USA > Virginia > Buckingham County > Buckingham County > Mercantile guide and directory for Virginia City, Gold Hill, Silver City and American City 1864-5 > Part 3
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to the explorers' energetic endeavors. A ditch is being con- structed, to tap the Humboldt River sixty miles above what is now known as Humboldt City, which, when completed, will give water privileges to sufficient mills, and other branches of indus- try, to develop the rich resources of the country, and build up a new empire in what was formerly a barren wilderness. The Humboldt mountains are now acknowledged to be miracles of wealth, which only requires time and the necessary machinery to develop. With the Pacific Railroad to bring them food at moderate rates, the people of this country have a future before them which shine as resplendantly as the precious metals that lay encompassed in their mountains. The day is not far distant when this country will produce enough of silver to supply the wants of the world ; then greenbacks will command a premium, and green- back agitators will lose their potency for evil.
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VIRGINIA, STOREY COUNTY.
Virginia is to "Nevada " what San Francisco is to the Pacific Coast-the reservoir that contains the nucleus and material to support and sustain the surrounding country. A stranger coming from the "States," (after passing over a series of sterile deserts and barren mountains,) arriving in the city, is at first wrapt up in wonder and amazement, and finally gives vent to his admira- tion of a people who have the enterprise to raise such towering proofs of their indomitable energy and perseverance. No matter in what direction the eyes are turned is to be seen mammoth blocks of business houses, palatial residences, and workshops where every conceivable business and trade is represented, and from every prominence the towering steeples of religious institu- tions bespeak the refinement, intelligence and cultivated tastes of the residents. Situated on the eastern side of Mount David- son, with a very limited amount of level land on which to build the city, possessing but few of the materials necessary to assist in building it up, Virginia, like a meteor, has sprung up under the untiring energy of her citizens to the mammoth proportions of a metropolis. The city must of necessity continue to be, as she now is, the headquarters and mart of trade and commerce for this Territory. Here are located business houses, whose mam- moth stocks of goods are continually kept replete with all that is necessary or demanded by the people of the Territory. A large proportion of the merchants being direct importers, or branches from large manufacturing establishments in California and the East, and selecting the most advantageous seasons for the transportation of their goods over the mountains, are thus en- abled to successfully compete with and undersell (adding freight). dealers in other places. Another year's growth, similar to the past, would place her beyond the sanguine expectations of her
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most enthusiastic admirers. Her growth is unparalleled and her progress marvellous. The valleys in the immediate vicinity al- ways raise sufficient of the necessaries of life to support a popu- lation treble the present size. Lake Tahoe, the Truckee, and Carson River and Valley give to this place a superabundance of fish and game ; and the increased development and rapidly in- creasing wealth of the surrounding mines gives a confidence to the business man, resident, and speculator, in everything they un- dertake. The city has four daily and the same number of weekly newspapers, which, for size and " matter," are not surpassed on the Pacific coast. Stages radiate from here to all parts of the Territory, California, and the States. Omnibusses ply between here and Gold Hill, Silver City, and surrounding points, at all hours. Foundries, machine shops, potteries, brick-yards, and other domestic manufactures, are in abundance; and every pro- fession has here its representatives. On the succeeding pages will be found a brief sketch of "THE CITY, AND WHAT IT CON- TAINS."
CITY IMPROVEMENTS.
