February 28, 1859
Here begins the journal of Chris Tuttle, formerly a pharmacist. Tomorrow we leave Independence behind to begin our journey west to Sacramento. We must still purchase the supplies that our large farmwagon will hold to sustain us during our long trek.
I hope that the following skills will prove of some use along the trail: medical, carpentry, farming/animals, botany, cooking.
March 1, 1859 Took advantage of the package deal offered to me. What a relief not to have to shop for all that individually! Purchased 20 boxes of 20 bullets. Purchased 12 oxen, 15 chickens, 4 milk cows. Purchased 24 blankets, 12 canteens, 2 fishing nets, 1 fishing pole, 3 fishing spears, 6 lanterns, 20 16-oz. tins of lantern oil, 1 pail, 15 water kegs. We will press on until we are exhausted each day. Went gathering. We found edible Rose hips, edible Plantain leaves, edible Blackberries and edible Sunflower seeds. Heard some gunfire in the distance near Blue River Bridge. Much concern all around. Arrived at Westport, despite some ÒhelpÓ from Nicholas J. Tillman. The trail brought us to New Santa Fe today.
March 2, 1859 The good people of the wagon train hired me as their trail guide. It is mighty cold today. WeÕre going to continue as usual. Every day our journey comes closer to its end. Today we made it to Lone Elm.
March 3, 1859 It is mighty cold today. WeÕre going to continue as usual. Saw Blue Mound today. Found ourselves at Lawrence this day. Got a nasty splinter in my thumb, but extracted it without too much difficulty.
March 11, 1859 Lea Martin has a bad cold. We're going to rest here awhile. The wagon train reached Topeka this day.
March 12, 1859 Saw buzzards circling today not too far from Kansas River. If I were superstitious, IÕd call it a bad omen. The ice looks like it will hold the wagon... So across we go.
March 13, 1859 Passed the hundred mile mark today. Passed Saint MaryÕs Mission. Road fair to middling. Saw a mountain lion not far from Red Vermillion River.
March 14, 1859 Arrived at Scott Spring today.
March 15, 1859 With such cold weather, Krystina T. has frostbite. At this time, I will gradually warm affected area. The weather turned very cold, and I decided to continue as usual. Came to Alcove Spring. Had a talk with some of the other folks in the wagon train. Commenced early today; saw Big Blue River.
March 17, 1859 We lost a chicken today. We were delayed at Big Blue River. We decided to wait our turn to cross. The ice looks like it will hold the wagon... So across we go.
March 18, 1859 In good spirits today; got as far as St. Joseph Road Junction. Saw some Indians in the distance not far from Hollenberg Ranch. No incident, but some concern.
March 19, 1859 The weather turned very cold, and I decided to continue as usual. We rested a while not far from Rock Creek Station.
March 21, 1859 Approached The Narrows today. Some people in our wagon train are very tired of the journey.
March 23, 1859 Arrived at Thirty-two Mile Station.
March 24, 1859 Passed some time near ÒThe Coast of NebraskaÓ. Happened upon a fresh grave near Fort Kearny. A reminder of the hazards we all face on the this journey.
March 26, 1859 It is mighty cold today. WeÕre going to continue as usual. Today I saw Plum Creek.
March 27, 1859 The weather turned very cold, and I decided to continue as usual. We were treated to a remarkably beautiful sunset near Midway Station. It is mighty cold today. WeÕre going to continue as usual.
March 28, 1859 Krystina T. has been suffering from frostbite. We hope to gradually warm affected area.
March 30, 1859 Misplaced my guidebook at OÕFallonÕs Bluffs today. Luckily we found it before leaving.
April 1, 1859 The ox yoke broke, and I decided to try to repair it. We were successful.
April 2, 1859 Saw South Platte River today. The ice looks like it will hold the wagon... So across we go.
April 3, 1859 A chicken died today. Passed the five hundred mile mark today. It is mighty cold today. WeÕre going to continue as usual. Saw Ash Hollow, sight is most reassuring.
April 6, 1859 We lost a chicken today. Today came to Courthouse and Jail Rocks.
April 7, 1859 Reached Chimney Rock. Strangely beautiful country.
April 8, 1859 It is mighty cold today. WeÕre going to continue as usual. Today came to Scotts Bluff. Saw Mitchell Pass today.
April 10, 1859 Today we saw Laramie River. How sublime it appears by moonlight. Caulk the wagon and float it across, that is the way to go. Arrived at Fort Laramie. Saw Register Cliff, sight is most reassuring.
April 12, 1859 Today we drove our wagons and teams past Ayers Natural Bridge.
