Father Quote by Rutherford B. Hayes
“My father and mother in 1817 were forty-nine days on the road with their emigrant wagons [from Vermont] to Ohio. More than two days for each hour that I spent in the same journey.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Personal recollection, 1880s, United States History
Describes the arduous, slow travel of his parents on a wagon train, emphasizing the lengthy time spent per hour on the road.
In simple terms: Parents endured a long, slow wagon journey.
Recognize the hardships of early migration.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- genealogy research
- historical reenactments
- education about pioneer life
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How did such travel shape family dynamics?
- What lessons can modern travelers learn from pioneer patience?
Travel speed was limited by technology and terrain, making journeys extremely time‑consuming.