author

W. C. (William Chauncey) Bartlett

1818–1907

A New England–born lawyer, preacher, editor, and essayist, he built an unusually varied life in 19th-century America. After moving to California during the Civil War era, he became a literary and civic figure whose work ranged from journalism to education.

1 Audiobook

A Breeze from the Woods, 2nd Ed.

A Breeze from the Woods, 2nd Ed.

by W. C. (William Chauncey) Bartlett

About the author

Born in Haddam, Connecticut, on December 30, 1818, he studied at Williams College and later at Ohio University. He was admitted to the Ohio bar and practiced law in Dayton before shifting into journalism and reform-minded religious work, including anti-slavery preaching in Indianapolis.

In 1860 he moved to San Francisco and spent time as an itinerant preacher in California mining towns. He later became editor of the San Francisco Bulletin and, in 1871, succeeded Bret Harte as editor of the Overland Monthly, placing him close to the center of California's literary life.

Bartlett also served as a school superintendent and as a board member of Mills College. He wrote widely on nature, culture, and public life, with works including A Breeze from the Woods (1880). He died in Oakland, California, on December 7, 1907.