The Fowler Brother's Journal
In 1851 two brothers from Long Island settled on the Rancho Bodega. Stephen Fowler, a carpenter and brother James, were intent on raising potatoes.
They had met Colonel Lucien Hanks, the new owner of the Smith Bodega sawmill in San Francisco. Hanks lured them to Bodega with the tale that Bodega is good country for raising potatoes and large crops are raised.
The Fowlers were journal writers. This portion of their journal starts with their leaving Long Island. They continued to keep their journal well after they arrived in Bodega. It gives us a comprehensive taste of their lives. A home the Fowlers built is still in use in Valley Ford.
Sunday, Jan. 6th, 1850. This morning I was not as lame
though much stiffer than yesterday. James and Moore complain some owing
to the travel of yesterday. They did not have much better last night than
myself. We thought this morning if we eat a warm breakfast we would be
better able to travel and we done so. We had cheese, pilot bread and boiled
pork. For our breakfasts it cost us $1.50 each. At 8 o‚clock we started
for Sacramento. The road was quite good until we neared Sutter Fort. We
traveled across a prairie 12 miles in width. We often rested and when we
sat down we picked out the driest places in the road. When we got to the
Fort it was dark and had begun to rain but we thought we would go through.
A darky going down was our guide going from the Fort to Sacramento, a distance
of two miles, we had to ferry twice and when we got in all were wet, tired
and sore. We got a good supper and soon went to bed.Monday,
Jan. 7th. This morning we started out to find the vessel on board of which
we stored our chests. We walked up and down the river and enquired for her
and finally we heard that she had gone to sea. Here was more trouble. I was
very lame and James was complaining. We met several who were passengers with
us on the Brooklyn and from them we heard of the deaths of five that come out
on the ship. One became insane and killed himself, another was drowned, two
died of the scurvy in the mines and one in San Francisco of inflammation of
the bowels. To hear of this sad news all at once and to see the condition Sacramento
is in, partly overflowed and when there is not water there is so much
mud it is almost impossible to get along. All of these combined rather
discouraged us and we did not know but we would put for home but
in the afternoon James went out and after enquiring sometime he found
where our chests were. We got them and put them on board of the Propeller
McKim and paid our passage which was $25 each. We then had all things
arranged to leave in the morning and both feeling better our spirits
revived and we will endeavor to get a little more dust before we leave the
country.
Tuesday, Jan. 8th. This morning we pay our bill which was $13 for board
and lodging from Sunday night until Tuesday morning. At 7 o‚clock
we leave for San Francisco. Today it has rained and blowed hard. I have
been quite unwell and have not eaten a mouthful since morning. During
the day we saw 7 or 8 elk running on the bank of the river. They seemed
to be frightened and kept nearly up with us for two or three miles. Tonight
it blows a gale and we come to anchor about 15 miles from San Francisco.
San Francisco, January 1850
Wednesday, Jan. 9th. We got in this morning about 9
o‚clock. Immediately
we called on Mr. David L. Gardiner and put what dust we had in his charge.
We had quite a long chat with him and will probably let him take charge of
our money affairs. We then went to the post office. I got two letters, one
from Otis Huntting and the other from Squire Dayton. Otis mentioned Egbert‚s
starting. We supposed it was Egbert Dayton and shortly after I called on
Mr. Gardiner again and he told me of his death and burial at Alcapulco [sic].
We got no letter from home. We know not what to make of it. Mr. Gardiner
says that they have heard from us and that we gave flattering accounts of
California. He says when his last letter was written (which he has received)
which was in November. Cronelia was at their house and he supposed that my
folks were well or he would have heard of it. In the afternoon I went again
to the post office and James got our chests to the boarding house. That cost
$4 and we pay $20 per week for board and lodging. Such expenses cannot be
avoided. I had no better success at the post office this afternoon. They
say the backlist will be published next week. James met Dr. Brown, the one
that was to take our letters to Dry Creek. He said he had got none for us
but has paid something for the privilege of looking over the back letters
and would let us know on Friday.
Thursday, Jan. 10th. Today I have felt better and have walked about in search
of acquaintances part of the time and the remainder have been engaged in writing
up my journal. The streets are very muddy here though not as bad as those of
Sacramento. Many persons walking out evenings carry lanterns.
