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     Said Ingles is an old acquaintance of mine formerly in the shoe business in Buffalo. About half past nine the Judges arrived and one Notary Public to swear them in. Two McArdles and a McQuin were the Judges one of them could not write his name had to make his mark in signing his affidavit. The Notary Public and the old man McArdle were appointed clerks of Election one of this number had to have a deputy to write for him, and still he had to keep the poll list. The Ballot Box was an old sugar box imported from Omaha for the occasion. it was tied together with a string and a hole cut in the top with a table knife while the Judges were at breakfast. There was some 500 votes sent out and most of them different still it took about an hour to get the votes ready to suit the twenty voters. At last the voters were sent out doors and the breakfast table dishes and all was shoved up to the door and the polls declared open, and I had the great honor of casting the first vote that was ever cast in the pappillion district. I am the first man that ever voted in this presinct. I had many chances to immortalize my name all of which I respectfully declined

     Having deposited our votes as every honest man who has the good of his country at heart should do Darling and myself started back to our claim taking with us a man whom I engaged to break up 20 acres of prarie to have it ready to put in my crops next spring. Returning I finished the course of the Pappio as it crosses my farm and sit down to close up my writing on the claim.

     Last evening when we went to the Germans to get our bread and milk we noticed they had company who had come three miles from the north west. one woman and a little girl about twelve years old I thought I had seen before and inquired where they were from and learned they were from the east some where and were of german decent. made no further inquiries after they left I learned the woman and little girl had been enquiring who I was and where I was from.  they of cours got no more information than I did. This morning The little girl came to the Election with Mr Ingles who proved to be her father. Mr Ingles said his wife told him she saw a man down on the prarie she had seen somewhere before. The mystery was now solved they used to live in Buffalo and the little girl took the Casket and she and her mother used to come to the office for it.  The little girls dress did not compair with other children on the prarie she looked like a rose among thistles  It seemes go where you will even on the wild praries of Nebraska you will find some one you have seen before

     It is now past one o'clock P. M. and I will put up my writing and stow away things ready to start for Omaha about ten tonight so as not to get in untill after midnight as I have to swear I have lived on my claim five days and nights and slept regularly there as well as cooked and eat and at this time it is my residence

     Instead of waiting until ten we left at four P. M. and passed around to the west to look at some other claims and arrived in Omaha between eight and nine at night much to my surprise I only found two letters and both those

were unimport one from Mr De Puy and Mr Hall. Did not sleep well this night.

     Tuesday 4. -- Got up early waited at the land office untill 8 o'clock A. M. found my turn would come until tomorrow filed on the land and got an attourney to make out my papers. Rode up to Saratoga with Mr Tuttle and got my washing and put on a white shirt again. Walked to Omaha got the "Home" and "Casket" for August and two important letters one from Mr. Gridley in relation to Mr Turners buying the Niagara St property. The result of his confab with the Turners was not very satisfactory  Mr. G. will see them and write again soon  The Second letter was from E. S. Rich to whom I sold the notes I had from Wowzer he says all has now been paid excep one hundred a fifty dollars for that he holds Mr. Wowzers note endorsed by Mr. Steele. He Mr Rich thinks that we shall neither of us loose anything although all the parties who made the note I sold him have failed even to Miller, Orton and Mulligan

     Mr Gridley writes discouraging of prospects in Buffalo he says failures are of frequent occurrance, that prospects are much better in Omaha than in Buffalo. This fact I was before aware of particular to those who had capital to do with or to those in business. I have neither business or capital and I have about come to the conclusion that this is not the place for me this fall and winter more of this at another time

     After tea went up to Mr Tuttles and had a long conversation with him I am determined to bring certain matters to a focus and that at once. I make an occasional strike here but I cannot stand it to be so idle as I have been here. This fall and winter is a better time here for people with money

     Wednesday 5. -- Ten o'clock A. M  I have proved up and got my papers am now an owner of real estate in Nebraska Territory am the proprietor of Rock Brook Farm. Will now introduce a map of said farm made while on the premices and give a description of the same:--

     The Name --The name suggested itself when we first visited the place, a few weeks since. The scarcity of stone in the streams in this territory is so universal, that a stream filled, as in the eastern and middle states, with rock, attracts no little attention and becomes quite an object of curiosity. There are many Indian names familiar to the place, that might sound more poetical and pleasing to the ears of Eastern peaple, who have spent their days among the hills and rocks which characterize their peculiar locality. Such names however are not as attractive to us of the western praries, who are amidst the Indians and their relics, as the name which expresses that which is most rare in our midst, and calls to our retentive memories the seenes of our childhood which were spent by the "babling brook"

     Rock Brook Farm, is a name peculiarly adapted to the place as it has a brook almost the entire length of which is filled with gravel and common rock,

and brook stone, the like of which I think cannot be found within hundreds of miles of this farm

