USA > California > Sonoma County > History of Sonoma County : including its geology, topography, mountains, valleys, and streams > Part 28
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The First Baptist Church .- This church was first organized at a school house about four miles below Healdsburg in the Summer of 1854, with a membership of ten persons, under the pastoral care of Rev. S. S. Riley. Subsequently a house of worship was erected in Healdsburg, where the
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congregation held their meetings. The building was located about two blocks south of the Plaza, near West street. In 1868, a new church edifice was constructed, and dedicated on July 31, 1869, by Rev. J. B. Saxon, now of Gradisland, Colusa county, who labored in Healdsburg for six years or thereabouts. The new building, which is the one now occupied, is thirty-four b yfifty-five feet, and has a seating capacity of three hundred. The church owns a broad lot, is situated between Powell and Piper, on Sheridan street, and having passed through many trials, is now out of debt. Throughout its existence the membership has reached as high as one hundred, and as low as twenty-eight, while the number at present is fifty-six, who are enjoying a reasonable degree of peace and prosperity under the pastoral care of Rev. W. E. Adams. In connection with the church there is a Sabbath-school having an average attendance of about sixty scholars, who are under the supervision of Deacon A. L. Warner. Since its inauguration this church has enjoyed the services and pastoral care of Revs. S. S. Riley, J. D. Bonner, J. A. Barnes of Petaluma, C. King of Kentucky, Luke of Tennessee, Bailey of Georgia, J. B. Saxon, R. F. Parshall, - Parks, T. W. Spanswiek and W. E. Adams, the present incumbent.
The First Presbyterian Church of Healdsburg .- The history of this church begins with the early history of the place-being among the first of the churches established. It was organized, on the 10th of October, 1858, by the Rev. James Woods. The following named persons formed the church: Mrs. Elizabeth Bledsoe, Mrs. Jane Drum, Mrs. M. M. Bonham, Mrs. E. A. Woods, Cyrus Alexander, A. P. Wilson, Charles Shult, A. B. Bonham, H. M. Willson. Cyrus Alexander was chosen Ruling Elder, and having previously been ordained in the Presbyterian Church of Santa Rosa, was immediately installed in office. The church had no building of its own, and for two or three years, worshipped in the old building of the Methodist Church South, which was situated on the same lot as the present new building.
The property of M. E. church situated on the south side of the Plaza, being for sale, it was proposed by Cyrus Alexander-that if the church would raise one thousand dollars, he would give eight hundred and secure the property. By a fair and festival the church raised four hundred and fifty dollars; a lot worth four hundred and fifty dollars was donated by the New School church, four hundred and fifty dollars was raised in the city, and thus ample means were secured to purchase and repair the building for services. During the existence of the church the following have been the ministers who served the congregation: Rev. James Woods, Rev. Benjamin E. S. Ely, Rev. James Smith, Rev. R. McCullough, Rev. Hugh MeLeod and the present pastor Rev. J. S. Todd. The following have been its Ruling Elders: Cyrus Alexander, George Shaffer, Josiah Brown, E. H. Gates and John Flack. Its Deacons, H. M. Willson and R. Hertel. The church has increased steadily since its
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organization, with the increase of population of the town, and now has on its church roll sixty members.
The Church of Christ .- This, usually designated as the Christian Church, was organized in Healdsburg, on December 5, 1857, by Elder F. M. Marion, upon the Bible, and the Bible alone as its foundation. The building is sit- uated in North Healdsburg, on West street. Originally the membership was few, only ten; William H. Tombs was elected Bishop and Nathan More- house, Deacon. There have been added three hundred and twenty-two to the original ten, making in all three hundred and thirty-iwo names on the book; out of this number, owing to death and other causes, there is now only a membership of one hundred and sixteen. The present clerk is W. W. Fergusson.
Advent Church, Healdsburg .- The Seventh-Day Adventists of this place have a comfortable house of worship, free from debt, built in A. D. 1871, with a seating capacity of two hundred. The organization was effected by Elder J. N. Loughborough, November 5, 1869. Their present membership is thirty-two. They hold regular meetings each seventh day (Saturday), and maintain an interesting Sabbath-school. They held their annual camp- meeting at this place from September 17th to September 23d, 1879, of which the Russian River Flag, September 25, 1879, speaks as follows :-
"The Seventh-Day Adventists, who have been holding their yearly camp- meeting in our midst, have left quite a good impression upon this community. The order and system of their arrangements have been excellent. The grounds are those owned by Mr. Hassett. There were one hundred and eleven tents upon the ground, including the large preaching tent, which is sixty by one hundred and twenty feet ; and one fifty feet in diameter, from which were dispensed their religious publications, together with a choice assortment of English Bibles.
