Get ready for Black History Month! Alvin Coffey is the ideal book to highlight black history in California.
As 4th grade students study the Gold Rush, they learn about the prospectors who came seeking gold in the rivers and hills of our Golden State. Too often the image presented is a white prospector. But men (and some women and children) came from every country and every race and ethnicity on the face of the earth.
African Americans came, both enslaved and free. Free blacks from the Northern States came looking for gold, but also for freedom from prejudice and greater opportunities.
Enslaved men from the South, like Alvin Coffey, had the choice made for them by those who claimed to own them as property. But Alvin knew it was an opportunity to earn his freedom and freedom for his wife and children. It must have been galling for Alvin to labor to make another man rich. But he persisted, hoping that the money he earned on his own time would buy him a better life.
I read and researched everything I could find on Alvin Coffey, including primary sources. The book is historically accurate and visually appealing, with full color illustrations on every page by Steve Ferchaud.
You may not think a picture book is for you, but you can buy one for a school library, a 4th or 5th grade teacher, or a grandchild or young friend. It’s an exciting story with an inspiring message.
I am also available to do presentations to schools and groups. I love talking to kids, and I am pretty good with adults too. Contact me to visit your class or organization.
A cold, clear morning in January 1848. Jim Marshall goes out early to check the tailrace of the sawmill that he is building for John Sutter on the American River. The night before he had turned the water from the river into the tailrace to deepen and widen it. Each morning he inspected it to see if it had become deep enough to adequately carry off the water from the waterwheel.
The Library of Congress labels this “Photomechanical reproduction of the 1850 (?) daguerreotype by R. H. Vance shows James Marshall standing in front of Sutter’s sawmill, Coloma, California, where he discovered gold.” Probably not actually Marshall in the picture.
On January 24 Marshall noticed some bright and shiny flecks of metal in the water. Could it be gold? He was sure that it was, and tests proved him right. And so the stampede for riches that we call the California Gold Rush was on.
Was Jim Marshall the first to find gold in California? His name would go down in history as the discoverer of gold in California. But he wasn’t the first to find gold.
There was Jennie Wimmer, wife of Marshall’s assistant and cook for the men building Sutter’s Mill. She had seen gold mined in Georgia and had told the men that she was sure that the sparkles she saw on the river bottom were gold. But they ignored her.
Before Jennie there was Margaret Hecox, who came to California with her family in 1846. Coming down the Yuba River, she and another woman went to wash clothes.
We were busy at our washing down near the stream, when something brightly gleaming in the water attracted our attention. It looked like sands of gold. I gathered my apron full of the shining specks and carried it to Mr. Hecox, saying I thought it was gold. He laughed at me and seemed to consider it a good joke. This made me angry and I threw it away. I have always been sorry that I did not keep it and wait until I could have it tested. I am sure now that it was gold.
In 1844 Pablo Gutierrez and John Bidwell went searching for gold in the mountains. Pablo recognized the landscape, the soil, and the rivers as being like that of the gold-mining regions of Mexico. But before they could get the equipment they needed, the short-lived rebellion called the Micheltorena War intervened. The Californios rebelled against the new governor — Manuel Micheltorena — and his henchman sent up from Mexico City. Sutter sided with the Mexican government and took Bidwell, Pablo Gutierrez, and a troop of Indian soldiers along with him. Pablo was captured while carrying messages and hanged as a spy.
Before Pablo Gutierrez, there was Jean Baptiste Ruelle, a French-Canadian fur trapper who discovered gold in the San Fernando Hills in 1841. Bidwell later wrote:
The first gold discovery in California so far as I know, was made in 1841 by “Juan Baptiste Ruelle,” at a place in the mountains about 30 miles N.E. from the Mission of San Fernando. He was a Canadian trapper but had lived in New Mexico, and worked in Placer Mines. His discovery in California created no excitement whatever, owing to the fact no doubt of the very small yield.
