USA > California > Mendocino County > History of Mendocino County, California : comprising its geography, geology, topography, climatography, springs and timber > Part 27
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1855 .- Anderson, John Gschwind and William Prather; Arena, J. A. Hamilton ; Big River, James Townsend ; Little Lake, Leonard Dodge, Sam- uel, Harry S., and Martin Baechtel ; Ukiah, Samuel Lowry.
1856 .- Anderson, James S. Smalley ; Arena, H. O. Irish and William Shoemake; Big River, Silas Coombs and Ruel Stickney ; Little Lake, W. Fulwider, J. G. Rawlison, J. W. Morris, and Benjamin Dougherty ; Round Valley, Sanders Hornbrooke and D. Lacock ; Sanel, J. P. Higgins, William Higgins, John Higgins, H. Willard, and James Kenney; Ukiah, A. T. Per- kins, John R. Short, Daniel Gobbi, and Pierce Asbill.
1857 .- Anderson, Joseph Rawles ; Arena, G. W. Wright, R. W. O'Niel, and T. J. O'Niel; Big River, Thomas Walsh, William Heeser, and E. W. Blair ; Calpella, James T. Nuckles, William P. English, C. H. English, B. F. Forsythe, H. P. McGee, Pierce Asbill; Little Lake, H. Willets, James L. Burger, and Jackson Farley ; Round Valley, Martin Corbett, C. H. Eberle, and Charles H. Diggin ; Sanel, A. Snuffin, J. A. Knox, J. MeGlashen, and J. W. Daw; Ukiah, A. Burke, D. C. Crockett, John P. Smith, Edward Cox, John Remstedt, G. B. Mathers, Berry Wright, Thomas F. Beattie, L. M. Rud- diek, and William J. Cleveland.
1858 .- Anderson, J. H. Rawles, J. A. Jamison, J. O. MeSpadden, and J. McGimpsey; Arena, Cal. Stewart, W. S. Brown, Lewis Morse, O. W. Scott, C. D. Robinson, and Dr. Morse; Big River, H. Severance, R. Kaisen, A. Heeser, T. P. Furlong, J. D. Murray, and Osro Cliff; Calpella, A. C. Perry, Thomas M. O'Conner, James L. Hughes, and Samuel Mewhinney; Little Lake, Philip Upp, William J. Hildreth, A. Redemeyer, James O. Toney, Seth Toney, J. G. Wilson, and Alfred Requa ; Sanel, William E. Parsons, L. F. Long, B. B. Fox, E. H. Duncan, Ashtley Duncan, and Eli Day; Ukiah, N. Bartlett, W. C. Ellege, Samuel Orr, J. M. Standley, G. W. Gibson, Thomas J. Gibson, Robert J. Gibson, A. J. Gibson, M. W. Howard, and J. G. Busch.
1859 .- Anderson, Alex. McDonald, Stephen W. Knowles, John W. Mc-
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Abee, and J. H. Donohoe ; Arena, S. S. Hoyt, C. B. Pease, T. J. Stewart, L. G. Morse, and Samuel McMullen; Big River, N. E. Hoak ; Calpella, Ranch Angle, S. Wortemberger, D. Quinliven, I. Y. Griffiths, T. W. Dashiel ; Little Lake, William E. Willis, William H. White, Benjamin Burns, and James D. Ward; Sanel, J. R. Henry, Dr. H. G. Pike, and William M. Cole ; Ukiah, Thomas Harrison, Harrison Standley, and I. C. Reed.
For a more complete and extensive sketch of the settlement of the county, the reader is referred to the township histories found further on in this vol- ume. It is impossible to make this subject complete in all its details, as so many come and go that a record of them cannot be compiled.
We will now pass on to such matters of interest concerning the general history of the county as we have been able to gather. This subject will be considered in such a manner as to locate the years in which the events occurred.
1859 .- The first event of importance during this year was the organiza- tion of the county and the establishment of a county government. The first election occurred in May of this year, and the location of a county seat was also voted upon, resulting in the selection of Ukiah, in preference to Calpella, which was its only competitor for the honor. A reference to the table incorporated in the political history will discover who were elected to fill the respective offices. The opposing candidates were as follows: for county judge, "Kedge" Wilson and E. J. Mann; for county clerk, Wil- liam A. Kendall and C. H. Veeder ; for sheriff, - McClintock ; and for treasurer, J. P. Smith. The first Court-house was also erected during this year. The rate of taxation for this year was $1.65.
