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By Ox Team to California - A Narrative of Crossing the Plains in 1860

Read by:
Sue Anderson
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Unabridged Audiobook

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Ratings
Book
123
Narrator
38
Release Date
January 1, 2017
Duration
4 hours 52 minutes
Summary
Imagine a young, twenty-something woman in 1860, reared “in the indolent life of the ordinary Southern girl” (which means she has never learned to cook); married to a professional man who knows “nothing of manual labor;” who is mother to a young son; and who has just found out she is pregnant with their second child. Imagine that this couple has become “embarrassed financially” by “imprudent speculations,” and that they are discussing what to do. They decide to buy a wagon and three yoke of unbroken oxen and head overland to California.

"We were two such precious dunces,” writes Lavinia Honeyman Porter in her autobiographical account of their journey across the plains. “In a short time the six oxen were bought, driven to our home and turned loose in our barnyard--wild brutes, as handy as with their heels as with their horns. Not one of us was brave enough to venture into the corral with them and we soon concluded we had six white elephants on our hands.” From there on in, Lavinia's adventures get worse—and then better. For those who enjoy true stories of pioneering days and happy endings, this is an enjoyable read.
(Introduction by Sue Anderson)
Reviews
What listeners say
The audiobook received positive feedback for its engaging historical account and informative content. Listeners appreciated the first-hand perspective and detailed documentation of pioneer life. While most enjoyed the narration, a few found it somewhat dry. Overall, it was considered a fascinating and well-crafted listening experience that provides insight into historical travels.
Profile Avatar Miss Biggun Oct 2025

Very enjoyable book, TV sadly has soured what we think of the exploits of travellers of the time and native Indians across the west, it was so enjoyable to hear a first hand experience, whilst times were very tough there were also many good times too

Profile Avatar Anonymous Oct 2024

A truly fascinating account of an unimaginably difficult journey, courage and fortitude. It was sensitively read, and a joy to listen to.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Apr 2023

Interesting. Enjoyed this book

Profile Avatar Anonymous Apr 2023

Good details we would never think of without a journalist to document.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jan 2023

Great book. Narrator had an interesting voice which made the story. Made sitting in traffic enjoyable:)

Profile Avatar Dena Knight Jan 2023

It is very interesting and well narrated.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jan 2023

Enjoyed the read and I thought the person who read the book was very good.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Dec 2022

The narrator was very good with excitement and enthusiasm as she read the story. The book is very interesting and written by an extremely educated woman for a pioneer. Her usage of the language was profound compared to our course use of it today. I’d highly recommend the book to anyone interested in first- hand - detailed information concerning the trip in those days long ago.

Profile Avatar Sur S. Jul 2022

I really enjoyed this account of a woman I deem much braver than I would have been!

Profile Avatar Cindy B. Jan 2022

I enjoy Pioneer stories like this! The author did a great job in her journal keeping of the journey. I wasn\'t particularly fond of the narration as it was a but dry but I have heard worse.

Profile Avatar Mary Pockrandt Sep 2021

I loved this perspective! Fun and interesting story, oh what it must have been like driving an oxen team across America!

Profile Avatar Evelyn B. Aug 2021

I like this because it was an authentic account of the travels of a young family. Their interaction with different people along the way is intriguing.

Profile Avatar Catherine W. Aug 2021

I loved this book!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jun 2021

This story was fascinating and the author’s personality is even quite funny at times. The narrator was excellent.

Profile Avatar Roseann C. Nov 2020

It was interesting but I sometimes had trouble believing her version of things.

Profile Avatar Lisa Anderson Oct 2020

Fabulous amazing story. I have read a few books on the Overland trail am amazed everytime. Narrator was a bit dry and first 15 minutes of explanation " which did help" was a bit boring but I'm glad I found this.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Apr 2020

A very informative account. Enjoyable listening.

By Ox Team to California - A Narrative of Crossing the Plains in 1860

By Ox Team to California - A Narrative of Crossing the Plains in 1860

Author: Lavinia Honeyman Porter
Read by: Sue Anderson
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