" A restaurant and provision stand was upon the ground, which was exten- sively patronized. As they hold their State Conference in connection with their camp-meeting, there were delegates and representative members present from many parts of the State. There were nearly six hundred encamped upon the ground, while the outside attendance was very good, especially upon Sunday, when about two thousand five hundred people were present.
" The peculiar views advocated by this people are: The soon coming of Christ, their belief in the Seventh day as the Sabbath of the Lord, and their disbelief in the immortality of the soul. They hold that future life depends upon the resurrection. They have their missionary work systematized admirably, the State being divided into districts with their local officers. These work in harmony with the officers of the State and General Mission- ary Societies. The President of the General Missionary Society, Elder S. N. Haskell, being present, considerable interest was manifested in the work.
DBurris
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Their missions extend to Africa, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, France, Den- mark. Norway and England.
" They are zealous in the cause of temperance, and organized a State Temperance Association at this meeting. A monthly, entitled "Good Health," is published in Michigan, which is their organ on health and tem- perance. Tobacco is banished from the denomination.
" Resolutions were passed, thanking the owner of the grove and the rail- road for the favors shown. It was stated that they had never received equal favors from any railroad in the State. It is expected that they will hold their next camp-meeting upon the same ground. They represent themselves as being much pleased with the treatment they received from the citizens, and as far as the writer heard, the citizens expressed equal pleasure with the able preaching they heard and the unusual order and quiet in the meet- ing. Twenty were baptized in Russian river. The meeting closed yester- day morning, and all seemed well pleased with their week's sojourn in the groves of Healdsburg."
In another issue of the same paper we find the following in respect to the rules of order preserved on their camp-ground :-
"Their rules of order are quite different from those of most camp-meetings. They rise at five o'clock in the morning, and have a social meeting in a large tent at half-past five. Breakfast at seven; family worship in small tents at eight; another social business meeting at nine; preaching at half-past ten. In the afternoon, preaching at two; business at five, and preaching at seven. At nine P. M., a bell rings for resting, and at half-past nine all lights are put out, and perfect silence reigns till the bell rings at five A. M. for rising. This feature of a still night, when all may get quiet rest, seems to be peculiar to this people. The consequence is, that all excitement is avoided, and the wor- shippers return to their homes refreshed, and no danger of reaction from an overtaxed system."
Protestant Episcopal Church .- The Episcopal Parish at Healdsburg was first founded as a Mission early in the year 1878, with the Rev. T. W. Broth- erton, M. D., as missionary; F. C. S. Bagge, Senior Warden ; John N. Bail- hache, Junior Warden, and R. H. Warfield, Treasurer and Secretary. Ser- vices were held in the Methodist Episcopal Church South. One year after- wards it was changed to a parish, with Rev. Dr. T. W. Brotherton as Rector ; F. C. S. Bagge, Secretary, and B. G. Lathrop, Dr. J. M. Willey, R. H. War- field, R. D. Moore, and W. G. Swan, Vestrymen. The services are held some- times at Grange Hall and sometimes at the South Methodist Church. The congregation as yet is small, not exceeding some fifty people, but the pro- gress made by the parish, under the guidance of the learned and worthy rector, has been great, and his parishioners confidently expect to be able before long to build a church.
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HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
Healdsburg Schools .- We regret to say that the few notes we have been enabled to glean on this subject are anything but as full as they might have been, owing to the records being badly mutilated. The first school was taught in 1855 by a man named Fitzgerald, while for three months of the same year R. J. Yancy was preceptor; and G. T. Espey held school in another part of the district. In 1856 two schools were taught by N. Eaton and E. L. Taner, and in 1857 one was opened by R. A. Johnson. In this vear the first in the town of Healdsburg was commenced by Baxter Bonham ; he was succeeded in 1858 by E. A. Scott, who, in turn, was followed by D. V. Graham. During the years 1859-1860 Rev. E. P. Henderson was employed ; in 1861 the teachers were E. S. Stockwell and Charles Hutton ; 1862, E. S. Stockwell and G. M. Green ; 1863, J. O. Darrow ; 1864, T. J. B. Cramer; 1865, W. A. C. Smith and wife; 1866, E. F. Baker; 1867, W. A. C. Smith-(here some leaves are missing); 1870-71, D. J. Van Slyke ; 1871, J. P. Ashby ; 1872, C. W. Otis; 1873, T. H. Rose: 1873-74, J. McCly- monds; 1874-75, Lucy P. Mathews (now Mrs. Hutton) ; 1875-76, Fanny MeGaughey ; 1877, O. S. Ingham ; 1877-79, C. S. Smyth. The school houses now occupied were built in 1871 and 1877 ; are constructed to accom- modate four hundred pupils, and consist of nine rooms. The grounds, situated near the center of the town of Healdsburg, are high, dry and well shaded.
