Archives West Finding Aid
Table of Contents
Joseph Warren Wood journal , 1849-1853
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Wood, Joseph Warren, 1826-1914
- Title
- Joseph Warren Wood journal
- Dates
- 1849-1853 (inclusive)18491853
- Quantity
- 0.1 linear feet, (2 containers) : 2 folders
- Collection Number
- A 137
- Summary
- Joseph Warren Wood (1826-1914) was a Wisconsin farmer who sought his fortune in California during the gold rush. The collection consists of photocopies of Wood's journals chronicling his trip to California.
- Repository
-
University of Oregon Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives
UO Libraries--SCUA
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene OR
97403-1299
Telephone: 5413463068
spcarref@uoregon.edu - Access Restrictions
-
Collection is open to the public. Collection must be used in Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room. Collection or parts of collection may be stored offsite. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives in advance of your visit to allow for transportation time.
- Additional Reference Guides
-
See the Current Collection Guide for detailed description and requesting options.
- Languages
- English
- Sponsor
- Funding for production of this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).
Historical NoteReturn to Top
Joseph Warren Wood (1826-1914), son of Dr. Lewis N. and Naomi D. Wood of Walworth, Wisconsin, travelled to California to prospect for gold in April of 1849 with friends Jeremiah Pollard and Matthias Mohr, among others. They begin panning for gold on September 7th in Deer Creek, a branch of the Yuba River, to limited success.
Subsequently, Wood started a freight-hauling business with John B. Crawford, who became his brother in law. In 1853, Wood returned to Wisconsin, where he took up farming.
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
Wood's journals are divided into four volumes: 1849, 1850, 1851, and 1852-1853.
The first volume details his journey from Wisconsin to California and early prospecting experiences. Subsequent volumes concern his business dealings with with John Crawford and eventual return to Wisconsin. His final entries, dated April 4, 1853: "Commenced ploughing"; and January 1854: "Set to getting pigs for May 1st" suggest that Wood returned to earning a living as a farmer.
Often lengthy and well crafted, Wood's journal entries paint a vivid picture life on the trail in gold rush era California.
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top
| Description |
|---|
| Guide to the Joseph Warren Wood Journal |
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Farmers--Wisconsin--Diaries
- Frontier and pioneer life--California
- Frontier and pioneer life--Wisconsin
- Gold miners--California--Diaries
- Gold mines and mining--California--History--19th century--Sources
- Overland journeys to the Pacific
- Pioneers--California--Diaries
- Pioneers--Wisconsin--Diaries
Personal Names
- Crawford, John B.
- Wood, Joseph Warren, 1826-1914
Geographical Names
- Deer Creek (Sacramento County and El Dorado County, Calif.)
Form or Genre Terms
- Diaries
- Overland journals
Finding aid prepared by University of Oregon Libraries, Archivists' Toolkit Project Team and Austin Munsell
2012
