USA > California > Merced County > History of Merced County, California with biographical sketches of prominent citizens > Part 25
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Politically, Mr. Ostrander is a Republican; was a Union inan iu time of the rebellion, and kept the American flag flying at his bome opposite Snelling throughout the great struggle, it being the only flag kept unfurled to the breeze between Stocktou and Visalia, during most of that time. He was one of the three Republicans who cast their votes for General Fremont for President, in Merced County, in 1856, and cast the only Republican vote polled at Snelling at that election for the Republican ticket. In 1876, Mr. Ostrander was placed upon the Republican ticket for elector from this Congressional district, and met with the electoral college to cast the vote of California for Hayes and Wheelcr.
Mr. Ostrander has ever been progressive in spirit, as was manifested throughout his entire career. He started the first gang plow ever used in Merced County, in 1856-a three- gang plow, bought of Matteson & Williamson, in Stockton, for which he paid $150; aud has kept up with the improve- ments of the age to the present time, harvesting a great part of his great grain fields the past two seasons with a combined header and thresher. From the time of starting out from his native home in the State of New York, in 1849, we find him a pioneer and a leader-leading his fellow-sufferers out of the wilderness and sending them succor in Lower California; a pioneer miuer and merchant on the Tuolumne River, where he undertook and accomplished great mining enterprises; a pioneer farmer, miller, fruit-grower, gardener, sheep-raiser, and cattle dealer, on the Merced River; a pioneer in Republicanism in the county; a pioneer in opening up our great plains for human settlement, by demonstrating the feasibility of obtain- ing pure water by digging shallow wells upon our high and arid plains. In short, he is one of that class of men who design to build up and construct great enterprises for the benefit of present aud succeeding generatious; and is, in fact, made of the stuff that composes great men. He is temperate in his habits, in good health, of stout build, and robust constitution, and gives promise of yet a loug career of usefulness among his fellow-citizens of Merced County.
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122
HISTORY OF MERCED COUNTY.
ISAAC CUNNINGHAM GRIMES.
Isaac C. Grimes came to Mereed County in 1867, and engaged in raising sheep from that time until 1878, when he engaged in general farming on his raneh of 1,700 acres, which is eighteen miles from Merced, and close to the town of Snelling. It is sixteen miles to the railroad, and thirty-five miles to water shipping. Two hundred and forty aeres of the farm is hottom-land, and the halance upland, produeing generally fifteen hushels to the acre. On the farm is kept seven horses, hesides eattle, hogs, and other live-stoek. The farmn is favorably situated hoth for residence and husiness, being only one-half mile from church and school, at Snelling.
Isaae C. Grimes was born March 14, 1841, in Randolph County, Missouri. He was married to Miss P. F. Baker; in 1871, who was a native of Boone County, Missouri, and came to California in 1864. They have two children, named War- ren Cunningham Grimes, and Lanora Queen Grimes.
His early life was spent on his father's farm in Missouri, and at the breaking out of the war, in 1861, he joined the southern army, but was soon after prisoner at Glasgow, Mis- souri, and taken to St. Louis. Here he remained a prisoner four months, on usual scanty prison fare.
In 1863 he came to California hy overland route, consuming ninety days in the trip, and reaching Stanislaus County, in September, 1863, where he first stopped. Nothing of much importance occurred on the overland journey.
ANDREW CATHEY.
In the foot-hills of the Sierras in Mariposa County, is Cathey's Valley, one of those pretty valleys so common in that range of country. Andrew Cathey is a pioneer, coming over- land in 1852 by the southern route, starting from Fort Smith with ox-teams. He lived at that time in Saline County, Arkansas. He was born in Buncombe County, North Carolina, in 1814. His early life was that of a farmer. He lived in Georgia eight years and Arkansas nine years. On his arrival in California, he first stopped in Indian Gulch, and engaged in mining in 1852-53.
In September, 1854, he moved to the little valley where he now resides, and which hears his name. He has 400 aeres of upland and valley on which he does some general farming. He raises an average of twenty hushels of harley per acre. His fruit trees do extremely well, of which he has ahout fifty peach, hesides many apple, plum and other varieties, hesides 160 grapevines. On the place is kept a goodly number of cattle, hogs, horses and other stock.
In 1828, Mr. Cathey married Miss Mary M. Gaver. They have seven children, five hoys and two girls. They are also surrounded in their declining years, by ten grand-children and nine great-grand-ehildren.
FRANCIS MARION PATE.
The beautiful foot-hills of Mariposa County are known as a fine grazing ground for cattle and all kinds of stock. Some 3,000 acres of this land (all enclosed), twenty miles from tlie county seat, belongs to Mr. Francis Marion Pate, a man of pluck and endurance, whose history we are about to relate.
Mr. Pate is a native of Alabama, having been born in Decatur, August 2, 1824; he was brought up by his parents, Stephen and Rhoda Pate, until he was fifteen years of age, at which time (1839), he showed his spirit of adventure by joining Jack Everett's rangers, of Texas, serving in that position until 1842. Afterwards he lived in Harrison County, Texas. until 1846. When the war with Mexico broke out, he joined the Second Regiment of Texas Mounted Riflemen, in which he served until after the battle of Monterey, where he did good service. He then served in Lamar's company in G. Hays' regiment until the elose of the war, but not without being spared to go through the perils of another hattle, that of Buena Vista.
In 1849 Mr. Pate left Texas for California, crossing the Rio Grande March 13th of that year, and eoming overland hy way of Santa Cruz, Tucson and Santiago. He arrived in Stockton, August 4, 1849. Mr. Pate came to this county in 1849, he at first mined for six years, with indifferent success, after which he came to his present home, where he has lived with his family, consisting of his wife (formerly Mrs. Lourinda Corneh), a native of Clay County, Kentucky, whom he married March 3, 1853, and two children, Mahaley and Louisa Marion Pate. He is employed in farming and raising stock.
ANDREW LAUDER.
Andrew Lauder was born in Montreal, Canada, August 18, 1829. His parents' names are William and Margaret Lauder. Andrew learned the trades of carpenter and joiner and muill- wright while he was young, hut followed the oceupation of farming eighteen years, occasionally working at his trade of millwright. He resided in Roekburn, Huntington County, Province of Quebec, Canada. On the second of November, 1868, he took passage for San Franciseo vic Panama, making the journey in twenty-four days, and arrived in San Franciseo November 24th. Upon his arrival he went to Merced County, near Snelling, then removed to Plainsburg, where he lives. In 1877, Mr. Lauder was elected Justice of the Peace for his district. The position he still retains, as his integrity is un- questioned and his ability above reproach. Mr. Lauder is a eareful and just judge, who would not think of doing anything hut right deeds towards his fellow-man. Ho is also an active member of the I. O. G. T., of Plainshurg.
In 1848, Mr. Lauder was united in marriage to Miss Eliza A. Waller, a native of Canada. They have cleven children, named as follows: T. A., Wm. A., A. S., J. W., B. S., R. W., Rebecca E., Isabella, Margaret E., Eliza J., and Saralı J.
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EVENTS OF TWENTY YEARS AGO
TWENTY YEARS AGO.
Incidents and Events of a Year. Political, and Religious.
Social,
THE following are the leading events that transpired twenty years ago as published in the Banner, and will call to the minds of old settlers many thoughts as they read the inei- dents of 1862. The first thing, of course, would be a-
SALUTATORY.
To-day we present our readers with the first issue of our little sheet.
"Our bark is by the shore, She is light and free."
Our fortunes are the freigbt, and we cast them for weal or woe with the good people of this county. The appearance of our paper to-day, we trust, presents sufficient evidence of our determination to establish and conduct a county paper. We were convinced before we commenced our publication that the resources of the county were amply sufficient to support properly the enterprise, and of the desire of the people tbere- for. To the people of the county we look for support, and their kindness and liberality to us we shall endeavor to deserve and repay.
Merced County, although occupying but a small space upon the map of the State, is entitled to greater consideration than is usually accorded to her. With a rieb soil-equal to any portion of the State-and situated so as to give her people that chance for market so necessary to an agricultural people, sbe may soon expect to cqual in population and wealth any portion of the State.
To the enterprising farmer nature has laid out a vast and fertile domain, easily cultivated and ready to yield to him for bis toil and labor her choicest productions, and the lowing herds and bleating flocks are sustained for the use of man as of yore in the pastoral ages of the world. To.these resources, a location peculiar and advantageous is added,-on one side a vast mining population to whom we may readily barter, and in return receive the glittering production of nature as it is received from the bosom of Mother Earth, while on the other side equal facilities are furnished for trade with the commercial center of the Pacific. To these natural advantages add the fact of a county government in the hands and under the con- trol of a strictly agricultural people, not swayed by the fluctu- ations and excitements of a mining region, and we may well be justified in predicting a future with which we desire to share.
