USA > California > Yolo County > The Western shore gazetteer and commercial directory for the state of California Yolo County : one volume being devoted to each county of the state, giving a brief history of each county. > Part 11
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The other markets of note are Korn's, at Woodland ; Gwinn's, at Knight's Landing; Marden's, at Davisville; Hines', at Cacheville, and one at Buckley's. At Ashbury's five men are employed, averaging a pay-roll of seven thou- sand five hundred dollars. By the same average we have twelve men with a pay-roll of eleven thousand two hundred and fifty dollars.
Bank of Woodland.
This institution was organized in 1868 and incorporated on the twenty-first of November of that year, with a paid up capital stock of two hundred thousand dollars, to be increased to five hundred thousand dollars at the option of the incorporators. The officers at present are the same as at its organization, and are as follows : Presi- dent, J. D. Stephens; Cashier, C. W. Bush; Vice- President, F. S. Freeman. The Directors are J. D. Stephens, F. S. Freeman, C. Nelson, J. Hollingsworth, L. D. Stephens, J. Wilcoxon, N. Hastings, F. Miller and C. W. Bonynger. Since its organization three dividends have been declared, averaging each one per cent. on the paid up capital. With the organization of this institution new facilities were afforded business men, and a corre- sponding improvement in financial matters was the result.
Knight's Landing.
This town is situated on the Sacramento River, eight and one-half miles north and three and one-half miles east of Woodland. By the railroad the distance is eight miles; by the public roads, as generally traveled, about twelve. It is on the line of the California Pacific Railroad, thereby connected with Marysville, Woodland and the seaboard. It has a large trade, via the Sacramento River, with Sacra- mento and San Francisco. It contains one church, a school-house, one hotel, one lodging-house, one flour-mill, one very large wagon- and blacksmith-shop, besides some of lesser note; three large warehouses, one large carpenter- shop, two bakeries, six saloons, one very large dry-goods
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store, several grocery-stores, and several other places of trade, too numerous to mention.
The principal portion of the town lies on Front Street, fronting the river. The buildings are principally of wood, of one story, or cottage houses. The population is about one thousand. In 1850 "Billy" McDaniel first laid out the Town of Knight's Landing; but nothing seems to have been done toward building the town until 1853, when Charles F. Reed re-surveyed it and laid out the streets as they are now located. There are many old settlers in that community who recollect when Knight's Landing was bar- ren of aught but brush and undergrowth.
When J. W. Snowball arrived he found one log house on the mound. He erected the first store at that place. The name of "Knight's Landing" was given by the settlers in honor of the owner of the grant located there-a name it has since retained.
It seems a little strange-hard to recognize as facts-that the pleasant town of Knight's Landing, with its bustling activity, as well as the surrounding country, was an unset- tled wilderness but twenty years ago. Yet such is the case, and that wilderness was rather thickly inhabited by wild and savage beasts, according to the reports of the early settlers. Mr. A. W. Morriss, who settled at Knight's Land- ing in 1852, relates that the place was then entirely unim- proved, and wild animals were plenty. A few cloth tents were the only dwellings, except the log house on the mound. The only inclosure for stock was a corral. Hear- ing a disturbance in the corral one night, he went out to discover the cause, and found a grizzly making himself familiar with the animals inclosed. In 1853 two grizzlies made a reconnoisance on the forces of J. J. Cook, who was engaged in ditch-digging near the site of the present town. They walked out from an adjoining thicket, making directly for Mr. Cook, who, knowing it was useless to run, stood his ground bravely, and with uplifted shovel awaited the assault. Fortune generally favors the brave, and in this case she adhered to the rule; for, after a short ob- servation of Mr. Cook and his defenses, the bears retired
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n good order, leaving him master of the situation. For several years, bear, elk, deer and antelope were abundant. The log house on the mound-the old landmark, the first lwelling in that part of the county-was burned in 1853. We believe it was built in 1849. Pity it had not been spared, for but few of the old landmarks and records of 49 are left.
