Fowler (Stephen L. & James E.) Diary, 1849 to 1852

Printable guide [HTML]

Summary

Title:
Fowler, Stephen L. and James E. Diary
Dates:
1849 to 1852
Creators:
Fowler, James E and Fowler, Stephen Lawrence
Abstract:
A handwritten daily diary comprising 211 pages written by Stephen L. Fowler, covering the period from Jan 12, 1849 to March 19 1852. It records the life and experiences of the author and his brother, James E. Fowler, beginning with their 7 month voyage on the sailing ship "Brooklyn" around the Horn. It provides descriptions of the places they were, the details of daily life and the hardships of mining and making a living in Gold Rush California. For two years they try their luck in the diggings at Dry Creek and Downeyville, with intermittent periods doing carpentry, fishing and hunting for the market and other jobs to cover expenses. They go to Bodega Bay in 1851 to try potato farming supplemented with carpentry work for Captain Stephen Smith. There the diary ends in March 1852.
Containers:
Box: B001620
Folder: C058475
Extent:
1.0 folder (1 diary)
Language:
Preferred citation:

Stephen L. & James E. Fowler Diary. The Society of California Pioneers.

Background

Scope and content:

A handwritten daily diary comprising 211 pages, written by Stephen L. Fowler covering the period from 01/12/1849 to 03/19/1852. It records the experiences of the author and his brother, James E. Fowler, beginning with their 7 month voyage on the sailing ship "Brooklyn" around Cape Horn. Beginning on January 12, 1849, the ship did not reach San Francisco until August (a longer journey than was typical for the time) due to improper navigation; many of the passengers developed scurvy. Some perished. Upon reaching San Francisco, Captain Joseph W. Richardson was put on trial for his negligence, was found guilty, and fined $2,000. Stephen L. Fowler recorded the trials of ship life and details of those who fell ill and died. After several months doing carpentry in San Francisco they start for the mines to "see the elephant" in October, 1849. Due to heavy rains, they were largely unsuccessful and sold their cabin and stake in January of 1850, returning to San Francisco. A short while later they set out north once again, to begin construction and carpentry work in Marysville and later Plumas City. From there the brothers again attempted gold mining, tried a fishing business, and then traveled to Bodega Bay in 1851 to begin farming and working construction for the mill owner, Captain Steven Smith. Daily entries grow sporadic in September 1851, toward the end of the diary. (There is a single entry for October, and then one for February, 1852.—appears to be incorrect/mixed up with Gager) Final entry written is dated March 3, 1852. Most entries are reasonably detailed and legible.

Biographical / historical:

There is no biographical information on Stephen Lawrence Fowler. His brother James E. Fowler joined the Society of California Pioneers in July 1890. James is also mentioned in the "History of Sonoma County (1879)" where he is described as a retired merchant, living a life of leisure upon handsome competence gained in this township. His home was located at Valley Ford.

Acquisition information:
Donor and date of acquisition unknown.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid prepared by Carolee Gilligan Wheeler
Date Prepared:
07/31/2003
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit 2014-04-23T15:13-0700

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collections open for research

Terms of access:

There are no restrictions on access

Preferred citation:

Stephen L. & James E. Fowler Diary. 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
Website