Friday, Jan. 11th. This morning I called on Brown and got the postage money
back that we gave him. I called at the post office to enquire for newspapers
and got two of the date of the 13th of November though I do not know who they
were from. Where we are now boarding there is a number of the Brooklyn passengers
putting up. Today one of them put in an estimate for 4 small houses and he
said if I felt disposed I could join him and we would put them up. This afternoon
we have picked out what timber we want and expect to commence them in the morning.
Saturday, Jan. 12th. Today we have done but little except getting our lumber
picked out and separated it. The buildings all go to different parts of the
city.
Sunday, Jan. 13th. Today I have been engaged in answering the letters that
I have received. I have shaved and trimmed my whiskers today. I have not shaved
since I left here last October.
Monday, Jan. 14th. The greater part of the day the weather has been fine but
towards night it commenced raining. We have both been at work today. We have
put together the window frames for three of the buildings and have one of them
nearly completed. We mailed out letters to Father one, J.O. Huntting one and
Squire Dayton one.
Tuesday, Jan. 15th. We have got one house finished and the greater part of
another. They are very small and the work is very common. They are 10 x 12
ft., 9ft. high on one side and 6 on the other. The roof is covered with boards
and over the joints we nail batting. In each house there is two windows. The
frames were bought as was the door frame, sash and door. For the door, which
is a very common four panel one without moldings and two pieces of 2-inch stuff
with a rabbit or head the same, cost $8. The window frames which are the commonest
kind and the sash $7 a window. Lumber is now from $200 to $250 per 1000 ft.
When we first arrived it was $350 per 1000. For putting up those shanties we
have $75 each. Tonight I paid 75 cents a vial of castor oil to oil our boots.
Wednesday, Jan.16th. Last night some of the boards were stolen and we could
not complete the house until we get what stuff there is remaining from the
one we have commenced today. There is more thieving now than there was before
there was any police regulations.
Thursday, Jan. 17th. This forenoon we finished both houses. This afternoon
Mr. Hodgson my partner and James have been jobbing and I have been looking
for more jobs and have endeavored to find where the other house is to be put
up but did not see our employer. I also went to the post office and succeeded
in getting a letter of the 15th of October and was very sorry to hear the sad
news of the deaths of Aunt Eliza and child and of Lawrence Fowler. Poor fellow,
if he had come with me and had died here I should of felt much worse. We have
often spoke about him and have thought we might at some day see him here but
alas he is no more.
Friday, Jan. 18th. Hodgson and James have been to work for the same man that
they worked for part of yesterday but they finished soon after dinner and then
come and assisted me as I had found the lot and got the lumber on it and had
the foundation together.
Saturday, Jan. 19th. Today James and myself have finished the house. Hodgson
has been helping an acquaintance. Our week‚s work amounted to $339. The
blocks we sold we got $4.75 for. We pay James $72 and the remainder we divide.
Sunday, Jan. 20th. Today I take a walk about town but do not dress up as the
streets are so very muddy. I saw a man engaged today in a business that none
but a Yankee would have thought of. He was going about the streets greasing
boots with beeswax and tallow. Sunday there is a great deal of work done in
this place and more gambling than on any other day in the week.
Monday, Jan 21st. Today I have been looking for jobs but am not sure of any
as yet. Part of the day it has rained very hard. As soon as the rain ceases
business will be lively. I have today for the first time seen the chain gang.
They have a chain locked around their ankles with a iron ball to it. At times
a number are fastened together and compelled to work on the streets. This is
the punishment for stealing. Today I saw Mrs. Sutter, her daughter and two
sons. They come in the steamer from Panama which arrived today. They have come
from Switzerland. Captain Sutter has not seen them for seventeen years which
is the time he has been in this country.
Tuesday, Jan. 22nd. This day we have done nothing which is rather discouraging
though the is a great many carpenters in the like situation. I called on Mr.
David L. Gardiner and had our dust weighed but there was not quite as much
as I expected. It weighed 76-∏ oz. which at $16 the oz. amounts to $1224.
I also gave him $100 in gold, the whole of which he has on deposit.
Wednesday, Jan. 23rd. I have this day shed tears of joy. I went to the post
office and formed in the line and after waiting about two hours it come my
turn to ask for letters and I received two, one from home and one from Uncle
John. To hear that all at home were well with the exception of John who had
cut himself and to learn that crops etc. were tolerable favorable and all were
happy, filled me with joy.
