USA > California > Sacramento County > An illustrated history of Sacramento County, California : containing a history of Sacramento County from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospective future portraits of some of its most eminent men, and biographical mention of many of its pioneers and also prominent citizens of today > Part 24
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On May 5, 1851, J. R. Hardenbergh (Demo- crat) was elected mayor by a vote of 1,264, to 1,224 for Joseph H. Nevett (Whig). On the day of election an extensive fire broke. out in San Francisco, which destroyed 87,000,000 worth of property. The excitement consequent on the reception of this intelligence somewhat dampened the ardor of the voters.
On April 5, 1852, C. I. Hutchinson (Whig) defeated Hardenbergh (D.) by a vote of 1,450, to 1,234. This election was particularly excit- ing. Mass meetings were held at different points in the city, and there was no end to the mud- throwing.
Hardenbergli was again successful, however, at the election on April 4, 1853, defeating his Whig opponent, W. H. McGrew, by a vote of 2,046 to 1,382. On March 28 the Whig Con- vention had nominated Dr. Volney Spaulding for the office, but he declined, and on the 30th the nomination was given to McGrew.
On April 3, 1854, R. P. Jolinson (Whig) was elected by a vote of 1,798 over Colonel Jolin P. Hall (Dem.), who received 1,693.
James L. English (American) was elected mayor on April 2, 1855, by a vote of 1,523, to 504 for Hiram Arentz (Anti-American) and 78 for R. P. Johnson (Whig). The latter, a few days before the election, published a card of withdrawal.
On April 7, 1856, B. B. Redding (Demoerat) was chosen mayor by a vote of 1,743, to 1,654 for L. B. Harris (American).
J. P'. Dyer (Democrat) was elected to the of- fice April 6, 1857, by a vote of 1,955, to 788 for Dr. R. B. Ellis (People's Independent) and 501 for George Rowland (Republican). Dyer
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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.
held the office until the succession by the presi- dent of the Board of Supervisors, under the Consolidation Act.
On May 3, 1858, Dr. H. L. Nichols (People's Independent) was elected president of the Board of Supervisors, by a vote of 3,584, to 1,877 for J. L. Craig (Democrat).
William Shattuck (Lecompton Democrat) was elected president, September 7, 1859, by a vote of 3,233, to 2,802 for B. B. Redding (A. L. Democrat), and 5 for George Rowland (Repub- lican).
On September 4, 1861, Shattuck was re-elected on the Douglas Democratic and Settlers' tickets, by a vote of 3,633, to 3,258 for C. H. Grimm (Republican), 14 for E. P. Figg (Breckenridge Democrat).
Since the adoption of the present city charter, mayors have been elected as follows:
May 5, 1863, Charles H. Swift (Union) by a vote of 1,640, over William Shattuck (Democrat), who received 742.
March 13, 1866, Charles H. Swift (Union) by a vote of 1,321, to 915 for William F. Knox (Democrat).
March 9, 1869, Charles H. Swift (Republi- can), by a vote of 1,232, to 749 for Archibald Henley (Independent), and 71 for P. H. Russell (Democrat). The latter withdrew on the morn- ing of election in favor of Henley.
March 12, 1872, Christopher Green (Repub- lican), by a vote of 1,629, to 1,245 for John Q. Brown (Democrat).
March 9, 1875, Christopher Green (Republi- can), by a vote of 1,815, to 1,271 for John Q. Brown (Democrat and Independent).
March 12, 1878, Jabez E. Turner (Working man), by a vote of 1,203, to 1,063 for James I. Felter (Republican), 1,056 for IIngh M. LaRne (Democrat), and 726 for Ezra Pearson (Work- ingman).
March 8, 1881, Jolın Q. Brown (Democrat), by a vote of 1,925, to 1,704 for Christopher Green (Republican).
March 11, 1884, John Q. Brown (Democrat), by a vote of 1,912, to 1,871 for Joseph Steffens
(Republican), and 344 for Dr. A. B. Nixon (Prohibition).
March 8, 1887, Eugene J. Gregory (Republi- can), by a vote of 3,202, to 1,283 for John Q. Brown (Democrat), and 39 for F. II. L. Weber (Prohibition).
