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.

Books for Christmas

Posted on December 3, 2020 by nancyleek

Something they want, Something they need, Something to wear, Something to read. I don’t recall that recommendation being around when my kids were little, but it fits my long-established philosophy of Christmas gift-giving. And as a librarian and devoted book … Continue reading →

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California Emigrant Letters

Posted on November 29, 2020 by nancyleek

Feather River, Sept. 29, 1849 Now I will tell you what we have done since we got here; we have worked eight days and have made $16,000 — we have had extremely good luck, are on the Feather River, and … Continue reading →

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Hellacious California

Posted on November 15, 2020 by nancyleek

What is a California prayer book? Would you drink tarantula juice? Would you go in for pedestrianism? What was the Egg War? Would you invest in a Patent Hydro Electro Magnetic Goldometer that promised to find gold and water? (Save … Continue reading →

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John Bidwell in 1850

Posted on November 9, 2020 by nancyleek

One reason I like to write about John Bidwell is that he makes such a good lens for looking at the history of California. He was involved with many aspects of early California (politics, mining, agriculture, education), he knew everyone, … Continue reading →

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November 6, 1841 — The End of the Journey

Posted on November 6, 2020 by nancyleek

Saturday, 6th. Fifteen of the Company started for a Spanish town, called the Pueblo of St. Joseph (which is situated about 40 miles from Marsh’s) to seek employment. Members of the Bidwell-Bartleson Party didn’t waste any time sitting around at … Continue reading →

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November 5, 1841 — At Marsh’s

Posted on November 5, 2020 by nancyleek

Friday, 5th. Company remained at March’s getting information respecting the country. And resting, one hopes. After their arduous trek, they deserve a day of recovery. Feeling that Marsh had treated them generously by killing an ox and a hog to … Continue reading →

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November 4, 1841 — Hurrah for California!

Posted on November 4, 2020 by nancyleek

Thursday, 4th. Left the river in good season and departing gradually from its timber came into large marshes of bulrushes. We saw large herds of elk and wild horses grazing upon the plain. The earth was in many places strongly … Continue reading →

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November 3, 1841 — Almost There

Posted on November 3, 2020 by nancyleek

Wednesday, 3d. We waited till Capt. B. came up, and all started for Marsh’s about noon; arrived at the St. Joaquin and crossed it — distance 13 miles — found an abundance of grass here. The timber was white oak, … Continue reading →

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November 2, 1841 — “Great Joy and Gladness”

Posted on November 2, 2020 by nancyleek

Tuesday, 2nd.  Capt. B. with his 7 remained to take care of the meat he had killed — while the rest of the Company went on. We passed some beautiful grapes, sweet and pleasant.  The land decreased in fertility as … Continue reading →

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November 1, 1841 — “A Striking Contrast”

Posted on November 1, 2020 by nancyleek

November, Monday 1st. The Company tarried to kill game; an abundance of wild fowl and 13 deer and antelopes were bro’t in. My breakfast, this morning, formed a striking contrast with that of yesterday which was the lights of a … Continue reading →

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