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.

Death in Downieville

Posted on October 2, 2021 by nancyleek

In Camp and Cabin with John Steele — part 3. Leaving Nevada City in January 1851, John Steele and several other men headed over the snow-covered ridges, aiming for Big Meadows and the North Fork of the Feather River. They … Continue reading →

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In Camp and Cabin with John Steele — 2

Posted on September 30, 2021 by nancyleek

John Steele was a well-educated, Bible-reading, poetry-loving, and seemingly mild-mannered young man. But in the California goldfields a man had to be prepared for anything. Sometimes the answer to a problem was a pistol. Once he and his friends had … Continue reading →

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In Camp and Cabin with John Steele

Posted on September 28, 2021 by nancyleek

John Steele was eighteen years old when he caught a case of gold fever. He made the overland trek from Wisconsin to California in 1850. A diligent diarist, he kept a journal on the trail and during his three years … Continue reading →

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William B. Lorton the the Goldfields

Posted on September 14, 2021 by nancyleek

It’s a shame that William B. Lorton’s California journals are lost. He was such a lively and candid writer — I am sure his tales of adventures in the goldfields would be a delight to read. Unfortunately they are lost … Continue reading →

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William B. Lorton in Salt Lake City

Posted on September 12, 2021 by nancyleek

William B. Lorton arrived at the Mormon community in the Salt Lake Valley on August 8, 1849. To visit Salt Lake City was a deviation from the Oregon-California Trail, but one that many took in order to trade goods. The … Continue reading →

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William Lorton and the “Stampede Company”

Posted on September 10, 2021 by nancyleek

William Lorton experienced more than his share of stampedes while on the overland trail. Difficulties with cattle continued to dog his company. On July 19th, while traveling along the Sweetwater river, they experienced three stampedes in one day. At noon … Continue reading →

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Happy Admission Day!

Posted on September 9, 2021 by nancyleek

Don’t let September 9th go by without a salute to California, the 31st state of the Union. To read about John Bidwell’s participation in the admission of California, both in Washington D.C. and San Francisco, see these posts: Bidwell’s Admission … Continue reading →

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Stampede! — William Lorton’s Journal

Posted on September 2, 2021 by nancyleek

William Lorton was a frequent witness of one of the most dangerous events on the prairie — a stampede. Anything could set the cattle off — a carcass, or lightning, or a dog barking — and sometimes it seemed like … Continue reading →

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William B. Lorton on the Trail

Posted on August 31, 2021 by nancyleek

The eminent historian of the American West, Dale Morgan, called The diary of William B. Lorton “the finest Forty-niner diary I have ever laid eyes on.” Having known Dale Morgan many, many, many years ago when I was a student … Continue reading →

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The “Most Unique” Adventures of John Scott, Black Pioneer

Posted on August 25, 2021 by nancyleek

The obituary of John Scott, black pioneer of Tehama County, reads like an adventure novel. I wish I could find more information about him. So far the only two sources are his obituary in the Red Bluff Daily News (May … Continue reading →

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