Information on Socrates H Tryon, PART 6 ******************************************************* 14 Subject: Re: Tryons Date: Wed, 08 Apr 1998 08:19:54 -0500 From: Larry Bradshaw <llbradsh@iastate.edu> To: Dennis J Brevik <dbrevik@ix.netcom.com> Dan Let me know which ones you received, then I will check my files. I think I sent them all but sometimes I miss something. We didn't have all of the letters he wrote. I wish the brothers and father would have written from their perspectives but feel lucky to have this information, just 3 months ago I didn't know I had such neat relatives and the gold rush was just another story from childhood more of a dream sort of thing. Larry By the way have you visited any of the gold rush stuff on the internet? there is plenty. Also railroads Union Pacific, Burlinton Northern and Northern Pacific. Glenda and I are planning to follow the trail west this July as we have know of my great grandfather's death certificate in Drummond, Montana but know no circumstances for sure. His name was Oscar Rush, his wife a Tryon. He was a modern Woodsman as was Jesse, I'm not sure that has been explored for information. Both Jesse and Oscar were from Vinton, they seem to fall out of the records at the same time. One hypothesis is they went together to Kansas to visit Jesse's sister and Oscar went on west working on the railroads. Our report was Oscar took refuge under a pile of rail ties during a storm and when they shifted, crushed him... was he working the railroad? was he in Drummond for silvler mines? what was he doing? he left his family as Socrates and his father had during the gold rush....perhaps it was a pattern of the day. ************************************************************** 15 Subject: Re: Tryons Date: Wed, 08 Apr 1998 10:15:28 -0500 From: Dennis J Brevik <dbrevik@ix.netcom.com> To: Larry Bradshaw <llbradsh@iastate.edu> References: 1 Larry Bradshaw wrote: > >Dan Let me know which ones you received, then I will check my files. I > think I sent them all but sometimes I miss something. We didn't have all of > the letters he wrote. Letters I received are: No 5 July 23, 1844 Lahaina No 6 July 26, 1844 Lahaina No 6b August 23, 1844 Lahaina ?? August 29, 1844 ??? No 7 Sept 2, 1844 Honolulu No 8 Sept 3, 1844 Honolulu No 9 Sept 28, 1844 Lahaina >From Oregon No 8 Nov 12, 1848 Milwaukee, OR (misddated? Should be 1849, I think) ?? May 29, 1849 Council Bluffs, IA ?? April 1850 San Francisco ?? July 16, 1850 Portland, OR I will send comments on the letters soon. Right now I am flat out on taxes. Dan ***************************************************** 16 Subject: S.H. Tryon letters Date: Wed, 08 Apr 1998 11:03:25 -0500 From: Larry Bradshaw <llbradsh@iastate.edu> To: dbrevik@IX.netcom.com This set of letters appears to be from SH in California to Frances in Oregon Hope the taxes don't take too big a bite out of you. Larry San Francisco June 19th, 1851 Dearest Frances, As the Columbia leaves tomorrow I improve this opportunity to write you a few lines and should be much better pleased could I communicate with you face to face. There has been a little change since you left that I have not much to say that is new. I was very sorry to learn you had been sea sick and trust nothing worse occurred. Rodgers will show you the letter to him and Dennis which contained some news. Spurr and myself have rented a house at $55. We rent two of the rooms at $12 which makes it much cheaper than to board. Spurr gets his own breakfast every morning, he bought a stove and set of dishes so that we live much cheaper than to board. Bell is getting out much faster than I expected and I think 3 or 4 months steady and effective treatment may cure her. She looks a great deal better, appears to be anxious to get well and get to Oregon, takes her medicine very willing although she is sometimes very cross. Franny, I hope you will attend to your health, you know my anxiety and the necessity to write and let me know all the particulars and I hope everything is agreeable. Remember my requests. When you left (peace) and you must obey, keep quiet, I will come whenever it is necessary. I wrote to mother and Isbel last mail. Mr. Watson went to the mines after having a son... she is going on as usual, told me yesterday. She did not want him back soon. Col. Bagley has gone to Mrs. Burns to board. Mr. Keys is mad about it. Bradly has lost his case in court and consequently broke up . Mrs. Scott hates Mr. Keyes as bad as ever. Poor Mrs. Scott got them here in our box and Mr. Keyes upset the hen and broke the eggs. She came in to see Bell about her things and depend upon it she found her match. I am glad I was not there. Bell hates her as bad as Mother Scott does. Mrs. Burns was there and give her a few broadside you know she had a hard row to get along with Mother Scott. Mrs. B and Bell to help. Fanny you must be frank and plain with Rodgers do not be backward in letting him know all your wants. I know he will do all for you in his power. Socrates I do not know to say about but as not let him go near the water or mill. James is in better health than when he came, I wish (Bob) was as easy (governed). Bell says she is anxious to see you and Huldah and expects to come up as soon as she can. The citizens have taken the robbers and murderers in hand last week. They caught a thief in the act of robing a safe, tried, condemned to hang him in less than 3 hours on the Plaza and will hang every thief they catch. They have driven all the (sidney) birds out of the city. Mr. Spurr sends his respects, also