Descendants of Willard Neeley: Passing through Kansas City, Independence, St. Louis, and Chicago in 1904

Our family is going on a trip through Independence, Missouri; Nauvoo, Illinois, Chicago, Illinois; and St. Louis, Missouri soon. I remembered that Willard had passed through some of these cities on his way to England and thought I would share his thoughts from these cities here today.

Here are his entries:

Oct. 21/1904 Kansas City. Beautiful day.Slept fine last night. Arose refreshed and able to stand the unceasing, tiresome rumble. When we retired last night, we were 4,000 feet above sea level, but on rising this morning were only 800 above. Quite a disention [descent] in one night. We are now speeding through the cornfields of Kansas, 90 miles wet of Kansas City. Conductor has just announced Topeka 7:50 am. It was 10:15 am when we reached Kansas City. Changing from the U.P.R.R. to Chicago and Alton Continental on toward St. Louis.It was 11 am when we passed through Independence, Jackson County,t Missouri. Our thoughts ran back to the time when our parents and grandparents had passed through the trying ordeals of persecution they had to pass through for the sake of the true Gospel of Christ. Onward we went singing the hymns of Zion and thanking our Father in Heaven for the privilege of going out in defense of true and everlasting Gospel. It was 6:20 pm when we arrived at St. Louis. We took lodgings at the Tyler apartments. After having supper we took the Olive St. car to a point where the general view of the illuminated Fair grounds could be seen. It was a grant sight. After returning we all knelt in prayer and retired to rest.

Oct. 22/1904 St. Louis Fine day. Clear but cool.After arising and taking breakfast we prepared to spend the day at the Worlds Fair. Took the Olive St. car to the main entrance. After entering we found our way to the Utah building. Meeting there quite a number of people from Utah. After registering as visitors we went to take in other points of interest, first going to the Fisheries—seeing there nearly every description of fish in the world. From there to the Institution of Art, some of the finest works of art was displayed from every nation in the world. From there we went to the Mechanical Arts building and Agricultural and many other notable institutions where the best of the world’s productions were exhibited. We also went to Boreo war exposition where two great battles were fought between the English and Boer. It was a fine representation. Many other points of interest were enjoyed. In the evening we went through what is called the Pike, where much confusion was experienced on either side. Walking through was ten cent shows and other attractions to drain the last nickel from a person. At night, we went to the Conservatory of Music to witness the display of fine works which took place in front of that building at 8 pm. It was 9:30 pm when we left the Fair Grounds to return to the Hotel. Today was a day well spent. One never to be forgotten.

Oct. 23/1904 St Louis. Fine day.After having breakfast, we gathered our things together. Went to the depot. Took the Chicago and Alton for Chicago. It was 10:30 am we passed through Springfield, Ill. at 1:20 pm we are running at the rate of seventy miles an hour as our train is a special. At 6 pm we pulled in the wonderful city of Chicago. What a confusion and turmoil. We soon found a conveyance to the Grace Hotel where we registered and deposited our baggage and found a place to dine. After supper, Elders Wootton, Zobell and I rook a stroll around the town. We enjoyed the walk fine. Afterwards returned to the hotel and retired to rest.

Oct. 24/1904 Chicago, Ill. CloudyWe arose in the morning. Took breakfast, then went to the La Salle depot. Checked our trunks to Boston and at 10:30 went on board the train. (Nickel Plate R.R.) enroute to Boston at 3 pm. We passed through Fort Wayne, Ind. and at 8:30 in the evening arrived at Cleveland, Ohio. After leaving Cleveland, pursued our house along the shore of Lake Erie. About 9 o’clock the conductor came in the car and turned the lights down and all in the car were soon lost in slumber.