English

Edward Smith Diary

Please visit the California Revealed website to see the most complete and up-to-date version of this object: https://repository.californiarevealed.org/node/346036 . · This diary is one of only seven known California Overland Trail accounts that chronicled the westward trail experience prior to the 1849 Gold Rush. Smith and his family came overland from Springfield, Illinois to California in 1848. He kept a diary of the journey beginning in Independence, Missouri on April 29, until November 11 when he and his family arrived in San Francisco. In San Francisco, Smith worked as a merchant until November of 1849, and then moved to live a short time in Santa Cruz. In January 1850, he and his family then moved to San Juan, California in Monterey County. Smith practiced law and worked as a land surveyor in Monterey County. Smith established the San Juan post office, and became the area’s first postmaster in July of 1850. The diary notes surveys taken between March 1851 and September 1853. The second half of the diary also lists goods bought for the overland journey, and includes a record of overall miles covered, and drawings of different brands used by acquaintances of Smith. Edward Smith

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