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.

Buying Freedom

Posted on March 15, 2022 by nancyleek

Dr. William Bassett paid $600 for Alvin Coffey in 1846 and then sold him for $1000 in 1851. How much money would that be today? I was asked that question last Saturday when I gave a talk about my books … Continue reading →

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A House for Widow Brown

Posted on March 8, 2022 by nancyleek

“We reached Red Bluff a hungry, almost barefoot, ragged lot of emigrants. But the people came generously to our aid and gave us food and clothes.” Abbie Brown When the Brown family arrived in Red Bluff in October 1864, they … Continue reading →

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John Brown’s Family in Northern California

Posted on March 5, 2022 by nancyleek

Did you know that there is a connection between John Brown, the abolitionist, and the North State? John Brown, of Harper’s Ferry fame, never came to California. He was hanged by the State of Virginia in 1859. But members of … Continue reading →

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Moses Rodgers — Black Mining Engineer

Posted on February 27, 2022 by nancyleek

Moses Logan Rodgers came to California in 1849 as a slave. Born in Missouri in 1835, he he was only 14 when he joined the Gold Rush. He mined by day and worked for himself in the evenings until he … Continue reading →

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Freedom and George Washington Dennis

Posted on February 26, 2022 by nancyleek

One more story from California history for Black History Month. Southern slave owners who came to California for the Gold Rush usually brought at least one enslaved person with them. Although California was admitted to the Union as a free … Continue reading →

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Presentations! I’ve Got Presentations!

Posted on February 25, 2022 by nancyleek

I am available to speak to groups and classes about California history and my books. I have a few presentations lined up — maybe you can make it to one of them. Saturday, March 5th at 10 a.m. at the … Continue reading →

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A Gold Rush Daguerreotype

Posted on February 20, 2022 by nancyleek

There are some fabulous images from the Gold Rush, and this is one of them. It’s so crowded with activity and life, even though the daguerreotypist must have told them to stand as still as possible. Look at the variety … Continue reading →

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Escape from Slavery

Posted on February 18, 2022 by nancyleek

Delilah L. Beasley tells this story in her ground-breaking book The Negro Trail Blazers of California: Robert Anthony came with his master to Sacramento, California, in 1852, from St. Louis, Missouri, by ox team across the plains. Two years to … Continue reading →

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A California Valentine

Posted on February 14, 2022 by nancyleek

In the great bachelor party that was Gold Rush California, women were scarce. Here’s a cartoon of the era that gives an idea of how rare and sought-after a pretty young lady could be. Do any of those men look … Continue reading →

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Abraham Lincoln — Plain Common Sense and Apt Illustrations

Posted on February 12, 2022 by nancyleek

Happy Birthday to President Abraham Lincoln, born on February 12, 1809. I remember when this day was a school holiday, but now it has been absorbed into Presidents’ Day. It’s still a good day to remember this great leader. John … Continue reading →

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