YUBA COUNTY
GENEALOGICAL NUGGETS
EXTRACTS FROM YUBA COUNTY NEWSPAPERS
Submitted by Cathie Manwell Adams
NYE, MICHAEL C.
Daily Appeal – 08/12/1900, p. 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 Princeville, 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 – 02/13/1907 – Bergin and His Vanished Wealth – Arthur Bergin, who came into the Police Station Monday night and claimed to have $3,000,000 in his vest pocket, developed a severe case of the “Willies” yesterday and was attended by Dr. Swift. – Bergin keeps shouting for his coin, but as it was all conversation money that was taken from him he has little chance of gathering back any of the lucre. – Last night the jail resounded with his shouts for money and Sergeant McCune had to give him a little whiskey and sleeping powders to quiet him. – Jimmie Thompson and Willie Flaherty, who occupied the same cell with Bergin, got wise that he received some booze and they immediately developed severe cases of th [sic] Jimjams, but the gag did not work, and they had to retire without a nightcap.
Daily Appeal – 10/25/1902, p. 1 – R. E. BEVAN – Yuba County’s Efficient Sheriff Making Strong Campaign for Re-election – Among the local political contests it is questionable whether any is exciting more interest than that for the office of Sheriff. – When the time came to make the nominations no other man but R. E. Bevan, the present incumbent, was thought of by the Republican convention. He had administered the affairs of his office so admirably that it was felt he was fully entitled to a second term, and without a dissenting voice he was named for the honor. Since then he has been vigorously campaigning and in his trips over the county and talks about town he has received much encouragement. But until the polls close he will take no chances. – Mr. Bevan is one of the successful business men of this city. He came to California when 23 years of age, first locating at Nicolaus but later removing to Wheatland. While there he followed his trade of carpenter for awhile, but finally entered the employ of the Southern Pacific Company, remaining with it untill [sic] ill health caused him to resign his position. He then went to Sacramento and engaged in business, but finally, in 1882, he returned to Wheatland and entered the employ of J. H. Stewart, carriage maker. In March, 1883, he began business for himself under the firm name of Bevan, Swift & Little, and while so engaged was elected Coroner, in the fall of 1888. On Christmas day of that year he took up his residence in Marysville and he has lived here ever since. At first he was engaged in the undertaking business with A. B. Hopkiss, but later succeeded to that of A. P. Barnes, which he has carried on ever since most successfully. – Mr. Bevan is a member of several fraternal orders and a most popular one. – A citizen who casts a vote for him will make no mistake.
Daily Democrat – 03/09/1909, p. 4 – Grass Valley Pioneer Tells About Indian Fighting on the Middle Yuba Many Years Ago. – Postmaster Colley of Grass Valley is in receipt of the following letter from William Cole of Lakeview, Ore., which is self-explanatory: – “I have sent to congress my application for a land warrant for fighting Indians in Nevada county in 1851 on Bloody Run on the Yuba river. I joined the party at Selby Flat. Will you be kind enough to show this letter to the people who lived in Nevada City in 1851, as I must be identified? Someone who remembers the time we fought the Indians on the Bloody Run. – “Please have them write me. I was working at that time for Davis and Hurst on Broad street. Some old-timers will remember little Billy Cole. I was the only boy in the outfit. I was 17 years old at that time. Am now in my 75th year. Hoping to hear from you early.” – Marker Knows Cole. – When the Grass Valley Union learned of the above, no time was lost in loking [sic] up Thomas Marker, one of the oldest pioneers of this section. The writer was of the belief that if any one at all knew Cole and had a recollection of the incident, Marker would be the man. No mistake was made, as the Coyote street pioneer immediately recalled the Bloody Run battle with the Indians, and after a few moments of thought Cole came into his mind. The story is an interesting one and is cleverly told by Marker, who is entitled to a land warrant as well as Cole, he having been in the Bloody Run battle. When interviewed Marker spoke as follows: – “Just write and tell little Billy Cole that Tom Marker remembers him well. The last time I saw Billy Cole was at Washington, in 1853, when we were working the Yuba river for the yellow stuff. His letter gives the facts exactly. I was living at Selby Flat when the trouble with the Indians occurred. They were polling about 500 votes then at the Flat and it was a busier place than Nevada City. – “In the fall of ’51 a band of Yuba Indians, who had their camp on the site where Camptonville now stands, came down and stirred up a fight with a tribe that was camped on Indian Flat. The two came together and a couple of braves on each side were killed. Neither had many rifles and bows and arrows were the principal weapons of warfare. Quite a number of white people were attracted to Indian Flat by the fighting. After the fighting ceased the Yuba Indians made again for their up-country headquarters. – “The night of the last battle the Yubas were on the warpath and over near Selby Flat one of them shot a miner named Poor, who was in his cabin. He used a bow and arrow and fired it through a good-sized opening in the cabin, the arrow piercing Poor’s shoulder. Then