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In essaying to give a review, mark the progress, and exhibit the enterprise displayed within the past year, by both the City Authorities and private enterprise, we will curtail our remarks, and chronicle only facts of public interest. The year just past has been remarkable for the enterprise and public spirit mani- fested by the old City government. The present City Council deserves the thanks of the citizens for the many improvements and very necessary changes and reforms that they have projected, and are now carrying out. Virginia owes the proud position that she now occupies, more to the indefatigable go-aheaditive- ness of her business men than to any natural causes (other than the mines). None but an actual observer could realize the' celerity by which streets are opened and graded, and whole blocks of three and four story buildings are erected. The rapid manner by which they are tenanted, at once shows that our
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growth is healthy and permanent. Such extensive improve- ments has had the effect of enhancing the value of property, and it is a fact worthy of note that real estate has doubled in value during the past year. There is a marked difference in the style and finish of a large proportion of the residences that are being erected. Luxuries and the comforts of a permanent home, are being observed in their construction. Louis Feusier & Co., Wholesale Grocers, and Gillig, Mott & Co., the well- know Hardware merchants, have erected a block of four story brick buildings, corner of C and Taylor streets ; the ground floors are occupied by the owners' for stores ; the upper stories are used for storage and manufacturing connected with their business. L. Feusier & Co., erected during the past year for Wells, Fargo & Co., the building which that Company now оссиру. The lower story was laid off for the express accomodation of this Company, and we venture to say it is the most commodious, as well as the best arranged, office occupied by the Company on the Pacific coast ; the second floor is occupied for offices, and the basement by the well-know firm of Wm. Shepard & Sons, Gas Fitters and Plumbers. Howell, Black & Bro., merchants, corner of C and Taylor streets, have erected a magnificent brick building with stone basement run- ning clear through from C to D streets, which, for substantial- ness and perfect finish, is not surpassed on the Pacific coast. MeLaughlin & Root, Hardware merchants, have put up and finished a substantial brick building, four stories high, having fronts both on B and C streets ; the ground and second floors are occupied by the firm for sales-room and workshops, and the two upper stories is occupied as offices and sleeping rooms. It is estimated that the residence of R. M. Stewart, cost $80,000. The Enterprise Building, is another of the noticeable features of the city. There are numerous other buildings that deserve a passing notice, but the space allotted to this department pre- cludes us from describing them. We have alluded to this sub- ject more to convince parties at a distance, that the business and population of the city is not upon a mushroom or fluctuating basis, but that it is as permanent as it is substantial.
Mayor Arick, in his report for the last fiscal year, says-in reference to our finances :
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" The total tax roll of the city, according to the report of the City Tax Collector, is $90,858 75. The amount collected- $69,779 13-with a delinquent tax of $20,783 12 ;" but since the installation of the present City Tax Collector, Mr. H. R. Alexander, the city revenue is flowing more freely into the Treasury.
The finances of the city are now in a healthy condition. We make another extract from the Mayor's report, published on 6th April, 1864 :
" The expenses of the City government during the past year, have been greater than anticipated, but the unprecedented growth of the city, the increased necessity for cross streets, engine houses, cisterns, hose, sewers, together with the necessary expenses incurred in providing for the sick and indigent, have added much to the ordinary current expenses." The Mayor in closing his report winds up with the following :
"Our new Charter says that you shall have power to make by-laws and ordinances not repugnant to the Constitution and laws of the United States, or Territory of Nevada. Allow me to urge the importance of confining your legislation to the strict limits of the Charter, and always avoid the exercise of the doubtful powers. Before closing my report, I desire to return to the old Board of Aldermen and City officers, my profound and sincere thanks for the uniform kindness and courtesy extended during the past year, and to the newly elected govern- ment I pledge my hearty co-operation in all measures tending to promote the public good ; with you will rest the responsibility of shaping the laws and establishing the government of a city, young but rich and flourishing, and now attracting the attention of the world. 'God made the country, man makes the town,' let us indulge the hope that its government will be a model-its existence, eternal."
City Police.
The newly elected officers seem to have been selected with an eye specially to their qualifications ; they are all men of reputation, and the present efficient City Marshal, C. W. Cooke, is building up a lasting reputation by the efficient manner that he is discharging his official duties.
In another part of this work will be found a notice of the Fire Department, giving the names of the various companies, with other interesting matter relating to this subject.
Churches.
One of the strongest proofs of the intelligence, growth and progress of Virginia, lays in the towering steeples of the many
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churches that dot the city on every side. Perhaps in no city in the United States can a people, thrown together from all parts of the world, in such a short space of time, boast of so many churches and places of worship for the population.
The various denominations seem to have vied with each other in the size, architectural design, and beauty of finish of their va- rious places of worship.
Roman Catholic.
THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH-Congregation of the Passionate Fathers-Very Rev. Peter Magagnotto, Superior ; (Very Revs. Father Angelo, John Phillip, John, Paul, Hycienth, and S. Wefonhus, Assistants.) This beautiful edifice is so advan- tageously situated that it commands a view of the city in all directions. It was opened for religious services on the 20th De- cember, 1863. The church is 40 feet wide by 100 feet in length, and its cost in its present state is about $15,000. When its in- terior decorations are completed, it will be one of the neatest and best arranged churches in the Territory. Monastery and res- idence of the Superior and Assistants in rear of church.
ST. MARY'S IN THE MOUNTAINS-Rev. P. Manogue, Pastor. This new church is 38 feet wide by 100 feet long. It was built in October, 1863, at a cost of about $20,000, and can seat 600 persons. Residence and reception rooms of the Pastor in the basement of the church.
Protestant-Episcopal.
ST. PAUL'S CHURCH-Rev. Franklin S. Rising, Rector, corner of Taylor and F. streets. This elegant structure was completed on the 22d February, 1863, and was consecrated by Bishop Tal- bot on the 11th October of the same year. Size, 34 feet by 60 feet, and will scat 250 persons. Services are held every Sunday at 11 o'clock, A. M., and 73 P. M. Sunday School meets at 1.45 P. M.
FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH-Rev. C. V. Anthony, Pastor. This is the first denomination that held religious ser- vices in the city. The old church was built in the fall of 1860 ; their new church was dedicated on the 14th February, 1864. This is a beautiful brick building, with a cut stone basement. Size, 42 feet by 70 feet. It will seat 400, and will cost. when completed, about $40,000. It has a large and constantly aug- menting congregation.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH-Rev. W. Palmer, Pastor-or- ganized on 21st September, 1862, by the Rev. W. W. Bryan. Religious services are now held at the District Court Room,
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South B every Sabbath, at 11 A. M. and 7 P. M. Arrangements are now being made for building a church to accommodate the constantly increasing number of members.
AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH-Rev. - Green, Pastor. A neat and substantial church has lately been built on F street, and religious services are held every sunday at the usual hours.
STOREY COUNTY BIBLE SOCIETY-Organized 26th October, 1863. Its officers are : David S. Turner, President ; Dr. T. H. Pinkerton, Vice President ; Rev. C. V. Anthony, Rev. W. W. Mc Comber, Rev. D. W. Palmer, Rev. N. W. Winters, Rev. Thos. R. Diehl, Executive Committee. The object of this Society is to promote the circulation of the Holy Bible without note or com- ment. The Society has Depositories in the following places for the sale of Bibles : Virginia, Gold Hill, Dayton, Washoe City, and Austin.
Schools.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS .-- There is, perhaps, no city in the Union (population considered) where there has been as much interest evinced, and capital expended for school purposes, as in this city. The school buildings are located on E street, between Washington and Taylor, and have a front of 60 feet on E street, 'and 90 on Washington. The schools are divided into the fol- lowing departments : Grammar-J. G. Chesnut, Teacher ; First Intermediate, Miss S. S. Mathews ; Second Intermediate, Miss H. K. Phillips ; Third Intermediate, Miss K. Mclaughlin. First Primary, Miss S. Bisbee ; Second Primary, Miss C. M. Bachelder ; Third Intermediate, Miss A. Le Compt. The schools have an average attendance of 327 scholars, divided as follows : Males, 129 ; Females, 140. The following is the names of the newly elected School Trustees : Judge Tilford, President ; John Mallon, - Flood, A. DeLand, N. A. H. Baldwin, Judge Robinson, and - - Brown.
PRIVATE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS .-- The Sisters of Mercy have just opened a school. The Misses Higgins, on North F street and Dr. H. M. Bien, corner of F and Union streets, have each got large and commodious school-rooms, and teach all the various branches. There are numerous other private schools in different parts of the city.
SISTERS OF CHARITY -- Branch of Sisters of Charity, San Fran- cisco, Sister Frances, Surperioress. Have established a branch in this city for educational purposes. The Legislature of Cali- fornia have shown its appreciation of their invaluable services by voting them $10, 00, at the last session. The Sisters are cosmo- politan in their charity ; the only recommendation necessary to
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obtain their clemency, is the knowledge that the parties claim- ing it are worthy of their assistance. The City government should lose no time in showing their appreciation of the services of the Sisters, by making them a liberal donation of land and money, and might rest assured that both would be properly applied. Their School will be on a lot south of Father Manogue's church ; and their residence will be in a building that is being erected at the old Catholic burying-ground.
Cemeteries.
