The Project Gutenberg EBook of Stories of California, by Ella M. Sexton

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Title: Stories of California

Author: Ella M. Sexton

Release Date: August 20, 2004 [EBook #13232]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

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[Illustration: NEVADA FALLS (height 617 feet). Yosemite Valley.]

STORIES OF CALIFORNIA

BY

ELLA M. SEXTON

NEW YORK

THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
LONDON: MACMILLAN & CO., LTD.
1903

_All rights reserved_

1902,

BY THE MACMILLAN COMPANY.

Set up, electrotyped, and published September, 1902. Reprinted
October, 1903.

Normond Press J.S. Cushing & Co.--Berwick & Smith Co. Norwood, Mass.,
U.S.A.

FOREWORD

To recount in simple, accurate narratives the early conditions and
subsequent development of California is the purpose of this book. In
attempting to picture the romantic events embodied in the wonderful
history of the state, and to make each sketch clear and concise as
well as interesting, the author has avoided many dry details and
dates.

Several of the stories endeavor to explain the remarkable physical
characteristics of California. The work to this end was rendered
lighter by the hope that the reader might find the book merely an
introduction to that larger knowledge of personal observation and
inquiry.

But the writer's chief aim has been to interest the children of
California in the beautiful land of their birth, to unfold to them the
life and occurrences of bygone days, and to lead them to note and to
enjoy their fortunate surroundings.

Among the many authorities consulted for the work, special
acknowledgment is due to the historians, Theodore H. Hittell and H.H.
Bancroft.

CONTENTS

CALIFORNIA'S NAME AND EARLY HISTORY

THE STORY OF THE MISSIONS AND OF FATHER SERRA

BEFORE THE GRINGOS CAME

THE AMERICANS AND THE BEAR-FLAG REPUBLIC

THE DAYS OF GOLD AND THE ARGONAUTS OF '49

MINING STORIES

HOW POLLY ELLIOTT CAME ACROSS THE PLAINS

THE BUILDING OF THE OVERLAND RAILROAD

STORY OF THE WHEAT FIELDS

ORCHARD, FAR