Diary Reflects Life for New Oregonians

The diary of a recent immigrant’s first days in Southern Oregon reflects his concern for the near future. William Hoffman, his wife and five daughters arrived on Oct. 29, 1853, on the Applegate Trail. Here are some diary excerpts:
Oct. 29: “The valley where we entered is quite narrow. We passed several farms at one of which we procured some vegetables.”
Oct. 30: “We procured a sack of flour. We have been feasting ourselves on vegetables after being deprived of them for so long a time.”
Oct. 31: “We continued our journey towards Jacksonville…We encamped to look about for a location until we can find shelter for our families.”
Nov. 1: “We examined several claims for sale. We have not yet decided on one. We shall probably have to build cabins for our families…The prospect for the winter is rather gloomy.”
Nov. 5: “At present we are occupying an old cabin belonging to Mr. Tucker who has shown us much kindness in supplying us with vegetables from his garden.”
Nov. 7: “ I feel disheartened at the gloomy prospect for the sustenance of my family this winter.”
The family survived the winter and prospered.
Source: Hoffman, William. Diary. Manuscript 193, Folder 1. Medford, Ore.: Southern Oregon Historical Society, 122-96. Print.