The file contains the 58-page typewritten and signed autobiography of Pilsbury Hodgkins, with multiple transcribed obituaries added at the end, resulting in a total of 71 pages. It is typed on paper that is in good condition, detailing the life of Mr. Hodgkins, a.k.a. Chips. He was born in Maine on February 17, 1825, and he writes about his time on the family farm, his move to Boston, his eventual move to San Francisco in search of gold in 1849, and resulting career with Wells Fargo. His mining operation was in the town of Jamestown, Tuolumne County.

Pilsbury Hodgkins was born on Februrary 17th, 1825 in Nobleboro, Maine. In 1848, he left for California, working his passage as a carpenter on the ship "York" of the Pacific Company. He arrived in California in 1849 and worked at a variety of sites, including Jamestown and Soldier's Gulch. In addition to mining for gold, he went to work as an expressman for Reynolds Express in 1851, turning tis into his full-time occupation by 1853. From 1857 to 1870, he worked for Wells Fargo on a steamer between Stockton and San Francisco. From 1870 to 1877, he worked between San Diego and San Francisco. He eventually settled in Stockton and was a lifetime member of the Society of California Pioneers.

1 folder 1 Folder( 1 typescript of original diary, 71 pages)

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