This city can now boast of a public burial place for the dead, the ground formerly known as the Flowery Hill Cemetery has been purchased from its owner, J. B. Wallard, by the city, at a cost of twenty-five hundre I dollars. The City Council are taking the necessary steps to have the grounds laid off in a manner which, when completed, will reflect credit on the good taste of its projectors. The tract contains 27 acres. A portion of the grounds has been reserved and laid off for the exclusive use of the firemen of this city.
MOUNT ST. MARY'S CEMETERY. (Catholic,) under the charge of Rev. Father Manogue, is situated one mile east of the city. A good road is now constructed, and when the grounds, which are being tastily laid off, and other improvements which are now commenced are completed, it will be one of the ornaments of the city. A cross, forty feet high, is being erected in an ap- propriate portion of the grounds, which, when completed, can be seen from all parts of the city. About 100 has already been buried here. Father Manogue has laid off and presented to the firemen of Virginia a plot of ground which is being laid off into parcels for their exclusive use. They intend the present year to erect a suitable monument to mark the locality of their burying ground.
THE EUREKA (Hebrew) SOCIETY have purchased a plot of ground on Cedar Hill, to be used as a cemetery, which they have fenced in and otherwise improved. The Society have displayed a great deal of good taste, and expended a large sum of money in ornamenting their grounds.
County Hospital.
Is situated on the outskirts of the city, on the side of the ravine or canon that leads to the Gould and Curry mine ; the location is a healthy one, and an excellent view of the city and surrounding country, can be obtained from the building. The Hospital is divided into two buildings, three stories high. The male department is 60 by 40 feet, and is capable of accomodating 60 patients. Patients can be provided with private rooms in the Hospital by paying five dollars per day.
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Patients who have money are charged two dollars per day, and those that are destitute are kept at the expense of the County ; the object being to make the institution as light a burthen on the county as possible. The building is well ventilated, painted and furnished throughout ; an abundance of water is obtained from wells sunk in the vicinity ; extensive improvements are being made ; the grounds surrounding the building is being laid off into walks, and planted with trees and shrubbery ; the cook- ing department is excellently arranged, being provided with cooking ranges capable of accomodating 200 patients. Average number of patients, 40. Dr. Thos. H. Pinkerton, is the visiting Physician, and General Superintendent.
Female department has facilities for accomodating 14 patients. Insane department is in the basement of the building.
City Hospital.
The city own a very fine Hospital building, but from a mistaken policy of economy, it is not used-the City Physician visiting patients at their places of residence, and receiving a certain amount from the city for each professional visit. This is a mis- taken policy of economy on the part of the city, as it really costs more than it would to keep the Hospital open, besides being a very unsatisfactory position for a City Physician to be placed in, as he is thus debarred from being able to make correct official reports. Dr. J. C. Tucker is the City Physician.
Masonic.
VIRGINIA LODGE, F. & A: M .. No. 162 .- Chartered May, 1863. James Z. Kelly, W. M. ; Chas. H. Fish, S. W. ; Joseph Barnert, J. W. ; James Bolan, Treasurer ; Joseph De Bell, Secretary ; A. N. Vaughn, S. D .; Gco. W. Epley, J. D .; A. S. Olin, Marshal. Stated meetings, second Wednesday in each month.
ES-CURIAL LODGE, U. D., F. & A. M .- C. M. Cornell, W. M .; W. A. M. Van Bokkelen, S. W .; Columbus Walker, J. W. ; Chappell, Treasurer ; E. W. Haines, Secretary ; E. H. Morton, S. D. ; P. V. Barry, J. D. ; L. W. Ferris. D. N. Powers, Stewards ; John O'Brien, Marshal. Regular communications second Tuesday in each month. Called communications every other Tuesday. Meetings in the Masonic Hall.
Odd Fellows.
MT. DAVIDSON No. 3. I. O. O. F. OF NEVADA TERRITORY. The Lodge is in a flourishing condition, and is rapidly augment- ing its numbers. The first meeting was held on February 14th, 1862, and the officers were installed on 2. d April of same year ; it now numbers 125 members. This Lodge is under the jurisdic- tion of the Grand Lodge of California. The following are the
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names of its officers : John Steele, N. G .; T. B. Smith, V. G. ; N. W. Winton, R. S. ; W. H. Davenport, P. S .; G. W. Noyes, T. Regular meetings on Saturday evenings, in Masonic Hall.
