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 52

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 52

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First Memorial Day Observation

In the Rural Cemetery a large plot of ground had been set aside for the burial of the Mexican veterans and the "boys in blue," and May 30.

1882, Memorial day, was first observed. The post, parading the streets to a funeral dirge by the band, marched to the cemetery, where ap- propriate exercises were held under a large oak tree, and the graves of twenty comrades were decorated to the Grand Army. An oration was delivered by Judge Van R. Paterson, who ad- monished them to forgive "the enemy," for "re- member, my friends, that from the victor is due the first proffer of friendship." Then call- ing their attention to the incident in the South, he declared, "No more shall the war cry sever, Or the winding rivers be red; They banished our anger forever When they laureled the graves of our dead." In the evening a memor- ial service was held in the Presbyterian Church. A memorial address was delivered by W. W. McKraig, and an oration by Rev. John Coyle of the Methodist Church. The singing of Keiller's "American Hymn" by the choir was followed by an original poem by Comrade L. E. Moshier. John Grattan then stepped to the platform with a large parade flag, which was presented to the post by Louis Elliott-a gift from the young ladies of Stock- ton. Eugene Lehe received the flag and the audience then sang "America."

Obtaining Money for Gridley Fund

In decorating the graves in 1882 the commit- teed also decorated the graves of Charles M. Weber, Benjamin Tunis, a veteran of 1812, and R. C. Gridley, and at the head of the grave last named there stood this notice: "R. C. Gridley, who raised $275,000 for the Sanitary Commis- sion." To him the Grand Army proposed erecting a suitable monument, and, having that object in view, in February, 1883, they held a reunion and camp fire, the proceeds of the en- tertainment to be given to the Gridley monu- ment fund. The camp fire was held in Mozart hall. Five tables extended the entire length of the hall. On exhibition on the middle table was the original sack of flour and above it hung Gridley's portrait. At 8 o'clock the post marched in and occupied the center table. Each comrade saluted the portrait and still standing they sang "Auld Lang Syne." Then the order was given to "fall in" and the 480 plates and cups were soon filled with steaming hot pork and beans and coffee without milk. When the inner man had been satisfied, toasts were in order and speeches were made by lead- ing citizens, while several patriotic songs were sung by the comrades. The last toast was "Reuel C. Gridley," and Henry S. Sargent, an old friend, in responding gave a short history of Gridley's life and the story of the sack of flour. He then began auctioning off name places on the subscription book, and quite a sum of money was obtained from the sale.

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HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

The story of Gridley and his sack of flour leads us to Austin, Nev., where in April, 1864, R. C. Gridley was engaged in the merchandis- ing business. On April 18th a municipal elec- tion was held, the two candidates for mayor being the Republican, Charles Holbrook, and the Douglas Democrat, David F. Buel. Great interest was taken in the election and a wager was made between Dr. Herrick and Gridley that if Holbrook was elected Gridley would carry a sack of flour on his shoulders from Austin to Clifton, the two points being about a mile and a quarter apart. It was further agreed that should Buel be elected Herrick would carry the flour. The Republicans elected their nominee, and the following morn- ing Gridley appeared to pay the bet. He brought with him from his store a sack of flour, the sack being trimmed with flags and red, white and blue ribbons. A large crowd awaited his appearance and, being a very popu- lar man, he was welcomed by loud cheers. The Austin brass band had been engaged with the understanding that if the Democrats won the band was to play "Dixie," if the Republi- cans won "John Brown" was the tune selected. A procession was then formed consisting of the city officials, thirty-six horsemen acting as escort, the brass band, then Mr. Gridley, ac- companied by Dr. Herrick and Amos Gridley, the latter carrying a large American flag. As the novel procession marched the streets some of the crowd, joining with the band, began singing, "And his soul goes marching on," while others shouted, "Go it, Gridley! Stick to it, old man! Hurrah for Holbrook!" On arriving at Clifton the laughable performance was carried out of the Democrats surrendering to the Republicans the large broom and sponge which they had carried in the procession, thus signifying that the victors had swept the town and now they could absorb all the offices. A nearby saloon keeper then invited the crowd in to take a drink. They quickly responded and the liquor was as free as water, Republicans and Democrats alike spending their money freely. Other saloons were visited and as the money was giving out they began discussing the future of the sack of flour-what should they do with it? One Republican suggested, "Make it into griddle cakes, but don't give any to the disloyal Democrats." This remark angered their opponents and they shouted, "We are as loyal as you." The time was at hand for the fulfilling of a remarkable event. Was Gridley inspired? Who can say? A prohibi- tionist and a professing Christian, he had been quietly listening to the banterings of the liquor- laden crowd, and now he exclaimed, "This crowd of people had its fun at my expense. Let us see now who will do most for the sick and wounded soldiers. We will put this sack

of flour up at auction, to be sold for cash, with the understanding that the buyer will return it to be again sold for the Sanitary Commis- sion."

The crowd was ready for any kind of an ex- citing joke, and the proposition was quickly accepted. The flour was put up at auction, and after many spirited bids it was sold to the Republican county surveyor for $350. The Republicans yelled loudly because one of their number had made the first purchase. Next it was knocked down to Gridley for $305, then Buel purchased it. He was broke, having spent all his money for drinks, but he offered in payment $1,115 in Indian Department scrip, having been the government agent, but the auctioneer refused it, the terms being cash. Buel then pledged several valuable lots in an- other town. The auction was continued until $4,400 was received, the money the following day being expressed to Henry Bellows, the president of the commission, then in San Francisco, filling the pulpit of T. Starr King, deceased.

The news of this curious event spread throughout the state and three weeks later the citizens of Gold Hill invited Gridley to visit their city and bring his famous sack of flour. He consented and, arriving there May 16, a procession was formed which halted in front of the Maynard block. At this point Thomas Fitch, "the silver-tongued orator," in an elo- quent speech, aroused enthusiasm by pleading for the sick and wounded soldiers who had risked their lives upon the battlefield that this glorious Union might be preserved. When the bidding began there was a spirited fight between the silver mining companies and the auctioneer stopped at $6,000. The procession then re-formed and the "Army of the Lord," as the Gold Hill News christened them, with banners flying and bands playing marched down the canyon through the Devil's Gate to Silver City, and the flour was there sold for $2,000. Again put up at auction in four dif- ferent places that day, the flour realized $24,- 000. It was taken on May 18 to Sacramento to the Sanitary Fair but it was not a money- maker there, selling for only $175. That night, however, in the Congregational Church, it was purchased a dozen times, the buyers paying $2,150. In San Francisco, May 28, in the Met- ropolitan Theater, a number of bidders paid $2,800, the bids running from $5 to $500. The four was then taken to the Eastern States, and Gridley traveled with it to many large cities, but the returns were not as liberal as in California and he returned to Austin in 1865.

It was found in the beginning that the flour without Gridley lacked inspiration, and he resolved to give his entire attention to its sale, paying his expense out of his own pockets.

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HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

The result to him was financial ruin, for the long continued travel undermined his health, none too strong at first, and returning, he found his business almost a failure. Selling out in 1866, he came to Stockton and began partnership in the grocery business with Hen- ry S. Sargent on the site the San Joaquin Val- ley Bank now occupies. In 1868 he removed to Paradise, Stanislaus County, and there died November 24, 1874. By his own request he was brought to Stockton for burial, and after sacrificing his life and fortune for the Union cause, his body was interred in the Grand Army plot.

Dedication of the Gridley Monument

Gridley's grave in the Grand Army plot was marked only by a redwood board, his name cut therein with a penknife. Believing "that the people of the Union owe to Reuel C. Gridley something more than a debt of grati- tude," Rawlins Post in August, 1882, resolved to solicit funds for a suitable monument over his grave, starting the fund by an appropria- tion of $100, and this was followed in 1883 by the bean supper to obtain more funds. Com- mittees were appointed from the post and from the leading citizens to obtain money for a memorial, but the coin came in slowly and not until 1886 did the committee have suffi- cient money on hand to warrant calling for monument plans. In that year, however, de- signs were drawn, the bid of A. C. Thompson of San Francisco accepted, and the monument was unveiled September 8, 1887. Early in the afternoon, the Pioneers, Rawlins Post, Em- met Guards, the fire companies and Stockton Guards, and citizens marched to the cemetery. On arrival at the Grand Army plot, in the cen- ter of which the monument had been erected, the immense crowd gathered round about and the exercises began with prayer by Chaplain A. C. Baine. Then followed an oration by James G. Swinnerton, and the reading of the receipts and expenditures of the monument, the total cost being $1,177, which had been collected by a citizens and a post committee through entertainments and subscriptions. The total height of the monument is twenty feet, the figure of Gridley being six feet ten inches. After reading the reports Stanton G. Carter pulled the cord and the Stars and Stripes which concealed the monument fell to the earth. A poem was written by Mrs. Charles Merrill to his memory, as follows :

And Gridley's heart was staunch and true,

And Gridley's arm was strong to save; He felt the work was his to do- The work of succoring the brave.

