The Finding aid for the John C. Callbreath Papers C057878

Language of Material: English

Contributing Institution: Society of California Pioneers

Title: John C. Callbreath Papers

Identifier/Call Number: C057878

Physical Description: 1 folder 1 Folder (2 handwritten letters)

Date (inclusive): 1915 August 17

Abstract: This folder contains two hand written letters pertaining to the life and times of John C. Callbreath. Both letters were written by his good friend and caretaker in his later years, "Mrs Fish" and both of the letters are addressed to "James P. Taylor" and are dated "August 17th, 1915."

This folder contains two hand written letters pertaining to the life and times of John C. Callbreath. Both letters were written by his good friend and caretaker in his later years, "Mrs Fish" and both of the letters are addressed to "James P. Taylor" and are dated "August 17th, 1915." John Callbreath was born in 1826 and passed away in Seattle Washington on April 10th, 1916. Mr. Callbreath joined the Society of Pioneers on Feb. 3rd, 1890. He came to San Francisco around South America via Cape Horn and reached the City in late June, 1849.

John Callbreath was born in 1826 and passed away in Saettle Washington on April 10th, 1916. Mr. Callbreath joined the Society of Pioneers on Feb. 3rd, 1890. He came to San Francisco around South America via Cape Horn and reached the City in late June, 1849. He then traveled to "Jacksonville, up the Tuolumne River to dig for gold." He had some success, finding "about an ounce a day", but was robbed of all his profits. He would later go on to own a hotel and Bakery with two men named John Foster and E. Smith, both of whom would later be shot and killed by "a Spaniard" for the sum of $20,000 which he had trusted them with to purchase cattle and mules in Mexico. He would eventually go on to become a State Legislator and he was "one of the men who helped select the site for San Quinton Prison." After his term in the legislator ended he purchased a farm "on the Frazier River" where he raised wheat, barley, cattle, and turkey, which he would take to town for sale at Christmas and Thanksgiving, selling them for "$1 a pound". In his last years he lost his eyesight and became bedridden, at which point "Mrs. Fish" became his permanent caretaker and helped him to write down his reminiscence.

Source and Date of acquisition not known

The Society of California Pioneers, 101 Montgomery St. Suite 150, Presidio of San Francisco, San Francisco CA, 94129

The John C. Callbreath Papers. The Society of California Pioneers.