USA > California > Humboldt County > History of Humboldt County, California : with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, farms, residences, public buildings, factories, hotels, business houses, schools, churches, etc., from original drawings, including biographical sketches > Part 47
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'THE EUREKA GUARD.
The Eureka Guard was organized and hecame a part of the National Guard of the State of California in March, 1879, with ahout forty names on the roll of membership. The off- cers elected for the term were Alexander Campbell, Captain; J. B. Brown, First Lieutenant, and W. P. Hanna, Second Lieu- tenant. In the rank and file were many who had served in various positions in the army during the "late unpleasantness." The work of drilling was at once commenced, and it was not long before the company could execute many evolutions in a creditahle manner. Lieutenant Brown was commissioned Captain ; William P. Hanna was promoted to First Lieutenant, and James T. Kelcher, Second Lieutenant. Under this set of officers the company has moved for nearly two years. Cap- tain Brown, during that period, has given all the attention possible to this command, has spent valuable time and money, and, with the assistance of his officers, has made great im- provement in the company. Much interest has been taken by all, privates as well as officers, and the Eureka Guard to-day stands second to no company of militia in the State. Their arms, accoutrements and property are in splendid order, their armory supplied with everything necessary, and their execu- tion of the manual and knowledge of tactics would rank among the first.
The annual election for commissioned officers of the Eureka Guard was held in December, 1881, at the armory. Forty- nine members of the company were present and voted. Major Pierce H. Ryan presided by order of Brigadier General J. G. Wall. J. W. Freese was elected Captain, W. P. Hanna as First Lieutenant, and Jas. T. Kelcher as Second Lieutenant-the officers elect for the ensuing term.
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THE CHURCHES OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY.
CHURCHES OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY.
Date of Organization, First Members, Officers, Present Membership, Location, Present Condition.
FIRST SERMON PREACHED.
IT is beyond douht, that the church history of this county hegins with a meeting appointed for divine worship at Bucks- port, early in the summer of 1850, on which occasion the Rev. A. J. Huestis preached the sermon. These services were con- tinued every Sabhath, with few exceptions, until 1853, when as a field for missionary work the M. E. Conference supplied Humholdt by the appointment of regular pastors of which, at Eureka, the Rev. James Corwin was first. The first class in Eurcka was formed hy the Rev. Chas. Hinckley, November 27, 1859. The school house now standing and still used as such, on the corner of G and 3d Streets, did duty on the occasion of religious exercises and lectures, for all denominations.
The first Methodist church building in Eureka was built and dedicated in 1859. The hell 'for this church was obtained through the efforts of the pastor in charge, Rev. Chas. W. Hinckley, and was first hung from the top of a large stump near where the building now stands. Mr. H. was accustomed to do his own bell-ringing, and, what is not always the case, also to preach his own sermons; and it may be added, no one found fault with the tone of the hell or of the preacher.
Afterwards this building was sold and removed from the lot, and in 1866 the present one was erected in its place, incurring a heavy debt, which was not discharged until August, 1874. The Rev. Ed. J. Jones was then pastor and mainly instru- mental to this result. During the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. Haswell the church building was much improved. There are sittings for about 600, gallery and floor. The parsonage, 'situate on the adjoining lot, is a modest, unpretentious cottage, well furnished, and affords the usual comforts and conveniences of modern dwellings. The aggregate value of the church property is $5,500.
The first Trustees were G. D. Wilson, A. J. Huestis and B. L. Waite. The present number of members is seventy-ninc, but its highest number has reached one hundred. A good library belongs to the Sunday-school of about 300 volumes, and the school is in a most prosperous condition, having now 210 scholars. Within the twelve years last preceding ahout $14,600 have been distributed for salaries of pastors, and benevolent contributions. S. H. Rhoades is now the pastor.
