YUBA COUNTY Biographies & Family Ties
NYE
Newspaper articles found on those with a surname of Nye.
Sacramento Union – Oct 21, 1854, page 2
DIED
In Marysville, Oct. 19th, Henry, infant son of Michael C. and Harriet F. Nye.
Daily Appeal – Sep 19, 1871, page 3
FUNERAL OF THE LATE MRS. NYE
The remains of Mrs. H. F. [Harriet Frances Murphy] Nye, wife of M. C. Nye has arrived from Oregon, and will be interred to-day. The funeral will be held at St. John’s Church, at 4 p.m. to-day. The deceased was a sister to W. G. Murphy, of this city, and a sister of the late Mrs. Mary Covillaud, in whose honor Marysville received its name. Her husband was one of the earliest settlers of this county. He will be remembered by many old Californians as the proprietor of “Nye’s Ranch,” as this place was once called. The deceased, whose death occurred in Oregon, a year ago last August, was widely known and esteemed for her many virtues. She, too, will be remembered by many who made this city, in early days, and to whom the hospitalities of her home were ever extended. A large circle of friends will mourn the deceased and cherish her memory. It is fitting that her remains should rest near where her youthful days and maturer years were passed, among the scenes she loved so well. Doubtless a large attendance will be at the church, to show the last sad tribute of respect to one who, for many years, lived among us, winning the love and respect of all who knew her.
Daily Appeal – Dec 2, 1879, page 3
URIAH S. NYE.
We clip the following sketch of the above named pioneer citizen of Marysville from the Chico Enterprise: The gentleman whose name stands at the head of this article is one of the most widely known men of Colusa county, and is especially prominent among the wool growers of the Sacramento valley. He was born in Crawford county, Ohio, in the year 1829 and lived there until 1840 when the family moved to Platte county, Mo. In 1841 one of his brothers joined a party composed of John Bidwell, R. H. Thoms and William Bartlett bound for this State, which they reached after enduring many hardships. In 1848 Uriah met a German in the employ of General Sutter, and learned of his brother’s arrival and of the recent discoveries of gold. A party was soon formed and on the 3d of May, 1849, they started for this State, and arrived in Sacramento on the 28th of July following. He found his brother in Marysville settled in business, and his wife and daughter were among the survivors of the ill-fated Donner party. In 1849, U. S. Nye, with his brother Emanuel started a trading post on the South Yuba, where Bridgeport now stands, but after a short time he sold out and returned to Missouri. He soon became homesick, and buying a band of cattle he returned. After one or two trips on the same business he determined to settle down, and selected his present ranch in Colusa county, where he has since resided. He married, in 1859, Susan H. Lull, of Woodstock, Vermont, and has an interesting family of six children. Since that time he has devoted his energies to the improvement of sheep, in which he has been very successful.
Daily Democrat – Feb 19, 1897, page 1
URIAH NYE DEAD. – A Glenn County Farmer Whose Name is Closely Associated With Marysville’s Early History. – Reverses and Ill-Health.
Uriah S. Nye, a prominent farmer of Glenn county, committed suicide yesterday afternoon by shooting himself in the right temple at his home, twelve miles west of Willows on the Mendocino railroad. Wednesday evening he complained of feeling unwell, and at noon yesterday he requested his son and two daughters to withdraw from the room, explaining that he wished to sleep.
An hour later, the household was alarmed by hearing the report of a pistol shot, and, on rushing to Nye’s bedroom, found him dead. Business reverses and ill-health were supposed to have been the cause of the suicide.
The name of Nye is inseparable with the history of Marysville. When the first settlement on the banks of the Yuba river was made it was known as Nye’s ranch, and included the Cordua and New Helvetia grants of which tracts Yuba and Sutter counties are now principally made up. It was Michael C. Nye, a brother of the suicide, who in partnership with William Foster and Charles Covillaud, brothers-in-law of Attorney W. G. Murphy of this city, first owned these lands. Michael C. Nye now resides at Prineville, Oregon.
