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Journal of Western Travel
by John McTurk Gibson
edited by Weldon Hoppe
July 21st, 1859 -- Traded off two pretty well used up oxen for fresh ones. Passed Kay's Ward, another settlement 5 miles from Farmington. Entered a sand ridge that reaches nearly to Weber River, the same river we crossed before we got to Salt Lake City, it is much larger here, looks equally pretty, and has a very heavy settlement on it called Ogden City. We encountered one of the greatest pests we have yet seen, the advent of myriads of winged ants. They filled the air so we could scarcely breathe, literally swarming on our heads, getting into our mouths, and completely covering the wagon covers. This lasted 3 miles when a thunderstorm came to our relief and settled them. We are camped close to the City.Powell
Travelled 18 miles. We crossed Weber River this evening for the last time. We to day had the luck of coming amongst the winged antemire creation. They lit on wagon like bee swarms. The boys were almost covered with them. It was laughable to see them brushing and stamping. They lasted for a distance of one mile.