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Finding Aid of the John Gallagher Papers
C057967
C057967
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Table of contents
Title: Gallagher, John Papers
Identifier/Call Number: C057967
Contributing Institution:
Society of California Pioneers
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
1.0 folder
(1 application; 1 typescript, 34 pages)
Date (inclusive): 1847-1849
Abstract: Personal reminiscences of the War in Upper and Lower California between Americans and Mexican in 1847 to 1849. The bulk of
the narrative takes place in Lower California. Includes colorful description of battles and actions. John Gallagher's personal
story of when he fought against the Mexicans in the Mexican American War. He left his job as a blacksmith to join a volunteer
army. From Anthology of John Gallagher. And also included is one printed application for membership to the Society of California
Pioneers.
creator:
Gallagher, John, 1822-ca. 1903
Conditions Governing Access note
Collection open for research
There are no restrictions on access
John Gallagher Papers, The Society of California Pioneers
Gift of John Gallagher, written on June 1, 1903 in conjunction with an application to join the SoCP.
The only available Biographical information is in the Reminiscences. Born in New York State, worked as a blacksmith. Came
to California in 1847 as part of the New York Volunteers. From his application notes residence listed as Sebastopol, Sonoma
Co, California. Occupation: General Farmer. Birthplace: Ireland. DOB: 1822. Age:81
This 34 page typewritten manuscript was written by John Gallagher and is dated Sebastopol, Sonoma Co, California, June 21,
1903. It is accompanied by and application to join the Society of California Pioneers. The author joined Col Jonathan D. Stevenson's
First New York Volunteers and sailed aboard the "Thomas H Perkins" around the Horn, entering San Francisco Bay in March of
1847. He was stationed initially in Santa Barbara and then sent to Los Angeles to support troops under John C. Fremont. On
July 4, 1847 they were sent to La Paz, Lower California, where they were besieged by Mexican forces for 3 weeks. They rescued
American prisoners held by the Mexicans in San Antonio with the help of Lt. Halleck (later General Halleck of the Civil War).
The troop fought in the Battle of Todos Santos and carried dispatches to San Jose de Cabo San Lucas. After a period of 18
months, they returned to Monterey, CA to the news of discovery of Gold
The Application to the Society of California Pioneers is dated October 17, 1903 and lists his residence as Sebastopol, Sonoma
Co, California. Occupation: General Farmer. Birthplace: Ireland. DOB: 1822. Age:81
Existence and Location of Originals note
The Society of California Pioneers, 300 Fourth St, San Francisco, CA, 94107.
Related Archival Materials note
Society Institutional Records include: Archival Record, vol. 7, and Autobiography and Reminiscence, vol. 8 (digital version
online at OAC)
Subjects and Indexing Terms
California--San Francisco (county)--San Francisco
Mexican War, 1846-1848--California.
San Francisco (Calif.)--Societies, etc.