Rohnerville M. E. Church was organized in 1852, by Wesley Harrow. He preached near Eel River on a place owned by Robert Roberts. In 1853 the services were conducted by two
local preachers, J. Burnell and Mr. Stringfield. In 1854 the church was connected with the Eel River circuit, and James Corwin was appointed the first regular pastor. This charge has been quite prosperous, having as high as fifty-five members in past years, and at present forty-six. The present pastor is H. H. Stevens. The property is valued at $2,000. The soci- ety owns a church parsonage, and a. barn and the ground on which they stand. They are free from debt and in tolerable good condition. The church will seat about 150 persons. The parsonage is neat and attractive in design, and most pleasantly situated. .
FIRST CHURCH BUILDING ERECTED.
The M. E. Church at Arcata was organized in 1850. Rev. Asa P. White, the pioneer preacher of California, pitched his tent of blue cloth in San Francisco in 1849. He commenced his labors in Arcata in the same tent where afterwards stood Kirby's stable, and there organized this society.
The present minister is John B. Chisholm, and the member- ship is forty-four. The society has a church and parsonage valued at $2,200, and the society is in a flourishing condition.
Christ Church, Eureka, was organized June 1, 1870. Its stated services are held on every Sunday, and other services as the rector may appoint. On the evening of June 8, 1870, the members of the parish met and elected a vestry, which organ- ized by the election of Thomas Walsh, Senior Warden, and Robert Searles, Junior Warden. The vestry then called the Rev. J. Gierlow to the rectorship of the parish.
The church was consecrated on the 5th day of February 1871, by the Rt. Rev. W. I. Kip, D. D. The Rev. J. S. Thom- son was elected rector January 1, 1872, and was followed by Rev. J. H. Babcock and Rev. W. L. Githens. The Rev. H. D. Lathrop, D. D., of the Church of the Advent, San Francisco, accepted a call and entered upon the duties July 14, 1878, and still continues as rector. This church with rectory occupies one-quarter block, handsomely inclosed and improved with attractive shrubbery. The architect of both was I. W. Fair- field, and the designs represent those styles common to the rural churches of England.
A chime of five bells, the gift of the present Mayor of Eu- reka, T. Walsh, rings out from its pinnacled tower their weekly invocations to worship and in the surprise of the moment, takes the stranger back beyond the tall redwoods and the mountains, to his distant home. The interior appointments are in har- inony with the surroundings. The east window to the rear of the desk is a splendid inosaic of stained glass of diamond pat- tern. The value of church and parsonage is not less than $7,500, and financial condition good.
The United Brethren in Christ Church is situated at Rohner- ville. The first minister sent here was Israel Sloan, who organ- ized the first class on Eel River in 1862. His memory is dear to the people of Rohnerville, where he was buried in the old ceme- tery. In 1865 the second class was organized. The first minister
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THE CHURCHES OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY.
was Rev. J. B. Hamilton. The society have a comfortable church, a good parsonage, and two camp-grounds, one on Eel River, the other about one mile north of Springville, and is entirely free from debt. The membership is eighty-seven. The present minister is C. F. Lane.
The M. E. Church at Ferndale was established during Indian troubles and planted amidst many difficulties. The country was a forest and the circuit was large, embracing Petrolia and Rohnerville; thr minister in charge frequently exposing his life to the dangers of savages and the crossing of swollen streains in the course of his itinerant duties. Dr. Morrow organized the church in 1860. Rev. F. H. Woodward is now in charge. There are now seventy-five members and twenty- seven probationists, The church property consists of two lots, church, parsonage, etc., also camp-meeting ground; altogether of the value of $4,400, and this without any debts or liabilities.
First Congregational Church in Eureka was organized October 30, 1860. No record shows the names of the first Trustees, of which Dr. Jonathan Clark was President. It was in the cbarge of Rev. W. L. Jones, as first pastor. Its present minister is the Rev. C. A. Huntington. The greatest number of members appearing on the official minutes of this church is sixty-thrce, and the present membership consists of twenty-four persous. The church building and parsonage attached are neat and attractive in geucral appearance, and for their respective uses well furnished, and handsomely situated on the corner of 4th and G Streets. The church property is valued at $6,000, and in out of debt.
