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Joseph Warren Wood journal

 Collection — Multiple Collection Box: [A 137] 1
Identifier: A 137

Scope and Contents

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.

Dates

  • 1849-1853

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

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.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights reside with Special Collections and University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries. Copyright resides with the creators of the documents or their heirs. All requests for permission to publish collection materials must be submitted to Special Collections and University Archives. The reader must also obtain permission of the copyright holder.

Biographical / Historical

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.

Extent

0.1 linear feet (2 containers) : 2 folders

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

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.

Processing Information

Collection processed by staff.

This finding aid may be updated periodically to account for new acquisitions to the collection and/or revisions in arrangement and description.

Title
Guide to the Joseph Warren Wood Journal
Status
Complete Description
Author
Finding aid prepared by University of Oregon Libraries, Archivists' Toolkit Project Team and Austin Munsell
Date
2012
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English
Sponsor
Funding for production of this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).

Repository Details

Part of the University of Oregon Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives Repository

Contact:
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene OR 97403-1299 USA