In 1857, Joseph Spenker, a German immigrant, arrived on the east coast where he would spend five years working and learning to speak English fluently. In 1862, after 157 days on horseback, he arrived in Stockton, California. It was here that he bought provisions to become a gold miner with the dream of striking it rich and purchasing acres of land.
In 1865, Joseph traded the only thing he owned, a horse, for a claim of land in Murphys California from, as he describes, a "gentleman". The "gentleman" told Joseph the claim was profitable, and Joseph was eager to begin mining. His grave misfortune was quickly discovered upon gleaning from experienced miners that the claim purchased had never panned out. Having been swindled, Joseph began the long 60-mile trek on foot from Murphys to Stockton with $1.27 in his pocket. En route, he bartered his $1 for a ride in a wagon, landing him in Stockton with a mere 27 cents to his name. Here he became a farmhand then eventually a foreman, which provided a $14/month income.