Building in those days was rather expensive, judging by some old bills and records. Mr. J. Friel, who, by the way, says there were not three women within a square of ten miles when he settled near Knight's Landing (1853), built his first house of "shakes " split from the surrounding baks. The nails for this building cost thirty cents per pound, the flooring boards one hundred and twenty-five dollars per thousand feet. Flour was fifty dollars per bar- el, and other things in proportion. We might multiply ncidents of like nature, but they are familiar to all old Californians. Among the early settlers of Knight's Land- ng and vicinity was Mr. Harrison Gwinn, afterwards County Judge of Yolo and member of the Legislature. He settled on the farm he now occupies in 1850, and has remained there since. To Mrs. Gwinn belongs the honor of being the first American lady who settled in that vicin- ty. Thomas Coleman, who landed at Fremont in 1849, came to Knight's Landing in 1850, when Mrs. William Knight occupied the "log house on the mound." In 1851 Mr. Coleman was attacked by a grizzly, and was obliged to seek safety by climbing a tree. D. W. Edson settled at the Landing in 1850; J. Dinwiddie the same year ; C. O. Copp in 1852. John Burns and several others, who are still living in the county, settled there in 1853. About this period the scattering farmers began to haul their produce to this place for transportation, and the name of "Knight's Landing" became permanently established and was the only name by which the place was known. There have been some attempts to call the town after the name of its post-office, Grafton, but there is little probability of the old name ever being superseded.
During the summer and fall months the streets of the
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town present a lively appearance. Long lines of freight wagons, loaded with grain, impart a business appearance that gives ample evidence of the wealth of the country adjoining. The flour and grain trade via the river is exten- sive, communication with the seaports being cheap and reliable at all seasons of the year.
The town possesses an excellent landing and extensive wharves, the only ones in the county. Charles F. Reed and Langenour & Brownell have each extensive wharves and fine warehouses, capable of storing an immense quan- tity of grain. They are heavy grain purchasers for the San Francisco market, and their wharves receive the bulk of the grain raised in that section.
In point of trade, Knight's Landing is the third town in the county, as well as in population. It is a permanent, steadily-growing place, and bids far to become an impor- tant river town. Connected as it is with the interior by rail, the seaboard by rail- and water-carriage, it possesses advantages of commerce superior to those of any other town in the county. With the well-known energy of its citizens directed in the proper channels, and supported by an extensive grain-growing district, the town must rapidly assume its true position and become a leading commercial place.
Washington.
Washington is situated on the Sacramento River, imme- diately opposite Sacramento City, and connected therewith by the railroad bridge.
The town contains about five hundred inhabitants; is reg- ularly laid out, and contains two hotels, four saloons, two stores, one feed-stable and blacksmith-shop, one laundry, one saw-mill, one rectifying apparatus and public water- works.
The proximity of the town to Sacramento, which should prove of great advantage to it, seems to produce an oppo- site effect, but little improvement being visible. Owing to a short-sighted policy, the traffic between the two places is seriously impeded by the toll-bridge, which levies a tax on
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every foot passenger that crosses. Owing to this, many who are doing business in Sacramento City are deterred from residing in Washington, where lands and rents are much cheaper.
Were this restriction removed, or a free bridge con- structed, Washington would improve rapidly, property would be enhanced in value, while Sacramento would reap a corresponding benefit in the increase of travel and trade from this county, which now seeks other parts, accessible only by rail, where such restrictions are removed.
Washington, by situation and by virtue of the advantages named, should become the place of residence of many busi- ness men whose business lies in Sacramento City. It should become to Sacramento what Oakland is to San Francisco, Brooklyn to New York, and, with liberal provision made for transit between the two places, the desired result would be soon secured.
The orchards in Washington are among the finest in the county, and add a peculiar beauty to the place. It is in reality the garden of the county, and susceptible of being rendered one of the richest portions of the State.
The Steam Navigation Company have extensive works located on the river front, near the bridge, consisting of carpenter-shops and blacksmith-shops, located convenient to the ways whereon their vessels are repaired. The spare steamers belonging to the Company are moored in front of the town and assessed in Yolo County. Many mechanics are constantly employed by this Company, who make the town their residence, adding materially to its prosperity.
The growth and improvements of Washington have not been in a corresponding ratio with some other towns in the county, and though one of the oldest, it falls far behind its sister towns of younger growth. The railroad, instead of being an advantage to the town and a cause of prosperity, has proved the reverse, as the business formerly transacted there in the way of freight and travel is now mostly trans- ferred to Sacramento.
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Cacheville.
The Town of Cacheville is situated on Cache Creek, four miles north by one mile west from Woodland. It contains three stores, one hotel, one saddle- and harness-shop, two blacksmith- and wagon-shops, one school-house, one church, one flour-mill, one tin-shop and two saloons, with a popula- tion of about five hundred.
It is surrounded by a rich agricultural country and pos- sesses a large mercantile trade.
. There has not been much activity manifested in building, there being no leading cause to stimulate a rapid growth. The closely-settled surrounding country, with the many wealthy farmers residing near by, gives a permanency to the place which will insure a steady growth, though not rapid.
Having neither rail nor water connection with the other towns, the grain market is confined to the milling trade, which of necessity transfers a heavy trade to Woodland and Knight's Landing which would be retained under more favor- able circumstances. The proposed railroad from Woodland to Colusa, if completed, would afford those facilities to Cacheville, as then the town would become the center of one of the finest grain-growing districts in the county-the shipping and receiving point-thus securing the trade which now passes through or by the town for other places, where the facilities of transportation are greater. This would in- sure a rapid growth, and the town would assume the position which naturally belongs to it. The Post-office at Cacheville is Yolo.
Fremont.
This town was, but is not. A glance at the history will enable the reader to learn of its past-a glance at the one house comprising the town will tell of its present. Its site is located on the Sacramento River, about nine miles northi- east from Woodland, opposite to where the Feather River unites with the Sacramento. The country immediately sur- rounding Fremont partakes of the general character of the river lands-a narrow belt of grain or garden land fronting
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on the river, and sloping to the tule swamps in the rear. We would there was more to say of Fremont, but unless we write a homily on the changes presented, or a regret for the good old times, we must close this paragraph. The Post- office at Fremont is Charleston.
Langville
Is situated at the mouth of Capay Valley, twenty miles northwest from Woodland, on the road leading to Clear Lake. The town consists of Lang's Hotel, one saloon, one saddler's shop and one blacksmith's shop. Population, various.
Capay City
Is situated in Capay Valley, four miles from Langville and twenty-four miles northwest from Woodland. It contains one store, one hotel, one blacksmith's shop and one saloon. It is surrounded by a fine grain country. Capay Post- office is located at this place.
Cottonwood.
This town is located in the midst of a fine grain-growing locality, twelve miles west from Woodland. It contains two stores, one blacksmith's shop, one wagon-maker's shop, one harness and saddler's shop, one hotel, one shoe shop, one saloon and one church. Lately the town has shown signs of increasing vitality by the erection of some new and substantial dwellings. The Post-office for Cottonwood is Cache Creek.
Buckeye
Is situated fifteen miles southwest from Woodland, in the center of a fine grain-growing locality. It contains two stores, one hotel, one saloon, one blacksmith's shop, one shoemaker's shop, one boarding-house and a Masonic Hall. One of the finest dwelling-houses in the county-that of Mr. B. Ely -- is situated in the town. With this exception
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there are no buildings of note, unless we mention the dwell- ing of Mr. R. C. Biggs, whose farm adjoins that belonging to Mr. Ely. The Post-office has the same name as the town.
Davisville
Is located on the north side of Putah Creek, ten miles south and one mile east of Woodland. By the wagon-road generally traveled the distance from Woodland to Davis- ville has usually been called twelve miles, the latter figure having been used by us in locating farms lying between Davisville and Woodland. The town is located on the old Jerome Davis farm, where the Sacramento branch of the California Pacific Railroad diverges from the main track. It is thirteen miles west and three and one-half miles south of Sacramento. The town is regularly laid out and contains about five hundred inhabitants. Olive street, the main street of the city, is very closely built, the buildings being of wood, mostly of one story. The town contains two large lumber-yards, two wagon and blacksmith's shops, several stores and saloons, three hotels, one restaurant, one livery stable, two saddle and harness shops and several minor places of trade. A frame church is in course of construc- tion and will be completed this season.
Owing to its central location, Davisville possesses a large trade, especially in grain, from twenty to thirty thousand tons being annually shipped by rail from this point. The railroad buildings at Davisville are superior to any belong- ing to the Company in the county, and these are no larger than is necessary for the trade of the place. The town has improved during the last year, and will doubtless continue to advance in prosperity. It is surrounded by an excellent country, thickly settled with wealthy farmers. It possesses the trade of a large section lying in this and Solano County, and in this lies the elements of its future growth. As the country adjoining becomes more improved and more thickly settled, the town will feel the influence and meet with a corresponding enlargement. The celebrated cocoonery and mulberry orchard is located on the banks of Putah Creek, immediately adjoining the town.
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YOLO COUNTY.
Orders.
