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James Humphrey Haun (1811-1890) was a gold miner, farmer and diarist. He left five volumes of diaries chronicling the California Gold Rush and its aftermath, from 1853-1959. His records are stored at the Plumas County Museum in Quincy, California

Early life

James Haun was born near Haun's Mill near Lexington in Scott County, Kentucky to John Haun and Katherine Winter. He had four younger brothers, and at least one sister. The family business was milling.

Personal life

In 1831, Haun married Martha Hurst of Georgetown, and the couple had one son, John, born in 1834. They were active in the local Baptist church, and had many friends. Financially, the family was moderately successful, with a home and business.

Career

In 1853, Haun set out for the gold mines of California in company with his seventeen-year-old son John and his younger brother Dave, with the goal of earning enough to purchase agricultural property at home. He prospected on Willow Creek near Nelson Point on the Middle Fork of the Feather River as a member of several different mining companies. Although he never struck it rich, his claims paid well. In November 1855, he was joined by his wife and her young niece Lizzie, and in 1856 purchased the 160 acre American Ranch in Quincy, which the family operated as a farm and hotel until its sale in 1876.

He was an active member of the Plumas Rangers and local Democratic organizations.

Death

He died at the age of 78 at home in Quincy.

References

• Fariss and Smith's History of Plumas, Lassen & Sierra Counties, California, 1882. Howell-North Books. 1971. ISBN  9780831070830.
• "Haun Collection Archive". Archived from the original on 2017-06-17. The Haun Collection archive spans more than 100 years in the life of the Haun family, from the Gold Rush to the Civil War to the early 20th century. The collection is housed at the Plumas County Museum in Quincy, CA.
• "Daily Alta California". Vol. 10, no. 131. 13 May 1858.
• William Edward's diary (call number 79/108 c v.11).
• Thomas M. Coombs Diary.
• "The History of Argentine". Las Plumas: A Quarterly Publication of the Plumas County Museum Association, Inc. 3 (2).
• "The Plumas Argus". 29 April 1858.