one of them shot and killed a horse in a corral not far from Poor’s cabin. Next morning the miners were excited and determined to give the Indians battle. – “We thought it was the Indian Flat tribe instead of the Yubas that did the shooting and a posses [sic] went down and waited on them. Old Man Buoyer was their agent here, and he intervened. They proved by their arrows that they were not the molestors and that it was the Yubas. Excitement then ran high and old ‘Betts’ Crawford, who was a Texas ranger and a veteran of the Mexican war, organized a company at Selby Flat. – “Crawford was not long in getting forty men together, and among them Little Billy Cole. John McCoy and Dave Sammersfield came from Navada [sic] City. Each brought a rifle and a role of blankets and Cole was the kid of the bunch. I was only 20 myself at that time. We elected Crawford captain and McCoy lieutenant and the whole prooceding [sic] and organization was affected in a few hours. Then we struck out, going down the old trail by Jones Bar, then across Shady creek to where Columbia Hill now is. From there we made for Bloody Run, which empties into the Middle Yuba. – “We were guided on the trip by two Indians from the Indian Flat tribe, but when we got to Bloody Run they deserted, having learned that the Yubas were lying in ambush for our company. It was just getting dark when we came upon them. There was desultory shooting on both sides, but the redskins were short of guns and we had them beaten. I think four or five of them were killed, while not one of our company fell in the battle. – “The next day we followed them to their camping grounds at what is now Camptonville. There was no further trouble and we decided to return. Before leaving, however, some of the boys decided to give the place a name. There were two cabins there besides the campoodie [?]. As we had camped there some one suggested Camptonville and it went, and that is how the place got its name. – “After we returned home we went to Indian Flat and burned a wood and dirt house belonging to the Indians that was known as the council place, where they held their meetings and often planned trouble. After this was done there was no more more [sic] trouble and things assumed a peaceful aspect once more. I know of none here now who were members of the company or who were hereabouts at the time unless it be old man House, beyond Cement Hill. If Cole is entitled to a land warrant for fighting Indians, I am also, as we were together, and I suppose we can prove each other, as I know of none of the others who were in the company or whether any of them are living or not. I had entirely forgotten about Cole until you called him to my attention.”
Daily Democrat – 05/02/1894, p. 1 – Escapes From Stockton Asylum. – A letter addressed to James Phelan of this city announces the escape of his brother, John, from the insane asylum at Stockton. – John Phelan will be remembered as the young man who was committed from this city in March on account of his queer actions. He was at one time employed by George Harris to assist in bill-posting. – It appears from the letter that young Phelan, with an ex-convict and another inmate of the institution, made their escape from the third story of the building by making a rope out of strips of blankets from the beds. – The latest advices say the escapes [sic] have not yet been located.
Daily Democrat – 05/04/1894, p. 1 – YOUNG PHELAN AT HOME. – He Put in Appearance Last Evening After Tramping The Entire Distance From Stockton.—He Appears Rational. – THE “INDUSTRIALS” WANTED HIM – John Phelan, tired and worn out from tramping the entire distance from Stockton, arrived in this city at 6 o’clock last evening and immediately proceeded to the home of his mother on B street, near Eighth. – He is the young man who with an ex-convict and another of the inmates of the Stockton Asylum, made their escape at 3 o’clock on last Sunday morning. They lowered themselves from the third story of the building with a rope made from strips of blanket. Phelan, who now appears to be quite rational, walked to Sacramento where the unemployed in the ranks of the Industrial Army proposed that he join them. But the young man was bent on returning home and proceeding to Davisville, tramped to this city via Woodland. – After six weeks’ incarceration at the asylum he has apparently fully recovered from the hallucinations which filled his mind when examined and committed by the Lunacy Commission. He now recognizes his mother and other folks and has forgotten all about the untold wealth which was coming to him. He says he is not crazy and does not wish to return to the asylum. Evidently he has been subjected to a very severe treatment at the institution. – Phelan’s folks are perfectly satisfied to have him remain with them if he continues in the same sane state of mind which attended him last night and today. – The young man is quite sore from asylum treatment and his long tramp. He is disposed to be reticent on the whereabouts of his fellow-escapes [sic]. Undoubtedly the authorities are anxious to locate the cranky ex-convict who slid down the rope with Phelan. – Mrs. Phelan, had her son not escaped, was about to take steps to have him released as cured. A friend who met the young man on the railroad near Yuba City last evening did not at first recognize him so dust-begrimmed [sic] and lame was he. He indulges in the use of tobacco to the same extent as when he left here, and his relatives have concluded that he is a slave to the habit. It is hoped that the young man may yet make a useful citizen.
