Finding aid of the Stephen L. and James E. Fowler Diary C058475
Finding aid prepared by Carolee Gilligan Wheeler
Society of California Pioneers
07/31/2003
300 Fourth Street
San Francisco, CA, 94107-1272
(415) 959-1849
pkeats@californiapioneers.org
Title: Fowler, Stephen L. and James E. Diary
Identifier/Call Number: C058475
Contributing Institution:
Society of California Pioneers
Language of Material:
English
Container: B001620
Container: C058475
Physical Description:
1.0 folder
(1 diary)
Date (inclusive): 1849 to 1852
Abstract: A handwritten daily diary comprising 211 pages written by Stephen L. Fowler, covering the period from Jan 12, 1849 to March
19 1852. It records the life and experiences of the author and his brother, James E. Fowler, beginning with their 7 month
voyage on the sailing ship "Brooklyn" around the Horn. It provides descriptions of the places they were, the details of daily
life and the hardships of mining and making a living in Gold Rush California. For two years they try their luck in the diggings
at Dry Creek and Downeyville, with intermittent periods doing carpentry, fishing and hunting for the market and other jobs
to cover expenses. They go to Bodega Bay in 1851 to try potato farming supplemented with carpentry work for Captain Stephen
Smith. There the diary ends in March 1852.
creator:
Fowler, James E
creator:
Fowler, Stephen Lawrence
Conditions Governing Access note
Collections open for research
There are no restrictions on access
Stephen L. & James E. Fowler Diary. The Society of California Pioneers.
Donor and date of acquisition unknown.
There is no biographical information on Stephen Lawrence Fowler. His brother James E. Fowler joined the Society of California
Pioneers in July 1890. James is also mentioned in the "History of Sonoma County (1879)" where he is described as a retired
merchant, living a life of leisure upon handsome competence gained in this township. His home was located at Valley Ford.
A handwritten daily diary comprising 211 pages, written by Stephen L. Fowler covering the period from 01/12/1849 to 03/19/1852.
It records the experiences of the author and his brother, James E. Fowler, beginning with their 7 month voyage on the sailing
ship "Brooklyn" around Cape Horn. Beginning on January 12, 1849, the ship did not reach San Francisco until August (a longer
journey than was typical for the time) due to improper navigation; many of the passengers developed scurvy. Some perished.
Upon reaching San Francisco, Captain Joseph W. Richardson was put on trial for his negligence, was found guilty, and fined
$2,000. Stephen L. Fowler recorded the trials of ship life and details of those who fell ill and died. After several months
doing carpentry in San Francisco they start for the mines to "see the elephant" in October, 1849. Due to heavy rains, they
were largely unsuccessful and sold their cabin and stake in January of 1850, returning to San Francisco. A short while later
they set out north once again, to begin construction and carpentry work in Marysville and later Plumas City. From there the
brothers again attempted gold mining, tried a fishing business, and then traveled to Bodega Bay in 1851 to begin farming and
working construction for the mill owner, Captain Steven Smith. Daily entries grow sporadic in September 1851, toward the end
of the diary. (There is a single entry for October, and then one for February, 1852.—appears to be incorrect/mixed up with
Gager) Final entry written is dated March 3, 1852. Most entries are reasonably detailed and legible.
Existence and Location of Originals note
The Society of California Pioneers, 300 Fourth Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Smith, Stephen, Captain, 1782-1855
Bodega Bay (Calif.)
Gold mines and mining -- California -- History.
Voyages to the Pacific coast