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CHAPTER XLV.
TOWNS, LOCALITIES & PEOPLE [Placer County].
IN the general history of the county, the early discovery, the movements of
individuals, the incidents of settlement, the success of miners, and in
other references, nearly every town, river bar, and mining camp, of old and
of modern times, have been mentioned, and in some instances quite full
histories given. There are many localities whose history is full of
interest, and upon which memory loves to linger in commune with the
recollection of scenes of those bright and hopeful days when time seemed so
laggard and the future at command. Then conventionalities and classes were
unknown. Equality reigned supreme, and toil had no terrors, so that hope
spread the inaccessible bed-rock with gold or directed the impracticable
tunnel to the auriferous channel. These recollections may be preserved in
the legends of the pioneers; aborted and exaggerated in the stories of the
magazine and novel writers; or found in occasional sketches in the
newspapers. Their aggregate would burst the volume covers.
Here space and other questions forbid, and brief must be the mention of
many. Placer County is divided into eleven townships, which are designated
by numbers. Township No.1 includes Antelope and Roseville, in the extreme
southwest; No.2 includes Ophir, Gold Hill, Virginiatown, Mount Pleasant; No.
3, Auburn and Clipper Gap, extending from the American to Bear River; No.4,
Applegate, Colfax, Dutch Flat, Gold Run, Alta, Emigrant Gap, and others;
No.5, Forest Hill, Yankee Jim's, Todd's Valley, Butcher Ranch; No. 6,
Michigan Bluff, Bath; No.7, Iowa Hill, Sunny South, Damascus, Wisconsin
Hill, Humbug Canon, Grizzly Flat, Bird's Flat, Monona Flat, Sucker Flat;
No.8, Canada Hill, Tahoe City, Deadman, Last Chance, Long Canon, and the
high region of the Sierra forming the southeast part of the county; No.9 is
in the foot-hills, embracing Rocklin, Penryn, Newcastle and others; No. 10
is in the valley, embracing a large area of farming land and the villages of
Lincoln and Sheridan, and No. 11, on the line of the railroad, embracing
Cisco, Hot Springs, Summit, Truckee River, Lake Valley, etc.
ALTA
Is a creation of the Central Pacific Railroad, dating its existence as a
town from the time the road was constructed. The place received its name in
the spring of 1866, and on the 15th of July following the completion of the
railroad to that point, and the establishing of a station, was celebrated by
an excursion from Sacramento. The locality is two miles from Dutch Flat,
and, via the railroad, thirtythree miles northeast of Auburn, at an
altitude of 3,607 feet above the sea. With the completion of the road to
this point, Alta became the depot for freight and passengers for Dutch Flat
and all points beyond, making it a brisk business point during the year
1866. The region surrounding was covered with a dense forest of pines, and
was the seat of several large saw-mills. Although much of this grand forest
has been utilized in lumber, a large business is still carried on. Near Alta
are the large lumber yard, store-houses, and box factory of Towle Brothers,
who carryon the most extensive lumber business in the county. They have
several mills, the largest having a capacity of 50,000 feet of lumber every
twenty-four hours. From the lumber depot a narrow-gauge railroad leads to
the mills, ten miles distant, passing by inclined planes over a ridge rising
1,300 feet on one side and falling 2,400 feet on the other, a stationary
engine raising and lowering the cars.
At Alta is a fine hotel, kept by E. M. Banvard, and the usual stores,
saloons, and residences of a flourishing village. Population, 120.
Population of Towles' Mills, 225.
Antelope
Is a station on the Central Pacific Railroad, in Township No.1, near the
line separating Placer and Sacramento Counties, twenty-one miles southwest
of Auburn, having an elevation of 154 feet above sea level. In the rainy
season a small stream flows past, called Antelope Creek, the name being
suggested by the large bands of antelope once so plentiful throughout the
valley.
Applegate.
The region including Applegate was first settled upon in 1849 by Lisbon
Applegate, and a village grew which bore the name of Lisbon, in honor of
the pioneer settler. The locality was on the road from Auburn to
Illinoistown. The precinct was first designated as the Bear River House, but
in 1855 received the name of Lisbon, a post-office being then established
under that name, with G. W. Applegate as postmaster. The voting population
numbered from twenty-five to fifty, through a series of years, the majority
being anti-Democratic-Whig, Know Nothing, and Republican, in their
order-until the abolishing of the precinct, in 1871.
Here is one of the finest fruit regions of the State, as has been
demonstrated by the success of Mr. Geo. W. Applegate and others of the
locality. At an early day Mr. Applegate planted a nursery, and also
cultivated hay and grain, fencing in upwards of 1,100 acres of mountain
land. From his nursery he has extended his vineyards and orchards until his
trees are numbered in thousands and his grapevines in hundred thousands.
Apple, pear, plum, peach, quince, fig, orange, and almond, are the principal
trees; grapes of every variety, and berry bushes and vines in great number.
In connection with this extensive vineyard are cider-mills, wine-presses and
tanks, stills for brandy-making, wine cellar and store-houses, and all the
appurtenances necessary to so extensive a business. Such is one of the
mountain ranches and vineyards. The land lies in United States survey,
townships 13 and 14 north, range 9 east, Mount Diablo base and meridian.
Applegate is the station on the Central Pacific Railroad contiguous to this
region. It is ten miles northeast of Auburn, at an elevation of 2,014 feet
above the sea, and is in Township No.4, of the political divisions of Placer
County.
Auburn.
Auburn the county seat and principal town of Placer County, is on the line
of the Central Pacific Railroad, thirty-six miles northeast of Sacramento,
the depot having an elevation of 1,360 feet above tide water, the principal
portion of the village being forty or fifty feet lower.
The history of Placer County is so much the history of Auburn that a
special reference may appear superfluous. The town antedates the county some
years, the gold-digger having sought its hidden wealth as early as 1848. The
first, however, that it bore a habitation and a name was early in 1849, when
it was called the "North Fork Dry Diggings," the name of Auburn being given
in the fall, as shown from an old diary quoted on page 79 of this book. Some
have referred to Auburn as formerly bearing the name of "Wood's Dry
Diggings," but of this we have no recollection nor contemporaneous record,
and conclude that such appellation was not generally applied.
The locality is a concentration of small gulches, or ravines, constituting a
larger one, flowing almost due west into the Sacramento Valley, where the
water is lost in the plain. These ravines were rich in gold, and upon the
site of Auburn many miners, in the summer of 1849, pitched their tents, and
with pans, crevicing knives and spoons, and rockers, dug for the precious
metal. Cabins were constructed as pleased the builders' fancy, and when
pack-animals and wagons subsequently came they sought their passage way as
most convenient, and thus marked out the streets of the future town,
resulting in a picturesque irregularity.
The existence of gold in the ravines had been proven in 1848, and the
centrality of Auburn, its accessibility, and its proximity to the North
Fork, pointed it out as a good trading-point and a good place to pass the
winter. Several stores were opened in the summer of 1849, and then stores
comprised all business houses in the mines. being saloon, eating, gambling,
and lodging-house. For cooking and lodging, the miner or traveler usually
depended on his own resources, seldom troubling any store or other house for
accommodation. The first of these stores were established about the middle
of July, 1849, by Wm. Gwynn and H. M. House. Shortly after, Julius Wetzler,
in company with Capt. John A. Sutter, started II. trading-post under the
firm name of Wetzler & Co. George Willment and W. B. Disbrow, Joseph Walkup
and Samuel B. Wyman, Wm. H. Parkinson and Wm. Leet, Bailey & Kerr, and Post
& Ripley, were also store-keepers in 1849. Quite a large community gathered
there in the fall to pass the winter, among them a number from Otsego
County, New York, who had come by sea around Cape Horn and brought quite a
large amount of goods, which they sold from their cabins without calling
them stores; one of these was Wm. M. Gates, afterwards a prominent lawyer
in the State of Nevada. Many others spent their first California winter in
that comparatively pleasant locality, who in the spring rushed off to the
rivers and to other mining regions. But Auburn was then fixed as a trading
center, and has so continued. As a town of 1849 it was composed of tents,
cloth-houses and log-cabins, with canvas roofs, and in a few instances were
roofs made of shakes split from the pine trees which were abundant in the
neighborhood. In the summer of 1850 more pretentious buildings were
constructed, and frames, and clapboards, and paint, and plank floors made
their appearance.
At present one cannot view the pleasant town, with its many fine public and
business houses, its handsome dwellings embowered in fruit and shade trees,
and its general air of thrift and comfort, without recurring to the
beautiful lines of Goldsmith, descriptive of the happy days of another
village, whose name is adopted in this:
“ Sweet Auburn! loveliest village of the plain,
Where health and plenty cheer the laboring swain;
Where smiling spring its earliest visit pays,
And parting summer s lingering bloom delays
Dear, lovely bowers of innocence and ease,
Seats of my youth, where every spot can please
How oft do I loiter o'er thy green,
Where humble happiness endears each scene;
How often do I pause on every charm
The sheltered cot, the cultivated farm,
The never-failing stream, the busy mill,
The decent church that crowns the neighboring hill,
The willows green, with walks beneath the shade, For talking age and
whispering lovers made."
During its history Auburn has experienced many vicissitudes; business, in
its first decade, fluctuating with the success and movements of the miners,
but with the development of the varied resources of the county greater
stability marks its prosperity. In the division of t he State into counties
it was included in Sutter, of which it afterwards become the county seat, as
is related in chapters XVIII and XIX of this work.
Great Fires.
Several times fire has swept its streets of buildings and hard-earned
fortunes from its citizens, but "Resurgam" has been its motto, and a
handsomer village than before has followed each conflagration.
The first and most destructive occurred on June 4, 1855. The fire originated
in one of the Chinese houses on the side of the hill below the Methodist
Church, spreading with fearful rapidity, and seeming fairly to lick up the
buildings as it went. Those residing on the south side of the town were
unable to secure much from the devouring element. The time occupied in the
burning was one hour and twenty-five minutes.
With characteristic energy the town was rebuilt larger and more substantial
than before, only to meet a like fate on the 9th of October, 1859. The fire
originated in a small frame building, two doors south of the American Hotel,
occupied by some colored men as a restaurant. From the place where first
seen, the fire spread rapidly on all sides, enveloping building after
building in rapid succession, and driving their inmates forth in haste. But
few minutes elapsed before both sides of the street were in flames, which
then ran north and south with a fury that seemed to threaten the total
annihilation of the town, but fortunately the walls of the brick houses
proved bulwarks that broke the force of the storm, and enabled the citizens
to make a successful fight against further destruction. From the American
Hotel to Russel's orchard, on the west side of the street, and from the
residence of' Wm. McDaniel to the banking house of Hall & Allen, on the east
side, all the houses were destroyed. Before the embers had cooled, busy
preparations began for re-building, and, before dark, lumber was on the
ground ready for re-building. The loss was about $119,000.
Another fire occurred October 28, 1863, in which nineteen buildings were
destroyed, with a loss of about $60,000. These repeated losses had the
effect of stimulating the erection of safer buildings, and those put up for
business purposes in succeeding years have been mainly of brick and stone,
and fireproof in their construction. Other destructive fires are noticed
under the proper heading in this book.
Incorporation of Auburn.
During 1855, and for some years, the subject of a town incorporation was
persistently advocated by the Whig and Herald, the two papers then guarding
the interests of the place. As presenting the condition of the town, and
reasons for the incorporation, an editorial upon the subject in the Herald
of January 9, 1856, is here inserted:
During the month of April last, the subject of petitioning the County Court
for a town incorporation, was somewhat discussed by our citizens, and a
petition to that effect was put in circulation. For some reasons, the
project was not carried into execution.
By reference to the files of the Auburn Whig, of the 18th of April and the
5th of May, 1855, we find the attention of our citizens called to the matter
in two well-written articles, by the editor of that paper. The necessities
of the move, the law upon the subject, and the entire question is so ably
treated therein, that we will extract from those articles such portions as
our space will permit, but would recommend those interested, and who have
the files of those dates, to read every word he has there written.
In the article of the 28th of April, he says: "One great peril necessarily
incurred in a thickly-built town or village, is that of conflagration, a
danger to which, by reason of our numerous Chinese population, we are
particularly liable. The extremely loose and careless customs of that people
are too generally known and understood to require any comment from us, and
it is for them in a great measure that we have reason for apprehension."
The words in italic seem almost prophetic, where we recall the fact that on
the 4th of June following, the fire which laid our village in ashes
originated in one of the dens of that tribe.
The Chinese portion of the town is much more extensive now than it was then.
Many more of that people are here now than then, and although we have, in
re-building the town, erected some barriers calculated to stay an entire
sweep of the town, in case of another fire, in the shape of some good
fire-proof brick buildings, yet, we apprehend a fire in Chinatown would, in
all likelihood, destroy as great an amount of property now as it did before,
when the whole town was consumed. Perhaps if there had been a town
corporation, the calamity might nevertheless have befallen us; certainly
sufficient police arrangements can be instituted to lessen the danger fifty
per cent.
Further: "The condition of our streets and alleys is not at all times such
as we could desire, yet the obstruction existing, and the remedies required
are not properly under the control of the Road Supervisor. "
We will just call attention to the streets in front of the Orleans, and
Wells, Fargo & Co's Express office, in verification of this extract, at the
present time. Here, we are the center of an extensive stage travel,
strangers visiting us daily; the county seat of a large county, the
entertainers of our fellow-citizens from all parts of the county attending
upon the Courts, and drawn here from their necessities in other matters
connected with a county seat, and yet we have none but miry streets without
crossings or a system of sidewalks for them to walk upon.
The law provides that whenever the majority of the electors of any town or
village shall petition the county court to that effect, the court shall
proceed to incorporate the town, and order an election of a Board of
Trustees, Assessor, Treasurer, and Marshal; said officers to hold for one
year, and their pay to be fixed by the Board of Trustees. The powers of the
Trustees, as fixed by law, are 'to prevent and remove nuisances; to provide
for licensing public shows and lawful games; to prohibit disorderly conduct;
to regulate and establish markets; to construct pumps, aqueducts,
reservoirs, or other works for supplying the town with water; to keep in
repair public wells; to layout, alter and keep open and repair the streets
and alleys of the town; to provide such means as they may deem necessary to
protect the town from injuries by fire, and to pass such other laws and
ordinances for the regulation and police of the town as they may deem
necessary.
Such, after an examination of the acts passed upon the subject, we find to
be substantially the law in relation thereto, with this addition, that they
may have a Recorder, with the powers of a Justice of the Peace in criminal
and ordinance violations, within the limits of the corporations, if they
desire it. It seems admirably adapted to our necessities; the expense of the
administration can be gauged by the judgment of our citizens. Elect your
Board of Trustees from among your property-holders, and they are not likely
to produce a necessity for taxing themselves.
We are painfully sensible that the fire has crippled our citizens in their
resources, and we incline to favor this move, from the fact that it will
produce greater results, a more uniform improvement, and excellent police
arrangements much cheaper than in any other way. The revenue from fines, the
license from shows, etc., would of itself not be inconsiderable. Most of the
officers, we have no doubt (as it would not require more than two hours a
week), would serve gratis, and those it would be necessary to pay could draw
it from the fees of office.
Aside from all other considerations, it is something of a favor that this is
the county seat of a large and populous county, where our citizens come and
spend their money, and we owe them something in the way of keeping up a
comfortable, pleasant, orderly town.
We have been led to make these remarks at this time from the fact that a
petition is again in circulation to effect this, as we think, desirable
object. We hope it will not fall still-born again, but that our citizens
will pursue the undertaking to the consummation so devoutly to be wished
for.
The town of Auburn was incorporated by an Act of the Legislature approved
March 29, 1861. The area of the town was fixed by the Act at one and
one-fourth miles square, having the Court House as the centre. On the 30th
of March, 1868, the Act of incorporation was repealed, and since that time
the citizens of Auburn have got along as best they could without any town
government.
A Railroad Town.
From a very early date, Auburn aspired to be a railroad center, and large
sums of money were expended in advocating and assisting such enterprises.
From 1852 to 1860, the subject was kept before the people. While
incorporated, the town, June 4, 1860, voted a subsidy of $50,000 to the
Sacramento, Placer and Nevada Railroad, and succeeded in having a line
constructed to within five miles of the town, the history of which is
elsewhere given. Auburn depot was established at the terminus, and several
lines of stages connected the depot with the town by frequent trips. A large
amount of freight and travel was thus brought through Auburn, giving it a
lively appearance and a profitable business. But this, Auburn's railroad
and hope, was of short life. A greater railroad, with a more direct and
practicable route, approached from Sacramento and absorbed its business.
This was the Central Pacific, which was completed to Auburn and commenced
running to the present depot, on the southern border of the village, on the
22d of May, 1865. The hope had been entertained that the railroad would pass
through the center of the town, but this being impracticable, all became
satisfied with the location, and Auburn congratulated itself upon being most
happily situated.
Among the institutions of Auburn was the California Stage Company, which,
in September, 1855, published the following advertisement, which shows the
rates of travel at that period:
Fare Reduced.
The coaches of the California Stage Company leave Auburn as follows: From
Auburn to Sacramento, every day at 7,10, and 12 A. 111; from Auburn to Grass
Valley, Nevada, and Forest City, 12 and 2 P. M.; from Auburn to Yankee
Jim's, Todd's Valley, and Michigan Bluff, 2 P.M. from Auburn to IlIinoistown,
Iowa Hill, and Cold Springs, 2 P. M.; from Auburn to MarysviIle, Tuesdays,
Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 1 o'clock P. M.
A Business View.
Auburn has a population of nearly 2,000 people. There is a good public
school of four departments. There are several churches, and more projected.
The benevolent institutions comprise lodges of Masons, Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, Ancient Order of United Workmen, Good Templars, and Sons of
Temperance.
The scenery in the vicinity of Auburn is grand, and the climate, though
warmer in summer than that prevailing along the coast, is extremely
healthful. Residences on the main streets are surrounded with the prettiest
of gardens, filled with shade and fruit trees and flowers of every hue,
which make the atmosphere fragrant with their odors. There is no healthier
spot in the State. The main portion of the town is about 1,300 feet above
the sea-level-an elevation sufficient to lift it above the fogs of the
valley, and yet not high enough to bring it within the storm-area of the
Sierra. Snow is seldom seen, and then only remains for a few hours. At the
present time it is the center of a large and increasing trade. The numerous
mines located in the immediate vicinity furnish employment to a large
number of men. The towns and mining camps on the Forest Hill Divide also
draw their supplies from this point. Considerable quantities of fruit and
wine of excellent quality is produced by the farmers and fruit-growers of
the slopes and fertile valleys; so that horticulture and wine-growing have
become very important industries. Silkworms are raised to a limited extent,
but sufficient to show that the industry, if properly managed, might be a
remunerative one. Wood, coal, building-stone, and iron of fine quality are
convenient, giving assurance of future importance as a manufacturing centre.
The greatest period of depression appears to have been in 1873, as shown by
statistics of business kept by the agency of Wells, Fargo & Co., since which
time it has steadily increased. The total amount of golddust, coin, and
currency shipped through Wells, Fargo & Co.'s Express from Auburn during the
year 1881 was 8434,634.65. Of the above amount $281,379 was gold-dust.
Old Settlers.
We give below a list of very early settlers in Auburn, as furnished by Mr.
Moses Andrews, one of the first who located there:
Andrews, Moses
Anderson,
Beaty, Abe
Bailey, Major
Bailey, James
Cromwell, E. C.
Crawford, J. B.
Craig, J. L.
Craig, Abram
Culver, E.
Dana, L.
De Bois, James
Dunn, Robt.
Dobloman, John
Disbrow, W. D.
Ellard, Chas.
East, Thos.
Echols, H.
Fitteplace,
Fuller, Richard
Fisher, Robt.
Goodell, Richard
Gwynn, Wm.
Gould, John
Hall, E. M.
House, H. M.
Holladay, S. W.
Howell, Robt.
Holmes, H. T.
Hopkins, R. D.
Hawkins, H. R.
Kerr,
Knight, Sam.
Livingston, H. B.
Bogus Thunder
THE above name is applied to a bench or high bar located upon the North Fork
of the Middle Fork, in the cañon some two or three miles from Deadwood. A
fall in the river, a mile or more above the place, over which the waters of
the stream plunge, and the sound of which reverberates throughout the gorge,
fixes an impression upon the mind of a stranger who first visits the bar,
that the noise he bears so distinctly is thunder. So thought the first
explorers, until they finally located the cause and proclaimed the thunder
bogus.
Brushy Cañon
This locality is between Yankee Jim's and Wisconsin Hill, and at one time
was the scene of extensive mining operations. The diggings were located in
1855, and gave promise of great wealth. Numerous tunnels were constructed,
and for three or four years the place was one of bustle and activity.
Butcher Ranch.
This is a farming settlement situated on the Stony Hill Turnpike, on the
divide between the North and Middle Forks of the American River, eight miles
from Auburn and fifteen miles from Forest Hill. It has a post-office and is
a voting precinct, and has a population of about 250. The places of business
consist of one drug store, two hotels, one blacksmith shop, and one
carpenter shop.
Cisco
Is in the snowy region of the Sierra, fifty-six miles northeast of Auburn,
and 5,934 feet above the level of the ocean, in longitude 1200 33' west from
Greenwich and 39° 21' north latitude, being within two miles of the extreme
northern line of the county.
With the opening of the Donner Lake Wagon Road, in 1864, for travel to the
silver mines of Nevada, numerous stations, or hotels, were established
along~ its line. Among these were Heaton's and Poley's, a few miles apart.
In 1866 a great excitement prevailed regarding the mines and city of Meadow
Lake, near the summit of the Sierra, in Nevada County. With the rush of
people thither the two stations mentioned were points of departure from the
Donner Lake Road, and both aspired to be towns. In June the place at
Heaton's was surveyed into lots, and the town named Cisco, in honor of John
J. Cisco, United 8tates Treasurer. On the 29th of November, 1866, the
Central Pacific Railroad was completed and the cars commenced running to
this point, and Cisco became a very busy place, crowded with great freight
wagons and teams, stages and travelers. This remained the terminus! of the
road until 1868, when the summit tunnel was completed and the road extended
out into Nevada. Cisco is in Township No. 11, and has a population of about
100.
Colfax.
This place is situated on the Central Pacific Railroad, fifty-four miles
from Sacramento and eighteen miles northeast of Auburn, and is another of
the many towns that sprang into existence upon the completion of the great
overland railroad. The rails reached Colfax September 1, 1865, and regular
trains were running on the 4th of that month. The town of Colfax was laid
out in 1865 by the Central Pacific Railroad Company. The site was
subsequently sold to Messrs. Kohn & Kind, and a sale of lots took place
July 29, 1865, which amounted to between $6,000 and $7,000.
Within half a mile of' where Colfax now stands is the old settlement of
Illinoistown, and when Colfax was laid out in 1865 it gathered to itself all
that was left of' this ancient place. Colfax has, since that time, steadily
increased in population and importance, until now it is one of the leading
towns in the county.
In 1874 a company was formed to build a narrowgauge railroad from Colfax to
Nevada City. The work of construction began in 1875, and the road was
completed and the last spike driven at Nevada on the 20th of May, 1876.
Rich veins of quartz were discovered near Colfax in 1866. A test of the rock
was made at Grass Valley, and found to be worth between $27 and $28 per ton.
A company was organized and a mill constructed in 1869. The mine was
christened the "Rising Sun." The gold is of a pure quality, being worth
$18.50 per ounce. The mill had five stamps of 800 pounds each, and was
capable of reducing ten tons per day. The mill was subsequently increased to
twenty stamps, and still continues a paying mine. The Montana Mine has been
worked to some extent, and numerous buildings have been erected. The Meda
Mine is situated on the dividing ridge, three miles from town. The ore is
rich and bas yielded an average of $30 to the ton.
A destructive fire occurred in April, 1874, which swept away the main
portion of the town. With undaunted energy the citizens have re-built, and
now it is difficult to discover any traces of the fire, and the place is now
handsomer and more substantially built than ever.
The climate of Colfax is similar to that of the other towns on the western
slope of the Sierra. Its altitude is 2,421 feet above the sea level, and
with its salubrious and healthful location, its mountain breezes, laden with
the spicy odors of pine forests, disease cannot linger. Fruits of all kinds
that grow in temperate latitudes are raised on the ranches, and apples and
peaches are much better flavored than similar productions in the valleys.
The population of Colfax is about 600. The business establishments consist
of dry goods and grocery stores, two hotels, drug store, wagon and
blacksmith shop, bakery and restaurant, saloons, lumber yard, meat market,
shoemakers, etc.
DARIUS V. NORTON,
Eldest son of Reuben and Mary Norton, was born at Allison's Prairie,
Crawford County, Illinois, March 22, 1820. He grew to manhood in his native
State, and received a thorough education. After reaching his. majority, be
was for several years engaged in teaching school. In 1850 he crossed the
plains to California, arriving at" Hangtown" on the 15th of August. His
journey over the barren country lying between the "Garden State" and the
land of gold was similar in detail to that of thousands of others who braved
the dangers of the trip in early days.
His first three years in this State were spent in the mines in EI Dorado
County. In 1855 Mr. Norton failed in health, and removed to Nevada County,
where he remained about two years as a teacher in the public schools was
also elected Justice of the Peace. His next move was to Napa County, where
he owned a fruit ranch near St. Helena Mountain. This was his home for a
number of years. In 1875 he sold his fruit ranch and came to Placer County,
settling in Auburn, where he remained one year, at which time he removed to
his present home, about two miles from Colfax. A view of his place will be
found in this volume.
Mr. Norton was married June 23,1863, at Napa City, California, to Mrs. Mary
Sitton, nee Montague, who is a native of Bourbon County, Kentucky. Mrs.
Norton came to California, across the plains, in 1854, and settled in Sonoma
County, where she resided seven years. She then removed to Napa County, and
lived there until her present union. They have two sons, aged, respectively,
seventeen and twelve years.
Clipper Gap
Is a railroad station seven miles northeast of Auburn, in Township No.3,
having an elevation of 1,759 feet above sea level. It is in the midst of a
fine fruit region, and is the depot of the Hotaling Iron Mines, and of the
lime works of Holmes & Co.
Damascus.
Damascus is an old mining town, whose history begins in the year 1852, at
which time Dr. D. W. Strong, who was prospecting in the vicinity,
discovered gold in an outbreaking stratum of quartz gravel upon a point
between the two branches of Humbug Cañon, near the southern, or as it is now
called, Damascus Branch. For several years, or until a post-office was
established in 18-, it was known as Strong's Diggings. Strong and his
associates dug a small ditch from a spring at the head of the cañon, which
conveyed a small head of water, and began to ground sluice-the gravel at the
rim being not more than two feet deep, paying from the surface to the
bed-rock. Later, hydraulic apparatus was placed in position, and the ground
washed off during the portion of the year when water was obtainable for the
purpose by that method, until too much barren overlying material was
encountered, when, in 1854, a tunnel was begun for the purpose of drifting
out the paying stratum, under the name of the Golden Gate. West of the
claims of Strong & Co., was the Mountain Tunnel Company, also having
commenced a tunnel. The two tunnel companies, becoming involved in disputes
relating to boundaries, drainage, and priority of right, finally, in 1863,
compromised their difficulties and consolidated under the name of "Mountain
Gate Mining Company," with twenty-one shares, representing an ownership of
that number of persons, which are still maintained. Like the majority of
unincorporated mining ventures, where no particular pains are taken In
preliminary surveys, the first tunnel driven was found to be sixty-five feet
too high to profitably work the gravel through, which it encountered in a
length of 300 feet; consequently, another and lower one was driven, which
reached the gravel in a distance of 800 feet. Much of the quartz-gravel of
the "white channel" was worked through this second tunnel; but eventually
that also hard to be abandoned, and the one through which the workings are
now conducted was begun. This was driven into the hill 7,000 feet, at which
point a chocolate-colored cement was encountered, with no paying gravel.
Here a shaft was sunk thirty-eight feet deep, which encountered rich gravel,
but not of the "white channel." It was of an entirely different character,
the rocks, pebbles, and abraded matter being of a dark color, with but
little white quartz-some distinct deposit from a channel not contemporaneous
with the other. This stratum has since that time been designated as the"
black channel." It is here about eighty feet lower than the" white" or
quartz channel. To work this it became necessary to grade an incline from
the floor of the tunnel to the bed rock of the channel, which was done,
down which a pump-column was conducted and a car-track laid, and the water
flowing into this lower level is pumped and the gravel hoisted by one large
overshot wheel and a turbine, supplied with water from the old breasts and
levels of the "white channel" above, which has been extended some 200 feet
further into the mountain than the point where the incline begins, and been
stoped out an average width of 500 feet. Upon reaching the top of the
incline, the cars loaded with gravel are drawn out of the tunnel-a distance
of near one and a quarter miles-by horses, and emptied into the large
dumping receptacle at the head of the sluices, and washed from water flowing
from the tunnel. Over 7,000 feet of pay-channels have thus been explored-the
black channel for a width of 275 feet-and is found to yield an average of
about one-quarter of an ounce of gold to the carload of gravel.
The Mountain Gate Mine, for which a patent has been applied, is located in
sections 14, 15, 22, 23, and other subdivisions of Township 15 N., Range 11
.E., Mount Diablo Meridian; with a lineal extent along the east line of
9,600 feet; southern end line extending to the line of the Hidden Treasure
of Sunny South, 5,500 feet; western line 10,000 feet, and northern (or
front) line of 5,500 feet, of which some 4,000 feet along the "white" and
6,000 of the " black channel" are unworked. Since 1860 it has produced over
$1,000,000, and has been worked principally by the owners, who are as
follows: John H. Thomas, Tunis C. Broom, John B. Parker, A. B. Campbell,
Christopher Elliott, Owen Jones, Robert J. Thomas, J. P. Rains, William
Rowlands, William Brown, Jr., G. W. Snyder, J. F. Moody, J. T. Ashley Albert
Burgess, Mrs. J. N. Lombard, D. R. Abrams, Nicholas Weaver, William Broom,
Sr., and Mrs. Jane Weaver.
Damascus, being situated upon the northern slope of the ridge, is subjected
to deep snows in the winter, but its summer temperature is admirable.