No doubt there were others who found a bit of gold, but never cashed in on their find. Everybody knew about Ruelle’s mine, and everybody knew the earnings were hardly worth the work. The great rush for gold would have to wait until Jim Marshall picked those few shining flecks out of the tailrace on January 24, 1848.
It was a discovery that would utterly change the landscape, the people, and the culture of California.
. . . as John Bidwell traveled toward Oroville on Friday, January 1, 1869. He drove a buggy and intended to take “the cars” (the railroad) to Marysville and then go by steamboat to San Francisco on business. But the weather was horrible. From Oroville he wrote to Annie:
Oroville Jan. 2 1869
My dear wife The storm blew so hard I could not make this place last tonight in time for the cars – consequently, when I saw it was useless to try further, I stopped six miles before reaching here – at the Cottonwood Ranch, and staid all night.
From Marysville he wrote again to describe his ordeal.
My dear wife It is now after 8 p.m. but too early to retire, and so I take my pen to scribble what may chance to come to mind. But I cannot cast from my mind the terrible experience of yesterday! The wind blowed and blowed as if it would blow its last and “Madame Rain” too held high carnival. There was no disagreement between them – they united to do their worst.
I was obliged to put down the buggy top for two reasons – first because the horses could not pull the buggy against the wind, and secondly, to prevent the cover from being carried away. As I was approaching Dry Creek (oh what a name in the winter season!) I overtook a man in a buggy – he was afraid to cross. We saw the stage at the station and waited till it came and crossed; but the water was too deep and rapid to go straight over, so I plunged in ahead, bearing slantingly downstream so as to have the current favor me, and came out all right. But I assure you it was somewhat frightful. The man followed me and crossed over. As soon as I saw it was impossible to reach Oroville in time for the cars I put up and staid all night at Wick’s place 6 miles before reaching Oroville.
Bidwell was followed a road that today is Highway 149 (more or less). Dry Creek intersects the road a mile or so south of where 149 branches off from Hwy. 99 and some three or four miles north of Wicks Corner, the junction of Hwy. 149 and Hwy. 70. Since “it was useless to try further” he stopped overnight at the ranch of Moses Wick.
Wick’s ranch was on the heavily traveled Marysville-Shasta Road and in addition to raising cattle he kept a hotel for travelers.
I don’t like driving a car on a paved road in heavy wind and driving rain. Imagine what it would be like in a buggy drawn by one or two horses, with no bridge over a raging stream.
The man in the other buggy was an Irishman named Daniel O’Connor, “a strong Union man, though an Irish Catholic.”
Mr. O’Connor “said he knew my father-in-law, Mr. Kennedy – that he was a clerk in the Census Bureau in 1850! How singular to run across an acquaintance of your father’s in such a rain storm!”
In his diary John Bidwell noted:
Fri. January l. Set out for San Francisco – Stormy day, heavy southeaster – Roads horrible – Reached Wick’s ranch and staid all night – Met a Mr. Daniel O’Connor once in the Census Bureau.
And that is how the year 1869 began for newly-married John Bidwell, trying to get to San Francisco through the wind and the rain of a very wet year.
This is not my usual history of Northern California post. Instead I am sharing a bit of family history for the New Year.
My father, Alfred R. Norris, was a Chief Warrant Officer in the U.S. Navy. From 1958 to 1961 he served as officer of the deck on the USS Jupiter (AVS-8) in Yokosuka, Japan. On New Year’s Day 1961 he was the officer of the day and as was customary, he recorded the deck log for the midwatch (midnight to 4:00 a.m.) in the form of verse.
The ship is moored tightly, starboard side to berth three With condition Yoke set, and lights on the tree, Eight inch lines doubled, to hold us secure And a headwire out, just to make sure. The services required, including a phone Are coming aboard from the land of Nihon Ashore in Yokosuka, the crew’s having fun For that’s where we’re spending New Year ’61. The man who is boss in the harbor tonight Is COMDESFLET ONE, with his two stars so bright. With many ships present, and all painted gray PACFLET, various units, all happy and gay. For the month of December, the iron was cold Even the Captain was freezing, in spite of his gold. Now boiler one’s steaming, it’s warm again here, And we’re wishing you all, a Happy New Year.
A.R. NORRIS Command Duty Officer
The Navy has very specific instructions about how the log is to be kept. However, according to the National Archives “Pieces of History”, an exception can be made for the New Year.
The sole exception to the tight regulations of the deck log takes place on the first night of the New Year during the mid-watch (midnight to 0400), when a ship may record the first entry of the New Year in verse. Navy regulations still apply, however, and however artistic the poet may be, they must still include the mandatory requirements of the current Navy Regulations: “the sources of electric power, steam and water; the state of the sea and weather; position of the ship; status of the engineering plant; courses and speed of the ship, bearings and distance of objects sighted; changes in status of ship’s personnel, disposition of the engineering plant, and even the strain upon anchor chain or cables when anchored and the placement of lines while moored.”
The custom seems to be in decline and fewer of these poems are being recorded. But it’s a fun tradition and one that I hope will not fade away entirely. You can read more about New Year’s midwatch poetry at Midwatch in Verse. The authors have even published a book.
A few notes: “Lights on the tree” (I think) refers to the lights that were put out on the mast at Christmas time. I remember seeing that. “Condition Yoke set” refers to the level of material readiness on board ship. There are three levels: XRAY, YOKE, and ZEBRA. Yoke is usual while in port.
John and Annie Bidwell hosted a pair of distinguished guests at their Chico home this Christmas season. Invited to the festivities were local doctor Oscar Stansbury (Mrs. Stansbury sent her regrets) and General William Tecumseh Sherman. General Sherman’s visit had long been anticipated and the Bidwells were delighted to welcome him to their home at last.
Gathering near the Christmas tree with Mrs. Bidwell, the three men conversed on a wide variety of topics, much to the interest of the other guests. Dr. Stansbury told of a medical call that took him out on a dark and stormy night, in which only the sagacity of his horse Jenny saved him from being swept away by a raging flood. Two versions of the conversation were recorded–
John Bidwell and General Sherman reminisced about their first meeting in 1847 when Sherman was a young lieutenant newly arrived in California. The talk turned to politics, with Sherman supporting the Republican candidate and Bidwell backing General Neal Dow, the candidate of the Prohibition Party, “the party of the future.” Then they discussed the visit to Cherokee, where General Sherman demonstrated his prowess with the water cannon, although both men deplored the devastation wrought by hydraulic mining.
The cast gathers by the Christmas tree. Left to right: Christine Buckstead, Byron McLaughlin, Robyn Engel, Nick Anderson, Nancy Leek, Adrienne Glatz, and Dino Corbin.
Mrs. Bidwell gently reminded the men that it was time to enjoy music in the parlor, where Christmas carols were sung by Adrienne Glatz, accompanied by Alicia Glatz on Annie’s piano.
“Christmas with the Bidwells” is an annual event presented by the Bidwell Mansion Association. The mansion was decked out in festive decorations and refreshments were served in the Visitor’s Center. The Chico High School Madrigal Singers performed a program of holiday songs old and new. Look for “Christmas with the Bidwells” again in 2024.
The folks of yesteryear knew how to keep Christmas merry and bright. Here from the Weekly Butte Record and the Chico Courant are reports on community Christmas celebrations. You could dance all night at a Christmas or New Year’s Ball, given at a hotel and organized by leading businessmen, and you could take your children to a festive party where they were sure to come away happy, over-excited, and clutching a precious Christmas gift.
Weekly Butte Record 30 December 1865
THOMPSON FLAT BALL — The ball at the Western Hotel on Christmas Eve was a splendid affair. Every one present to participate in the “mazy,” expressed the greatest satisfaction. The good music, the spacious hall, the splendid supper, the large attendance and the general sociableness of the guests made it a complete success. There were present on this occasion some twenty-four guests from Oroville, a number from Morris Ravine and a goodly number from the elite of the village. Music and dancing commenced at early candle light and continued till the dawning of another day. The sun in the eastern horizon guided many of the gallant party to their homes, heartily satisfied with the Merry Christmas meeting. We are glad to announce that it was profitable to our old friend Prince of Landlords, F. C. Thomas.
