Category Archives: Thomas Bidwell

Another Letter from Amos Frye

Posted on May 19, 2023 by nancyleek

Amos Frye drove the cattle John Bidwell had purchased from Nicolaus to Rancho Chico in less than a week. Bidwell sent him off with a letter to brother Thomas on November 6, 1850, saying “Mr. Frye goes up with the … Continue reading →

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Provisions for Rancho Chico — 1850

Posted on May 17, 2023 by nancyleek

John Bidwell sent a letter to his brother Thomas listing the items he shipped to Rancho Chico on November 6, 1850. He had been shopping in Sacramento City, buying provisions for the ranch and items to sell at his store. … Continue reading →

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Thomas Bidwell — The Rest of the Story

Posted on March 22, 2020 by nancyleek

Thomas Bidwell kept up his correspondence with his brother, John Bidwell, from St. John’s College through 1854. Some of the letters were written in Spanish, as an exercise in improving his language skills. He wasn’t quite sure what to do … Continue reading →

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Thomas Bidwell and Amos Frye

Posted on March 19, 2020 by nancyleek

Thomas Bidwell, studying at St. John’s College in New York, says he wrote often to his brother John, but got few letters in return. Unfortunately, what few letters John Bidwell did write have been lost, so all the news we … Continue reading →

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Brother Tom Goes East

Posted on March 17, 2020 by nancyleek

Thomas Bidwell was only in California about six months. In the Spring of 1850 he decided that he wanted to return to college and resume his studies at St. John’s College in New York, now Fordham University. Here are two … Continue reading →

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News from Rancho Chico 1850

Posted on March 13, 2020 by nancyleek

John Bidwell returned from the East Coast on October 16, 1850, accompanied by his brother Thomas, his old trail mate Amos Frye, and the Maidu boy, Rafael.  He must have gone as soon as possible to Rancho Chico to see … Continue reading →

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