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HISTORY OF
DA COUN
TALIFORALA IL ILLUSTRATION
1880
Calif
CALIFORNIANO
oversize
CALIFORNIANA
C
SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1223 90193 5297
MORS
LITERI
ACCESSION
BOOK NO.
C
560847
979.437 W462 A
NOT TO BE TAKEN FROM THE LIBRARY
FORM 3427-4500.8-44
2
scarce
LY
120만
.
F STORY
NEVADA COUNTY
A
FORNIA
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS DESCRIPTIVE OF ITS SCENERY,
RESIDENCES, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, FINE BLOCKS, AND MANUFACTORIES.
FROM ORIGINAL SKETCHS BY ARTISTS OF THE HIGHEST ABILITY.
THOMPSON & WEST, OAKLAND, CAL. 1880.
Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1880, by THOMPSON & WEST, in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C.
# 979. 437 W462 A 560847
PRINTING AND PUBLISHING HOUSE, OAKLAND, CIL.
-
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
MAP OF CALIFORNIA, NEVADA AND UTAH.
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTORY.
Extent and Character of the Work-Method of Arrangement-Difficulties Eucountered Thanks for Assistant Rendered-Authorities Referred to for Data. 11-12
CHAPTER II.
EARLY DISCOVERIES.
Discovery of Lower California-Expeditous of Cortez-Probable Origin of the Name-Northward Adventures of Cabrillo-Cape Mendocino Discov- ered-Viseaino's Voyages-Sir Francis Drake-Portala Discovers San Francisco Bay-Mission Dolores Fornued. 13-14
CHAPTER III. THE ABORIGINES.
Their Probable Origin-Evidences of Mongolian Derivation-Observations of the Missionaries-Political Condition aul Social Habits-Means of Subsist- ence-Religious Idens and Treatment of the Sick. 14-17
CHAPTER [V. THE EXILES OF LORETO.
Juvent of the Jesuits in Lower California-Father John Salva Tierra-Seventy Years in the Wilderness-Night Drami of Loreto-Expulsion of the Jesnits-Coming of the Franciscau Friars-Father Junipero-The Shrine of Monterey. 17-18
CHAPTER V,
THE MISSIONS OF ST. FRANCIS.
Their Moral and Political Aspect-Domestic Ecouomy-The Establishments Described-Secular and Religious Occupations of the Neophytes-Wealth and Productions-Liberation and Dispersion of the Indians- Final Decay. 19-20
CHAPTER VI.
DOWNFALL OF THE OLD MISSIONS.
Results of Mexican Rule-Confiscation of the Pious Fund-Revolution Begun -Events of the Colonial Rebellion-The Americans Appear aud Settle Things-Annexation at Last. 20-21
CHAPTER VII. PRIMITIVE AGRICULTURE.
Extent of the Mission Lands-Varieties of Product-Agricultural Implements and Means of Working-A Primitive Mill-Immense Herds and Value of Cattle-The First Native Shop. 22-23
CHAPTER VHI.
INDIANS AFTER THE AMERICAN CONQUEST.
Their Manners and Customs in the Wild State-Dwellings, Dress, and Pursuits -Reputed Giants-Superstitious and Religious Beliefs-Tribes of the Sac- ramento Valley-Etc. 23-25
CHAPTER IX.
Sir Francis Drake's Discoveries-The Fabulous Straits of Anian-Arctic Weather in June-Russian Invasion-Native Animals-Various Facts and Events. 26-25
CHAPTER X. THE AMERICAN CONQUEST.
Fremont and the Bear Flag-Rise and Progress of the Revolution-Commo- clores Sloat, Stockton, and Shubrick-C'astru and Flores Driven Out- Treaty of Peace-Stockton and Kearney Quarrel-Fremont Arrested, Etc. 28-29
CHAPTER XI. BIOGRAPHIC SKETCH OF GENERAL SUTTER.
His Nativity-Migration to the American West-Arrival in California-Foun- dation of Sntter's Fort-Prosperity and Wealth of the Colony-Decline and Ultimate Ruin-Retirement to Hock Farm-Extract from Sutter's Diary. 29-35 .
CHAPTER XII. THE KING'S ORPHAN.
His Observations in the Sacramento Valley in 1843-Indications of Gold-Life ut Sutter's Fort-Indian Gourmands-Wonderful Fertility of the Land. 35-36
CHAPTER XIII. SUTTER'S FORT IN 1846.