During the inclement season, in cases of sickness, no little difficulty is
experienced in procuring the attendance of a physician, the nearest one
residing some ten mile& distant, at Iowa Hill. At one time, during the
prevalence of a fierce snow-storm, and when the earth was enveloped to the
depth of many feet, it was found after nightfall that a lady resident, the
wife of a miner, was suffering with an attack of pneumonia, and, without
relief, could not long survive. Females were never at any time numerous in
the camp, but those who were there were respectable ones, and were all
favorites with the male population. A physician must be had at every
hazard; work in the tunnels for that night, at least, was abandoned; twenty
brave men assembled, who, under the leadership of Gould Coker, set out in
the gloom of night, in the blinding storm, to break a trail to Iowa Hill for
the physician. By turns, each man would take the lead in the deep snow until
exhausted, and another took his place, as, waist deep, they wallowed slowly
onward through the cold, fleecy mass. Some time upon the following day the
heroic little party reached Iowa Hill, and, after prevailing upon Dr. O. H.
Petterson to accompany them, and refreshing themselves as best they could
within a limited time, started upon the homeward journey. This trip, though
not as fatiguing as the one out, was in itself no child's play; for,
meanwhile, the storm continued to rage, and the fast-falling snow had
well-nigh obliterated the trail previously made. But perseverance, at
length, overcame every obstacle, and within thirty-six hours from the time
of starting for the doctor, he was at the bedside of the suffering woman,
and not too late to save her life. When the patient was past danger, the
humane miners were again obliged to escort the doctor home, breaking the
road much after the manner they had been compelled to do at first.
The site of the village is on a steep hill-side, over. looking the junction
of Blue Cañon with the North Fork of the American, the gorge of Humbug Cañon,
and a stretch of the Central Pacific Railroad bed near Shady Run. Many
comfortable cottages, around which are little garden plats and orchards, dot
the landscape; a school house, at which, during school months, there is an
attendance of about twenty-five scholars, and a large hotel and store, owned
by Owen Jones, are among the architectural features of the place. In March,
1880, a former store-house and hotel were destroyed by fire while the owner,
Mr. Jones, was prostrated by sickness at Iowa Hill, entailing a loss of
$8,000. A post. office was established and maintained for several years at
Damascus, but was finally abolished. The regular population will probably
not exceed 150, most of whom are engaged in mining operations.
Deadwood.
Deadwood is situated about seven miles above Michigan Bluff, across El
Dorado Cañon, on the divide between that stream and the North Fork of the
Middle Fork. The altitude of Deadwood is nearly 4,000 feet. The wagon road
leading to the place is circuitous, and follows up the main divide via Forks
House (that was), Secret Springs, around the head of' El Dorado Cañon, and
then down the narrow ridge near the point of which the place is located.
Some hydraulic mining has been done here, but the principal mines are no\v
worked through tunnels by drifting and washing the bottom stratum of gravel.
In 1881 there were five claims thus working-all old locations.
Gold in paying quantity was first found here in 1852 by a party of
prospectors, who, being so elated at their good luck, remarked to all
subsequent comers, that, though heretofore they had had indifferent success
in prospecting, now assuredly had the "deadwood" upon securing a fortune.
So positive were the first discoverers of gold in this locality of its
richness and magnitude, that the most flattering accounts were circulated
and a great influx of people resulted. There must have been at one time 500
or 600 people congregated in the vicinity. Many substantial buildings were
erected, considering its isolated situation, and high hopes were indulged of
sudden wealth to be acquired. The trail from Michigan .Bluff leads into the
gorge of El Dorado Cañon, and thence for three miles almost uninterruptedly
up an abrupt incline. Aside from the grandeur of the towering hill, the
awe-inspiring chasms through which meander the tributaries of the Middle
Fork, and the impressive jumble of rock and foliage spread out at the feet
of the beholder, there is but one singular feature of interest in the course
of the toilsome ascent. About a half-mile before reaching the village there
are two long, parallel walls of stone, some three feet apart and about three
feet high, evidently the handiwork of some branch of the human race. For
what purpose 80 laid, or their use, is only a matter of conjecture; but many
of those who first visited the spot supposed it to have been a crematory for
the Indian dead. In 1855 Deadwood's transient glory had, in a great measure,
departed, and since that time its remaining population have been content to
delve in the mines there for a certain, though moderate, remuneration for
their toil.
Periodically during winter come fearful storms of rain and snow in these
high altitudes. When warm, and the rain thoroughly saturates the loamy soil
that overlies the cement, it becomes dangerous to those who dwell below the
brow of the ridge upon the precipitous side-hills, for an occasional
avalanche is loosened from near the summit's crest, which sweeps everything
before it. In December, 1860, on one side of the hill, about one-fourth of a
mile below the village stood the house of A. J. Felch, occupied by himself,
wife, and boy, aged eight, lamed William. On Christmas eve, while father and
Ion were sitting in the house before a comfortable ire (Mrs. Felsh
fortunately being absent), all at once the roar which precedes the
approaching landslide smote upon their ears. Before it was possible to get
out of doors, the avalanche struck the building, and crash ! it went,
apparently carrying away inmates and all! Not so, however, for soon Mr.
Felch became conscious that he was still alive ! though cut, bruised, and
bleeding from contact with falling timbers. But where was the boy? A
plaintive call from the father elicited no response. Dead, mangled and
swept away into the fierce-raging chasm below ! thought the poor, wounded,
agonized rather; but he would search for the lost one. Providentially, some
oak trees to which portions of the building had been attached had withstood
the onslaught of the moving mass, and, under the protecting lee of these,
there yet remained debris of the household wreck. Digging among this the
father found his boy, unharmed. That either escaped, is little less than a
miracle.
At that time, December, 1860, the ditch conveying water to Deadwood was
owned by David Davis and John Williams, Welchmen. On the 24th of that month,
during the prevalence of a tremendous snowstorm, they both started up the
ditch, declaring they would bring the water down therein before they
returned. They were never seen again alive. Parties went out to search after
the storm subsided, and, on the 5th of January, 1861, the body of Williams
was discovered in the ditch, where, having sank in exhaustion, he had folded
his arms upon his breast and died. Tracks of animals leading to the body
caused its discovery, and exposed portions of the corpse had been mutilated
by the ravenous beasts. The Masonic fraternity consigned the remains to
their final resting place at Michigan Bluff. About two months after that
time the body of Davis was found, and was buried by the Masons at Todd's
Valley.
Dutch Flat.
This place is situated in the northeastern part of the county, upon the
ridge which divides the waters of Bear River from those of the North Fork of
the American, thirty-one miles from Auburn, and dates back in the annals of
time to the year 1851.
Joseph Doranbach has the honor of being called the first settler, having
located there in the spring of that year. The name" Dutch" is derived,
perhaps, from the nationality of Mr. Doranbach and those who were his
companions at the time, but it is dim. cult to conceive of why" Flat" should
be added in giving the name to the then embryo town, except it is to fully
carry out and demonstrate the Californian custom of perverting names. In
1854, the place was considered, by persons then thought to be visionary
individuals, of sufficient importance as a mining locality to warrant the
construction of a water-ditch to convey the waters of Bear River upon the
tops of the ridges for mining purposes. This gave quite an impetus to the
settlement of the place, and it continued to increase in population and
importance. In November, 1855, a post-office was established, with Charles
Seffens as Postmaster. In May, 1859, it was one of the first towns of the
county in population. After the completion of the Bradley, or Placer County
Canal, from the North Fork of the American, and the Bartlett & Thomas Ditch,
from Little Bear River, in 1859 and '60, the town steadily increased, until,
in 1860, its voting population was larger than that of any other town in
the county, having polled at the Presidential election of that year over 500
votes. Since then the number of votes has decreased, but the permanent
population has gained, and now it is next to Auburn in importance. The
Dutch Flat Enquirer, a weekly newspaper, made its first importance May 29,
1860, and for a number of years was published regularly. The Enquirer was
followed by the Forum, which in turn hat! been succeeded by the Placer
Times.
This is one of the principal and best-known mining localities of California,
the system of hydraulic mining being carried on very extensively. The hill
of gravel denominated Dutch .Flat is somewhat isolated, presenting three
sides to the attack of the hydraulic, and overlooks Bear River, which runs
along its northern base, about 1,200 feet below the crest of the hill. The
gravel deposit is about one and a half miles in length by half a mile in
width, and from 100 to 350 feet in depth. Gold is found throughout the
gravel, but there is a thick stratum of pipe-clay barren of the precious
metal. Beds of ashes, charcoal, and partly charred wood are found in places
beneath a hundred or more feet of gravel. The formation exposes a very
interesting field for the geologist. A large number of mining companies are
engaged here, and the product has been many millions of dollars. In
addition to the ditches stated, the South Yuba Canal supplies about 3,000
inches from the South Yuba River. The mining district embraces Elmore Hill,
Indian Hill, and others of local name, besides Dutch Flat. In this district
are a large number of mining companies, and the operations are very
extensive and interesting. The Cedar Creek Company, purchasing several
properties in 1872, was one of the most extensive. It was an English
corporation, with a capital stock of £200,000. During its most prosperous
condition, there were 150 men employed. The capacity of its main ditch was
5,000 inches, the greater portion of which was used in operating its claims,
the principal of which were the Pacific, the Central, Jehosophat, Home
Ticket, half of the Gold Run, and the Gem. The property altogether consisted
of thirty-two claims, comprising about 200 acres of mining ground.
The drill and machinery in use by this company cost $12,000. The property,
after having lain idle for about three years, owing to certain
complications, fell into the hands of Mr. J. P. Hickey, of San Francisco,
in April, 1881, whose intention is to work it extensively and
systematically.
Like other towns of California, Dutch Flat has suffered much from fires. The
most recent occurred on the 22d of October, 1881, when its Chinese quarter
was burned, involving a loss of about $30,000. Some sixty buildings were
burned, generally of a poor quality. These, although occupied by Chinese,
were generally owned by white people.
