| Patrick Breen was involved in the westward expansion of the USA. Westward Ho! Join: Trails and Wagon Trains Project Discuss: wagon_trains_and_trails |
Patrick Breen was one of 81 pioneers in the Donner Party wagon train to California that became snowbound in the Sierra Nevada in 1846.
Born in Ireland, Patrick Breen emigrated to Canada in 1828. There he married Margaret Bulger, whom he had almost certainly known in Ireland. The Breens had two sons in Canada, then moved to Springfield, Illinois, about 1834, where they resided briefly before moving on Keokuk, Iowa. In 1835 they had a son, James, who died the next year. Six more children were born in Iowa. Patrick worked for a time on a riverboat, but was essentially a farmer and acquired a half-section of land about three miles northwest of Keokuk.
Religion was very likely a factor in the Breens' decision to move to California. A growing nativist trend in the United States made foreign-born Roman Catholics increasingly unpopular. There were few Catholics in Keokuk, and it was a difficult district--the town’s priest wrote to his superiors requesting to be reassigned. On the other hand, California, with its chain of missions, had a strong Roman Catholic presence, as well as a reportedly delightful climate and cheap land. In any event, the family sold their property, outfitted themselves for the journey, and set out in three wagons to rendezvous with other overland emigrants in the spring of 1846. They were accompanied by their friend and neighbor, Patrick Dolan. Like most of the other eventual members of the Donner Party, they started out in the company captained by William H. Russell.[1]
Patrick Breen is famous for the diary he kept from November 20, 1846, to March 1, 1847, the only record we have of daily events at the mountain camps. [2] After arriving at the lake, the Breens moved into a cabin constructed two winters previously by members of the Townsend-Stephens-Murphy Party. Later they took in Augustus Spitzer and the Reed family, who were without shelter. In February, the First Relief rescued two of the boys, Edward and Simon. In March, the Second Relief took the rest of the family out, but a blizzard came up and caught the small party in the open. When the weather cleared, there was no food left and only a handful of the refugees were able to travel. Patrick and Margaret Breen, their five children, and members of the Graves and Jacob Donner families were left behind at what came to be called Starved Camp.[3] After five long days the Breens and other survivors were brought out by John Stark of the Third Relief.[4]
Statement of the 3rd Relief Of the Breen's at Starved Camp[5] The picture of distress was shocking indeed, they had consumed the two children of Jacob Donner. Mrs Graves body was lying there with almost all the flesh cut away from her arms and limbs, her breasts were cut off and her heart and liver taken out. Her little child, about thirteen months old, sat at her side, one arm upon the body of its mangled mother, sobbing bitterly.
After their rescue the Breen family stayed with the family of Martin Murphy near Sutter's Fort until September 1847, when they relocated to San Juan Bautista. General Jose M. Castro allowed the Breens to live in his house on the plaza, the Castro Adobe, rent free; in 1849 they purchased it and operated it, at least temporarily, as an inn. Patrick Breen acquired a great deal of property and he and his sons became prominent early settlers of what was then Monterey County and became San Benito County in 1874.[6]
Friday Nov. 20th 1846 came to this place on the 31st of last month that it snowed we went on to the pass
the snow so deep we were unable to find the road, when within 3 miles of the summit
then turned back to this shanty on the Lake, Stanton came one day after we arriveed here
we again took our teams & waggons & made another unsuccessful attempt to cross in company with Stanton
we returned to the shanty it continueing to snow all the time we were here
we now have killed most part of our cattle having to stay here untill next spring & live on poor beef without bread or salt
it snowed during the space of eight days with little intermission, after our arrival here, the remainder of time up to this day was clear & pleasant frezeing at night the snow nearly gone from the valleys.
sat. 21st fine morning wind N:W 22 of our company are about starting across the mountain this moring including Stanton & his indians, some clouds flying thawed to day wnd E
Sunday 22nd froze hard last night this a fine clear morning, wind E.S.E no account from those on the mountains
monday 23rd Same weather wind W the Expedition across the mountains returned after an unsuccsful attempt
tuesday 24th fine in the morning towards eveng Cloudy & windy wind W looks like snow freezeing hard
wendsday 25th wind about WNW Cloudy looks like the eve of a snow storm our mountainers intend trying to cross the Mountain tomorrow if fair froze hard last night
Thurssday the 26th began to snow yesterday in the evening now rains or sleet the mountaniers dont start to day the wind about W. wet & muddy
Friday 27 Continues to snow, the ground not covered, wind W dull prospect for crossing the mountains
Saturday 28th Snowing fast now about xo 0 clock snow
8 or 10 inches deep soft wet snow, weather not cold wind West
Sunday 29th still snowing now about 3 feet deep, wind W killed my last oxen today will skin them tomorrow gave another yoke to Fosters hard to get wood
Monday 3oth Snowing fast wind W about 4 or 5 feet deep, no drifts looks as likely to continue as when it commenced no liveing thing without wings can get about
December 1st Tuesday Still snowing wind W snow about 5-1/2 feet or 6 deep difficult to get wood no going from the house completely housed up looks as likely for snow as when it commenced, our cattle all killed But three or four them, the horses & Stantons mules gone & cattle suppose lost in the Snow no hopes of finding them alive
wedns. 2nd. Continues to snow wind W sun shineing hazily thro the clouds dont snow quite as fast as it has done snow must be over six feet deep bad fire this morning
Thursd. 3rd Snowed a little last night bright and cloudy at intervals all night, to day cloudy snow none wind S.W. warm but not enough so to thaw snow lying deep allround Expecing it to thaw a little to day the forgoing written in the morning it immediately turned in to snow & continued to snow all day & likely to do so all night
Friday 4th Cloudy that is flying clouds neither snow or rain this day it is a relief to have one fine day. wind E by N no sign of thaw freezeing pretty hard snow deep
Saturday 5th fine clear day beautiful sunshine thawing a little looks delightful after the long snow storm
Sund. 6th The morning fine & Clear now some Cloudy wind S-E not much in the sunshine, Stanton & Graves manufactureing snow shoes for another mountain scrabble no account of mules
Mond. 7th beautiful clear day wind E by S looks as
if we might some fair weather no thaw
Tues 8th fine weather Clear & pleasant froze hard last night wind S.E deep snow the people not stiring round much hard work to wood sufficient to keep us warm & cook our beef
Wedns. 9th Commenced snowing about 11 Oclock wind N:W snows fast took in Spitzer yesterday so weak that he cannot rise without help caused by starveation all in good health some having scant supply of beef Stanton trying to make a raise of some for his Indians & self not likely to get much
Thursd. loth Snowed fast all night with heavy squalls of wind Continues still to snow the sun peeping through the clouds once in about three hours very difficult to get wood to day now about z Oclock looks likely to continue snowing don't know the debth of the snow may be 7 feet
Friday 11th snowing a little wind W sun vissible at times not freezeing
Satd. 12th Continues to snow wind W weather mild freezeing little
Sunday 13th Snows faster than any previous day wind N:W Stanton & Graves with several others makeing preperations to cross the Mountains on snow shoes, snow 8 feet deep on the level dull
monday 14 fine morning sunshine cleared off last night about 12 0 clock wind E:S:E dont thaw much but fair for a continueance of fair weather
Tuesday 15th Still continues fine wind W: S: W
Wed'd 16th fair & pleasant froeze hard last night & the Company started on snow shoes to cross the mountains wind S.E looks pleasant
Thursd. 17th Pleasant sunshine today wind about S.E bill Murp returned from the mountain party last evening Bealis died night before last Milt. & Noah went to Donnos 8 days since not returned yet, thinks they got lost in the snow. J Denton here to day
Frid'd. 18 beautiful day sky clear it would be delightful were it not for the snow lying so deep thaws but little on the south side of shanty saw no strangers today from any of the shantys
Satd. 19 Snowed last night commenced about 11 Oclock. squalls of wind with snow at intervals this morning thawing wind. N by W a little Singular for a thaw may continue, it continues to Snow Sun Shining cleared off towards evening
Sund. 20 night clear froze a little now clear & pleasant wind N W thawing a little Mrs Reid here. no account of Milt. yet Dutch Charley started for Donnghs turned back not able to proceed tough times, but not discouraged our hopes are in God. Amen
Mond. 21 Milt. got back last night from Donos camp sad news. Jake Donno Sam Shoemaker Rinehart, & Smith are dead the rest of them in a low situation snowed all night with a strong S-W wind to day Cloudy wind continues but not snowing, thawing sun shineing dimly in hopes it will clear off
Tuesd. 22nd Snowed all last night Continued to snow all day with some few intermissions had a severe fit of the gravel yesterday I am well to day, Praise be to the God of Heaven
Wend. 23rd Snowed a little last night clear to day & thawing a little. Milt took some of his meat to day all well at their camp began this day to read the Thirty days prayer, may Almighty God grant the request of an unworthy sinner that I am. Amen
Thursd. 24th rained all night & still continues to rain poor prospect for any kind of Comfort Spiritual or temporal, wind S: may God help us to spend the Christmass as we ought considering circumstances
Friday 25th began to snow yesterday about 12 0 clock snowed all night & snows yet rapidly wind about E by N Great difficulty in getting wood John & Edwd. has to get I am not able offered our prayers to God this Cherimass morning the prospect is apalling but hope in God Amen
Satd. 26th Cleared off in the night to day clear & pleasant Snowed about 20 inches or two feet deep yesterday. the old snow was nearly run soft before it began to snow now it is all soft the top dry & the under wet wind S.E
Sun 27 Continues clear froze hard last night Snow very deep say 9 feet thawing a little in the sun scarce of wood to day chopt a tree dow it sinks in the snow & is hard to be got
Monday 28th Snowed last night Cleared off this morning snowed a little now Clear & pleasant
Tuesday 29th fine clear day froze hard last night. Charley sick. Keysburg has Wolfings Rifle gun
Wedsd. 30th fine clear morning froze hard last night Charley died last night about 10 0clock had with him in money $1.50 two good 1oking silver watches one razor 3 boxes caps Keysburg tok them into his possession Spitzer took his coat & waistcoat Keysburg all his other little effects gold pin one shirt and tools for shaveing.
Thursday 31st last of the year, may we with Gods help spend the comeing year better than the past which we purpose to do if Almighty God will deliver us from our present dredful situation which is our prayer if the will of God sees it firing for us Amen--morning fair now Cloudy wind E by S for three days past freezeing hard every night looks like another snow storm Snow Storms are dredful to us snow very deep crust on the snow
Jany. 1st 1847 we pray the God of mercy to deliver us from our present Calamity if it be his Holy will Amen. Commenced snowing last night does not snow fast wind S.E sun peeps out at times provisions geting scant dug up a hide from under the snow yesterday for Milt. did not take it yet
Sat. 2nd fair & thawey snow got soft wind S-E looks thawey froze pretty hard last night
Sund. 3rd continues fair in day time freezeing at night wind about E Mrs. Reid talks of crossing the mountains with her children provisions scarce
Mond. 4th fine morning looks like spring thawing now about x2 0 clock wind S:E Mrs. Reid Milt. Virginia & Eliza started about 1/2 hour ago with prospect of crossing the mountain may God of Mercy help them left ther children here Tom with us Pat with Keysburg & Jas with Graveses folks, it was difficult for Mrs. Reid to get away from the children
Tuesd. 5th Beautiful day thawing some in the sun Wind S-E snow not settleing much we are in hopes of the rainy time ending
Weds. 6th fine day clear not a cloud froze very hard last night wind S:E Eliza came back from the mountain yesterday evening not able to proceed, to day went to Graves, the others kept ahead
Thursd. 7th continues fine freezeing hard at night very cold this morning wind S.S.E. dont think we will have much more snow snow not thawing much not much dimeinished in debph
Friday 8th fine morning wind E froze hard last night very cold this morning Mrs. Reid & company came back this moring could not find their way on the other side of the Mountain they have nothing but hides to live on Martha is to stay here Milt. & Eliza going to Donos Mrs. Reid & the 2 boys going to their own shanty & Virginia prospects Dull may God relieve us all from this difficulty if it is his Holy will Amen
Satd 9th Continues fine freezeing hard at night this a
beatiful morning wind about S.S.E Mrs. Reid here virginias toes frozen a little snow settleing none to be perceived.
Sund. 10 began to snow last night still continues wind WNW.
Mond. 11th still continues to snow fast, looks gloomy Mrs Reid at Keysburgs virg. with us wood scarce difficult to get any more wind W
Tuesd 12th snows fast yet new snow about 3 feet deep wind S:W no sign of clearing off
Wends. 13th snowing fast wind N.W snow higher than the shanty must be 13 feet deep dont know how to get wood this morning it is dredful to look at
Thursd. 14th new moon Cleared off yesterday evening snowed a little during first part of night Calm but a little air from the North very pleasant to day sun shineing brilliantly renovates our spirits prais be to God, Amen
Frid. 15th fine clear day wind N W Mrs. Murphy blind Lanth Iron Murphy] not able to get wood has but one axe betwixt him & Keysburg, he moved to Murphys yesterday looks like another storm expecting some account from Suiters soon
Satd. 16th wind blew hard all night from the W. abated a little did not freeze much this is clear & pleasant wind a little S of W no telling what the weather will do
Sund. 17th fine morning sun shineing clear wind S.S.E Eliza came here this morning, sent her back again to Graves Lanthrom crazy last night so bill says, Keyburg sent bill to get hides off his shanty & carry thim home this morning, provisions scarce hides are the only article we depend on, we have a little meat yet, may God send us help
Mond. 18th fine day clear & pleasant wind W, thawing in the sun Mrs. Murphy here to day very hard to get wood
Tuesd. 19th Clear & pleasant thawing a little in the sun wind S.W Peggy & Edward sick last night by eating some meat that Dolan threw his tobacco on, pretty well to day (praise God for his blessings,) Lanthrom very low in danger if relief dont soon come hides are all the go, not much of any other in camp
Wed. 20th fine morning wind N froze hard last night. Expecting some person across the Mountain this week
Thursd. 21st fine morning wind W did not freze quite so hard last night as it has done, John Bartice & Denton came this morning with Eliza she wont eat hides Mrs Reid sent her back to live or die on them. Milt. got his toes froze the donoghs are all well
Frid. 22nd began to snow a little after sunrise likely to
snow a good dale wind W came up very suddenly, now xoOclock
Satd. 23rd Blew hard & snowed all night the most severe storm we experienced this winter wind W sun now 12 oclock peeps out
Sund. 24th Some cloudy this morning ceased snowing yesterday about 20clock. Wind about S.E all in good health thanks be to God for his mercies endureth for ever. heard nothing from Murphys camp since the storm expet to hear they suffered some
Mond 25th began to snow yesterday evening & still continues wind W
Tuesd 26th Cleared up yesterday to day fine & pleasant, wind S. in hopes we are done with snow storms. those that went to Suitors not yet returned provisions geting very scant people geting weak liveing on short allowance of hides
Weds 27th began to snow yesterday & still continues to sleet thawing a little wind W Mrs. Keyber here this morning Lewis Suitor she says died three days ago Keysburg sick & Lanthrom lying in bed the whole of his time dont have fire enough to Cook their hides. Bill & Sim. Murphy sick
Thursd. 28th full moon cleared off last night & froze
some to day fine & warm wind S.E looks some like spring weather birds chirping qute lively full moon today
Frid 29th fine morning began to thaw in the sun early. wind S.W froze hard last night there will be a crust soon God send Amen
Satd. 30th fine pleasant morning wind W beginning to thaw in the sun John & Edwd. went to Graves this morning the Graves seized on Mrs Reids goods untfll they would be paid also took the hides that she & family had to live on. she got two peices of hides from there & the ballance they have taken you may know from these proceedings what our fare is in camp there is nothing to be got by hunting yet perhaps there soon will. God send it Amen
Sund. 31st The sun dont shine out brilliant this morning froze prtty hard last night wind N.W. Lantron Murphy died last night about 1 Oclock, Mrs. Reid & John went to Graves this morning to look after her goods
Mond. February the 1st froze very hard last night cold to day & Cloudy wind N W. sun shines dimly the snow has not settled much John is unwell to day with the help of God & he will be well by night amen
Tuesday 2nd began to snow this morning & Continued to snow untill night now clear wind during the storm S-W
Wend. 3rd Cloudy looks like more snow not cold, froze a little last night wind S.S.W. it was clear all last night sun shines out at times
Thurd. 4th Snowed hard all night & still continues with a strong S:W. wind untill now abated looks as if it would snow all day snowed about 2 feet deep, now
Frid. 5th snowed hard all untill 12 0'clock at night wind still continud to blow hard from the S.W: to day pretty clear a few clouds only Peggy very uneasy for fear we shall all perrish with hunger we have but a little meat left & only part of 3 hides has to support Mrs. Reid she has nothing left but one hide & it is on Graves shanty
Milt is livig there & likely will keep that hide Eddys child died last night
Satd 6th it snowed faster last night & to day than it has done this winter & still Continues without an intermission wind S.W Murphys folks or Keysburgs say they cant eat hides I wish we had enough of them Mrs Eddy very weak
Sund. 7th Ceased to snow last after one of the most Severe Storms we experienced this winter the snow fell about 4 feet deep I had to shovel the snow off our shanty this morning it thawed so fast & thawed during the whole storm. to day it is quite pleasant wind S.W. Milt here to day says Mrs. Reid has to get a hide from Mrs. Murphy & McCutchins child died 2nd of this month
Mond 8th fine clear morning wind S.W. froze hard last Spitzer died last night about 3 0 clock to we will bury him in the snow Mrs Eddy died on the night of the 7th
Tuesd. 9th. Mrs Murphy here this morning pikes child all but dead Milt at Murphys not able to get out of bed Keyburg never gets up says he is not able. John went down to day to bury Mrs Eddy & child heard nothing from Graves for 2 or 3 days Mrs Murphy just now going to Graves fine moring wind S.E. froze hard last night begins to thaw in the Sun.
