History of San Joaquin County, California : with biographical sketches of leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present, Part 39

Author: Tinkham, George H. (George Henry), b. 1849
Publication date: 1923
Publisher: Los Angeles, Calif. : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 1660

USA > California > San Joaquin County > History of San Joaquin County, California : with biographical sketches of leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present > Part 39

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

men, Whig and Democratic county commit- tees, the Masonic fraternity, in full regalia, the Odd Fellows, with their secret emblems, the Hebrew Benevolent Association, and the draymen on horseback, assembled at the Cor- inthian Building on the Peninsula. The fun- eral cortege then marched across the Stockton bridge to Levee Street, then to the enclosure of Mr. Woods' church beneath some large oaks. The procession "was five hundred yards in length." At the church there was singing by the choir, and Henry A. Crabb de- livered the eulogy.

The Stockton Blues

This crack military company, composed of Stockton's best citizens, was so named be- cause of their uniform, which consisted of dark blue frock coat and light blue trousers with white trimmings. The company was or- ganized December 27, 1856, and elected the following officers : Captain, Samuel A. Booker ; first lieutenant, P. E. Conner ; second lieuten- ant, H. C. Patrick, a Democratic newspaper man; orderly sergeant, John H. Webster; drummer, John Taufer; fifer, J. C. Daniels. Its members comprised judges, lawyers, mer- chants, among them John B. Hall, Samuel A. Booker, Otis Bridges, Charles F. Whale, big Jack Keeler, Phillip S. Shoaff, Andrew Lester, William H. Lyons, Henry T. Compton, B. F. Sanborn, O. H. Perry, John Gross, George A. Shurtleff, Dr. Samuel A. Langdon, R. K. Reid, Thomas Marshall, R. B. Lane, Elisha Lyons, Andrew Simpson, Dave Safferhill, and other leading citizens of the town in every walk of life. The members were obliged to pay all their own expenses, receiving nothing from the state except muskets, equipment and am- munition for target practice. They paraded upon every possible occasion, such as Andrew Jackson's day, Washington's birthday, and the Fourth of July, frequently acting as escort to various societies and public school children and attending in full uniform with a brass band theatrical performances of favorite act- ors or actresses. Washington's birthday and the anniversary of the battle of New Orleans they always celebrated, the former day with a parade and ball. The parade closed by visit- ing the saloons owned by certain members of the company, where all had free drinks. One of their favorite resorts was "The Shades" on the Levee, kept by little Jack Keeler, and af- ter visiting several of these saloons some of the soldiers would become very weary from long marching and scarcely be able to reach the armory in the rear of the San Joaquin Re- publican office. The most high-toned ball ever given by the Blues was that of September 26. 1860, in the pavillion of the Agricultural So- ciety at the close of the first fair. The pavil-

208

HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

ion, a wooden structure, had been built on the west side of the Court House Square. For this occasion the Blues engaged the Third Ar- tillery Band of San Francisco, sixteen pieces, and on the following evening the band gave a concert to help pay expenses. The company contained quite a number of crack shots, sev- eral of them being members of the Pigeon Shooting Club, and at the Sacramento State Fair of 1859 the Stockton Blues won the com- pany a gold medal. The non-commissioned of- ficers of the company offered a gold medal as a prize for the best yearly shot, and at their annual target excursion in 1861 Private E. M. Howison won the first prize, a silver goblet ; Private Frank Stewart, the second prize, the state encampment gold meral, and James Sharrott, the company gold medal.

The Blues were a corps of gentlemen, many of them of Southern birth, sociable and gener- ous, and always ready for a lark. In the com- pany, also, were many of Northern birth, but all were Democrats, firm and trusted friends. But soon came rumors of war, and the friend- ship of pioneer days began to cool. Then the Pacific Republic plot began to ripen, and to assist the cause the members in sympathy with the South planned at a certain time to seize the arms of the Blues and use them against the Government. The members who stood by the Union learned of this plot and determined to block it. Peacefully to accom- plish this, there was but one way-to disband the company. The company was then com- posed of forty-eight members, and a meeting was called July 25, at which by a vote of 13 to 10, it was decided to disband. About half of the members were not notified of this meet- ing, and when they learned the result they ap- pealed to Governor Downey. The Governor decided the proceedings legal, and thus ended the organization that had been the pride of Stockton.