Uriah S. Nye retained many friends in Marysville who will be grieved to learn of his sad end. Occasionally his daughters visited in this city, one of the young ladies being named after a well-known Marysville lady. Deceased always had a warm welcome for Marysville folks who visited Glenn county. In the early ‘70’s he was a prosperous farmer, regarded as independent , and up to a few years ago was still considered quite wealthy.
Daily Appeal – Aug 12, 1900, page 1
CRAFTY COLONEL MIKE. A Former Resident Who Declines to Make Public his Age
Colonel M. C. Nye, a former resident of Marysville, where he married an aunt of Attorney C. J. Covillaud, was recently interviewed at Prineville, Oregon, regarding his interesting pioneer experiences.
Since the death of General Bidwell at Chico a few months ago he is the sole survivor of the first expedition that ever crossed the American plains. He is at the present time one of the most prosperous sheepmen of Crook county, and a large property owner, and although getting very old he is making no arrangements to follow his old comrades. No one in Crook county knows his age and it is estimated all the way from 90 to 120 years. Every device and plan has been resorted to to ascertain the Colonel’s age, not because of the importance of knowing, but just because of the Colonel’s refusal to give it.
The Colonel has been in California since 1841, but he was the youngest member of the party that arrived at that time. After reaching California he was adopted into the family of a wealthy Spaniard who took a liking to him and he actually became a naturalized citizen of Mexico. He has never foresworn his allegiance, to that country and never will, but he never fails to vote in Crook county and will if he lives vote for McKinley this fall.
“You crossed the plains in 1841?” was asked of Colonel Nye: “that was 59 years ago. How old were you when you started on the journey, Colonel?”
“Oh, I was upwards of – I was quite a lad,” replied the Colonel. Seeing that he was about to give away his age he refused to talk.
The name Nye is associated with the early history of Marysville, and W. G. Murphy probably is the only man in Marysville that could come very near guessing Colonel Nye’s age. When a resident of Marysville he lived in the present Schneider home on D street.
Daily Appeal – July 19, 1906, pages 1 & 8
COLONEL MICHAEL C. NYE PASSES AWAY IN OREGON – Marysville’s Oldest Pioneer Died Recently After a Long and Exceedingly Varied and Interesting Career.
Word was received last evening of the death of Col. Michael C. Nye at Prineville, Or., on the 12th inst., at the ripe old age of 85 years. Marysville was at one time called “Nye’s Ranch,” having been so named after the deceased, who, in the early forties, was owner of the land which is now known as Marysville.
Mr. Nye was born April 10, 1821, in the little town of Bucyrus, O. In the course of time he drifted with the tide of population into what is now known as the State of Missouri. There he met General Bidwell, his brother in pioneer fame, and with him formed a company of thirty-six persons, on May 8, 1841, who left Independence, Mo., bound for California. They passed near Salt Lake to the Carson river and thence to the main channel of Walker’s river. Near the source of the last named stream they crossed the Sierra, descending into the San Joaquin valley, journeying to what was formerly known as the “Marsh Ranch,” near Mount Diablo, where they arrived on the 4th day of November, 1841. At this point the company disbanded, the members distributing themselves throughout the State. Mr. Nye was the last surviving member of the company, General Bidwell having preceded him to the grave. In 1846 Mr. Nye was the owner of a large herd of cattle and a band of horses, which he pastured in what is now known as Linda Township. It may be of interest to state that the house where Mr. Nye then resided was of peculiar construction. Ends of stout poles were sunk into the ground and willows were interwoven through them horizontally, forming a sort of basket work. A heavy coating of soft clay was plastered over the wicker work on both sides and the roof was thatched with tule grass, brought from Nicolaus. The floor was constructed of sun-burned brick and earth, pounded down smooth. A coat of whitewash was the only covering of the bare and unsightly walls.
