Part I: papers of John & Annie E.K. Bidwell, consisting chiefly of correspondence, clippings, and legal, financial and property records, ca. 1851-1918.

Part II: papers of members of the Kennedy Ellicott and Morrison families, related to Mrs. Bidwell, ca. 1792-1934.

John Bidwell was born in Chataqua County, New York State, August 5, 1819. Ten years later he moved with his parents to Erie, Pennsylvania and then to Ohio. In 1839 he decided to seek his fortune in the West. After some wandering he took up a land claim near Weston, Missouri and supported himself by teaching. During his absence, however, his claim was jumped and, hearing of the wonders of California from a French trapper recently returned, he resolved to make his way there. In May 1841 he started from Independence, Missouri, with Bartleson's party.

Number of containers: 8 boxes, 3 cartons, 2 oversize folders

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Collection is open for research.