Dear "down under" Lee, 1849 + is the inception, CA goldrush, but mining continued, even somewhat to 1940's. But don't neglect the 98'ers to Alaska. Give us any clue about 1880's prevailing ship lines from Austraalya? Primarily Brits ships, yes? Would be sailing to blimey auld sod rather than the Pacific to US? Might land from Europe in New York/Boston/perhaps New Orleans? Could take the train accross the continent by then! But ship arrivals in San Francisco might come from anywhere. Thats a lot of open sea time. 2 years? more? Any clue he ever got here? --JD in less than 32 F sunny Sierra foothills