(Thompson Flat, formerly known as Rich Gulch, bordered the Feather River just north of Oroville.)
Weekly Butte Record 30 December 1865
A grand time was to be had at Cherokee too, organized by the Sunday School.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AT CHEROKEE FLAT–
A beautiful and fruitful Christmas tree had been prepared for the occasion, and was loaded down with valuable gifts for the little ones.
In the distribution of gifts, especial care was taken that no child, whether a member of the Sabbath school or not, should go without something.
And in Chico, the Chico Courant reported on a community party at the Armory Hall. The digital microfilm image is too degraded for easy reading, but here is the text.
CHRISTMAS AT CHICO — The Christmas arrangements for our town were well conceived and successfully carried out. Two large pines that reached from floor to ceiling were loaded, literally covered, with gifts of all kinds and descriptions. One tree was for the children and the other for the older folk of town and country. During Monday, Armory Hall was flooded with packages, the ladies arranging order, beauty and form from chaos, and at night, the trees lighted by colored tapers, presented a magnificent appearance.
The large Hall was crowded at an early hour, and before the time for distribution of gifts, not a foot of unoccupied room remained. When the time arrived, old Santa Claus himself, clad in his unique costume, with ancient beard and long silver locks, made his appearance amid the cheers of the audience and the screams of terrified little ones, and commenced the delivery of the thousand gifts on the right hand and on the left. Everybody, from the oldest to the youngest received one or more Christmas gifts. The Sunday School children were remembered by the patrons of the Sunday School, and each received a pretty book besides the other gifts distributed.
After the distribution of gifts, the ladies brought forward a beautiful “Guess Cake,” which was won by Mrs. Chapman. Then come the “Grab-bag” and fun, from which was realized many a two-bit piece, all of which will be appropriated to a worthy object by the ladies. After the Hall was cleared, a merry dance wound up the festivities of the “Merry Christmas.” It was one of the most pleasant gatherings we ever attended, and everybody seemed highly please, old and young happy alike.
I don’t know what a “Guess Cake” is, and Google is no help with that question. I am guessing that the grab-bag was a chance to reach in and get a mystery gift for 25 cents.
I hope that your Christmas and New Year celebration is every bit as happy and fun-filled as it might have been if we were living in 1865.
John Bidwell found a unique way to entertain General William T. Sherman on his visit to Chico. The public was delighted to watch the general as he inspected the workings of the hydraulic mine at Cherokee.
In September 1880, Sherman visited Chico along with President Rutherford B. Hayes and First Lady Lucy Hayes. Why Chico? It was a convenient stop between Sacramento and Oregon, where Sherman’s old acquaintance John Bidwell had a fine home that could accommodate the presidential party.
The Presidential party on Chico Free Bridge. Pres. Hayes on left, Bidwell on right. Sherman is probably the tall man behind the young lady (his daughter).
They only spent one day and night in Chico. The highlight of their day was a visit to the Spring Valley Mine in Cherokee, where gold was mined using powerful water cannons to wash down the gold-bearing ore from the hillside. General Sherman couldn’t resist trying his hand at this new kind of cannon, known as a monitor.
Library of Congress cph 2c00735
The Chico Weekly Enterprise reported:
The General of the Army proved himself an adept with the nozzle. He would fix his keen eye upon some particular boulder and measuring the distance accurately he would seize the nozzle and with unerring aim hit it every time. This exhibition of his skill pleased the party greatly and was rewarded with hearty applause. [28 September 1880]
Hydraulic Mining at Cherokee. Meriam Library Special Collections sc16738
Sherman was having a great time and the public loved it. Too bad that there is no photograph of General Sherman steering a monitor. I’d love to see that.
A distinguished guest will be visiting Bidwell Mansion for the holidays this year. “Christmas with the Bidwells” will feature a great (and controversial) American and one of history’s most famous military men.