In 1860, a company was organized to construct a wagon road from Dutch Flat
to the eastern slope, to accommodate the travel then beginning to flow over
the mountains to the silver mines of Nevada. Two roads were subsequently
constructed, and for several years the town profited by the large travel
through it. In July, 1866, the Central Pacific Railroad reached the vicinity
of the town, and soon passing on, making Cisco the depot of passengers and
freight, and business relapsed to its former dependence on the resources of
its neighborhood.
Dutch Flat is situated high up in the mountains, has an unlimited supply of
water from pure mountain springs, and timber abundant and convenient. In
consequence of its elevated position, the town is regarded as a pleasant
place for summer residence, Its altitude being about 3,400 feet above the
sea-level. Its climate is subject to great changes. Snow falls at times to
considerable depth in the winter and spring month!!, but the summers are
warm and exceedingly pleasant. At this elevation, tender fruits, such as the
lemon and orange, are not raised; but the pear, peach, cherry, and apple,
the blackberry, raspberry, grape, currant, and gooseberry grow in great
perfection; so that the citizens are not dependent on the valleys for their
supplies.
The principal street, whereon are located nearly all the business houses, is
Main Street. The general appearance of the private residences and places of
business is neat and tasty, which speaks well for the culture and thrift of
its inhabitants. The town at present supports one newspaper-the Placer
Times owned and published by W. A. Wheeler, Esq., and is issued every
Thursday. There are three churches, one school house, a number of dry goods
and grocery stores, one drug store, hotel, livery stable, one fire company,
and one brewery, besides the usual quota of lawyers, doctors, etc. Its
secret societies number five-Masons, Odd Fellows, Red Men, Good Templars,
and Ancient Order of United Workmen. The Masons and Odd Fellows each have a
fine hall. The Ancient Order of United Workmen use the Odd Fellows Hall for
their meetings.
The society is good, owing to the settled and reliable character of the
mining interests, and business men find a substantial and legitimate trade;
consequently, they gather their families around them.
Numerous pleasant homes cover the hill-sides, and evidences of taste and
refinement are abundant.
HENRY A. FROST.
The subject of this biographical notice is a native of Massachusetts, having
been born at New Bedford, Bristol County, May 15, 1830. Mr. Frost, through
the visitation of the hand of death, lost his father in infancy, and, at the
age of twelve years, was left an orphan by the death of his mother. This
changed the course of his life, and he removed to the State of Vermont,
where he remained until his eighteenth year, at which time he returned to
his native State. During the succeeding twelve years, he was engaged in
mechanical and agricultural pursuits at Worcester, in Worcester County. In
the fall of1861, he came to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama,
landing in San Francisco in the month of December. He made no stay in the
city, but came immediately to Placer County, and during that winter
remained at Gold Run. In the Spring of 1862, he located at his present
place, near Dutch Flat, where he has since resided. During the first ten
years of his residence in this State, he followed mining, but of late has
been engaged in agriculture in connection therewith.
In Mr. Frost we do not find a '49er, though his twenty years residence in
this State gives him the right to the title of an "old settler." He has been
twice married, his first wife departing this life in June, 1878. In June,
1881, he was married to Mrs. S. A. Waggoner, a native of Illinois, but more
recently from Nevada County, in this State.
HERMAN R. HUDEPOHL.
This gentleman is a native of Hanover, Germany, and was born March 30, 1823.
He remained with his parents until he reached his sixteenth year, when he
was apprenticed to a shoemaker, and, in due time, mastered that trade.
During eight years succeeding, he worked at his trade in different cities in
the old world. In 1848 he came to America, and located at Cincinnati, Ohio,
where he followed his trade until 1854. In the last-named year, he came to
California by way of the Isthmus of Panama, arriving in San Francisco late
in the month of March. After a few days sojourn in the city, ho came to
Placer County, and located at Dutch Flat, and for six months was a miner.
From that time unti11865 ho worked at his trade, and during that year he
embarked in the dry goods business, which he has since successfully
followed. His stock is one of the most complete in the town, embracing a run
line of dry and fancy goods, clothing, etc.
He was married April 5, 1865, in Sacramento, to Miss Catherine E. Power, a
native of New York City. By this union there were three children, two girls,
aged, in 1881, fourteen and ten years, and one son, aged twelve years. Mrs.
Hudepohl died March 8, 1876.
Frytown
Was located on the Auburn Ravine, about two miles below Ophir. It was first
settled in 18:19. Only a few houses were built, but the miners were in the
habit of using the place as supply head-quarters. There was a general
merchandise store, kept by Messrs. Fry & Bruce, which supplied the miners in
the immediate vicinity with the necessaries of life. The town received its
name from the senior partner in the firm. It was one of those mushroom towns
which sprang into existence and soon died. But " 'twas lively while it
lasted."
Duncan Cañon.
This stream is an important confluent of the Middle Fork of the Middle Fork
of the American, and rises pretty well up toward the western summit of the
Sierra, between the main North Fork and Picayune Valley. It was never noted
for its gold product, and to-day, by reason of its undisturbed condition,
its clear, pellucid water, the tangled mat of undergrowth upon its flats,
and noble forest trees growing adjacent to its unscarified banks, it reminds
the "old-timer" more of the primitive days than almost any other stream of
like magnitude in the mountains. James W. Marshall says that it derived its
name from Thomas Duncan, who came to the country overland, in 1848, from
Missouri, in the train of Captain Winter, and who entered California via the
road, or mountain trail rather, diverging from American Valley, and
following down the ridge south of the North Fork.
In the fall of 1850, Antoine and other cañons in that locality having been
slightly worked, and considerable gold of a coarse character exhibited,
which had been taken therefrom, naturally the attention of gold-seekers was
directed thither, and person& who had been there were eagerly sought, and
the oracular knowledge they dispensed was readily "taken in" by credulous
inquirers. No tale was too extravagant; however palpable the canard, there.
were always more to believe than to doubt. The chronicler hereof remembers
well how, in the spring of 1849, when one of the pioneer mail steamers of
the Pacific Coast entered the harbor of Panama upon her first return trip,
the city was thronged with Americans, who had only purchased tickets to the
isthmus and were unable to get further. There were still doubts as to the
reputed richness of the gold mines, and a thousand anxious and excited
interviewers stood upon the shore, ready to make prisoners of those who
landed. Two brave sailors becoming thus corraled, and finding escape
impossible, edified the crowd with yarns that did credit to their
imaginative powers, satisfied their listeners, and disillumined the
brilliancy of Alladin's Lamp. Exhibiting a buckskin bag which evidently
contained nuggets, one of them said: "Why, look here, it's no trouble to get
gold anywhere in California; it's all over-everywhere! Just after we left
the port of San Francisco, the mate set me to cleaning the anchor which we
had jl1st hove up, and see! here's over $200 that I panned out from the mud
1 scraped off the flukes!" and the crowd believed him-for why should they
doubt?
In like manner did Tom Duncan regale the senses of a crowd of miners who
happened to be at work near him on Shirt-tail Cañon, late in the fall of
1850. He had, in coming into the country, traversed the region where Antoine
Cañon flowed; more than that, he had found diggings in a creek, but never
stopped to work them, nor had he ever been back to them since. Could he find
them for a consideration? Most assuredly. Thereupon a company of select
spirits entered into a compact with Tom, that he would pilot them to the
spot. Furnishing him with a horse, the party started out in quest of the
favorite spot, which Duncan declared he had been to two years before.
Reaching the vicinity, the cañons all looked so much alike that Tom couldn't
strike the right spot; members of the company canvassed the matter; the
guide had either lied to them or was "throwing off" for a better thing-each
offense deserving capital punishment. Tom was distrusted. At night he 'vas
placed under guard, and he roust soon show the place he had contracted to
do, or be shot. While camped in the bed of a certain cañon, near its head,
the guide led the party to the northern side of the ridge, overlooking the
North Fork of the American River above Sailor Bar. Hero were some small
flats and ponds, where gold enough was found to induce a relaxation of
vigilance, to the extent that no guard was placed over Duncan the following
night. The next morning's sun rose in the cañon upon a decimated camp. Tom
Duncan and a mule had gone! The party afterward found the mule at Todd's
Valley, but Tom Duncan they never saw again. He had sought new diggings out
of reach of his late companions-while as a remembrance, they christened the
stream upon which they had camped, Duncan's Cañon-and thus it goes down to
history.
Fort Trojan.
This peculiarly-named town was located on the Auburn Ravine, about three
miles from the present town of Lincoln. It does not date back in its history
to the days of '49, but reaches only to the year 1858. It was lively until
the starting of the town of Lincoln, when the business was transferred to
that place. There was a hotel kept by Jerry Henderson, who was also
postmaster for the town; Mills & Evans had a general merchandise store; Gray
& Philipps had a meat market, and Peter Fritchard had a blacksmith shop.
There were two saloons, one owned by Honeycut & Hoffman, and the other by E.
A. Gibson. James Beck was Justice of the Peace, and James Berg was
Constable. There is nothing left to denote the existence of this town,
except the memories of the men who were familiar with the facts. The common
appellation given the place by the miners was" Fort Trojan."
James W. Chinn.
This gentleman was the third son of Robert and Sidney Chinn, who were
natives of Loudon County, Virginia. James W. was born at Richmond, Virginia,
December 28, 1822. He remained in his native city until he was sixteen years
of age, at which time he removed to Baltimore, Maryland, and was engaged in
a wholesale dry goods establishment. About one and one-half years were spent
in this place, when he went to Zanesville, Ohio, and was first a clerk, and
then proprietor, in his adopted business until 1849. The excitement
incident to the discovery of gold in California attracted his attention, and
he joined the throng who were rushing to the scene of battle for wealth on
the Pacific Coast. On the 28th of' August, 1850, he arrived at "Hangtown,"
now Placerville, in El Dorado County, after a long and tedious trip across
the plains. From Hangtown Mr. Chinn went to Sacramento, and then came to
Placer County, and for a few weeks was in Auburn Ravine. His next move was
to Nevada County, where he arrived in October, 1850. He was in that county
until September, 1851, when he came again to Placer and located at Ophir. In
1852 Mr. Chinn opened a store and sold miners' supplies, until September,
1854. In the fall of the last-named year he opened a store at Dotan's Bar,
on the American River, and was agent for Wells, Fargo & Co.'s Express. In
1856 he was elected a Supervisor of Placer County. During the latter year he
removed to Nevada County and opened a store at Woolsy Flat, and another at
Moore's Flat. In 1859 Mr. Chinn was elected Treasurer of Nevada County on
the Democratic ticket, and held the office one term. In 1861 he entered the
dry goods business in Nevada City, which he continued about two years, when
he went to San Francisco and remained until 1866. During the summer of the
latter year he came again to Placer County and located at Iowa Hill, which
has since been his home. Mr. Chinn has always been an active business man,
and is to-day reckoned as one of the lively men of the county. He is the
postmaster of' his town, and in connection therewith carries on a banking
business, his purchased of gold-dust averaging about $200,000 per year. He
is also agent for Wells, Fargo & Co.
