1851: Jacob D. Parish to Jacob Kimball Parish

This letter was written by Jacob Dana Parish (1825-1907) to his father Jacob Kimball Parish (1793-1881). J.D.’s mother was Abigail Chandler (1791-1829). Jacob D. Parish went to Wisconsin and then to California where he found employment as a teamster. He eventually married Mary Jane Elb (1849-1926) and had three children. He resided in Silveyville, California and died in Dixon, California.

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Letter

TRANSCRIPTION

Sacramento [California]
September 29, 1851

Dear Father,

As I have a few leisure moments this eve by myself, I think I had better improve them by writing to you for I suppose you want to know how I am a doing & how my health is. Well, I hardly know what to say as to health. My health is better now than it has been for more than a great [while]. Finally I feel quite well. I had a few shakes of the Ague a short time ago.

I am a driving a team now to the mountains getting $75.00 per month & think it small pay but if I can have my health, I think I can lay in a small store for a rainy day. I have just got in from a trip of a week. If I should tell you what waggon roads we have in this country, perhaps you would think I told a big story, but I have drove a waggon over hills worse than they are straight over from the Harewell Village East, Rocky, & Redding.

I got a letter from one of Shubel Smith’s boys & Emeline Hutchinson or Finch when I got your last dated August 4th. Zenus Smith says he is coming here & I hope he will if he has his health. He can buy out his Father and all the rest of his Uncles in a short time, I think. Love to all. Yours in haste, — J. D. Parish

(Write soon)