The total number of votes cast in the city at elections where mayors have been chosen is as follows: 1850, 2,576; 1850 (December special), 2,032; 1851, 2,488; 1852, 2,684; 1853, 3,428; 1854, 3,549; 1855, 2,095; 1856, 3,397; 1857, 3,242; 1858, 3,344; 1859, 3,702; 1861, 4,150; 1863, 2,426; 1866, 2,240; 1869, 2,439; 1872, 2,960; 1875, 3,138; 1878, 4,060; 1881, 3,695; 1884, 4,147; 1887, 4,527.
DEAD AND LIVING CHIEF MAGISTRATES.
Most of the men who have filled the office of chief magistrate of the city are dead. General Winn was prominently identified with the Odd Fellows, and afterward founded the Order of Native Sons of the Golden West. He died in Sonoma Connty, Angust 26, 1883. Biglow died of cholera, as stated above. Smith died at Vir- ginia City, Nevada, December 4, 1863. · Hard- enbergh afterward removed to San Francisco, and filled several Federal offices. He died at East Oakland, May 30, 1885. Hutchinson was for many years a member of the insurance firm of Hutchinson & Mann, of San Francisco, and died there September 22, 1884. Johnson died at the Bay, May 1, 1886. Redding was after- ward Secretary of State, and for many years land agent of the railroad company. He died at San Francisco, Angust 21, 1882. Shattuck died at Newcastle, October 10, 1885. Swift was for years president of the Sacramento Bank, and died at San Francisco, July 15, 1885. With the exception of Dyer all of the balance are now residents of Sacramento.
CITY OFFICERS.
Following is a list of the officers of the city of Sacramento, from 1849 to 1881, inclusive:
1849 .- A. M. Winn, Mayor; the Alcalde, Re- corder; N. C. Cunningham, Marshal; William
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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.
Glaskin, City Clerk and Auditor; J. A. Tutt, Assessor; S. C. Hastings, Treasurer; B. Brown, Collector; Murray Morrison, City Attorney; R. J. Watson, Harbormaster.
1850 .-* Hardin Biglow, Mayor; +Horace Smith, Mayor; B. F. Washington, Recorder; N. C. Cunningham, Marshal; J. B. Mitchell, City Clerk and Auditor; J. W. Woodland, As- sessor; Barton Lee, Treasurer; E. B. Pratt, Collector; J. Neely Johnson, City Attorney; George W. Hammersley, Harbormaster.
1851 .- James R. Hardenbergh, Mayor; W. H. McGrew, Recorder; W. S. White, Marshal; L. Curtis, Clerk and Auditor; Sainnel McKee, Assessor; W. R. McCracken, Treasurer; W. S. White, Collector; J. Neely Johnson, City Attor- ney; John Requa, Harbormaster.
1852 .- C. I. Hutchinson, Mayor; W. H. Mc- Grew, Recorder; David McDowell, Marshal; Washington Meeks, City Clerk and Auditor; William Lewis, Assessor; R. Chenery, Treas- urer; D. McDowell, Collector; John G. Hyer, City Attorney; John Requa, Harbormaster; W. A. Selkirk, Superintendent of Schools.
1853 .- J. R. Hardenbergh, Mayor; N. Greene Curtis, Recorder; W. S. White, Marshal; John A. Fowler, City Clerk and Auditor; Samuel T. Clymer, Assessor; C. J. Torbert, Treasurer; W. S. White, Collector; L. Landus, Jr., City Attorney; Gordon Backus, Harbormaster; H. J. Bidleman, Superintendent of Schools.
1854 .- R. P. Johnson, Mayor; N. Greene Curtis, Recorder; W. S. White, Marshal; T. A. Thomas, City Clerk and Auditor; E. C. Win- chiell, Assessor; W. E. Chamberlain, Treasurer; N. A. II. Ball, Collector; W. Cyrus Wallace, City Attorney; Frank Ilarney, Harbormaster; Il. W. Harkness, Superintendent of Schools.