The Masons, Odd Fellows, Druids and Good Templars are represented by one or more Lodges in the county, each of which is said to be in a flourishing condition. Our information regarding these Orders was furnished by the officers of the various organizations, and may be considered correct.
We are indebted to W. W. Stone for the following re- garding the
U. A. O. D.
On the thirtieth of July, 1870, Dodoma Grove, No. 18, United Ancient Order of Druids, was instituted in Wood- land. Some two weeks previous to the organization, W. W. Stone (Principal ot the Woodland School) received the necessary instructions and encouragement, and by his en- ergy succeeded in inducing thirty-four others to join in as charter members, who were duly initiated in the secret service of the Order on the date aforesaid. Since the in- stallation a number of our most prominent citizens have joined the Order, which now numbers fifty-eight, and a further large increase of our best citizens may be confi- dently expected. There is a fair prospect of the Grove numbering one hundred members before it shall have been two months in operation.
The principles of the Order are said to be synonymous with those of the Odd Fellows and Free Masons, with an equal if not greater disposition to cause the influence of a society of public-spirited men to be felt beneficially in the moral and intellectual status of the community in which they reside.
The erection or purchase of a building suitable for a hall is now under consideration by the Grove, which meets temporarily in the College building. The creation of a library and reading-room for the benefit of the members and the public generally is also under consideration, and will doubtless soon be an accomplished fact. The present officers of the Grove are as follows: W. W. Stone, Noble
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Arch; W. A. Henry, Vice-Arch; H. J. Plomteaux, Record- ing Secretary; Abram Moger, Financial Secretary; A. C. Kean, Treasurer; G. Hafky, Inside Guard. Time of hold- ing meetings, Monday evenings.
We are indebted to T. C. Pockman for the following regarding the Order of
Free and Accepted Masons.
The first Masonic Lodge in this county was established at Cacheville, June, 1854, by W. M., Parson Gray. The charter members were: C. Traver, N. Wycoff, J. D. Ste- phens, G. L. Brown and J. T. Boon.
The number of Lodges in the county is four, located at Cacheville, Woodland, Knight's Landing and Buckeye. Names of the Lodges and the nights of holding meetings are as follows :
Yolo Lodge, No. 81, Cacheville, A. Griffiths, Master, meets Saturday on or before the full moon. This Lodge has about fifty members.
Grafton Lodge, No. 141, Knight's Landing, E. L. Parre- more, Master, meets on Saturday on or after the full moon. This Lodge has a membership of about forty.
Woodland Lodge, No. 156, T. C. Pockman, Master, meets on Friday on or before the full moon. This Lodge has a membership of sixty-two.
Buckeye Lodge, No. 193, M. R. York, Master, meets on Saturday on or before the full moon. This Lodge has about thirty members.
In Woodland the Order have a fine briek hall in the Mason's Block, on Main Street. The Order is in a very flourishing condition; but not being informed, we ean give no further details regarding it.
I. O. O. F.
We are indebted to H. C. Grover, Recording Secretary of Woodland Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, for the following record of the Order in this county :
.
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YOLO COUNTY.
Woodland Lodge, No. 111, was organized on the seven- teenth day of January, 1863, by R. W. Grand Warden David Kendall, assisted by John B. Harmon and other brothers of the Order from Sacramento City. The charter members were: Elias Peterson, G. J. Overshiner, Manville Barber, J. Wiley and A. Armstrong, who constituted thie officers for the first term-E. Peterson, N. G .; G. J. Over- shiner, V. G .; Manville Barber, R. S .; A. Armstrong, T. Six persons joined as Ancient Odd Fellows, making, in all, eleven members. . For some time the young Lodge held its meetings in an old school-house in the eastern part of town, from which they removed to the College building, where the Lodge now holds its meetings. For two years the Lodge struggled on, meeting but little encouragement in the way of adding to the membership, besides being heavily burthened with debt. About the first of April, 1865, one of their most prominent members met with an accident which left him a cripple for life. This deplorable accident enabled the members of the Lodge to display the workings of their Order, and to illustrate, in the fullest sense, the principles which govern them, by practically demonstrating the grand and noble objects which have ren- dered the Order so deservedly popular. That which, in the weak and crippled condition of the Lodge, might have been considered as a heavy blow, was really a blessing to the Order, as through the sufferings of a member the Lodge was enabled to practice the great principles of charity and brotherly love which underlie the Order, in fact constitute its foundation and its defenses. With this incident began the prosperity of the Lodge. Its list of members increased steadily until it now (August 1st, 1870) numbers sixty-seven faithful and zealous members. A fine new hall is being erected for Lodge purposes, at a cost of four thousand two hundred dollars. It is expected that it will be ready for occupancy by November 1st of the pres- ent year.