Thursday, Jan. 24th. Last night and the greater part of today it has rained
and now the streets are in a very bad condition. We both have slight colds
and have been done but very little today. I have written a long letter to Uncle
John. This will not do for us. We must get employment somewhere and make our
expenses if not more.
Friday, Jan 25th. Nothing done today but write letters and walk about the streets.
It still rains without trying very hard. We would be both pleased to have it
cease now and have showers during the spring and summer.
Saturday, Jan. 26th. This has been another stormy day. Business will not be
good until the weather is better. Tonight we have to leave our present boarding
house as the proprietors could not make a living at it at the high rent they
had to pay.
Sunday Jan. 27th. We did not leave the house last night as it stormed and had
all day but this forenoon we moved our things and are now at the Clay St. House
where we pay $18 per week. I have today seen and conversed with old acquaintances
that have just arrived. They were Charles Lopes Esq., Nathan Hedges and Elias
Pain.
Monday, Jan. 28th. Today I dined on board of the Schooner Sierra Nevada and
had a long chat with friend Lopes. This afternoon I have got the money that
we had out on interest and have put it in Mr. David L. Gardiner‚s charge
and have made arrangements with him for a draft on New York for $1500. James
has put the locks on the doors of the small buildings which we put up a few
days since.
Tuesday, Jan. 29th. Again it has rained all day. As usual we have done nothing
and the prospect bids fair for doing the same all of the week.
Wednesday, Jan 30th. This has been a fine day. I have endeavored to get a job
at journey work but did not succeed.
Thursday, Jan 31st. This is a beautiful day. This is my 25th birthday. On my
last birthday I was on the North Pacific Ocean. The one previous I was at sea
in the region of Cape Horn and the one previous at the east end of Long Island
and such has been my fate. If I can be fortunate here my rambles are over without
they are for pleasure. I have wrote to Mother this day and what better way
would I of passed the day? Today I have attended a sale of City lots but did
not purchase.
Friday, Feb. 1st. This has been a beautiful day. The Steamer sailed today and
several that I was slightly acquainted with have gone in her and I almost wished
I was one of their number.
Saturday, Feb. 2nd. The gloomy prospect begins to disappear. If the promises
that have been made to me today are fulfilled I have the best prospect I have
had since I have been in the Country. The weather is fine.
Sunday, Feb. 3rd. Today I dressed in my best merely to give them an airing.
As we expect to leave there soon. I did not attend church today and feel ashamed
that I have been so little, though I am now half sick with a cold. Today I
have met old acquaintances. Though I have met them before, but to meet and
talk of times past is a pleasure.
Monday, Feb. 4th. Today I have been very busy. I now have a contract to put
up six iron buildings at Marysville. Four of them are 15x20, and two of them
15x30, one story high. For the work I am to have $250 each. I have paid $70
for our passage in the cabin of Schooner Eclipse. Mr. Gardiner is going down
the coast and we leave our money with Messrs. Merrick and Moss. Our clothes
chest we store on board the Store Ship Almendralina.
Tuesday, Feb. 5th. Today we have put our things on board the vessel and just
before sundown we got underway but came to anchor a few miles from San Francisco.
The vessel is very crowded. So much so that we have to sleep on the table and
floor.
Wednesday, Feb. 6th. We got underway soon after sunrise. The vessel run aground
in Sousin [sic] Bay and we did not get off until the tide turned and come to
anchor near New York. They set three tables and manage better than I thought
we could on account of our numbers.
Thursday, Feb 7th. But little progress is made today as the wind is very light.
Some of the passengers go onshore at New York. The Captain purchased fresh
beef and bread.
Friday, Feb. 8th. We got underway this morning but run aground. They then got
an anchor out astern and hauled her off. The boats are off and on. The captain
buys some elk meat which tastes very well. Wind light all day. Come to anchor
at night.
[Many missing pages. Skipping to July 1850]
Downieville, California, 1850
Wednesday, July. 17th. I have nearly the same to write every day with the exception of the amount of gold we take out. This forenoon after moving top dirt and stone, we took out $87. This afternoon we have had more sand that would not pay than usual. We threw it off but could not wash all of the bottom dirt. We took out $46.