Aspect of Sacramento Valley-Sinclair's Ranch-A Lady Pioneer-Captain Sutter at Home-The Fort Described-Condition and Occupation of the Indians-Farm Products and Prices-Dinner with the Pioneer-New 36-38
Helvetia.
CHAPTER XIV.
THE HISTORY OF THE DONNER PARTY.
Scene of the Tragedy-Organization and Composition of the Party- Election of George Donner as Captain-Hasting's Cut-off-Ascent of the Monu. tains-Arrival at Donner Lake-Snow Storms -Construction of Cabin. " Forlorn Hope Party "- Captain Reasin P'. Theker's Relief Party -James F. Reed's Relief Party-' Starved Camp "-Third Relief Party- Hernian and Devotion of Mrs. George Donner- Fourth Relief Party The Sur vivors. 38 10
CHAPTER XV. THE DISCOVERY OF GOLD.
Early Reports nud Discoveries-Marshall's Great Discovery at Sutter's Mill- His Account of the Event- Views of the Newspapers of that Time- Politi- eal and Social Revolution-Great Rush to the Mines Results-General Sutter's Account of the Gold Discovery Building of Saw Mill. 40-16
CHAPTER XVI.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF NEVADA COUNTY
Climate -- Boundaries -- Topography -Quadropola Birds - - Fish -Reptiles Thermometer-Snow and Rain -- Tables of Rain Fall. 40 17
CHAPTER XVII EARLY CONDITION OF THIS REGION.
Mountains Unexplored by the Spaniards-The Trappers-Fremont's Paysage of the Mountains in 1844-Battles With the Snow-The Folian'. Warum; - A Glimpse of the Valley-Subsisting on Horse Flesh Arrival at Sutter's Fort-Early Settlements-An Immigrant Party of 1911-Captain Truckee -Truckee River-The First House in Nevada County Alone on the Smin mit-Death of Captain Truckee-Immigrants in 1946 - Iscovery of Gold on the Yuba-Prospecting iu Nevada County in IS18. 47 .2
CHAPTER XVIII.
SETTLEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTY.
Rose's Corral-Settlers in 1849-The Rush of 1830 -- De truction of Holt Mill --. General Green's Campaign -- The Leading Towns-Population in 1852-Frazer River and Washoe -Discovery of the Comstock - Can't- ot 1860 -- The Washoe War-Census of IS70.
BOSTONY DE NEVADA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
CHATTER XIX.
EVADA COUNTY AS A POLITICAL BODY
Yolo County He an Inconvenient -Chanization of Nul- Comt boundary Court of Sim Bel et Supervisor Tesahip V& Court Landarn Blant d Lowship -Town hp Comment -Mal & lake Towns Reifying the Brand ri - I'm ent. Town Ip Bomund ru - Ats County- Donner County.
CHAPTER XX.
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP.
Organization and Bound aries - Present Bomularies -- North Boumfickl-Lake City Columbia Hill Birlief Ilill, 58-60
CHAPTER XXI.
BRIDGEPORT TOWNSHIP.
Bunudavies North San Juan- Origin of Name-Settlement -Name Changed Newspaper Fires Water Works Titles Ridge Telephone Co .- Birchville Cherokee French Curral Driving Ont Chinamen-Sweet- Boul Sobantique. 60-62
CHAPTER XXH.
EUREKA TOWNSHIP.
Boundaries Eureka South Moure's Plat Orleans Flat-Wardsey's Flat. 62-63
CHAPTER XXIII. GRASS VALLEY TOWNSHIP.
Brand, ries Grass Valley First Settlers-First Christian Burial-Centreville Walsh's Mill- Families Hotels Quartz Discovery -- Election of a Jus- the Church and Selumls Rint Lola Montez-City Incorporated Three Times United States Patent-threat Fire of 185-List of Losses-Wells, Varga & Co. Ahend Fire of 1860-Fire of 1862-Other Fires-Water Works toraks Valley of Today-A lappy Ride The Hungry Convention at times Valley. 63-69
CHAPTER XXIV.
LITTLE YORK TOWNSHIP.
Condition of the Township Bomdaries-Little York-Decker Family-Fire and Explosion of 1878 - Red Dog, or Brooklyn-Destruction by Fire- Afundopunt - You Bet- Twice Swept Away by Fire-Rebuilt-Wal- loupa Its Brief Career Hunt's Hill, or Gouge Eye. 09-71
CHAPTER XXV.
MEADOW LAKE TOWNSHIP.
Why Created - Boundaries-Quartz Discoveries of 1863-The Rush of 1805- Siunit City Meadow Lake Incorporated-Stock Board-Turnpike Boas travle, Carlyle, Paris and Mendoza-Prospects in Istiti- The Moor Lok Sin Downfall of the City-Burned in 1875- I'mthe ('durn's Station Buried-New Town of Truckee- Barnel in 1>71- Coher Fires Clonese Driven Out-Chinese Abduction Riot- Dessporten Industries-The Truckee of Today-"001"-Death of
D. B. Erik-Shooting & Spencer-Street Fight-Mad Dog in Truckee- Phi Other Parts. 71-78
CHAPTER XXVI. NEVADA TOWNSHIP.
Bruneris Seval (ty-lane W. Marshall in 1848-Pennington and Forty-Callwell's Sture-First Family-Election of Alcalde-Naming the Town- Extract From letter of B. P. Avery -- Justice Olney-The City in ISit Regling Room-Glony Outlook-Condition in 1851-A Magnifi- cent Government-Letter from Han. R. J. Oglesby-The Jenny Lind Goes Down Stream-Society-Incorporation by Court of Sessions-Statistics of 1555-Incorporated in 1856-Laird's Dam-Subsequent History-U. S. l'atent -AAnonymous Letters-Fires and Fire Department-1851-1852- First Water Works-1854-1855-Great Fire of 1856-Destruction of Life and Property-1855-1860-Organization of Fire Department-Water Works-('reat Fire of 1863-13G)-Iuestdiarisin-Nevada City To-day- Gold Flat -- Coyoteville-Selby Flat-" Now, You (fit "-A Pioneer Printer -Tomlinson's Celebration-Silently Stealing Away. 75-89
CHAPTER XXVII. ROUGH AND READY TOWNSHIP.
Jonas Spect in 1818-Rose's Corral-Bovyer's Trading Post-Township Boun- daries-Rough and Ready-Settlement-Captain Townsend's Venture- Rev. James S. Dunleavy-Judiciary Committee -Brundage's Mass Mecting -Masons and Odd Fellows' Association-Decline and Revival of the Town -Fire of 1853-Good Resolutions in a Bad Place-Destruction by Fire in 1859-Present Condition-Newtown-Mooney Flat- Spenceville. 89-91
CHAPTER XXVIII. WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
Boundaries-Washington-Alpha-Omega-Gold Hill-Fire. 91-92
CHAPTER XXIX.
THE COURTS OF NEVADA COUNTY:
Introduction of Law-The Mexican Courts-Supreme Court-District Court -County Court-Court of Sessions-Probate Court-Justices of the Peace -- Courts Under the New Constitution. 92-94
CHAPTER XXX. SKETCH OF THE NEVADA COUNTY BAR. BY HON. A. A. SARGENT.
The Attorneys who Have Constituted the Bar of Nevada County, and Many Interesting Anecdotes in Regard to Them, and to the Legal and Illegal Pro- cecdings in the County. 94-104
CHAPTER XXXI.
THE COURT OF JUDGE LYNCH.
The Supremacy of the Law-C'anses for Mob Violence-Whipping of Studley- Knowlton Hanged at Bridgeport-The Sandy Brown Case at Nevada City-The Indian Collo Hanged at Rough and Ready-The Negro Itrown Hanged at Newtown-The Jar of Gold-Almost a Victim-Cases of Whipping.
104-107
CHAPTER & AH.
THE DEATH PENALTY.
The Custom of Hanging-Hanging For St . Deg-John Barrett-Hanging a Kleptomaniac-Frank V. Mo re-' uit. the Gallows-David Butler, alias Major C. Bolin-Birckluck In on vs. Gallows-Thomas Burke- Escape and Recapture-Robert Donde Onail Hunting and Man Shooting -Ah Look Escapes a Trial-George in ts-Ab Lack to be Hanged.
107-110
CHAPTER AXXIII. -LEADING CASES OF HOMICIDE.
