Kilbourn family letters regarding gold mining in the Idaho Territory, 1867-1869.

6 items.

English

Purchased from Michael Vinson on the Frederick W. and Carrie S. Beinecke Fund for Western Americana, 2006.

Six letters from Holton Kilbourn and W. A. Kilbourn to "Sister" describing experience in the Owyhee County gold mining district in the Idaho Territory (2 ALS from Holton Kilbourn in 1867; 4 ALS from W. A. Kilbourn between 1867 and 1869). Written from War Eagle Mountain, Ruby City, and Silver City, the letters describe the Kilbourns' mine on War Eagle Mountain, the Wood Stock Company, and relate their attempts to turn a profit on their claim. The men include estimates of how much their mine is worth, describe the mining and hauling process, relay news of a local Indian attack and kidnapping, and describe the vices of Silver City. The last letter from W. A. Kilbourn describes Holton's intention to go northwest to Oregon on a prospecting tour. Three of the letters are accompanied by envelopes addressed to Mrs. Harriet M. Coddington and Miss Ella M. Coddington of Union City, Branch County, Michigan. Typescript transcriptions of the letters are present.

August 18, 2006

Kilbourn Family Letters Regarding Gold Mining in the Idaho Territory. Yale Collection of Western Americana, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library.

Kilbourn Family Letters Regarding Gold Mining in the Idaho Territory. Yale Collection of Western Americana, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library.

Gold miners.