In 1847, a more pretentious and commodious structure of two rooms was erected. The walls of the new building were of adobe, that is to say of mud, and the roof was covered with split shakes brought from the river bottom near Marysville. This building, as well as the first one, was situated across the Yuba river from this city, and must not be confounded with the old adobe hut which stood at the foot of D street at that time. In the latter part of the year 1846, Mr. Nye entered the employ of Theodore Cordua, who was then the only white man who owned a home in Yuba county. Cordua was the first settler of Yuba county. He also owned large herds of stock and made his living by selling the horns, hoofs and hides to ship’s boats which came up the river from Yerba Buena (now San Francisco). Marysville was then called “New Mecklenburg,” in honor of the place of nativity of Captain John A. Sutter, who claimed a large Mexican grant called the New Helvetia Grant, which extended from the Yuba river to the Third Standard North, and from the Feather river to the foothills. Mr. Covillaud, a pioneer of 1844, became a partner of Mr. Nye about this time; and in the spring of 1847, the Yuba County contingent of the Donner Party arrived in this vicinity. With the party came William Foster and his wife and their relatives.
In October, 1848, Theodore Cordua sold one-half of his interests in Yuba county, which included the land now comprising the City of Marysville, and vast herds of cattle and horses, to Charles Covillaud, for the modest sum of $12,500, and on January 4, 1849, he sold the remaining half to Nye and Foster for $20,000. Later on Covillaud became the sole owner and thereafter disposed of three-quarters of the property as follows: One-fourth to John Sampson, one-fourth to Theodore Sicard and one-fourth to J. M. Ramirez.
On January 1, 1848, Mr. Nye and Mr. Covillaud married sisters-in-law of William Foster at Sacramento.
The writer, in an article published in this paper the day following the death of William G. Murphy, made mention of some interesting particulars connected with the life history of Mr. Nye, which it might be as well to repeat. When Mr. Nye came to California threw were not over twenty white persons in San Francisco, which place was at the time known as Yerba Buena. Not half a dozen white people were living in the northern part of the State outside of Yerba Buena. Indians and “Greasers” were almost the only inhabitants of the State.
In December, 1849, Mr. Nye took his family back to the East by way of Panama. Again, in 1854, Mr. Nye undertook the long and arduous journey to California over the plains, this time with a large band of cattle, which he expected to sell at fabulous prices and out of which he did, in fact, make a splendid profit.
Nye was a prominent figure in Marysville’s affairs until about the year 1870, when he took up his residence at Prineville, Or., from which place his death has been announced. Mr. Nye was a man of commanding presence, standing 6 feet 4 inches in height. By reason of his distinguished bearing, but not on account of any military service, he was familiarly called “Colonel” by his friends.
In 1856 and for several years after, he resided with the family of Gabriel N. Swezy, in the old homestead, at the corner of D and Seventh streets, now owned by Henry Brock, superintendent of the Sunset Telephone Company. He built the residence now occupied by John C. Lumbard, and occupied it with his family until the early sixties.
Mr. Nye’s remains will rest in the cemetery at Prineville.
Daily Democrat – Jun 25, 1903, page 4
THE TOMB.
NYE – In this city, June 22, 1903, S. W. Nye, a native of Vermont, aged 68 years.
Daily Appeal – Jun 25, 1903, page 4
FOUND DEAD – Samuel W. Nye, the Painter, Meets Death by Drowning.
The remains of Samuel Washington Nye, a well known Yuba City painter, were found yesterday afternoon under the first trestle between the levee and the Feather river bridge, near the old McDonald race track.
The body was first seen by a railroad crew who told O. W. Wallace when they arrived at Yuba City. He at once notified Coroner Kelly, who found the body at the place described in about a foot and a half of water. There was a mark on the forehead that was no doubt caused by striking a stump on which the body lay.
Coroner Kelly found a purse containing $12.55 in one of the pockets, a watch, pair of spectacles, rule, knife and two letters which were signed “Nettie.”
The deceased was about 68 years of age, and was a member of the firm of Mount & Nye, painters, and had resided in Yuba City about 15 years. He visited Marysville last Sunday and had ninety dollars in his possession. That was the last seen of him. He had been married twice, and had a daughter, Mrs. Armstrong, who resides at San Jose.
An inquest will be held today. The body was badly decomposed but D. O. Mount has positively identified the body and the articles found in his possession.
Daily Appeal – Jun 26, 1903, page 1
DEATH WAS ACCIDENTAL – Result of Inquest Over Remains of Samuel W. Nye.
Coroner J. K. Kelly held an inquest at 7 o’clock last evening to inquire into the causes leading to the death of Samuel W. Nye, who was found dead on Wednesday afternoon under the first trestle, between the levee and the Feather river bridge, near the old McDonald race track.
The following jury was sworn: M. T. Featherly, James R. Sullivan, Charles Dietz, Phil McCune, Charles Bruce and James Divver.
D. A. Mount, the partner of the deceased who was a painter, stated that he last saw the unfortunate man alive last Sunday afternoon. He stated that the deceased was usually very timid about crossing a trestle work.
Evidence was also given that the watch of the deceased had stopped at 11 o’clock. When the body was found the face of the man was turned downward.
The jury found that the deceased was a native of Vermont, about 70 years of age, and that he came to his death by falling off the trestle, and that it was accidental.
Daily Democrat – Mar 11, 1909, page 1
DEATH OF GEORGE NYE
Yuba City, March 11. – George Nye died at the home of his niece, Mrs. Guy Smith, in this city about 2 o’clock this morning after a serious illness of only a few days’ duration. A daughter, Miss Kate Nye of Sacramento, was at his bedside when the end came. Deceased was about 80 years of age and occupied the position as night watchman in Yuba City up to about two years ago, when ill health, coupled with old age, forced him to give up the occupation. Undertaker Kelly has taken charge of the body, but no arrangements for the funeral have yet been made.
Daily Appeal – Mar 12, 1909, page 5
GEORGE W. NYE HAS PASSED AWAY
Yuba City, March 11. – George W. Nye, who for years was nightwatchman in this city, died about 2 o’clock this morning at the home of his niece, Mrs. Guy Smith, at 912 G. street, Marysville, after an illness lasting about four months. Death was due to dropsy and heart disease. He was conscious up until a few hours before passing away and seemed to realize that the end was not far distant.
The deceased was a native of Vermont and aged 76 year, 11 months and 25 days, and is survived by a son, George Nye, residing at Oakland, and one daughter, Mrs. Kate Sinclaire of Sacramento.
The deceased was an old resident of Sutter county, where he leaves a large number of friends who will learn of his death with regret. He was a man of upright and honest soul and was well known throughout Sutter county.
No arrangements have as yet been made for the funeral, but the interment will be made in the Peoria cemetery above Browns Valley. His deceased wife was buried at that place many years ago.
Marysville Evening Democrat – Mar 13, 1909, page 1
FUNERAL OF THE LATE GEORGE NYE – Was an Old Soldier and Had a Great Many Friends.
The funeral of the late George Washington Nye will take place Sunday morning at 9 o’clock from the parlors of Kelly Bros.’ undertaking establishment. The interment will be made in Peoria cemetery at 1:30 p.m.
Mr. Nye was an old soldier and enlisted in 1864 in the Eighth California volunteers, an artillery regiment then stationed at Alcatraz Island. After his discharge he returned to Yuba county and was married in 1867. A son and daughter survive him.
Deceased was born in Chittenden county March 16, 1832, and died March 11, 1909. Members of the G.A.R. are requested to attend.
Appeal Democrat – Jan 23, 1960, B-15 (Centennial Edition)
MURPHY KIN HERE
Living in Marysville is a direct descendant of William Green Murphy, a 10-year-old Tennessee lad rescued from the snow-bound Sierra Nevada emigrant camp at Donner Lake in 1846, to become a prominent Yuba County citizen.
Lea Murphy Cheim is a grand-daughter of this boy who escaped death in the mountain tragedy. She is the only child of Leander B. Murphy, who was the youngest of seven children of William Green Murphy.
Leander Murphy was born in Marysville and was living here when he died on July 29, 1957, although there was an interlude of several years in which his home was in Portland, Ore. His widow, Edna Bryden Murphy who was a member of the Bryden family of Honcut area, resides at 622 Fourth St., Marysville.
Mrs. Cheim, the widow of Harny Cheim, lives in a pioneer mansion at 706 G St. This dates back to 1855 when it was constructed for John C. Fall, an early day business man. Later it belonged to Atty. Richard Belcher, a son of I. S. Belcher, a Vermonter who came here in 1856 and was a judge in later years.
Mrs. Cheim has a daughter, Harrie Lea, now Mrs. Richard Kordelos of San Francisco and a son Herman, who is in his last year at college at Salt Lake City. Herman also is married and has one daughter.
William Green Murphys was the younger brother of Mary Murphy who became the wife of Charles Covillaud, founder of Marysville. The city was named in her honor.
Mary was only 15 or 16 years of age when the Donner Party survivors left the camp of death and made their way to what is now Wheatland. The tragic camp, where 42 of a party of 90 emigrants perished of starvation 114 years ago, now is Donner Memorial State Park. It is three miles west of Truckee at an altitude of nearly 6,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada. Sarah Foster and Harriet Pike, who later married Michael Nye, were others of the Murphy family that were rescued.
Their mother, Mrs. Lavina Murphy, perished at the Donner camp. The widow of Jeremiah Burns Murphy, she sought to bring her family to the “promised land” of California. They left their Tennessee homes to join in Illinois the George Donner party coming west in the spring of 1846. Of the 90 members of the wagon train, overtaken by an unseasonable October storm and lacking provisions, 42 died.
William Green Murphy became an attorney and practiced in Marysville for many years. He was both city attorney and district attorney for several terms. His wife (whom he married in 1861 while in Dresden, Tenn.) was Damanis Kathleen Cochran. Despite the Civil War he managed to get himself and his bride back to California in 1862.
They had seven children including Kate Nye Mason, Tallulah T. Murphy, Harriet Murphy, William G. Murphy Jr., Charles S. Murphy, Ernest H. Murphy and Leander B. Murphy, all born in Marysville. Kate, the wife of John Mason, lived in San Rafael and had two children, William Jr., Ernest and Leander each had one child. The others in Murphy’s family had no descendants.
Appeal Democrat – Jan 23, 1960, D-1 (Centennial Edition)
…NYE BUYS LAND
Jack Smith had sold his land, cabin and livestock to Michael C. Nye, who had reached the Yuba area in 1847. Nye crossed the plains in 1841 with John Bidwell, manager of the Hock Farm and later of Chico, who became one of California’s most famed pioneers. Nye worked both at the Hock Farm and at Cordua’s Rancho, where he was major domo. He bought some land from Sutter west of that obtained from Smith.
It was also in 1847 that Nye married Harriet Murphy Pike, widow of William M. Pike who had died in the 1846 snowbound Donner Pass camp. She was one of the Murphy family which had traveled with the Donner Party and of whom William G. Murphy, his younger brother Simon, Mrs. William M. Foster and 15-year-old Mary also had been rescued. They remained in this vicinity and Foster became a miner and storekeeper at the widely-known Foster’s Bar on Yuba River. The 1848 Christmas marriage of Covillaud and Mary Murphy made him an “in-law” along with Nye and Foster.
Those two had bought out Cordua’s properties for $20,000 early in 1849 and so the three brothers-in-law began a partnership involving ranch lands and the trading post at “New Mechlenburg.” But by September of that year, Nye and Foster sold for $30,000 to Covillaud all their rights and he became sole owner of the area including Marysville and the lands to the north.
“Nye’s Rancho” – or “Jubaville” as it was frequently called – was not the only scene of changing conditions…