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Henry (Oscar M.) Diaries
MS.R.063
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Table of contents
Contributing Institution:
Special Collections and Archives, University of California, Irvine
Libraries
Title: Oscar M. Henry diaries
Creator:
Henry, Oscar M.
Identifier/Call Number: MS.R.063
Physical Description:
0.8 Linear Feet
(2 boxes)
Date (inclusive): 1885-1915
Abstract: This collection of diaries serves as a
window into the life of Oscar M. Henry, a California rancher, farmer and miner. Henry wrote
the diaries on his farm in Amador County, California from 1885 to 1915. In daily entries,
Henry documented his social and business dealings, listed daily and weekly visitors, and
reported the weather. He also recorded the various tasks he completed from day to day, from
slaughtering hogs and hauling wood to plowing, gardening and maintaining the fences. The
diaries reflect his attention to detail; for example, he cited from whom and for how much he
bought the books he used as his journals. In general, the journals illustrate the life of a
prosperous Californian in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Language of Material:
English .
Collection is open for research.
Property rights reside with the University of California. Literary rights are retained by
the creators of the records and their heirs. For permissions to reproduce or to publish,
please contact the Head of Special Collections and University Archives.
Oscar M. Henry Diaries. MS-R 63. Special Collections and Archives, The UCI Libraries,
Irvine, California. Date accessed.
For the benefit of current and future researchers, please cite any additional information
about sources consulted in this collection, including permanent URLs, item or folder
descriptions, and box/folder locations.
Gift of Elizabeth R. Annis in 1995.
Processed by Alexis Schwarz in 1998.
Oscar M. Henry was a farmer and mine owner in Amador County, California during the late
nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The Henry family first arrived in the United
States in the 1720s from Scotland, settling first in Virginia, then in Tennessee. Oscar
Melbine Henry was born on October 21, 1851 in Cherokee County, North Carolina. The extent of
his education is unknown.
As a young man, Henry relocated frequently, moving to Arkansas, Wyoming and Idaho. In 1876
he settled in Amador County, California. In 1879, he married Amanda Jane Bean Dicken. The
couple had three children: Mary Ida Henry (1880), Rose E. Henry (1884), and Samuel Oscar
Henry (1886), in addition to three boys from Amanda's previous marriage.
Henry and his family often traveled into Volcano, Sutter Creek, Jackson and Amador City to
engage in various business dealings, including gold mining. He was primarily a farmer and
rancher. On his small family farm, he grew hay, wheat, barley, and fruits. He also raised
livestock, including cattle and hogs, owned a vineyard and sold timber. He prospered, even
purchasing land beyond the homestead, an unusual accomplishment for the typical land-owner.
He owned a few houses and also invested in property in Oakland.
Oscar Henry was also a prominent community figure. He founded a school on his ranch land
and served on the school board. His distinction in the community is reflected in the diary
in which he makes note of numerous visitors to his home.
He died on January 25, 1916, while working on his farm. His farms were inherited by his son
Samuel, who bequeathed the property to his wife, who then sold it.
The biographical information was gleaned from verbal recollections of Henry's granddaughter
Elizabeth R. Annis, who donated his diaries to the library.
Collection Scope and Content Summary
This collection of diaries serves as a window into the life of Oscar M. Henry, a California
rancher, farmer and miner. Henry wrote the diaries on his farm in Amador County, California
from 1885 to 1915. In daily entries, Henry documented his social and business dealings,
listed daily and weekly visitors, and reported the weather. He also recorded the various
tasks he completed from day to day, from slaughtering hogs and hauling wood to plowing,
gardening and maintaining the fences. The diaries reflect his attention to detail; for
example, he cited from whom and for how much he bought the books he used as his journals. In
general, the journals illustrate the life of a prosperous Californian in the late nineteenth
and early twentieth centuries.
The diaries are organized in chronological order. Four diaries in the collection are
originals, and the remainder are photocopies of originals not held by UCI. The container
list indicates which diaries are originals.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Agriculture -- California -- Amador County.
Diaries -- California -- Amador County -- 19th century.
Farm life -- California -- Amador County
California -- History -- Sources
Ranch life -- California -- Amador County -- History --
Sources
Farmers -- California -- Amador County.
Ranchers -- California -- Amador County.
Online Archive of California