Miss Lois Kline
Miss Grace Stafford
Miss Vivienne Moors
Miss Margaret Traynor
William Shearer
Charles Sheldon
Robert N. Luyster
COLEMAN, FATHER
Democrat – 01/14/1911 – TWENTY-THIRD ANNIVERSARY – On Sunday, the 15th, Rev. Father Coleman will celebrate his twenty-third anniversary as pastor of St. Joseph’s parish, having come here on the second Sunday in January, 1888. During his long residence here he has become more beloved each year by his parishioners as well as by the non-Catholics. His friends sincerely hope that he may be spared to them for many more years of usefulness
Daily Appeal – 07/02/1896, p. 1 – DONAHOE-KERNS. – The Wedding of a Popular Lady and Gentleman. – The wedding bells rang out merrily at an early hour yesterday morning at St. Joseph’s church, and at 6 o’clock there was a very large attendance. The altars were all brilliantly lighted, and decorated with the choicest and most fragrant flowers. – Mrs. M. Kerns, who had resided in Sutter county for many years, and who had recently taken up her residence in this city, had issued invitations to a large number of her friends and acquaintances to witness the marriage ceremony which would make her daughter, Miss Katherine A. Kerns, the wife of Daniel P. Donahoe, one of the most respected and popular residents of the city of Marysville. – The members of the choir were in their places in the organ loft, and, as the contracting parties entered the church, Miss Carew played Mendelsshon’s Wedding March, which was continued until after they had marched up the center aisle and taken their places in front of the grand altar. – A few minutes later Father Coleman took up position at the altar rail, which had also been appropriately deocrated [sic] with evergreens, smilax and ferns. The acolytes stood at each side of the priest, while the bridal couple, best man and bridesmaid stood in front of the rail. – The bridegroom was attended by his brother-in-law, Thomas A. McKenna, and Miss Mary Moran, a cousin of the bride made a charming bridesmaid, being elegantly attired in a pink silk dress with loque [?] of white. – The ceremonies of the Catholic church are for the most part conducted in Latin, so was the marriage ceremony, with the exception of the responses. – As they stood before the altar rail the bride presented a charming appearance as she was elegantly attired in a white brocaded silk, which was richly trimmed. – The [line illegible] dressed with great taste and had the usual floral boquet [sic] upon their lapels. – The ceremony occupied but a few minutes, and at its conclusion the nuptial mass, which was celebrated by Father Coleman, was commenced. Mr. Donahoe at the right side of the altar and his bride at the left. – These positions they occupied until the communion services were reached, when they again approached the altar rails and received Holy Communion. – The choir sang Von La Hache’s “Kyrie,” Gieoza’s, “Demene Deus,” “Sanctus,” and “Benedictus,” and Gelsinn’s “Agnus Dei,” the following ladies furnishing the music: Miss E. Brophy, soprano; Mrs. M. E. Waldron, alto; Miss Kate Carew, organist. – At the conclusion of the services the invited guests went to the handsome home of Mr. Donahoe at the corner of Fifth and C streets, where the wedding breakfast was to be served. It was there that congratulations were in order and then the nuptial feast began, and amid the merry clinking of the glasses Attorney W. H. Carlin arose to propose the health of the bride and bridegroom. It was not a labored effort on his part, but a work of love, and the words that he uttered found an echo in the hearts of all present. Looking at the handsome floral decorations in the parlor he said he hoped that the path of the bride and groom would ever be lined with evergreens and rose bushes out of which the thorn and bramble would never protrude. He hoped that they would always look on the bright side of life and would share in all its pleasures and joys, and that happiness and prosperity would always attend them. – Mr. and Mrs. Donahoe were the recipients of many handsome and costly gifts from their large circle of friends and they were certainly most deserving of it. Marysville cannot bost [sic] of a more generous, or public spirited citizen than Mr. Donahoe whose integrity and honorable dealings in business matters has won for him the respect of all classes. His charming bride is one of Sutter county’s most accomplished daughters and a graduate of Notre Dame College. All who are acquainted with her know her only to love her, as she is possessed of every virtue that should adorn a true Christian woman. – Among the guests at the house were the following: J. R. Garrett and wife, T. A. McKenna and wife, W. H. Carlin and wife, George H. Baird, wife and daughter, J. T. Bogue and wife, Mrs. John Hall and daughter, Mrs. Carrie Berg, J. K. O’Brien, J. M. Cremin, George W. Harney, Thomas Holmes and wife, L. C. Williams and wife, I. G. Cohn and wife, William Nutley, wife and daughter, Miss Anna Walthers, P. J. Delay, Miss Nellie O’Brien, M. J. Collis, Hugh McGuire and wife, C. D. Woods, Mrs. J. C. Corr, Mrs. Phillip Fisher, Miss Kate Sullivan, Rev. M. Coleman, Father Hogan, Mrs. Sullivan and daughter, Miss Esther Sullivan, Miss Nellie Dewan, Frank P. Kerns and wife, Thomas Donovan, Patrick Slattery, Edward McGowan, Miss Marguerite Vineyard, Miss Josie Dewan, James Clark and wife, Miss Mary Moran, Tommie Donahoe, Dannie Donahoe and others. – Mrs. and Mrs. Donahoe departed for San Francisco on the 8:25 local train amid a shower of rice from their lady and gentlemen friends, and a Godspeed from all. They will visit Monterey before they return from their bridal trip.