April 13, 1859 We came across an abandoned wagon and decided to search it for something useful. We found: 1 kettle; 1 cast iron stove; 2 25-lb. kegs of gunpowder.
April 14, 1859 Found a clean, well-formed ox skull a short ways from North Platte River Bridge; tempted to take it with me, but decided against it. Mr. Tillman claims it's the Oregon Territory up ahead, but the guidebook says it's Mormon Ferry Trading Post. Got as far as Emigrant Gap today.
April 15, 1859 Had a pleasant talk with Miss Whitney today in the vicinity of Willow Springs.
April 16, 1859 Reached Independence Rock. We rested a while not far from DevilÕs Gate.
April 17, 1859 This morning it was very foggy. We decided to continue as usual. Rested for a time near Split Rock.
April 18, 1859 Had a lengthy chat with Mr. Lumare today near Three Crossings. Mr. Lumare figured we would reach First Sweetwater River Crossing today, and he was right. Fording the river looks to be our best option.
April 19, 1859 The wagon got stuck in the mud. Had to double-team the animals. The trail brought us to Second Sweetwater River Crossing today. Decided to ford the river. Camped today near Third Sweetwater River Crossing. Fording the river looks to be our best option.
April 20, 1859 Arrived at Ice Spring Slough, despite some ÒhelpÓ from Nicholas J. Tillman.
April 21, 1859 Every day our journey comes closer to its end. Today we made it to Lander Cutoff.
April 23, 1859 Came to Big Sandy Creek. Fording the river looks to be our best option.
April 24, 1859 Reached New Fork River. Decided to caulk the wagon and float it across.
April 25, 1859 We tipped the wagon and lost 40 pounds of bacon; 1 box of 20 bullets; 4 pounds of cheese; 5 pounds of coffee beans; 1 coffee pot; and various other items.
May 2, 1859 Krystina T. was nearly drowned today. We're planning to rest here awhile. Krystina T. has internal injuries. We plan to make patient comfortable.
May 3, 1859 We suffered a terrible loss. Krystina T. has died of internal injuries. We plan to provide a proper burial. Our path was blocked by fallen rocks on the trail. We decided to try to clear the path.
I am now without a wife, and the children have lost their mother. Krystina was a dear friend of all the people in the wagon train and we'll all miss her, but especially me.
May 4, 1859 Today we have traveled 1,000 miles!
May 5, 1859 Came to Thompson Pass.
May 7, 1859
May 9, 1859 This morning it was very foggy. We decided to continue as usual.
May 11, 1859 Saw a grave dug up by wolves near West End of the Lander Cutoff--bones scattered about. A most distressing sight!
May 13, 1859 Found ourselves at Hudspeth Cutoff at Sheep Rock this day. Got a nasty splinter in my thumb, but extracted it without too much difficulty.
May 14, 1859 From our guidebook, estimated we would reach Buckskin Mountain today, and sure enough, there it was!
May 15, 1859 Saw a grave dug up by wolves near Marsh Creek--bones scattered about. A most distressing sight! Caulk the wagon and float it across, that is the way to go. Our wagon tipped over. We lost 23 pounds of bacon; 1 pound of coffee beans; 3 10-lb. sacks of cornmeal; 1 5-lb. tin of crackers; and various other items.
May 17, 1859 Came to Little Malad Spring. Had a talk with some of the other folks in the wagon train.
May 20, 1859 Nooned near Raft River. Fording the river looks to be our best option. Camped today near West End of the Hudspeth Cutoff.
May 21, 1859 We saw a small party of coyotes today, just a mile or so west of City of Rocks. Sore feet today, but I'll manage. Saw Salt Lake Cutoff Junction.
May 25, 1859 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual. Found a clean, well-formed ox skull a short ways from Hot Spring Valley; tempted to take it with me, but decided against it.
May 26, 1859 We lost a chicken today. We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual.
May 27, 1859 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual.
May 28, 1859 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual.
May 29, 1859 The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. We will continue as usual.
May 30, 1859 The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. We will continue as usual. Passed some time near North Fork of the Humboldt River. Decided to ford the river.
May 31, 1859 The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. We will continue as usual.
June 1, 1859 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual. Reached another prominent landmark today: Emigrant Pass.
June 3, 1859 Passed some time near Gravelly Ford of the Humboldt River. Decided to ford the river.
June 6, 1859 It was extremely foggy early today. We figured it was best to continue as usual.
June 7, 1859 Broke a wagon wheel today. We will try to repair it. We were successful.
June 8, 1859 Saw a mountain lion not far from French Ford Trading Post.
June 9, 1859 Today we have traveled for 100 days.
