Photograph of a portrait of John Bidwell, [s.d.]. In this portrait, taken from the chest up, Bidwell is wearing a dark jacket and a white shirt. He has a long, thick beard and his hair is slicked back. Bidwell was known for taking part in the conquest of California during the Mexican War, serving as quartermaster of John C. Fremont's California Battalion with the rank of major. He obtained the Rancho Chico with other grants, and had a major role in the agricultural and industrial development of California. Handwriting beneath the picture reads "Yours very truly John Bidwell".