MEEK-LIPP MARRIAGE
Democrat – 12/24/1894, p. 1 – Meek-Lipp Nuptials. – At 2 o’clock yesterday afternoon, the residence of T. H. Thomas at Wheatland was the scene of a quiet wedding. In the presence of a few near friends and relatives, Dr. C. A. Meek of Chico, and Miss Minna B. Lipp of Wheatland, were united in holy wedlock, Rev. J. Berry of Fairview, officiating. After the ceremony the guests partook of a sumptuous repast prepared by Mrs. Thomas. The happy couple were in this city to-day, and will to-night proceed to Chico, where they will reside in future. Dr. Meek is a dentist by profession. His wife has many friends in this section who wish the pair long years of happiness.
Carpenter, James W. – Bailey, Eliza J. – 09/03/1871 – by Rev. E.
Kellogg at L. P. Farmer residence
Cory, Wm. B. – McNalley, Jane – 10/20/1854 – by Justice Elliott Aubury
Childers, James Blaine – Hunter, Helen Irene – 02/11/1907 – by Rev. Will Stuart
Wilson, groom from Chico, bride from Marysville
Armstrong, Bradley – Armstrong, Daisy – 02/12/1907 – by Rev. Will Stuart Wilson
in the Presbyterian Church parlors, groom from Chico, bride from Redding
Royat, Jesse Edward – Colling, Zilpha – 01/15/1905 – by John M. Owens, J. P., at
Dobbins, groom and bride both residents of Dobbins
Magonigal, John – Fraser, Emma – 11/25/1897 – by Rev. J. T. Vinyard in Mooney
Flat, groom from Pleasant Valley, bride from Mooney Flat
Cooney, William – Walsh, Mary E. – 02/15/1903 – by Rev. Father Ellis in
Sacramento, groom from Marysville, bride from Smartsville
Stephens, Arthur J. – Taylor, Mamie – 12/04/1899 – in Sacramento, groom from San
Francisco, bride from Browns Valley
Oliver, Edward Leslie – Schultz, Elsie May – 09/22/1917 – by Justice of the
Peace W. E. Tucker at the Tucker residence in Yuba City, groom age 26 of Yuba
City, bride age 17 of Yuba City
Ramirez, George - Oliver, Myrtle – 07/04/1919 – by Judge J. J. Henderson in
Sacramento, groom son of A. G. Ramirez of Marysville, bride from Marysville
Gonzales, William – Weyser, Anna – 08/1920 – by Judge George Le Rossignol in
Chico, groom age 40 from Marysville, bride age 41 from Marysville
Vagedes, Antone – Noyes, Abbie – 01/20/1907 – at West Butte, groom aged 31 of
Sutter City, bride aged 27 of West Butte
Submitted by Kathy Sedler
NATIVES ASK WOMEN'S CLUBS TO TAKE CHARGE OF RESTORATION
OF OLD LANDMARK AT TIMBUCTOO
Marysville Democrat - 9/27/1923, p1 -
The History and Landmarks section of Women's Federated Clubs in Yuba and Sutter counties will be asked by the Native Sons of this city to make immediate plans for restoring the old Well's Fargo Building at Timbuctoo, Yuba county, it was decided at a meeting of the Natives held last night following a report that the old brick structure is fast falling to ruin and decay and that prompt action is necessary if any portion of it is to be preserved as a landmark. - It was said that the women's clubs have the Timbuctoo building in their program and they will be requested to make this their next project. - Members pointed out that the building may now be too dilapidated for restoration. In that event, a memorial monument similar to the Fremont memorial in the Buttes, is proposed. - The Natives discussed the feasibility of taking charge of the matter themselves, but decided that it is better to allow the ladies to proceed with their plans and offer them the moral and financial assistance of the parlor. Rainbow Parlor Native Sons of Wheatland, as well as the Marysville and Wheatland Native Daughters, can be counted upon, it is said, for assistance. - The History and Landmarks section will be asked for an early reply in order that work on the building or upon the memorial can begin this fall.
