USA > California > Yuba County > History of Yuba County, California, with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, residences, public buildings, fine blocks and manufactories > Part 31
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Cordua started a trading post at his ranch and brought goods from San Francisco in a boat. The following advertisement uppoured in the Californian, April 19, 1818 :-
" NEW MECKLENBURG AND SAN FRANCISCO PACKET.
" For the transportation of freight and the necommodation of the "traveling community, I will run monthly a safe and commodious " launch from this place to San Francisco, touching ut Nicolaus, Al "geier's, the Embarcadero of Bear Creek, Mr. Hardy's, month of " Feather River, Sutterville, Brazoria, Montezuma and Benicia City; "and in connection with the above, a horse wagon will run regularly " between this place and Mr. Daniel Silles', in the upper valley of the " Sacramento.
" T. ConDUA.
" New Mecklenburg, Sacramento Valley, April, 1848."
The winter of 1848-9 was dry and during the first part of the sea son the water in the Feather river was extremely low. Vernon, in Sutter county, at the junction of tho Sacramento and Feather rivers, was then supposed to be the head of navigation, and it was at this point that most of the supplies for the northern mines were unloaded from the sailing vessels. After the location of the town in April, 1849, it is said that several ships from eastern ports discharged their cargoes of freight at the landing. In the spring of this year, whale boats went up Bear river as far as Julmson's crossing, loaded with miners. They passed over the overflowed lands and not up the stream as the current was too rapid. As yet the steamers had not visited tbe incipient city on the Yuba, the carrying trade being confined to
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HISTORY OF YUBA COUNTY. CALIFORNIA.
Hailing vessels. Abont the first of July, 1849, the river was so low that they grounded on " Russian Crossing," a shoal abont fifteen miles lwlow Vernon. In the wmnmer of 1849, Nicolaus Allgeier had a launch which be employed in transporting goods from San Francisco to Anpyjdy his store at Nicolaus. It registered abont fifteen tous and was propelled by oars und wind; an old surilor, Jacob Walldorf, com- manded, and had a crow of half a dozen Indians. During the last por. tion of 1849, a large number of whale boats plied between Sacramento und Marysville, carrying goods and provisions. In the fall of this year and the spring of the next, birge schooners enme around the Horn and went up Fonther river as far as Nicolans. In 18-19, a govern- inent voksol, with Anpjdies for Camp Far West, came to Nicolaus and the curgo was hunled in wagons to the fort.
'The winter of 18-19-50 WAH exceedingly wet, the whole country be- ing flooded. The Feather river was high and the river steamers made their nulvont just in time to nacend the channel as far as Cordna's ranch, or Yubavillo as it was called shortly after and before the adoption of Marysville. This change of the terminal point of unvigation from Vornon enused its fall, the rise of the upper town proving the destruc- tion of the lower. In the last part of 1849, the Linda Company, in a vessel enlled the "Landu," arrived after n jasange around the Horn und took the ship to Sacramento. They brought with thum the machinery for a small stern-whool stonmor which was transferred to a scow nt that placo, unming the crudo and diminutivo stenmer " Linda." As Buon As constructod n cargo of freight was loaded for a man named Ferguson who kopt a store at Barton's Bar. In the last part of 1849, about Decomber, tho little stemmer came up the river and went as far as the location of Rose's Ranch. When the Indians along the river Anw this strange object ascending the stream, propelled by an unseen power, and heard it puff, they thought un ovil spirit was pursuing thom and ded to the woods. After seeing it land at tho bank, and perceiving that tho whites wore not at all afraid, they enme out and expressed themselves much pleased with the new and strange kind of bont.
