From Beloit to Clark Gable in Three Generations

by Dianna Jackson

Embark on a journey of gold, grit, and family legacy that shaped California’s history.

In 1850 William Henry Dresser left Beloit, Wisconsin, to chase the promise of fortune in California’s Gold Rush. His journey, filled with hope and hardship, is vividly captured through letters exchanged with his beloved wife, Sarah Jenks Dresser, who stayed behind with their children. These heartfelt correspondences, now preserved at University of California’s Bancroft Library offer a window into their world.

Inspired by her great-great-grandparents’ story, author Dianna Thomas Jackson retraces William Henry’s arduous path across the plains, contrasting the historical journey with modern experiences. This compelling narrative not only brings to life the personal struggles and triumphs of the Dresser family but also paints a broader picture of the California Gold Rush era - a time that transformed the state into a symbol of wealth and opportunity.

From 1847 to 1973, the Dresser saga unfolds, including William Orlando Dresser’s establishment of a 3,000-acre ranch in Paso Robles, California. Rich with angst and heartache, humor, and unexpected twists, this book chronicles the endurance and evolution of one remarkable family through generations.