1855 .- James L. English, Mayor; N. Greene Curtis, Recorder; James W. Haines, Marshal; W. E. Chamberlain, City Clerk and Anditor; Prescott Robinson, Assessor; John C. Barr, Treasurer; J. T. Knox, Collector: Horace Smith, City Attorney; James W. Haines, Ilarbormas-
ter; Frank Tukey (resigned), Superintendent of Schools; F. W. Hatch (to fill vacancy), Super- intendent of Schools.
1856 .- B. B. Redding, Mayor; W. W. Price, Recorder; Thomas McAlpin, Marshal; John F. Madden, City Clerk and Anditor; W. C. Felch, Assessor; W. M. Brainard, Treasure .; John H. Houseman, Collector; Henry Starr, City Attor- ney; George C. Hlaswell, Harbormaster; F. W. Hatch, Superintendent of Schools.
1857 .- J. P. Dyer, Mayor; Presley Dunlap, Recorder; James Lansing, Marshal; John F. Madden, City Clerk and Auditor; Alex. Mont- gomery, Assessor; James H. Sullivan, Treas- urer; John H. Houseman, Collector; George R. Moore, City Attorney; George C. Haswell, Har- bormaster; J. G. Lawton, Superintendent of Schools.
1858 .- H. L. Nichols, President of the Board; *Justice of the Peace, Police Judge; J. P. Hardy, Marshal; J. B. Dayton, City Clerk and Auditor; E. B. Ryan, Assessor; Morg. Miller, Treasurer; W. S. Manlove, Collector; R. F. Morrison, City Attorney; Dan. H. Whepley, Harbormaster; G. L. Simmons, Superintendent of Schools.
1859 .- W. Shattuck, President of the Board; Justice of the Peace, Police Judge; J. J. Wat- son, Marshal; J. B. Dayton, City Clerk and Auditor; E. B. Ryan, Assessor; Morg. Miller, Treasurer; W. S. Manlove, Collector; R. F. Morrison, City Attorney; Dan. II. Whepley, Harbormaster; G. L. Simmons, Superintendent of Schools.
1860 .- W. Shattuck, President of the Board; Justice of the Peace, Police Judge; J. J. Wat- son, Marshal; Thomas Letson, City Clerk and Auditor; E. B. Ryan, Assessor; C. L. Bird, Treasurer; Sylvester Marshall, Collector; Cor- nelius Cole, City Attorney; Dan. H. Whepley, Harbormaster; F. W. Hatch, Superintendent of Schools.
1861 .- W. Shattuck, President of the Board; Justice of the Peace, Police Judge; J. J. Wat- son, Marshal; Thomas Letson, City Clerk and
* Wounded in the Squatter Riots, and died of cholera before he re- covered from his injuries.
t Elected to fill vacancy.
* From 1858 to 1862 the city and county was consolidated, aud mao- aged by a Board of Supervisors, one of which was president of the board. During this period the three city justicce of the peace were, In rotation of a week each, policc judge.
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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.
Anditor; E. B. Ryan, Assessor; C. L. Bird, Treasurer; Sylvester Marshall, Collector; Cor- nelius Cole, City Attorney; G. W. Whitney, Harbormaster; G. Taylor, Superintendent of Schools.
1862 .- W. Shattuck, President of the Board; Thomas W. Gilmer, Police Judge; J. J. Wat- son, Marshal; Josiah Howell, City Clerk and Auditor; E. B. Ryan, Assessor; C. L. Bird, Treasurer; * James McDonald, Treasurer; B. N. Bugbey, Collector; * Samuel Smith, Collector; W. W. Upton, City Attorney; G. W. Whitney, Harbormaster; G. Taylor, Superintendent of Schools.
1863 .- C. H. Swift, First Trustee and Mayor; H. T. Holmes, Second Trustee; Josiah Johnson, Third Trustee; S. S. Holl, Police Judge; +J. T. Clark, Chief of Police; Benjamin Peart, City Anditor and Clerk; James E. Smith, Assessor; W. E. Chamberlain, Treasurer; James E. Smith, Collector; E. H. Heacock, City Attorney; N. A. Kidder, Harbormaster; G. Taylor, Superintend- ent of Schools.
