A carbon typescript of an original which was compiled in 1889 as a gift for the Foster Family. The work consists of four chapters. "Biographical," by Julia Foster Olmsted, is a history of the Foster Family focusing on Tim Foster, his son Giles Foster, and Giles's son Isaac. "A Journal of the Route to Alta California, Performed by the Rev. Isaac Foster, of Plainfield, Ills." is a copy of a diary that records Isaac's and his son's 1849 overland journey to California and gold mining in El Dorado County. The diary also chronicles Isaac's voyage home via Panama. "Lost in a Mountain Fastness - A Story of Hunger and Hardship," by Isaac G. Foster, describes getting lost on the way to the goldfields.
"A Sketch of the Life of Roxana C. Foster" is an autobiography describing her early life in New Hampshire, her move to Plainfield, Illinois and marriage to Isaac G. Foster, their move to California in 1852, and her life there. The volume includes a reproduction of 19th century photographs of Isaac Foster, Grace Parsons Foster, Vincent Foster, Roxana Cheney Foster, and Isaac Giles Foster.