Wednd. 10th beautiful morning Wind W: froze hard last night. to day thawing in the Sun Milt Elliot died las night at Murphys Shanty about 9 Oclock P: M: Mrs. Reid went there this morning to see after his effects. J Denton trying to borrow meat for Graves had none to give they have nothing but hides all are entirely out of meat but a little we have our hides are nearly all eat up but with Gods help spring will soon smile upon us
Thursd 11th fine morning wind W. froze hard last night some clouds lying in the E: looks like thaw John Denton here last night very delicate. John & Mrs Reid went to Graves this morning
Frid. 12th A warm thawey morning wind S.E. we hope with the assistance of Almighty God to be able to live to see the bare surface of the earth once more. 0 God of Mercy grant it if it be thy holy will Amen
Sat. 13th fine morning clouded up yesterday evening snowed a little & continued cloudy all night. cleared off about daylight. wind about S:W Mrs Reid has headacke the rest in health
Sund 14th fine morning but cold before the sun got up. now thawing in the sun wind S E Ellen Graves here this morning John Denton not well froze hard last night John & Edwd. burried Milt. this morning in the snow
Mond. 15th morning Cloudy untill 90clock then Cleared off warm & sunshine wind W. Mrs Graves refused to give Mrs Reid any hides put Suitors pack hides on her shanty would not let her have them says if I say it will thaw it then will not, she is a case
Tuesd. 16th Commenced to rain yesterday Evening turned to Snow during the night & continud untill after daylight this morning it is now sunshine & light showers of hail at times wind N.W by W. we all feel very weakly to day snow not geting much less in quantity
Wedsd 17th froze hard last night with heavy clouds runing from the N.W. & light showers of hail at times to day same kind of Weather wind N.W. very cold & Cloudy no sign of much thaw Thrsd 18gth Froze hard last night to day clear & warm in the sun cold in the shanty or in the shade wind S.E all in good health Thanks be to Almighty God Amen
Frid. 19th froze hard last night 7 men arrived from Colifornia yesterday evening with som provisions but left the greater part on the way to day clear & warm for this region some of the men are gone to day to Donnos Camp willstart back on Monday
Saturd. 20th pleasant weather
Sund 21st thawey warm day
Mond 22nd the Californians started this morning 24 in number some in a very weak state fine morning wind S.W. for the 3 last days Mrs Keyburg started & left Keysburg here unable to go I burried pikes child this moring in the snow it died 2 days ago, Paddy Reid & Thos. came back with Messrs Grover & Mutry
Tuesd. 23rd froze hard last night to day fine & thawey has the appearance of spring all but the deep snow wind S: S.E. shot Towser to day & dressed his flesh Mrs Graves came here this morning to borrow meat dog or ox they think I have meat to spare but I know to the Contrary they have plenty hides I live principally on the same
Wend. 24th froze hard last night to day Cloudy looks like a storm wind blows hard from the W. Commenced thawing there has not any more returned from those who started to cross the Mts.
Thursd. 25th froze hard last night fine & sunshiny to day wind W. Mrs Murphy says the wolves are about to dig up the dead bodies at her shanty, the nights are too cold to watch them, we hear them howl
Frid 26th froze hard last night today clear & warm Wind S: E: blowing briskly Marthas jaw swelled with the toothache: hungry times in camp, plenty hides but the folks will not eat them we eat them with a tolerable good aperite. Thanks be to Almighty God. Amen Mrs Murphy said here yesterday that thought she would Commence on Milt. & eat him. I dont that she has done so yet, it is distressing The Donnos told the California folks that they commence to eat the dead people 4 days ago, if they did not succeed that day or next in finding their cattle then under ten or twelve feet of snow & did not know the spot or near it, I suppose they have done so ere this time
Satd 27th beautiful morning sun shineing brilliantly, wind about S.W. the snow has fell in debth about 5 feet but no thaw but the sun in day me it freezeing hard
every night heard some geese fly over last night saw none
Sund. 28th froze hard last night to day fair & sunshine wind S.E. 1 solitary Indian passed by yesterday come from the lake had a heavy pack on his back gave me 5 or 6 roots resembleing Onions in shape taste some like a sweet potatoe, all full of little tough fibres
Mond. March the 1st to fine & pleasant froze hard last night there has 10 men arrived this morning from bear valley with provisions we are to start in two or three days & Cash our goods here there is amongst them some old they say the snow will be here untill June
See also:
Featured Auto Racers: Patrick is 26 degrees from Jack Brabham, 33 degrees from Rudolf Caracciola, 30 degrees from Louis Chevrolet, 33 degrees from Dale Earnhardt, 46 degrees from Juan Manuel Fangio, 28 degrees from Betty Haig, 36 degrees from Arie Luyendyk, 24 degrees from Bruce McLaren, 30 degrees from Wendell Scott, 28 degrees from Kat Teasdale, 30 degrees from Dick Trickle and 35 degrees from Maurice Trintignant on our single family tree. Login to see how you relate to 33 million family members.
Categories: Donner Party