He was married January 26, 1863, at San Francisco, to Miss Lizzie Jessup, a
native of New York State. Four children live to bless their union, three
girls and one boy.
Gray Horse Cañon.
High up on the Rubicon there occurs quite a 1I.at stretch of grass land, in
great contrast with the general characteristics of that usually rapid,
rocky, and narrow gorge. For a mile and a half the river winds sluggishly
along through a tussocky bottom, a quarter of a mile wide, where there is
splendid pasturage, and at the sides of which are many deer licks,
occasioned by the exudations of salts, of which the animals are fond, from
the bordering ledges. This place is much frequented in the summer and fall
by Indians, from the transmountain tribes, who come over from the eastern
slope of the Sierra, and in season and out of season remorselessly slay deer
of all ages, and conditions, without regard to game laws or common
decency. Near the head of this flat, from the north. comes in Gray Horse
Cañon, once known as Big Valley. During the prospecting excitement which
resulted in the discovery of the Squaw Valley mines, the original party
looking for the place, during their peregrinations, happened into Big
Valley. and camped. Upon packing up to depart, an old gray horse used for
sumptering "threw up," and in his antics "bucked" the camp equippage with
which he was loaded off, and scattered the traps around promiscuously over a
great extent of territory, to the great annoyance and inconvenience of the
prospectors. Hence its present name, in commemoration of the frisky
disposition of the old gray horse.
Gray Horse Valley is a fine grazing locality, and is claimed by George
Taverner, of Cosumnes Township, Sacramento County, who uses it as a summer
pasture for sheep. For about three miles the valley is from 300 to 400 yards
wide. It was first claimed by John and George Hunsucker. Five-lake Creek,
American Valley Creek, Gray Horse, Bear, and Squaw Creeks all head in one
range of mountains, and quite near each other-the two latter running into
the Truckee, while the waters of the others run toward the Pacific. Fire
Lake Creek comes into the Rubicon above Gray Horse, and between the two is a
large and exceedingly rocky point. During the wagon road excitements, when
the Georgetown party were out in search of a practicable route to Washoe,
two members of the expedition-W. S. Montague and John W. McKinney took a
stroll upon this rocky ridge, Rattlesnakes were numerous then in that
region, almost anywhere, for the sheep had not, at that time, driven them
to cover, as now-a-days, and the two men named did not mind an occasional
rattler in their pathway; but upon this particular promontory they began to
be too frequent for either safety or comfort of feeling, and when about
passing a crevice in a rock, which was about two feet wide, they were
stopped by the most wonderful spectacle. It was literally filled with
twisting, writhing, scaly, mottled serpents-a veritable den of monsters such
as they had never before conceived the existence of. They had revolvers, and
McKinney proposed firing a few shots into the mass. This they did; but then
there arose such a horrid stench, to which the thousand odors of Cologne
were as otto of roses, that the attacking party were forced to beat a
retreat, vomiting as they went. McKinney swears to this day that there were
not less than four solid cords of rattlesnakes in that single crevice.
Humbug Cañon.
The above-named stream is one of the earliest placers worked, and empties
into the South Branch of the North Fork of the American, from the south, a
short distance above its junction with Blue Cañon at Euchre Bar. It heads at
the base of the grand gravel ridge, upon which are located the Mountain Gate
and adjoining mines, having several branches, and was first explored early
in 1850. In February of that year L. P. Burnham, now a resident of Damascus;
Robert E. Draper, who subsequently lived a long time in EI Dorado County,
and at Aurora, Nevada, at which latter place he figured in a duel with Dr.
Eichelroth, and a man by the name of Kirkpatrick, were among the crowd who
first rushed, during the pleasant weather which at that time prevailed and
gave promise of an early opening of spring, to the locality of Bird's
Valley and Michigan Bluff. Snow covered the ridges, and the water in the
main streams was so high that but little mining was done there then, which
circumstances caused a feeling of restlessness to pervade the minds of the
nomadic prospectors, and these three men concluded to "strike out" in search
of other diggings. Therefore, the same month, they mounted snow-shoes, left
camp at the future-to-be Michigan City, and boldly turned their footsteps
toward the unknown region to the northeastward. Arriving at the head of a
cañon which ran toward the North Fork, after a weary journey of some
eighteen or twenty miles, they proceeded down it to where another branch
came in, the two forming quite a large stream within a' deep gorge. Here
they camped, and, upon prospecting, found gold sufficient in quantity to
induce them to locate claims. As it was of importance enough to do this, a
proposal was made that a name be given it, and the throe pioneers having all
emigrated to California from Mississippi though none were natives of that
State but Kirkpatrick-they bestowed upon the stream the name of Mississippi
Cañon. A few days work, however, seems to have disgusted them, for
thereafter they shouldered their blankets and climbed the hill, with the
intention of returning to the place from whence they started. After leaving
their camp in the cañon, and while toiling up the steep mountain side,
Kirkpatrick, in an interval while resting in the assent, gave expression to
his disgust by saying: "Pshaw, hasn't any gold of any account, it's a
regular humbug, and instead of Mississippi we'd better call it Humbug Cañon."
Just as the three men had scaled the precipitous sides of the cañon, and
were fairly setting out on their return journey down the ridge, human voices
were heard, and soon after human forms descried approaching them. The
new-comers proved to be a party of men following up their trail, supposing
they had discovered rich diggings. No declarations upon the part of the
three could deter the new party from going ahead; the more the three
endeavored to persuade them that the cañon was a "humbug," the more
determined were the interlopers that they were upon the portals leading to
great wealth, and into the cañon they would descend. This determination on
the part of the last party re-enthused the hopes of the first, and they,
too, would return and define the boundaries of their claims. Consequently
all went into the cañon, when the following day a mining district was
organized, and rules and regulations were adopted. At the meeting held,
Robert E. Draper was chosen to act as Secretary, and in his written minutes
of the proceedings occurred the following words: " At a meeting of the
miners of Humbug Cañon, held this - day of February, 1850," etc., which have
ineffacably attached themselves to the place, to the entire obliteration of
the primal cognomen of Mississippi. Subsequent workings have proven the
banks and bed of the cañon to be rich -- no humbug-it having been washed
over several times, and at each time producing large amounts of gold.
Johnson’s Ranch.
Among the many camps that sprang into existence in this county during the
few years subsequent to the discovery of gold in California, was the one
known as Johnson's Crossing, or Johnson's Ranch. The spot where the little
town once stood is still there, but the inhabitants have all sought other
fields for their labors. There was a bridge across Bear River at this place,
and it was a stopping-place for the many teams engaged in hauling freights
from Sacramento to the mines in the upper country. In 1852 there was a small
hotel kept by a man named John Shuster, and soon after that the town
commenced to flourish. It was located about twenty-five miles northwest
from Auburn, which was the principal town in the county at that time. Mr.
Young Dougherty, now a resident of Sheridan, and from whom the information
regarding the place was received, pitched his tent there in 1852. and the
next year built his house. In 1856 there were about thirty dwelling-houses
and the usual number of business places. Wm. O'Rear was the first
postmaster, and was appointed in 1854. He also kept a hotel.
The place at one time had a population of over 100, and supported two
blacksmith shop, two stores, and also a couple of saloons. It was a voting
precinct and often polled as high as 150 votes, though the voters came in
from the surrounding country.
Among the earliest settlers were Claude Chana, who came there as early as
1846. After him came John Shuster, Wm. B. Campbell, John Swearer, A.H.
Estell, Joseph Rears, Philip Tracy, Dr. Gray, Dr. Esmond, John Boone, Dennis
Neugent, Harrison Kimball, Young Dougherty, and others.
In the year 1862 the floods nearly destroyed the place, and then came the
debris from the hydraulic mines higher up on the river, and now there is not
a vestige of this lively little town left visible. The deer and bear run
wild over the site of the town. The real cause of the desertion of the place
was the debris from up the river.
Manzanita Grove.
This remarkable spot claims a place in the history of the county in which it
lies. It is situated about half-way between the towns of Lincoln and
Sheridan, and contains about fifteen acres. The place gained notoriety in
early days from the fact of its being a stronghold for thieves, who bad a
corral near the center of the grove, where they kept their stolen stock
until an opportunity presented itself to drive it to the country lying
south. The name is derived from the manzanita bushes growing there, which
were much more numerous in the early days than now. Quite a number remain,
though the grove is composed mostly of oak. In 1855, some one conceived the
idea of turning this place into a burial-ground, and there are at the
present time several hundred people buried within the enclosure. The first
one was buried in the last-named year, in the spring. His name was Wynan.
There are some monuments that would grace some of the fine cemeteries in
large cities. The towns of Lincoln, Sheridan, and even Wheatland, furnish
subjects to populate this city of the dead. It is a very picturesque spot,
and will always remain as a monument to perpetuate the memory of the dead.
It is cared for by an annual subscription.
Newtown.
This, like others of its class, has ceased to exist as a place of
habitation. It was located on a side ravine that terminated in what was
known as Doty's Ravine, and was started about the year 1855. The population
increased to about one hundred. The claims paid big, but it was what they
called a "spotted" location, and" once you find it and twice you don't." The
town was about five miles northeast of the present town of Lincoln. Not a
house is left to mark the spot where so many miners found employment in days
gone by. There was a largo hotel called the "Cardillion House," owned and
run by a man named Cardillion; another was run by - Webdell. Neidihut &
O'Teele kept a large grocery store, and another was kept by John Barnes.
There was a saloon and dance-hall, owned by Ezra Newell, and a livery
stable, by Wm. Johnson.
Grizzly Flat.
