Charles L. Stilson Papers
Finding aid created by California State University, Chico staff using RecordEXPRESS
California State University, Chico
2016
California State University, Chico, Special Collections Meriam Library
400 West First Street
Chico, California 95929-0295
(530) 898-6603
SpecialCollections@csuchico.edu
http://www.csuchico.edu/special-collections/
Title: Charles L. Stilson Papers
Dates: 1861-1900
Collection Number: MSS 130
Creator/Collector:
Charles L. Stilson
Extent: Items: 2 boxes Linear Feet: .75
Repository:
California State University, Chico
Chico, California 95929-0295
Abstract: Diaries and legal note books of Charles L. Stilson, topics cover many prominent events in Chico and surrounding area.
Language of Material: English
Collection is open for research without restriction.
The library can only claim physical ownership of the collection. Users are responsible for satisfying any claimants of literary
property.
Charles L. Stilson Papers. California State University, Chico
Source unknown.
Biography/Administrative History
Charles L. Stilson was born August 10, 1844 in Goshen, Indiana. At the age of three his parent died and was taken along with
his two brothers to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin to live with relatives. He came to Butte County in 1863 working in Oroville retail.
George Wood recruited him to work in Chico as a clerk for John Bidwell’s downtown Chico store. From there he went to clerk
for George Wood and A. H. Chapman’s general merchandise company. In 1868, he established his own store with Charles L. Pond
on Main Street. In 1886, he was appointed Butte County Clerk and elected to the office for four successive terms. While
in office he studied law and in 1894 admitted to practice law in California establishing his legal practiced upon leaving
public office. He was a founder of the Chico Gas and Water Company, trustee of local schools and helped secure the State
Normal School in Chico. He was a mason in Chico Lodge no. 111. He was also a rancher owning two hundred acres in Stilson
canyon which contained orchards and fields devoted to live stock. Married to Emma Dolliver they had two children Eleanor
F. and Lois W., both of whom attended Chico State Normal School.
Scope and Content of Collection
The journals begin in Shelbyville, Missouri on May 20, 1861, and very quickly concern themsevles with the fighting between
State and Federal troops during the early period of the Civil War. Stilson records a great deal about the movement of forces
in the local area as well as major and minor battles near Shelbyville. The last entry while he is still living in Missouri
is on July 14th, 1862.
The diary begins again upon Stilson’s landing in San Francisco on May 28th, 1863. In his diaries he records many important
events in Chico and the surrounding areas. The final entry is on June 11th 1872. The diary for the year 1870 is missing.
Also included are the accounts for the first months of operation of the hardware store started by Stilson and Charley Pond
in 1868 (which includes the cost of materials to construct the building) and four notebooks from Stilson’s legal practice
during the 1890’s.
Bidwell, John, 1819-1900.
Chapman, A. H. (Augustus Harley), 1827-1899.
Butte County (Calif.) County Clerk.
United States. Army -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865.
Pond & Stilson
Chico (Calif.) -- History.
Butte County (Calif.) -- -- History.