During January, 1850, a small side- wheel steamer, the ". Lawrence," mulor counnand of Captain E. C. M. Chadwick, made hor appearance at. Marysville. She had been built in the East, and was shipped around the Horn in sections, Thorn seems to be some difference in opinion as to which stoamer, the " linda " or " Lawrence," belongs tho credit of being tho pioncer, but there appears to be no reasonable doubt but that the " Linda" was the first to ascend the Feather and Yuba rivers, The " Lawrence " continued to make regular trips be- tween Marysville and Sacramento, proving exceeding profitable to her owners, and very convenient to the traveling public. The fare to Sacramento was twenty-five dollars, and freight, including the blankets
of the passengers, was eight cents a pound. For one dollar and a half a berth could be secured, but the occupant was obliged to furnish his own lwehling. The success of this boat and the immense amount of travel, soon brought other steamers on to the route. The third hoat to appear was the "Governor Dana," in April. 1850. She was a stern-wheeler, and about eighty tons register.
In the Placer Timex of April 21, 1850, we find the following :- " The beautiful steamer Gov. Dana made her first trip from Sacra- " mento up, on Tuesday of last week. Leaving at half-past nine, in "two hours and three-quarters we were at Fremont, and a little more " than an hour brought us to Nicolaus. Here, at the shortest notice, " Mr. Eberhardt served up dinner in that first-rate style, which has " alrewly extended farand wide the reputation of his hotel. The Dana " made the passage through to Marysville in something less than eight " hours, running time, undoubtedly the shortest on record. She is " inleed in all rusprets, a fast boat-huilt by Gen. Veazie about a year " since, to ply on the Ponobscot, in opposition to a monopoly, which " had granted them by the Legislature, the exclusive privilege of nav- " igating that river; an injunction was issued, which prevented her " running there; she was taken to pieces and put on board the bark Rio " Gramle, arrived in San Francisco about six weeks since, was put " together at New York (of tho Pacific), and is now in the full tide of " successful experiment."
In April, 1850, the fare from Marysville to San Francisco was thirty- fivo dollars. The steamer " Linda." Captain David Hall, was advertised on May 27, to leave Sacramento on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, at ten o'clock, for Vernon, Fremont, Nicolaus, Plumas, Eliza, Yuba City, Marysville, Linda, Yuha, and Fredonia. This ad. vertisement was only continued until the seventh of June. The fleet of smiling vessels was large, there being on the twenty-seventlı of August twenty-four at the landing.
During the last part of the year 1850, the water in the river sank so low, that steam navigation was suspended, and the passenger travel passed into the hands of the owners of stages and sail-hoats. After a stoppage of three months, the " Governor Dana " made her appearance in November. As her approach to the city was announced by the whistle, the people gathered at the landing and manifested their joy in every conceivable manner. In July, 1851, the steamer " Marys- ville," which had been on the route for some time, was making the trip to Sacramento, leaving every third day, under command of Cap- tain J. A. Payne. A weekly packet, the " Miner," was running be- tween San Francisco and Marysville. The Union Line, between Sacramento and Marysville, owned and run the steamers " Confidence" and " Wilson (. Hunt." Thursday, July 24, 1851, a new steamer, the " Orient," huilt in San Francisco specially for the route between
Marysville and Sacramento, arrived at the landing, bringing a fair quantity of freight. At this time the Yuba and Feather rivers were very low, but these stemmers managed to pass withont running on any snags or shoals. About the middle of 1851, it was found that the snags imbedded in the bottom of the river, wore likely to cause serious impediments to the navigation, and might stop it altogether, a result that would prove extremely disastrous to Marysville. The business men, as well as other prominent citizens, met aml agreed by subscrip- tion, to pay for the removal of the obstructions. The contract was let, and the lahor commenced. The work was completed before the rainy season set in, but the subserihers to the fund were not all prompt in fulfilling their promises. It was only hy great exertions that the amounts could ho collected.