The county credit, through honest and proper financiering,
stands upon as firm a basis as tbat of her sterling citizens, and at this time her indebtedness is of a nominal character. With a population of a little over 1,100, the assessment roll presents a list of taxable property of upwards of $1,100,000. This speaks for itself, and in comparison with most of the counties of the State shows a vast superiority. This wealth and popu- lation has a permanence not noticeable in other localities, and must increase from year to year. We say "all hail!" Merced ; and to our citizcus, you shall be proud of her.
FOURTH OF JULY BALL AT SNELLING.
We had the pleasure of attending a ball at the new hotel in this place, on the evening of the 4th instant, given by the Prince of landlords, a noble-hearted man, and one who " knows how to keep a hotel."
We are iuformed that about one hundred tickets were sold, and that it was by far the largest ball ever given in Merced county. At an early hour in the day carriages containing ladies and their escorts were seen flying in all directions, and soon the streets were filled with men, and the hotel and private houses were crowded with hoops and dimity.
During the afteruoon we took a peep into the kitchen and counted no less than six good-sized pigs, ten turkeys and forty chickens, besides "lots of chicken 'fixens.'" The whole of the culinary department was under the management of Mrs. Priuce, the estimable landlady, who is unquestionably without a rival in the management of such affairs.
At nine o'clock the band struck up a lively air, summoning the worshipers at the shrine of Terpsichore to the brilliantly lighted saloon, where they "tripped the light fantastic toe " until broad daylight, and many of them-didn't go home in the morning.
Among the large number who attended, we will make men- tion of the few to whom we had the pleasure of being intro- duced: Mrs. Judge Fitzhugh, the most dignified and brilliant lady of the company, dress-white tarlaton, six flounces, trimmed with broad black ribbon; head-dress, black ostrich feathers, and jet jewelry. Mrs. Bell Davis, of La Grange, a tall, graceful blond, with Grecian features, attracted much admiration ; dress, white tarlaton trimmed with groups of narrow ruffles, ornamented with small bows of white satin ribbon; bair arranged in broad braids and looped up with white Japonicas; and as she moved, with the stately bearing of a queen, through the dance, was pronounced the belle of the evening. Miss Malinda Brown looked pretty and fascinating; dress, white tarlaton, several tucks trimmed with white satin ribbon Miss Mary Fitzhugh looked and moved like a sylph; hier roguish eyes and silvery laugh made more than one of the opposite sex sigh and inwardly wish that he was the chosen one of her heart. Mrs. Crosen, a charming and vivacious bru- nette, drew a large crowd of admirers in her train ; dress,
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HISTORY OF MERCED COUNTY.
white tarlaton, trimmed with cherry-colored ribbon. Mrs. McPherson, of New Year's Diggings, an attractive lady, dressedl in pink and white satin brocarle, over-dress of pink illusion. Mrs. Farrell, of Coulterville, an amiable and graceful lady, ‹Iress, pure white, three flounces elegantly embroidered. Mrs. Peck, of Dickerson's Ferry, dress, pink tarlaton, double skirt, | looped up at the sides with wreaths of variegated flowers; looked graceful and danced with ease.
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It would be impossible for us to mention all who were pres- ent, but among the most prominent of those not mentioned above, were the Misses Ruddle, Maggie Mitchell, Hattie McDonall, Miss Anderson, Miss Woodcock, Miss Hathaway, Mrs. Peck, and Miss Latour, and Mrs. Howard. All seemed to enjoy themselves, and were undoubtedly well pleased with the arrangements.
OUR ADVERTISERS.
Those wanting legal advice should read the cards of W. A. Johnson, of this place, and of P. B. Naglee and S. P. Scaniker, La Grange.
J. W. Bost will survey your ranches and ditches and war- rants his work correct.
A. A. McDonald will do your painting, paper-hanging, etc., at short notice.
N. Breen is ready to administer the oath, marry parties who think it best not to live alone, or try cases that may come before him.
A. Rosenthal & Co., and L. Hadlick & Co., of Merced Falls, will sell you dry goods and groceries at reduced prices.
J. Goldsmith of this place, and Simons, Jacobs & Co., of this place and La Grange, will supply the people with dry goods, clothing, groceries, etc.
Those wishing to ride will find fast and well-trained horses audl fine buggies at the Livery and Sale Stable of W. J. How- ard & Bro., or at the Livery Stable of Messrs Turner & Leak.
Messrs. Foreman & Co. will do your blacksmithing in a work- manlike style.
Mr. Prince, of Prince's Hotel, and Messrs. Solomon & Co., of the Restaurant, will feed the bungry aud lodge the weary.
You can obtain the best quality of beef, mutton, and pork at the Snelling Meat Market, kept by Solomon & Co.
