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  Brobacks C. W. Broback, 25, farmer, born in Virginia. Value of personal estate: $400. U.S. Census, Washington Township, Sonoma County, California, enumerated July 3, 1860 Charles Broback, 36, farmer, real estate valued $1000, personal estate $880 Frances Broback, 30, keeping house Fernando Broback, 9, born in California Walter Broback, 2, born in Oregon U.S. Census, Fifteen Mile Precinct, Wasco County, The Dalles, Oregon, enumerated July 22, 1870 It is therefore ordered by the Court that James Fitzgerald, Abram Tenbrook and Charles Broback, three disinterested Householders of said County, be and they are hereby appointed Viewers and that E. C. Mason, a skillful Surveyor, be and he is hereby appointed Surveyor of said proposed Road and that said Viewers and Surveyor meet at the Office of Thomas Mulholland, a Notary Public for the County of Jackson and State of Oregon, in Goose Lake Valley, on the 25th day of March 1874 and on their failing to meet on said day then within five days thereafter, and after being duly qualified, that they proceed to view, Survey and lay out said Road as prayed for in the petition aforesaid, and that said viewers make their report of such view in writing and deliver the Same to this Court, together with the Plat and Survey of said road, by one of their number to the County Clerk of said County on or before the Second day of the next term of this Court. Jackson County Commissioners' Journals, session of March 4, 1874 Broback, Charles W., Lake County, District 25, Democrat Oregon House of Representatives, 1878 Legislative Assembly, Sept. 9-Oct, 18 Broback represented Lake County, where the operation of the swamp land act cursed the country. He knew Mr. Owen, and he trembled in his boots for fear this law would pass. He would not pay a dollar on his million acres if this bill passed. He had paid nothing yet, and was backed up by some men in California who would not dare to act if this bill became a law. His section was cursed by swamp land claimants, and if this amendment passes the curse will be continued. "Oregon Legislature," Oregonian, Portland, October 14, 1878, page 2 H.B. 103--For relief of Lake County. This bill provides for equalizing matters between Jackson and Lake counties. The courts have given a verdict against Lake County, and this bill orders the county clerk of Jackson County to cancel it. Kahler of Jackson said the amount has been paid. Broback of Lake politely assured all hands it had not. Evarts thought they had better take a little legal advice before bringing in such a bill. Broback thought that was a nice dodge to kill a bill; told the circumstances of the individual case and rejected the offer of advice; said "I have had as good advice as there is--and better too," which settled it, and the bill passed, evidently because Broback is a great wag and has got the blind side of the house with his humor. Several members wanted to be excused from voting on plea of ignorance, but Ramsby never lets any man shirk--always objects. "Oregon Legislature," Oregonian, Portland, October 18, 1878, page 2 C. W. Broback, the member of the lower house of the legislature from Lake County, passed through town last week on his way home. "Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, November 6, 1878, page 3 Messrs. Barnes, Broback and Pendleton have driven about 100 head of horses, instead of cattle, to Drew's Valley to feed. In our report last week we unintentionally made our correspondent say "cattle" instead of "horses." "Local Intelligence," State Line Herald, Lakeview, March 6, 1880, page 6 Tullock and Broback were elected delegates to the county convention by the Democratic primary which met here on the first. "Correspondence--Drew's Valley News," State Line Herald, Lakeview, May 8, 1880, page 3 Frances A. Broback, 39, keeping house, born in Missouri, parents born in Virginia Fernando W. Broback, 19, attends to stock, born in California Walter Broback, 13, attends to stock, born in Oregon Charles Broback, 10, born in Oregon Clarence Broback, 5, born in Oregon Ettie Broback, 2, born in Oregon U.S. Census, 60th Enumeration District, Lake County, Oregon, enumerated June 16, 1880 Hon. C. W. Broback, formerly Representative from Lake County, has purchased Henry Norton's farm in Eden precinct, paying $4,000 for it. He has already taken charge and assumed the role of farmer. "Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 20, 1882, page 3 C. W. Broback of Lake County has purchased the Norton farm in Eden precinct for $4,000. "Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 21, 1882, page 3 To all appearances the central depot for this valley has been definitely located 3½ miles northeast of town on a straight line. C. C. Beekman, C. W. Broback, C. Mingus and I. J. Phipps, on whose land it will be placed, have each agreed to donate several acres for the use of the railroad company, although the depot will be mostly on Mr. Broback's farm. "Editorial Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 2, 1883, page 2 It is reported that the depot for the central portion of the valley and Jacksonville has been located upon land belonging to C. C. Beekman, C. Mingus and C. W. Broback, about four miles from Phoenix. The report is that a tract of 160 acres belonging to the three gentlemen named is to be laid off in blocks, and every alternate block is to be given to the railroad company, in consideration of the location there of the depot. If the rumor be true, we may expect to see some lively speculation in "town lots" there soon. "Railroad Notes," Ashland Tidings, November 2, 1883, page 3 OUR DEPOT--The Grand Central railroad depot has been located at last and the company have decided on putting it on the land owned by C. W. Broback, C. Mingus, C. C. Beekman and I. J. Phipps. It is on a corner owned by the four above mentioned parties but the depot property will be on the land owned by Broback. A town site will be laid out and property offered for sale. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, November 3, 1883, page 3 It having been decided to locate the central depot on the lands of Messrs. Broback, Beekman, Mingus and Phipps, a town site will be laid out there at once. C. J. Howard went out yesterday to do the surveying. "Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 23, 1883, page 2 Chas. J. Howard with a force of men is now engaged in surveying the new town site opposite Jacksonville, located on the land owned by Messrs. Beekman, Broback, Mingus and Phipps. Lots will soon be offered for sale and those expecting to get rich on real estate investments will no doubt be on hand to make purchases. "Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, November 24, 1883, page 3 C. W. Broback, one of the proprietors of the new town down the valley, was in Ashland Wednesday. He says [the name] "East Jacksonville" is "no go." "Personal," Ashland Tidings, November 30, 1883, page 3 The town site, as has been stated by us heretofore, comprises a tract of 160 acres, which was owned in equal shares by C. C. Beekman, C. W. Broback, C. Mingus and [I. J. ] Phipps. To induce the railroad company to locate a depot there, these gentlemen offered to give the company half the land. This offer was accepted by the company, and now as the town is laid off, every alternate block belongs to the railroad, and Messrs. Beekman, Phipps, Mingus and Broback each have a one-fourth interest in half the land of the town. Excerpt, "Medford Town," Ashland Tidings, December 21, 1883, page 3 CHAS. W. BROBACK: has heretofore been farming and stock raising; he is now one of the proprietors of Medford, a new town springing up on the O.&C.R.R., a few miles north of Phoenix; is a Virginian by birth, being born July 14, 1835; came to California in 1852 and to Oregon in 1864; was married December 25, 1859, to Francis A. Haigh. Children Fernando W., Walter, Charles, Clarence, Ettie and Allie. A. G. Walling, History of Southern Oregon, 1884, page 501 "Here and There," Democratic Times, The case of W. P. Huff vs. C. W. Broback has been transferred from the Lake County court docket to that of Jackson County. "Brevities," Ashland Tidings, January 25, 1884, page 3 "Medford Items," The several proprietors of the town, Messrs. Beekman, Phipps, Mingus and Broback, have divided their lots, each taking an agreed number, to which he has secured full individual title. Thus far lots to the value of about $8000 have been sold. The lots range from $100 to $500, those in what is considered the business part of town, 25x100 feet are held at $300, and a higher price is asked for the corners. The case of W. P. Huff vs. C. W. Broback has been transferred from the Lake County court docket to that of Jackson County. "Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 26, 1884, page 3 "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 1, 1884, page 3 Democratic Times, Democratic Times, Another
Tragedy.
Just before going to press the verdict of the jury was handed us by Justice Huffer, acting as Coroner, and is appended below: We, the Coroner's jury empaneled to inquire into the cause of the death of William S. Caldwell, find that the deceased came to his death by a gunshot wound from a pistol in the hands of C. W. Broback, and find that the said C. W. Broback was perfectly justifiable and acted in self-defense, and we exonerate him from all blame. GEO. W. WILLIAMS, JOHN BYERS, WM. EGAN, J. H. WILSON, ISAAC WOOLF. Morning Oregonian, FULLY EXONERATED.--Shortly after the shooting of W. S. Caldwell at Democratic Times, JOHN BYERS, WM. EGAN, J. H. WILSON, ISAAC WOOLF. "The first death occurring in Medford [the first deaths reported were the children of a Mr. Raynes, reported February 8, 1884] was the murder [sic] of William Caldwell, the noted desperado of Southern Oregon, and the terror of the country," said Mr. [Joe] Thomas. "It seems that Caldwell had been making the rounds of the saloons, was drunk, and pretty quarrelsome. It was his habit to walk into a saloon, smack his gun on the counter with a loud whack and remark to the trembling bartender, 'Set 'em up!' and his orders were always respectfully obeyed, as Caldwell had the reputation of being quick with the trigger. "Caldwell slapped the young son of William [sic] Broback during the course of a card game, and Broback in great anger shot him. Lots of people around town said it was a good thing that Caldwell's gun stuck, due to the smackings it had received on the various bars of the city saloons, or William Broback would certainly have been out of luck," Mr. Thomas continued. The murder occurred in 1884, and Broback was never even arrested. The