Gallagher (John) Papers, 1847-1849

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Summary

Title:
Gallagher, John Papers
Dates:
1847-1849
Creators:
Gallagher, John, 1822-ca. 1903
Abstract:
Personal reminiscences of the War in Upper and Lower California between Americans and Mexican in 1847 to 1849. The bulk of the narrative takes place in Lower California. Includes colorful description of battles and actions. John Gallagher's personal story of when he fought against the Mexicans in the Mexican American War. He left his job as a blacksmith to join a volunteer army. From Anthology of John Gallagher. And also included is one printed application for membership to the Society of California Pioneers.
Extent:
1.0 folder (1 application; 1 typescript, 34 pages)
Language:
Preferred citation:

John Gallagher Papers, The Society of California Pioneers

Background

Scope and content:

This 34 page typewritten manuscript was written by John Gallagher and is dated Sebastopol, Sonoma Co, California, June 21, 1903. It is accompanied by and application to join the Society of California Pioneers. The author joined Col Jonathan D. Stevenson's First New York Volunteers and sailed aboard the "Thomas H Perkins" around the Horn, entering San Francisco Bay in March of 1847. He was stationed initially in Santa Barbara and then sent to Los Angeles to support troops under John C. Fremont. On July 4, 1847 they were sent to La Paz, Lower California, where they were besieged by Mexican forces for 3 weeks. They rescued American prisoners held by the Mexicans in San Antonio with the help of Lt. Halleck (later General Halleck of the Civil War). The troop fought in the Battle of Todos Santos and carried dispatches to San Jose de Cabo San Lucas. After a period of 18 months, they returned to Monterey, CA to the news of discovery of Gold

The Application to the Society of California Pioneers is dated October 17, 1903 and lists his residence as Sebastopol, Sonoma Co, California. Occupation: General Farmer. Birthplace: Ireland. DOB: 1822. Age:81

Biographical / historical:

The only available Biographical information is in the Reminiscences. Born in New York State, worked as a blacksmith. Came to California in 1847 as part of the New York Volunteers. From his application notes residence listed as Sebastopol, Sonoma Co, California. Occupation: General Farmer. Birthplace: Ireland. DOB: 1822. Age:81

Acquisition information:
Gift of John Gallagher, written on June 1, 1903 in conjunction with an application to join the SoCP.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid prepared by Julian Amado / Nick Scales
Date Prepared:
4/2/2012
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit 2012-07-24T11:21-0700

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection open for research

Terms of access:

There are no restrictions on access

Preferred citation:

John Gallagher Papers, The Society of California Pioneers

Location of this collection:
300 Fourth Street
San Francisco, CA 94107, US
Contact:
(415) 957-1849 ext. 160
mmdevine@californiapioneers.org
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