Ferndale Congregational Church was organized March 17, 1876. Its first meeting of the society was held in a small hall; at the present time it is the owner of a large church building. On July 24, 1881, it was free from deht and dedicated. Dr. Warren preached the dedicatory sermon. Mr. Strong gave a brief resume of the work done by the society for the past five years.
Hon. Josephi Russ has aided this society very much in dona- tions. It received from this source the lumber for the entire building, a fine bell, and ahout one-sixth of the whole debt. Its first pastor was Rev. E. O. Tade, and its present one is Rev. Phillip Combe. Mr. A. Berding, Mrs. J. M. Lewis, and Dr. F. A. Alford were the original members. Its present and greatest number in membership is forty-onc. The property, consisting chiefly of church building and lot is valued at $5,000.
The Presbyterian Church at Arcata was organized January 1, 1861. Rev. Alexauder Scott was first pastor. He preached iu the Methodist Episcopal Church for ahout sixteen months previous to the erection of the church. The membership con- sisted at that time of three persons only. B. Wyman, George Danskin, and Sarah Nixon, the last named still remaining as
an active memher. Fifty-five is the present number of mem- bers. The church was dedicated March 31, 1861. It and the parsonage are pleasantly situatel, occupying one-quarter of a block under neat inclosure and with attractive surroundings. It has two organs and a library of 200 volumes, valued at $2,500. The disbursements for salary of pastor aud benevo- lent purposes, are about $1,100 annually, and for the twenty- two years since the organization of the church, has reached a total of $24,000. Its financial condition is perfect. The Rev. James S. Todd, the present pastor, occupied this charge in 1868. He left the place in 1877, hut returned to it again in 1880
United Brethren in Christ Society meets in its own house of worship regularly on every Sahhath. It was organized in the year 1877, with G. W. Burtner, pastor. Its present mem her- ·ship numbers twenty-seven. Its property consists of a neat little church and parsonage comfortahly furnished, and the lot on which they are situated, and is of a total value of $1,500, unembarrassed financially, and in good condition.
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS.
The Roman Catholic Church at Eureka was organized in 1858, the Rev. Father Thomas Crinion heing the first in charge. The present pastor is the Rev. C. M. Lynch. Tbe church polity of this denomination secures for it a unity in its secular as well as spiritual relations that is unknown to Prot- estant churches taken collectively. The membership in Eureka and attending the ministrations of the Catholic Church, num- bers about 1,200. The church building and parsonage are neat in appearance and pleasantly located, the former affording seats for ahout 400 persons. The total value, $5,000. The church was erected in 1861.
Besides the above, the Catholic Churches in the county are as follows: Ferndale Church, built in 1878, with seating capacity of ahout 200; assessed valuation of property, $650; number of Catholics in the vicinity, 200. Table Bluff Church built in 1869, and numbers in attendance about 150 from the vicinity. Property valued at $500. Robnerville Church was built in 1871 with sittings for about 150. There are also churches organized at Arcata and Trinidad.
St. Joseph Convent of Mercy, situated in Eureka; occu- pies one hlock, and unexceptionally commands one of the most diversified and beautiful views of the city and hay, as well as the further landscape, that can he found in the place. Its inclosures are adorned with whatever of foliage and shrub- hery and flowers that can render it a charming retreat to the occupants, and the building itself is a prominent feature among the improvements of the town. The Institute, in charge of the Sisters of Mercy, enjoys deservedly a high reputation for their care and thoroughness of training; number of Sisters nine; pupils, sixty. The value of this fine property is ahout $10,000.
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THE VARIOUS NEWSPAPER ENTERPRISES.
NEWSPAPER ENTERPRISES.
First Newspapers, Failures and Triumphs, List of Papers of Humboldt County from 1854 to 1882.
EARLY in the year 1853, among the few who endeavored to form a settlement and build up Humboldt County, came Dr. E. D. Coleman. He was a man of nerve and ability, possessed of a good education and a literary turn of mind. Union, now Arcata, and Eureka grew rapidly, the former taking the lead and holding it for some years. When the prospects for Union were the brightest, when the tide of immigration bad set northward and was fast flowing into Humboldt Bay, Dr. Cole- man conceived the idea of starting a newspaper and furnish reading matter for the inhabitants of northern California With every fresh influx of people the more favorably did he look upon the matter, until he determined to put his plan into execution, and on the second day of September, 1854, he pre- sented to the people of Humboldt County the initial number of
THE HUMBOLDT TIMES.
As Eureka was the most central point the paper was pub- lished at that place. The commercial, agricultural and mining interests of this section were then in their infancy, in fact barely opened. The harbor was second only to that of San Francisco, from Panama on the south to the Straits of Fuca on the north. Steamers entered the port on an average of once a month, and mail facilities were little better than none at all. With all conceivable obstacles before him, the Dr. began his task. The Times was independent in politics, and was devoted purely to the interests of the people. It was ably edited, its columns well filled with choice reading matter, and its typographical make-up excellent. Toward the close of the year, Union had made such rapid advancement and attained such proportions, the county seat being located there, the Times was moved across the bay and published at Union, December 23, 1854.
On the 22d of December, 1855, E. D. Coleman sold out the Times to Walter Van Dyke and Austin Wiley, the former taking editorial charge, the Doctor taking his departure from the county and locating at Washington, D. C. These gentle- men carried on the paper until January 23, 1858, when W. Van Dyke transferred his interest to A. Wiley, the junior part- ner, and again took up his profession, that of attorney-at-law.
As time rolled on the business interests experienced a change of base. The great timber resources were heing opened on a large scale. Mills for manufacturing lumber were established at Eureka; the county seat was removed from Union to Eureka; it was muade the principal shipping point, and immigration and the increase of business caused the village to make rapid
strides in the march of progress and take upon itself the habil- iments of a town. The business finger indicated Eureka as the objective point, and at the close of the fourth volume Mr. Wiley moved the Times office back to Eurcka August 28, 1858, where it has been published without an omission up to the writing of this. June 9, 1860, Mr. Wiley transferred the paper to Walter Van Dyke and L. M. Burson.
In 1858, when the Times was moved from Union the citi- zens of that place were in no manner of means pleased with the change, and at once made arrangements for the publishing of another paper. Accordingly, on the 15th of December, 1858, the Northern Californian made its appearance with S. G. Whipple as editor aud proprietor. After running about. eighteen months, the owners were satisfied that there was neither business nor patronage in the county sufficient to war- rant the publication of two papers, and the Californian was merged into the Times, July 14, 1860, L. M. Burson with- drawing from the last-named paper and S. G. Whipple associa- ting himself with Walter Van Dyke as publishers of the Times. The paper was carried on by the two gentlemen above named until March 30, 1861, when W. Van Dyke withdrew, having transferred his interest to S. G. Whipple. August 16, 1862, Mr. Whipple sold out to A. Wiley and Walter Bohall, Mr. Wiley again taking charge as editor. In April, 1864, Mr. Wiley having been elected to represent Humboldt County in the Legislature, J. E. Wyman was placed in charge of tbe editorial columns, the ownership remaining the same, and on the 27th of May Mr. Wiley transferred his interest to J. E. Wyman, the firm being Wyman & Bohall. August 19, 1865, J. E. Wyman purchased Mr. Bohall's interest.