Sotoyome Lodge, No. 123, F. & A. M. The first meeting of this Lodge, was held under Dispensation on January 23, 1858, the charter being subse- quently granted under date, May 13th of that year, the members making application being John N. Bailhache, Worshipful Master; E. Sondheimer, Senior Warden and Ransom Powell, Junior Warden. The first meeting under the charter was had on May 30, 1858 ; the officers at the time being, John N. Bailhache, Worshipful Master; E. Sondheimer, Senior Warden; R. Powell, Junior Warden; J. G. McManus, Treasurer; A. B. Aull, Secretary. Joseph Albertson, Senior Deacon; Johnston Ireland, Junior Deacon ; William Thornton, Tyler. The present membership of the Lodge is seventy-two, while financially it is in a flourishing condition; it meets on the Saturday next preceding the full moon. The present officers are: W. M., J. N. Bail- hache; S. W., John Young; J. W., Martin V. Hooten; Treasurer, George Miller; Secretary, James E. Fenno; S. D., Jonas Bloom; J. D., Josiah G. Best; Marshal, D. D. Philips; Stewards, Matthias Raabe, F. Z. Cunningham ; Tyler, John Call.
Healdsburg Encampment, No. 56, I. O. O. F .- This Encampment was insti- tuted March 7, 1876, the charter members being: J. H. Curtis, J. F. Seaman, J. L. Bates, George J. Turner, William B. Tucker, George Allison, and John R. Paul. The first officers were: John R. Paul, C. P .; George J. Turner, H. P .; George Allison, S. W .; William B. Tucker, J. W .; John L. Bates, S .; Jesse F. Seaman, T .; J. H. Curtis, Sentinel. The Lodge, which consists of thirty
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'members, is in a flourishing condition, and meets on the first and third Thurs- day of each month. The present office bearers are: C. B. Proctor. C. P .; Levi Appley, H. P .; E. W. Biddle, S. W .; J. H. Curtis, J. W .; N. A. Young, S .; L. J. Hall, T. The Lodge-room is situated in a handsome brick building on the south-west corner of the Plaza.
Healdsburg Lodge, No. 64, I. O. O. F .- This Lodge was originally started in Analy township, the meetings being for the most part at the town of Bloomfield. Its number then was the same as that borne by it now, but in the year 1863 it was moved from that place to Healdsburg and its name changed from Analy Lodge, by the Grand Lodge, to that which it now bears. The following officers served from their election in November, 1863, when the Lodge was moved, and were re-elected on January 1, 1864, their names also appearing on the charter granted by the Grand Lodge: H. M. Willson, N. G. ; John Young, V. G .; D. Lamphier, Secretary; Ransom Powell, J. J. Piper and G. Allison. The Lodge is in a flourishing condition, has a large membership and meets every Tuesday evening. The present officers are: J. F. Seaman, N. G .; John Young, V. G .; Levi Appley, Re- cording Secretary; W. B. Whitney, Permanent Secretary; H. K. Brown, Treasurer; J. H. Curtis, Warden; John Turner, Conductor; H. M. Willson, R. S. N. G .; John Marshall, L. S. N. G .; W. F. Hall, R. S. V. G .; J. F. Nicholls, L. S. N. G .; William McCormick, I. G .; C. B. Proctor, O. G.
Star of Hope Lodge, No. 32, I. O. G. T .- This Lodge was instituted May 12, 1861, by D. S. Cutter, of San Francisco, the following being the charter members: Mary Jane Downing, Mary E. Fenno, E. Antoinette Bagley, Livonia M. Lombard, Vesta L. Macey, John D. Hassett, Henry D. Ley, J. H. Colwell, T. O. Thompson, W. A. Maxwell, Henry Sargent, Edwin Collins, S. E. Hassett, Thomas R. Ley, John W. Bayley. The present membership is forty-five and the officers : C. B. Proctor, W. C. T .; Mrs. M. E. Fenno, W. R. H. S .; Mrs. C. Carter, W. L. H. S .; Miss L. Porter, W. V. T .; G. W. Dow, W. S .; S. A. Inglehart, W. F. S .; Miss Amanda Smith, W. T .; S. S. Smith, W. M .; Miss Bertie Burton, W. D. M .; Rev. W. E. Adams, W. C .; Miss Annie Porter, W. I. G .; A. A. York, P. W. C. T.
