This week, we’re so happy to welcome Tina Dee! She’s been here many times and her posts are always so interesting. Plus, we love her to death.
In 1869, gold was discovered by an African American rancher and former slave, Fred Coleman in a creek on his property, which started Julian, California’s gold rush. The town became a tent city, practically overnight, with men and families moving in to stake their claims and strike it rich—or make money off those who hoped to. Quickly, this small gold mining town, located in the Cuyamaca mountains, rivaled the city of San Diego in number of residents. It also boasted up to eleven saloons, and only one small jail house featuring two small cells in the middle of town, no office, just the two cells, no frills.
During this rough and rowdy time, one woman, in particular, stood out. Her name was America Newton (1835 – 1917). An African American pioneer, she was one of the earliest Africa American settlers in the area and helped to found the former mining town of Julian. Formerly from Kansas, where she worked for James Cole, America came to California in 1872 with her daughter and ran a laundry service for miners and residents of Julian, though she could neither read nor write.
America, a former slave, operated her laundry business servicing Julian’s population during its gold rush days. She became of the first African American woman to operate a business in the area.
Water for the laundry was obtained by carrying buckets of water from a nearby creek. She heated her irons by the fireplace, which she kept burning by chopping and carrying her own wood. James Cole supplied her with a horse and buggy, which she drove around town to deliver the clean clothes to residents and gold miners. It’s said that she was right hospitable to those who picked up their laundry from her cabin, serving them a drink and a bit of local gossip, no extra charge. Folks enjoyed her friendly and talkative nature.
The Cole family helped America file to own a homestead of 80 acres outside of Julian. They also built her a cabin next to their home. America lived in Julian for 50 years. It’s said that she had a hearing problem and used an ear trumpet to hear.
She had moved to a small, wild, western gold mining town in the mountains, so very far from where she had gained her freedom. As a former slave, widow, and single mother—and with a little help from her friends—she rose to become an entrepreneur in a time when being a woman, and one with black skin, made it hard to just exist. But not only had she existed, she thrived in the Wild West and was successful in her business venture. And, she made people feel good, not just in the fresh, clean clothes they wore, but because she could make them laugh while living a tough life under harsh conditions.
I think about America Newton often. She has the gumption a lot of my heroines are made of.
Just for fun: Please share about someone who has inspired you (family member, friend, or someone from your life, or from history). A winner will be chosen by one of the Petticoats & Pistols Fillies to receive a pretty coffee tumbler with lid (approximately $20 value).
Thank you all for joining me today! It’s always a treat to spend time with Petticoats & Pistols readers. I’ve made two stories free today and tomorrow. One from each of my pen names, each with a heroine I believe has that same gumption America Newton had: 
Kaitlene Dee: Falling for Tallulah
Tina Dee: Keeper of my Heart
Kaitlene Dee, aka Tina Dee, spends time daydreaming about western romances with spunky heroines who insist on having their own stories written, and the swoony cowboys who love them. She often rescues stray dogs and can’t wait to give a forever home to her next dog or two…or five. Kaitlene enjoys gardening, traveling, writing, watercolor painting, and hanging out with reader friends in her Facebook readers group or with her newsletter readers. She’s an avid coffee drinker—and don’t even think about getting between her and a bear claw pastry. Follow her for updates on upcoming releases on Amazon or for many upcoming freebies, giveaways, and fun on her newsletter, here: Join Kaitlene & Tina Dee’s Newsletter
Good morning and welcome Tina! I have always admired my Grandmother. Grandma Tom is what my cousins and I called her. She was born in 1905 and came from a simple hard working background. She lost her mother at 5 years and her father remarried a woman who was very mean to her. But, she endured and loved her younger siblings and they loved her also. She was the rock of my mother’s side of the family. She married my grandfather and had 9 children and one died in birth. My grandfather had Parkinson’s at an early age so she had to take care of him and her children. She had the best sense of humor, personality, and very crafted. I learned to crochet from her.