The disorganization of the Blues left the city without any military protection. The air was filled with rumors of war, the young men were enthusiastic and patriotic, and a call was immediately circulated for the organiza- tion of a new company. The following pledge was taken: "We, the undersigned, hereby agree to unite in forming a military company in Stockton-every member to take an oath to support the Union, the Constitution and the laws." County Judge J. K. Shafer ap- pointed William H. Lyons, father of Bert Lyons, as the enrolling officer, and August 12, 1861, 140 persons signed the roll. Over seventy persons afterwards signed the army oath, for that was the number prescribed by the law. The members adopted as their name Stockton Union Guard, and the first elected officers were: Captain, P. E. Conner; first

lieutenant, C. J. Newcomb ; second lieutenant, Sol Pearsall; junior second lieutenant, Wil- liam S. Coombs, uncle of Railroad Commis- sioner Henderson; secretary, Eugene Robin- son; treasurer, W. P. Hazelton. Conner at this time was a state officer, Brigadier-Gener- al of this district, and he stated that he would accept the office only as an honorary position provided the men observed strictly their duties. He declared that he had served his country in both camp and field, having been a captain in the Mexican war, and under the old flag he felt perfectly willing again to enroll his name, and he would be the first if a call were made on California by the Federal Govern- ment. His speech was greeted with deafen- ing applause. In the following month he re- signed at captain, having accepted the ap- pointment as colonel of the Third Regiment, California Volunteers. Henry O. Mathews was then elected captain. Mathews was well up in English tactics, for he had been a member of the Queen's Grenadiers, but of the Kibbie or Hardie tactics he had no knowledge. Consequently, the company was drilled in all kinds of tactics.

One evening at drill F. W. West, who had been in the army in the East, sat an interested spectator. Finally, one of the members ap- proaching Mr. West, said: "West, won't you drill us?" ""Well, yes," he answered, "I will drill you in Hardie, but I don't know anything else." "Well, that's what we want, but we haven't got our arms yet." "Oh, you don't want any arms for some time to come." "Oh, yes, we do," quickly replied the ambitious

young soldier. Mr. West drilled the company in sharp work for an hour, and then gave the order to "break ranks, march." The awkward squad by that time was well satisfied that the muskets were unnecessary. The company eager to become proficient in the manual of arms, soon after this engaged Lieut. F. W. Todd to drill them, he having been one of the famous light infantry, the Boston Grays. Todd was afterwards a music teacher in the public schools. The member of the company paid him for his services from their private funds. Sergeant-Major Moegon of the regular army also drilled the company several months. Night after night the Guards drilled both in company and squad work until they had no equal among the state volunteers.

The Guards, like their predecessors, fre- quently gave parties and balls, and the ball most prominent was that of November 7, 1861, for at that time they were presented by the ladies of Stockton with a beautiful silk flag costing $150. The presentation speech was made by Mary Loring, and the flag was re- ceived by George W. Tyler, in a soul-stirring address. The ball was given in Agricultural

209

HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

Hall, the Guards' armory at that time, and there were over 200 couples present. At one time 130 couples were on the floor. The Guards wore for the first time their new uni- forms, each member paying for his uniform, and conspicuous among the dancers were two officers, the one dressed in the New York Zouave uniform, the other in that of the New York Light Guards.

Two days after the presentation of the flag the Guards had their first and only experience in the "glory of war." A party of squatters had jumped a piece of land some two miles east of the Waterloo, and the courts had de- cided in favor of Comstock, the claimant. The squatters refused to vacate, and Sheriff Hook called on the Union Guards to place Comstock in possession of the land. The squatters were a body of brave men, all well-known seces- sionists. Having intrenched themselves with- in the foundation walls of a brick barn on the place, they made portholes in the walls and declared that they would shoot any body of men that attempted to drive them out. The Guards were assembled in their Armory No- vember 9, 1861. Each man was given three rounds of ammunition, and was instructed to fire no blank charge, but if the order was given to fire they were to shoot to kill. The company all were exceedingly nervous for they expected a small sized war, and about 9 o'clock, in command of Captain Pearsall, they began their march for the field of carnage. In the meantime a squad of six rode forth in a carriage under the command of Lieuten- ant Elisha Lyons to reconnoiter. Near Wat- erloo the squad halted and loaded their mus- kets. Near the scene a messenger met them and reported that the enemy had "retreated in good order," but, not believing this, Lyons drove on. The report was correct, and the squad returned and so informed the marchers on the dusty road. The company was not pleased at the result, for the men were sullen, and upon the least provocation blood would have been shed.