And when on history's glowing page

You trace the names inscribed to fame-

Of soldier, bard and statesman sage-

Then write the patriot Gridley's name.

Upon his monument in Rural cemetery are these words: "To Reuel C. Gridley this mon- ument was erected by Rawlins Post No. 23, September 9, 1887, for services rendered in collecting $275,000 for the Sanitary Commis- sion."

Women's Relief Corps

In the afternoon of July 1, 1887, in Good Templar's hall, the Woman's Relief Corps, an auxiliary of Rawlins Post, was organized by Mrs. J. B. Russell of Oakland. It was organ- ized "as an auxiliary and a help to the old sol- diers and families in sickness or need." The charter members of the corps were as follows, including officers: Mrs. Lizzie D. Waterson, president; Lydia Henry, senior vice-presi- dent; Mary Johnson, junior vice-president ; Jennie L. Southworth, secretary; Lizzie Con- dy, treasurer ; Joseph Hyde, chaplain; Miss Hannah Browne, Sarah Tripp, Mary Heck, as- sistant conductor; Susie Keagle, guard; the non-official members being Mesdames H. H. Strong, J. E. Wood, Jennie Miller, Lenora Worden, Mary A. Stoddard, Zillah C. Wood, Nellie J. Weaver, Fidelia Browne, Sarah Tripp, Mary Heck, Jane Barber, Kittie Hol- man, Louisa A. Black, Nellie Atwood, Mary Lissenden, Flora A. Jacquerman, Lizzie Mc- Coy, D. L. Swinnerton, Eliza Court, Ella M. Drown, Jennie Loomis, Sarah E. Hitchcock, Alma M. Hyde, Marion E. Steacy, Martha A. Hurd, and Alice Adams and Miss Eva An- drews.

One of the objects of the Woman's Relief Corps is "to inculcate lessons of patriotism and love of country among our children and in the communities in which we live." Hav- ing this object in view the ladies purchased a large staff flag, and on Memorial day, 1890, it was presented to the high school. The pro- cession in its march halted on San Joaquin Street, at what was then the high school, and after music by the band James E. Eaton in a short address presented a banner. The flag was run to the staff top, the comrades giving three cheers. Emanuel Wolf, of the high school, received the flag, and the procession then moved on to the Avon Theater, where the exercises of the day were held. That morning memorial exercises were held and flags raised over all of the public schools for the first time in the history of the city. May 28, 1891, the Woman's Relief Corps gave a flag festival and drill in honor of Rawlins Post, the stage managers being Mrs. Jennie L. Southworth, Cecelia Holt and Hannah Gray. The program comprised a march of thirteen girls representing the thirteen Colo- nies, with Emma Loomis as the Goddess of Liberty. The young ladies then sang "The

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HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

Red, White and Blue," the scene ending in a tableau of the States and Colonies. Then fol- lowed exercises with Indian clubs by Grace Henderson, Maud McLaren and Minnie Ruth- erford. Gertrude and Amy Hopkins then sang a duet, "The Carnival of Venice," and Clara Goldsworthy recited "Uncle Sam and His Children." A cornet solo followed by F. E. Southworth, the performance ended in a tab- leau, "War-Peace."

The memorial services conducted in the Rural cemetery in 1902 were unique, being conducted entirely by women save the prayer by Rev. Alfred S. Clark, rector of the Episco- pal Church. Patriotic songs were sung by twelve school girls under the direction of Miss Emily Dodge, Lincoln's Gettysburg address was read by Lizzie. Condy, and the address of the day was by Sarah Tripp, who gave much time and research to the statistical history of the Grand Army, including the number of men engaged, the number killed or wounded, and the number of battles and skirmishes. In the following year Governor George Pardee was the orator of the day. Over 500 school children were in the procession and about 5,000 persons assembled in "the silent city."

By executive law, June 14, 1906, was estab- lished as flag day, and all citizens throughout the state were requested to throw Old Glory to the breeze. The Woman's Relief Corps also made it the flag gift day, and in 1906 flags with interesting ceremonies, were presented to the Children's Home and the Congrega- tional Church; June 9, 1919, to the United Brethren; May 30, 1910, to the Grace M. E. Church, South; and June 14, 1909, to the city. On the date last mentioned the corps members marched from their hall to Wash- ington Square, where upon the east side a forty-foot flagstaff had been set in cement. The audience formed a circle upon the hill, while the president, Laura Haines, made the introductory remarks. Prayer was offered by Rev. J. P. Jopson, and Sarah Tripp as patriot- ic instructor, introduced Arthur Ashley, who presented the flag to the city through Mayor George Hudson who, in a brief speech, ac- cepted the standard. A quartet composed of T. T. Smith, Roy T. Moore, J. W. Ziegler and E. W. Butters, gave patriotic selections, and Mrs. Bertha Russell recited "Old Glory."

Stockton Parlor No. 7, N. S. G. W.

Stockton Parlor, Native Sons of the Golden West, alike with other parlors, was com- posed not only of the sons of the pioneers but of young men born in California of white par- entage. The peculiar feature of this order is, that like the Pioneer Society, it was the first order of its kind in the United States. Some 18

six years after the organization of the first parlor, California No. 1, the Stockton Parlor was instituted March 12, 1881, by the grand president, Frank Huggins, of San Francisco. The following officers were elected and installed : Samuel L. Terry, president ; George Israel, vice-president ; Hugh O. Haas, treasurer ; Walter C. Hogan, chaplain; Frank E. Lane, marshal; and W. G. Wallace, Will R. Louttit and Leroy S. Atwood. Also char- ter members were George L. Wolf, J. G. Zig- nego, J. W. Glenn and Wm. Smith. The en- thusiasm for the lodge soon staled and the attendance was scarcely large enough to form a quorum. Then the meetings were discontin- · ued, but a renewed life was given the parlor in June, '81, by Leroy S. Atwood. He ob- tained new applicants for membership, and June 11, 1882, the parlor was reorganized in the Good Templar hall, Austin building, on Main Street, east of California. The parlor was reinstituted by Frank Huggins, grand president, assisted by Frank D. Ryan, grand vice-president ; Henry Lunstead, grand secre- tary; and T. R. Harold of California Parlor No. 1.

It was customary for many years for the parlors to hold a state celebration in some large city, and Stockton was honored by the first celebration of that nature in 1883 and again in 1896. In order to obtain funds for the 1883 celebration, the Native Sons peti -. tioned for an appropriation to be given to- wards the state Admission Day. celebration to be held in this city, and Councilman John Doyle moved that an appropriation of $100 be given. W. F. Freeman, a pioneer, opposed it on the ground of economy. Hugh T. Corco- ran declared that as the money was to be ex- pended in celebrating the deeds and glories of our pioneers, and to perpetuate the admis- sion of California into the Union, the resolu- tion should pass. The resolution passed- ayes, Corcoran, Eschbach, Doyle, Fyfe, Link, Langhovel, Rodgers; noes, Abbott, Freeman, Paulk-August 7, 1883.

Stockton has had the honor of the first and last state celebration, because at the last cele- bration, the parlors had tired of traveling from city to city and there were so many oth- er events crowding into the years, that the civic authorities no longer encouraged native son pilgrimages. At the time of the '83 cele- bration there were but eighteen parlors in the state, Lodi No. 18 being the last instituted. At the session of the Grand Parlor in April that year they resolved to hold a state celebra- tion September 9 of each year, and Curtis Lindley, then the grand president, succeeded in having Stockton chosen as the place of cel- ebration. Admission Day came on Monday

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HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

and on Sunday morning the steamer Mary Garrett arrived from San Francisco with some 400, including delegates from California and Pacific Parlors. They were escorted to Tem- plar hall, also the Native Sons hall, in the Austin building on Main Street and given re- freshments. That evening there was a sacred concert in the Avon Theater under the direc- tion of Mrs. Juliet Belding Lane, Mrs. Mamie Huggins Miller and Mrs. O'Donnell Morris- sey. Ugo Talbot, the famous English opera tenor, had charge of the musical program. At 9 o'clock trains arrived bearing the Modesto parlor and the Sacramento parlor, firemen and Sacramento Guard. The parade numbered over 1,000 men, this including Governor- George Stoneman and his staff. Every organ- ization in Stockton was in line, the Native Sons being dressed in black, wearing Alpine hats and bright blue sashes. The exercises were held on the plaza under a canvas tent seating 2,000 persons. The oration was deliv- ered by the grand lecturer, A. M. Dorn of San Francisco, and Samuel Terry read an original poem. That evening there was a grand ball in the Avon Theater, Ralph P. Lane and Ruth Clifford leading the grand march. Preceding the march the Native Daughters presented the Native Sons with a beautiful flag, Miss Mamie Huggins making the presen- tation. In 1912 Stockton saw one of the larg- est gatherings and finest parade ever in the city. Monday was Admission Day and on the previous Saturday throughout the night trains were constantly arriving bringing Native Sons and visitors by the hundreds into the city. The parade on Monday was nearly four miles in length, composed of Native Sons and Daugh- ters only, over 10,000 in the line, this includ- ing twenty bands of music and fifteen drum corps. The parade was led by William O'Con- ner as grand marshal and C. E. Mathey, John Perry, John R. Williams, George R. Baker and E. Welch of Lodi as aids. The National Guard of San Francisco were in line in their swell Zouave uniforms. One of the prettiest features was the turn out of San Joaquin par- lor Native Daughters. They rode in canopied chariots two abreast, drawn by horses, hand- somely decorated. The chariots were decor-