1864 .- C. H. Swift, First Trustee and Mayor; H. T. Holmes, Second Trustee; Josiah Johnson, Third Trustee; S. S. Holl, Police Judge; F. T. Burke, Chief of Police; Benjamin Peart, City Auditor and Clerk; James E. Smith, Assessor; W. E. Chamberlain, Treasurer; James E. Smith, Collector; E. H. Heacock, City Attorney; N. A. Kidder, Harbormaster; W. H. Hill, Super- intendent of Schools.
1865 .- C. H. Swift, First Trustee and Mayor; S. D. Smith, Second Trustee; Josiah Johnson, Third Trustee; S. S. Holl, Police Judge; F. T. Burke, Chief of Police; C. C. Jenks, City An- ditor and Clerk; John C. Halley, Assessor; Har- vey Caswell, Treasurer; D. A. De Merrit, Col- lector; E. H. Heacock, City Attorney; S. C. Hall, Harbormaster; W. H. Hill, Superintend- ent of Schools.
1866 .- C. H. Swift, First Trustee and Mayor; S. D .. Smith, Second Trustee; Josiah Johnson, Third Trustee; L. H. Foote. Police Judge; F. T. Burke, Chief of Police; C. C. Jenks, City Auditor and Clerk; John C. Halley, Assessor; Harvey Caswell, Treasurer; D. A. De Merrit, Collector; E. H. Heacock, City Attorney; N. A. Kidder, Harbormaster; W. H. Hill, Super- intendent of Schools.
1867 .- C .. H. Swift, First Trustee and Mayor; S. D. Smith, Second Trustee; David Kendall, Third Trustee; L. H. Foote, Police Judge; F. T. Burke, Chief of Police; John McClintock, City Auditor and Clerk; E. R. Hamilton, As- sessor; W. E. Chamberlain, Treasurer; D. A. De Merrit, Collector; M. C. Tilden, City At- torney; N. A. Kidder, Harbormaster; W. H. Hill, Superintendent of Schools.
1868 .- C. H. Swift, First Trustee and Mayor , John Rider, Second Trustee; David Kendall, Third Trustee; L. H. Foote, Police Judge; B. W. Martz, Chief of Police; John McClintock, City Anditor and Clerk; E. R. Hamilton, As- sessor; W. E. Chamberlain, Treasurer; D. A. De Merrit, Collector; M. C. Tilden, City At- torney; William Young, Harbormaster; W. H. Hill, Superintendent of Schools.
1869 .- C. H. Swift, First Trustee and Mayor; John Rider, Second Trustee; * David Kendall, Third Trustee; L. H. Foote, Police Jndge; B. W. Martz, Chief of Police; John McClintock, City Auditor and Clerk; W. T. Crowell, As- sessor; W. E. Chamberlain, Treasurer; A. Leon- ard, Collector; S. S. Holl, City Attorney; William Young, Harbormaster; W. H. Hill, Superintendent of Schools.
1870 .- C. H. Swift, First Trustee and Mayor; John Rider, Second Trustee; James McCleery, Third Trustee; A. Henley, Police Judge; George Smith, Chief of Police; John McClintock, City Auditor and Clerk; W. T. Crowell, Assessor; W. E. Chamberlain, Treasurer; A. Leonard, Collector; J. K. Alexander, City Attorney; William Young, Harbormaster; W. H. Hill, Superintendent of Schools.
NOTE .- The city government was changed on the 25th of April, 1663; the new board met and held their first session on the let of May, 1863, the city ever since being governed by three trustees-the first trustee heing president of the board and mayor; the second trustee, street commissioner; and the third trustee, superintendent of the water-works.
"Appointed to fill a vacancy.
+ Removed October 7, 1863, and D. II Lowry appointed.
* Died before the expiration of his term.
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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.
1871 .- C. H. Swift, First Trustee and Mayor; John Rider, Second Trustee; James MeCleery, Third Trustee; A. Henley, Police Judge; George Smith, Chief of Police; John McClintock, City Auditor and Clerk; S. S. Greenwood, Assessor; W. E. Chamberlain, Treasurer; II. Montfort, Collector; Charles T. Jones, City Attorney; William Young, Harbormaster; W. H. Hill, Superintendent of Schools.
