Bidwell, John, 1819-1900

Bidwell was a noted early Calif. pioneer, landowner, and statesman. He helped form the Western Immigration Society in 1840, which led to the formation of the Bidwell-Bartleson wagon train, the first emigrant train to Calif. He travelled through Utah in 1841, then forged the Calif. immigrant trail. In 1846 he wrote the Bear Flag platform. In 1848, he began buying his ranch, Rancho de Arroyo Chico, also known as Rancho Chico.

From the description of Rancho de Arroyo Chico ledger and related papers, 1840-1900. (California Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 122544455

...