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.

Johnson of Johnson’s Ranch

Posted on December 21, 2020 by nancyleek

When Pablo Gutierrez died in 1845, John Sutter put his land grant up for sale. The ranch was bought by William Johnson. What do we know about Johnson? Not a lot — we don’t even have a picture of him. … Continue reading →

Christmas with the Bidwells

Posted on December 20, 2020 by nancyleek

Every December the Bidwell Mansion Association hosts a holiday event at Bidwell Mansion for members and guests. Although conditions are different this year, we couldn’t let 2020 go by without “Christmas with the Bidwells” so we put together a virtual … Continue reading →

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The Founder of Johnson’s Ranch

Posted on December 17, 2020 by nancyleek

—was not named Johnson. On December 22, 1844, Pablo Gutierrez, one of John Sutter’s employees, was granted five square Mexican leagues (22,197 acres) along the Bear River by the governor of Alta California. He built an adobe house, acquired some … Continue reading →

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Good News for Johnson’s Ranch

Posted on December 13, 2020 by nancyleek

We made a tortuous journey through the snow before we came to the headwaters of the Yuba river, where there were mules to carry us down to Johnson’s Ranch. . . . I stayed several days at the ranch, enjoying … Continue reading →

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Old Pairs of Jeans

Posted on December 10, 2020 by nancyleek

You probably have a few old pairs of jeans in your closet. But probably not 125 years old (and if they are, they are worth a lot of money). Eight pairs of jeans were found earlier this year down in … Continue reading →

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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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