Mining Claim

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Permalink Reply by Melinda on February 18, 2011 at 11:07pm

California Gold County was fairly wild and wooly in 1849.  You mention that Reinhold tried to cross the Mojave several times before getting into California.  A few wagon trains came through the area that year, the last one leaving Salt Lake in November.  Most of the research I've seen has been with Mormons, as they were among the first settlers from the United States. Hafen and Hafen have written on those trains.  There is also a fairly recent book out by Donna and William Smart.  I didn't see his name in the roster.  Those who came to California in 1849 are listed by Bancroft, but this list may not be complete. The Bancroft Library (part of University of Berkeley) has a rich collection of materials from the Gold Rush, as does the California State Library in Sacramento.  Since your great grandfather didn't stay in California for long, there is probably little on him.  The 1850 census was taken in early September, so if he was around for that he might be there.  You could also contact the counties you believe he was mining.

Maybe something here will be of help to you.

http://www.worldcat.org/title/far-west-and-rockies-general-analytic...

 

http://www.worldcat.org/title/overland-journey-from-utah-to-califor...

 

http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=JOURNALS+OF+49ERS&qt=owc_search

 

http://www.mormonhistoricsitesfoundation.org/publications/nj_spring...