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William P. Warren family correspondence, 1850-1852.
MANUSCRIPT SMCII Box 11 Folder 8
Collection Overview

Title:

William P. Warren family correspondence, 1850-1852

Creator/Contributor:

Warren, William P., 1828-1914

Creator/Contributor:

Warren, Nathan, 1806-1886

Abstract:

William's letter home is a capsule summary of his overland journey to California. He describes setting out from St. Joseph after an overturned wagon and broken wheel caused several days of delay. He talks of sickness on the trail and recuperating in Salt Lake City where he stayed with relatives, Aunt Abigal and Uncle Williams. There is mention of killing a buffalo and of trouble with Indians, including a sentry ambushed while on guard. Short rations result in William, his uncle Cody and Allen Miner leaving John Warren and the rest of the company to push on ahead. All arrive safely in Hangtown and William concludes the letter as he prepares to settle in to winter quarters with his Uncle John. The accompanying letters are from William's family back in Illinois, including his father, sister, aunt and cousin. They bring him up to date on family and friends, making much mention of people leaving for and returning from the California gold fields.

Date:

1850 (issued)

Contents:

Letter from William P. Warren to Nathan Warren (10/13/1850). -- Letter from Nathan Warren to William (12/1850). -- Letter from Elizabeth Hoar and Lucy Warren to William (2/23/1852). -- Letter from Fanny Warriner to William (5/9/1852). -- Two envelopes. -- Note. -- "William P. Warren" excerpt from 'History of La Salle County'. -- Typescript: 'Recollections of William Warner'. -- Portrait of William Warner.

Subject:

n-us-ca -- n-us-il
Warren, William P -- 1828-1914 -- Correspondence
Overland journeys to the Pacific
California -- Gold discoveries -- Personal narratives
Frontier and pioneer life -- Illinois -- La Salle County

Note:

William P. Warren was born in Erieville, N.Y. in 1828. In 1836 his father, Nathan Warren, relocated the family, including William and his sister, Fanny, to La Salle County, Ill., where they farmed. William left for California in March of 1850 on the overland route accompanying his two uncles, John Warren and Samuel Cody, and others including Allen Miner, Calib March and James Butler. They arrived in Hangtown (Placerville) in August and William remained in the area prospecting for two years, returning to New York by ship in late 1852. With the proceeds from his California venture William purchased land adjoining his father's and settled down to farm.

Type:

biography

Physical Description:

print
10 items : port. ; 28 cm. or smaller

Language:

English

Identifier:

MANUSCRIPT SMCII Box 11 Folder 8

Origin:

California