If they went the 2nd half the way by wagon along the Platte,they likely went down the Ohio and up the Mississippi and Missouri by stamboat.The later they returned, the more likely they returned by rail. We here in Clermont Co,Ohio have few long droughts in the growing season. Aug,-Sept 1954 was one drouht year. Bethel-Tate schools opened a month late because the village water supply was too low. A 2nd,long drought was about 1990. My corn was planted on moist ground,then had no rain until nearly harvest. TV this am said Maysville,Mason Co,Ky was limiting lawn watering this year because of lack of rain. We at Bethel have had several recent rains.