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HIDDEN TREASURE IS DISCOVERED BY MARYSVILLE MAN
Money Was Buried Near Tamales Bay In Sonoma County by Leo Calgari
Marysville Daily Democrat - 5/28/1915, p1
About this time two years ago Leo Calgari lay on his death bed in this city. His strength was failing him fast, and, seeming to realize that the end was near, the sick man, straining every muscle and nerve of his weakened body, made a final effort to communicate some important message to his brother, B. Calgari, who was employed at the time as a driver for a local dairy. But he had waited too long to confide his secret, and the words died on his lips, a short time before the spark of his own life flickered out. The words "money" and "buried" were about the only ones that had been audible to the brother at the bedside. That they had some peculiar significance was never doubted by the relative, but the extent of what that was was never realized until a few days ago, when, like a fairy-tale of old, a poor man was made rich in a day by the unearthing of a fortune and the secret of his dead kin was disclosed. - Almost beyond belief is the story of the finding by Calgari of a treasure trove of $20,000 near Tomales, Cal., a few days ago. But as strange as is the finding of the wealth, stranger still are the circumstances of the power of will that led to the hiding place. Some people perhaps will remain skeptical, which is to be expected, though it is not likely that any special effort will be made to convert unbelievers, for the parties connected with the affair prefer, it is said, to enjoy their good fortune quietly. Probably they will deny it. Nevertheless, the following story, in the main, is vouched for by a party who claims to be familiar with the particulars: - Ever since the death of his brother, the mysterious statement of buried treasure continued to ring in the ears of Calgari. Sometime, somewhere, he hoped to verify the suspicions aroused by the words of the dying man, that he had buried money some place. As time passed by, however, and nothing developed in support of his hope, he began to believe that the secret would never be disclosed. - Several weeks ago a fortune-teller came to Marysville, and advertised she had power to read the affairs of one's life in the past and foresee the future. A dying hope was revived in the breast of the milk wagon driver by the things he had read and heard of the clairvoyant and palmist, and he decided to visit her and secure a reading. The things she told him have not spread beyond the knowledge of a few, but the most interesting disclosure as far as the public is concerned had to do with a buried fortune at or near the home of Calgari's father at Tomales. - Whether the fortune-teller gave him instructions whereby he was enabled to locate the hiding-place of the wealth is not known, but shortly after his audience with the clairvoyant, Calgari, accompanied by Frank Looze, his brother-in-law, who is employed as one of the engine drivers of the Marysville fire department, quietly left Marysville on a mysterious mission. In a few days they as quietly returned, and while there have been many reports current in this city for the last week or so concerning the nature of the expedition and the success of the treasure hunters, only very few people learned the truth. - Found a Fortune - In an old rust-eaten can that had been buried several feet under the surface of the ground for a number of years, Calgari and Looze are credited with finding, a short distance from the residence of the former's father, a fortune of about $20,000 in gold and currency. The younger brother had, for some reason, which death prevented him from telling, buried it there, and evidently desired it should go to the relative whose family had cared for him in his last illness. - Calgari has accepted his sudden change in position modestly. As far as one might judge from outward appearances, the expedition was a failure, for no attempt has been made to convince friends that he is now a man of wealth. During his life he had always been compelled to work hard for a living and he does not intend now to seek idleness, it is said. With his wife and family, however, he proposes to return soon to his former home in Humboldt county to enjoy in a measure the wealth that fate so suddenly thrust upon him. - Leo Calgari, as the records of this city show, died here March 8, 1913, following an attack of brain fever, at the age of 24 years. He had lived in this city only a short time before taken with the fatal illness, and was not very well known locally.
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ARRIVALS AT THE U.S. HOTEL
STOKES & SHIELDS, Proprietors
Marysville Daily Appeal - 10/10/1862, p2
October 8th.
Merritt Feo Virginia City
Silver Geo do
Young R Potosi Sierra co
Oamper L S do
Roberts E Port Wine
Case Isaac
Hanna W
Kellog H. J. Humbolds
Cory W B Sewell's Ranch
Woods Mrs 2 children
Brooks T J Yreka
Opdyke G Oregon House
Doyle Chas Washoe
Buchfield F Straw'y Val
Fiske Geo B
Coplantz J S Honcut
Davis Wm Yreka
Sheltley B do
Gager Chas Downieville
Kirkpatrick John
Kellogg H Hartford Ct
Der T Indiana Ranch
Phelps Ralph
Pierpent D W Grass Val
Laton B B & lady Grass V
Briggs John O
Laton C A do do
Countryman D
Woodull J Stringtown
Countryman Alex
Darnelle F Frenchtown
Roberts H C Virginia city
McGovern J Oregon House
Amery J Nevada
Hunter H Humboldt
Hunter Wm
Gregg W C do
Danner S J city
Jones W C Jones' Ranch
Ellis C Grand Island
Harrington Dr. & family SF
Trent J H Sac river
Williams J Indiana Ranch
Filcher J T Dry Creek
Silver M do
Eldred H A Plymouth Mic
Lambert J R Bangor
Johnson John
Perkins John A
Gaar A A
Schroeder F Bear river
Wilcoxsen J
Cein E
Cormack
Holladay T
Baker T
Farrell D
Pilary
Taylor F
Gilford John
Loud John
Fern R
Weiser Wm
Bryan M
Philips J N
Stack A J
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MARYSVILLE AND BECKWITH PASS WAGON ROAD
Marysville Daily Appeal - 10/14/1862, p2
The Mountain Messenger gives the following description of this fine route through Northern Sierra to Washoe: - Having recently taken a trip over the line of this road from Newark to the Rough and Ready Mills, we are more than ever impressed with the beauty and utility of the route. The grandeur of the landscape viewed by the traveler, in passing the summit above the Slate Creek House, and winding around the mountain heights beyond, can hardly be equalled elsewhere in California; while the ride along the Jamison Creek, in the massive rocky canon, through which the stream passes, will delight every lover of Nature's poetry and music. The route passes through a succession of verdant valleys, with grass and fodder sufficient to sustain large numbers of stock. - When fully developed, the quartz district through which this road passes-in the vicinity of Jamison Creek-will we verily believe, be the most famous in the State. The construction of this road will tend to hasten its development. The "pike" is already graded several miles beyond McRae's Ranch-enough to show what a pleasant route it will make when completed. Surveyor Carter has given us the distance from place to place on the line, which we will state for the benefit of our readers: From Newark to Slate Creek House, 3 miles; from Little Nelson to McRae's Ranch, 6 1/2 miles; from McRae's to Rough and Ready Mills, 4 1/2 miles; from Rough and Ready Mills, to crossing of Middle fork of Feather River, 7 1/2 miles; from thence to Beckwith's Ranch, 10 3/4 miles; thence to Beckwith Pass, 17 1/2; thence to Antelope Ranch, on the State line, 9 1/2. It is 8 miles from La Porte to Newark, which makes the distance from this place to the State line 71 miles.