Business, which at that time was at a standstill, soon began to pick up and improve. A large number of people settled in the county, new industries were opened up, and the march of progress was onward and upward. The mail facilities were greatly improved, lines of steamers were placed on the route between the bay and San Francisco, and an era of prosperity was inaugurated. Under the management of J. E. Wyman, the Times was Republican in politics, and pursuing a consist- ent course, steadily worked into the good graces of the people. In 1873 a telegraph line was built from Eureka, connecting with the Western Union at Petaluma, and arrangements were made by J. E. Wyman to publish a daily paper at Eureka. The line was completed' and in working order the latter part of the year.
DAILY HUMBOLDT TIMES.
First number was issued January 1, 1874. For protection, as well as to be placed in a position to receive the latest and most reliable news from all parts of the world, the Times joined the Associated press, and received all dispatches from that source.
On the 1st of January, 1875, W. H. Wyman, a son of the proprietor, was taken into the business, and the firm was fron that time known as J. E. Wyman & Son. The Daily Times
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THE VARIOUS NEWSPAPER ENTERPRISES.
rapidly grew in favor, and from time to time was enlarged to suit the inercasing business. Novembor 5, 1880, J. E. Wyman, the senior partner, who had been connected with the paper since 1864, «lied, and in September, 1881, W. H. Wyman assumed entire control, and is at the present time publisher and proprietor.
Tho Humboldt Times is one of the oldest papers published on the coast, andl has a complete file of the publication from the first issne, which is in itself a valuable record and a correct history of the current events that have transpired for over a quarter of a century. It has sailed the sea that all journals have to cross; it has inet adverse winds, and encountered heavy swells; it has suffered strong opposition, but pursuing a straight- forward, honorable course, it is now the exponent of the people of Humboldt County, and ranks among the leading interior papiers of the State. A large amount of capital has been invested in the business; it is supplied with steam power, power presses, etc., and is complete in every respect.
OTHER JOURNALS.
Since the county was organized a host of papers have been started, but most of theur failed to make the business pay, and ono hy ono they, like tho rose, withered and died.
One of tho early papers was the Sluice Box, published at Orleans Bar in 1856, by Frank Ball. The first numbers were filled with local hits and humorous illustrations.
VIEW OF KLAMATH COUNTY JAIL.
One of the illustrations in the Sluice Box was entitled " A View of Klamath County Jail, ereeted in 1832, built of oak wood." The picture was a sketch of a large oak tree, with a staple and chain attached. It represented two verdant sons of Erin who were indicted for jumping Chinamen's claims, and were handcuffed and fastened to said jail by means of the ehain. It seems they were victims of " misplaced confidence," having surrendered themselves on the supposition that the county had uo jail, and expected that the sheriff would board them at the hotel. They were ready to plead guilty and make ameuds after heiug ont all night.
December 1, 1856, the publisher of the Sluice Bo.c determined to discontinue his little sheet which had becomo a great favor- ite with its readers. In his valedictory he says: "Our work is clone, our mission is ended, and now with a clear conscience and dust in our pockets, we vacate the editorial ebair and retire to the shades of private life." He asked no odds of the public and had no thanks to render for past favors. Hear him : "Per- haps, dear public, you think we ought to thank you for your liberal support aud for paying us so promptly. Not a bit of it. 'The hoot is on the other foot, aud yon kuow it. You know very well that we did not start it to make money or gain a livelihood, but for our own pleasure, uevertheless you bought it, aud for a wonder paid for it, and got your money's worth, and we hope will profit by the advice we have given
you from time to time." He takes bis final leave after this fashion: " And now, dear public, we must close. If we bave hurt any one's feelings, we forgive 'em: if we have done any person injustice, we will accept their apologies, aud boping the Lord will take a liking to you, we bid you a last farewell."
VARIOUS JOURNALS STARTED.
The Northern Californian was published at Union, iu De- cember, 1858, by S. G. Whipple, and merged into the Times July 14, 1860.
The Casket was started in Arcata in 1860, hut was issued for only a short period.
The Humboldt Bay Journal, Democratie in politics, was first published September 1, 1865, Rev. J. W. Hines, editor. In December of the same year the editorship passed into the hands of J. B. Bacens, Jr., who conducted the paper until the time of its demise, April 20, 1867.