Healdsburg Fire Department .- This Department had its incipience in the year 1858 in the shape of a Hook and Ladder Company, which was estab- lished, with Henry D. Lee as Foreman, by a subscription raised among the members. It took part and did good service in two large fires that occurred in 1859, when most of their gear was destroyed, causing the company to dis- band. Several ineffectual attempts were made to reconstruct the corps, it was not, however, until water was introduced into the city that anything like a fire organization was attempted. At this time a Hose Company was started with the following officers: T. C. Caruthers, Foreman; N. W. Bost- wick, First Assistant Engineer; Henry Sargent, Treasurer; the complement
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was then twenty. The department now musters twenty-two active and thirty honorary members under the following officers: President, L. A. Norton; Foreman, P. Lannan; First Assistant Engineer, Thomas Riley; Second Assistant Engineer, Thomas Ward; Secretary, James E. Fenno; Treasurer, Henry Sargent. Their head-quarters are on the principal business thoroughfare of the city, opposite the Sotoyome House.
The Bank of Healdsburg .- This institution was organized on June 3, 1874, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars, paid up, in United States gold coin. Its original management was under W. S. Canan, Presi- dent, and Charles E. Hutton, Cashier ; the Directors being W. S. Canan, J. B. Smith, John D. Hassett, H. M. Willson, and J. N. Bailhache. The officers at present are: Jonas Bloom, President ; J. N. Bailhache, Cashier, and L. Kugler, Secretary ; the Directors being John D. Hassett, H. M. Willson, J. N. Bailhache, William Mulligan, and Jonas Bloom. The bank building oc- cupies a prominent position on the north-west corner of the Plaza, where a general banking and exchange business is transacted. It issues letters of credit available in all parts of the United States and Europe, while its cor- respondents in San Francisco and New York are Lazard Freres, and Lazard Bros. & Co. in London.
Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank of Healdsburg .- This bank was organized on September 1, 1877, with an authorized capital of two hundred thousand dollars, under the management of E. Harrison Barnes, President, and R. H. Wartield, Cashier, the Directors being E. Harrison Barnes, A. B. Nally, L. A. Norton, A. Hassett, A. C. Bledsoe, R. Powell, and G. H. Jacobs. The present management is under E. Harrison Barnes, President, and R. H. Warfield, Cashier; the directorate being E. H. Barnes, A. B. Nally, L. A. Norton, A. Hassett, R. Powell, G. H. Jacobs, and John Moffet. The Farmers' and Mechanies' Bank transacts its affairs in a commodious building on the Plaza, near the Grangers' handsome building, where they carry on a general banking business. Their correspondents are, in San Francisco, the London and San Francisco Bank (Limited), and in New York, Drexel, Morgan & Co.
Healdsburg Flouring Mills .- These extensive mills were established by Hassett Brothers in the year 1858. In 1872 they sold out to Caruthers and Co., who in 1877 disposed of them to Risden and Tucker and they trans- ferred an interest, on January 1, 1878, to W. N. Gladden who, purchasing the remaining shares in November of that year, became the present pro- prietor. The premises are situated on West street, in convenient proximity to the depot of the San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad and occupy an area of seventy-two by fifty six feet. The works are driven by a steam engine of forty horse power, using two run of stones, one for flour and the other for coarser work. The capacity of out-turn is forty barrels in twelve hours for wheat, and for barley, corn-meal, etc., twelve tons in the same
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period. The premises comprise the mill building, barn, woodshed, and pig pens. There is a storage capacity of one hundred tons, while the business carried on is both merchant and custom. These mills were the first erected and are still the only ones in the town.
Geyser Flouring Mill .- Was established at the mouth of Sausal Cañon Alexander valley, eight miles east of Healdsburg, in the year 1856, by Joshua Jordan, of Bangor, Maine, but more recently of La Porte, Indiana, a resident of California since 1853. The mill was run by a thirty-foot over-shot water-wheel and had two run of burrs. Burned by incendiaries some time after 1860; no insurance. Rebuilt and sold under mortgage to Laufer and H. Alexander. Afterwards insured by them for their benefit and burned, incendiarily. The decease of Joshua Jordan threw the mill-site into the hands of A. D., Leslie A., and Frank T. Jordan, after by Leslie A. Jordan, succeeded by Wm. Mulligan, present owner of the site ..
Healdsburg Water Works .- Healdsburg has first-class water works, con- structed in 1876, and owned by John Fritsch and F. T. Maynard of Peta- luma. The water is obtained from unfailing springs, which gush from the base of "Fitch mountain," two miles from the town. It is conveyed and distributed through seven miles of iron pipes, with thirty water gates; nine four-inch hydrants are set at the most important points for putting out fires. The reservoir is one hundred and seventy feet above the town level, afford- ing sufficient pressure to throw a stream over the highest buildings. The water is always elear, soft and abundant.