Colonel E. D. Baker

The Guards at this time were in a fighting mood because of the Bull Run defeat of the Union army, August 21st, and the death of Col. E. D. Baker, October 21st, at the battle of Ball's Bluff. Baker was the idol of the Re- publicans, although they refused to gratify his heart's desire by making him California's United States senator. Taking up his resi- dence in Oregon, Baker was sent to the Senate, and, stopping over in San Francisco, on his way to Washington, he made in Platt's Hall the most brilliant speech ever heard on the coast. Baker ws a naturalized citizen of 14

English birth, and on his arrival at New York he accepted the colonelcy of a New York regi- ment. Entering the Senate chamber in uni- form one day he heard John C. Breckinridge severely scoring the Administration. When Breckinridge finished his speech, Baker arose to reply, and, on that occasion, says James B. Blaine, Baker made the most masterly and elo- quent speech ever heard in Senate. It was the crowning glory of his forensic work in liberty's cause, for he went forth to die. His body was shipped to the state of his choice, and arrived at San Francisco December 5. The funeral was held December 11, Thomas Starr King pronouncing the eulogy, and over 100 citizens of Stockton were in attendance. The Union Guard unanimously resolved to attend his funeral, and, under the command of Lieu- tenant Todd and accompanied by citizens and firemen, they took the evening boat. On ar- riving at San Francisco about 2 o'clock in the morning, the guardsmen marched up to the National Guards' armory and aroused the inmates, for their arrival was unexpected. The visitors were made as comfortable as possible, and that morning the Stocktonians were given the place of honor in the procession. In the evening they were tendered a banquet at the Cafe de Rohne, and the following day were escorted to the steamer.

Grand Army men will remember that Presi- dent Lincoln, believing that the war would close in three months, issued a call for 75,000 men for three months' service. At the expira- tion of that period the war had scarcely begun, and on July 1st President Lincoln called for 300,000 more troops. This call suggested the stirring melody first heard in Stockton in the fall of 1862. "We are coming, Father Abra- ham, Our Union to restore. From every hill and valley, Three hundred thousand more." Among the number who responded to this call were the Union Guards; the first military company in California to offer its service to the Federal government, July 2, 1862, by a unanimous vote, the Guards resolved to go wherever called. Elisha Lyons was then the captain of the company, holding that position continuously from April 1, 1862, until the company disbanded, 1886. The Union Guard was declared by competent judges to be the best drilled company in the National Guard of California, but in 1866 it disbanded because of an economical streak of the legislature. The lawmakers of that year cut down the mili- tary appropriation almost one-half for the sole purpose of reducing the militia, and the Stock- ton guardsmen, feeling deeply the insult, after they had spent time and money to bring the company up to the highest standard, resolved to quit the service of the state.

210

HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

Captain Weber the Patriot

"Old Glory", thrown to the breeze in 1861 gave to Banner Island its present name, and behind it lies a bit of local history of consid- erable importance. Captain Weber was by nature a leader of men, not only in business and society, but in patriotism. Early in the Mexican war, although a naturalized citizen of German birth, he advised the Mexican citi- zens to submit quietly to the military officers of the United States and again in 1861 he took the lead in defense of the Union. He found that the Union men were wavering, and un- decided, and some were even afraid to declare their principles. A leader was wanted, one who would definitely proclaim himself as "bound to go to the aid of the Union, right or wrong," Charles M. Weber was that man and, sending to Oregon, he there purchased a 120- foot pole, and upon Banner Island it was planted. On every patriot occasion it held to the wind a beautiful flag of immense size, to- gether with a ninety-foot streamer. Many miles distant that flag could be seen. The place was then entirely surrounded by water, ·and to keep off intruders he placed there a large dog. On the 30th of September, the dog lay at the foot of the staff, poisoned, and overhead flew a small rebel flag. Early in the morning the captain arose, as was his custom, and observing that flag, his anger was uncon- trollable. Hastily rowing to the island he pulled down the Confederate emblem, raised the old flag, and then ramming the new ban- ner into the little cannon at the foot of the pole, he blew it into pieces. Then followed a salute of thirty-five guns for the Union. That morning at 6 o'clock, as the Sonora stage was leaving the office, one of the passengers, wav- ing a secession flag out of the coach window, dared any person to take it from him at the same time shouting: "There are plenty of these flags flying this morning." As he was thought crazy no attention was paid to his words. The effect produced by the floating of the Banner island flag was surprising for soon afterwards flags were seen upon housetops, fences and mills. Stockton was even then a city of windmills, and over 300 might be counted from the courthouse, each bearing from one to five flags. Teamsters drove their mule teams from this city, each mule having a flag in his head-stall. Citizens erected flag poles, among them William P. Miller, who erected a seventy-five-foot pole in front of his shop, and for the first time, July 4, 1861, a flag flew from a public school building, that of Center Street.

