From Lead Mines to Gold Fields

Taylor was an old codger who began to write his reminiscences at age 80 and was still at it when 103 years old! But the old-timer was gifted with almost total recall.

Between his Wisconsin lead mines period and farming in that state, and Nebraska in the 1870s, Taylor joined the California Gold Rush (1852). This adventure was the high point in his life. He remembered almost every detail of the overland journey, his life in the mines and his return home via ship from Nicaragua. Taylor learned a great deal on his way west. That rumors of hostile Indians on the trail were false, but tales of cholera all too true. He found most overlanders to be considerate, although selfish fellows left him behind when he had to halt to care for his brother, sick with mountain fever.  —Richard H. Dillon