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.

How Did Pioneers Measure Mileage?

Posted on July 5, 2020 by nancyleek

Several times people have asked me, “How did John Bidwell know how far they had traveled each day? How did they measure the miles?” It’s a good question and I can only guess at the answer, but here goes— Attempts … Continue reading →

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July 5, 1841 — Independence Rock

Posted on July 5, 2020 by nancyleek

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 square mile, and rising in shape … Continue reading →

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July 4, 1841

Posted on July 4, 2020 by nancyleek

Sunday, 4th. Pursued our way over hills and dales, scorched with heat; came to a small copse of red willows, from which issued excellent springs of water. Three buffalo killed, distance travelled 22 miles. No one in the group, not … Continue reading →

Posted in Bidwell-Bartleson Party, Uncategorized | 4 Comments

July 3, 1841

Posted on July 3, 2020 by nancyleek

Saturday, 3rd. Left the N. fork; a distance of 12 miles took us to a spring of cool, though unpleasantly tasted water. The day was intensely warm, and road mountainous; killed four buffalo and two deer. The Company is still … Continue reading →

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July 2, 1841 — Losing a Horse

Posted on July 2, 2020 by nancyleek

Friday, 2nd. Continued to coast up the N. fork; the bottoms of the river were in many places completely covered with Glauber Salts, so much so that even handfuls could be taken up perfectly white. A man (Mr. Belden) was … Continue reading →

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July 1, 1841

Posted on July 1, 2020 by nancyleek

July, Thursday, 1st. Spent the day in passing over the river to the north side of it. The water ran very rapidly, and it was with considerable difficulty that we forded it. One mule was drowned, and one waggon upset … Continue reading →

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June 30, 1841

Posted on June 30, 2020 by nancyleek

Wednesday, 30th. Ascended the N. fork about 16 miles and encamped on it. Buffalo in abundance, killed six. Another average day. The abundance of buffalo is a boon. They will suffer for want of meat when they get beyond the … Continue reading →

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June 29, 1841

Posted on June 29, 2020 by nancyleek

Tuesday, 29th. Arrived at the N. fork this evening, road good, distance travelled 15 miles. The Bidwell-Bartleson Party and the missionaries are still traveling up the North Platte River in what is now Wyoming. Nothing exciting going on. James John, … Continue reading →

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June 28, 1841

Posted on June 28, 2020 by nancyleek

Monday, 28th. Passed an immense quarry of beautiful white alabaster; 3 buffalo killed, distance traveled 18 miles, encamped on a little rivulet affording as good water as ever run. On the same day, James John wrote in his journal: Took … Continue reading →

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Jun 27, 1841

Posted on June 27, 2020 by nancyleek

Sunday, 27th. Day was warm, road hilly, found no water for 20 miles, encamped on a stream affording grass and timber in abundance, cottonwood &c. Found no hard timber. No water for 20 miles is tough on the animals, but … Continue reading →

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