Originally published in 1920, Extracts from the Diary of William C. Lobenstine provides a narrative account of William C. Lobenstine, a German immigrant, regarding his overland trip to California as well as life in the mines. It also contains a brief sketch of his early life and a few explanatory notes, for his family, friends, and many others who are interested in these early experiences of an immigrant who came seeking the best in this country, the United States.