June 10, 1859 Today we saw LassenÕs Meadows. How sublime it appears by moonlight.
June 11, 1859 Saw an empty wagon abandoned on the trail today near Big Meadows. If it could talk, what stories it might tell! Today I saw Humboldt Sink.
June 12, 1859 We endured an extremely severe thunderstorm today. We decided to continue as usual.
June 13, 1859 The wagon train got caught in duststorm, and I decided to continue as usual.
June 16, 1859 Today our eyes were greeted with the sight of Ragtown. Purchased 8 blankets.
June 17, 1859 Today we drove our wagons and teams past Virginia City. Saw a headline today: More Farmers Move into Northern Kansas Purchased 1 water keg. From our guidebook, estimated we would reach Carson City today, and sure enough, there it was!
June 18, 1859 From our guidebook, estimated we would reach Genoa today, and sure enough, there it was! Reached another prominent landmark today: Sierra Nevadas.
June 19, 1859 We came upon some fallen rocks on the trail and decided to try to clear the path.
June 21, 1859 A chicken died today. Our wagon tipped over. We lost 29 pounds of bacon; 3 boxes of 20 bullets; 1 pound of coffee beans; 1 coffee mill; 3 10-lb. sacks of dried beans; and various other items. The trail continues to provide wonders and surprises! Today we made it to Carson Pass.
June 24, 1859 Felt somewhat weary today. Passed Placerville.
June 25, 1859 We came across an abandoned wagon and decided to search it for something useful. We found: 2 spare ox yokes; 1 16-oz. bottle of isopropyl alcohol. The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual.
June 26, 1859 The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. We will continue as usual. Today our labors were rewarded with the sight of SutterÕs Fort Site. Arrived today at Sacramento!! At last we have reached our destination! Truly this is the land of opportunity!
Everyone was quite upset to hear of Krystina's untimely passing. I just can't wait to see our children again.
August 9, 1859 Got claim certificate #124 from assay office today, for 52 ounces of gold worth $1,040.00! I'm rich! Final Score: 9690
August 10, 1859 In 1859, Chris Tuttle settled on 504 acres of land along the banks of CaliforniaÕs American River. Despite some hardships in the early years, Chris Tuttle proved extremely prosperous, steadily acquiring more land and becoming a leader in the growing community. An 1869 gold strike on a tract of land owned by Chris Tuttle provided even greater wealth, much of which was donated to charity in later years. An early twentieth-century descendant repeated this good fortune by striking oil in southern California, providing the family with continued affluence and influence.
March 1, 1859 Took advantage of the package deal offered to me. What a relief not to have to shop for all that individually! Purchased 20 boxes of 20 bullets. Purchased 12 oxen, 15 chickens, 4 milk cows. Purchased 24 blankets, 12 canteens, 2 fishing nets, 1 fishing pole, 3 fishing spears, 6 lanterns, 20 16-oz. tins of lantern oil, 1 pail, 15 water kegs. We will press on until we are exhausted each day. Went gathering. We found edible Rose hips, edible Plantain leaves, edible Blackberries and edible Sunflower seeds. Heard some gunfire in the distance near Blue River Bridge. Much concern all around. Arrived at Westport, despite some ÒhelpÓ from Nicholas J. Tillman. The trail brought us to New Santa Fe today.
March 2, 1859 The good people of the wagon train hired me as their trail guide. It is mighty cold today. WeÕre going to continue as usual. Every day our journey comes closer to its end. Today we made it to Lone Elm.
March 3, 1859 It is mighty cold today. WeÕre going to continue as usual. Saw Blue Mound today. Found ourselves at Lawrence this day. Got a nasty splinter in my thumb, but extracted it without too much difficulty.
March 11, 1859 Lea Martin has a bad cold. We're going to rest here awhile. The wagon train reached Topeka this day.
March 12, 1859 Saw buzzards circling today not too far from Kansas River. If I were superstitious, IÕd call it a bad omen. The ice looks like it will hold the wagon... So across we go.
March 13, 1859 Passed the hundred mile mark today. Passed Saint MaryÕs Mission. Road fair to middling. Saw a mountain lion not far from Red Vermillion River.
March 14, 1859 Arrived at Scott Spring today.
March 15, 1859 With such cold weather, Krystina T. has frostbite. At this time, I will gradually warm affected area. The weather turned very cold, and I decided to continue as usual. Came to Alcove Spring. Had a talk with some of the other folks in the wagon train. Commenced early today; saw Big Blue River.
March 17, 1859 We lost a chicken today. We were delayed at Big Blue River. We decided to wait our turn to cross. The ice looks like it will hold the wagon... So across we go.
March 18, 1859 In good spirits today; got as far as St. Joseph Road Junction. Saw some Indians in the distance not far from Hollenberg Ranch. No incident, but some concern.
March 19, 1859 The weather turned very cold, and I decided to continue as usual. We rested a while not far from Rock Creek Station.
March 21, 1859 Approached The Narrows today. Some people in our wagon train are very tired of the journey.
March 23, 1859 Arrived at Thirty-two Mile Station.
March 24, 1859 Passed some time near ÒThe Coast of NebraskaÓ. Happened upon a fresh grave near Fort Kearny. A reminder of the hazards we all face on the this journey.
March 26, 1859 It is mighty cold today. WeÕre going to continue as usual. Today I saw Plum Creek.
March 27, 1859 The weather turned very cold, and I decided to continue as usual. We were treated to a remarkably beautiful sunset near Midway Station. It is mighty cold today. WeÕre going to continue as usual.
March 28, 1859 Krystina T. has been suffering from frostbite. We hope to gradually warm affected area.
March 30, 1859 Misplaced my guidebook at OÕFallonÕs Bluffs today. Luckily we found it before leaving.
April 1, 1859 The ox yoke broke, and I decided to try to repair it. We were successful.
April 2, 1859 Saw South Platte River today. The ice looks like it will hold the wagon... So across we go.
April 3, 1859 A chicken died today. Passed the five hundred mile mark today. It is mighty cold today. WeÕre going to continue as usual. Saw Ash Hollow, sight is most reassuring.
April 6, 1859 We lost a chicken today. Today came to Courthouse and Jail Rocks.
April 7, 1859 Reached Chimney Rock. Strangely beautiful country.
April 8, 1859 It is mighty cold today. WeÕre going to continue as usual. Today came to Scotts Bluff. Saw Mitchell Pass today.
April 10, 1859 Today we saw Laramie River. How sublime it appears by moonlight. Caulk the wagon and float it across, that is the way to go. Arrived at Fort Laramie. Saw Register Cliff, sight is most reassuring.
April 12, 1859 Today we drove our wagons and teams past Ayers Natural Bridge.
April 13, 1859 We came across an abandoned wagon and decided to search it for something useful. We found: 1 kettle; 1 cast iron stove; 2 25-lb. kegs of gunpowder.
April 14, 1859 Found a clean, well-formed ox skull a short ways from North Platte River Bridge; tempted to take it with me, but decided against it. Mr. Tillman claims it's the Oregon Territory up ahead, but the guidebook says it's Mormon Ferry Trading Post. Got as far as Emigrant Gap today.
April 15, 1859 Had a pleasant talk with Miss Whitney today in the vicinity of Willow Springs.
April 16, 1859 Reached Independence Rock. We rested a while not far from DevilÕs Gate.
April 17, 1859 This morning it was very foggy. We decided to continue as usual. Rested for a time near Split Rock.
April 18, 1859 Had a lengthy chat with Mr. Lumare today near Three Crossings. Mr. Lumare figured we would reach First Sweetwater River Crossing today, and he was right. Fording the river looks to be our best option.
April 19, 1859 The wagon got stuck in the mud. Had to double-team the animals. The trail brought us to Second Sweetwater River Crossing today. Decided to ford the river. Camped today near Third Sweetwater River Crossing. Fording the river looks to be our best option.
April 20, 1859 Arrived at Ice Spring Slough, despite some ÒhelpÓ from Nicholas J. Tillman.
April 21, 1859 Every day our journey comes closer to its end. Today we made it to Lander Cutoff.
April 23, 1859 Came to Big Sandy Creek. Fording the river looks to be our best option.
April 24, 1859 Reached New Fork River. Decided to caulk the wagon and float it across.
April 25, 1859 We tipped the wagon and lost 40 pounds of bacon; 1 box of 20 bullets; 4 pounds of cheese; 5 pounds of coffee beans; 1 coffee pot; and various other items.
May 2, 1859 Krystina T. was nearly drowned today. We're planning to rest here awhile. Krystina T. has internal injuries. We plan to make patient comfortable.
May 3, 1859 We suffered a terrible loss. Krystina T. has died of internal injuries. We plan to provide a proper burial. Our path was blocked by fallen rocks on the trail. We decided to try to clear the path.
I am now without a wife, and the children have lost their mother. Krystina was a dear friend of all the people in the wagon train and we'll all miss her, but especially me.
May 4, 1859 Today we have traveled 1,000 miles!
May 5, 1859 Came to Thompson Pass.
May 7, 1859
May 9, 1859 This morning it was very foggy. We decided to continue as usual.
May 11, 1859 Saw a grave dug up by wolves near West End of the Lander Cutoff--bones scattered about. A most distressing sight!
May 13, 1859 Found ourselves at Hudspeth Cutoff at Sheep Rock this day. Got a nasty splinter in my thumb, but extracted it without too much difficulty.
May 14, 1859 From our guidebook, estimated we would reach Buckskin Mountain today, and sure enough, there it was!
May 15, 1859 Saw a grave dug up by wolves near Marsh Creek--bones scattered about. A most distressing sight! Caulk the wagon and float it across, that is the way to go. Our wagon tipped over. We lost 23 pounds of bacon; 1 pound of coffee beans; 3 10-lb. sacks of cornmeal; 1 5-lb. tin of crackers; and various other items.
May 17, 1859 Came to Little Malad Spring. Had a talk with some of the other folks in the wagon train.
May 20, 1859 Nooned near Raft River. Fording the river looks to be our best option. Camped today near West End of the Hudspeth Cutoff.
May 21, 1859 We saw a small party of coyotes today, just a mile or so west of City of Rocks. Sore feet today, but I'll manage. Saw Salt Lake Cutoff Junction.
May 25, 1859 The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual. Found a clean, well-formed ox skull a short ways from Hot Spring Valley; tempted to take it with me, but decided against it.
May 26, 1859 We lost a chicken today. We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual.
May 27, 1859 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual.
May 28, 1859 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual.
May 29, 1859 The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. We will continue as usual.
May 30, 1859 The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. We will continue as usual. Passed some time near North Fork of the Humboldt River. Decided to ford the river.
May 31, 1859 The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. We will continue as usual.
June 1, 1859 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual. Reached another prominent landmark today: Emigrant Pass.
June 3, 1859 Passed some time near Gravelly Ford of the Humboldt River. Decided to ford the river.
June 6, 1859 It was extremely foggy early today. We figured it was best to continue as usual.
June 7, 1859 Broke a wagon wheel today. We will try to repair it. We were successful.
June 8, 1859 Saw a mountain lion not far from French Ford Trading Post.
June 9, 1859 Today we have traveled for 100 days.
June 10, 1859 Today we saw LassenÕs Meadows. How sublime it appears by moonlight.
June 11, 1859 Saw an empty wagon abandoned on the trail today near Big Meadows. If it could talk, what stories it might tell! Today I saw Humboldt Sink.
June 12, 1859 We endured an extremely severe thunderstorm today. We decided to continue as usual.
June 13, 1859 The wagon train got caught in duststorm, and I decided to continue as usual.
June 16, 1859 Today our eyes were greeted with the sight of Ragtown. Purchased 8 blankets.
June 17, 1859 Today we drove our wagons and teams past Virginia City. Saw a headline today: More Farmers Move into Northern Kansas Purchased 1 water keg. From our guidebook, estimated we would reach Carson City today, and sure enough, there it was!
June 18, 1859 From our guidebook, estimated we would reach Genoa today, and sure enough, there it was! Reached another prominent landmark today: Sierra Nevadas.
June 19, 1859 We came upon some fallen rocks on the trail and decided to try to clear the path.
June 21, 1859 A chicken died today. Our wagon tipped over. We lost 29 pounds of bacon; 3 boxes of 20 bullets; 1 pound of coffee beans; 1 coffee mill; 3 10-lb. sacks of dried beans; and various other items. The trail continues to provide wonders and surprises! Today we made it to Carson Pass.
June 24, 1859 Felt somewhat weary today. Passed Placerville.
June 25, 1859 We came across an abandoned wagon and decided to search it for something useful. We found: 2 spare ox yokes; 1 16-oz. bottle of isopropyl alcohol. The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual.
June 26, 1859 The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. We will continue as usual. Today our labors were rewarded with the sight of SutterÕs Fort Site. Arrived today at Sacramento!! At last we have reached our destination! Truly this is the land of opportunity!
Everyone was quite upset to hear of Krystina's untimely passing. I just can't wait to see our children again.
August 9, 1859 Got claim certificate #124 from assay office today, for 52 ounces of gold worth $1,040.00! I'm rich! Final Score: 9690
August 10, 1859 In 1859, Chris Tuttle settled on 504 acres of land along the banks of CaliforniaÕs American River. Despite some hardships in the early years, Chris Tuttle proved extremely prosperous, steadily acquiring more land and becoming a leader in the growing community. An 1869 gold strike on a tract of land owned by Chris Tuttle provided even greater wealth, much of which was donated to charity in later years. An early twentieth-century descendant repeated this good fortune by striking oil in southern California, providing the family with continued affluence and influence.