1860-61 .- Nothing of great importance seems to have occurred during these two years. The first paper published in the county was issued in 1860, by Hon. E. R. Budd.
1862 .- During this year Federal licenses were issued to the following named persons, which will serve well to show what business enterprises were conducted at that time, and who was engaged in them : Retail dealers, F. Bassett-Sturenberg, Derby & Adams, Fletcher & Kenedy, G. W. Gibson & Co., I. Isaac & Co., J. R. Moore, Perkins & Warden, T. P. Smythe, Townsend & Brown, L. E. White & Co., W. E. Connor, R. K. Dodge, S. W. Hills, James A. Hamilton, J. B. Hargrave, Kelley & Rundle, John W. Mor- ris, I. C. Reed, Snider & Asbill, L. Woodward, Wintzer & Welle, and H. W. Wichelhausen ; retail liquor dealers, F. Bassett-Sturenberg, Briggs & Moore, Derby & Adams, Fletcher & Kenedy, McMullen & Hunter, Osborn & Heldt, L. Woodward, L. E. White & Co., W. E. Connor, J. E. Carlson, J. B. Har- grave, I. Isaac & Co., P. Padden, F. E. Warren, and H. Wichel- hausen ; billiard saloons, J. H. Briggs and J. E. Carlson; livery stables, J. V. Caldwell, Fox & Williams, and Osborn & Heldt; hotels, R. M. Barham, A. Higgins, Harrison Standley, Simpson & White, J. C. Davis, William
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Henry, A. McDonald, J. H. Siddons, and Osborn & Heldt ; physicians, A. C. Folsom, E. M. Pierson, James T. Hall, and G. W. Sargent ; lawyers, Wil- liam Neeley Johnson, R. McGarvey, C. H. Veeder, William Holden, J. B, Lamar, and M. D. Wilson ; apothecary, George B. Mathers ; brewer, Harry Kier ; cattle brokers, William Shoemake and W. R. Lane.
1863 .- During this year there was some excitement about a railroad from Ukiah to the tide-water of San Francisco bay. A correspondent of the Herald, under date of February 27th, says: "The interests of our section seem to demand a more regular and speedy communication with the great commercial metropolis of our State, and, as I have been informed that there is now a proposition to this and Sonoma counties, by which with a slight effort, we can procure a railroad, we feel it to be the duty of all citizens to use their means and energy for the furtherance of the noble enter- prise. If it is only carried into execution it is destined to be the making of our county, for although the richness and fertility of our soil is at present unappreciated and unknown, yet it is this great internal improvement which will give us a local habitation and a name in the commercial world. We have as fine pastures as the world can afford, but we are too far front market, we are compelled to drive our stock either through clouds of dust, or fabulous depths of mud, making the job neither profitable nor agreeable, and after we arrive at market we find that our expenses have not only been very great, but our stock is greatly depreciated in weight, and consequently in value. And again, the immense wealth that is now housed up in the rugged cañons of the Coast Range in the way of timber is destined some day, and that too in the not very far future, to attract the attention and admiration of the State. Timber is even now getting to be an important item, and as its consumption is continually increasing, both for fuel and building purposes, the timber skirting the San Francisco bay and the rivers will soon be consumed, and the demand become so excessively great that this one commodity, will be sufficient to warrant the construction of a rail- road into some of the timbered sections."
In 1863 quite an interest was manifested among the farmers of Ukiah valley in the industry of tobacco culture. Over seven hundred acres were planted with that crop alone in that section.
During this year there was a great deal of excitement about the discovery of gold in several localities, both in placer diggings and in quartz ledges.
In May of this year there was a company of volunteers organized under the leadership of Captain John P. Simpson, for the United States service. It was as fine a body of men as could be found in any county in the State. They were forty strong, rank and file, and were mustered in June 12th, and ordered to the Humboldt District to fight Indians. They were designated as Company E, Second Regular California Volunteers.
Oats were grown in Potter valley this year which were eight feet in
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height, and wheat grew six feet high, on the place owned by Mr. George McCowan.
The copper mining excitement got to a white heat during this year, owing to the finding of rich specimens of copper bearing ore both at Sanel and Point Arena.
The entire county was thrown into a state of excitement and grief by the announcement that Sheriff William H. Tainter had been drowned at Elk creek, near its mouth, October 23, 1863. This is a small stream open- ing into the ocean about eight miles south of Nevarra, and as it was in the days before there were any bridges, Mr. Tainter evidently lost his life in attempting to ford the stream. At the usual place of crossing it was about sixty feet wide, and ten feet deep. Mr. Tainter was an excellent swimmer, and mounted on a horse in which he had the utmost confidence, which facts led some to suspect foul play, but as there were no marks of violence perceptible, and he was possessed of all his valnables when found, it is evident that his death was accidental. His body was brought to Ukiah via Mendocino City for interment.
1864 .- In April of this year the Mendocino and Humboldt Indian districts were combined, and Honorable A. Wiley appointed superintendent.
The tobacco crop mentioned above proved to be a great success, as the following from a local print under date of April 26th, will testify: “ Within a radius of three miles of Ukiah there were forty thousand pounds of tobacco raised last year (1863). In passing through the country one is reminded of old Virginia by the number of tobacco barns that are already built, for the drying and curing of the weed. The quality of the Mendocino county tobacco is said by the best of judges, to be second to none that is grown in the Eastern States, the leaf being of exceedingly fine texture and very thin, and very broad and long. We look forward to no great distant day when tobacco will be extensively grown in Mendocino."
Corn was grown in large quantities in the Russian River valley during this year, the yield being large, and the quality excellent.
The people of Mendocino county, especially the southern portion of it were very much exercised over the publication on October 4th, of the fol- lowing rumor concerning the division of the county: "It has several times been intimated that certain parties in the northern portion of the county were operating in bringing about a division of the county, by drawing a line from east to west, passing through somewhere near Calpella, making some point in Long valley the county seat. The proposed new county will contain the townships of Calpella, Little Lake, Round Valley, and a portion of Big River."
In November of this year, auxiliary societies of the Sanitary Commission, were organized in several places in the county, notably in Ukiah, Calpella Potter Valley, Little Lake, and Albion. The last named society sent in $320 for the month of December.
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GENERAL HISTORY AND SETTLEMENT.
1865 .- The principal event that occurred in the United States doing this year and the one that shook the nation from center to circumference, was the cold-blooded murder of the President, Abraham Lincoln, by J. Wilkes Booth. It was a matter so fraught with interest to the United States as a whole, to every State in it, to every county in every State, and every citizen of the nation that we devote a portion of our space to the consideration of the subject.
" Mantle your hearts with gloom, Mantle your hearts with deepest gloom! Listen! a nation is weeping; Valor and worth have sunk in the tomb While for your liberty seeking. Weep, weep, with a holy tear Over the hero now sleeping; Cherish his name with endless prayer. Angels are bitterly weeping.
Finish the work he labored to do, Striving to save you from sorrow; Leave not the post he's trusted to you, Leave not a deed for the morrow. Mourn! the Saviour of Liberty's gone- Gone to the throne of the mighty,
Pleading for you as ever he's done- Fervently, holdly, and rightly."
How well we all remember the sad, sad days of the long and dreary hour of our nation's peril, when brother met brother on the wild field of carnage, and the blood of our noblest men was poured out like water, on the shrine of the nation's altar. How our pulses throbbed with exultant joy when victory perched on our banners, and how our hearts sank within us when our flag was trailed in the dust. Oh, the bitter hatred, the malice that existed then between the once happy members of our great family! And why? Because men who, in their brazen effrontery had set themselves up as leaders, had said that it must be so. The heart of the mass of the people is always right, and it is only the ambitious, frenzied leader that goes astray, and sometimes the people follow not knowing or caring why or whither. Those were years of struggling, of slaying and being slain, years of mortal agony, of tears, of woes, of veritable sackcloth and ashes. The flower of manhood was being sacrificed; yea, immolated to the god of war, and our fair country was rent and torn, and devastation had hovered over all sec- tions, until all the glory of her former self was obliterated, and only the gaunt figure of despair was to be seen anywhere. But the dreary night had ended, and already the bright, effulgent rays of the dawning day of peace were bursting forth and flooding and bathing the land with its gra- cious and limpid light, and the Angel of Harmony was passing over the dis- traught land with healings on his wings. On the 9th day of April, 1865,
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the two greatest armies then engaged in the conflict had met face to face, and clasped glad hands across the bloody chasm, and had sealed the articles of capitulation with many a shout and song. When the word went down the lines to cease firing, and the truce flag was seen flying at the head-quarters of the Southern army, what a shout of joy rent the air! Arms that were no more to carry death and destruction to the brother's heart were cast aside as needless burdens, and hands that had sought to imbrue themselves in other's blood were clasped in a close and warm grasp, knowing and feeling that the fearful struggle was at an end. The bands played, and every man in those long lines, who not an hour before had fought as only men of valor fight, now joined in one triumphal song of thanksgiving and praise, and
" Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise him all creatures here below, Praise him above ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."
