child.
good story and a quick read. I couldn't put it down.
A powerful tale from the eyes of a child.
March 27, 2014
Read the enhanced version 2012. The story was great.
April 26, 2014
Interesting
Interesting
It interesting what this young girl endured. I was shocked when it ended abruptly. I went back to see if I made a mistake.
Interesting
It interesting what this young girl endured. I was shocked when it ended abruptly. I went back to see if I made a mistake.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews