Jefferson County Online
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Jefferson County's '49ers
The Iowa Sentinel, Feb. 16, 1849


Following the discovery of Gold in California in 1848 and the confirmation of its truth, a group of residents of Jefferson County, Iowa, began organizing and undertook a journey across land to distant California. This adventure was recorded in a dozen or so newspaper accounts during and following the journey. Listed below are some of those articles. We are grateful to Judy Neu for transcribing these articles from Jefferson County Records, Vol. 3 compiled by Mary Prill and published by the Log Cabin Chapter of the DAR.

"The Iowa Sentinel, Fri., Feb. 16, 1849, Page 3, col. 2.
_________________________________________________________________

CALIFORNIA COMPANY

A number of persons, citizens of Jefferson County, who contemplate emigrating to California early in the ensuing spring, met in the Town Drug Store, and upon action, R. V. Steel was called to the chair, and J. V. Bell, secretary. After some time having been taken up in consultation, on motion of Mr. Jenkins, a committee of five were appointed, composed of Messrs. Shedd, Hardin, Jenkins, Nice and Myers, for the purpose of drafting a code of rules for the best organization of this company. Said committee to report at an adjourned meeting. Upon motion Mr. Shedd was appointed correspondent secretary. Upon motion the proceedings of this meeting was ordered to be printed in the Iowa Sentinel. Upon motion the meeting adjourned to meet again on Monday the 19th inst., in the Presbyterian church at 6 o’clock P.M. A general attendance of all who contemplate a trip to California is requested.
By order of the meeting; R. V. Steel, Ch’m.
     J. N. Bell, Sec’y."

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