Had gone up to the throne of the Almighty in such a volume, and with such a heart-felt gratitude, as it never went before, and probably never will again. And the glorious news had spread abroad that there was to be peace again, and that all our great and noble country was to be one and inseparable hereafter;
"For many days we've waited To hail the day of peace When our land should be united, And wars and strife should cease."
The light of that memorable morning was rosy and soft with a radiance of peace. Every patriot's heart swelled with emotion too deep for utterance. It was not so much the thrill of victory that caused this deep and wide- spread rejoicing; it was the consciousness that we were about to reap the fruits of victory. It was something more than a promise-something more than a hope-it was a full and perfect realization. And it had all come now, and the happy dreams of all those years were just being consummated -but hark! what sound is this that breaks suddenly on the ear of the joyous multitudes, sharp, distinct at first, but deepening into the ominous roar of the mighty car of Jupiter, until it reverberates from every mountain side and along every valley in the land! It is the crack of the assassin's pistol, as it sends a fatal bullet crashing through the brain of the chief mag- istrate of the newly blood-bought Union. April 14, 1865, only five short days since first the opposing armies sang their song of mutual thanksgiving and praise for a day of peace, and they, with all the nation, are called upon to bow their heads with a grief inexpressibly great, and to shed tears for the mighty friend of both, who now lies cold in the chill embrace of death; who had passed from us
William To English
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GENERAL HISTORY AND SETTLEMENT.
1
" Like a swift-fleeting meteor, a fast-flying cloud, A flash of the lightning, a break of the wave."
Yes, Abraham Lincoln, he who had proved himself to be the very chosen of God to pilot the nation over the great and perilous ocean of an inter- necine war, and had so gallantly and grandly brought the good old ship of state safely to anchor in the haven of peace, was dead. And what was gained by this infamous crime? Did John Wilkes Booth win the heartfelt thanks of the great body of our Southern brothers with whom we had so lately been at war? No! is answered back in thunder tones from every true noble-minded man who ever donned the "Gray" and smelled the powder, and heard the hum of the bullet sent on its mission of destruction by the "Blue." Then how much more righteously and intensely must the " Blue " loathe and despise, beyond expression, the deed ! Well indeed has it been said by some one, that "the deep damnation of his murder is a crime second only to that before which the sun did hide his face and the vail of the temple was rent in twain."
To show and perpetuate to future generations what was thought of the assassination in Mendocino county, we have appended the following extracts from the papers of that day. The Mendocino Weekly Democrat of April 22, 1865, which was appropriately dressed in mourning, says, editorially : "Had an infernal machine been dropped in the town of Ukiah on Monday last it could not have caused more surprise and horror than did a small package of Sonoma Democrat extras, containing the startling tidings of the assassination of the President. This feeling was shown by all; we noticed that the faces of Democrats and Republicans alike wore a look of gloom. Everybody endeavored to reason themselves into a belief that the story was false, but could urge no satisfactory reason for the conclusion. Arriving, too, at a time when all expected tidings of peace, it was a sad transition from joyous expectancy to receive instead tidings of murder-and the victim the chief magistrate of the nation. At this time it is impossible to arrive at any conclusion as to the cause of the assassination. The event is so ter- rible in its character that even the feeling for vengeance upon the murderer is partly sunk in the general gloom. Abraham Lincoln was not our choice, but he was our president, as much so as if we had formed one of the millions that cast their ballots for him, and we feel as deeply and keenly the national loss. We are the more pained because at the time he was struck down by the bullet of the assassin, he had inaugurated a patriotic policy which all citizens united in commending. In whatever manner we view his death, it is most calamitous at this time. We have no fears that the authorities will fail in their duty of sifting this tragic affair to the bottom, and if it proves to be the result of a conspiracy, as we believe it to be, we trust that sure and swift retribution will reach, not only the assassin, but the conspirators.''