Third Regiment Calls Volunteers

The history of the Third Regiment belongs to this county, as its first headquarters were

here its colonel, P. Edward Conner was a citizen of Stockton, and the first company, Company A, Captain Thomas E. Ketcham, was here recruited and mustered into the United States service. Among other Stock- tonians who joined the regiment was John Gilmore of the Union Guards, Sol Pearsall foreman of the Eureka, Richard Condy, leader of the regimental band, and Rev. John A. An- derson, regimental chaplain. At this time the war was on and August 18, 1861, this notice was pasted on the city billboards, "I. John Downey, Governor of California, do hereby call for volunteers, a regiment of infantry and five companies of cavalry to guard the over- land mail route." In the meantime Captain Conner had been tendered, and accepted, the position of colonel of the Third Regiment, and October 2 this notice was posted: "Recruits Wanted-An office is now open for the enlist- ment of all men wishing to connect themselves with the Third Regiment of California Volun- teers under the command of P. Edward Con- ner. A recruiting officer will be in attendance at Agricultural Hall."

Recruiting offices were opened in the mining camps, and the entire command of Captain Akey, the Tuolumne Rangers, 105 men en- rolled their names. On their way to Benicia they entered Stockton in stages and wagons, their flags flying and the men cheering. The company were entertained at the Weber House, and then, under an escort of 100 citi- zens, they marched to Agricultural Hall to pay their respects to Colonel Conner. As the hour of 4 o'clock drew near, with flags flying and drums beating, they marched to the steamer Cornelia and sailed away, the crowd upon the wharf loudly cheering. the first re- cruits of the war.

As fast as possible men were enrolled at the recruiting station, the Government furnish- ing them lodging, meals and clothing. An old cook stove was set up in the basement of the hall, and there the soldiers ate their rations of bread, meat, rice, pork and beans from tin plates and drank their coffee from tin cups. Each recruit selected the company in which he desired to serve his country, and in a short time Captains Ketcham, Moore, Potts and Urmy had a total of fifty-nine volunteers, nearly one-half of the number choosing Com- pany A, Captain Ketcham. The men were be- coming too numerous for their hall quarters. and a camp was selected. It was described as "in a beautiful grove some two miles from town, near the residence of Mr. Hamilton." It was the site of the present mineral baths. and at noon, October 2, in command of Major Pollock, the new recruits, 100 men, that day increased in number by fifty men from Moke- lumne Hill, took up their line of march for

211

HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

Camp McDougall. It was a thrilling scene, the march of those soldiers who had taken the oath of allegiance to fight and die if necessary in defense of the Union, and loudly the crowd cheered them, their fifer playing continuously, "The Girl I Left Behind Me." Fourteen bell- shaped tents were set, and in the drilling of the men, the sweet-toned bugle calls, the sun- rise and sunset guns, and the dress parades, Stockton had her first sight of war. Scarcely a day passed that new recruits could not be seen tramping over the dusty road to camp, and it was soon announced that Company A had its full quota, eighty-five men. The com- pany had the privilege of electing their cap- tain, and October 9, Major Pollock informed "the men that Colonel Conner had designated the following day as the time for the election of captain, the same to be viva voce. The company voted unanimously for Capt. T. E. Ketcham; it was a high honor, and Company A and its captain brave won splendid victories in Humboldt County as Indian fighters.

Three days after this election the first Sun- day camp service was held, and the chaplain, John A. Anderson, preached the sermon. Madame Grundy says a disappointment in a love affair made of him a soldier. True or un- true, he was a valiant soldier, and faithfully performed his duty. Sunday was a gala day for Stocktonians, and hundreds visited the camp. A large crowd was present October 27 to see the dress parade and listen to a sermon by Father Joseph P. Gallagher, the priest in charge at St. Mary's Church. At half past two the bugle rang out on the still air, and Companies A, B, C and D, falling into line, some 300 men, marched to the place of serv- ice. A male quartet, assisted by the band, fur- nished the music, and Father Gallagher, preaching an eloquent sermon, declared that "the loyal citizen will not hesitate even at the risk of his life to render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's. It is glorious to die for one's country, but it is more glorious to be prepared for death." Father Gallagher was a true and loyal priest, and upon a patriotic oc- casion he sat in the Presbyterian pulpit with Pastor Anderson.

