Dear George, and other New Comers to CA-GOLDRUSH List: There is a web page for CA-GOLDRUSH queries at: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/8861/goldrush98.htm There are four pages currently posted, so try to spend some time there and consider placing your "Most Wanted Early CA Ancestor" query(ies) there, following posted instructions. As long as you are a subscriber to this list, your queries will remain there (at no charge) for everyone to see. Patricia <[email protected]> ListMom George Gildersleeve wrote: > My ancestor, DS BOWMAN, arrived at Hangtown on 6 Sep 1850 after having > left Independance, MO on 5 Apr 1850. He walked accompanied with three > young companions including his cousin, Clayton BOYLES. One of the > other companions died enroute. David apparently tried mining for a > couple of years in the area then moved on to Sonoma County where he > had one of the first orchards and erected the first wooden structure > in the area. He and his family moved onto the Washington Territory in > 1871. > Is there any way I can research his life in the goldrush area and > Sonoma County. > Any suggestions of search areas is greatly appreciated. > George Gildersleeve >