The Herald of that date had also inverted column rules, thus showing
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respect for the martyred President. It said, editorally : " There is much in this matter to strike deep terror to the hearts of American citizens too horrible to contemplate. We are at a loss to know the object of the des- peradoes who committed this unparalleled crime. Certainly it was not committed without an object. Had it been done six months ago, or even six weeks ago, it might have made such confusion in the Government as to give the rebellion strength. But since the recent victories, it can hardly be expected that such results will follow, unless by arousing the passions of partizans in the North to bring about neighboring collisions all over the country. In the name of humanity, are there men base enough, just at the time when peace was about once more to settle upon our already war- ridden country, thus to carry another firebrand broadcast over the land ? This enormous crime has deprived the world of the best, the kindest, as well as one of the ablest, if not the ablest chief magistrate that ever ruled over a great people, while in the very act of extending mercy and pardon to the country's enemies. A sublimer instance of wisdom, mercy and forgive- ness for injuries past and wrongs threatened, never but once was witnessed - never will be again - and that was when ' He who spake as never man spake,' looked from the cross on which he was then to perish, and said : ' Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.' Verily, ' they know not what they do,' for were a thousand rulers chosen in his place, there is no probability that one of them would deal as gently and as charit- ably with disloyal subjects as the great and good man whom they have slain."
The Herald contained the following, copied from the Call, which is so worthy a tribute to the memory of the great Lincoln that we reproduce it here : " While the individual and national heart, benumbed by the terrible blow which has fallen, almost ceases to beat, and men stand amazed at the hideousness of the great crime, it is difficult to speak the right words, fitting and equal to the occasion. The nation stands aghast at the fearful tragedy From the very height of joy the people are cast down under the pressure of a great agony. At the very moment when all began to rejoice at the prospect and promise of returning peace - happy in the thought that the scenes of bloodshed and fraternal strife were about ended; while all the angel in mau's nature began to grow and expand, and charity and forgive- ness was blossoming for a harvest of better things, comes this most fiendish act, its wickedness equalled only by its folly; for Mr. Lincoln was, as has truly been said, the only man on the continent who stood between the leaders of the Rebellion and the halter. In him dwelt the most kindly heart that ever beat in human bosom. During all the dreadful scenes of the past four years he has never been reported as saying an angry word, not a syllable that intimated a revengeful feeling or gave indication of a desire for vengeance, passed his lips or his pen. Reviled by the rebel leaders and the
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rebel masses, as perhaps never man was before; denounced and belied by the Northern sympathizers of the Rebellion, if possible, with greater malignity and falsehood than even the open rebels used, he bore it all calmly and heroically like a philosopher, statesman, Christian, and steadily exhibited through all his acts and conversation that to simply perform the duties he owed to his country in the most effective manner, and with the least suffering to all, was his great and only motive.
" Himself and Mr. Seward were the most conservative men of the Admin- istration ; the two of all from whom the defeated rebels had most reason, as they had most need, to hope for leniency. If it be possible for men to possess goodness in excess, Mr. Lincoln had, of all men, that fault. He desired to save, not destroy. He never deceived a friend; he never betrayed a trust. He deserted no principle, violated no obligation, shirked no re- sponsibility. He was a true man in its best sense, who, although he hated the Rebellion, did not hate the rebels. Among his latest words were expressions of kindness towards Lee and others; and from him alone could they expect leniency. Such was his hold upon the popular heart of the North, such their confidence in his integrity, such their reliance upon the soundness of his judgment and patriotic motives, that had he issued a procla- mation of amnesty to all, even Jefferson Davis, the millions of the North would have said, amen; and yet they killed him ! assassinated him as the principal figure of the group decided upon as victims by the hellish brood, a portion only of whose plan is seen in the deed, for the tragedy is no isolated act of sudden frenzy. It was preconcerted, and only too successful. His death was compissel in the very morning of victory, while he was happy in the thought that his country was saved, sacrificing his own wish that the public may be gratified, beloved by his countrymen, having forced from unwilling foreign enemies the euloginm of administration with single- ness of purpose and freedom from passion, he passed suddenly away in the midst, of his usefulness, having fought the good fight and left in the hearts of all true men an undying and a grateful memory."
But the agony, turmoil, animosity, hatred, and strife of that day are all gone, and truly the sweet pinioned dove of love has cemented more firmly than ever, the two sections of our nation, and the two great armies which were wont to meet on bloody fields of carnage are now brothers, indeed, and the silver of the "Gray " is commingled with the " Blue " like stars set upon the dome of Heaven, and one thoughtand purpose animates us all, and one flag floats over us all, and the stain of slavery has been washed from our fair escutcheon. And now, looking back on the career of the noble Lincoln, be we " Blue" or "Gray," what do we see? We see simply all that was wisest and most faithful in his most perilous magistracy. A halo rests upon his character, and we find no longer anything to blame, scarcely anything not to admire in the measures and counsel of his gloriously upright, impartial,
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