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Subject: [CASANJOA] Stockton in the 1880's
Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2002 22:18:49 EST

Hello All,

I have a letter from my ggrandfather, Robert Buchanan Curtis b. March 4,
1873, and need some clarification. He wrote this letter himself to his
employer, John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance. The notes in quotes I added for
clarity.

"At age 13(just orphaned) I was sent to California(1886) where I lived on a
ranch - attended school in the winter time and did a man's work until I was
about 17. When I finished Public School, I took a business College Course at
Stockton, Calif., and graduated and then attended a Normal Institue - there
until I was 21 when I returned to New York and entered the Dry Goods business
with my brother."

My questions are: Is anyone aware of a ranch that would also be a orphanage?
What college would be in Stockton in the 1880's and what is a Normal
Institute? It is a mystery as to why he was sent to California when he had
family in NY.

Thank you,
Linda

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