Author Archives: nancyleek

About nancyleek

Nancy is a retired librarian who lives in Chico, California. She is the author of John Bidwell: The Adventurous Life of a California Pioneer.

Summer in California

Posted on March 26, 2015 by nancyleek

After telling Miss Boyd about the beauties of a California spring, John Bidwell went on to describe the changes of summer. . . . hold now — let time speed but one month. The fragrant and beautiful flowers are dead, … Continue reading →

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John Bidwell Waxes Poetical in the Spring

Posted on March 22, 2015 by nancyleek

In 1851 John Bidwell wrote to a young lady of his acquaintance, “My Friend Miss E. Boyd,” describing his life in the goldfields of California. Here is his description of springtime in the Central Valley: For miles and hundreds of … Continue reading →

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Bidwell Campaign Song

Posted on March 5, 2015 by nancyleek

As long as we are on the topic of political campaign songs, here’s another one. This is from Bidwell’s run for president on the Prohibition Party ticket in 1892. Bidwell’s vice-presidential running mate was James B. Cranfill of Texas. This … Continue reading →

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“The Farmer of Chico” in Politics

Posted on February 28, 2015 by nancyleek

Back in the day when political campaign songs were numerous and popular, the following song appeared in the Sacramento Bee on August 4, 1875. It is not complimentary to John Bidwell. In 1875 Bidwell was the candidate for governor of … Continue reading →

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Amethyst and Adobe

Posted on February 23, 2015 by nancyleek

What do amethysts and adobe bricks have in common? A tale told by John Bidwell about Sutter’s Fort and a treasure thrown in the dust. In January 1892 John and Annie Bidwell visited old Sutter’s Fort, which by then was … Continue reading →

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A Valentine for Annie

Posted on February 13, 2015 by nancyleek

To: Miss Annie Kennedy February 14, 1866 A Annie is a charming girl, an editress, a writer N Nor could you find in all the world a better nor a brighter N Now if fair Annie would be mine, take … Continue reading →

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Annie’s Diamond Ring–The End

Posted on February 12, 2015 by nancyleek

What happened to Annie’s ring, with its California diamond? Was it buried with her? Did she leave it to a relative in her will? Where did it go? I’ve been wondering about that, and thought I would check the Bidwell … Continue reading →

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Annie’s Diamond Ring, Part Four

Posted on February 6, 2015 by nancyleek

During his Washington years John Bidwell felt like he was navigating a minefield of social missteps and blunders. In his letters he often refers to his fear of giving offense. He had spent the last 25 years on the Western … Continue reading →

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Annie’s Diamond Ring, Part Three

Posted on February 1, 2015 by nancyleek

John writes from Chico on June 18, 1867: And now another thing, the ring. I send it by this steamer. It may be a little too large for you. If so, have it made smaller. It will cost but little. … Continue reading →

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That Diamond, or How Much Was $125 Worth in 1867?

Posted on January 29, 2015 by nancyleek

John Bidwell was told by a New York jeweler that his diamond from Butte County, California was worth $125. What would that be in today’s money? According to the website Measuring Worth, A simple Purchasing Power Calculator would say the … Continue reading →

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