Healdsburg Gas Company .- The city of Healdsburg was first illuminated by Joseph Rosenthal with the substance produced from gasolyne, an article which was formerly procured from rosin and fish oils, but now is the first running from petroleum. The premises wherein was manufactured this article were situated on West, between North and Fitch streets. The gas, not fulfilling the requirements of a large and increasing population, its diffu- sion was discontinued, and the works disused after the completion of the present premises. These are situated at the foot of South street, and are the property of the Healdsburg Gas Company. They comprise the necessary buildings, occupying an area of one acre, and has a gasometer capable of making four thousand feet per diem. The gas is produced entirely from Sydney coal, specially imported ; it is disseminated through nearly one mile of mains and pipes, while John N. Bailhache is the sole proprietor, and Peter Dirvin the Superintendent.
Healdsburg Brewery .- This institution was established in the year 1866 by Carl Muller and Henry Fried in North Healdsburg, but in 1876 it was transferred to its present location on the corner of North and West streets. In 1874, Mr. Muller bought out the interest of his partner, and has since continued the business. The dimensions of the buildings are thirty-six by
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seventy feet, a saloon and dwelling-house contiguous to it occupying twenty- five by seventy feet. The establishment is well supplied with the necessary brewing-houses and appliances, and is the only one of the kind in the city. In 1878 about two hundred barrels of beer was manufactured, most of which is retailed by the proprietor on the premises.
Russian River Flag .- This newspaper, Republican in its politics, was established at Healdsburg, November 19, 1868, by John G. Howell, who was joined by S. S. Howell on July 22, 1869. Howell Brothers were succeeded by Leslie A. Jordan, July 12, 1865, since which date A. D. Jordan, S. P. Mead, J. W. Fergusson and Oscar Weil have been connected with it either as partners or assistant editors. The present associate editor is Frederick C. S. Bagge. The size of the paper is twenty-five by thirty-eight, of thirty-two columns. The appearance of the paper is a credit to the typographical energy of its proprietor. The office is situated in the Granger's Block, on the Plaza, at Healdsburg.
Healdsburg Enterprise .- The Enterprise was established in Healdsburg, in May, 1876, by John F. and Felix B. E. Mulgrew, and Sam A. Englehart. Politically, the paper is Democratic, of the conservative order. In July, 1876, the wide-awake publishers commenced the publication of a semi-weekly, and although the original size of the paper, twenty-four by thirty-six, was retained, the subscription price and advertising rates were not increased. The semi- weekly was continued during the Presidential campaign of that year, and then, as per intention, the paper was made a weekly, and improved by the addition of new and interesting features. Subsequently the interest of Mr. Englehart was absorbed by the Messrs. Mulgrew, who are'at present sole proprietors. The editorial management of the Enterprise is in the hands of the Junior member of the firm, Felix B. Mulgrew, while the business and mechanical departments are under the supervision of John F. Mulgrew. From the date of the paper's existence it has gone onward and upward. The proprietors being young men, grown up with the community, and charac- terized by their industry, enterprise and special fitness, the success of the Enterprise has been a natural result, and the large circulation the paper has achieved places it in the van of all others in northern Sonoma county. Con- nected with the office are complete and first class facilities for job printing, making the establishment by far the best in Healdsburg. The aim of the publishers has been to make theirs the representative paper of northern Sonoma county, and in this they have certainly succeeded.
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OCEAN.
Geography .- Ocean township lies on the western side of Sonoma county, bordering on the Pacific ocean. It is bounded on the east by Mendocino, Redwood and Bodega townships, on the south by Bodega township, on the west by the Pacific ocean, and on the north by Salt Point township. Its boundary lines are very irregular, not following any direction for any great distance, thus giving to the township a very jagged and peculiar shape. Russian river, " Rio de los Rusos, " and Austin creek, so named for an old pioneer settler, are its only streams of any importance whatever. Neither of these are navigable. The river however is quite a stream, and is very deep and wide in places, but quite narrow and shallow in others. It is easily forded during the greater portion of the year at the present site of Duncan's Mill, but in the Winter season both the river and the creek become swollen by the rains, and are veritable mountain torrents. The water rushes sea- ward with relentless fury, and everything in its pathway is swept into the broad bosom of the Pacific. There is no place however within the limits of this township on the river which affords water power privileges. It is a beautiful mountain stream and abounds in certain kinds of fish.
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