History of Benton County, Oregon, Part 72

Author: David D. Fagan
Publication date: 1885
Publisher:
Number of Pages:

USA > Oregon > Benton County > History of Benton County, Oregon > Part 72

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the men had gone, save one, and he had drifted into comparatively smooth water. This person was saved by T. W. and Zeno Davis, who found him clutching with a death grip to the stern of the boat, perfectly unconscious and almost dead. On recov- ering he told his story. He said that the steamer was the General Wright; the cap- tain's name was J. A. Pennell, and the two men lost were C. Winnemark and Augus- tus Maguire; that they had in the small boat (about sixteen feet long and very frail) three kegs and three anchors, with which the captain intended buoying a route for his vessel ; it was thought by him that Winnemark must have caught in the rope and anchors, as he was never seen after the boat upset.

NEWPORT.

This, the principal town of Yaquina Bay and precinct, is situated immediately inside the entrance on the north side of the bay. There, in 1866, a reservation of a square mile was made for a government town site, but after a great deal of inconveni- ence and years of delay it was relinquished to the former claimant, Samuel Case, in March, 1875.

As early as July, 1866, there were several buildings being erected in Newport, among them being a large hotel by Dr. J. R. Bayley and Samuel Case, who foresaw in the town the future Saratoga of the Northwest, while B. R. Biddle was erecting a fine residence for himself.

The city of Newport was incorporated, October 23, 1882, with the following offi- cials: Alonzo Case, President; William Hammond, Henry Hulse, R. M. Burch, Wil- liam Neal, City Council; W. S. Hufford, Recorder; R. F. Collamore, Marshal; George P. Walling, Treasurer. The officers serving during the current term, 1884-85, are: Dr. J. R. Bayley, President; William Hammond, William Neal, C. L. Shaw, R. M. Burch, Council ; W. S. Hufford, Recorder; James Graves, Marshal ; George E. Bentley, Treasurer.

Newport is a town of about two hundred and fifty inhabitants, having two hotels, the Ocean House and Bay View, four general stores, one hardware store, a newspaper, a meat market, a restaurant, a brewery, five saloons, two barbers and three public halls, while it comprises all the social attributes of societies, lodges, etc.

The Fourth of July, 1866, will long be remembered as a gala day in the little city of Newport. In pursuance of previous notice, preparations were made at or near the Ocean House, on North Beach, at Yaquina harbor, to celebrate the ninetieth anni- versary of the National Independence. At five o'clock in the morning the steamer Pioneer left her moorings at Pioneer City with about seventy-five persons on board and proceeded down the bay, touching at different points and taking on passengers. On arrival at North Beach they were loudly cheered by the crowd assembled. The stars and stripes waved from the masts of the various crafts on the bay, while the day was delightful and all seemed pleased.

Here then there were assembled some four hundred persons to celebrate the glorious birth-day of American independence. On that date ninety years before the nation emerged from British oppression and came forth as an unenthralled government and people, acknowledging allegiance to no power but that of God and the sovereign

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people as a Republic. But a few months had passed away since this new district had been opened for settlement and on that anniversary were assembled nearly four hun- dred white settlers, besides about three hundred red-men, who had come to witness the, to them, new and strange proceedure of the Boston men.

A tall pole was erected at the beautiful spruce grove near the Ocean House and this stately staff stood ready to receive a handsome American flag to be presented by the ladies of Corvallis to Yaquina precinct, the Banner precinct of Benton county. At eleven o'clock the crowd gathered to the speakers' stand, where informal proceedings commenced and David Newsome was chosen secretary of the meeting. Prayer was then offered by Rev. N. Clark, after which singing, interspersed with speaking by Messrs. Bayley, Biddle, Clark and Dodge, whose addresses teemed with loyalty, patri- otism and eloquence. The flag was next presented by B. R. Biddle with appropriate remarks, and received on the part of the people of Yaquina by the hand of Mrs. Thorn, who made a touching response. The ensign was then raised to its proud height amid three cheers for the donors and nine more for the National colors. The Declaration of Independence was read, and at noon three hundred and fifty person partook of an excellent dinner, while the following toast by the secretary was, received with the utmost enthusiasm : "Benton County :- The bright and rising star of Oregon. She stands central in position and with one hand extending westward along her own superior Yaquina bay to the almost boundless Pacific ocean, she invites the commerce of Asia and California to the bay. And from the head of tide she reaches forth her other arm along a natural line or route for a railroad eastward to connect the great artery of our Nation-the Pacific Railroad. May she ever be in the ascendant!"

