The memoir of Johann Edward Knoche, an early member of the Society of California Pioneers, describes his trip by ship to San Francisco in 1849, his early work in the city, and his journey on foot to mine for gold. The remainder of the memoir describes his life in San Jose as a businessman and farmer.

Johann E. Knoche, an early member of the Society of California Pioneers, was born March 1, 1819 in Salzderhelden, Germany, where he studied the trade of a silver and goldsmith for five years. He immigrated to New Orleans in 1846 and departed by ship for California in the spring of 1849. Traveling around Cape Horn he arrived in San Francisco October 21, 1849. He engaged in the business of coffee vendor, waiter and later as a watchmaker and jeweler on Kearny Street. Knoche left for the mines in 1850 and stayed only one year. He then traveled to San Jose where he began general farming until 1870 and returned to Germany for several years. He then returned to San Jose where he died October 29, 1903.

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