The mining Camp of Grizzly Flat is situated directly east of Wisconsin Hill,
at the head of Grizzly Cañon.
In 1855-56 this camp had a population of fifty people, the mining ground
consisted of nearly forty acres. The gold was course, and was taken out by
the handful, and the whole fiat was honey-combed with drifts and tunnels.
Every miner made something, and many made fortunes. After the fiat had been
worked out, a company of a dozen miners, who had been successful, was formed
to prospect the northerly branch. The name of the company was the Rough and
Ready. A long tunnel was constructed of several hundred feet in length, from
a point down the cañon, which cut through the rimrock of the basin, and
drained the claim to a certain depth. A steam-engine was purchased, and a
large pump put in operation.
The company worked with constant internal dissentions, until the year 1865,
when the members mutually separated, and the claim was abandoned.
Upon the dissolution of the old Rough and Ready Company, in 1865, Messrs.
Little & Hazelroth, of Grizzly Flat, obtained a possessory title to the
tunnel claim but, not having the capital to successfully carry on the work,
a new company was incorporated in 1878, under the name of the Eclipse
Company. This company paid Mr. Hazelroth and the heirs of Mr. Little $2,000
for their possessory title. They also obtained title from the Government for
171 acres of mining ground.
Lincoln
Is situated in the valley of the Sacramento, bordering the foot-hills of the
Sierra Nevada, near where Auburn Ravine debouches upon the plain, being
nearly directly west of Auburn, and fourteen miles distant in a direct line,
or twenty-nine miles by rail. It is on the line of the California and Oregon
Railroad, ten miles from its junction with the Central Pacific. The place
was named in honor of Charles Lincoln Wilson, the builder of the California
Central Railroad, which was completed to this point October 31, 1861. The
first settlement was made in 1859 by John Chapman, G. Gray, John Ziegenbein,
E. A. Gibson, and Camron & Ballinger following soon after. In the years
1862-63, the town was very prosperous, having at that time between 400 and
500 inhabitants, and from four to eight stages making daily trips from
Lincoln.
The section of country surrounding Lincoln is decidedly agricultural, and is
especially noted for its certainty of crops. Excellent fruit is raised here,
and apples of superior quality. Mr. J. R. Nickerson, the pioneer
fruit-raiser, exhibited at San Francisco in 1865, at the Mechanics'
Institute Fair, 223 varieties of apples, for which he received a high
testimonial from the committee.
The Lincoln Winery, conducted by Stephen D. Burdge, is an industrial feature
which will probably grow into considerable importance as a more extended
knowledge obtains of California's vintage. It was established in 1880, by
the proprietor, who learned the business of wine-making in Italy, in 1828
and the time intervening to 1835, going there from the United States for
that purpose. Mr. Burdge came to Placer County in 1850, and has never
considered any other place than the locality about Lincoln his home since,
as be soon after settled about four miles from the present site of the town,
upon the place originally located by Kinsly and Copeland, but now owned by
George D. Aldrich, on Doty's Ravine. Mr. Burdge mada wine as early as 1851
from grapes grown on the Hock Farm. In 1852 he obtained at the farm, from
General Sutter, a lot of cuttings-the General being loth to part with them
then, as they were scarce-which he set out upon the Kinsly and Copeland
place, he having purchased it from them for $6,000, In 1854, his cuttings
had done so well, that be was enabled that season to make a small quantity
of wine from grapes grown upon the young vines.
The wine manufactured at the Lincoln Winery is entirely the product of the
mission grape, denominated Hock by the proprietor, with a beautiful amber
color, fine flavor and bouquet, and finds ready market. But 2,000 gallons
were made in 1881. The vintage of 1882 is expected to produce 30,000
gallons.
The discovery of excellent beds of coal in 1873, has contributed to bringing
Lincoln into prominence. The Lincoln coal mine, situated a short distance
from the depot, was discovered in 1873, a description of which can be found
on page 213 of this volume.
The Clipper Coal Mine was discovered in June, 1874, by J. D. B. Cook. The
property bas changed hands several times, and is now owned by John Landers,
of Wheatland. In March. 1875, Mr. Gladding, the senior member of the firm
of Gladding, McBean & Co., the present owners of the pottery, being on this
coast, took some of the clay found in the Lincoln coal mine to Chicago,
where he had formerly been in business. The sample proved suitable for sewer
pipe and that class of goods; a company was soon formed, and in the same
year, 1875, he returned and erected a building 110x45 feet, with an engine
at one side. The main building is now 216x45 feet; another built recently is
135x30 feet. There are five kilns where the pipe is burned; the engine is
sixty-horse power, with two boilers. All the machinery was made in Ohio, and
is of the most modern kind. About thirty-five men and boys are employed
constantly; the principal manufacture is sewer pipe, but in connection with
this they make well-pipes, chimney-tops, flower-pots, lawn-vases, and
ornaments of all descriptions.
The present population of Lincoln is about 300, and at the elections about
170 votes are polled. There is one drug store, one express office, two
hotels, two grocery stores, one dry goods store, three blacksmith shops, one
butcher shop, one telegraph office, one bakery, five saloons, two doctors,
one lawyer, one notary public, and two school teachers. There are two
churches, one built in 1864 and afterwards sold for taxes, and bought by the
citizens of the town, who opened it as a free church, allowing anybody to
preach. A Catholic Church was built in 1880, in which services are held
regularly. There is one school house, built of wood, with a seating
capacity of' about eighty. Two teachers are employed. The buildings in
Lincoln are mainly of wood, there being several of brick. The people are
supplied with water by a reservoir that is connected with the Bear River
Ditch Company, and the water is distributed through the town in pipes.
Several disastrous fires have occurred here. In October, 1867, the large
flouring-mill of Messrs. Ziegenbein, Heffner & Co. was destroyed, with a
loss of about $30,000. October 12, 1875, a fire occurred which destroyed a
livery stable, blacksmith shop, and meat market. Another fire occurred March
30, 1876, which destroyed the Logan Livery Stable, together with all its
contents, consisting of eleven horses, all the buggies, harness, and
saddles, the stock of feed, etc.
Peter Ahart
Was born in Germany June 27, 1833, and when but twelve years of age left his
native home for the great Republic of the West, arriving in the United
States in May, 1845, with his father, his mother dying on the voyage. His
father, George Ahart, settled in Missouri, and died in 1866. Mr. Peter Ahart
came to California in 1852, and engaged in mining, which he followed
successfully until 1857, when he bought the farm he now occupies at
Lincoln, Placer County. For some years he pursued the business of raising
and dealing in cattle, which he continued for Ii period of fifteen years,
when he turned his attention more particularly to the cultivation of his
farm and the raising of sheep, in which profitable business he is now
engaged.
Mr. Ahart is a member of Valley Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, and is highly respected in the community in which he lives. On the
9th of May, 1861, he was married by the Rev. Mr. Winters, of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, to Miss Ursula Prudence Ragsdale, daughter of William B.
and Sarah W. Ragsdale, and the happy family occupy the pleasant home shown
in the accompanying illustration. The farm of Mr. Ahart comprises the
extensive area of 2,200 acres, being almost enough for a Dukedom in the land
of his nativity. Here in the fertile valley of the Sacramento his broad
acres spread out miles in extent, of some of the finest land in the world,
showing a wealth that could be acquired by the unaided efforts of man in but
few other countries than California.
Isaac Stonecipher.
Isaac Stonecipher, now a resident of Lincoln, was born in Allegheny County,
Pennsylvania, on the 5th of November, 1819. Leaving Pittsburg on the 14th of
January, 1850, for California, via the Isthmus of Panama, at New York he
purchased a ticket for passage through, the connecting steamer on the
Pacific to be the Monumental City. Arriving at Panama, that mythical vessel
never came, and after remaining three weeks in suspense concluded to wait no
longer. The whale ship Rowena in the meantime came in and fitted up for
passengers, and in her he embarked upon the Pacific side. Not long after the
vessel went to sea an epidemic broke out, which prostrated many of the
passengers, and before the ship reached Acapulco, in Mexico, thirteen had
died and been cast overboard. Here the Captain of the Rowena determined to
leave his sick passengers, and Mr. Stonecipher, being one of these, was
taken ashore. Partially recovering, when the steamer Winfield Scott came in,
eight days after, he was enabled to procure passage on her, and arrived in
San Francisco April 30, 1851. On the 1st of May he arrived at Auburn, and
has continuously resided in Placer County ever since.
Sheridan
The village of Sheridan, named in honor of Gen. Phil. Sheridan, is situated
near the southwestern portion of Placer County, in township 13 north, range
5 east, Mount Diablo meridian, twenty miles northwest of Auburn, or
thirty-six miles by rail; is a station on the Oregon Division of the
Central Pacific Railroad; is the trading point for a considerable
population of farmers and stock-raisers, who occupy lands and grazing ranges
surrounding it, and is the only place in the county which has at this time
in operation a flouring-mill. With a public school, several trading
establishments, post and express office, and one hotel, it is quite a
thriving little town. The locality was first settled upon in 1855, by Mr. E.
C. Rogers, and soon after came Mr. Young Dougherty.
The flouring-mill was built in 1870, under the patronage of the late Mark
Hopkins, for Daniel Click, who has ever since its construction been the
manager, and is now its owner. The motive power is steam; the fuel, wood,
being hauled from the foothills, some six -or eight miles distant in an
easterly direction. The water used is obtained from wells sunk upon the
premises, and pumped into tanks by steam. The capacity of the mill is about
175 barrels of flour per day, and consumes nearly all the grain raised
within a radius of ten miles.
The town site is located near a historic place that wayside hostelry, so
well and favorably known to all old-time travelers as...
Rogers’ Shed
The "Shed," or "Union Shed," as afterwards called, was built by E. C.
Rogers, in December, 1857, and comprised a one-story house, 24x80 feet, and
the uninclosed shed in front, 40x40 feet, and twenty feet high, under the
shelter of which the monstrous freight teams, then thronging the roads,
could repose, and be sheltered from summer's heat or from the winter's rain.
