Author Archives: nancyleek

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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.

Heritage Day at John Marsh’s Rancho

Posted on September 19, 2014 by nancyleek

John Marsh’s letters were a prime motivator in getting John Bidwell to California. Marsh, already living in California, wrote to Missouri newspapers and extolled the attractions of his new home. That, plus the tales told by Antoine Robidoux, convinced John … Continue reading →

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Pity the Poor Pioneer Woman

Posted on September 13, 2014 by nancyleek

On his 1841 trek to California, John Bidwell traveled with several members of the Kelsey family. He never forgot the trials on the trail of Mrs. Samuel Kelsey, wife of the oldest of four Kelsey brothers on the trip. I … Continue reading →

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Sherman and Bidwell

Posted on September 4, 2014 by nancyleek

I am currently reading Fierce Patriot: The Tangled Lives of William Tecumseh Sherman, by Robert L. O’Connell. I recommend it to all you Civil War buffs out there, as well as anyone who wants to read a well-written biography of … Continue reading →

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Ever Been to Nataqua?

Posted on August 3, 2014 by nancyleek

I’ve been reading about Peter Lassen in Legendary Truths by Ken Johnston. I recommend the book to anyone who wants a detailed account of Lassen’s life and the development of the Lassen Trail. Johnston dispels many old myths about Lassen … Continue reading →

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Sierra Stories

Posted on July 18, 2014 by nancyleek

If you enjoy stories about California history, then this book is for you: Sierra Stories: Tales of Dreamers, Schemers, Bigots and Rogues, by Gary Noy. I saw the author last night at Lyon Books; he brings the Sierra Nevada to … Continue reading →

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Devil’s Gate

Posted on July 7, 2014 by nancyleek

The Devil’s Gate is a picturesque feature a few miles south of Independence Rock. John Bidwell doesn’t mention it. He only says: Tuesday, 6th. . . .  Went upstream about 8 miles and encamped on Sweet Water. Which means they … Continue reading →

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Independence Rock

Posted on July 4, 2014 by nancyleek

On July 5th John Bidwell wrote: Monday, 5th. The hills continued to increase in height. After travelling 16 miles we encamped at a noted place called Independence Rock. This is a huge isolated rock covering an area, perhaps half a … Continue reading →

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On the Trail with John Bidwell and Friends

Posted on June 26, 2014 by nancyleek

When I wrote my book about John Bidwell in 2010, I had never seen the country he traversed on his journey from Missouri to California in 1841 (other than, of course, parts of California, where I live.) I got it … Continue reading →

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Death on the Trail

Posted on June 24, 2014 by nancyleek

Wednesday, June 23rd. Remained at the Fort; the things of Mr. Shotwell were sold at auction. George Shotwell was the only casualty out of the 61 members who set out with the Bidwell-Bartleson Party. His death occurred about a week … Continue reading →

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Fort Laramie

Posted on June 23, 2014 by nancyleek

Tuesday, June 22nd. Eight miles this morning took us to Fort Larimie, which is on Larimie’s fork of Platte about 800 miles from the frontiers of Missouri. It is owned by the American Fur Company. . . . The Black … Continue reading →

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