     The amount pre-empted is only 160 acres and is comprised within the red and black lines on the Map. The 80 acres on the west and enclosed with black only is held only by claim but being pre-empted as it is on all sides I trust I shall find no difficulty in holding it until the land comes in market, as few persons can be found that are willing to loose their right of pre-emption for 80 acres unless it is very valuable. I have pre-empted all that portion which has timber and Rock, and the part I think has coal on the balance is naked prarie

     The Pappillon -- This stream which runs through the East end of the farm, heads many miles to the north-west and drains an extensive reagion of country. The valley or bottoms of this stream is from one to three miles wide and the richest portion of this Territory. The Papillon's. and Platt valleys are now considered the most valuable, and will very soon surpass the Mohawk valley and the valleys of the Wyoming. They are now mostly valuable for the grass they yield, which makes the best hay in the county about 60 or 80 acres of Rock Brook Farm is bottom land. Of the Pappillon's there is three the first or Little, 2d The Big, and 3d the west Pappillon ours is on the Big Pappillon a stream at this time fifteen to twenty feet across and four feet deep, this is its dryest time. During heavy rain storms in the upper country it has been known to rise 17 feet in three hours the banks to that depth are very steep. In the the bottoms sometimes overflow.

     The name Pappillon is French and Indian means butterfly. It is called mostly Pappio and will probably be known only in english as Pappio.

     The Nin na bah  Is very noted among the Indians it is an Indian name signifying singing water, or babling watter. From time immemorial the indians have camped on this stream It makes about half mile above my southwest corner is composed of springs. In an ordinary time there is sufficient watter to carry one run of mill stones. there is a good mill site on it I think. It drains many thousand acres and in a rain storm gets up to ten feet in depth and as much in width. The stone and rock seemed to have been depostid by some volcanic action the stone is at least half Iron when broken resembles cast Iron more than it does stone

     Black Walnut Grove -- This grove is in a gorge formed by a ravine coming down a bluff from the south it is filled and bounded on the east with huge sand stone rock and holders this grove was the favorite camping ground of the Omahas but not large enough for one fourth of a tribe to camp in. Every fall and spring the prarie fires make sad havoc among the timber which otherwise would increase rapidly. As it is there is sufficient for one family with carefull usage until more is grown. Timber fringes the Ninnabah for about a half mile but except this grove it is cottonwood and elm

     Turkey foot Rock  This is the largest rock in the grove and forms the base of a high bluff and the west boundry of the Ninnabah It is of immence size being some 40 feet along the stream and twenty foot high. How far it runs into the bluff it is impossible to ascertain. back of these rocks in the bluffs

we believe there is coal if any where in this region. The rock is very soft composed of sand which is easily cut with any sharp instrument could be removed as rapidly as any clay bank is to soft for building purposes. It is carved with many devices by the Indians one of which resembles a Turkeys foot hence we give it the name of Turkey foot Rock

     Pipe Clay Rock -- This rock is the same as the other on the south bank of the stream but not as large. At the base along the ninnabah is a peculiar kind of white clay from which the Indians mould pipes and dry them in the sun useing them without baking. In cutting off chuncks from these Rocks, near the base one finds balls of clay as large as a cocoe nut in the midst of the rock. This is considered best by the Indians  I think the clay valuable. For want of a better name we call this Pipe Clay Rock.

     Skelleton Rock --This rock is of the same formation as the others but smaller. the principal feature is the origin of the name we have given it. The spring following Aug 1. 1854 Darling went out to make further observations on his claim and visit parts he had not before seen. Crossing the Ninnabah in the bend and going upon the bluff that covered this rock he discovered a human skelliton streatched out at full length its arm across its chest every particle of flesh and clothing had disappeared and the bones were bleached white. The sight so shocked Darling that he instinctively grasped his rifle and placed his finger upon the trigger and looked around to see if any one was in sight.  He says had he seen a human being he is not sure but his first act would have been to fire upon him so strong and strange was his fear at the sight of the skelliton. After a little he went up to, and examined the skelliton. through the skull a bullet had passed, showing how he come to his death. It was the frame of a powerfull man. In removing the skull, the joints were so fastened by a glutenous substance, that he turned the body near half over before the bones seperated at the joints of the skull and neck. As soon as the skull was removed Darling passed his larette through the throat and eye hung it upon the pommel of his saddle and galloped into town. This incident has caused the name of skelliton Rock to be attached as it is.

     Darlings Spring -- This is named in memory of Dick Darling. he had always been so attached to this spring he could not refrain from Ditching it as he had previously planed even after it was sold. This he done while with me proving up and a hard job it was too

     Omaha Buffalo Trail -- The peculiarities of this curiosity is described in my diary under date of Aug. 111

     Having completed my description, I will take a walk and let it close the business of the day continuing as usual my diary

     Thursday, 6  Immedidely after breakfast went up to Mr Tuttles who had agreed to go out to my farm with me. We harnessed up and in company with his brother-in-law started, going by Saratoga we stoped and selected a location for the warehouse

     Reaching the claim house we found some one had broke in and stole two Buffalo Robes and our beef. We attributed it to the Pawne Indians. We

wandered over most of the farm. Mr Tuttle and Zoller were both very much pleased with it. Seem to think as much of it as I do. We did not reach Omaha on our return until four in the afternoon. Brought back all my effects from the cabin and sold the cabin on the ground for twelve dollars to one of the McArdles who wishes also to preempt

     About bed time I learned there was to be a danse on the Steamer "Ben Bolt" which had come down this day from Sioux City. Hoping to see Miss Clark I went down but they were so long in getting to dancing I did not stop. Only had a glimse of Miss C.