W. Myers will deal out good liquors, wines aud cigars to the thirsty. Those who dou't know this fact had better " go and try " the elever " cuss " as we have done, and shall continue to do.
OUR COUNTY SEAT.
The town of Snelling, from which we issue our paper, takes its name from the original settler upon the tract of land upon which the town is located. The place was regularly laid off by Mr. Snelling in the year 1856, and that year became the " ninty seat. Mr. Snelling donated to the county the block
upon which the Court House and county jail now stand, and as an evidence of the sterling worth and integrity of the donor, his neighbors gave his name to the new-born town. The county buildings, although plain and unostentations, are a credit to the county, and compare favorably with similar build- ings in other counties. The town lies upon the Merced River, and during the recent flood, a portion of the towu plot and some of the huildlings were swept away, but the loss thus occa- sioned has been replaced.
Mr. Snelling, whose name it bears, we believe, "sleeps his last sleep," but his name will remain connected with this place, and to its eitizens be known in time yet to come.
We are told that at this time the title to most of the property in the town is difficult to acquire, and of a doubtful and pre- carious nature, which deters many from purchasing that would do so if its situation was otherwise. This we regret, and we trust that our courts may settle the conflicting interests of parties, and a clear and fair field be opened to purchasers. Theu our business meu and citizens will commence improve- ments, and soon our town will present the appearance dreamed of by him whose name it bears, agreeable to ourselves and pleasant to the passer-by.
DIVINE SERVICE.
There will be preaching at the Court House in this town to-morrow at 11 A. M., by the Rev. Mr. Dean. A meeting to take steps for organizing a Sabbath-school will be held at the same place at 10 A. M.
UNION MEETING AT SNELLING.
The Union voters of Merceil County met at Snelling at 3 o'clock P. M., Saturday, July 12th, pursuant to a call of the citizens, for the purpose of organizing the Union element, without distinction of former party issues.
On motion of J. M. Fowler, R. N. Woodcock was elected Chairman of the meeting.
.On motion of H. J. Ostrander, J. W. Fowler was elected Secretary.
Resolved, That we heartily indorse the present National Administration, and hereby pledge ourselves to sustain it in all its efforts to preserve the Union.
Resolved, That we are in favor of a vigorous prosecution of the war, without regard to cost or sacrifice, until the last rebel is disarmed, and the supremacy of the National Govern- ment is acknowledged in every State and Territory of the Union.
Resolved, That we have no sympathy with any party or person who advocates a peace on any terms, while there is an enemy of the Union in open rebellion against the Government, and that such a peace would prove to be but a hollow truce, leading again to rebellion and war, and would be a lasting dis- grace to us and to our country.
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EVENTS OF TWENTY YEARS AGO.
Resolved, That every eitizen of the United States owes an allegianee to the National Government, which is paramount to his allegiance to any State, and that any other doctrine would be repugnant to the Constitution and to every principle upon which our Government is founded.
Resolved, That since the inauguration of the present National Administration all issues heretofore dividing the loyal people of the different political parties have been settled, and the only issue now before the people is union or disunion.
Resolved, That we call upon the loyal citizens of this State to unite with us in a Union Party, which shall place California where she of right belongs-high in the rank of States, ready to sacrifice all to preserve the rich heritage of liberty - bequeathed to us by our fathers.
Resolved, That we hereby indorse the above resolutions in full.
Next, on motion, the meeting proceeded to the election of H. J. Ostrander, G. W. Halstead, Erastus Kelsey, Albert Ingals- bee, and Daniel Yizer, County Central Committee.
HON. J. W. BOST A CANDIDATE. SNELLING, July 12, 1862.
J. W. BOST, EsQ .- Sir: The undersigned, Democrats and your personal friends, ask that you eonseut to become a eandidate for the Assembly from this district. We promise you our sup- port in the Joint Convention of Merced and Stanislaus eoun- ties, and are convinced that you will receive the support of all good Democrats in this distriet.
Respectfully, J. W. FITZHUGH, N. BREEN, S. H. P. Ross, R. R. LEAK, S. R. GWINN, And twenty-five others.
MR. BOST ACCEPTS.
MESSRS. J. W. FITZHUGH, N. BREEN, S. H. P. Ross, R. R. LEAK, S. R. GWINN, AND OTHERS-Gentlemen : Your note, bear- ing date the 12th instant, published in the Merced Banner, invit- ing me to become a candidate to represent the people of this dis- trict in the Assembly of California, is before me, and feeling flattered by your ehoiee, I most gratefully aeeept, and, if choseu by the Democracy of Merced and Stanislaus Connties to repre- sent them, I shall exert myself to carry out Democratie princi- ples, and advance the interests of my constituents.