ated in purple, white, pink, yellow and green, the Daughters dressed in the same colors. The exercises of the day took place in the Yosemite Theater, and included addresses by John L. Davis, grand deputy president and Lewis F. Byington, past grand president ; vocal solos by Mrs. A. F. Flanigan and Frank Smith and the Lotus quartette, Thomas T. Smith, Ray T. Moore, Edward Butters and J. E. Ziegler.

San Joaquin Parlor No. 5, N. D. G. W.

This parlor was instituted April 8, 1887 in Native Sons hall by Miss Richling of San Francisco, deputy grand president, assisted by Miss Fonterole. The parlor was instituted through the efforts of Miss Hannah Gray, who sent an application for a charter and secured the members. The following officers were in- stalled : Mrs. Belle Cook Stockwell, past presi- dent; Hannah Gray, president; Mrs. Althea Hickman Dunlap, first vice-president; Kate Hilke, second vice-president; Mrs. F. E. Aus- tin, third vice-president; Albertine Hickman, treasurer; Carrie O. Brien, marshal; Emma Debnam, recording secretary; Belle Grunsky, financial secretary ; Mrs. Maggie Davis Close, inside sentinel; and Ella Abramsky, outside sentinel. The officers including the following charter members, Nellie Austin, Kate Abram- sky, Mrs. Nellie Bossom Moore, Mrs. Kate Gerlach, May Goodell, Nellie Gerlach, Laura Hart, Ella Henderson, Albertine Hickman, Lena Hilke, Mrs. Hattie Keep Gerlach, Addie Clara, Maggie Leffler, Kate Pool, Hattie and Belle Miller, Mrs. Carrie Roesch Durham, Annie Sarah Russell, Nellie Smith, Clara Stier, Etta Smith, Kate White, Bernice Yolland. The parlor has been active among many lines of benevolent work. They organized the first Red Cross society in the county, were the pioneers in tree planting, one a laurel tree hav- ing been planted to the memory of Captain Charles M. Weber, in Jones Square. The Grand Parlor has been held twice in Stockton. Mrs. Carrie Roesch Durham was elected grand president at their session of 1889. Mrs. Lena Hilke Mills was grand president in 1897 and Mrs. Mamie Griffin Peyton was @lected president in 1910.

CHAPTER XXII COURTS AND CRIMINALS

The pioneers for lack of some better system adopted the Mexican form of government and courts. In fact they could not do otherwise, as the state had not been admitted to the Union, and there were no American laws or courts in existence. The lowest form of court among the Mexicans' was the Alcalde courts which corresponds to our justice-of-the-peace. Then came the higher courts which were known as the Court of the First Instance and Court of the Second Instance. In this county the only higher court was that of the First Instance. Let us notice how these courts op- erated, judging by a case on record. It was the case of the People versus Tracy. It ap- pears that the district attorney had indicted Tracy for murder and was about to try him for the crime without any preliminary exami- nation. His counsel, Samuel A. Booker, Wm. Lyons, Samuel Brooks and Charles M. Crea- nor, objected to such high handed proceedings. Paying no attention to their objection the dis- trict attorney went on with the trial. Then Tracy's lawyers again objected, stating first his case had not been presented to the grand jury, and second that the court "had no jur- isdiction as it was not constituted under the constitution of the United States." The court sustained the objection. Then the sheriff im- paneled a grand jury and Tracy was indicted for murder. He was again brought to trial, with more objections from his counsel. Fi- nally his attorneys inquired "What law is in existence and should prevail in this case." After much argument the court decided that the Mexican laws were in force except such as were in conflict with the laws and consti- tution of the United States. It was a badly mixed case, a murder trial under two different systems of law, and after hearing the evidence the jury acquitted the defendant.

When the state was organized the legisla- ture abolished the Mexican system of courts and established the system in use through the United States. The highest or district court included two or more counties, and the dis- trict court in this district included San Joa- quin, Calaveras, Stanislaus, and Tuolume counties. The first district judge was Charles M. Creanor, who was appointed by the Legis- lature. The district attorney was elected by the voters of each county. The first district attorney, as you remember, was Samuel A. Booker, who was elected in the first state elec- tion. The court below the district court was known as the Court of Sessions, one court in

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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 52

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