But, you mentioned someone in the past. I always admired Amelia Earhart and still do. But, I read the story of Katherine Johnson recently and boy what a remarkable person she was! Very intelligent. And lived through prejudice. And seemed to ignore it and not think about it. She had a bigger goal and never got distracted. If you all don’t know who she is, look her up! I was very amazed and impressed. She would have been someone I would have loved to meet. What an example to her race and gender!
Best wishes on your books Tina! I just got Falling For Tallulah!
Hi Tracy,
Thank you so much for sharing about Grandma Tom. What a remarkable person she was. I loved reading about her character and strength, and her kindness and care of her family. I can absolutely see why she is someone you admire. She is the kind of woman we could all look up to and be grateful to know and know of. Thank you again for sharing about her. I will look up Katherine Johnson this weekend and look forward to reading about her. Have a wonderfully blessed weekend!
Tina Kaitlene
The people who have inspired me would be my mother and my pastor’s wife. They just keep going no matter what. My mother went back and finished high school in her 30s and graduated from college in her 40s. My pastor’s wife went to graduated college in her 40s. She is a devoted prayer warrior.
Hi Karijean,
I love unstoppable women. Your mom and your pastor’s wife both sound like that kind of woman. I love that they went after their education later in life thank you for sharing about these special ladies. I’m glad you got to call one of them Mom and that the other has been a great prayer warrior and role model to you! Thanks so very much for sharing them with us!
Tina Kaitlene
My hubs family had a daughter named America too back in the 1800’s – My Mom inspired me to be a strong, independent woman from an early age!
Hi Teresa!
Isn’t that something? I thought that was a mistake in first names when I had first read about America Newton but it wasn’t. I think I might’ve read of one other lady named America also. I’m so glad you had your mother’s strong influence in your life. She sounds like an amazing lady.
Tina Kaitlene
I will have to say my older sister. When my mother was hurt many years ago she stepped in and took over for her. She was more a mother for my younger sister. She was a very strong women and it helped with life any way you look at it.
Dear Quilt Lady,
What a blessing your sister was to your family and their lives. That was wonderful of her to do what needed doing and especially to take care of your mom and the influence she had on you and your younger sister. Thank you so much for sharing about her! Have a wonderful weekend!
Tina Kaitlene
My paternal grandma was amazing. She could quilt, cook huge meals, garden, can and freeze food, was the fastest in working in the tobacco field, was a midwife, and so much more.
Hi Denise,
Wow! Your grandma was amazing! She sounds just like a character from one of our books! Would love to hear some of her midwife stories. Thank you so much for sharing about this incredible lady. I can definitely see why she’s inspiring to you, or anyone who knew her! Thank you again for sharing! Have a great weekend!
Tina Kaitlene
Tina,
Unfortunately, I only learned of her being a midwife after she passed away.
Aww. I’m glad you did find this out though, Denise. What a gem of knowledge to find in knowing that extra wonderful thing about her. Thank you for sharing about her and how special she still is to you. I love this.
Tina Kaitlene
My mom was always an influence on me. She always taught us to be on time and do a good job for the person you worked for. Thank you for the two books, I’m looking forward to reading them.
Hi Connie,
I love those things your mom instilled in you on being on time and doing a good job for the person you work for. Values and virtues that are rare these days. What a great lady! Thank you for sharing about her and I hope you have a great weekend!
Tina Kaitlene
I would have to say my mother. She was a girl scout leader and inspired me to do the same for all three of my girls. two stayed until the graduated and one left in middle school. I felt bad but I was not the leader for her only a co-leader.
Hi Debra,
Your mom was a great influence on many girls and what a great one she was on you. I wish you could hear the stories of what a difference she made but I’m glad we got to hear yours Thank you so much for sharing about her! Thanks for being here today. Have a great weekend!