At about three o'clock the gentlemen who owned claims on the Lower Harbor agreed to a mutual arrangement by which the municipal settlers there should avail themselves of the United States law of July 1 1864, in relation to town sites on the public lands. The name of NEWPORT was given to the town site and what was then designated as "the germ of the San Francisco of Oregon " established.

. At four o'clock the people retired, and all will long remember the celebration of the Fourth of July, 1866, on Yaquina bay.

The residents of Yaquina bay, realizing the importance of their harbor and the beneficial results of direct and frequent communication with San Francisco, during the month of November, 1869, resolved to be no longer dependent on outside capitalists. A joint stock company was therefore formed and articles of incorporation filed, under the name of the Newport Transportation Company, who determined to build a schooner immediately, while others might be added as business increased and trade demanded. The officers and directors, as follows, were elected December the sixth : Ben. Simpson, R. A. Bensell, and William Mackey, Directors ; B. Simpson, President; R. A. Bensell, Secretary ; L. P. Baldwin, Treasurer.

NEWPORT LODGE, No. 410, I. O. G. T .- Was organized February 8, 1883, with the following charter members : B. H. Allen, R. M. Burch, Mrs. J. Cross, R. G. Jun- kin, John Medin, A. Peterson, Louisa H. Phelps, Mrs. M. J. Stout, Ann Burch, Josephine Dutcher, G. A. Landis, Mary Medin, E. C. Phelps, Mrs. E. Stevens, N. A. Thompson, Robert Burch, S. G. Irvin, Mrs. G. A. Landis, Charles Medin, Mary R. Phelps, Lucy Stevins, Addie Thompson, Lydia Brassfield, Nancy A. Jessup, Thomas

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WALLING . LITH- PORTLAND-OR.

COURT HOUSE, CORVALLIS, BENTON COUNTY, OR.

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Lynch, J. E. Peterson, A. H. Phelps, James Smith, John Willis, May Ball, Earl A. Jessup, Mrs. S. A. Lynch, Mrs. E. C. Peterson, Ira A. Phelps, W. B. Stout. The officers under the charter were : N. A. Thompson, W. C. T .; Lydia Brassfield, W. V. T .; George A. Landis, W. C .; S. G. Irvin, W. Sec .; S. A. Lynch, W. Asst. Sec .; J. A. Peterson, W. F. S .; Nancy A. Jessup, W. T .; May Ball, W. M .; Lucy Stevens, W. D. M .; Josephine Dutcher, W. I. G .; Ira A. Phelps, W. O. G .; Mrs. M. J. Stout, : W. R. H. S .; Mrs. Louisa H. Phelps, W. L. H. S .; W. B. Stout, P. W. C. T. This lodge which is in a flourishing condition, holds its meetings in Phelps Hall every Thursday evening and has a membership of thirty-two, the officers for the current term being : Ira A. Phelps, W. C. T .; Mary R. Phelps, W. V. T., Dr. J. E. Jessup, W. Sec .; Miss Louisa Briggs, W. Treas .; G. A. Landis, P. W. C. T.

A. J. RAY's BANK .- Was started in September, 1884, and transacts a general banking business. Mr. Ray came to Oregon in 1875 and after engaging in business in Corvallis opened the prosperous institution now under notice at Newport.

" YAQUINA MAIL."-This, an eight-page, six-column newspaper was established by the Yaquina Mail Publishing Company, C. A. Cole, Manager. W. H. Alexander, Foreman, November 1, 1884, the initial number appearing on the fourth day of the same month. The office is located in the Phelps Building, Front street, Newport. The Mail is not a political organ, but a general newspaper devoted to the interests of the Yaquina Bay country and its people. The subscription price is but two dollars and fifty cents per year.

YAQUINA BREWERY .- Is located in Olsen's Addition to Newport, and was erected by Robert Schwaibold, the present proprietor, in the spring of 1882. In 1882-3 he leased it for a time but in 1884 resumed charge, and now supplies the surrounding country with good, wholesome beer.

YAQUINA CITY.

This embryo city is situated on the eastern side of Yaquina Bay, about four miles from its mouth and is the terminus of the Willamette Valley and Coast Railroad (Oregon Pacific), where the company have a large dock and two warehouses, and a great amount of material, giving employment to many workmen. Here also is the Custom House presided over by Collector Van Cleve.

