In 1856, Miriam Colt, her husband, and her two small children set out for Kansas territory to make a new life. They were part of The Vegetarian Settlement Company, an organization formed to create a like-minded community committed to not eating meat and opposed to slavery. This was the time of Bleeding Kansas and they more than once met with "Border Ruffians," nearly at the cost of their lives. On the trip out: "The steamer struck a "snag" last night; gave us a terrible jar; tore off a part of the kitchen; ladies much frightened." This was only the beginning of the troubles they would experience like thousands of other pioneers.