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.

“What Shall I Do?”

Posted on November 15, 2014 by nancyleek

John Bidwell sent this letter to Annie in 1880, when he was in San Francisco and she was visiting her family in Washington, D. C.: SF Aug 24, 1880 My Dear Wife By the bye. The President and General … Continue reading →

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John Marsh and John Bidwell

Posted on November 3, 2014 by nancyleek

On Thursday, November 4th, 1875, John Bidwell wrote in his diary: Thirty four (34) years ago today I arrive at the ranch of Dr. John Marsh near Mt. Diablo – party consisted of 32 men l woman and child. John … Continue reading →

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John Bidwell Arrives in California

Posted on October 30, 2014 by nancyleek

“Saturday, 30th. We had gone about 3 miles this morning, when lo! to our great delight, we beheld a wide valley! This we had entirely overlooked between us and the high mountains which terminated our view yesterday. Rivers evidently meandered … Continue reading →

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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 →

Posted in Nataqua, Peter Lassen | 1 Comment

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 →