El Dorado County Biographies


This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm



 
NATHAN MANSFIELD
 
            Is of English ancestors, and a son of Nathan and Maria (nee Howell) 
Mansfield; was born in the city of New Haven, Connecticut, on the 30th day of 
August, 1827.  His ancestors were among the founders of his native town.  His 
father and grandfather were hatters.  Mr. Mansfield�s first venture was to learn 
the carriage trimming business, which he followed until the news of the �gold 
find� in California reached the East.  In 1848 he had joined a company to come 
to California, but through ignorance on the part of one of their number who was 
delegated to purchase a ship, an unseaworthy boat was secured, and the trip had 
to be abandoned for the time.  But in June, 1849, he joined a company from New 
Haven and came around Cape Horn on the ship J. Walls, Jr., commanded by Captain 
Sanford, and was of 300 tons burden.    He made but two stops en route, and 
landed in San Francisco January 1, 1850.  In a short time a pilot was procured 
and the ship taken to Sacramento and afterwards run up to a point some sixty 
miles above Sacramento.  Mr. Mansfield abandoned her at Sacramento and went to 
Mormon Island, and in a few weeks thereafter to Coloma, and except time consumed 
in three visits to the East, and about three years traveling in the State, has 
made it his abiding place.  Has been engaged in mining and is at present owner 
of all the water ditches on north side of the river; is a staunch Republican, a 
member of the County Central Committee, and one of the first men to cast a vote 
for John C. Fremont, in 1856.  He was on the spot he now lives on in 1850, in 
March.  In 1853 he erected a cabin and has since called it his home.
 
Historical Souvenir of El Dorado County, California with Illustrations & 
Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men & Pioneers - Oakland, Cal. - Paolo 
Sioli, Publisher, 1883. p - 253
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler