USA > California > Sonoma County > An illustrated history of Sonoma County, California. Containing a history of the county of Sonoma from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time > Part 42
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All surrounding circumstances clearly pointed to the missing Chinese cook, Ang Tai Due, as the perpetrator of the deed; and the statement of the Indians taken in conjunction with the fact that the diary of Captain Wickersham was written up to Sunday evening, indicated that the fiendish deed was perpetrated at the time the unsuspecting vietims had taken their places at the table for their Monday evening meal. The biscuits were on the table and the stove, and were but little caten. Fried potatoes were on Mrs. Wickersham's plate, and the cake and pie were untouched. The gun stood in the corner, close to or in the kitchen. The China- man fired through the partly open kitchen door, where he was evidently out of sight of Mrs. Wickersham, who sat opposite to her hus- band. The shot evidently killed the Captain instantly. His plate and food were overturned in his lap. Mrs. Wickersham jumped up, turned over her chair, dropping her napkin on the floor, and ran to her bedroom. Having re- loaded the gun he fired both charges at her, the shot passing through her body under the arms. Two empty cartridges found on the stove had evidently been removed from the gun when it was reloaded after the shooting of the Captain. The Chinese cook took a few things from his trunk, leaving a Chinese memorandum book and several bottles of whisky. Marshal Blume also found in the Chinaman's trunk a melano- type of a group of four Chinamen, conspicuous among whom was Ang Tai Due, the missing cook. So far as known the murderer got about 880 in coin, but left Mrs. Wickersham's gold watch and other jewelry, together with some odd pieces of coin.
The next thing was to pay the last kind offices to the dead. Fred. Wickersham, and those who attended him on this sad pilgrimage, had the deceased each habilitated in appropriate apparel, and arrangements made for their con- veyanee to Healdsburg, and from thenee to Petaluma by the cars.
Those in charge of the bodies started Satur- day morning, using a covered wagon as a con- veyance, and aiming to reach Healdsburg by way of Skaggs' Springs. The storm and tempest was rioting in the mountains, and the winds crooning in dirge-like notes through the forests seemed a fit accompaniment to this lonesome funeral march. The mountain streams were swollen into mighty torrents, and although every effort was made to combat and overcome the obstacles interposed by the elements, the bodies did not reach this city until four o'clock Sunday evening.
At that hour hundreds of our citizens were congregated at the depot, and sorrow and sad- ness brooded over the assembled throng. On the arrival of the cars the boxes containing the bodies were quickly transferred to the vehicles in waiting and taken to the undertaking estab- lishment of C. Blackburn, where they were placed in elegant caskets and conveyed to the residence of 1. G. Wickersham, Esq., on Sixth street.
Ten o'clock Monday was fixed upon as the time for the funeral, to take place from the St. John's Episcopal Church. From that hour to one o'clock r. M., every place of business and the hanging of flags at half mast attested the high esteem in which Mr. and Mrs. Wieker- sham were held by all. . The services at the church were short, but most solemn and impres- sive. At the church the members of Petaluma Lodge, No. 77, F. & A. M., of which lodge Mr. Wiekersham was a member, took eharge, and the two hearses with their precious burthens, followed by a long procession, wended their way to Cypress Hill cemetery. There this ill-starred and deeply mourned couple were laid peacefully to rest in the lap of mother earth.
We close this sad chapter about these two so ruthlessly stricken down in the prime and use- fulness of life with a few words biographical. They were both fifty-three years of age. At the commencement of the late civil war Mr. Wicker- sham enlisted in the Second lowa Infantry. and when discharged with Sherman's army after
HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY.
the war, was Regimental Quartermaster of his regiment, with rank of Captain. At the elose of the war in 1865, he came to Petaluma and was with his unele, I. G. Wiekersham, presi- dent of the First National Gold Bank, and for some years was assistant cashier of that insti- tution. Mrs. Wiekersham, whose maiden name was Pieket, and who was a younger sister of Mrs. I. G. Wiekersham, eame to Petaluma in the latter years of 1850, being then Mrs. Lins- ley. Her husband died, and after a widowhood of many years she married Captain J. (. Wiek- ersham. Both husband and wife were in rather poor health. Mr. Wickersham purchased the raneh where they met their tragic death, and stoeking it with sheep, the twain decided to seek a renewal of health in mountain life. From the lips of both the writer of this had the as- suranee that their health was never better than in their chosen mountain home. Neither earth nor heaven gave to them or their many friends any portent of the terrible calamity impending. Joyous and happy together in life-but a brief period intervened, and they were united in death. They sleep in one grave. Peace to their ashes.
Ang Tai Due, the perpetrator of this blaek crime, in the meantime had reached San Fran- eisco, and before his vietims were buried was well out to sea, on his way to China. But the swift-winged eleetrieity was put upon his traek, and when the vessel reached Yokohama, Japan, Ang Tai Due was arrested and sent on to China to be held until a requisition for him could be sent from the United States. An officer armed with the necessary papers, and accompanied by S. P. Weston, of Petaluma, to identify the criminal, started to China, but before they reached Hong Kong, Ang Tai Due had hung himself in his prison cell.
CLOVERDALE TOWNSHIP.
Situated at the most northern point in the county, Cloverdale Township is a gateway to Mendocino and Lake counties. It contains 62,- 406 acres, assessed $345,110, or an average of
$5.50 per aere. Total assessed value of all property $820,660. Much of this land is cov- ered with chemisal, with here and there " bald hills " and grassy glades where eattle and sheep pasture. Russian River extends along the eenter of the township, forming one of the most lovely and fertile valleys in the State. Its population in 1880 was 1,265, inereased to over 2,000 since then. The only town within its limits is Cloverdale, comprising about 1,000 in- habitants, and at the present northern terminus of the San Francisco & North Paeifie Rail- road, and from here wagons haul freight and the stages convey passengers north through Mendoeino County, northeast through Lake County and west to the Geysers eenter. Wool, wine, fruit, eattle and cereals all are produced in abundance. The climate is superb. Clover- dale was named by the late F. G. Hahman, of Santa Rosa. A railroad has been graded and most of the rails already laid which will unite Cloverdale with Ukiah, the county seat of Men- doeino County.
CLOVERDALE .-- This is the only town in the township, and had its commencement in this wise: In the year 1856, R. B. Markle and W. J. Miller purchased 850 aeres, which included the present site of Cloverdale, from Johnson Ilorrell, who elaimed a portion of the Rancho de Musalacon. In 1859, J. A. Kleiser bought the property of the above named parties and, in October of that year, had the site surveyed and the town laid out by J. B. Wood, eonnty surveyor.
A man named Levi Rosenburg opened the first store in this part of the country, on the east side of the Russian River, near its confluence with Sulphur Creek, some time early in 1856. In October of that year J. II. Hartman and F. (. Hanman of Santa Rosa conceived the idea of establishing a trading post at Markle's place-by which name Cloverdale was then known-it being on the route taken by travelers to Mendoeino and Humboldt. The first hotel was opened by R. B. Markle about this time in the house now occupied by JJohn Fields on East street, and was called the Cloverdale Hotel.
18
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HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY.
On Kleiser becoming possessed of the property he succeeded Markle in the hotel business as well, and kept it for one year from September. 1859. The first house within the town of Cloverdale was an adobe, owned by a Spaniard.
On February 28, 1872, an act incorporating the town of Cloverdale was approved. Under this act the following were appointed trustees in May. 1872: Harry Kier, Amasa Morse, John Field, W. E. Crigler and Theodore Harper.
The town is cozily nestled among the hills and possesses a number of neat residences, more in proportion than in most places of no greater population.
Of the principle business blocks, Union Block, located on the corner of West and First streets, deserves special mention. It is a two story well appearing brick building. The first floor is divided into three large store rooms, ocen- pied by Pinschower & Ilumbert, dealers in dry goods and notions: Fred Yordi, groceries, ete. : post-office, real estate office of J. F. Hoadley. Sr., and A. C. Walsh, dealer in stationery. A fine, large, commodious town hall and theater is on the second floor. also lodge room used by the A. O. U. W.
Another imposing block is the Cloverdale Banking and Commercial Company's building, corner West and Second streets. It is a two- story briek building; the first floor is used en- tirely in the display of goods carried by the company, as is seen by their advertisement else- where, and the banking department, with $200,- 000 authorized capital. The second floor is one of as finely cquipped lodge rooms as is found in the State. It is used by the Masons, Odd Fel- lows, Knights of Pythias, Chosen Friends and Independent Order of Good Templars. These two buildings would refleet creditably to town's of larger population.
Besides the above mentioned. with other prominent houses, there is the Carrie- Moulton brick bloek, occupied by W. T. Brush, dealer in groceries, hardware, etc., and .l. A. Carrie, dealer in dry goods and notions.
