Dutch Charley's age was estimated at about 30 years of age at the time of his death. He was of German descent.
Dutch Charley was one of the 15 members of "The Forlorn Hope" who started out in December of 1846, trying to cross the Sierra to bring back help for the emigrants. He turned back the first day, unable to make the journey. He struggled back to the lake camp and took up residence in Lewis Keseberg's lean-to. He deteriorated quickly and died nine days after returning. His few possessions, which included $1.50 in cash, two silver watches, a razor, a gold pin, three boxes of caps, and the clothes on his back, were divided among the German contingent of the Donner Party. It is said that Mr. Spitzer took Burger's coat & Lewis Keseberg took everything else.
Dutch Charley's age was estimated at about 30 years of age at the time of his death. He was of German descent.
Dutch Charley was one of the 15 members of "The Forlorn Hope" who started out in December of 1846, trying to cross the Sierra to bring back help for the emigrants. He turned back the first day, unable to make the journey. He struggled back to the lake camp and took up residence in Lewis Keseberg's lean-to. He deteriorated quickly and died nine days after returning. His few possessions, which included $1.50 in cash, two silver watches, a razor, a gold pin, three boxes of caps, and the clothes on his back, were divided among the German contingent of the Donner Party. It is said that Mr. Spitzer took Burger's coat & Lewis Keseberg took everything else.
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