Company A now went on its way, sailing up the coast, bound for Eel River. By telegraph it received orders for the men to march, and packing their tents in the camp wagons, through a mile of dust on the French Camp road they tramped to town. At the Center Street bridge, in waiting to escort them to the steamer, stood the Union Guard, Captain Mat- thews. They were in citizens' dress, for Charley Christian had not yet finished their twenty-six dollar suits. Company A was a sight to behold, for they were completely cov- ered with dust, but nevertheless the people

lustily cheered as along Center Street they marched, the Stockton band playing lively music, for they were soldiers bound for the war. November 5 Camp McDougall was de- serted, Companies B, C, and D that day start- ing for the north in company of Colonel Con- ner. That day none were prouder than the Colonel, as in full uniform, he rode the cele- brated running horse Sam Patch, horse, sad- dle, bridle and equipment being a present to Conner from the citizens, at a cost of $375.

Circumstances and conditions change the action of men. July Fourth last many young men would not turn out in the parade because of the heat. There was no incentive for action. Far different was the celebration February 22, 1862. Then the rain poured in torrents throughout the day yet the Union Guard with band, their patriotism not dampened the least by the rain, marched the streets, escorting the Third regiment's officers to Agricultural Hall, where patroitic exercises were held, Mayor Holden presiding. Prayer was offered by Rev. D. A. Dryden, pastor of the Methodist Church ; national hymns were rendered by the band; Washington's farewell address was read. and an oration was delivered by Chaplain An- derson. The event of the day was the presen- tation of a beautiful silk flag to the officers of the Third Regiment, who came from Benicia especially to receive it. The flag was pre- sented by H. B. Underhill, and received on be- half of the regiment by Adjutant Stillman, speaking for Colonel Conner who was a fighter, not a talker. While the flag was being presented a national salute was fired and the "Catholic bells rang out merrily." The flag was taken to Benicia, where the' regiment was stationed, but again we saw it flying in the breeze May 25, as the regiment marched up Main Street on its way to Camp Halleck, within the race-track. The regiment, 600 men, arrived that morning on the steamer Helen Hensley, bound for Salt Lake. The steamer was crowded with men, and as she sailed near salutes were fired from Billy Wall's cannon near the El Dorado Street bridge, and from Banner Island. Captain Weber ordered a salute fired of thirty-four guns. The last discharge was premature, re- sulting disastrously, for two gunners were in- jured, one, John Nelson, losing his hand. Re- gretting deeply the accident, Captain Weber then sold the cannon, refusing to run any more risk of crippling men. For John Nelson, in some respects, it was a lucky accident. The citizens then had seen no cripples or wounded soldier, and Nelson was regarded as a hero, maimed in his country's cause. Large dona- tions of money were given him, Weber head- ing the list. An entertainment was given for

212

HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

his benefit, and he obtained money sufficient to return to Sweden and start a bank.

The regiment remained in camp six weeks, and one day there was a sad event, the funeral of Michael Dolan. "Soldier rest, thy warfare o'er. Sleep the sleep that knows no waking." The body, placed in an ambulance drawn by four mules, was preceded by an escort of eight soldiers, the firing party, with arms reversed. Following them came the regimental band playing a dirge. Pall-bearers were upon either side of the ambulance, behind them 400 sol- diers, without arms, then the regimental officers, the Colonel in the rear. To the Cath- olic church they marched, where services were held. then back over the same route to the Catholic consecrated grounds. There the body was buried with military honors.

Those were merry days in Stockton, yet they were days of terrible suspense, for what was in the future? Amidst the clashing arms of the East, none could tell. Fortunate were Stocktonians, for they saw none of the evils of war, and now they were about to lose sight of those enrolled for the war. July 12 the regi- ment started on its long march for Salt Lake, with the fifers playing "The Girl I Left Be- hind Me."

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of San Joaquin County, California : with biographical sketches of leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present, Part 39

Author: Tinkham, George H. (George Henry), b. 1849 Publication date: 1923 Publisher: Los Angeles, Calif. : Historic Record Co. Number of Pages: 1660

Author: Tinkham, George H. (George Henry), b. 1849
Publication date: 1923
Publisher: Los Angeles, Calif. : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 1660