     Friday, 7 -- Was awoke this morning by Jake coming into my room and handing me a letter Mr Cook gave him. It proved to be a bill of lading of my things which had come during the night on the Steamer Omaha. Hurried on my clothes and went down to the levee where I found all safe and sound to all appearances except through a crack I could see some pieces of lookinglass The steamer had gone up to Sioux City but left the bill for collection the whole amount of which was $64.45 a little cheaper than I had expected. The charges from St Louis here was only $1. per hundred while from Chicoga to St Louis it was $1.21 1/2 double what it ought to have been. Altogether however I am satisfied. I must now find a place to store them as it is uncertain when and where I shall want to use them. After breakfast went up to Saratoga and devoted the balance of the day to some improvements there

     Saturday. 8  Busied myself at Saratoga this forenoon afternoon settled my freight bill and done some figuring getting very uneasy and am bringing every thing on the square and am only awaiting a letter from Br Frank which I shall probably receive within a week, when I shall make some decided move. We have to day the Stainers "Hannabal" and "Minnehaha" in from St. Louis

     Sunday, 9 -- Another month has passed making five since I left home. long as the time has seemed from week to week I cannot realize I have been five months away  Why within that time there must be a preceptible difference or change in the growth of my children and if I should be still other five months before I see them I suppose they will outgrow my recollection It is not probable however that I shall be much longer from them at this time. If however it was deemed for the best I could remain from my family this fall and winter, but as matters have turned out here my stay in Omaha is very short for this time

     This has been one of the hotest days of the Season and all we have been able to do is to keep cool. This afternoon went up to Mr. Zollers where Mr. Tuttle boards spent a pleasant two hours and to dinner with them

     Monday 10  Last night there came up a rain storm accompanied with a hurricain which blew down a building I was interested in in Saratoga. The frame was only up and the damage will be easily repired  During the storm some of our neighbors who were living in temporary shanties became frightened, and for better safety came over to the generals and stoped until the fury of the storm had passed

     The Steamer (I can't think its name) came in this morning and brought Cooks House-hold goods he not feeling very well I received them for him. Went up to Tuttles rode up to Saratoga with him. I stopped until the building (which by the way was intended for my private residence, which I have not before spoken of,) was raised again. Walked down to Omaha and got two letters one from wife and one from R. Adams. Answered wifes and maled all of Diary to Aug. 10th 2 o'clock P. M.

E. F Beadle

     Tuesday, 11  After what I had written yesterday was mailed, I procured some nails and repaired the damages on my boxes of house hold goods and had them placed in the warehouse to be stored until further orders. In the evening helped Cook unpack his things found in one of the boxes the cain I brought to this place and on my return left by mistake at Cooks in Flint Mich. The steamer Edenburgh came in just at night

     This day I have devoted in part to writing letters to parties east and closing up my affairs here, this afternoon started with Mr Tuttle and his team to go over to the Bluffs. the wind so bothered the ferry that we abandoned the trip for to-day. We have a hot south wind blowing strongly.

     Wednesday 12 -- Went over to the Bluffs with Mr Tuttle spent the day without incident of interest, visiting the printing offices

     This night is the opening dance at the Central House Saratoga. Should like to be there but cannot as it comes my turn to take care of Dick Darling tonight he is here at the Generals sick with the billious fever came in from claim hunting last Saturday quite sick. On Sunday we got him down here. He is doing as well as can be expected has the best of care

     Thursday 13.  After breakfast walked up to Saratoga to close up my affairs there. Never saw Saratoga look so inticeing particularly the point where I have been building and sold out last week. Counted 56 buildings completed, and others in course of erection. There are many towns east that claim importance that have no more buildings than Saratoga at this time from the Central House I rode down in the Omnabus, by the bluff route or the route where the best buildings are along the edge of the bluff. I could hardly realize the change that had taken place directly under my own eyes. When I came here in the spring there was but two houses on the site. Now there was almost a city graded streets veheacles of all kinds and two lines of Omnibuses. The omnibus ride reminded me of the ride from Cold Springs to Buffalo except the beauty of the scenery which Buffalo cannot compare with

     This afternoon has been very hot  Cook and myself have been on the lookout for a boat as Lib is expected every boat. about the middle of the afternoon a severe thunder storm come up which has lasted untile evening about this time a boat made its appearance at the lower landing on the bluff side some six miles below here. It would not of course be up here until morning. Cook will probably watch it all night

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