first edition
1975 · Glendale, CA
by McKinstry, Byron N. and Byron L. Mckinstry
Glendale, CA: The Arthur H. Clark Company, 1975. First Edition. Near Fine/Near Fine. [American Trails Series X, 1644 copies] [6.5x10"]; 401 pp. 38 sepia toned images and illustrations including frontispiece; Bright red cloth binding with gilt lettering on spine top edge trimmed other edges untrimmed, white end papers; Cream dust jacket with red and dark brown lettering with red rule devices on front and spine, image of McKinstry and pioneer/miner illustrations on front; Minor shelf wear and age darkening of dust jacket. Overall in near fine condition. [Kurutz 422]. Byron McKinstry left Illinois in March, 1850 for the California Trail and crossed over the Sierra near Carson Pass. He settled in Hangtown ( now known as Placerville) and began mining there and Mokelumne Hill. He kept a detailed diary over the next two years of mining. He became homesick and tired of the mining life, so in June, 1852, he sold all of his tools and return home. (Inventory #: 13005)