YUBA COUNTY
GENEALOGICAL NUGGETS
TWOGOOD DIARY AND NOTES
1856 - 1858 - - letters - 1867/69 - 1870-72 - 1873-75 - 1876-1878 - 1879 - 1880 - [1881 through 1899 diary missing] - 1900-04 - 1905-07 - 1908-09
[The transcription below is from papers belonging to James Lague, Historian, kindly shared by Rosemarie Mossinger, Challenge, CA.]
1858
Jan. 1 - Today commences a new
year, and I sincerely hope it may be profitably spent, by myself at least. "Time
once past never returns." Mining is the order of the day. Clear and cold.
Jan. 3 - Sunday. The first Sabbath in the year 1858. Underhill, Jack and myself,
went to Strawberry Valley. Returned to Glendale about dark.
Jan. 4 - Mining as usual. Weather cold indeed, for us who are obliged to work in
water from morn till night.
Jan. 6 - Today we found good pay. We took out about fifty dollars.
Jan. 7 - Today finished our good paying pit about 10 am and commenced ground
sluicing.
Jan. 10 - Today went to La Port - sold Conly 3 oz. Dust. Purchased clothing -
dined at Rabbit Creek House. Snows falls steadily.
Jan. 16 - Part of us are ground sluicing. P.M. all laying off - the ditch has
filled up so that water will not run. Eve find myself in Strawberry Valley at
Columbus House on my way to visit a lady of Forbestown.
Jan. 17 - Took breakfast at Columbus House. Went to Eagleville - procured a
horse and rode to Forbestown. This P.M. find myself at the residence of D. L.
Gibson an enjoying a visit with them.
Jan. 18 - This morn is fair again. Made a call, after which I started for home
(Glendale). Noon dined at the Columbus House. Sale of the Columbus House
furniture commenced at 1 o'clock. Eve, at home again.
Jan. 24 - Today for the first Sabbath in some time, I am at my peaceful bachelor
home, where the citizens are all sober and rational. Eve., Jack and I went for
some barley for chickens.
Jan. 31 - I went to La Port (Rabbit Creek) and had two miniatures taken, intend
sending them home. Carter and I went to Secret Diggings, visiting.
Feb. 1 - This morn feel rather old after our yesterdays walk. Commenced digging
our ditch. Put Notices up on Onion Creek claiming the water.
Feb. 3 - Today we are ground sluicing in the bank in front of Elliott's House.
got near one ounce. This morn we are visited by a meat-thief, in the shape of a
four legged beast of some kind.
Feb. 11 - Fair. Eve., Underhill is with us. We find we have near $20.00 to the
hand for the day. Pretty good John.
Feb. 15 - Snow and rain continues with increased fury. I started from Eagleville
after Dinner for home in Glendale. Arrived at trail where it turns from road
about dark. Found I could not reach home without a risk of losing my way, so
returned to Diamond Springs House.
Feb. 26 - Today we are washing - took out $4.68 - pays first-rate. The snow is
falling fast. Eve., is pleasant - moon sends forth her silvery rays.
Mar. 5 - This morn, Underhill called on us at the claim. Noon, I went to Diamond
Sprs. House for apples and yeast powder. Received Phrenological Journal from
Norm.
Mar. 6 - I leave the boys and start for Columbus House. Intend to go to
Brownsville in the morn.
Mar. 7 - This morn we passengers start early for N.Y. House - took breakfast
there, after which I directed my steps towards Brownsville. Called on Mr.
Norris' folks. Eve, am enjoying a visit with Miss J.
Mar. 9 - Leave Columbus House for my home in Glendale. Arrive home in time to
work this p.m.
Mar. 13 - Really cold. Bot. Jack out for $350 Dollars.
Mar. 29 - I find snow near two feet deeper than last night.
Apr. 3 - Fair. I sold my fourth interest in Claims to W. W. Wright, $350.
Apr. 21 - The snow is fast melting under the April sun. We find plenty oro,
$36.00 in Dust - nine Dollars to the hand.
Apr. 27 - Fair. I commenced piping at Daylight. We picked up from off the
Bedrock the fair amount of $45.00
May 10 - Finished our upper ditch this morn. Eve., we find that Gibson has
replenished our stock of provisions.
May 17 - This morn we attached our hose to the pipe and commenced work with our
new pressure of about 70 feet fall of water.
May 22 - Cloudy. We are washing this forenoon. P.M. clean up ground sluice. Have
about $100.00 in Dust. Eve., we divide $232.00 of gold Dust.
May 23 - Sunday. Fair. Cox and I came to Strawberry Valley. Cox went home this
pm. I am staying here. Eve., the San Francisco Minstrels perform. quite a crowd
attended.
May 28 - This morning we are digging ditch again. Norman was here with beef. We
finished our ditch. Put up our Penstock and got water thru our pipe.
June 2 - Mail closes today. Wrote letters to Norm, sister Melinda and J.
Ferguson. P.M., I am at the Diamond Sprs. House again waiting for mail by the up
stage. Eve., stage is four hours behind time. An extra came up, both loaded.
June 5 - Very warm. We worked till noon at piping, then went to Strawberry
Valley. Eve., we are all intending to go to Circus. Frazer River fever is quite
high at present. Cusick talks of going with Roberts and myself.
June 6 - Extremely warm this morn. I started from Strawberry Valley early in the
stage - came to Diamond Springs House - there took a horse for Rabbit Creek and
Secret Diggings. P.M., returned to Strawberry V. Met Mr. Healey, sold him my
claim for $600.00 Eve., at Eagleville.
June 7 - Am at Glendale, waiting for a remittance from Secret Diggings.
June 8 - Quite warm. Carried my blankets and clothing to Diamond Springs House.
Returned to Glendale, waiting for money, the one thing indispensible. P.M.,
started for Strawberry Valley enroute for Frazer River.
June 9 - This morn after a night at the Columbus House, Hicks, Roberts and
myself start for Frazer River via Forbestown. Arrive at Marysville 2-1/2
o'clock. We are at the U.S. Hotel.
June 10 - This morn J. Hicks, Wm. Cusick, J. Roberts and myself took passage on
the Young America for 25¢ to Sac. City. Arrive noon. Took Dine at What Cheer
House. Took the steamer Eclipse for the Bay City.
June 11 - This morn we are in the great commercial city of San Francisco. We
secure passage on the Pacific, bound for Bellingham Bay, Wash. for $64 cabin.
Eve., we went to the theatre, 25¢, the Minstrels performed.
June 12 - This morn fair till 9 am when wind raised and clouds appear. We are
walking about town viewing the different Frazer River merchandise. Eve., we call
at one of the best Houses in town, the What Cheer House.
June 14 - This morn we are running about S.F. preparing for our journey up the
coast. P.M., we are on board the Pacific. Came through the "Gate" into the ocean
about 5 pm.
June 15 - The sea is rough. Saw several whales. We are all sick by spells. Gets
rougher toward night. Eve., we are not able to eat our allowance.
June 16 - This morn we are all better. Find fair weather, but rough sea, and
unable to eat supper in consequence.
June 17 - We find no rough sea. All feel much better towards noon. Eve., the
moon lights our ship along the briny deep.
June 18 - This morn we entered the Columbia River at 6 am. Arrived at Portland
at 11 pm.
June 19 - This morn left Portland 8 o'clock. Sailed down the River pass Astoria.
Entered the ocean again at 5 o'clock.
June 20 - This morn is cool. Entered Strait of Fuca. Weather raising as we enter
Whatcom and Schome, two flourishing towns on Bellingham Bay. We find
accommodations at the What Cheer House at Whatcom.
June 21 - Fair after the rain. Graham, J. Miller and others start by trail for
Frazer River.
June 22 - This morn is some cloudy. I am writing to Mr. Healey. Flour raised to
$40 per barrel. We are camping out.
June 26 - Fair. Some of our men have gone hunting. Hunters return with two deer.
Listened to a speech relative to the best means of putting the trail through to
the mines.
June 29 - Rainy. Constitution arrived about 3. Cusick and Carrol board her for
Olympia. The Clipper "Live Yankee" arrived this eve.
July 2 - Steamer, Oregon arrived at 10 am. Two clippers arrived with provisions
and mining supplies. I have been sick since arriving here.
July 4 - Some rain. I find myself in ? the shape as in 1852 at Pacific Springs,
three miles from South Pass.
July 7 - Cloudy. Miller and Graham returned, satisfied that the trail will not
be passable short of 4 weeks.
July 17 - Fair. We are pursuing the same ole course, doing nothing except
preparing for the expected trip. The Sierra Nevada arrived with 1500 passengers.
July 27 - This morn is fair. Steamer Panama arrived in port. Several guns were
fired for the appearance of the Governor of this Territory. Brought our horses
from the Ranch.
July 28 - This morn cloudy until 8 am. We find ourselves on the trail. Eve., we
are at the Scotchman's Ranch.
July 29 - Fair. We start early for 14-Mile House, arrive about 11 am. I return
to Whatcom with Morrison for flour.
July 31 - Scattering clouds. We start on the trail. Ferried across the Oll_____
River. Stop at Hatch's Ranch.
Aug. 1 - This morn is rainy. We are laying-up as the trail is slippery.
Aug. 2- This morn we start early and make about 25 miles.
Aug. 3 - Decamped again for the trail. Crossed several streams of magnificent
water. Crossed a mountain which was fatiguing indeed. 15 miles to Schillenback
River. Swam horses. Camped on bank at Hubbard's log house.
Aug. 4 - Rainy. We stay in camp. I tried fishing. No success.
Aug. 6 - Still stormy. Went fishing, caught one fish.
Aug. 8 - We resume our journey. Eve., we camp on the Chillimac, 25 miles up.
Expect a fight with the Indians, but not molested.
Aug. 9 - We make good headway. Eve., we camp within 6 or 6 miles of Summit Lake.
Grass scarce.
Aug. 10 - Some rainy. Arrived at the Lake about 10 am. Purchased grass for
horses. P.M. we cross the Lake. We find grass at Five Mile Prairie.
Aug. 11 - This morn we decamp for the Summit. Weather fair. Raised the mountains
slowly. One horse sick - gave bacon, soon recovered. Arrived at summit 1 pm. Fog
and rain, snow in spots. Find grass and water.
Aug. 12 - We are enjoying the refreshing air of the Summit of the Cascade
Mountains.
Aug. 13 - This morn we start for another summit. We make 10 miles down the
mountain. P.M. we are resting. Eve., is pleasant. We do not pitch our tent.
Aug. 14 - This morn is warm and pleasant. Eve., we camp on the Simlin.
Aug. 15 - Decamp fro summit No. 2. Made about 14 miles. P.M. we climb to the
summit, about 10 miles and camp.
Aug. 16 - Resting our horses which are feeding on the grass that Nature had
bountifully bestowed here.
Aug. 17 - Cusick and I stroll to the top of one of the peaks near the summit.
The mountains look rugged enough.
Aug. 18 - Cool. !0 o'clock start from camp. Eve., we are at the forks of some
mountain creek.
Aug. 19 - Pleasant traveling. Noon we are about seven miles from camp. Eve., we
find we have taken the wrong trail.
Aug. 20 - This morn we find our horses have left camp. Fear the Indians may have
stolen them. In looking for the animals, we find the Brigade Trail. Find our
horses one mile away.
Aug. 21 - Foggy. Decamp, descend a hard hill, cross the Sinilraneen River, camp
near a small lake. Catch some fish.
Aug. 24 - Make 12 miles by noon. P.M. make Nicholas River. Cross and camp.
Aug. 26 - We decamp early. Passed several Indian camps.
Aug. 27 - Fair. Reach the River about 9 am. Found an Indian who could talk
English. Eve., we arrived at the mouth of Thompson River.
Aug. 28 - We find ourselves on the far famed Frazer River. I took a tramp down
on the bar, to the miners. Find them getting some gold.
Aug. 29 - Fair. We stopping on bank of Frazer River, just below the fork with
the Thompson River. We are thinking some of returning to Fort Yale.
Aug. 30 - Cool. Sold our mare this morn for $40.00 P.M. sold our flour and beans
and one horse.
Aug. 31 - Cool and cloudy. Start for Fort Yale late. Indians appear friendly.
Three visit camp tonight.
Sept. 2 - This morn we pass Boston Bar. Sold horse for $85.00.
Sept. 3 - We start at sunrise on the way down. Cross the Anderson River. P.M.
make the Frazer River. Sold two horses at $137.50
Sept. 4 - This morn is fair. We have to pack our own blankets, having sold our
animals. Make Fort Yale before night. Took one good square meal at restaurant.
Sept. 5 - Beautiful morning. Many men are leaving for California.
Sept. 7 - This morn we bid farewell to Fort Yale. Roberts, Morrison Harl and
myself take passage in a canoe arriving at Fort Hope in the afternoon. I had the
honor of conversing with his Excellency Douglas.
Sept. 8 - We are gliding down the Frazer River. Eve., camp on river bank.
Sept. 9 - Nor so windy. Passed Harrison River. Dined at Fort Langley.
Sept. 10 - Started on our journey at sunrise. Dined early at the mouth of the
River. Find ourselves on an Island opposite Point Roberts.
Sept. 11 - We decamp for Victoria, Vancouver Island. Have fine weather crossing
to next Island. Toward night high wind came near turning our boat over. Put back
and camped on shore of V. Island.
Sept. 12 - Morrison and I started across the point on foot. Reached Victoria
about 7 am. Breakfast at Keystone House. The boys arrived with boat at 8
o'clock.
Sept. 14 - Walking about Victoria as usual. Very cheap John is selling off his
goods at 1/2 price.
Sept. 15 - P.M., I purchase my ticket in the Ship Oracle, $15.00. Came on board
this eve. Find her a fine clipper.
Sept. 16 - Fair. Passengers still coming aboard. Capt. Wood still ashore. Eve.,
we all conclude that our ship will not start till tomorrow.
Sept. 17 - Cloudy. A rainbow shows itself, warning the sailors. The small
steamer, Martin White, tows our ship from the bay into the Straits. P.M. we
tacked back and forth under heavy breeze.
Sept. 18 - Still in the Straits, slight breeze. Making slow headway on the tack.
Sept. 19 - This morn before daylight, I saw the Lighthouse at the mouth of the
Straits back of our ship. Some of us are sea sick.
Sept. 20 - Rough sea all night with rain. Still many of us sick. Hope for a
change in the wind favorable to take us to San Francisco.
Sept. 21 - Still on the same course. 10 o'clock tacked to the eastward. Eve., is
very rough sailing under bare poles, on account of the squalls.
Sept. 22 - Still rough sea. We are sailing under more canvas.
Sept. 23 - This morn we are making good time, but off course. 392 miles from
S.F. Eve., quite calm - had dancing on board.
Sept. 24 - This morn we find good breeze, but dead ahead. P.M., not making much
on either tack. Eve., tacked ship for the SW again.
Sept. 25 - This morn the wind is fair, and our ship can keep her course, 11 1/2
nats a hour. Eve., off Crescent City.
Sept. 26 - This morn calm. P.M. we are going very slowly along our course
through the fog. Seem to be in quite a calm. Passengers impatient.
Sept. 27 - Dense fog, not much wind. Ship moves slowly, a few points off course.
P.M. more breeze but too much west for S.F.
Sept. 28 - Calm and foggy. We scarcely move. Nothing to do to change the
monotony. Eve., we are getting good breeze, 8 miles an hour, on course.
Sept. 29 - We are all tired of our long passage to San Francisco. Hope to reach
there in 8 hours. Entered the Golden Gate about dark.
Sept. 30 - Went on shore early this morn at San Francisco. Found A. Barnhart,
who had just returned from the States. Jack and Frank leave for Sac. City.
Oct. 1 - Today I go with Ed Lindsy and view markets of S.F. Start for Sac. City
at 4 o'clock.
Oct. 2 - Arrive Sac. City about 3 this morning. Take the first stage for
Marysville. Arrive there about 2 o'clock.
Oct. 3 - This morn take the 3 o'clock stage for Strawberry Valley. Arrive at 8
o'clock. Stopping with the Crawford folks. Eve., we are talking over the Frazer
River affairs.
Oct. 4 to Nov. 24 - pages blank?
Nov. 25 - I commence work on Crawford's house. He wants to get it enclosed
before the storm.
Nov. 29 - This morn Lewis and Crawford commenced getting out timber for a barn.
Dec. 1 - This morn Lewis, Crawford and myself commence work with the intention
of finishing the barn timber. Finish about 2 pm. Eve., we have a little dance.
Conwell sold out Butcher Shop to Updike.
Dec. 2 - Cold again. I am writing to Sister Melinda. Mail closes at 8 o'clock. I
have nothing to do now and many men help me - so goes the California life.
Dec. 3 - This morn is fair - freezes hard. I am stopping with Heath and Roberts.
Dec. 6 - The snow is fine for sleighing. I walked up to the Mill where I stop
for the night. Eve., we are having music on the Melochord by Roberts and Low.
Dec. 8 - Cloudy. P.M. packed to Lost Creek for H. L. Walker. Eve., we have our
last dancing school at Columbus House. A good company in attendance.
Dec. 12 - The weather is pleasant if snowing makes it so. Had quite a visit with
Drake and his folks in the store.
Dec. 16 - Sleighing seems to be the order of the day. P.M. the boys are talking
of attending the Eagleville Dancing School. Eve., enjoying the party.
Dec. 20 - This morn, Mrs. Crawford has things to put in their proper places
after having been absent from home. Looks like a storm coming.
Dec. 23 - This morn the snow falls fast. I am having considerable fever. Mrs.
Crawford prescribes. This afternoon I am better, through her kindness.
Dec. 24 - Snow has fallen to a depth of 15". I am much better. Eve., there are a
few getting ready for the Ball at Eagleville.
Dec. 25 - Fair. Mrs. Crawford and myself went to Elliotts to spend Xmas. Dined
at Worden's. Eve., at Elliots enjoying a little dance. Feasting on the good
things of the land.
Dec. 27 - Today we are having a great time. My Birthday. Mrs. Elliott and Mrs.
Crawford are determined to give me a whipping or something to remind me of my
30th Birthday.
Dec. 30 - Fair till night. Crawford came home from Oroville. Mrs. Crawford much
relieved, and happy at his return.
Dec. 31 - Rainy. Elliot, Crawford and myself started for Madison House about
noon. Eve., we all attend the dance at Columbus House.
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler.