Search The David A. Shaw, California As Seen by a Pioneer Database
Narrative of the building of California as told through the eyes of a pioneer
Description
Before the completion of the transcontinental railroad, two avenues lay open to the traveler to California, by wagon or by ship. This first person historical narrative was written by one of these overland pioneers. On his way to the coast, he offers anecdotes of Salt Lake City, the Mormons, trappers, mountain men, Placerville and the criminal justice system. The author offers his observations with an objective and factual tone, although his stated purpose was to write "with the hope of pleasing as well as instructing." This narrative is intended to give readers a sense of the world encountered by the pioneers who traveled overland from the east to California.
Extended Description
David Augustus Shaw left Marengo, Illinois, in 1850 for the overland trail to California, where he settled in Pasadena and was an active member of the local Society of Pioneers. Eldorado (1900) records Shaw's first stay in the West, 1850-1852, when he worked as a miner and rancher; his return to Illinois and second overland journey west, 1853, this time bringing a herd of horses; and a third round trip to the East, 1856, this time crossing at Panama. In California, Woolley works as a miner and rancher. He offers anecdotes of Salt Lake City and the Mormons, trappers and mountain men, Hangtown and Placerville, and criminal justice.
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