The town consists of Jacobs & Neugass' general merchandise store, a drug store, meat market and hotel, the interests of the place being ably kept before the public by the Yaquina Post. The land on which the town is situated is owned by the Railroad Company who see in it the future great city of the Northwest.

Directly across the bay is South Yaquina, a town that as yet has only its name to boast of.

"YAQUINA POST."-This paper was originally established at Newport by Coll. Van Cleve, in April, 1882, but a month later he moved the plant to Yaquina City and erected the building it now occupies. It is an eight-page, five-column publication, and its force is directed chiefly to the benefit of the Bay country.

CUSTOM HOUSE .- This building is situated about a quarter of a mile to the north 63+

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of the dock at Yaquina City, and was erected in 1881. The Collector of the port is Coll. Van Cleve.

ONEATTA.

This town of about sixty inhabitants is about a mile above Yaquina City, and is owned by Hon. Allen Parker. It was named and first settled in 1871 by Hon. Ben. Simpson, while it at present consists of Parker's saw-mill, a furniture store, two saloons, a boot and shoe store, and the postoffice.

ONEATTA SAW-MILL .- This enterprise, owned and operated by Hon. Allen Par- ker, was originally built about the year 1871 by Ben. Simpson. It is driven by steam and has a capacity of twenty thousand feet per day, and gives employment to fourteen men, the timber used being chiefly fir.

OYSTERVILLE AND OYSTER CITY.

The first named village is among the " has beens." It is located on Yaquina Bay where the oyster beds first discovered were situated, and was the first little town started there. The last mentioned, is directly opposite Oysterville, on the south side of the bay, and was laid out in 1884 by Charles Smith and John King.

"SEAL ILLAHEE."

Capt. A. W. Chase located these rocks in 1868. The name "Ilahee," signifies earth or stone,in Chinook jargon, and these rocks, laying about three-quarters of a mile from the shore, were at that time and are yet the breeding ground for the seal, that have proven so destructive to fish and so attractive to the thousands who annually visit the Cliff House on the coast of California, near the city of San Francisco.

Yaquina Bay, with its splendid coast fisheries extending north and south of the bay a distance of seventy-five miles, abounding in a variety of fish, the quality and quantity of which cannot be found elsewhere in Oregon, is destined to furnish the great interior with this valuable article of food, very much as the lakes furnish white fish for the people of the Western States. It is one of the many dormant resources which the completion of the Oregon Pacific Railroad will develop. The pleasure seek- ers of the future will come here and spend a day or a week along the coast fishing, after the style of those who " go down to the sea " on the Eastern coast, and cast a line for a cod fish, blue fish or mackerel. Probably no place in Oregon will be so popular as Yaquina for the toiling thousands who, in later years will come here to enjoy the ocean breeze, and for a time escape the heat of the valley. Naturally possessing greater attractions than other sea ports, little remains to be done except to furnish accommoda- tions and such artificial amusements as the public taste demands. Seal Rock is the terminus of an eight mile beach, one of the finest drives in the world. The land opposite the rock is well situated for hotel purposes, the purest water, cosy little rocks, and a delightful view of the coast and ocean. The inner ledge of rock is the house of almost every variety of water fowl, while on the outer rocks can be seen the seal, and with a glass of ordinary power, the habits of that strange animal can be observed. There is no reserved seats on the rock ; actual possession maintained by a constant war-

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fare is the rule. The scene is exciting, instructive and entertaining, and will attract the most indifferent.

The Seal Illahee is well protected from the north winds. It is suitable for sea bathing. The beach is a shoal and full worm places-natural bath tubs or bathing places, free from the danger of undertow ; a child could play in these places with per- fect safety. The completion of the Oregon Pacific Railroad will open to capital many profitable investments, but probably none, considering the outlay required, would prove more remunerative than the erection of a hotel and the improvement of grounds near Seal Rock. .

This place, together with a large tract of land adjoining, is now the property of Mr. J. W. Brasfield, a merchant of Newport, who a few years ago erected a fine resi- dence near the beach and a short distance south of Seal Rock, where his family in the summer months resides and enjoys the beauties of nature and the ceaseless roar of the surf, which at this place is truly magnificent ; and fortunate indeed is he who is per- mitted to enjoy the hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Brasfield. At this point are "shell beds," noted in a previous chapter, indicating that it had been the home of the Indians for generations, as the beds are numerous and range in depth from one to six feet.

CHAPTER LII.

TOLEDO, ELK CITY, AND TUM TUM PRECINCTS.

TOLEDO PRECINCT is bounded on the north by the line between Benton and Tilla- mook counties, on the south by Tide Water precinct, on the east by Elk City precinct and on the west by Yaquina precinct, it being about fifteen miles long and four miles wide. It includes the Yaquina river from the north of Mill creek to where it enters the bay, its general course being west, while it is very crooked, making long sweeps to pass several ridges that run across its general course. The tide flats are much wider than on the bay, while land suitable for cultivation is more extensive. The hills are low and almost denuded of green timber, and farming and stock-raising is very exten- sively carried on.

The Siletz Indian Reservation, partly in Tillamook and partly in Benton counties has its southern portion and agency building within the confines of Toledo precinct. This section is a beautiful open level situated on the north bank of the Siletz river, and has been in cultivation ever since its occupation as an Indian Reservation, some seven and twenty years ago. Three or four miles south of the agency the country is rough and timber-clad. The northern part of the precinct, including the heads of Depot and Olalla sloughs, are thickly timbered, while it is from here that the chief supply of the

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Yaquina trade will be obtained. Many have come to and gone away from the Yaquina country by the usually traveled routes, but have not had the faintest idea that so large and valuable a tract of green timber existed within easy access of the bay. A short distance above the mouth of the Yaquina Boone slough puts in from the north, tapping both this and Yaquina precinct, and along whose banks is a large amount of level country, chiefly utilized for grazing purposes. Here also, on an island of considerable size is the remains of a once splendid grove of trees. About two miles farther up, but on the same side of the river is Depot slough, and half a mile beyond we have Olalla slough. Along both of these, and on Beaver slough as well, which joins Depot slough from the west, are wide bottoms, all mostly taken up, however, and under cultivation. Opposite the mouth of the water-course last named are some gently rolling lands the property of William Mackay and Mr. Butler, on which are valuable improvements, the whole being in a good state of cultivation. Mill creek comes in from the south, mark- ing the eastern boundary of the precinct, where also are some fine lands. The whole of the land lying on the river is taken and a considerable portion has been brought into cultivation.

To the south of the Yaquina the country becomes rough and mountainous, the hills increasing in altitude until Table Mountain is reached, which marks the division between the water-shed of the Yaquina and that of the Alsea river, and forming a prominent landmark at sea as has been mentioned in the survey report of Mr. Chase.

The population of Toledo precinct is about four hundred, the available country being thickly settled. The people are industrious and enterprising, the farms being well improved and wearing an appearance of neatness and thrift, thanks to a good soil that well remunerates the farmer for his labor. Stock-raising receives considerable attention but like all other portions of the coast country, nothing like what its capabili- ties would warrant. A few hogs are raised almost everywhere, but not more than can be used for home consumption. As there are no flouring mills in the district. there has been no attempt to cultivate wheat beyond as a simple experiment, but there is little doubt but that when the demand arises it will be profitably produced. Oats is grown and does well, as do all tubers and vegetables, while it is thought that were there a demand for sugar beets, they could be matured to an almost unlimited extent. The pros- perity for almost all kinds of fruit, except peaches, are good, many of the orchards being full of promise. There are two saw-mills in the precinct that have been chiefly engaged in supplying the Oregon Pacific Railroad Company with lumber.

The first settlement within the present boundaries of Toledo precinct was made by George Megginson, who located on Depot (then Siletz Depot) Slough in January, 1866. About the same time came John Graham, Sr., who took up the claim on which the town of Toledo stands, while William Mackay located on the opposite side of the bay, at his present place. Then, William Dandon settled on Depot Slough, and that same year H. P. Butler, who still owns his original claim; R. N. Baker, on the " Brigg's Place;" James Leabo on that adjoining the last named; and Robert Hill, on the place now the property owned by Charles Montgomery.

In 1868 a school was opened in the precinct in a building now vacant, while the first post-office was in the premises of William Mackay, subsequently in that of H. P. Butler, and afterwards to its present locality-Toledo.

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TOLEDO.

The town of Toledo is situated on the east bank of Depot slough, near its mouth, and is accessible to all vessels that can now cross the bar at the mouth of Yaquina bay. It was laid out by John Graham in the year that the post-office was there estab- lished. It is located on the line of the Willamette Valley and Coast Railroad, twelve miles east from Yaquina City, and comprises one hotel, two stores, one saloon, a feed stable, a blacksmith's shop and post-office.

