Name/Title
Conrad, Thomas: Correspondence from Brother, Simon Conrad, 1854-1868Entry/Object ID
AM2015.22.53Scope and Content
Conrad, Thomas: Correspondence from Brother, Simon, 1854-1868. Letters written to Thomas Conrad in Savannah, Missouri and St Joseph from his older brother Simon. Includes carte de visite photo of Simon, his wife, three children, and a young colored servant. (15.22.53J)
Simon & Thomas had entered the blacksmithing business together in Savannah, MO., in 1844. In 1849, they went overland to the California gold fields, where Simon engaged in smithing and Thomas mined. In 1850, Thomas returned to Missouri but Simon stayed. He settled first in Placerville and later in 1859 in Petaluma.
Most letter are sent from Petaluma and concern his family, business opportunities and Andrew County friends who also emigrated to California. In 1857, he is considering leaving California because prospects are dim and prices are high.
Politics are mentioned as early as 1957 surrounding the question of slavery and the rise of the Republican Party. In 1860, he votes for Bell & Everett. In 1861, he wonders where Missouri will stand in the War. He asks about the Battle of Wilson's Creek near Springfield, MO. In 1868, he mentions a smallpox epidemic in Petaluma.
Handwritten letters with typed transcripts. Some letter have original envelopes
A = Aug. 17, 1859: Note reporting his move to from Placerville to Petaluma.
B = Sept. 11, 1854 From Placerville, CA.
C = Jan. 18, 1857 From Placerville, CA
D = Oct. 2, 1859 From Petaluma, CA
E = Dec. 16, 1860 From Petaluma, CA, includes letter from his wife.
F = Jan. 9, 1861 From Petaluma, CA
G = Sept. 1, 1861 From Petaluma, CA
I = Dec. 13, 1868 From Petaluma, CACollection
Conrad-PhilipsLexicon
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LetterNomenclature Primary Object Term
CorrespondenceNomenclature Sub-Class
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Civil wars, SmallpoxSearch Terms
Genealogy, Conrad Family, Gold Rush, California Settlement, Civil War Letters, Republican Party, Democratic Party, Presidential Election 1860, Civil War in Missouri, Black Servants in Conrad HouseholdRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Thomas ConradPerson or Organization
Simon Conrad