Monthly Archives: February 2026

More “Prospective Voters”

Posted on February 15, 2026 by nancyleek

The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, and the 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, guaranteed citizenship rights and equal protection of the laws. The 14th Amendment declared that “No State shall make … Continue reading →

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“Prospective Voters”

Posted on February 13, 2026 by nancyleek

In anticipation of the passage of the 15th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, The Elevator, a San Francisco newspaper serving the black community, asked its readers in 1869 to identify “colored male adults” in their communities, men … Continue reading →

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John Bidwell Meets Abraham Lincoln

Posted on February 12, 2026 by nancyleek

John Bidwell met President Lincoln in 1864 and was greatly impressed. Bidwell believed whole-heartedly in the Union cause. In 1864 he was a California delegate to the Republican National Convention in Baltimore on June 7-8, where Lincoln was renominated for … Continue reading →

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John Scott, the “Most Unique” Man of Tehama County

Posted on February 9, 2026 by nancyleek

A year after he celebrated his 100th birthday, Black pioneer John Scott died at his home on Reed’s Creek in Tehama County. He had had an adventurous life, although how much of the tales he told were true is impossible … Continue reading →

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