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Marysville Daily Appeal - 7/30/1905, p1 - Will Be Married On Wednesday - Mrs. George Breeden has issued invitations to a number of her friends and acquaintances to attend the marriage of her daughter, Pearl, to Philip S. Churchill on Wednesday evening, August 9th, at her residence, 440 A street, at 9 o'clock. The reception will take place from 9:30 to 12 p.m.
Marysville Daily Appeal - 8/10/1905, p1 - Colored People Are Married - A pretty home wedding took place at 9 o'clock last night. Rev. John Allen spoke the words that united in the holy bonds of matrimony Philip Spencer Churchill and Mrs. Pearl Amelia Breeden. - The ceremony took place at the home of the bride's mother at No. 110 A street. The parlors where the ceremony took place were decorated very artistically in white crepe paper and cut flowers. The dining room was decorated in white and green crepe papers and flowers, which with the bright lights made the room look very pretty. - Walter M. Segee was the groomsman and Miss Nettie King the bridesmaid. - The bride wore a gown of white French organdie, trimmed with white baby ribbon and lace. In her hand she carried a shower bouquet. - The bridesmaid was attired in cream alpaca, trimmed with lace and ribbons. She carried a bouquet of La France roses. - At the conclusion of the ceremony an excellent repast was served up to the wedding guests. - Phil Churchill, the groom, needs no introduction in this, his native city. He is the son of pioneer residents, who are much respected, Mr. and Mrs. James Churchill. Every baseball player in Northern California knows Phil, the baseball catcher, who has caught such a pretty and charming wife. - Both the groom and bride were married before, the former being 32 years of age, and the latter only 21. - The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Breeden of this city, and is one of the prettiest colored ladies in this city. - Mr. and Mrs. Phil Churchill received many useful as well as costly presents from their friends, which will ornament their home at 803 F street.
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Sacramento Union - 9/26/1943, p23
PIONEER GRAVES AT CAMP BEALE GRIM REMINDERS OF MYSTERY
Marysville - Romance and history surround a number of burial plots on property belonging to Uncle Sam at Camp Beale, and U. S. engineers have taken steps to prevent injury coming to these graves of California's pioneers. Heavy concrete slabs have been placed over the burial plots, and added precautions are taken to protect them while the areas in which they are located are being used. - One of these plots is that of the Kneebones, a family of pioneers who lived near the town of Spenceville, now in use for commando training purposes. - Five members of the family, Joseph Kneebone, Sr., his wife, Mary, his sons, Joseph, Jr. and Richard, and a daughter, Mary, are buried in the 14 by 16 foot plot. - One Word-'Murdered' - After the names of Joseph, Jr., and his father, is traced the ominous word, "Murdered." - That inscription cloaks one of the most mysterious and intriguing stories of this legend-laden part of California - The senior Kneebone, a freighter, founded the Kneebone ranch about a mile up the road from Spenceville. The son, a native of Cornwall, who was about 26 at the time of his death, was well-liked. - Buying one of his father's 12-mule freighting outfits, he started hauling supplies and freight from Spenceville to Marysville. - On June 29, 1888, he was proceeding down the road to the Kneebone home to spend Sunday, after hauling a load of freight earlier in the week to Marysville. - Two Men in Buggy - Scarcely half a mile behind him traveled two men in a buggy, and they later reported they came upon the outfit, with Kneebone missing, and the mules tangled in the gear. - Kneebone was found dead in a field nearby, with several .48 calibre bullets in his body. - His pockets had been gone through, but a robbery theory was not held, as freighters seldom carried their collections. - The young men who found the victim were arrested because of a conflict in their stories, but finally were freed through a writ of habeas corpus, and the murder was never solved. - Another Mystery - Also unsolved is the murder of the senior Kneebone, who was killed nearly nineteen years later at the Kneebone ranch about a mile from the earlier crime. - Kneebone lived alone at the time, and had an itinerant farm-hand working for him. - Neighbors found the rancher lying in the yard, shot to death, not far from where the farm-hand slept. - The farmhand was missing, and Kneebone, Sr., who was believed to keep considerable gold coin in his home, had been dead several days when found. - Sold Horse, Outfit - It was revealed the farmhand had sold a horse and outfit belonging to the rancher at Wheatland, and gone on a spree. He was traced to a Yuba county ranch, where he claimed the horse had been given him by Kneebone, Sr. - Only circumstantial evidence was brought out at his trial, and eventually the case was dismissed. - The words inscribed on the father's and son's tombstones-"Murder" in each case, bring to life a certain amount of speculation as to the two unsolved mysteries of an early day.