General William Tecumseh Sherman was an old friend of John Bidwell’s. Their friendship went back to when they first met in 1847, just after the Mexican War, when Sherman was an army lieutenant and Bidwell was surveying ranchos. Through the decades they kept in touch and Bidwell keenly followed Sherman’s career.
On Friday, December 15th, General Sherman will talk over old times with his friend Bidwell.
Byron McLaughlin, who has many years experience with Civil War reenactments will portray Sherman. Bidwell will be played, as usual, by Nick Anderson. They will have plenty to talk about and you can listen in. You won’t want to miss it.
In addition to this historic encounter, at “Christmas with the Bidwells” you can enjoy live music in the parlor, delicious refreshments in the Visitor’s Center, carols by the Chico High School Madrigals, and Bidwell Mansion itself, all decked out in holiday splendor.
Tickets are $35 each and children under 12 are free. Purchase of a ticket includes a one-year membership in the Bidwell Mansion Association, a very special way to begin or renew your membership. Tickets are available at https://www.bidwellmansionassociation.com/event-tickets.html
Please join us in celebrating the holiday season at beautiful Bidwell Mansion.
Detail from Sunday in the Mines, by Charles C. Nahl, Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento
As a librarian and devoted book reader, I have always given the gift of books. Everybody needs a good book (or many good books) for Christmas!
So if you are shopping for books this holiday season, please consider my books as gifts for children or adults. My Golden State Biographies are perfect for the 4th grade teacher in your life, or for any young reader who loves true stories and great adventures. Let them read about John and Annie Bidwell, Peter Lassen, Nancy Kelsey, or Alvin Coffey.
You can order online on Amazon or at anchr.org. Chico vendors like Bidwell Mansion, Chico History Museum, Made in Chico, and Bidwell Supply Co. carry my books, as well as Treasures from Paradise and the Rusty Wagon in Orland. The Tehama County Genealogical and Historical Society is selling great local history books at the Tehama County Library.
The Association for Northern California Historical Research publishes one or two books every year. At the ANCHR website you will find a host of titles about Northern California history, including the latest publication, Bidwell Park by Paul Belz. History makes great gifts!
There’s more information about where to buy and how to order my books on the My Books tab at the top of this page. So when you are making your holiday gift lists, consider the wonderful gift of good books.
My husband’s grandfather, George Robert DeBeque, was a veteran of the First World War. He was commissioned on June 28, 1917 and served in France as a captain in the Engineer Corps, having been a mining engineer in civilian life.
He kept a diary during the war, writing his entries in small, neat script. His entry for November 11, 1918 reads:
At office early. Terms of armistice have been accepted and was signed about 5 A.M. this morning. S.O. 20 of this Army is being proposed now (8:30 A.M.) and will order to cease firing on the line at 11 A.M.
#
Was at headquarters of 4th Corps at ___ville just before noon. A few minutes before 11 o’clock our artillery opened up with full force — must have turned every gun loose. A farewell shot for the Boche. At 11 o’clock firing ceased on both sides — and thus ended the “Great War” the bloodiest and most frightful and cruel catastrophe that has ever befallen this world. Let us hope and pray that its frightfulness will never be repeated.
The Kaiser, the author of all this murder and misery, has abdicated and has fled to Holland, like a dirty, cowardly cur. On the road back to Toul all the soldiers were happy, singing and shouting — Poilus, Yanks, and Italians.
The big guns cease to boom along the front.
(Toul is a town in northeastern France. Poilu (literally, “hairy one”) was a nickname for a French soldier.)
After the war Robert DeBeque went back to his home state of Colorado, where he resumed his profession of mining engineer. He went down to Mexico in 1920, but left when the revolution of 1921 got too hot for foreigners. In 1923 he married Mary Grace Baker, and they moved to Grass Valley, California. When mining took a downturn in the Great Depression, Robert began selling insurance. In 1942 they moved to Chico, California, where they lived until his death in 1956.
