Across the Plains in 1884

by Catherine Sager

In April 1844 the Sager family took part in the great westward migration and started their journey along the Oregon Trail. During it, both Henry and Naomi lost their lives and left their seven children orphaned. Later adopted by Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, missionaries in what is now Washington, they were orphaned a second time, when both their new parents were killed during the Whitman massacre in November 1847. About 1860 Catherine, the oldest girl, wrote a first-hand account of their journey across the plains and their life with the Whitmans. Today it is regarded as one of the most authentic accounts of the American westward migration.

Genres: History

80 pages, Paperback

Published December 16, 2016

Reviews

[Merwyn Haskett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unpolished yet harrowing

The title year should be 1848 (actually 1847) - this is a first person account of the Whitman Massacre which every Washington State middle schooler studies in State History. Told in the straightforward matter-of-fact style expected from someone who buried both parents, then witnessed her adopted parents and brothers slaughtered in front of her.

[Lynda Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young girls terror.

As the author was so young at the time her recollection and detail is astounding. Such a frightening time. Worth the read.

[Saundra Kunasek-andrade · Rating 4 out of 5]

short and informative

This book was a quick read with to the point remembrances of Catherine's experiences traveling across the Plains. It was written simply yet with a clear account.

[Lisa Seibert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life story

This girls family thought that going West would be great. then they got sick after the parents died they lived a few years with a Christian family. Then the Indians after the house

[Lois Nuber · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit difficult to follow.

So many different towns, people, Indian tribes (good and bad). A lot happening in the matter of only a couple days. For me it was difficult to follow. Hopefully the next book will bring it all together and Perhaps I'll change my rating then.

[Tricia Camp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well depicted story of a family of children orphaned by their natural parents and eventually by their adoptive parents. And as several of the children are killed or die, one who lived to tell their story is often deeply in fear of losing her own life. Throughout the story you can feel her thoughts and the devastating turns she lives through & with.

[Haley Kilgour · Rating 2 out of 5]

Aside from this book being dry as hell, it was also often quite discombobulating.

Information seems wishy washy at best. Like when the book opens, I though the girl was like 12. Come to find out by the end she’s only 13. And the recounting of the attack was like trying to listen to a story from someone with adhd.

[Barb Fay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Claimed to be a firsthand account of pioneer life the American West written @ 1860 by one of the survivors of her journey, it reveals real and tragic experiences along the Oregon Trail. To have this memoir today in 2023 is a treasure, even if it is not written as a literary masterpiece. It's a fine example of historical literature, and a good reason not to throw away one's diaries.

[Catherine Flynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a hard read. It's a tragic biography of pioneers surviving life in the 19th century. I can not fathom how hard they must all go through just to find the freedom of living for a better life. As fascinated as I am with the proper gestures during those times, I was also dismayed how brutal people can also be. We can learn history from the biographies of real people back in the day.

[Joy Gauger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such sadness and grief.

I have been to the Whitman mission multiple times. I lived near Walla Walla for 11 years. These dear people died of no cause of their own. This book does tell what happened after the massacre. I suspect part of the story was taken from MS Sagers diary.

[Marlyn G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Across the Plains in 1884.

I've read many accounts of Plains Travelers,
but this is amazing to read and know it is real. The horror that the pioneers had to go through is incredible.

[sharon douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Told it like it was

The story was told as a series of facts and not embellished with many emotions. There is a lack of daily tasks but the events are summarized. Thus we a short read but memorable.

[Nancy White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walla Walla

Across the Plains in1884 is the true account of a young girl who survived the Walla Walla massacre of 1847. 19th century dialogue enhances this amazing story that recounts the mission and lives of the Whitmans for whom Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA is named.

[GLORIA JACQUES · Rating 1 out of 5]

Do not purchase too short a story

This story is very short and should not be advertised as a full book. I wouldn't have purchased it if I knew that it was just a few pages.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short. Not detailed

Short. Not detailed. Expected more of travel. Doesn't describe exactly where they see going. Large section on a horrific day and days following.

[Jann Grimes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this is a true account, I had hoped for more detail than was given. It's quite short, overall.

[Joy Pierce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was very depressing

[Tammie Tyndall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad story

It was very sad to read about all the misfortunes the children suffered during the wagon ride and when they reached their destination.

[Damien A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mistitled. This group crossed in 1844. Nonetheless, it led me to Murder at the Mission, which was outstanding

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but

It was too short. Read it in half an hour. But it was refreshing not to hear of the poor Indians, but the truth of their treachery.

[Alison Youngberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting history

I had known the Whitmans were missionaries but this story told more of their story. I'm glad I read this story so I know more of what happened to them.

[Beth Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, slightly informative--good if you are going to travel along the Oregon trail

[Glenn Branch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reality

Refreshing first person account of hard times among our brave ancestors. A quick read that left me musing about my comfortable life.

[ritchie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative

History buffs might like storyline,
It was not what I expected. It seemed like an excerpt from much larger story.

[Rebecca L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short book. Interesting account though.

I expected a longer book. I read this in one sitting. The account was fairly interesting. I should’ve read the reviews.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely one of the saddest and most depressing stories I've ever read. There's a lot of misery packed in this small book.