1872 .- Christopher Green, First Trustee and Mayor; John Rider, Second Trustee; James McCleery, Third Trustee; T. W. Gilmer, Police Judge; Matt Karcher, Chief of Police; E. M. Stevens, Captain of Police; John McClintock, City Auditor and Clerk; S. S. Greenwood, As- sessor; W. E. Chamberlain, Treasurer; H. Mont- fort, Collector; M. C. Tilden, City Attorney; William Yonng, Harbormaster; S. C. Denson, Superintendent of Schools.
1873 .- Christopher Green, First Trustee and Mayor; John Rider, Second Trustee; Ilorace Adams, Third Trustee; T. W. Gilmer, Police Judge; Matt Karcher, Chief of Police; E. M. Stevens, Captain of Police; John McClintock, City Auditor and Clerk; Fred. A. Shepherd, Assessor; W. T. Crowell, Collector; Samuel Poorman, Treasurer; M. C. Tilden, City At- torney; William Young, Harbormaster; S. C. Denson, Superintendent of Schools.
1874 .- Christopher Green, First Trustee and Mayor; W. F. Knox, Second Trustee; Horace Adams, Third Trustee; W. R. Cantwell, Police Judge; Matt Karcher, Chief of Police; E. M. Stevens, Captain of Police; John MeClintock, City Anditor and Clerk; Fred. A. Shepherd, Assessor; W. T. Crowell, Collector; Samnel Poorman, Treasurer; W. R. Ilinkson, City At- torney; William Young, IIarbormaster and Ilealth Officer; Add. C. Hinkson, Superintend- ent of Schools.
1875 .- Christopher Green, First Trustee and Mayor; W. F. Knox, Second Trustee; James McCleery, Third Trustee; M. S. Horan, Police Judge; E. M. Stevens, Chief of Police; P. L. Hickman, City Auditor and Clerk; Fred. A. Shepherd, Assessor; W. T. Crowell, Collector;
Samuel Poorman, Treasurer; W. A. Anderson, City Attorney; William Young, Harbormaster and Health Officer; A. C. Hinkson, Superin- tendent of Schools.
1876 .- Christopher Green, First Trustee and Mayor; W. F. Knox, Second Trustee; James McCleery, Third Trustee: M. S. Iloran, Police Judge; E. M. Stevens, Chief of Police; P. L. Hickman, City Anditor and Clerk; Fred. A. Shepherd, Assessor; W. T. Crowell, Collector; J. N. Porter, Treasurer; W. A. Anderson, City Attorney; A. Brewer, Harbormaster; A. C. Hinkson, Superintendent of Schools.
1877 .- Christopher Green, First Trustee and Mayor; W. F. Knox, Second Trustee; James McCleery, Third Trustee; Thomas Conger, Po- lice Judge; E. M. Stevens, Chief of Police; E. H. McKee, City Auditor and Clerk; Fred. A. Shepherd, Assessor; G. A. Putnam, Collector; J. N. Porter, Treasurer; W. A. Anderson, City Attorney; N. A. Kidder, Ilarbormaster; W. H. Baldwin, Health Officer; A. C. Hinkson, Super- intendent of Schools.
1878 .- Jabez Turner, First Trustee and Mayor; W. F. Knox, Second Trustee; James McCleery, Third Trustee; Thomas Conger, Po- lice Judge; E. M. Stevens, Chief of Police; E. H. MeKee, City Auditor and Clerk; Fred. A. Shepherd, Assessor; G. A. Putnam, Collector; J. N. Porter, Treasurer; H. L. Buckley, City Attorney; N. A. Kidder, Harbormaster; A. C. Hinkson, Superintendent of Schools.
1879 .- Jabez Turner, First Trustee; W. F. Knox, Second Trustee; Josiah Johnson, Third Trustee; W. A. IIenry, Police Judge; E. M. Stevens, Chief of Police; E. H. McKee, City Anditor and Clerk; Fred. A. Shepherd, Assessor; George A. Putnam, Collector: J. N. Porter, Treasurer; H. L. Buckley, City Attorney; N. A. Kidder, Harbormaster; William Young, Health Officer; F. L. Landes, Superintendent of Schools.
