Introducing Ruby Bryant

     It's March 12, 1854 we are packing for our trip to California.   It will be sad to leave the friends we have made here in this small town of Independence, Missouri.  We are slaves in this state and treated well but in California we will be free.  This trip is scary but it will be worth the effort. I have three children; two sons ages 12 and 6 and one girl three.  My oldest son, John is strong and helpful.  Jacob the six year son wants to play most of the day but he is willing to help as well. Anna, the youngest is adorable and tries her best to perform chores. My father-n-law, Robert who is 67 will be joining us on this trip. It will be difficult for him due to his age. My husband David is 22 years old and strong.  I am 19 years old.  I know hard work and I will makes sure so that family survives this difficult trip.
     Independence, is busy place with a large, elegant red brick church that is surrounded by a white split rail fence and rocky pathway.  There are several large, majestic houses surrounding the church.  Down the different roads there are different shops such as a bakery with sweet, sugary pastry smells, and a coffee shop with strong coffee bean smells.  The horses' hoofs make a constant sound during the day of pulling carts and carriages.
     My owner lives a little out town owning a farm where my husband and father-n-law work.  My job is to work within the house cooking, cleaning and watching the children.  They have been a wonderful family to work for. 
Today is windy and a bit cold.  Our family is lucky because have been given from our owner 4 oxen and 6 cows.  We will serve our master and his family on the wagon train but we will gain our freedom in California.