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Marysville Daily Appeal - 10/12/1906, p1
PACKARD FREE LIBRARY WILL BE OPENED TONIGHT
Useful Institution That Will be of Lasting Benefit to Our People - - It is One of the Best In the State
At 7 o'clock this evening the doors of the Packard Free City Library will be thrown open to the public formally, but without any ceremony. The lot and building are the donation of John Q. Packard, a well known former resident of Marysville. The location is at the northwest corner of Fourth and C streets. The building, a magnificent four-story fireproof structure, is of the latest modern character, and we doubt if there exists in any other city in the State a library building that will begin to approach it. A detailed description of it has heretofore been published in the "Appeal." It cost about $70,000. In the upper story is a lecture room or assembly hall, that will be used for the holding of meetings for the advancement of education, art, literature, and science, and for no other purpose. Such is the restriction in the grant of the donor and a violation of it would result in a reversion of the property. - The hall room is fitted with 100 comfortable chairs, the seats of which swing back when not in use and the passages between the tirers are sufficient that persons can pass without discommoding those seated. The acoustic properties are perfect. Ample space is afforded on one of the lower floors for a general reading room. - Another large room is for the women and a smaller one contains the juvenile books, arranged by author for the use of the children. In the lower story is the room for the men, stocked with suitable books, magazines and newspapers. From this room are alcoves with tables for the playing of chess, checkers, dominoes, etc. Here smoking will be permitted. It will afford a convenient and attractive place for men to spend their evenings. A room on the second floor is for reference books and that will prove of extreme value particularly to the pupils in the schools - The library was established as a private institution in 1858, and as a free public library in April, 1900. There is no library tax, but the city has paid for the furniture, the salary of the librarian, lights, etc. The income for purchase and rebinding of books is derived from interest on bequests and donations by citizens. Miss Mary E. Subers is the librarian. - The library will be open to the public day and evening. The total number of volumes is about 8000. All of the prominent magazines are in the reading rooms and many daily and weekly newspapers will be kept on file.
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Daily Appeal - 7/31/1872, p3 - Attempted Assassination - On Friday last, a gentleman of the German persuasion while laboring under a temporary affliction of lager beer, happened in the vicinity of the corner of E and Fifth streets, and while there became quite angry at R. B. Gill and threatened to shoot him, and did really undertake to put his threat in execution, but as the weapon used was a bologna sausage, it failed to go off, and Mr. Gill's life was fortunately spared. The matter was hushed up, and no arrests will follow in consequence of the attempt to use this novel weapon.
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Marysville Daily Appeal - 8/17/1897, p2
THERE'S GOLD AT HOME
Billie Meek Brings Down a Few Lumps From Camptonville
W. B. Meek, who was down from Camptonville yesterday, convinced several of his friends that there was no necessity to go to Klondyke in search of gold. He had with him some specimens taken out ten feet from the surface of different ravines in the vicinity of Camptonville. One of the nuggets was worth $115, and the value of the specimens he had with him was $700. They were shipped to San Francisco last evening through Wells, Fargo & Co.'s office. - Mr. Meek thinks it is only a matter of time until Yuba county will experience a mining boom. He is satisfied that as much gold can be dug out of Yuba county as in any other locality in the State. - E. M. Polley, Superintendent of the Brandy City mine who accompanied Mr. Meek to this city has had the Klondyke fever bad for several weeks, and all Billy's good advice has been wasted on him. He left on the noon train yesterday for San Francisco and will take the first steamer to Victoria. During his absence E. B. Covey will act as superintendent. He has promised to return when the first news reaches him of a great mining boom at home.
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Marysville Daily Appeal - 3/24/1918, p3
HELP TO RESTORE PIONEERS' GRAVES
Peoria cemetery is a spot rich in California history and hallowed as the resting place of men and women who won from the wilds this garden spot in the valleys of the two rivers. Funds are needed to restore and beautify this historic burying ground. M. H. Binninger, J. W. Bruce and Mrs. Maggie Cotton have been chosen as a committee for this work and issued the following appeal: - "The undersigned having been named by the people of this district a committee to lead in the work of beautifying Peoria cemetery, where lie the bodies of many of our highly honored and respected pioneers, take this method of calling your attention, as one interested, to the plans we have outlined. - "First, we propose to rid the grounds of all weeds and shrubbery. This portion of the work will be free of expense, as we find many willing workers in our community. - "Then will follow the felling and removal of the wood-producing trees growing wild on the premises, the proceeds from which will but partially finance the further work of placing an ornamental wire fencing about the cemetery and piping of water to points within the burying grounds convenient to all lot owners. - "It will be apparent to you that the balance of the fund which will insure the permanent beautification of the cemetery, must be raised by voluntary donations in ________ all interested persons. - "As one interested in Peoria cemetery, we are addressing you in the belief that you will make a contribution to this fund, the sum to be left to your judgment. - "All remittances should be made to the secretary-treasurer of this committee, Mrs. Charles Sperbeck, Browns Valley, Yuba county, Cal."