1880 .- Jabez Turner, First Trustee and Mayor; Jerome C. Davis, Second Trustee; Josiah Johnson, Third Trustee; W. A. Henry, Police Judge; Matt Karcher, Chief of Police;
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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.
E. H. McKee, City Anditor and Clerk; Fred. A. Shepherd, Assessor; George A. Putnam, Col- lector; W. E. Chamberlain, Treasurer; W. A. Anderson, City Attorney; N. A. Kidder, Har- bormaster; F. T. Phillips, Health Officer; F. L. Landes, Superintendent of Schools.
1881 .- John Q. Brown, First Trustee and Mayor; * Jerome C. Davis, Second Trustee; Jo- siah Johnson, Third Trustee; W. A. Henry, Po- lice Judge; Matt Karcher, Chief of Police; E. H. McKee, City Auditor and Clerk; Fred. A. Shepherd, Assessor; George A. Putnam, Col- lector; W. E. Chamberlain, Treasurer; W. A. Anderson, City Attorney; N. A. Kidder, Har- bormaster; George R. Martin, Health Officer; F. L. Landes, Superintendent of Schools.
1882 .- John Q. Brown, First Trustee and Mayor; John Ryan, Second Trustee; William Gutenberger, Third Trustee; W. A. Henry, Po- lice Judge; E. II. McKee, City Anditor and Clerk; Fred A. Shepherd, Assessor; George A. Putnam, Collector; W. A. Anderson, Attorney; J. R. Laine, Superintendent of Schools.
1883 .- John Q. Brown, First Trustee and Mayor; John Ryan, Second Trustee; William Gutenberger, Third Trustee; W. A. Henry, Po- lice Judge; E. H. McKee, City Auditor and Clerk; Fred A. Shepherd, Assessor; George A. Putnam, Collector; Matthew Karcher, Chief of Police; W. A. Anderson, Attorney; J. R. Laine, Superintendent of Schools.
1884 .- Same except that H. B. Neilson was Second Trustee and J. J. Buckley was Assessor.
1885 .- John Q. Brown, First Trustee and Mayor; Wm. Gutenberger, Third Trustee; E. H. McKee, City Auditor and Clerk; J. J. Buck- ley, Assessor; George A. Putnam, Collector; W. A. Henry, Police Judge; O. C. Jackson, Chief of Police; W. A. Anderson, City Attorney; J. R. Laine, Superintendent of Schools.
1886 .- John Q. Brown, First Trustee aud Mayor; H. B. Neilson, Second Trustee; W. R. Jones, Third Trustee; E. H. McKee, City An- ditor and Clerk; J. J. Buckley, Assessor; Geo. A. Putnam, Collector; W. A. Henry, Police
Judge; O. C. Jackson, Chief of Police; E. C. Hart, City Attorney; M. R. Beard, Superin- tendent of Schools.
1887 .- Engene J. Gregory, First Trustee and Mayor; John Ryan, Second Trustee; W. R. Jones, Third Trustee; E. H. McKee, Auditor and Clerk; J. J. Buckley, Assessor; George A. Putnam, Collector; Henry S. Buckley, Police Judge; H. F. Dillman, Chief of Police; E. C. Hart, Attorney; M. R. Beard, Superintendent of Schools.
1888 .- Engene J. Gregory, First Trustee and Mayor; John Ryan, Second Trustee; H. C. Wolf, Third Trustee; E. H. McKee, City Auditor and Clerk; J. J. Buckley, Assessor; George A. Put- nam, Collector; Henry S. Buckley, Police Judge; Timothy Lee, Chief of Police; W. S. Church, City Attorney; M. R. Beard, Superintendent of Schools.
1889 .- Engene J. Gregory, First Trustee and Mayor; William McLaughlin, Second Trustee; H. C. Wolf, Third Trustee; E. H. McKee, An- ditor and Clerk; J. J. Buckley, Assessor; Geo. A. Putnam, Collector; Henry S. Buckley, Po- lice Judge; Timothy Lee, Chief of Police; M. R. Beard, Superintendent of Schools.
