Near Ozark

Thursday, December 31st, 1818

Within a mile after quitting the spot of our encampment, we entered the valley of Findley's Fork, or river, a large stream running from the north-east, and tributary to James' river, the main north-western branch of White River. We pursued down this stream five miles, passing over a body of well-wooded, fertile river bottom, when the severity of the weather induced us to stop and build a fire to warm ourselves. This stream has been named by the hunters in allusion to the first white beaver trapper who ventured to set his traps in its waters, and the beaver is still found in it. We now quit the river, ascending the highlands which divide it from James' River, and encamped at an early hour on the banks of a small stream, in a well-wooded and fertile country. Distance twelve miles. Course north-west. Killed one deer, two turkeys, one wolf, and one wild-goose.

-Henry Schoolcraft