Name/Title
Huntington, John A. Gold Rush Era Letters, 1852-1901Entry/Object ID
L9999.999.3644Description
Huntington, John A. Gold Rush Era Letters, 1852-1901. Copies of letters from John A. Huntington to his wife and daughters from 1852-1901. There is a photocopy of a portait of him included. John left Missouri family and went to the gold fields in 1852 over the St. Joe Road. He was occupied in mining and other adventures, eventually owning the Truckee to Tahoe Road. His daughter, Marrietta Huntington Gunter, as an adult , lived in Stanberry, MO.
Huntington made it to California in 108 days and went to the gold fields. He kept promising to return but he never did. In 1880, he was toll house keeper on the Truckee road to Tahoe City. In 1882 he was described as the propietor of the Tahoe turnpike.
John A. Huntington died in 1904 in San Francisco.
Below is a sample of his experiences in the St. Joseph area.
John A. Huntington was 28 when he went to California; he was born October 17, 1824 in Clermont County, Ohio.
April 23, 1852, Letter from John A. Huntington to wife about time in St. Joseph, MO.
This is one of the wickedest places that I ever saw in my life. All kinds of games: The city is full of gamblers and thieves. For my part, I intend to resist all temptations, keep out of bad company, go to California, mind my own business, come home, take care of my family, live happy by my own fireside and stay at home, when I get back from California."
Two of our company crossed the river. Went on the road in the Indian Territory, about fourty (40) miles to ascertain whether the grass would be sufficient for our oxen or not. They have been back and says that the grass in places "is about three (3) inches high and we can start in three or four days by taking feed for the cattle.
April 24th
Our company joined the Manchester Company. To-day we have commenced making preparations for sacking our flour and other articles and in a few days we shall start for the Pacific Coast. I expect that this will be my last letter that I will write till I get to California
April Sunday the 25th
Today we have agreed to cross the river, visit Wednesday and commence our journey. For my part, I am very much in favor of starting for it is a long road, about two-thousand (2000) miles from this place. I have been here about eight days and for the immense crowd of people it is healthy, with the exception of the small pox and measles. Several Californian have died with the small-pox. Our company is all in good health to-day and myself in particular. I am stouter than generally this time of the year.
As soon as I can get to California I shall send you some money., that is if I keep my health and do well. You shall not suffer for nothing. I want you to be a good Christian Methodist. Stay with the church and if you see me in Ripley (county) again you will find me still a Methodist. I want you to keep my letters until I come home.
...April Thursday 29
This day we will cross the river. I am in excellent health to-day. We are all in good health except Henry Marshall from Phestenvilel. I want you to write to me. Direct your letters to Sacramento, California. Right about the first of June.
Provided in 2010
by Richard C. Gunter, great-grandson,
PO Box 293
O'Fallon, MO. 63366
12 letter photocopies with typed transcription/2 news article photocopies/Photograph, photocopy/in envelope.Lexicon
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Huntington, John A. Gold Rush Diary, Truckee-Tahoe Road, Trails, Diary, California Trail, Gold Rush, St. Joe RoadPublication Details
Author
John A. HuntingtonDate Published
1852 - 1901Call No.
Diary HUNotes
Date: 1852
Copy No.: 1Relationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
John A. HuntingtonPerson or Organization
Diantha HuntingtonPerson or Organization
Marrietta HuntingtonPerson or Organization
William W. JohnsonPerson or Organization
William HendersonPerson or Organization
Lewis HuntingtonPerson or Organization
Mortimore HendersonPerson or Organization
G. W. Reding