ORU_A137.xml Guide to the Joseph Warren Wood Journal 1849-1853 Wood (Joseph Warren) journal Finding aid prepared by University of Oregon Libraries, Archivists' Toolkit Project Team and Austin Munsell Funding for production of this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC). University of Oregon Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives 2012
1299 University of Oregon Eugene, OR 97403-1299 spcarref@uoregon.edu http://libweb.uoregon.edu/speccoll
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2020-12-22. Finding aid written in English Finding aid based on DACS (Describing Archives: A Content Standard), 2nd Edition. University of Oregon Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives
1299 University of Oregon Eugene, OR 97403-1299 spcarref@uoregon.edu http://libweb.uoregon.edu/speccoll
Joseph Warren Wood journal Wood, Joseph Warren, 1826-1914 A 137 0.1 linear feet 2 containers 2 folders 1849-1853 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. English . 1-2

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 Crawford, John B. Wood, Joseph Warren, 1826-1914 Deer Creek (Sacramento County and El Dorado County, Calif.) Gold mines and mining--California--History--19th century--Sources Overland journeys to the Pacific Gold miners--California--Diaries Farmers--Wisconsin--Diaries Pioneers--California--Diaries Frontier and pioneer life--Wisconsin Frontier and pioneer life--California Pioneers--Wisconsin--Diaries Pioneers Diaries Overland journals

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.

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.

 Guide to the Joseph Warren Wood Journal

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