Tina Kaitlene
My inspiration is a very sweet woman named Dellana. Her faith in God is so strong, even with all the trials she faces in life. She takes care of her disabled husband, her daughter with cancer, and helps with her special needs grandson, and still finds time to teach Children’s Church. After my divorce, when I became a single mom, she started buying 12 Days of Christmas gifts for my kids (anonymously of course but I know it’s her). She also directs the Christmas pageant and does most of the decorating for the church. She coordinates a school supply giveaway every year for the kids too.
Wow, Kim!
Thank you for sharing about Dellana! She sounds absolutely remarkable with all she’s doing in service to Christ. I will be praying for her, for strength, rest, energy, and to be blessed back for all those she blesses in her service to them. Thank you so much for sharing about her and the privilege to pray for her. Have a great weekend!
Tina Kaitlene
My pastor’s wife, sister Josie, was and continues to be a huge inspiration to me. She taught me so much about Scriptures and how to live my faith through every day actions and speech. She model a life of humility and service and was just the nicest person I have ever meet, full of passion for Christ and always available to answer all my questions as a newbie in Christ. She really took me under her wing and helped me grow in faith and have a strong foundation.
Hi Laura,
Thank you so much for sharing about Mrs Josie. What a neat lady and sister-in-Christ, and a wonderful role model for anyone in your church, and in this world. What a sweet mentor and friend in Jesus. Thank you so much for sharing such a very special person in your life. She is indeed a blessing and was a blessing to hear about. Have a wonderful weekend.
Tina Kaitlene
I’ve always admired my Mom. Mom always had a smile, was always there for me, and was my greatest cheerleader.
Hi Trudy,
Your mom sounds like a rare gem, and I know she’s even more precious to you than all the gems. Sounds like the great encouragement she was to you is still there for you, she’s still being there through a legacy of her gift of encouragement. I bet she’s still cheering you on and will be right beside Jesus to one day welcome you Home. I can’t wait to meet her when I get there. Have a really great weekend.
Tina Kaitlene
My dad. He was always ready to give a helping hand to anyone who needed it!
Hi Barbara,
I love how much your dad sounds like mine! We share the same memory of two different dads, all because they helped people whenever they were in need. I love it! Thank you for sharing about your dad. It brought back memories of my own dad for the same reason you admire yours. Have a blessed and beautiful weekend!
Tina Kaitlene
My Mom inspires me every day. She had dealt with so much in her 70+ years so far and rarely complains. She raised 4 children and worked until about 2 years ago. She delivered newspapers. At the hay day of her delivering, she had somewhere around 1500 customers! Now she deals with my Dad and his dementia (not yet diagnosed but we all know it). I’ve told her she’s a saint!
Hi Carrie,
Your mom does sound like a saint! She’s truly amazing! I love how active she is and how she’s served her family so well, especially your dad. That can’t be easy but, LORD please bless her with strength, encouragement, energy, restful moments, and peace in her heart. Thank you for how Carrie’s mom has blessed their family, in Jesus name. Amen! Carrie, Thank you for sharing about your mom! Hugs to her and to you!
Tina Kaitlene
My Youngest Daughter has inspired me so much since my late husband passed away Have a Blessed Day!
Hi Sarah,
I love how your youngest daughter was an inspiration to you, especially in a time of difficulty. I’m sure she’s a very wonderful blessing. Thank you so much for honoring her and sharing what an inspiration she has been for you. Have a great weekend and thank you again for sharing!
Tina Kaitlene
Good morning, my daughter has inspired me, she has always been so caring about my husband and I . She is and has always been the Best mom to my 2 grandchildren we have of hers. Our grandaughter is in her 2nd year in college and our grandson is a Senior in HS. My daughter has always been right there for them , my daughter is an RN and she has been working at our local hospital ever since she graduated from her Nursing Degree. She works full time. She is and has been the Best daughter anybody could ever hope for , we are Very Blessed that God chose us to be her parents. Have a Great weekend.
Hi Alicia,
Your daughter sounds like such an inspiring woman, having such a sweet effect on generations in your family with all she does for her children and for you and your husband. What a true inspiration she is for your grandkids and a dear and sweet blessing to you and your husband. Thank you for honoring her here with us! Have a sweet and wonderful weekend!
Tina Kaitlene
My granny, born in the early 1900s, never finished school. She worked in a cotton/fabric mill. She was promoted to a supervisory position and she proudly told me that her boss would tell her that she was doing “high school” work even though she didn’t go to high school.
Hi Connie,
Awww! What a sweet boss who appreciated your granny and built her up so wonderfully! Your granny is an inspiration. It takes a lot to work, and be promoted, though she didn’t have her high schooling finished, and yet she was doing such a great job! Thank you for sharing about her, she is very inspiring! Have a great weekend!
Tina Kaitlene
There’s quite a few people I admire, I don’t know if I could say if there was only one. Thank you for the giveaway!
Hi Bridgette,
I think that’s wonderful that you have a cast of inspiring people who come to mind when thinking of those you admire and find inspiring! Thank you for being with us today! I hope you have a lovely and fun weekend.
Tina Kaitlene
Who I admire is my grandmother. How she lived for so many years after my grandfather passed away was inspiring to me.
Hi Diana,
I cannot imagine living most of my life with someone and then without them for years after they’re gone. It is amazing that your grandma continued on and strongly. I’m glad you had her in your life and as an inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing her with us today. Have a great weekend!
Tina Kaitlene
Welcome Tina. It is wonderful to have you back. I would have to say my Mom. She was a survivor who moved to Toledo from West Virginia with her Mom. My Grandmother was ill. She latter died of cancer. My Mom would give her morphine shots to keep her comfortable. I could go on and on. Thank you for the opportunity. God bless you.
Hi Debra,
Your mom sounds so very incredible and like such a strong woman who loved deeply and had a strong faith to move and care for her mom. I can very much see why you admire her so very much. I bet you’re very much like her in all those beautiful ways. Have a very restful and beautiful weekend.
Tina Kaitlene
mom with all she does
Dear bn100,
I’m sure she does an incredible amount of things and all with love. Thank you for honoring her here with us and for your credit to her. LORD bless her richly, and you too. Have a terrific weekend!
Tina Kaitlene
A very close family individual whose life was difficult from the onset but pulled himself up by his bootstraps and succeeded. A self educated, and brilliant businessman whose instincts were correct. Not just a talented businessman but an artist whose sculptures were created and given as gifts. Missed and there is no one like him.
Hi Anne,
Thank you for sharing about your close family member and how he inspired you with his life and achievements and his creative side as well as his business side. I know you miss him but I’m glad you had the time to see him and be inspired by him. Thank you for sharing about him. Have a very great weekend!
Tina Kaitlene
A cousin who I always admired and was close to inspired me. She was very creative and worked hard. Unfortunately she inherited a disease which impacted her but she continued to attract friends and became interested in many creative outlets. I miss her as she is gone but my memories are what sustain me.
Hi Ruth,
Wow, your cousin sounds so very special and very inspiring. I’m so glad you have cherished memories to carry you through the moments you especially miss her most. Thank you for sharing about your remarkable someone wonderful. I’m glad for the time you had with her. Thank you for sharing with us today.
Tina Kaitlene
Always admired my mom she had been a Teacher before she had me then 13 months later she had my sisters my sisters are Fraternal Twins and OH BOY she had her hands full especially when all 3 of us were in college at the same time her Parents my grandparents helped us so we had no student loans I admire mom for being so under pressure and still keeping her faith in God
Hi Crystal,
Wow, your mom sounds very inspiring and like she was very busy with the three of you and putting you all through collage at the same time! Amazing lady! Thank you so much for sharing and honoring her here with us! Have a great weekend!