During the twenty- four hours beforo August 2, 1851, there arrived at the wharf, in Marysville, with full freights, seven steamers, viz :- " Marysville," " Kennebec," " Yuba," " Maunsel White," " Bonicin," " Orient," and "Game Cock." In August, the " Gabriel Winter " was running between Sacramento City and Vernon, connecting at the lat- ter place, with stages for Marysville. August 16, 1851, the steamer " Fawn " was hlown up on the river, several miles helow Marysville. Thursday, November 10, 1851, the new steamer " Camanche," owned by her commander, Captain J. A. Grant, and Major Reading, arrived at Marysville and continmed on the route to Sacramento City. She was built at Pittsburg and shipped to Sacramento. Tho "Jack Hays," Captain W. Maine, was running at this time. Navigation had now assumed such proportions that all the available space on the river bank was needed for the occupation of the steamers, and sailing craft, accord- ingly, on the twenty-seventh of November, the Court of Sessions ordered a prosecution of all people who kept hoats and vessels perma- nently at the Marysville landing. In December, the " Amorican Eagle," Captain William M. Lubbock, of the Merchants' line, com- menced to run hetween San Francisco and Marysville. During the first of the year 1852, the new steamer " Urilda," Captain Frisbie, com- menced trips to San Francisco, leaving Marysville, Thursday and Sun- day mornings, at eight o'clock. Tuesday, January 13, 1852, the " J. Bragdon," Captain Thomas W. Lyles, arrived with a party of excursionists, including a number of ladies. A collation was served on board, several citizens of Marysville being invited guests. There- after, the " Bragdon " made regular trips on the river, between the city and San Francisco. The " Fashion," Captain W. H. Taylor, of the Mail line to Sacramento, also claimed patronage at that time. During Jannary and February, 1852, the steamers " Wilson G. Hunt," " Confidence," and " New World " were laid np for repairs. In April, 1852, a strong opposition sprang np between the steamers on the river from Marysville to Sacramento. The nsual fare was five dollars, but
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LITH. OY CL SMITH & CO GARLAND CAL
RESIDENCE OF N.D.COOMBS, YUBA CO. CAL.
RANCH AND
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HISTORY OF YUBA COUNTY CALIFORNIA.
on some of the trips they carried the passengers free, while on others the fare was two dollars and fifty cents and one dollar.
In May, a combination was made to raise the freight rates between San Francisco and Marysville. Formerly freight was carried at. fifteen dollars per ton weight, while the new rate was fifteen dollars per ton measure. In the winter of 1852-53, a stern-wheel steamer went up Bar river, to the old Barham place. It is said that at one time this stream wus thenght to be navigable as far as Johnson's crossing. In February, 1853, tho " Dauiel Moor " and " Thomas Hunt," were mak- ing trips betweon Sacramento and Marysville. The steamor " R. K. l'age," while racing with the " Governor Dana," burst a boiler near Nicolaus, March 22, 1853. A number of passengers and most of the oflicors were killed or fatally wounded. The only man connected with the boat who was savod, was the bar-keeper. The steamer was tataliy wrecked. She was ro-built and named the " Nevada," and again put on the ronte between Sacramente and Marysville. The " Plumas," sovonty tons, owned by E. G. Davis and General Altred Kodington, made her first appearance, Angust 5, 1853. She lund been built nt Happy Valley, California. The now steamer "Gem," was placed on the reuto from Marysville to Sacramento in the same month. She ran with the " Gazelle," connecting at Sacramento with the " Chinanche," " Urilda," and " Bragdon," for San Francisco. July 11, 1854, tho " Plumas" was sunk by a snag, in the Sacramento river, und proved a total loss.
Tho " Pike," built in San Francisco, and the Inrgest boat yet on the lino, umde her appearance in October, 1853. This was a stern-wheel steamer wid connected at Sacramente with the "Bragden." At this time the rogular Marysville and Sacramento boats were the. "Pike," "Phunas," and " Governor Dana." The large beats came clear through in high water, but in the summer had to connect at Sacra- mento with those of lighter draught. The small steamer, " Marys- ville," was also on the line, in 1853. The " Tempkins," a large screw boat, made one trip duving the year. At times during the year the "Camunele," Captain George Barckley, the " Braglon," Captain Layle, and the " Urilda," Captain Hope, were on the route hetween Marysville and San Francisco. Moor & Co.'s line, between Marysville and Sacramento, comprised the following steamers :- " Nevada," Captain Henry Gilman; " Marysville," Captain E. T. Tayler; " Daniel Mour," Captain W. H. Taylor; and " Kennebec." The "Gazelle," Captain Jolin Farrish, was also rimning. January 12, 1854, the " Belle " made her first appearance, and plied between Marysville and Xm Francisco. She was sunk a few days later, and was subsequently ' raised and repaired. The " Cornelia," frem San Francisco, arrived Jannary 19, 1854. At this time bont building was attempted in this
region. A sloop of sixty tons was built on Feather river, just alove Yuba city bridge, by Baldwin & Erskine, in March.
CALIFORNIA STEAM NAVIGATION COMPANY.
On the first of March, 1854, a joint stock company was formed of the owners of steamboats running on the interior baysal rivers, It included the Union and Peoples' lines, and the steamers " Antelope," " Bragdon," " Camanche," " Belle," " Urilda," "Cleopatra," " Gem," " Fashion,' " Plumas," and " Shasta." The rates established between &m Fran- cisco and Marysville were :- Cabin, twelve dollars; deck, ten dollars: freight, fifteen dollars per ton weight, and twelve dollars by measure- mont. The merchants of Marysville, and all the larger cities and towns en the rivers and hays, regarded this combination as opposed to their interests, as it shut out for a short period all competition and made prices to suit itself. A new eighty-ton steamer, the " Pearl," arrived, March 24, and ran independently. The people of Marysville called puldic meetings and discussed the state of affairs. This feeling against monopoly soon led to the formation of an opposition line called the
CITIZENS' STEAM NAVIGATION COMPANY.
This organization was effected March 27, 185-1, with a capital of two hundred thousand dollars, of which sixty thousand dollars was immediately subscribed, its ohject being to break the combination. In 1855, the officers were :- John H. Jewett, President; Wm. Haw- ley, Vice President; H. Richardson, Secretary ; Jolm H. Jewett, Wm. Hawley, M. Cheeseman, M. Brumagim, Peter Decker, C. B. Macy, J. M. Ramirez, J. T. O'Farrell, and J. E. Galloway, Trustees. The first boat of this line was the " Enterprise," one lindred and twenty tous, which arrived July 26, 1854. At this time the freight rate from San Francisco was twenty-five dollars per ton, but the rivalry caused the old company to lower the rate to one dollar per ton, while the new line was supported by its adherents at twelve dollars per ton. A large number of the merchants, of course, availed themselves of the cheaper rates, which had a tendency to drive off the Citizens' Line. The eld combination carried passengers from San Francisco to Marys- ville for twenty-five cents, and the new line for one dollar. In the sharp rivalry and opposition frequently races were resorted te, and consequently, collisions were hy no means rare. In the meantime the " Queen City" had been placed on the Citizens' Line, and was running in company with the " Enterprise." January 13, 1855, the city, by a vote of eleven hundred and ninety nine to thirteen, authorized the council to subscribe one hundred thousand dollars to the stock of the Citizens' Navigation Company. The steamer " Pearl" exploded Jan- uary 27, 1855, near the mouth of the American river, the forward part of the boat heing a complete wreck. Besides the officers and
crew there were one hundred passengers on board. Sixty-seven were killed and a great many were wounded. At that time this steamer læslonged to the old line.