Bell sends here respects to all her husband especially. I sent two boxes by the schooner Josephine containing furniture. Your affectionate husband S.H. Tryon San Francisco July 22, 1851 Dearest Frances, I take this opportunity to answer yours of the 5th instance. I am gland to learn that your things have arrive in good time and glad to learn that you had went to Portland on the 4th. Hope you enjoyed yourself well. Hope you are made comfortable as possible and was not Rodgers there I should feel awfully about you, fearing you are not comfortable and have to work too hard which must not be the case. I was pleased to learn from the Captain of the Anna Maria that he had dined with you and that you appeared to be as happy as could be expected. Fanny write me all particulars keep nothing back. I shall send you some chairs by the earliest opportunity and a rocking chair also a feather bed. I want to know when it will be necessary for me to come up in your next, I do not know. I shall come as soon as I can anyhow but want to know how long I can stay should it be necessary to attend to business. I am certain we will be at (year) and am in hopes tate case is decided now as it was tried last Saturday but the judge not give his opinion yet. Show this to Rodgers . he must not let you work at anything hard. Spurr want to go to Oregon and work on the mills. The steamer that Captain Taylor and Myers went home upon was run on a rock below San Diego, reports says no lives lost I will write particulars in my next. I told him not to go on that boat the (Reunion) was her name. Taylor was sick and discouraged when he left out of money had to borrow of Myers. Am afraid he will see trouble before he gets home. I offered him! mon ey and he would not take it said he could pay Myers handier. Franny raise the chickens and save the eggs as much as you can. I cannot find out whether you have any milk, vegetables or anything for your comfort. Write! Write! (Rap) the money you get from (*****) for your own use do not let anyone have it. Call upon Rodgers for assistance about work as I know he will attend to it. You must not bring water or wash much. Do not disobey me, all will come out right in the end. Rodgers must make that cabin as comfortable as possible. Cousin Bell sends her kindest love to you and Socrates, Huldah and all as says she hopes to be with you in Oregon soon and looks forward to the time anxiously. Give my respects to Huldah and all of the boys. Kiss little Socrates many times for me and accept of my kindest regards. Frances Tryon your affectionate husband S.H. Tryon San Francisco August 12, 1851 Dearest Frances, Yours of 22 came to hand in due time and I must say it was your best letter. I am happy to find you so punctual in writing as it affords great pleasure to peruse three or four times. I fear you are not as happy and comfortable as you ought to be but I shall be with you as soon as possible life and health permitting. I am very anxious about you and was not Rodgers there I should have left the business and come before this time, let come what would come. I am sorry the things did not arrive in good order. I thought I took great pains in the packing. They must have been roughly handled. I sent you a rocking chair by the Brig, four other chairs, two feather beds pillows and other things which Captain Cook will deliver in good order. I have no doubt I should have sent you some other things but you did not write for them. And I as not think it will be, as I think they will abandon it without a trial. The fare is down to $50 now which makes traveling quite cheap. comparatively speaking one half of a reduction is a good deal. The Tennessee was sent to the relief of the passengers of the (Reunion) but the Northerner had relieved them and the Tennessee returned yesterday without them. I expected to have seen Captain Taylor back here and that had he come back I think he would have remained. Lumber of all kinds is going to do well for the next twelve months. I want Rodgers to purchase some of the lumber or timber belonging to me and Dennis and Dorlan. I am (submitted) to the benefit of everything these are going to have it and no mistake I am dam mad about the way all hands have treated me and shall hold no further intercourse with any one that has misused me. I spoke as I did to Dennis because I thought Rodgers had left the place for good and that you needed assistance from some source. I told Captain Lincoln what you said about the things. He wants to come up to Oregon, has been talking about it today. Capt. Nye has returned from the mines as he went Captain Dearborn has gone home. You may say that Socrates is a great trouble which is just what I expected.. I am glad you are going to have a house immediately. Do not fail to write each mail. I shall come up by the next steamer and will come also much improved in health. She will remain with Charles Dallas until the steamer goes. Charles has been down and is as singular and odd as ever. Charles is keeping a livery stable at Stockton and tell Mr. Rodgers that he thinks hay will bear a good price after awhile but now it is only worth $25. It is retailing here at 2 1/2 cents per lb.. Charles says his girls are growing up. Tomorrow I am going to (look) at Keyes. I am going to get something pretty handsome if Bradly's judgement is decided in his favor. Tell Dennis our case has not been tried. I am much pleased to learn that Mr. Rodgers take an interest in your prosperity at least enough to see that you are properly cared for. I should come up