Tina Kaitlene
My mom because she has endured so much throughout her life and has managed to stay strong for her family. She was always there for us growing up and I am so thankful for her.
Hi Cherie,
That takes a very special someone to go through so much and yet be there for others. She does indeed sound like a strong lady. I’m so glad you shared her with us today. Thank you so very much! Have a very blessed weekend!
Tina Kaitlene
Thank you so much for sharing America Newton’s story. So much of the history of the West deals with cowboys and Indians. The contributions of others like the blacks and Chinese are barely mentioned. This is true for most of our country’s history. In many cases, their struggles were harder because society, when not against them, was certainly not very accepting or helpful.
I am inspired by All the women who over the years work hard to raise and support families. Those who worked the land and those who found other jobs to support themselves and those they loved. I especially admire those women who fought to be accepted in fields dominated by men. Fighting to prove they were not the weaker sex and were intelligent and creative. Their ability in literature and art were either ignored or considered inferior. They were not let into professional groups. In science and history, their accomplishments were ignored, downplayed, or taken credit for by male coworkers. Women have made progress since the 1960’s, but it has been hard fought and not yet finished. I was in my 20’s during those early years of the women’s rights movement and things have changed so much. I remember working on a Conservation Field Day which included people from the college, Wildlife management , fisheries, soils, Forestry, and many other related fields. Of the 60+ people involved in putting it on, I was the only female, and that was because my male professor had me take his place last minute. Looking at those fields today you would find many women. We owe this to the many women who came before and never gave up trying to be heard and accepted for their abilities. I really think “men” have been afraid to acknowledge women’s abilities and successes because they know what we are capable and are afraid of us. They would no longer have their position as the smartest and best. When what we want is more of a partnership letting everyone develop their full potential.
Thank you for the books. Mail-order bride stories are favorites. I will enjoy them on these upcoming cold winter nights.
Hi Patricia,
Thank you for sharing your experience and for appreciating America Newton. She was not the only African American pioneer in the gold rush mountain town of Julian CA, there was another lady, Margaret Robinson, ran the Hotel Robinson, which I believe later became the Julian Hotel and is on the National Registry for Historical Landmarks (I may have attributed with a botched name, forgive me please). I’m working on a series inspired by the town of Julian, called The Brides of Willow Creek. It should be out later next year (the first few books) and most will be either marriages of convenience or mail-order brides stories. I hope you get a chance to read them. Thanks for stopping by and sharing, I enjoyed it! Have a great week!
Tina Kaitlene
Enjoyed reading your article.
I have always admired my
Grandmother. she was a big influence in the way I live my life.
Hi Joye,
I love this! I bet your grandmother would be so very honored to know the influence her life had on yours. I hope you get to savor very special memories you made with her. Thank you for sharing about her with us! Have a great week!
Tina Kaitlene
I loved the story. My grandmother was my inspiration. I loved spending the summer with her. She taught me a lot.
Hi Linda,
I’m so glad you got to spend summers with your grandmother. I’m sure she enjoyed them and looked forward to the time with you. Thank you for sharing with us about the special person you admire. I bet your grandma would admire you. Have a wonderful week!
Tina Kaitlene
My dad who is hardworking and does so much for all of us and is always there to lend a helping hand when someone needs it.
Hi Joannie,
I bet your dad would be so honored to know you admire and am inspired by him and how he lives his life toward others. Thank you for sharing about him. I hope you get to make many wonderful memories with him! Have a very great week!
Tina Kaitlene
My grandmother, now departed, has been a great inspiration in my life. She was strong-willed, kind, smart, loving, frugal, and a great homemaker, and we had so many of the same interests. We even had the same hair, according to my Grandpa, who fell in love with Mimi’s hair first from sitting behind her in school. After Mimi passed, I moved in with my Grandpa to take care of him, and I am so grateful for the influence that Mimi had on my life because it helped prepare me for taking care of him! The best compliment I ever got was when my cousin called me “Little Mimi”.