Buckeye Rovers in the Gold Rush: An Edition of Two Diaries

H. Lee Scamehorn (editor); Edwin P. Banks (editor); Jamie Lytle-Webb (editor)

ISBN 10: 0821409239 / ISBN 13: 9780821409237

Published by Ohio University Press, 1989

About this Item

First Edition Thus, First Printing. Published by Ohio University Press, 1989. Octavo. Paperback. Book is very good. 100% positive feedback. 30 day money back guarantee. NEXT DAY SHIPPING! Excellent customer service. Please email with any questions. All books packed carefully and ship with free delivery confirmation/tracking. All books come with free bookmarks. Ships from Sag Harbor, New York.

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Bibliographic Details

• Title: Buckeye Rovers in the Gold Rush: An Edition of Two Diaries
• Publisher: Ohio University Press
• Publication Date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0821409239
• ISBN 13: 9780821409237
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition: FIRST THUS.
• Condition: Very Good

About this title

Synopsis

When “California Fever” raced through southeastern Ohio in the spring of 1849, a number of residents of Athens County organized a cooperative venture for traveling overland to the mines. Known as the “Buckeye Rovers,” the company began its trip westward in early April. The Buckeye Rovers, along with thousands who traveled the overland route to California, endured numerous hardships and the seemingly constant threat of attacks from hostile Indians. On reaching their destination, the Ohioans discovered that rich deposits of gold were extremely rare, and that except for a few lucky fortune–seekers, mining required hard physical labor and yielded small rewards. They persisted nonetheless and most of the company returned to Athens in late 1851 or early 1852 with modest fortunes.

The arduous experiences of the overland trek were recorded by two Buckeye Rover diarists. The more compete account was compiled by John Banks. He wrote effusively while on the trail and throughout his stay of more than two years in the gold regions. J. Elza Armstrong, by contrast, was brief, even laconic, and his journal ended upon reaching California. The contrast between the two brings into focus the divergent personalities who were drawn to California by the lure of gold.

A nine–month segment of Bank’s diary, from February to November, 1851, had been missing at the time the story of the Buckeye Rovers was first published in 1965. This revised and enlarged edition contains the complete diaries. They offer valuable record of the Buckeyes’ adventures from the time they left home until the time they departed California for the return trip to Ohio.

About the Author

H. Lee Scamehorn is a professor of history at the University of Colorado, Boulder campus.

Edwin P. Banks is the grandson and Jamie Lytle–Webb is the great–granddaughter of diarist John Banks.