Rowena and Stephen Crary family papers, 1852-1874.

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Rowena and Stephen Crary family papers, 1852-1874.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/702137325

The papers consist chiefly of correspondence between Rowena and Stephen, along with letters from other family members and friends and a few other documents. Rowena and Stephen met in Plainfield, Connecticut shortly before Stephen left for California and their courtship was carried out in letters between 1852 and 1854. Stephen's letters include details of gold mining and descriptions of the Californian climate and geography. After his return to California in 1860, Stephen writes of his voyage and details the changes that have occurred since he left seven years before. Rowena's letters from this period describe the hardships she encounters as she tries to maintain their household in Wisconsin with little money. The letters often include descriptions of public sentiments towards the Civil War and remarks about local volunteers. Other documents include a ledger sheet listing contributors to a construction fund for a school and a contract appointing Rowena teacher for the Humbug district in 1866.

.2 linear ft. (1 box)

Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Information

SNAC Resource ID: 8016069

Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Related Entities

There are 2 Entities related to this resource.

Crary, Stephen.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6g77hcc (person)

Crary, Rowena.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6ht4vgw (person)

Rowena Crary, nee Campbell, of Voluntown, Connecticut, worked periodically, before and after her marriage, as a schoolteacher. Stephen Crary left Plainfield, Connecticut for California in 1852. He staked a gold claim in Humbug Creek, California and prospected there until 1854. In 1854 he returned East and married Rowena H. Campbell. She eventually moved with him to La Crosse, Wisconsin. Stephen later returned to California and resumed prospecting in Yreka in 1860. His wi...