in this boat was he not there. Franny, you did not say that you had a cow or a pig or anything about the chickens, you do not say whether you have a garden or not. I wish to know all about such things. Captain Gill told me that you had a cow. It will not be necessary for Rodgers to come down at all until the Anna and Maine returns which will be two months. I intend to have it arranged so that I can remain a few months in Oregon when I come up. Bell and Mrs. Watson join in sending their love to you and Bell wishes to get up there soon as possible. So good by until the next steamer when I think I shall come and bring the news myself Frances Tryon this from your affectionate husband S.H.Tryon San Francisco July 30, 1851 no 2 Dearest Franny, As the Maria steamer is expected in hourly, I am writing you in advance so that I cannot fail for any (***) getting you a letter by any regular mail and permit me to here say that I shall not be at all pleased if I do not get a long letter from you every mail. You gave me more information in your last letter than I have been able to obtain all winter. Now Dear do not allow me to be disappointed when I go to the office and I shall take it for granted that you are sick should I miss getting a letter from you one mail. Franny you know my anxiety and do not disappoint me, keep nothing back about business or your situation. Whether it is unpleasant or unpleasant. I entirely by my direction in all of your movements neither exaggerated your situation should it be unpleasant or uncomfortable. not keep any facts from me. Franny make the boys as comfortable as you can without injury to yourself. I have requested Dennis to make you comfortable until I can come up to Oregon which will be when you request it or as soon as I can leave the business. When you request I shall come, you will request Dennis to show you the letter I wrote him. I miss little Socrates very much and at this moment I am trembling for his safety about that River and saw mill. I shipped those things by the steamer Josephine and I expect they will be up there before you (receive). There was only 2 boxes the receipt for which is herewith enclosed. You requested me to write positiveness when you left so I will try to comply although I am very poor hand at telling an unnecessary story upon paper. After you left Mr. Spurr and myself rented a house back of the Presbyterian Church near Mrs. Watsons and on our last Sunday week the fire broke out just on the opposite side of the street. The wind being high blowed the fire right upon us so that we had hardly time enough to get the trunks and beds out, nearly everything was burned. The fire burnt over as much ground as the last but did not do as much damage. It was the act of an incendiary without doubt. This last fire makes it highly necessary for Dennis to ship another cargo of joists and (! sheeting) as soon as possible. He had better ship by a vessel up there if possible, if not have me send one as soon as he can. Fill her so as to loose no time in getting the lumber into the market. Franny I want you to cheer up the boys, not let the mill stand still one moment, the market cannot be over saturated before fall. and in the fall planks will be good again. Good (micp) timber is going to sell well but it should be sawed out upon the upright mill. I am very anxious to get out of debt and believe me if ever I do and get enough to make us comfortable it will be taken care of and no mistake. I am in deep trouble and it seems to be unavoidable, it seems like everybody deceives me. You say you only keep 50 cents for yourself, all I have to say it is your own fault, I expected you to keep all that was coming from (Wress). I do not suppose you are comfortable and have only to say that I regret it very much that I have always endeavored to forelay but this time have been complex (***) defeated. I suppose the house is in an awful condition and you and Huldah must have the mosquitoes kept out or they will eat you up. try and get along until I come. Take good care of little Socrates. I think he is a very smart child and think he will make a noble man should nothing happen to him. The Anna E Marine got in this morning and reported the Mary Malice ready for sea so I shall look for her hourly, was the lumber as good as it ought to be, it would sell very quick but much of it is not desirable. Too many kinds since the fire we have been boarding at Mrs. Watsons for $20 per week. When this bark comes in, I shall go to Mrs. Scotts or Burns to board. Watson has gone to the mines. Bell is improving rapidly and I hope she will get entirely well still it is very doubtful. She sews enough to pay her board which is $8 per week. I shall regard it as the greatest possible offense if you do not write every mail. Franny I am ashamed to press the subject of your writing as heard it seems to me that you ought to write without it. Let me know by your next when you want me to come up. If it hurts you stop all work. Captain Taylor and Myers both were with us at the time the fire broke out. They went home on the first, Taylor had not enough money to take him home Myers had about $2000 both come down from the mines sick. Brother Bennett has been here and says that if Dennis will send an order for his money with interest, he will pay for it, wants Dennis to say what interest would be right. Bell joins in sending her love to you and Huldah and all the boys. I remain your affectionate husband S.H. Tryon ***************************************************************** END OF PART 6