The estimated assets of the Order (exclusive of the new hall) are one thousand dollars. The Lodge has lost but one member by death since its organization. Amount paid
9
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for funeral expenses, ninety-eight dollars and fifty cents. Amount expended for relief of brothers, over four thou- sand five hundred dollars. Total amount expended for relief, four thousand six hundred dollars. Officers of pres- ent term, commencing July 1st: H. J. Plomteaux, N. G .; Martin Meyers, V. G .; H. C. Graves, R. S .; R. H. New- ton, F. S .; Henry Furry, T. Night of meeting, Saturday.
Yolo Lodge, 169, J. Horning N. G., was established in Davisville, April 12th, 1870. Its officers are: J. Horning, N. G .: F. Moultnor, V. G .; E. C. Hartman, R. S .; Wil- liam Weinberger, T. Night of meeting, Saturday.
Davisville and Woodland Lodges were set apart as Dis- trict 59, of which N. Wyckoff is District Deputy Grand Master.
We are indebted to Dr. H. Jackson for the following sketch of the Orders of Good Templars and Champions of the Red Cross:
Woodland Lodge, No. 237, I. O. of G. T.
This Lodge was organized by Rev. G. B. Taylor, October 13th, 1866, with ninety-three charter members. Officers for the first term: E. Giddings, W. C. T .; Miss Francena Fike, W. V. T .; James Sibley, W. S .; C. P. Sprague, W. F. S .; H. C. Grover, W. T .; R. P. Davidson, W. M .; Miss A. B. Ruggles, W. I. G .; Joseph Dopkins, W. O. G. Quarterly terms commence first of February, May, August and November. Night of meeting, Tuesday. Place of meeting, Good Templars' Hall. This building is of brick, and cost four thousand dollars. The property has increased in value very materially, and is now worth five thousand or over. August 1st the number of members in good standing was one hundred and nineteen. Present officers: Mrs. J. M. Plomteaux, W. C. T .; Miss A. M. Winchell, W. V. T .; Mrs. E. L. Fiske, W. S .; Jos. Briggs, W. F. S .; J. B. Ruggles, W. T .; Henry Fisher, W. M .; Mrs. Mary Maloney, W. I. G .; A. L. Fulton, W. O. G .; J. Stockwell, P. W. C. T .; Rev. C. Damon, W. C.
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Lodges have been organized in Cacheville, Knight's Landing and Davisville, but we have no information re- garding them; and it was with extreme difficulty that we obtained this meager information regarding Woodland Lodge.
Champions of the Red Cross.
An Encampment of this Order was established in Wood- land August 11th, 1870, by Rev. George B. Taylor. Twenty charter members are on the records, which constitute the strength of the Encampment at present. Officers : H. Jackson, E. C .; S. Seely, G. C .; R. B. Mosby, W. S .; C. M. Blowers, W. T .; H. J. Plometaux, C. of the H .; W. Cole, J. C. The Encampment meets on Wednesday evenings, in Good Templars' Hall. Appointed Officers : J. A. Erskine, W. C .; Mrs. J. M. Plometaux, M. of C .; Mary Maloney, F. L .; L. Jarvis, F. G .; A. Stamp, R. S .; George Norton, C. of the R. C .; T. Christie, V .; Miss F. H. Jackson, I.
Churches and Church Organizations.
We are indebted to the pastors of the several denomina- tions for the following account of the various Churches in the county :
The Methodist Episcopal Church
Was first organized in 1855, by J. W. Burton. The minis- ters who have been in charge since are as follows: The founder, or organizer, Mr. Burton, remained in charge from 1855 to 1856, when Rev. R. Hobart succeeded, remaining through 1857; Rev. R. R. Dunlap officiated in 1858-9; Rev. H. J. Bland, 1860; Rev. B. F. Meyers, 1861; J. Cor- win, 1862 ; J. W. Burton resumed charge in 1863, but died during that year and his place was supplied by Rev. Mr. Rightmeyer ; Rev. W. N. Smith, 1864; Rev. P. Grove, 1865 (died in 1870); Rev. W. C. Curry, 1866-7-8. Rev. W. C.
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