The Humboldt Bay Democrat hegan its career October 24, 1868, with L. M. Music & Co. at the head, and lasted three weeks.
The National Index, Democratic, appeared June 27, 1867, and suspended March 14, 1868.
The Northern Independent was laid before the publie July 22, 1869, A. M. Parry, publisber. The tone of the paper was Independent, with Democratic tendencies. Later on the paper passed into the bands of Eugene Russ, who carried it on until August 15, 1872, when the obituary was pronounced.
The West Coast Signal, D. E. Gordon, editor and publisber, appeared February 15, 1871. It was Independent in politics, with Republican leanings. October 7, 1876, the Daily Evening Signal made its appearance. The Signal, as a daily and weekly, was published by Mr. Gordon until March 17, 1880, when it suspended.
The Age, a small daily paper, was started in 1876, by W. H. Clipperton, as a free advertising sheet, but failing to make it pay, it was suspended. The material was purchased by J. A. Betteridge, and after refitting the office Betteridge & Sinner- ton, December 23, 1876, commenced the publication of the Evening Star as an advertising sheet. Afterwards a regular price was charged for subscription, and April 20, 1878, publi- cation was suspended.
The Evening Herald commenced publication March 22, 1879, W. B. Tborpe, proprietor. The paper was issued only a few months, when the office was removed to Arcata.
The Leader was commenced at Arcata, August 2, 1879, by W. B. Thorpe. Shortly after the close of the first volume the paper suspended, the editor moving away from the county. December 11, 1880, it was revived, Austin Wiley taking charge. It was published one year and again suspended.
The Eel River Echo was commenced by W. H. Runnels at Robnerville, in 1878, and after nearly two years' struggle, was
217
THE VARIOUS NEWSPAPER ENTERPRISES.
compelled to suspend. The material was moved to Eureka, where A. J. Bledsoe commenced the publication of the semi- weekly News in 1881. The News suspended after being in existence three months.
FERNDALE ENTERPRISE.
This paper, a seven-column folio, 24x36, was established May 11, 1878, by W. G. Jones & Co. The Enterprise was an outgrowth of the indomitable spirit of energy that has ever characterized the citizens of Ferndale and Eel River Valley in their determination to be surpassed by no other portion of the county. The paper, though founded by inexperienced and youthful men, soon became a power in the county and did much toward demonstrating the possibility of navigating Eel River entrance by ocean steamers. It bas labored unremit- tingly to advance the material interests of southern Humboldt and always has been found with the people in all vital ques- tions of civil or religious polity, numbering among its support- er's men of all parties and of all sects. November 19, 1880, the firm of Jones & Co. was succeeded by the present propri- ctor, F. A. Alford. He, also a novice, being by profession a physician, a graduate from the noted school of Bellevue Hos- pital Medical College, New York City, in 1869, brought new life and vigor to the Enterprise. Almost immediately a Gordon job press and full outlit of job type were added, and other important changes made in the office and in the paper. The business was reduced to a system under the new regime, the most important feature being the collection of all hills the first of each month, by a regular collector. No dead adver- tising matter has been allowed to remain in its columns under any circumstances. It is well supported by home and foreign advertisements, being recognized as occupying a field unfilled by any other publication, supplying a section some fifty miles square. Independent in politics, the editorials are always out- spoken on all questions of interest, and aim to be radical in their conservatism. The locals have made the paper a recog- mized standard for local and county news, doubling the circu- lation in a year, which now averages about 800. January 1, 1882, the office was removed to a building of its own, and fitted up with every convenience. It is now situated south of the Pioneer Livery Stables, on Main Street, and presents a handsome front, twenty-eight feet in width. It occupies rooms 16x32 feet, and 12x20 for composing and press rooms and offices. The first papers from the new quarters was issued January 6, 1882, and is a fair specimen and representative paper of southern Humboldt.
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