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Evening Democrat - 8/1/1890, p1
ALPINE COUNTY
A QUEER SPOT IN CALIFORNIA, FOUND BY A CENSUS MAN
Colonel Fred W. Clemens has been telling a newspaper about the strangest county he ever knew. It is Alpine county, and is located in Central California, close to the Nevada State line. The county is almost inaccessible from California, and every one who goes into the county must go into Nevada and take a long and most hazardous journey on a coach from Carson City. There are only about 3000 acres for farming in the whole county. Mountains occupy nearly all the territory of Alpine county, and sheep herding is the exclusive business there. The population of the county is less than 350, and of these only about 100 live in families, the rest in mountain cabins. The only village in the county is Markleeville, the county seat, where the population is 143. There is but one doctor, one barber, nine professional gamblers, one lawyer, two merchants, four bar-rooms, two post offices and one hotel in the county. The county lost over 120 of its population since 1880. - Colonel Clemens is employed by the United States Census Bureau in examining the records of the County Clerk's office in order to find the mortgaged indebtedness and the number of real estate transfers recorded for the past ten years. He says the County Clerk's office is a wooden structure about twenty feet square. The jail, which has not had a prisoner since 1887, is near at hand and consists of but two cells. The County Clerk and Treasurer of the county is one man, and it was a whole day before he could be found to open the office for an inspection of the books. He said he had not opened the office before for over six weeks, and that he had no business as a county official sometimes for four or five months. Colonel Clemens found that since 1880 eleven mortgages and fourteen deeds had been recorded in the county. The County Clerk and Treasurer says his annual fees are generally about $33. He would resign his position, but he likes the honor of his office.-Nevada Transcript.
DELEGATES ELECTED
The following precincts have sent in the recent Republican
Primaries:
Cabbage Patch. - T. R. Sperry and G. L. Anderson
Camptonville - J. R. Meek, O. G. Mayo, James Nelson, C. A. Bliss and J. A.
Jackson
Hansonville - M. P. Beever and W. W. Gorbett.
Woodville - G. S. W. Twogood and Fred Hall
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Marysville Daily Appeal - 9/27/1860, p3
A SHOOTING AFFAIR
A spectator gives us this account of an affray which occurred on High street, yesterday, between two teamsters named Sheldon and Simpson. There seems to have been an old quarrel between the parties, which was renewed when they met at the corner of Second and High street. Simpson is said to have followed Sheldon up with a black snake whip in one hand and a butcher-knife in the other striking him over the head with the whip and swearing that he would "cut his damn guts out." Sheldon finally got out of reach of his pursuer, said he was ready for him, drew a pistol and fired. The ball, glanced from a brick wall without harm to Simpson, and passed in dangerous proximity to a shoemaker who was witnessing the affray. Simpson then jumped into a house close at hand, saying as he went away, "wait, and I'll be ready for you." He then purchased a pistol somewhere and was returning to find Sheldon, when a policeman met him, and took his pistol away. - We are told that the belligerents subsequently had an amicable meeting and drank together as friends. We are glad of it, but surely they ought to be apprehended for endangering the lives of innocent people, and we are surprised that no spectator of the affray has informed upon them and had them arrested.
Appeal Democrat - 1/23/1960, p D-3
SIMPSON MURDERED - In 1861 the Simpson Lane bridge had been built by Mrs. James Simpson, widow of a rancher who was murdered Sept. 7, 1859, in an election-day fracas. There previously had been a ferry operated over the Yuba at this point. The Simpson bridge was destroyed in the 1861-62 flood and Marysville citizens found themselves without a crossing over the Yuba. - The pioneers of Marysville were not the type to sit around and moan over a bad situation so they did something about their bridgeless state in 1861. A mass meeting was held and plans begun for a new county toll bridge over the Yuba. Contractors on the $36,000 project put in a 1500-foot bridge and were paid in scrip drawn on the county bridge fund. Receipts from tolls eventually paid off the debt. By 1867 extensive repairs were needed on this bridge, and by March 1883 the Yuba County Grand Jury termed it unsafe "because the arches were rotten." BRIDGE REPLACED - The Simpson bridge also was replaced at a later date and maintained by the county. It was a one-way bridge, and as traffic speed increased was inadequate long before it became one of the 1955 flood casualties. In June 1956 the state agreed to assist Yuba County and appropriated funds for a two-lane reinforced concrete bridge. The county relocated part of Simpson Lane to join the new bridge. Ben Gerwick Co. of San Francisco, which had rebuilt the Sacramento Northern bridge after the flood, was contractor at $273,972. It was completed June 18, 1957.