An Odd Fellows' Hall Association has been recently organized, and the building now occupied as a Court House lias been pur- chased by them. The Association design to add two stories to the building, the upper one to be used as a hall for meetings of the Lodge.
I. O. O. F .- NEVADA LODGE No. 7, was organized January 15th, 1863, by David Kendall, Grand Master of California. Regular meetings every Friday evening are held in Odd Fellows' Hall. numbers 30 members, and is in a prosperous condition. The following is a list of its officers : D. B. Woolfe, N. G. ; D. M. Love, V. G. ; J. C. Swain, R. S. ; A. Hirschman, P. S .; R. M. Black, Treasurer.
Sons of Temperance.
VIRGINIA CITY DIVISION, No. 2, S. OF T .-- Number of mem- bers, 180. Sons of Temperance was organized in this city in 1860. The financial affairs of the Society are in a prosperous condition. Their influence is being felt, and importance appreciated, by the whole community. Meetings are held in the " Odd Fellows' " Hall every Monday evening, at 73 o'clock P. M.
Names of officers : W. Wright. W. G. ; Peter N. Ryan, W. A. ; C. S. Stell, R. S. ; Wm. Kane, A. R. S. ; G. W. Wright, F. S. ; A. S. George, Treasurer. Grand Division Sons of Tem- perance, was organized in 1862. Meet every six months in Odd Fellows' Hall. Officers : T. C. Plunkett, G. W. P. ; D. M. Love, G. W. A. ; G. W. Johnson, Grand Scribe ; Thos. Slye, G. Con. ; E. A. Hyde, Chaplain ; Rev. T. H. McGrath, Grand Lecturer ; D. M. Love, Representative to National Division.
Fenian Brotherhood.
The Virginia branch of the Brotherhood was organized on the 2d April, and, although only a few weeks in existence, its pros- pects are very encouraging. The object of this organization has in view is one that appeals to the universal sympathies of man- kind. Irishmen throughout the world, but particularly in Amer- ica, are noted for their patriotism, love of liberty, and reverence for their native land. This society, which is only one of the thousand of branches that are scattered throughout the world, has for its object the liberation of Ireland from the yoke of Eng- land, believing that their native country has the ability, talent, and resources to manage her own affairs. This is the only organ- ization that has ever been started for the liberation of Ireland that has thrown sectional dogmas aside, and takes for its basis the
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broad platform of . " universal liberty" as its motto. Its leaders have been proven, several of them having passed through the fiery ordeal of '48. John O'Mahony, whose name sends a thrill of pride, patriotism and confidence through the heart of every Irishman who remembers the claims of his mother country, is the head centre, with the leading minds of Ireland both here and at home as his aids. There can be none that doubt either the honest intention or the determination of this association to carry its plans into execution whenever the time and opportunity arrives. It was John Mitchell who gave expression to the following illus- trious words : " He that forgets that he is an Irishman, and the claims that his mother country has upon him, is an unworthy citizen of the United States." Let Irishmen impress his memo- rable words on their memory, organize, and bide their time. The following is a list of its officers : P. O'Toole, T. G. Murphy, P. N. Ryan, John Cahill, Thos. Bulger, Mark Feeney and John Walsh, Committee of Safety ; J. P. Gallagher, Head Centre ; P. J. McKeany, Secretary ; Michael McCluskey, Treasurer ; P. N. Ryan, Financial Secretary-meets every week, the President being empowered to call " special meetings " when deemed necessary. One of the finest military companies in the Territory has been organized from among the members of this association, which will be found noticed under the head of "Military."
Eureka Society.
This is the name of a Hebrew Benevolent Society, which was organized in this city, November, 1862. It now numbers 85 members, and is in a flourishing condition, having upwards of one thousand dollars, as a surplus fund, in the treasury. The Society has purchased a plot of ground on Cedar Hill for a grave-yard, which they have fenced in and otherwise improved. The Society, since its organization, has . expended upwards of four thousand dollars. Meetings of the Society are held first Sunday of each month in the Probate Court-room.
The following is a list of its officers : S. Wasserman, Presi- dent ; Carl Ahpel, Secretary ; M. Wertheimer, Vice President ; J. Frankenthal, Treasurer.
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