FIRES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The first fire of any considerable extent oc- curring in the city of Sacramento was on the morning of April 4, 1850, on Front street, be- tween J and K streets, when eight or ten build ings were destroyed, with their contents, within the short space of thirty minutes. The loss was about $100,000. Immediately .a fire depart- ment was organized. November 9, following, a fire destroyed the New York, Eagle, St. Fran- cis and the Galena hotels, Home of the Badger, Rowe's provision store and other buildings. The Tehama Theatre was burned August 13, 1851.
On November 2, 1852, occurred the greatest fire that has ever afflicted this city, when fully seven-eighths of the place was destroyed and a good many lives were supposed to be lost. The total amount of loss was estimated at $10,000,-
* Died October 3, 1331, before expiration of term.
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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.
000. The Congregational Church on Sixth street, although a frame structure, was the only one of many churches saved. The fire did not extend east of Ninth street or north of I street. A strong wind prevailing at the time of the out- break of the fire was doubtless the cause of the conflagration becoming so general.
The second general conflagration in Sacra- mento's history took place ou the afternoon of July 13, 1854, starting in a small frame build- ing in the rear of Newcomb's furniture store, near the center of the block bounded by J, K, Third and Fourth streets. It was caused by the upsetting of a spirit lamp used to warm a glue- pot. The flames almost immediately reached the Sacramento Hotel, and directly there was an overawing blaze. Although the day was very hot, the thermometer being 100° in the coolest shade, the firemen turned ont in force; but in spite of the most heroic efforts the terrible ele- ment proceeded to destroy the Oriental Hotel, American House, old Conrt-House, New Eng- land House, State House, Congregational Church, Sewanee House, Crescent City Hotel and No. 4's Engine House. The water-works had just got into operation, and were found very effi cient, else the loss would have been much greater.
When the fire threatened the State Capitol with destruction, Governor Bigler, who had been working from the beginning of the fire wherever an efficient hand was most needed, asked several by-standers to assist him in saving the furniture. They objected to this on the ground that private parties could not afford to lose their property so well as the State. A full-length portrait of Washington was standing against the southern wall, and pointing to it Bigler said, "See! there is the portrait of the father of your country; will you permit it to be destroyed?" A general rush was made and the picture was saved.
The Golden Eagle Hotel, a substantial brick structure, checked the fire until it was controlled. The Monumental Engine Company of San Fran- cisco did their utmost to reach Sacramento in time, but could not arrive until the next morn- ing. The citizens thanked them cordially.
The next fire of importance occurred July 3, 1855, clearing the whole triangle between the levee, I and Sixth streets; but the buildings were generally old rookeries, occupied mostly by Chinese.
During the following nineteen years several fires occurred, each occasioning the loss of $10,- 000 to $20,000.
September 15, 1874, about 5:30 o'clock A. M., the Capital Woolen Mills caught fire and were destroyed, the loss being between $75,000 and $100,000. Contracts were immediately let for a new building.
On January 9, 1875, in the afternoon, a fire started in the lamp-room of the Western Hotel, and spread with fearful rapidity. The fire de- partment was promptly on hand and succeeded in confining the fire to the hotel building, which was totally destroyed. Three lives were lost; two of the ill-fated were compositors in the Union office. Money loss, abont $90,000.
Sacramento claims the honor of having or- ganized the first fire company in California. This was the Mutual Hookand Ladder Company, No. 1. The primary steps toward organizing were taken on February 5, 1850. The following officers were elected: Demas Strong, Foreman; J. S. Fowler, First Assistant; M. D. Eyre, Sec- ond Assistant; T. A. Warbass, Treasurer; H. G. Langley, Secretary; J. O. Derby, Steward. This company turned out to the fire of April 4, 1850, using the fire engine belonging to Lewis & Bailey. They continued in active existence until October 30, 1859, when they were dis- banded by mutual consent, and their apparatus was turned over to the fire department. Com- panies 1 and 2 were supplied with hooks and ladders in the early part of 1853. The Mutuals occupied the same building with Confidence Engine Company, No. 1, and had twenty-six members when they disbanded.
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