First Congregational Church. The out-
growth of this church was from the labors of Rev. James S. Burger, a missionary of the American Home Mission Society, who com- menced his labors in that district on November 1. 1868. A congregation was organized by Rev. James Il. Warren. D. D., then agent in C'alifornia for that society, on January 17. 1869, consisting of the following members: Rev. James S. Burger and Mrs. Burger, Mrs. Charles Cooley, Mrs. J. A. Carrie, Mrs. H. F. Gerkhart. Mrs. Sarah Hall and Mrs. John Edwards. It was then resolved to erect a place of worship. and a building committee appointed, eonsist- ing of David C. Brush, Charles II. Cooley, James A. Kleiser, Thomas S. Calvin and Harry Kier. This edifice was commeneed in 1870 and completed during the following year. being sit- nated in Bloek L, West street, and cost about 82,500. It is 30x50 feet, and has a belfry, in which hangs a well-toned bell, presented by J. B. Ford, of Mendocino City, which cost $300.
Catholic Church .- This church commenced holding services about the year 1870, in the Cloverdale Hotel and other places till 1575, when the present beautiful little church on Block A, eorner Main and Broad streets, was ereeted. It was dedieated May 7, 1870, by Archbishop Alemany. of San Francisco. Ser- vices are held once a month by Father J. M. Conway, of Santa Rosa.
SOCIETIES .- Curtis Lodge, No. 160, F. & 1. 3. - This lodge commenced work under dispensation, Angust 5, 1859, with William II. Hollis, W. M .; Eli Lester, S. W .: T. J. Gould. J. W .: J. B. Estees, Treasurer; Thomas John- son, Secretary; James Ramey, S. D .; N. L. Morrey, J. D .; Samnel Larson, Tyler, who with J. W. Belden, were the charter members. The first meetings were held in a building now ocen- pied by Charles Cook as a saloon in block J. On May 10. 1860, the charter was granted. In the summer of 1570, the lodge moved into a building, the first one north from their former room, where they are now located.
Cloverdale Lodge, No. 193, 1. 0. 0. F .- This lodge was organized December 2, 1871,
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with R. A. Zimmerman, N. G .: J. L. Dongh- erty, V. G .; Jasper A. Linville, Recording Sec- retary; F. D. Mize, Treasurer; who were with Philip How, the charter members.
Cloverdale Lodge, No. 32, A. O. U. W. The Lodge of Ancient Order of United Work- men at Cloverdale was granted its charter May 3, 1878, the following being the officers at the time: Isaac E. Shaw, P. M. W .; C. A. Will- iams, M. W .; W. D. Sink, G. F .; W. F. Brush, O .; C. H. Bean, Recorder; J. A. Carrie, Finan- cier; J. F. Hoadley, Receiver; John B. Cooley, Guide: W. N. Waite, I. W .; Frank Spencer, O. W.
The Cloverdale Rereille is a well established journal, and is well conducted. Baer & Wilbert are its present proprietors, and they make of it a good newsy local journal.
GEORGE B. BAER, of the Cloverdale Rereille, was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, March 31, 1863, his parents being II. L. and Lucy E. (Sehall) Baer. Both parents were na- tives of Pennsylvania, and the paternal great- grandfather on his mother's side was a IInguenot exile, and on his father's side of German de- seent. George B. Baer was reared in his native county, and was edneated at the Elderidge Academy, Elderidge, Pennsylvania. He had in the meantime learned the printer's trade in the office of the Somerset Herald. In 1884, after finishing his education, he came to Cali- fornia, and, loeating at Cloverdale, February, 1885, embarked in the newspaper business. In September, 1857, he formed a partnership with I'. Wilbert in the real estate business, and in August, 1888, the two became associated also in the newspaper business. While residing in Cloverdale his business relations have been as newspaper publisher, real estate broker and in- surance agent. In 1887 he was united in mar- riage with Miss Sarah Markell, a native of Wales, Stormont County, Ontario, Canada. Mr. Baer is master of finance of the local lodge,
Cloverdale is now well supplied with hotels and all kinds of business houses. It is a favor- K. of P., secretary of the Cloverdale fire ;. ite resort for people in quest of health and pleas- department, and chief councilor of the order of Chosen Friends.
P. WILBERT, of the firm of Baer & Wilbert,
Cloverdale, is a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, born September 12, 1849, and a son of Valen- tine and Elizabeth (Kling) Wilbert, both of whom were natives of Germany. Ilis father was born in 1792, and was a soldier in the war between Russia and Prussia in 1812, and lived to the age of eighty-six years, settling in Ohio in the year 1832. P. Wilbert resided in his native county until 1869, when he came out to California, locating for a time at San Francisco. He obtained employment on Government work, and was for some time engaged in building light honses, also on the Fog Signal at Point Reyes, Marin County. Ile next went into the em- ploy of the California Pacitic (now Donahne) Railroad, as engine wiper, and after six weeks was employed at firing. Ile was promoted to be engineer in 1873, and remained on the road in that eapaeity until 1881. Then he went on the South Pacific Coast Railroad, on which he was engaged, and was next employed in the same capacity on the Central Pacific, running for a time out to Sacramento, then ont to Los Angeles. At the latter place he was taken sick, and went to Bartlett Springs. Recovering his health, he came to Cloverdale in September, 1887, and entered into partnership with Mr. Baer in the real estate and insnranee business. In Angust, 1888, he became a partner in the newspaper business. Mr. Wilbert was married in 1876 to Miss Carrie Petty. She died in Oak- land, in February, 1885. Mr. Wilbert is a member of Garden City Lodge, I. O. O. F., San Jose, and of the eneampment at Petaluma. Ile has passed all the chairs in the Pacific Lodge, No. 7, A. O. U. W., Oakland, and is a member of Leland Stanford Division, No. 283, B. of L. E. Mr. Wilbert is an enterprising, active man, and, with Mr. Baer, has done his share toward advaneing the interests of Cloverdale.
ure. Its close proximity to several resorts at mineral springs, and being elose to mountainous regions that will always afford amusement to
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sportsmen, it will ever be a place where will congregate people of means and leisure. The Cloverdale Receille says:
As a summer resort Cloverdale is a most desirable place. Nestled, as it is, among the mountains of the Coast Range, it affords amuse- ment and recreation for all classes of people. Game of every description, including bear. deer, and a large variety of smaller game, abound in the vicinity. and the mountain streams, well stocked with trout, invite unlimited sport for the angler. The artist is in his glory amid the romantic scenes that abound in the surrounding mountains.
Localities with refreshing springs, affording delightful shady nooks for pienie parties and campers, are found with surroundings to suit the taste of the pleasure seeker, and in elose proximity to town. so that headquarters can be had in Cloverdale, while your time can be most enjoyably spent among nature's handiwork.
Mineral springs in great number are to be found in the immediate vicinity of town. The most conspienons of which we could mention is Alder Glen, about two and a half miles from town. There is no place in the State. we can truthfully say. so beautifully and conveniently located as Aller Glen. There is a fine drive- way to the place, and as you enter the glen you are at once impressed with the grandeur of the place. The mammoth redwoods affordl a mnost cool shade. The water is indeed sparkling and bursts forth from four springs, each containing different minerals. The soda and sulphur spring is most prized for its health giving properties. Around the springs the grounds are laid out and pleasant walks are made through the canon. Arrangements are being made to build a hotel to accommodate those who go there to enjoy its waters and beautiful mountain scen- ery. This place is destined to become a very popular resort.
The most popular and famous health resorts of the State abound in this vicinity. The Gey- sers, which rank with the Yosemite in grandeur of scenery, only sixteen miles distant. is one of
nature's greatest wonders, and attracts thousands of people yearly to witness these seemingly demoniacal demonstrations. His Satanic maj- esty seems to be near the surface in that section. The eternal fire that is produced by chemical action, and the water from the mountain stream, causes steam to emit from the creviees of the roeks. and as the creek continues in its course the water boils and bubbles furiously, and great elouds of steam are continually arising.
Hood's Warm Springs, some ten miles north- west of Cloverdale, is one of the finest camping grounds in this section of the State, and hun- dreds of people steal away from the eares of business and the humdrum of city life to spend a few weeks or months among the pleasant scenes that surround the springs. A number of bath houses have been erected for the accom- modation of those who wish to enjoy the medi- cinal properties of the waters. The neighboring mountains, valleys and streams are a paradise for both hunters and anglers, as deer, rabbits, grouse, quail and brook trout are plentiful. and an oe- casional opportunity is offered to hunters to try their nerves and skill on a bear or panther. Lovers of honey will be pleased to learn that these mountains abound in bee trees, and in one cañon of only two miles in length a person ean count over two hundred of these trees, each occupied by a colony of bees.
Oak Mountain, the home of Madame Preston and her religious followers, is located on the sidehill about two miles from Cloverdale. A prettier site cannot be found in California. The prominence of the location commands a view down the valley that is indeed impressive. The result of man's labor is seen throughout the length and breadth of the fertile valley. Only a few years ago, comparatively speaking. you could have stood on the same prominence and, looking upon the valley, all that could have been seen to break the monotony of scenery was a continuous sheep and cattle range. Now, how changed, the view presents an extensive chess- board laid out in blocks of orchards, vineyards and fields of green alfalfa. But the king of the
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valley is making conspicons moves, and ere | dwelling-house, are all in the highest state of long it will checkmate all of its contemporaries enltivation. for prestige, and drive them off the board. MeElarney and Smith have the finest strip of land in this section reaching from the foothills to West street in the town. The vineyard is located on the best of foothill land, and is just coming into bearing. The dwelling-house and improvements are situated in a sheltered nook of the hills, and is a delightful place to live. Wine is king, and his kingdom will grow and become more popular every year. Madame Preston has devoted her life to the sufferings of poor humanity. Whether rich or poor, and of whatever nationality, when in siekness and pros- tration, a panacea for the ills that our mortal body is heir to, as well as kind and gentle assist- Prescott's Grove, adjoining the town limits, is a very pietnresque and delightful retreat. A more natural park is hard to find in close prox- imity to a town, and its cooling shade during the warm summer days extends a pressing invita- tion to the weary mortal to pass a few pleasant hours under the protecting foliage of its grand - old oaks and laurel trees. It is the scene of many a pleasant pienie party and is the pride of our townspeople. ance can always be found on Oak Mountain. A church has been established, and a large and attractive building erected, which is called the Covenant Meeting House. A tower clock in the dome rings out the hours, and foretells the cheerfulness and contentment of the people that live there. The home of the Madame is a most inviting one. Dr. Henry Hubbard, Frederick Rindge and Mr. Clark also have handsome resi- dences on Oak Mountain. Extensive vineyards and prune orchards are to be found in these SONOMA TOWNSHIP. foothills, which are very productive under the management of Colonel Preston.
Near Oak Mountain is the boarding house of C. Worth. Mr. Worth has the largest tig and almond orehard in the district. The figs, when well dried, command a good price and are very marketable.
There are a number of fine ranehes in Oak Valley, and to mention one is to mention them all, and when we say that J. G. Heald, John Cooley, William Sink and D. Wambold have as well improved places as you see anywhere, it re- mains for you to more thoroughly convince yourself by a personal visit.
Of the suburban places, Conrad Haehl has a winery and well cultivated and profitable vine- yard. The winery is built on a slight rise of ground and commands a view of the surrounding valley. The dwelling house faces the town and is surrounded by a good variety of fruit trees.
William Caldwell, residing south of town, is surrounded by a ranch that compares favorably in improvements to any in the county. IIis extensive vineyard, reaching across the valley, and the large orchard of excellent fruits near the
Sonoma Township in the southeastern part of the county, is bounded by Napa County on the east and sonth, Vallejo Township on the west and Santa Rosa on the northwest. The principal town is Sonoma, in the south, near which is San Luis or the Embarcadero. In the northern part, Glen Ellen is rapidly becoming an important center. This section is the pioneer wine-producing re- gion of the State, and is better known on ae- count of this fact than most other portions. Its history in connection with the early settle- ment of the State has also brought it into notice. The township ineludes 66,695 acres, assessed at $977,225, or $143 per acre. The total assessed value is $2,124,225. Its popula- tion according to the last census was 2,153, which has considerably increased since then. The whole township may be said to be in a high state of enltivation.
There were some notable exceptions to the Mexican system of hides, horns and tallow farming; among them was General M. G. Val- lejo, so often quoted in this history. General Vallejo was not a man to rest satisfied with so ernde a system. He was far above the average
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of his countrymen in native ability, which had been improved by intereourse with all the promi- nent men who had visited California from the various parts of the world. He cultivated on his large Petaluma and Sonoma ranches all the staple crops, fruits and vines. Sir George Simpson gives a very interesting account of the General's farming operations in 1841. He says that "a water-spout that year had burst in the valley, sweeping away the newly-sown grain from several large fields of wheat. These fields had been highly prized by General Vallejo, as the grain had been purchased from Columbia River, and was superior in quality to his own, As the surface of the plain presents so few ob- stacles to cultivation, the same land is never cropped for more than two successive years; and as the General's farm consists of many hundreds of acres, he annually breaks up about 300 aeres of what may be called wild lands, either fresh from the land of nature, or refreshed by rest." General Vallejo had also a fine fruit orchard, had revived the Mission vineyard, ex- tended its area, and was a manufacturer of both wine and brandy. Commodore Wilkes, in 1842, was in San Francisco with his fleet, and being in want of supplies, dispatched an officer with a note to General Vallejo. Ile says the Gen- eral treated the offieer with great politeness, and returned for answer that he could supply us with Lima beans, wheat, potatoes and other vegetables which we had been unable to obtain.
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