Genealogy Chat

How or where do i look for information on a family who emigrated to America for the Californian gold rush in - i believe 1869 ( was never much good at history ). Also - whilst here a child was born . In the 1881 census , it lists that this child was born in Nebraska. Any help would be great. MESSAGE UPDATED..................................................................... Thanks for the help guys......... This is what i have............. 1871 ( British Census ) John Worthing . Head. age 36 . Innkeeper . Old Radnorshire. Jane Worthing . (nee Philpotts). wife .age 34 . Hereford. Ada Worthing . Daughter. age 3 . Radnorshire. Sarah Kate Worthing .? mths old . Nebraska Usa . ( Family stories say Sarah was born on the ship coming back to England ) ? The dates of the californian gold rush come between our (British ) 1861 and 1871 census .

1849. Read this and then use GOOGLE to research further. Fascinating stuff - wish you well. http://www.pbs.org/goldrush/

I might be able to find them on immigration records and other census records. Email me with the particulars. Traveling cross country back then was very hazerdous. Many never made it to California. Maybe that's why they are in Nebraska in 1881. Looks like they made it half way there. Rose

Hi Connie. I live in California, but we're not American, so I don't have any experience looking up things here. I can, however help with place names and things like that. If you can give us more details, I would be happy to try and look for things when I return from running errands. PS I have a feeling Rosemary might be correct.

Hi Connie. First, watch out for those family stories. :~) One of my ancestor's was supposedly born in America, 'right off the boat', from Ireland. Turns out his parents lived in the states about 5 years before his birth, then finally settling in Canada after he was born. We assume he was embarrassed to be the only American-born family member and covered up his birthplace this way. Another tale was that my great-grandfather was born in England and his family was only in England long enough (from France) to anglicize the surname. Turns out, he was born in Canada and his ancestors were in England at least 100 years. I've done a little looking around and can't find anything for your family, but I certainly don't know about researching in the States. As Necromancer mentioned, the California gold rush started in 1849, but mining lasted many years. Nevada (a neighbouring state) and possibly California also had silver mines, which people flocked to. Several states out west had similar 'rushes' in the 1800's. I will keep looking, in case I do find anything. If you aren't successful with this thread, might I suggest you try another one asking for an American lookup, or something similar to that. I'll write again if I find anything. And please don't hesitate to contact me if you find they did end up in California -- I might be able to help.

Thanks for everyone's advice. The year of Sara's birth don't add up with the gold rush....................... 20 years too late........lol Well , i'l keep looking then.......haha ! Thanks necromancer................that was a really interesting site. Regards Connie.

Hi Connie. There is usually some truth to family tales, so don't let my stories deter you. There were several 'rushes' in the States during that time -- perhaps your family was involved in a later gold or silver rush? While checking google with the words 'Nebraska and rush', I found (regarding Nebraska): 'In 1867 the Union Pacific RR was built across the state, and the land boom, already vigorous, became a rush. Farmers settled on free land obtained under the Homestead Act of 1862, and E Nebraska took on a settled look. The population rose from 28,841 in 1860 to 122,993 in 1870.' During the mid-1800's Canada sent 'flyers' (literature) to England hoping to encourage settlement in Canada. Perhaps some of the states did as well, which may account for your family living in Nebraska? Just a thought if the gold rush idea doesn't 'pan out'. :~)