A. large barn and corral were als9 an attachment of the premises upon the
opposite side of the road. Situated as the "Shed" was upon the old
Sacramento and Nevada road, and there being also four other roads diverging
there-from, it became, in those early days, quite a noted place. One road
ran westerly toward Nicholaus; one northwesterly to Marysville, via
Kempton's Crossing of Bear River; one northeasterly toward Grass Valley, via
McCourtney's Crossing of Bear River, and another running easterly to Auburn
via Danetown. The distance from the" Shed" to Sacramento was thirty miles;
to Grass Valley, twenty-eight; to Nevada, thirty-two; to Auburn, twenty; to
Marysvi1le, fifteen; to Nicholaus, thirteen; to Johnson's Crossing, four and
to Coon Creek, three. For four or five years after its establishment, two
stages passed the "Shed" daily; and the number of big freight teams during
that period was from forty to sixty each day, the most of the latter either
stopping over night or for dinner. The road was then traveled by all teams
going to Grass Valley, Nevada, North San Juan, Forest City, Downieville, and
other places in the mountains in that direction, and, as they here laid in a
supply of feed to last during the round trip, the "Shed" became the market
place at which the farmers of the surrounding county congregated for the
purpose of disposing of their hay and barley.
And then the" Shed" became a place w here the people of both valley and
mountain resorted for amusement. During these lively days, now, alas, all
deadened by the remorseless puff and snort of the locomotive, there were two
evenings in each week devoted to dancing-school; while, as regularly as the
months rolled round, was there a public ball held -- one every month-at
which the people flocked from all sides, from the very suburbs of
Sacramento, Marysville, Auburn, Grass Valley, and from other places. A fine
race-truck and frequent trials of speed soon attracted many stock-breeders
to the place, some of whom brought and matched blooded horses, and either
lost or won considerable sums of money.
Mr. Rogers was an enterprising man, and he desired people with families to
settle about him. An objection to this was raised, because there was no
school in the vicinity. To obviate this, Mr. Rogers applied for, and was
successful in, the establishment of a school district-calling it Norwich
District-from a portion of Manzanita District, in 1864. Of Norwich District
he was elected one of the Trustees. There was no school house in which to
hold a school nor school money with which to pay a teacher; but all this did
not daunt Mr. Rogers, who hired Mrs. M. E. Reynolds as teacher, gave the use
of his ballroom at the "Shed" as a school house, boarded her, and paid her
$60.00 a month for two months out of his own pocket. Subsequently the
teacher's wages was paid out of the school fund. Thus was the school
district at Sheridan established, and for fourteen years did Mr. Rogers
retain the position of Trustee.
In 1860, there was a voting precinct established ere called Union Shed
Precinct-now changed to Sheridan, as is the name of Norwich to Sheridan
School District. The locality being upon quite high ground, in the
undulating lands just where the lower foot-hills blend with the stretches of
the valley, and overlooking a long distance thereof, it was a central
position at which stock-raisers met in searching for estray animals, and a
number of them selected this point upon which to erect an observatory, or
"lookout," as the vaqueros termed it. This structure was forty feet high,
and had a large telescope some four or five feet long, mounted at its apex,
which took in a view for many miles, and with which stock could be descried
for a long distance. It was situated a little west from the" Shed."
In 1865, a church was organized and also a Sundayschool, the latter
probably the first in the valley, both of which were held in the ball-room
of the “Shed," and were well attended. Mr. Charles Luce was the first
Superintendent of the Sunday-school.
Business was good at the old "Shed" on the road I1til 1866, when the
railroad was constructed through as far as Wheatland, and a great change as
the consequence. Finally, in 1868, the entire establishment, together with a
large quantity of hay, grain, etc., was destroyed by fire, by which Mr.
Rogers lost $3,000, there being no insurance.
The first depot building constructed at Sheridan as in 1866, near the
"Shed," by the farmers in the neighborhood; but in 1868, it was moved some
sixty rods to where it now stands in the village, by Messrs. Dougherty and
Rogers. The post-office was first established in 1868, with Mr. Young
Dougherty as postmaster, to which position Mr. E. C. Rogers soon succeeded,
and has ever since and now holds it. The first store was built in 1869. The
population of the village, as given by the census of 1880, was 125, but the
precinct, including considerable of the surrounding country, has a voting
population of about 130. The village has, in 1881, three stores, one drug
store, two blacksmith shops, one shoe store, two hotels, three saloons, two
clergymen, one doctor, and one school teacher. The school house is of wood,
with seating capacity of sixty, and was erected at a cost of $3,000. It
contains a school-room, library, and ante-room. There are two church
denominations-Baptist and Methodist. Rev. John S. Jesse is pastor of the
Baptist Church, and Rev. L. S. Feathrston is pastor of the Methodist Church.
Several social orders are, or have been, represented in Sheridan. Sheridan
Lodge, No. 304, I. O. G. T., was organized in November, 1870, and a Division
of the Sons of Temperance was formed in 1878. Sheridan land of Hope was
organized November 7, 1880. The first officers were: Y. Dougherty,
Superintendent; Mrs. R. V. McDonald, President; J. Boyce Chaplain; Daniel
Click, Treasurer; Joseph Jesse, Secretary; Mrs. Lucy McAllister, Sentinel
and Usher. The present officers are: Mrs. E. C. Rogers, President; Miss
Lelah Carpenter, Vice-President; Miss Ella Rickey, Assistant Superintendent;
Joseph Jesse, Chaplain; Daniel Click, Treasurer; Mrs. R. V. McDonald,
Secretary; Miss Alice Murphy, Sentinel; Miss Mary Raymond, Usher. There are
thirty-six members. Mr. J. T. Briggs is the Justice of the Peace, and E. C.
Rogers is Constable.
Shirt-Tail Cañon.
A short distance above the historic spot once known as Barnes' Bar, on the
North Fork of the American River, a stream flows into the river from the
southward, known as Devil's Cañon. Going up this, perhaps three miles, a
branch joins it upon the left hand side, and Shirt-tail Cañon presents
itself, to the beholder. Like all streams of its magnitude, its bed is a
deep gorge, narrow and rocky, from 1,000 to 1,500 feet below the crests of
the surrounding " divides." It became an important auxiliary to the
gold-producing fields at an early period in the history of t be State, and
has poured forth from its rough bosom a large quota of treasure to swell the
volume of that precious commodity by which commerce regulates the standard
of values.
The unique name it bears was bestowed in the following manner: Early in the
summer of 1849 two men, one named Tuttle, formerly from the State of
Connecticut, and the other Van Zandt, from Oregon, were prospecting upon
Brushy Cañon and in that locality, and at the time supposed there was no one
nearer to them than the people who were at work along the river bars. From
Brushy they emerged into the valley of the larger stream into which it
emptied. It was sultry and hot, and no sound but their own suppressed voices
broke the silence of the gorge. A bend in the creek a short distance below
them obstructed the view, and they walked down the stream to overcome it.
Abruptly turning the point, they were astonished to see before them, but a
little way off, a solitary individual -- whether white or red they could not
at first determine-engaged in primitive mining operations, with crevicing
spoon, and sheath-knife and pan. The apparition was perfectly nude, with
the exception of a shirt, and that was not overly lengthy. The lone miner
was in the edge of the water, and, happening to look up, saw the two men who
had intruded upon his domain at about the same time that they discovered
him. Had this not been so, Tuttle and Van Zandt, as they declared afterward,
would have stepped back, made some noise, and given the man a chance to don
his overalls. As it was, the eyes of both parties met, and an involuntary
"hello!" came from all three mouths. " What in the devil's name do you call
this place?" queried one of the intruders of the sans cullottes, who proved
to be an American. He glanced at his bare legs, and from them to his
questioners, took in at a moment the ludicrous appearance he made, and
laughingly answered: "Don't know any name for it yet, but we might as well
call it Shirttail as anything else," and under that euphoneous nomenclature
has it since been known, and must thus go down to posterity. It is to be
regretted that no record can be found of the name of the man in the shirt.
Sunny South.
The little town of Sunny South, represented in the picture upon another
page, owes its existence entirely to the extensive and rich gravel mine
known as the Hidden Treasure. Lying upon the southern slope of the ridge
which separates the waters of the North and Middle Forks of the American,
the exposure to sunshine causes such a contrast with respect to climate to
that of the temperature enjoyed by the kindred villages upon the northern
side of the ridge, that its first residents bestowed upon it the above
appellative, in contra-distinction between their own and the snow-buried
domiciles of their neighbors. Being about 3,500 feet above sea-level, on the
north crest of the ridge, which here assumes the character of a broad
plateau, rises some 700 or 800 feet higher, and is, for four or five months
of the year, ordinarily covered with snow-sometimes to a great depth-during
which time the ground at the immediate locality of the village will be
nearly or quite bare. It is five miles from Michigan Bluff, which lies in a
southerly direction, and seven from Damascus, situated toward the north; and
from the site of the town appears one of the most magnificent views of the
rugged side of nature that can be well imagined in a bird's-eye survey of
the tremendous gorges of the branches of the Middle Fork of the American,
with the towering bluffs and peaks that skirt them, which are here spread
out at the feet of the beholder. A school house, two hotels, and two stores,
and numerous cosy and well-furnished family cottages, are among the
structures of Sunny South. The school has an attendance of about twenty
scholars. The stores are kept, respectively, by Peter Just and John Abram &
Son, and the hotels by Mrs. B. Lyons and James A. Abram.
Emigrant Gap.
Is a station on the Central Pacific Railroad, forty-seven miles northeast
of Auburn, at an elevation of 5,221 feet above the sea, in Township No.4,
and has a population of 137. It is in the midst of the great pine forests of
the Sierra, and lumbering i8 the chief resource of the place. The scenery
around Emigrant Gap is grand and inspiring, and, coupled with its fine
summer climate and good hunting, makes it a pleasant place of resort for
those seeking health and pleasure.
Forest Hill.
This mining town is pleasantly situated on the ridge between Shirt-tail
Cañon and the Middle Fork of the American River, twenty-two miles northeast
of Auburn, at an elevation of 3,230 feet above the sea. The region is a
gravel formation, and was originally covered with a noble growth of pine
trees. Before March, 1850, the surface of the ground was unbroken, and its
forest unhacked by the hand of the white man. In that month the story was
spread of the discovery of rich diggings at Bird's store, and a rush of
people passed up the country via Coloma and Greenwood Valley from the south,
and via Aubu
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