Condition of Society-Murder of Dr. Lennox-New Year's Ball at Grass Valley and Death of Jack Allen-Tie Decker Family-The French Way- Isaac Rich at Alpha-The Peravasim of a Rope-The Brennan Suicide- Dr. MeMurtry and the Griffin. - Death of Quinton and Attempted Assas- sination of O. I'. Stidger-The Loibl- Murder at Cooper's Bridge-Bran- man and the Chinamen-" No Mon n'en Hit Me With a Rock and Live" -Love's Tournament in Truckce .Buried Treasure and Death-The Exploits of Benjamin Reed-Twenty-forr stabs Make Assault and Battery- Murdered by Lamp Light-A De. perat . Street Fight-Crazy for Blood- The Trout Creek Case-Shot for nirfering-Shot During a Spree. 110-114
CHAPTER XXXIV. ROBBERIES AND NOTED HIGHWAYMEN.
The Robber's Paradise-Joaquin Marictor -- Tom Bell-Jim Webster-Robber- ies-Wells, Fargo & Co. lose Twel. . Thousand Dollars -. A Raid on Rob. bers-A Highwayman's & ra .. Stephen Venard and the Robbers- Wasting a Shot-Dare Tx s am li nolo Jim-Chinese Strategy- George Washington's Rule-E :. (ny , and the Robbers -- " This Means Business "-The Robber Trimm,; -Per . D. Iton, the Mountain Spirit-
Robbery of the Eureka Stage an. th of William F. Cummings.
115-1:20
CHAPTER XXXV. THE COLE OF HONOR
Dibble-Lundy Duel-Gardiner. Mason Duel-Van Harran Moyes Duel - A Hydraulic Duel-Souchet.Pi ant Dael-The Cherokee Tragedy. 120-122
CHAPTER XXXVI. TRAN PORTATION.
Mules-Express-Bowers Brothers and Hamlet Davis-Wells Fargo & ... Stages-Railroads-First P. position Concerning Pacific Railroad-> rst Bill for Pacific Rulon- First Surveys-Sacramento, Auburn and Nevada Railroad Comp. at- Tactical Efforts by T. D. Judah-His trip to Washington, in 185. 1 . I. Enlist Capitalists of San Francisco- Organization of Company . Sacramento-List of First Officers-Instru- mental Survey Made- The Ties of Location-Resolution of Board of Directors-Second 3. . ri t by Mr. Judah-Passage of Bill by Con- gress, in 1862-Provision . 1-Financial Difficulties-Death of Mr. Judah-Location of line . ul-Report of George (. Gray, C. E .- Driving the Last Spik „ ¢ li ations With Other Roads-Snow Sheds-
Snow Plow Inciden ul Ride-An Kilitor Undler the Wheels- Accidents-Nevad , ( 3 Narrow Gauge Railroad-Jubilee Over its 'Completion-Stati t. Fter Railroad Schemes. 122 130
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NEVADA COUNTY COURT HOUSE, NEVADA CITY, CAL.
HISTORY
NEVADA
OUNTY -
.0.
. BY HARRY L. WELLS.%.
CHAPTER 1.
INTRODUCTORY.
Extout and Character of the Work-Method of Arrangement-Difficulties Encountered-Thanks for Assistance Rendered-Authorities Referred to for Data,
BRFORE entering upon the subject to which this work is devoted, it is proper that a few words be said in regard to the character and extent of the work and its method of arrange- ment, to enable the reader to undertake its perusal with a true idea of its. character, and to place the publishers in a proper light before the public. Prior to entering upon its compilation, the publishers assured the people of Nevada county that they would issue a work replete in facts, incidents and statistics and embellished with fine lithographie illustrations, and from the eneouraging patronage they have rendered, the people have a right to expect these promises to be fulfilled, an expectation which the publishers 'confidently trust will meet with full fruition in the succeeding pages of this volume.
The scope of the work is very comprehensive, beginning with the seant information furnished by the early voyagers and dis- coverers, and from that period carrying the history of California down through the long years of Spanish and Mexican govern-
ment, its conquest by the United States, the discovery of gold at Coloma, and the admission of the State into the Union. Succeeding this is a more detailed history of Nevada county, in which the historical portions are arranged by townships, and all other facts and events gathered together and treated under special headings, thus rendering the volume valuable as a book of reference. To this are added a chronology of events and brief biographical sketches of the patrons.
The preparation of the volume has been no easy task, but to the historian it has been in the main an agreeable one. It has made for him many pleasant acquaintances among the citizens of Nevada county, with whom he sojourned for several months, and to whose many ancedotes of the pioneer days he has listened with great relish. It has given him an opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful of the many delightful por- tions of California, to view the vast mining operations that have added so many millions to the world's store of precious metals and to behold that spirit of energy and enterprise that has given to Nevada county her great prosperity and deservedly placed her in the front rank among the foremost counties of the State.