In February, 1855, finding that too sharp opposition was injuring loth, a compromise was effected whereby miform rates were estab lished, as follows :- Freight, twelve dollars per ton: passage, eleon dollars from Sam Francisco to Marysvilles. The California Stron Nav. igation Company put on their line the new stemmer " Governor Dana." tho third of that name: the first was brought from Maine in 1850. Besides this boat, which was muider the commuml of Captain .I. S. Jolmsom, there were the o Cleopatra," Captain W. H. Taylor, and the "Sim Sonle," Captain Henry Gilman. In the summer of 1858 the " Jawies Blair," Captain W. S. Summers, and the " Governor Dann,' Captain M. Littleton, wero on the route to Sacramento. In the win- ter their places were taken by the " Cleopatra" and " Young Amer- iea," with the sumo commanders. In 1861, the opposition stonmer " Defiance," Captain J. (. Gibson was on the route to Snerumento, connecting at that point with the " J. T. Wright," for San Francisco. The small steamer " Swallow " was also running during this your. Between that year and 1870 the following were some of the bouts on the river at various times :- " Young Amerien," 1862; " Banner," 1864; "Flor," and " Ynba City Belle." In 1870, the California Steam Navigation Company were rimming only one stemmer, the "Gov- ernor Dana," comeeting at Sacramento with the " Capital" nud " Clirysopolis" for San Francisco.
In 1874, a now line of stramers was started by Mossrs. D. I. Knight, W. T. Ellis und J. R. Rideout. The stemmer " C. M. Small" was purchased and placed on the route to San Francisco. In 1875, the company built the " D. E. Knight," at Marysville. Theso two stemmers are still mim by theso gentlemen. The " C. M. Smuall" was built in this State, and is of one landred and twenty tons register. She is a stern-wlicel, low-water boat. The "Knight" is one linudred and sixty tons register, and also n steru-wheel, low-water boat. Both ure freight boats, carrying grain and produce to San Francisco, and returning loaded with merchandise. The regular days of departure are, from Marysville on Tuesdays, and from San Francisco on Fridays. In seasons of low water the " Knight" runs from Marysville to Sacramento, and connects there with the "Sinall" for San Francisco. The " Knight," being of lighter draft, is placed on the shallow river. In winter one of them runs through to San Francisco, and the other is laid up anless there is freight enough for both. In addition to these, the gentlemen own four barges, which are towed by the steamers. They are the fol- lowing :- " Hope," three hundred and fifty tons; " Marysville," three hundred and fifty tons; " Sutter," two hundred and fifty tons; " Paradise," one hundred tons. Owing to the effects of the mining
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HISTORY OF YUBA COUNTY. CALIFORNIA.
debris, ail the filling up of the Yuba river, during the dry portion of the year it is impossible for the steamers or larges to ascend the river and make n landing at Marysville. During this period all mer- chandise destimul to that city is rither lauded at Ynla City or on the opposite bank of the Kentber river, where'a small freight-shed lins been erected. From here the goods are taken into the city with bunns. During the winter and season of high water the boats arr able: to go up as far as I street bridge and land at the levee, a great wcommodation unul Anving to the merchants of tho city.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
TRANSPORTATION.
