Diary

Containers:

Box 1, Folder 2

Scope and content:

First page gives his address as New Town, California and his permanent address as Crawford County, Ohio. January Begins diary on January 1, 1851 by saying he is lonely, tired and sick and may never see his family again. March "This day one year ago, I left my dear family…to commit the most foolish act of my life, a trip to California…I am scarce able to crawl." "Health very bad." Begins temporary employment at Hodges and Company. April Saw an old friend from Maryland. "Have tried all day for work but can get none – most object because I look so puny." Travels from New Town to Nevada. Tries to walk to Rough and Ready. Goes to Rough and Ready where he begins prospecting for gold. May Down to his last penny. Has not heard from his family in a year. Leaves Rough and Ready for Quartz claims. Travels between Rough and Ready and Nevada. Does work on claims and electioneering. June Dr. Gardiner, city physician, offers $100 plus board to help in hospital until end of June. Talks of his health, tells about some patients and appeals to God for help to see his family again. July Bull and Bear fight. Man was shot, "no one's life is safe here a moment." Writes of the pain of his bowels, his weakness and doesn't know how long he has to live. Does not have a job, but does a little prospecting when he is able. August Tries to sell his quartz claim. "…everything works against me…my health is poor, very poor." "I guess there is no one who would more gladly leave this miserable country than myself but I have no hope of getting away until spring if I live so long." "I can eat nothing nor do nothing…" October Skips from end of August to October 15 "…God alone knows what I have been called to endure…" "Fire has destroyed the hopes of many in Marysville while families have been broken up, wives separated from husbands, and children to become prostitutes…""…Life here is held on a slender thread…" Family who he trusted mistreats him. Talks of people who might have remained good if they had stayed at home. Asks God to allow him to make it home, "I know I love with ardent affection." Makes arrangements to go home and sells part of claim to Dr. Gillen. Is worried that others might think he handled his claim fraudulently. Pays all his obligations and travels to San Francisco, California. November Takes steamer. Tells a little about the voyage. Sails via Panama. On November 3, he has a different pain and needs opium. Later, the steamer passes Cape Hatteras and encounters a hurricane. Arrives at "City" and takes train toward home. "I feel my heart running out to my maker." December Arrives home on December 3. On New Years Eve, writes about his diary, his foolish decision to go to California, his friends and family and thanks God for bringing him home safely.

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