Lewis, Manly William: - William Lewis Manly was an American author who gained fame for his book "Death Valley in '49", which chronicled his harrowing journey across the arid and treacherous landscape of Death Valley in 1849. Born in New York in 1820, Manly grew up in the Midwest and eventually made his way to California in search of gold. Along with a group of other pioneers, Manly set out from Salt Lake City in July of 1849, bound for the gold fields of California. The journey was arduous and treacherous, with the group facing numerous obstacles including hostile Native Americans, food shortages, and the harsh desert environment. Manly emerged as a natural leader among the group and played a key role in guiding them through the difficult terrain of Death Valley. Despite the numerous setbacks they faced, Manly and his fellow pioneers eventually emerged from the valley and went on to find success in the California gold rush.