Karly Mellom- Inch Trafun-" P'rairlo Schonnera "-I'nek Trahe In 1833 Stages Early Linen Callforula Stage Company First Officers Other Mues Nevada Klnick Rund- Rugluour's Repart Fallure id lice P'rajoet Ballranda Saernmentu Valley R. R. Company ('andetlan lo Fidecan Ollivers Callfarula Northern R. R. Company-Bands-Officers Callforulu Contral R. R. Craajany Track Lald tu Marysville-Oregon Pivinhos C. P. R. R. BENITONA 10 1878 Callforula Ineffe R. A. Conjany-thauls -Camjeedithun Error in Constructkm-Express- Last of Companies Wells, Fargo & Company-Shiponent of
The messengers nul goods having been bundled, the next question which uroso, was the bost manner of convoying them to tho mmmtain cunps. In the ahsonco of the more modern methods, tho innles were monght into requisition, auml upon the backs of these animals vast puntities of merchunulise wore pluerd, soenrely bound and tightly fast- ened to tho peking sadillo. The more wealthy class of travelers were able to nfford the luxury of n mule-back ride in preforonce to the tire- somno und unpleasant jaunt on foot, The Inck of roads in the moun- tins und bills mado packing by males an imperativo necessity. This method of transporting was marly rosorted to. During the summer of 1850, John Seaward ran a pack train from Downioville to Foster Bar. I commeted with an ox team from Marysville. Mr. Seaward was at nuo timo associated with Mr. Fales in the business. In 1850, there wore tivo or six trains, somo including as many as eighty or ninety mules. Hawley & Simpkins had a store at Downieville and ran a pack train to supply it. Blocker & Woeks were also engaged in paek- ing. In the last part of 1849 and the first part of 1850, W. 11. Parks ran a pack train from Marysville to Foster Bar. In February of the latter year ho soll ont to d. B. Whitcomb and Charles Daniels. No- vember 1, 1852, a train of over ono hundred pack mules left Marys- villo for the oxtrome northern mines. For years these trains were passing to nud from Marysville. As soon as wagons could be im- ported or manufactured they were placed on the roads in the valleys anıl lower hills. Oxon were brought into requisition and the wild horses were trained for use in these lengthy teams. With from two to four wagons attached to each other, vast quantities of freight were conveyed to the various stores and camps, The name " prairie
schooners " was applied to these vehicles, a terin whose application is made at this day.
In 1×53, the following persons were engaged in packing :- Board- well & Co .; I'mmmings & Myers; Clark, Wagner & Stickney; Carr & C .; Frank Drake; Benjamin Drake: Dean & Co .: J. W. Easterling: Ferdinand & Gostavas; Fletcher; Gordon & Co .; Hurd & Hubert; Jas. Hutchinson; Jackson; Johnson & Hieks; Johnson; Keiler & Brock; Long & Co .; Loyd & Co .; Love & Co .; Mayott, Fox & Co .; M. Myers; L. R. & E. J. Magee; Reuben Russell; Root; E. Slossen; Tipton & Loyd; Tainter & Hewett; William Tell; Hiram Utt; W. C. Vineyard. In mobilition to these were twenty Mexicans who ownel trains of pack umles. The whole number of mules owned in Marys- ville and which were packed there for the adjacent mines, was above four thousand, anul the wagons employeil in transporting merchandise numbered over four hundrod.
Stage lines were inaugurated at an early date, the principal run be- ing from Sacramento. During the summer of 1850, it was with diffi- enlty that passengers sufficient to fill one stage daily on this route could be found. A year from that tine five stages, and one omnibus capa- ble of carrying twenty persons, were daily crowded with messengers. In December, the stage made the run from Marysville to Sacramento in four hours and twenty-five minutes. The Excelsior line was run- ning daily between Marysville anl Park's Bar, the fare being four doll:us. "Langton's Express and Passenger Line" was established in the spring of 1850, and later new places were added to its route of travel. Its principal run was from Marysville to Downieville. Bc- fore the roads were entirely constructed the stages were used to Dob- bins' Ranch, and then mules were utilized to carry the freight and passengers. In 1853, Hall & Cramlall were running the United States mail line from Sacramento to Shasta. The " Accommodation Line " and " Evening Pilot Line " were both in operation between Sacramento and Marysville. Buckingham & Adriance had three lines as follows :- Between Marysville and Parks Bar; between Marysville and Auburn; between Marysville and Nevada. Charles Mclaughlin had four, as follows :- To Downieville and Minnesota; to Oregon House and Dobbins' Ranch; to Bidwell's Bar; to American House and Sears' Diggings. O. W. Sawtelle & Co. owned the " People's Line" to Bidwell's Bar.
The powerful organization, known as the California Stage Co., dates its inception from 1853, but was not really organized till January 1, 1854. The capital stock was one million dollars. The shareholders were pioneer stage men, who combined their means to build up a more extensive and better stocked organization than could be done by indi- viduals. In 1855, the officers were :- President, James Haworth; Vice- President, Frank S. Stevens; Secretary, J. P. Leighan; General Super-
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