Thirteen volumes, some signed or stamped with Mason's name, containing holograph diaries for 1858, 1861, 1863-1865, 1872-1874, 1876, 1878, 1880-1881, and 1887-1888; and a volume containing holograph accounts, listing Mason's expenses while living in Sacramento, 1857-1860. The volume of accounts also contains a holograph diary, apparently a copy transcribed by Mason, of his journey to California, describing his departure from St. Louis, Missouri, in Apr, 1854; travel on the California Trail; and arrival in Sacramento in Jun, 1855. Several of the diaries for 1858-1888 are written in printed diary volumes, including volumes published by A. L. Bancroft & Company, San Francisco, and by Kiggins & Kellogg and L. & E. Edwards, New York City. These diaries contain very brief entries, usually listing expenses and noting news of his work, such as arrivals and departures of river boats, 1858-1861, and news of farm, livestock, and other ranch work, 1861-1888.
Description:
John T. Mason emigrated to California in 1854. He worked on river steamers in the area of Sacramento, and in 1861 he began ranching in Colusa County. and Purchased from William P. Wreden on the William Robertson Coe Fund, 1964.