DEPOT SLOUGH.

This stream empties into the Yaquina at Toledo and derived its name from. the fact of the depot for supplying the Siletz Reservation being located on its banks. About eighteen years ago a saw-mill was built here by George Megginson, and subsequently a like enterprise was started by the Railroad company.

CALEDONIA.

This village, so called after the name given to Scotland by the Gauls, was first located January 1, 1885, and is situated at the junction of the Caledonia (formerly Olalla) river with the Yaquina. It was laid out by Mr. Vincent on the claim of William Stevens, while so favorable is the site considered that town lots have found a ready sale. During the spring a hotel and store was started as well as the Charles Logsden saw-mill. Caledonia is beautifully located and placed upon the county road.

ELK CITY PRECINCT extends from the northern boundary of the county, near the Siletz river, south to Tide Water precinct and east and west from a line north and south from the mouth of Mill creek to a line extending north and south from the point where Little Elk creek joins the Yaquina river, being bounded on the north by Tilla- mook county, east by Summit precinct, south by Tide Water precinct and west by Toledo precinct, its length from north to south being about fifteen miles and its breadth, eight miles from east to west.

A strip along the portion of the precinct to the north is within the confines of the Siletz Reservation. Not far from its northeastern corner Rock creek enters and after running for two miles in a westerly direction falls into the Siletz river, which continues the journey with a westerly course across the precinct, and soon bends northward and leaves the county. On the margins of these streams is some good bottom land, but which are not subject to homestead. About four miles farther south is the Yaquina river, whose general direction is west, for five miles in an air line, but by its meander- ings, a very much greater distance. It now bears towards the south for four or five miles when it unites with Elk river, whence it is five or six miles to the northern boundary of the precinct. About three miles south from Yaquina river, at the mouth of Little Elk creek, and over a prominent dividing ridge, is Bear creek, and a mile and a half further Beaver creek, both tributaries of Elk river, which is reached half a mile beyond. Following down from this point the river makes a large bend to the south and afterwards to the north, so that after ten miles of circuition it is near its starting point. At the extreme northern point of this bend Bear creek enters, while

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half a mile further south the waters of Beaver creek mingle with it. From the mouth of Bear creek the river runs nearly west for five miles until its junction with the Yaquina

From Elk river south to the divide, towards what we may call the Alsea district, the country is rough and probably few places are worth attention. On Bear and Beaver creeks are good bottom lands suitable for cultivation, while the hills around are also capable of being cultivated and will afford excellent pasture for stock. On Elk river, in the vicinity at present under notice, there are large tracts of wild cherry; while, from Bear creek, to where it unites with the Yaquina river, the bottom lands are good and mostly under cultivation. In the country adjacent to these streams there are still opportunities for taking claims, while the locality is considered by those who ought to know among the very best for cattle and sheep ranching. Between the Elk and Yaquina rivers is a high dividing ridge, that gradually slopes off towards Yaquina, cut up into deep gulches, but below these are a succession of table-lands, much of which is tolerably level and could be cultivated without great difficulty, but is at present most suitable for pastoral purposes. Following the course of the Yaquina river we find narrow bottom lands that have been taken up and cultivated for years ; while, between the Yaquina and Siletz is a range of hills, not high, entirely open, and everywhere adapted to stock-raising. Besides, amid these hills are several riverlets that empty their waters into the Yaquina, on whose banks are stretches of land that promise a rare fertility.

In that portion of Elk City precinct that lies towards the west and northwest there are but few level spots, yet it could all be made to pasture sheep and other stock, while, although the amount of green timber is small, there is enough to satisfy the home demand of the precinct. Groves of firs may now be noticed springing up in different places chiefly composed of trees from fifty to seventy-five feet in height and which have grown within the last twenty years. Along the water courses the alder grows luxuriantly, but there is no oak timber, that being unknown in the coast country. Fir, cedar and alder are the kinds usually found until the coast is attained, and there the spruce and a few other varies are met. The devastating fire of several years ago, as we have elsewhere stated, destroyed many square miles of timber, leaving a forest of dead trees that add in lending a peculiarly mountanous appearance to the country. These defunct monarchs of the forest are now rapidly decaying and disappearing, and as they go, and as timber is destroyed in large tracts by conflagration so does the region become more open and conducive to settlement.

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History of Benton County, Oregon, Part 72

Author: David D. Fagan Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Number of Pages:

Author: David D. Fagan
Publication date: 1885
Publisher:
Number of Pages: