This file includes a photocopy of the member's autobiographical reminiscence created as an institutional record for The Society of California Pioneers. The reminiscence contains excerpts from his travel diary that include map coordinates of his location and his impressions of the journey and the sights he encountered. Chever provides a very detailed account of this journey and also describes some of his experiences in California. These include his impressions of San Francisco, Sacramento, Sutters Fort, and Yuba City.

Edward E. Chever enlisted in Company H. 89th Regt. Ills. Infty Vols; He was discharged from the army at the close of the Civil War (May 1865). His father, James W. Chever commanded the Privateer "America" during the War of 1812, from 1812-1815. Along with Hon. Stephen C. Phillips, and J.W. Peele, Capt. J.W. Chever fitted out the Brig "Mary and Ellen, which sailed from Salem, Ma. October 27, 1848 and arrived in San Francisco March 28, 1849. E.E. Chever's brother, David A. Chever was a passenger on "Mary and Ellen" on that voyage. His paternal grandfather, James Chever, fought in the Revolutionary War in the land forces and also as a gunner's mate on the Continental Brig "Tyrannicide". The paternal ancestor of the Chevers in America was Ezekiel Chever who was born in London, England, Jan. 25, 1615. He came to America in 1637 and served as head of the Boston Latin School from its commencement. Philip English, a successful merchant who was later accused of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials, was another of E.E. Chever's ancestors. Edward English Chever was an early member of The Society of California Pioneers, and the Society has three institional records pertaining to him: Archives Record, Autobiography and Reminiscence, and a Mortuary Record.

1 folder 1 Folder (1 typed speech, 2 handwritten memoirs, 1 copy of typed manuscript)