Frontier Life in California.

Abstract

"There is no analogy between the first settlers of California and the frontiers east of the rockies. Only in name (if California is entitled to the name of a frontier) is there the least similarity. The incentives that promoted the great mass of actors in their movements was as different as the character of the participants. The first were seeking homes and hoping for a permanent residence and were prepared to suffer years of hardship and toil to gain their ends. They took their household goods, wives and children with them, often including the little wheel for their flax, (I have seen some that came from the Carolinas). At least 50 percent were illiterate and many past middle life. Among the second class I doubt if the idea of a permanent home had an existance."