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During this long, tedious part of the voyage, William H. Folsom preached the Gospel to his fellow passengers.
At port in the Delaware River, Folsom was impatient at the delay in get his baggage from the ship, as he was anxious to be on his way to greet his family. The delay must have been lengthy because he spent the time visiting the Fairmont Water Works, the Theatre, the Pennsylvania Hospital, which was built of brick imported from England, the Cramp Shipbuilding Yard, the Philadelphia Library with its Doric lines and trim and, of course, Independence Hall. He made note of many architectural features, expecial1y the use of the Doric column on civic buildings and homes.
What means of transportation Eliza used to take her children to Atwater- is not known, There were a few short railroad lines at this time, but none which would carry them all of the way from Keokuk to Ohio. But the family did arrive, and there was great rejoicing when they met their father. The Clark sisters (there were no brothers) held a family reunion, where a picture was taken. (Picture extant, and we of the present generation regret that the parents were not included in it,) The picture portrays our Grandmother, Zerviah Eliza Clark Folsom, and her sisters: Mrs. Robert (Harriett) Denison, Mrs. Ebenezer W. (Juliett) Gray, Mrs. Daniel Wells (Emily) Hillyer, Mrs. Addison (Rebecca (Antonette) Wolcott, and Mrs. Judson Hinman (Susan) Day
New clothing was purchased for Eliza and the children. Some lovely gifts were presented to the Clark grandparents. Just where Folsom purchased the golden cross breastpin and matching tiered earrings, which he gave to his wife Eliza at this time, is not known. Both were set with real pearls. He also gave her some other lovely pieces of jewelry, as well as some souvenirs.
After visiting at the Clark home, Folsom decided to make a trip to Buffalo, New York, to visit his family and friends. He and his family made the trip by rail and by boat (on Lake Erie). They found Grandfather William Fullington Folsom ill. Now sixty-four years old, he recalled the many experiences of his life time and wondered that he was permitted to retain his health as long as he had. Many happy hours were spent visiting friends and relatives. The children saw the great Niagara Falls and the place in the river where their parents had been baptized. Departure time came too soon, but William H. knew that he must return to Keokuk and settle his affairs.
Tickets were purchased for the trip from Buffalo to Toledo, Ohio, on Lake Erie. As the two families waited at .the dock for the time of departure, William H, suddenly announced that he had changed his mind about leaving on that day. The family thought this strange, until he explained that a voice had said, "Don! t goon that boat;" Since the message had been repeated, he decided to heed the warning, It was learned the following day that one of the quick, violet storms so characteristic of Lake Erie had capsized the boat on which the Folsom family was to have gone, All but two of the passengers were lost.
From Toledo, Ohio, the family went by train to Cincinnati, Ohio, and then by boat down the river to Keokuk, Iowa.
There was excitement among the children as they made plans for their journey to Salt Lake City, until Eliza became seriously ill with a pregnancy. Postponement of this trip was a disappointment for all. In order to support his family during the delay, Folsom invested part of his money in a small mercantile establishment.