With grateful acknowledgments for your partiality for me, I am your most ob't s'v't.
J. W. BOST. Snelling, July 15, 1862.
MR. BOST WITHDRAWS.
SNELLING, July 25, 1862.
EDITOR OF MERCED BANNER-Dear Sir : Cirenmstanees of a private character, and over which I have no control, have transpired within the last few days, which compel me to with- draw my name as a candidate for the Assembly. In doing so, I would be reereant to my duty did I not return my heartfelt thanks to those gentlemen who were so kind as to bring my name before the public in the last issue. of your paper. And to you, sir, I am under many obligations for the many kind- uesses you have shown nie in connection with this matter. I am, very respectfully, yours, etc. J. W. BOST.
ENTERTAINMENT.
On Saturday evening next, August 3d, Mrs. Steele pro- poses to give one of her chaste aud versatile Dramatie Enter- tainments at Prince's Hotel, Snelling, assisted by Masters Harry and George Granice, consisting of Readings, Recitatious, Songs, Fuuny Seenes, and Dances. The price of admission will be one dollar. For programme, see haudbills.
A CARD. SNELLING, July 24, 1862.
The undersigned respectfully announces himself a eandidate for the Assembly at the ensuing election, subject to the Joint Democratie Convention of Merced and Stanislaus Counties.
In making this announcement. I beg leave to return to you, fellow-eitizens, my most heartfelt thanks for favors heretofore conferred. Should I be so fortunate as to secure the nomina- tjou and ultimately succeed at the polls, and thereby become your representative, I will serve you to the very best of my humble ability. It will be my purpose to advanee your inter- ests in whatever way I ean consistent with honor; and I trust that if eleeted to that position I may so aet that not one gen- tleman who may favor me with his support, either in conven- tion or at the polls, will ever have eause to regret having done so. I am, fellow-citizeus, your ob't s'v't.
J. W. ROBERTSON.
DIVINE SERVICE.
There will be preaching by the Rev. Mr. Lockley, on Sun- clay next, at Moore's School House, at 10 A. M., at Spear's School House at 4 P. M., and at Suelling at 7 P. M.
PRINCE'S HOTEL, Corner of Lewis and Second streets, Snelling, California. F. PRINCE, Proprietor.
Faving just completed the above hotel, and furnished it in a superior style, the undersigned, thankful to the public for the liberal patronage hitli- erto extended to him, and hopes, by strict attention to business and the com- fort and convenience of his enstomers, to merit a continnance.
The table will ever be supplied with the best viands that can be procured in the country.
The rooms are large and airy, and the beds are soft and always supplied with clean sheets.
The Bar is supplied with the finest and best kinds of Wines, Liqnors, and Cigars, and customers will be waited npon promptly by polite and experienced barkeepers.
The prices are low and the fare good. If travelers and teamsters will give me a call they will be sure to go away satisfied.
F. PRINCE. Snelling, July 5, 1862.
There will be a two days' meeting to-day and to-morrow at Forlorn Hope. Preaching by the Rev. E. B. Lockley.
There will be a Camp-meeting on the Merced River, near Snelling, commencing on the twenty-fourth day of September. The Reverend Messrs. T. W. Davies, E. B. Lockley, Juhn Sime, R. W. Hockaday, and John Overton, will officiate.
MERCED DEMOCRATIC COUNTY CONVENTION.
The Convention met in the Court House at two o'clock, P. M., on Saturday, the second instant. Silas March was elected Chairman, and N. Breen, Seeretary.
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HISTORY OF MERCED COUNTY.
Election of delegates to the State Convention being in order, Messrs. J. W. Bost, J. W. Fitzhughi, W. J. Howard, and S. H. P. Ross, were placed in nomination and elected.
The following resolutions were then read and adopted :--
Resolved, That tbe Democracy of Merced County is true to the Constitution of our country, and to the " Union " thereby formed; but we view with disgust and contempt the hypocrit- ical protestations of Republicans for a Union which they have destroyed.
Resolved, That we are in favor of a reconstruction of the Union upon the basis of the Constitution-giving and grant- ing to every State tbe rights guaranteed by that instrument- and are opposed to any other Union upon any other basis.
Resolved, That the present Administration, in its usurpation of powers not given by the Constitution-in suppressing Dem- ocratic newspapers and disregarding the freedom of the press -in establishing political bastiles-in arresting and imprison- ing our citizens without due process of law, merits the condem- nation of every lover of justice and Constitutional law.
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