The time and labor consumed in presenting this volume to the public have been far from inconsiderable, and can scarcely
be appreciated by one not familiar with a compilation of this character. In the preparation of simply the historical portion, without reference whatever to the illustrations, work has been done that would have occupied one man more than a year, and the writer has been engaged upon it continuously for the past seven months. Twice the time could have been spent upon the work and still much be left unsaid ; for what cannot be said of a county that in two short years was transformed from a wilder- ness of hills, forest and mountain streams, occupied by bands of ignorant savages, to the home of over twenty thousand peo- ple, whose busy huuum ascended upon the unaccustomed air to bear witness that one more paradise of nature belonged to civil- ization ?
The uncertainty that always attends the compilation of history that has found a register only in the minds of those who participated in events so long ago, renders it probable that in some cases errors have unavoidably erept in, and the scarcity of these, for none could hope for their entire absence, evidenees the eare that has been had in the preparation of every portion of the volume. No one realizes better than the historian, and witness has been borne to the fact by every one with whom he has conversed, that it is difficult to recall the events of pioneer
12
HISTORY OF NEVADA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
· days, that have been crowded from the mind by the cares of thirty years of busy life, save, perhaps, the few exciting inei- dents indelibly stamped upon the mind and borne vividly in the recollection of those who participated in them. Even in these cases conflicting statements are inade, and not strangely ; for it is well known that testimony given by eye witnesses in a judicial trial often varies in important particulars, when taken immediately subsequent to the event under investigation, and it can but be expected that the elapse of thirty years would but add to the difficulty. In all such cases it has been the constant care of the historian to view the matter from all sides and pre- sent the facts as they seem to hiin to bear the best evidence and come from the source most likely to be correct. In searching for data on any subject, recourse has been had to the best attain- able authority on that particular topic, and as far as possible records have been relied upon in preference to oral testimony, and we trust the reader will bear this in mind when he finds a statement that conflicts with opinions he has previously main- tained. Attention is especially called to the case of John Barrett, in regard to whom it has been the universal and incor- reet belief that he was hanged for stealing a worthless watch.
In collecting information for the following pages the writer has been ably assisted by J. Albert Wilson, H. B. Rice and Allen M. Freeman, members of the historical staff, to whose labors is due in a large measure the early and successful completion of the work. The publishers have received the substantial aid and encouragement of many who have subscribed for the work and for illustrations, without which success would have been impos- sible, and who have the satisfaction of knowing that by their liberality and enterprisc they have aided in giving to Nevada county a work fully equal to any that has been published on the Coast. To them the publishers return their sincere thanks. The writer desires to particularly thank the following gentle- inen for the special aid rendered and interest taken in the progress of the work: Hon. A. A. Sargent, of San Francisco, who wrote the interesting sketch of the Nevada county bar; Hon. Thomas H. Caswell and A. P. Willey, of San Francisco; Hon. Niles Searls, I. J. Rolfe, Amos T. Laird, N. P. Brown, Charles McElvey, Hon. E .. H. Gaylord, Hon. John Caldwell, L. C. Calkins, Hon. James D. White and D. A. Rich, of Nevada City; A. B. Dibble, A. B. Brady, Hon. E. W. Roberts, Edward Coleman, Jolin Coleman, C. Conaway, James Judd, M. McDon- ough, Dr. L. R. Webster, Charles H. Mitchell and Geo. Fletcher,
of Grass Valley; Hon. O. P. Stidger, of North San Juan; V. G. Bell, of French Corral; Henry C. Perkins, of North Bloomfield; J. C. Eastman, of Moore's Flat; Charles Phelps, of Washington; Malcom McLeod, of Hunt's Hill; W. C. Barker, of You Bet; Johnson Leonard, J. B. Byrne and J. H. Wentworth, of Gold Flat; Charles F. McGlashan, Hon. B. J. Watson and Hamlet Davis, of Truckee. For the courteous assistance of the county and city officers and to the favorable consideration of the county press the writer is also under obligations. Besides these are many others who have kindly assisted the historian in various ways, and to whom he returns his sincere thanks.
In the preparation of this volume, besides the information drawn from the citizens by personal interviews and from many documents and records, the following publications have been largely referred to:
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