I am researching my ggg grandmother Ann Johnson ( step father's surname) then Watson (married name)
They arrived Honolulu 15 November 1849 departing for California 27 November and arriving San Fransisco 28 December 1849. one interesting fact. You will see on passengers list one David Watson, well he and Ann Johnson married there 19 November 1849. Documents attached confirm most of above other dates from " Gold Fleet for California " p161 by Charles Bateson.
What I am wanting help with is:
- Record of the Johnsons and Watsons arriving in San Fransisco.
- How to follow the Johnsons in California as they remained.
- How to follow Watsons in California, birth of their son Arthur John Watson 1858 and their return to New Zealand or Australia.
Ann Watson's mother was also Ann. no "e" .
I would be very grateful for your help. David
Answers
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Unfortunately, with the craziness that was the Gold Rush in 1849 in California, there are almost no passenger lists/entry lists for this time period. You might find a list of recent arrivals in the newspapers. Try California Digital Newspaper Collection. Following the family in California should start with census records. What occupations did the men follow? Were they gold miners or did they set up as merchants or farmers? It would make a difference as to which records you would be looking for.
Do you know any of the other Johnson girls' names? It might help to find more about their family to know them.
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Thank you. The only name I know is my GGGgrandmother. The other three remain unknown. They stayed in California. As GGGG lived to 100 years she outlived all family. Their is no mention of siblings names in the numerous articles I have about her. My mother ( born 1901) knew her but never mentioned any sisters. Step father was recorded as Inn Keeper and David Watson was a carpenter. Watson's had son born 1858 (?) sometime later they returned to New Zealand. Will follow up on your suggestions. David
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