Atwell B. Gatewood was born in Stafford County, Virginia and moved when young to Missouri. In this episode, his family is explored and then the three families of the adults of the Shackelford-Gatewood familes on the 1865 journey (Galloway, Shackelford, and Gatewood) are compared.

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Ruth's husband, William Franklin Shackelford, who she called Frank, was born in Culpeper Co. Virginia, but came to maturity in Missouri. In trying to understand the Shackelfords' 1865 and 1868 travels, we look at Frank and his family.

**Trigger warning** Slavery and rape are discussed, but not in detail, in this episode.

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In 1855, William Franklin Shackelford's uncle Caleb and aunt Frances filed a bill of complaint against another aunt, Sarah, and a man named Benjamin Matthews over land that had been left to William's great-aunts Nancy, Polly, and Caty in 1810. This complicated case reveals a great deal about the Shackelford family in Culpeper County, Virginia in the late 1700s and early 1800s that would otherwise be unknown.

Next episode: William Franklin Shackelford

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Ruth Galloway Shackelford was born and raised in Boone County, Missouri, in a family that had emigrated from Kentucky. Ruth's family and upraising formed her character, which is evident in her diaries. She was not alone in being reluctant to uproot her family to travel to California, as is evident from the testimony from other women in Lillian Schliessel's book "Women's Diaries of the Westward Journey".

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Back from an excavation vacation, Jen discusses deep mapping as a framework for studying the Shackelfords' journeys in 1865 and 1868. Included is a discussion of geography, spaces vs. places, and how Jen intends to create a Shackelford deep map for public consumption.

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The last entry of Ruth Shackelford's published 1868 diary ends as the Shackelfords were about to cross the Red River from Texas to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma). From other sources, we know the Shackelfords did return to Missouri. In this episode, we'll explore their probably route for the end of their travels, summarize what happened to them after they returned to Missouri, and discuss on-going questions about their travels.

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Mr. Atwell Gatewood had been a widower for almost 3 years, raising 3 boys by himself, although probably with help from the Shackelfords. While in Hood county Texas, he meets and marries Miss Oxier, changing the dynamics of the group.

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The Shackelfords and their traveling companions, the Kirklands and Gatewoods, stopped at Center Mills, Hood county, Texas for a month to rest their horses. Ruth's account of their time in Hood county can be put into context with local histories, but her descriptions of the area and events also add facts and color to those local histories.

Show notes on the Helonaki website!

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In late June 1868, the Shackelfords reached Horsehead Crossing on the Pecos River in west Texas. Ruth wrote vividly about the crossing and in this episode, Jen examines their experience in light of other travelers. Plus an update on mapping progress!

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On June 23-24, 1868 the Shackelfords crossed paths at Barilla Station with the family of Harriet Bunyard who were traveling from Texas to California. In this episode, Jen discusses Barilla Station, crossing paths, Buffalo Soldiers, and progress on mapping using BLM GLO plat maps.

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