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Crumpton (Hezekiah John) Memoir
C057891  
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Description
This is the original handwritten version of the member's Autobiography and Reminiscence created as an institutional record for the Society of California Pioneers. The original and transcription have been digitized and are available at the Online Archive of California. The reminiscence details his overland journey to California from Alabama, offering a description of the trip, tales about Indians and challenges on the trail. His life in California, mining years and some family history are discussed as well. A member of the American Medical Assn. and the California State Medical Society, he served 4 terms in the Cal. State Legislature and in the municipal government of Sausalito. He served as Vice President of the Society of California Pioneers and was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Background
Crumpton was born in Waltenborough, South Carolina (1828), the son of Henry Tally Crumpton and Matilda Smith Bryant. Crumpton lived in Alabama on his father's farm, which was sold and the family moved to Barbersville (Camden), Alabama to run a hotel. The hotel failed and Crumpton worked in a printing office, resolving to attend medical school. After 2 terms Crumpton left for California with about 500 people on April 1st, 1849. The first California places he reached were Warner's, then Workman's and William's Ranches. He then went to Los Angeles, San Pedro, then on Bark "Hector" to San Francisco. While in Los Angeles, Crumpton worked with a wealthy merchant, who took him under his wing until getting a job on a cargo ship to San Francisco. Once there, Crumpton worked at manual labor until a mining outfit was secured. By 1851 he had saved enough money to return home and resume his medical studies. He went back and forth between Alabama and California 3 times while in school, each time returning to California compelled by a "fascination with mining". A member of the American Medical Assn. and the California State Medical Society, he served 4 terms in the California State Legislature and in the municipal government of Sausalito. He joined the Society of California Pioneers on June 2, 1890, served as Vice President of the Society and was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He died in Piedmont, Calif., on April 8, 1913.
Extent
1 folder 1 Folder (1 handwritten memoir, 57 pages)