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Guide to the Stephen W. Jones Diary, January 1, 1859 - November 30, 1864
MS 3071
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Title: Stephen W. Jones Diary,
Date (inclusive): January 1, 1859 - November 30,
1864
Collection number: MS 3071
Creator:
Jones, Stephen W.
Extent: 2 letters (70 typed pages)
Repository:
California Historical Society, North Baker Library
San Francisco, California 94105-4014
Language:
English.
Robert I. Slyter 1978
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[Identification of item], Stephen W. Jones Diary. MS 3071, California Historical Society,
North Baker Research Library.
- Date & place of birth:
- April 24,? place unknown
- Residence(s):
- Washington, Nevada County
- Occupation(s):
- mining
- Original or Copy:
- Photocopy of typed copy, 2 letters included
- Time span of diary:
- January 1, 1859 - November 30, 1864 (with some gaps)
- Description of diarist:
- Does mining for various companies and does odd jobs. Belongs to Sons of Temperance Club, and attends dancing school and singing school. Corresponds with fiancee Pamelia White, whom he later marries. Fiancee, in letter, tells that Jones has been out West mining for ten years and has not yet made his fortune.
- Contents of diary:
- Daily events in the life of a miner while working in the Alpha Hydraulic mine in the 1860's; consisting of short, routine entries on the weather and the activiti of the mining community. Gives a good illustration of daily life--accidents, risks, pastimes (singing and dancing schools, temperance sermons and lectures, travelling theatricals, and hurdy-gurdy girls). There are references to the miners' taking care of each other when a fellow miner is sick or injured, and how they donate money to help the wounded soldiers. News of the Civil War appears throughout. In the end, Jones mentions his decision to sell his claim and move to Nevada.
- Main interests of diarist:
-
- Activities and dances at the Temperance Club
- Singing school; Dancing school
- Weather and mine conditions
- Alpha Hydraulic mine, Nevada County
- Diaries, 1859- 1864
- Gold mines and mining, Washington Nevada County
- Sons of Temperance, Washington Nevada County