History of Placer county, California, Part 69

Author: Angel, Myron; Thompson & West, pub
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Oakland, Cal., Thompson & West
Number of Pages: 558

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THE STARS AND STRIPES.

The first Republican paper of Placer County made its appearance July 29, 1863, under the proprietor- ship of John C. Boggs, with W. A. Selkirk as editor. The paper was 14x20 inches in size of page and con- tained twenty-four columns. three pages of its first edi- tion being devoted to advertisements. The Stars and Stripes was published at Auburn every Wednesday, at 85.00 per annum. The Republican Party had then become strong and popular, and people began to take pride in the name. though Democratic editors and speakers still attempted to crush it by the pre- fix, "Black." for which they subsequently substi- tuted the epithet "Radical." The declaration of principles was summarized in the following editorial in the first number: "Our political principles can be summed up in a few words-WE LOVE LOYALTY AND 11ATE TREASON."

The record of publishers and editors is as follows: February, 17. 1864, W. A. Selkirk retires from the editorial control. August 2, 1865, his name is again at the head of the columns as editor. November 22, 1865, Mr. Selkirk again retires, and is succeeded by Wm. J. Begys. October 17, 1866, Mr. Begge pub- lishes his valedictory, and on the 7th of November following Edward A. Littlefield becomes the editor. January 23. 1867, John C. Boggs sells the paper to W. A. Selkirk, who relieves Mr. Littlefield from edi- torial control. December 12, 1867, Mr. Selkirk sells to Hart Fellows, who assumes the editorship. Jan- uary 21. 1869, the Stars and Stripes is reduced in

size, one column in width, and two inches in length. June 17, 1869, E. A. Littlefield again becomes editor, which position he holds until October 14th following, when the proprietor, Mr. Fellows, takes the editorial chair. December 16th, the same year, Mr. W. H. H. Fellows takes charge as publisher and proprietor. June 30, 1870, W. A. Selkirk becomes proprietor and editor, and reduces the subseription price to 84.00 per year. In the Presidential Campaign of 1872 the Stars and Stripes espoused the cause of Horace Greeley, who had been nominated by the Democrats under the name of the Liberal Republican Party, and losing the election and the support of the Republi- cans, ceased to exist after November 28th of that year. Until its change of base as above stated, the paper had done good and faithful service for the party, and seemed on the high road to prosperity and permanency.

Of the editors of the Stars and Stripes, Mr. Sel- kirk is now the proprietor of the Mountain Demo- crat at Placerville, El Dorado County.

Mr. Littlefield has distinguished himself as the starter of many papers, having been one of the stockholders of the San Francisco Daily Post; then of the Nevada State Journal, of the Elko Post, and the Tuscarora Times; then the Daily Mining Review, of Salt Lake, and is now connected with the Ogden Daily Pilot.

PLACER WEEKLY ARGUS.

The Republicans of Placer County were indignant at the defeetion of the Stars and Stripes, and an asso- ciation was organized to establish a paper in its stead. This association commenced the publication of the Placer Weekly Argus September 13, 1872, a twenty- eight column paper, with subscription rates at $4.00 per year. This association was organized with Moses Andrews, President; W. B. Lyon, Secretary and Business Manager; Hubbard & Andrews, Treasurers; and James B. McQuillan, Editor. A paid up capital of 83,000 was subscribed, and the paper started out under the most favorable auspices. The gentlemen comprising the association were men of wealth, of high social position, and political influ- ence. Under such conditions, with its party in the ascendant, and a prosperous country surrounding it, there could be no doubt of the success of the enter- prise. The Presidential election followed in Novem- ber, at which the Republican electors received 1,417 votes and the Greeley electors received 839 votes in Placer County. This result was a triumph for the Argus, while it was a crushing blow for the Stars and Stripes, which succumbed under the defeat. Novem- ber 15th Mr. McQuillan resigned the editorial charge, which was assumed by W. B. Lyon, who held the position until the 1st of March, 1874, when he was succeeded by Daniel McNeill. This position was held by Mr. McNeill until June 1st following, when Theodore Glance'y, formerly of the Los Angeles Daily Herald, took charge. In August of the same year

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Mr. Lyon resigned the Secretaryship and Mr. Glancey was elected his successor. On the 10th of April, 1875, Mr. Glancey resigned and W. N. Slocum became editor of the paper and Secretary of the association. On the 1st of July, 1877, the paper was sold to Henry W. Fenton, who assumed control from that date. The paper is a handsome folio of seven columns to each page, and is furnished subscribers at the rate of $3.00 per annum, or ten cents a single number. In politics it is strongly Republican, and is an able advocate of the resources and interests of Placer County.

James B. McQuillan, the first editor of the Argus, was well known among the journalists of the State, baving filled the editorial chair of several papers, and was a popular gentleman and able writer. Ile died at Jacinto, in Colusa County, September 15. 1874. and was buried at Chico, in Butte County.

Theodore Glancey, while editor of the Santa Bar- bara Press, was brutally murdered by Clarence Gray, a candidate for District Attorney of Santa Barbara, County, upon whose past criminal career Mr. Glancey severely animadverted.

Daniel MeNeill was subsequently one of the pub- lisbers of the Amador Sentinel, and has been con- nected with various papers of the State.

DUTCH FLAT FORUM.

This paper issued its initial number October 9, 1875, with Benjamin F. Frank as proprietor and editor. It was a neat and spiey eight-page weekly, well filled with advertising and promising a success- ful career, representing the interests, progress and society of Duteh Flat. The Forum professed inde- pendence in politics, but in its first number strongly advocated the election of T. B. Reardan, of Nevada, a Democrat, for District Judge over James E. Hale, of Placer, a Republican. June 8, 1878, J. R. Winders appears as proprietor, also as candidate on the Work- ingmen's Tieket for Delegate to the Constitutional Convention. In this he is defeated by J. A. Filcher. May 3, 1879, W. G. Ransom is the proprietor, who, June 19, 1880, sold to W. A. Wheeler, who at the close of 1881, changes the name to

TIIE PLACER TIMES,

A well-printed paper, issued every Saturday at Dutch Flat, having four pages of five columns each.

COLFAX ENTERPRISE.

The Dutch Flat field appears not to have been ax promising to Mr. Frank as it appeared when estab lishing the Forum, for we find him in the fall of 1876 at Colfax, publishing the Enterprise. Here he re- mained about eleven months, and removed to Read- ing, in Shasta County, and there published the Reading Independent, the first number of which was dated October 11, 1877.

THE MOUNTAIN ECHO.

and find him, February 28, 1880, publishing the Mountain Echo, at Rocklin. This was a neat six- column paper, and battled with the world for the period of about four months.

THE ROSEVILLE FARMER.

Edited by S. J. Pullen, appeared May 22, 1880, at Roseville, being the successor of the Mountain Echo, from the neighboring town of Rocklin.

TIIE ADVANCE.

Volume 1, Number 1, of The Advance, is dated Auburn, May 2, 1879, HI. W. Hulbert, publisher and proprietor. This was a well-printed and ably edited paper of four pages, of six columns to the page, and was a vigorous advocate of the Greenback-Labor Party. The great "reform " questions of that party were fully discussed and many theories and facts presented in their favor. Mr. Hulbert had often contributed articles to other papers, presenting the agricultural and horticultural resources and pro- gress in Placer County, and was well qualified to make an interesting and valuable paper, but the publisher's efforts could not maintain The Advance, and its career was brief.

TAHOE TATTLER.

This is not a very pretentious sheet, being a folio of two columns to each page of five and a half inches in length, but gives the local news and gossip of Tahoe City during the season when the lovely lake is visited by summer tourists. Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Wood are the publishers.

THIE CAUCASIAN

Was a monthly publication in 1878, by J. A. Filcher & Co., at Auburn, as the organ of the Order of Cau- casians. Its life was of short duration.

CHAPTER XXXIX.

SOCIETIES.

The Order of Freemasonry-Speculative Freemasonry-Masonry on Pacific Coast -- Remarkable Masonie Display -- Grand Lodge of California-Masonry in Placer County-Eureka Lodge, No.16-Gold Hill Lodge, No. 32-Michigan City Lodge, No. 47-Illinoistown Lodge, No. 51-Rising Star Lodge, No. 83 - Wisconsin Hill Lodge, No. 74-Clay Lodge, No. 101- Ionic Lodge, No. 121-Granite Lodge, No. 222-Tyre Lodge, No. 238-Penryn Lodge, No. 255-O. W. Hollenbeck-Royal Arch Masons-Libanus Chapter, No. 17-Olive Chapter, No. 23-Delta Chapter, No. 27-Siloam Chapter, No. 37-Capt. Melvin S. Gardner-Order of the Eastern Star-Odd Fellow. ship in California-Odd Fellowship in Placer County- Auburn Lodge, No. 7-Mountain Lodge, No. 14-Placer Lodge, No. 38-Washington Lodge, No. 40-Minerva Lodge, No. 55-Covenant Lodge, No. 73-Olive Lodge, No. SI- Valley Lodge, No. 107-Colfax Lodge, No. 132-Gold Run Lodge, No. 139-Roseville Lodge, No. 203-Order of Knights of Pythias-Washington Lodge, No. 1-Sons of Temperance -Independent Or ler of Good Templars-Improved Order of Red Men-Patrons of Ilusbandry-Ancient Order of United Workmen-War Veterans.

SOCIETIES and civilization are coeval. and as man advances in enlightenment the greater is the tend-

Again we follow Mr. Frank to Placer County, ! ency to organize social orders. Government itself is

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a social order, and therefore organizations appeared on the earth while the human race were advancing from barbarism to civilization; so it would be impos- sible to tell when the first society appeared. With the establishing of governments came the tyranny of' rulers, and very probably secret societies were formed soon thereafter in self-protection.

THE ORDER OF FREEMASONRY.

The oldest seeret organization now known is that of Freemasonry, the origin of which is wrapped in obscur.ty, though attributed to the workmen engaged in the building of King Solomon's Temple, and this theory is now accepted as the fact. At that time the members were operative architects, and through a long period of years their skill was displayed in every important structure. Operative masons were known to Britain as early as the year 287 of the Christian era. During the invasion of Britain by the Danes, between the years 835 and 870, nearly all the con- vents, churches and monasteries were destroyed, and with them the records and ancient documents of the Order, of which they were the respositories. Fifty years afterwards, King Athelatan desired his adopted son Edwin, who had been taught the science of architecture, to assemble in the year 926, in the city of York, all the lodges of Freemasons scattered throughout the kingdom. that they might be recon- structed according to their ancient laws. This done, he confirmed to them all the privileges which they desired, and at the same time presented to the assem - bled Masons the immortal document known as the Charter of York. Thereafter Freemasonry flour- ished to an extraordinary degree in all civilized lands.

About the year 1649 the different lo lges in Eng- land and Scotland, having admitted many honorary members into the society, generally for the influence wielded rather than for any qualification pertaining to the original design of the order they may have possessed Masonry in its speculative character became a matter of earnest discussion. With the completion of St. Paul's Cathedral, in the city of London, the occupation of operative masons seems to have been brought to a close; for we find that in the year 1703, the Lodge of St. Paul, so named because the operative Masons engaged in the erection of the cathedral held their lodge in a building situ- ated in the church-yard on its grounds, passed an important resolution, the object of which was evi- dently to augment its numbers, and thereby enlarge the area for the bestowal of its benefits. That reso- lution was as follows :-

Resolved, That the privileges of Masonry shall no longer be confined to operative Masons, but be free to men of all professions, provided that they are regularly approved and initiated into the fraternity.

This important decision entirely changed the scope and features of the society, and transformed it into what we find it to-day-speculative, as contradis- tinguished from operative, Masonry -a praiseworthy

institution, existing as the conservator of art, religion and tradition, and perpetuating by the beautiful allegories of its legends and symbols, its eminently kind and humanitarian doctrines.

SPECULATIVE FREEMASONRY.

In the short space of twenty-five years, specula- tive Freemasonry spread itself in a manner but little less than miraculous into nearly every portion of the civilized world. Passing from England to France as early as 1725, thence to Belgium, to Holland, to Germany, to America; subsequently to Portugal, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden and to Poland. Lodges were to be found as early as 1740 in Den- mark, in Bohemia, in Russia, in the Antilles, in Africa, and in the British possessions in Hindostan. The missing link in Masonry was welded in Japan, in 1874, by the establishment of a lodge in that coun- try-the only land in the world at that time where the order had not obtained a foot-hold-and the chain around the world was complete. Taking pat- tern from it, all other secret associations of modern times have sprung into being.

If Freemasonry has ceased to erect temples; if it has ceased to engage in material architecture; if it no longer exhibits itself in the elevation of spires and turrets, or points from which eyes may be directed and hopes ascend towards a better and hap- - pier world-it has not less continued its work of intel- lectual and moralculture, and its success in this respect has been far more satisfactory than those who planned its design as a speculative institution ever hoped to achieve. Its spirit is immortal; its won- derful craft is voiced in the towering pyramids and monumental obelisks of Egypt. It will live and thrive as long as mankind exists.

MASONRY ON THE PACIFIC COAST.

With the Argonauts who came in search of the golden treasures of California in 1849, were parties who previous to leaving their homes in the East had formed themselves into companies for either mining or commercial purposes, or both, as well as for mutual protection. Several of these organizations were comprised mainly of Masons, and had, previous to setting out upon their journey to the far West, applied to the lodges where they were made for per- mits or dispensations to open lodges, and " work " when opportunity offered. These dispensations eventually became the nuclei around which some of the first Masonic Lodges of California formed. The following ineident will show that, although no lodges were organized until the spring of 1850, the brethren of the mystic tie of the Pacific Coast never- theless forgot not their charitable duties, even among the allurements attendant upon those flush, golden times of the earlier days.

REMARKABLE MASONIC DISPLAY.

The first Masonic funeral that ever took place in California occurred in the year 1849, and was per-

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formed over the body of a brother found drowned in the bay of San Francisco.

Upon the body of the deceased was found a silver mark of a Mark Master, upon which were the initials of his name. A little further investigation revealed to the beholders the most singular exhibition of Masonic emblems that were ever drawn by the inge- nuity of man upon the human skin. There is noth- ing in the history or tradition of Masonry equal to it. Beautifully dotted on his left arm, in red and blue, which time could not efface, appeared all the emblems of Entered Apprentice. There were the Holy Bible, the square and the compass, the twenty- four-inch gauge, and the common gavel. There were also the Mosaic pavement, representing the ground floor of King Solomon's Temple, the identi- cal tassel which surrounds it, and the blazing star in the center.

On his right arm, artistically executed as the others, were emblems pertaining to the Fellow Craft, the plumb, the square and the level. There were also the five columns, representing the five Orders of Architecture-the Tuscan, Dorie, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite.

In removing the garments from his body, the troweł presented itself with all the tools of operative Masonry, besides all the emblems pertaining to the degree of a Master Mason. Conspicuously on bis left breast were the Lights of Masonry. Over his heart was the Pot of Incense. On other parts of his body, were the bee-hive, the book of constitu- tions, guarded by the Tyler's sword; the sword pointing to a naked heart; the all-seeing eye; the anchor and ark; the hour glass; the forty-seventh problem of Euclid; the sun, moon, stars, and comet; the three steps, emblematical of youth, manhood and old age. Admirably executed was the weeping virgin reclining on a broken column upon which lay the book of the constitutions. In her left hand she held the Pot of Incense-emblem of a pure heart-and in ber uplifted hand a sprig of acacia-the emblem of the immortality of the soul. Immediately beneath her stood winged Time with his scythe by his side -- which cuts the brittle thread of life-and the hour glass at his feet-which is ever reminding us that our lives are withering away. The withered and attenuated fingers of the destroyer were delicately placed amid the long and gracefully flowing ringlets of the disconsolate woman. Thus were the striking emblems of mortality and immortality beautifully blended in one pictorial representation.

It was a spectacle such as Masons never saw before and in all probability such as the fraternity will never witness again. A large concourse attended the burial. The impressive service of the craft was read; the sprig of acacia was dropped into the grave by the hands of men from all quarters of the globe; the grand honors were given, and the stranger was entombed in the last resting-place alloted to man- kind. His name was never known.

In October, 1849, as told in the " Annals of San Francisco," a convention assembled in San Francisco and organized a lodge under a charter, dated Novem- ber 9, 1848, which had been granted by the " Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia " to Messrs. Levi Stowell, Wm. Van Voorhies, and B. F. McDonald, that they might accomplish this object when they should arrive in California. This was entitled " Cali- fornia Lodge, No. 13," subsequently California Lodge, No. I, and consisted of about twenty members, whose first officers were :-

Levi Stowell, Esq., of Washington City, Worship- ful Master; A. Bartol, Esq., of Columbus, Ohio, Senior Warden; Col. John W. Geary, of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, Junior Warden; Dr. John H. Gihon, of Philadelphia, Secretary, and A. A. Selo- ver, of New York, Treasurer.

GRAND LODGE OF CALIFORNIA.

Other lodges acting under similar charters were in several parts of the State, and the expedieney of organizing a Grand Lodge was carnetly considered early in 1850 by prominent members of the Order. As a consequence the following call was published in the Placer Times of Sacramento, April 6, 1850 :-

SACRAMENTO, April 5, 1850.

At a meeting of the Worshipful Masters of the following lodges of A. Y. Masons, held at the Masonic Hall, in Sacramento City, on the 5th day of April, 1850, A. L. 5850, viz :--

Brother John A. Tutt, Connecticut Lodge, No. 75; Brother Sarshall Woods, Western Star Lodge, No. 98;

Brother Wm. M. Doughty. New Jersey Lodge, U. D .;

Brother B. D. Ifyam, Benicia Lodge, U. D .; On motion it was

Resolved, That it is deemed expedient to form a Grand Lodge in this State, and that a Convention be held for that purpose on the 17th of April, 1850, at the city of Sacramento. Also, that all regular lodges of A. Y. Masons of the State of California, and all Present and Past Grand officers be invited to attend said Convention.

Resolved, That the above proceedings be published forthwith in the different newspapers of San Fran- cisco and Sacramento City.

It was further

Resolved, That Brother Wm. M. Doughty be empowered to forward a copy of the above resolu- tions to every and all legally constituted lodges throughout the State who are not here represented. to meet with us in said convention.

SARSHALL WOODS, Chairman.

In obedience to this call and invitation representa- tives from the four lodges above mentioned. also California Lodge, No. 13, of San Francisco, assem- bled in convention at Sacramento April 17, 1850. and remained in session until the 19th. The organ- ization was completed on the 18th, and the first regular meeting of the Grand Lodge was held on the 19th. The following were the first officers: Col. Jonathan D. Stevenson, M W. Grand Master; John A. Tutt, R. W. Deputy Grand Master; Caleb Fenner,

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HISTORY OF PLACER COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

Senior Grand Warden; Sarshall Woods, Junior Grand Warden; John H. Gihon, M. D., Grand Secretary ; Levi Stowell, Grand Treasurer; B. D. IIyam, W. Senior Deacon; E. J. Willis, Grand Junior Deacon; Simon Greenwalt, Grand Steward; Aaron Greenwalt. Grand Steward; G. P. Gordon, Grand Marshal; Wm. Davenport, Grand Standard Bearer; B. B. Gore, Grand Sword Bearer; W. G. Deale, Grand Champion ; Frederick A. Clark, Grand Tyler.

In the summer of 1850 "San Francisco Royal Arch Chapter" was established under a charter from the "General Grand Chapter of the United States," of which Col. John W. Geary was first High Priest, and Dr. John H. Gihon was first Secretary.

The " Knights Templars " opened an Encampment in San Francisco on the 20th of December. 1853.

California Lodge, of San Francisco, bears the title of No. 1 in the Masonic Order in this State, but there are charters of earlier date. The Western Star Lodge was granted a charter by the Grand Lodge of Missouri, which bore date May 10, 1848. but was not organized until October 30, 1849, then at a place bearing the name of Benton City, or Reading Springs, now Shasta. The charter number of this Lodge was 98, but at the organization of the Grand Lodge of California it kindly relinquished the honor of pre- cedence to the more influential organization of the metropolis, and accepted the designation of No. 2.

Connectient Lodge, No. 75, now Tehama Lodge, No. 3, of Sacramento, bore a charter from the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, bearing date of January 31. 1849. A. L. 3849, granting full power to Caleb Fen- ner, W. M. James, W. Goodrich, S. W., and Elizur Hubbell, J. W., to open and continue a Lodge in the Territory of California. This was opened in Sacra- mento on the 8th of January, 1850, by Caleb Fenner. and continued in successful operation under that authority and name until the establishment of the Grand Lodge of California .*

MASONRY IN PLACER COUNTY.

Masonry is presumed to have had its representa- tives in Placer County with the first inflow of gold- hunters, as the brethren were numerous among the pioneers. With the aid of the mystic signs they made themselves known to each other, and could thus commune in mutual joy, sympathy, and frater- nity. When the stability of the people became suffi- ciently marked and associations had ripened into friendships, knowledge of each other, and into society, the time had arrived for the organization of lodges of the Order.

EUREKA LODGE, NO. 16.

In and about Anburn were many of the Masonie Order from the days of 1849, but not until 1851 did they organize a lodge. The first in the county was Eureka Lodge, No. 16, instituted at Auburn on the 7th day of November, 1851, under charter from the

Grand Lodge of California, with the following charter members: Lisbon Applegate, John Nye, W. G. Monroe, A. P. Joslin, James Bowen, J. R. Crandall, Colonel McDonald, B. F. Myres, Wm. M. Jordan, N. O. Hinman, and J. D. Fry.

The Masonic Hall at Auburn was dedicated by the Eureka Lodge on the anniversary of St. John the Baptist, June 24, 1853. Rev. O. C. Wheeler delivered an address in Mechanics' Hall, immediately after the dedicatory exercises. In the evening a grand ball was given at the Empire Hotel, under the manage- ment of II. R. Hawkins, James Bowen, H. T. Holmes, Tabb Mitchell, M. P. H. Love, Philip W. Thomas, James E. Stewart, and H. O. Ryerson.

Of former officers, there were elected December 17, 1855, the following: Moses Hyneman, W. M .; M. P. H. Love, S. W .; P. W. Thomas, J. W .; H. R. Hawkins, Secretary; H. T. Holmes, Treasurer, and D. Davidson, Tyler.

December 20, 1858, the following were elected: J. R. Crandall, W. M .; James Rodgers, S. W .; S. E. Roussin, J. W .; S. E. Barrett, Secretary, and John C. Boggs, Treasurer.

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History of Placer county, California, Part 69

Author: Angel, Myron; Thompson & West, pub Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Oakland, Cal., Thompson & West Number of Pages: 558

Author: Angel, Myron; Thompson & West, pub
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Oakland, Cal., Thompson & West
Number of Pages: 558