coroner's jury exonerated him, figuring the country was well rid of the desperado. "Lots of people kidded Broback--told him they guessed he was trying to start Medford's first graveyard," said Mr. Thomas. "First Xmas in Medford Is Recalled," "Personal Mention," Democratic Times, C. W. Broback, one of the enterprising ones of the townsite proprietors, has just bargained for the sale of his farm to a man named Barnum, recently from "Medford Items," C. W. Broback, who recently sold his farm to a gentleman named Barnum, just from "Here and There," Democratic Times, Democratic Times, New residences are proposed by several of our farmers. We learn that M. Bellinger, C. W. Broback, G. W. Fordyce and J. N. Woody each contemplate building substantial dwelling houses in the near future. "Here and There," Democratic Times, C. W. Broback's new dwelling house at "Personal," Ashland Tidings, August 8, 1884, page 3 C. W. Broback's handsome residence near "Here and There," Democratic Times, The new residences of Merritt Bellinger near town and that of C. W. Broback at Medford are nearing completion. Both will make fine homes. "Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, September 13, 1884, page 3 "Brevities," Ashland Tidings, September 26, 1884, page 3 C. W. Broback, appellant, vs. W. P. Huff, respondent; appeal from Lake County. "Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, October 11, 1884, page 3 In the matter of the petition of C. W. Broback and others for a road between Jacksonville and Medford. Consideration of motion is set aside, the viewers of damages set for the January term. . . . "County Commissioners' Court," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, December 20, 1884, page 3 Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 31, 1885, page 3 J. S. Howard was the first postmaster, and it was in '85 that the town was incorporated--and in a cleanup of this week a large ugly-looking knife was unearthed, the same being the weapon with which he defended himself against an attack of Broback, one of the original townsite owners. The attack having been brought upon by Mr. Howard having posted in his store window a telegram from Salem announcing the fact that the incorporation bill had passed the legislature. Broback was opposed to incorporating and Mr. Howard favored it. Medford Mail, February 21, 1895, page 5 C. W. Broback during the past week sold all of his Medford property to G. W. Howard, lately from the Willamette Valley. He will leave for California with his family as soon as spring opens, for the benefit of his health. "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 6, 1885, page 3 It is reported that C. W. Broback has sold his entire interest in the town site of Medford to a company of capitalists of whom Mr. G. W. Howard, who has been living at Phoenix recently, is the representative. The consideration is not made public. "Brevities," Ashland Tidings, March 6, 1885, page 3 A lawsuit, in which C. W. Broback was plaintiff and J. S. Howard defendant, was tried in Justice Foudray's court this week. The plaintiff was awarded a judgment for $103.25, but the defendant proposes appealing to the circuit court, we learn. "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 3, 1885, page 3 The case of C. W. Broback vs. J. S. Howard was tried in Justice Foudray's court this week resulting in a verdict for plaintiff for $101.25 and costs. A large number of witnesses were summoned from Medford and Ashland. "Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, April 4, 1885, page 3 Hon. C. W. Broback of Medford, one of the best citizens of our valley, was in this place this week. A few spiteful persons are persecuting him, but to no avail, as public sentiment is with Mr. B. Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 24, 1885, page 3 CARD FROM MR.
BROBACK.
MEDFORD, Oregon, April
8, 1885
MR. BROBACK--I take my pen in hand to plead for my fatherless
[omission]--not
myself. With my own work I can support myself; but I
want to raise my children decently and give them a common education. I
put my claim at $1,000. If you will compromise with that amount I will
not prosecute you. I will give you till tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock
to make up your mind. If you don't compromise with that amount I will
prosecute to the extent of the law.MRS. CALDWELL
In reply to the above I have to state that if I am indebted to you on
account of the death of your husband then I am a criminal, and your
offer to compromise your husband's blood and honor and allow the
perpetrator of such a crime to go free, and your husband's blood
unrequited, ought to bring the blush of shame upon the cheeks of your
advisers if not upon yourself.In the declaration contained in your letter to "compromise" crime for money, you hold up the character of yourself and the blackmailing villains to public infamy, thus warning all men not to credit them. A perfidy so notorious cannot be hid. It stands open to the public gaze. To accept your offer would be like a foolish dotard taking to his arms the bride that despises him, or who has placed on his head the ensigns of her disgust. It is kissing the hand that boxes his ears, and proposes to renew the exchange. A due sense of honor to myself and family and the community forbids me accepting the terms you propose. C. W. BROBACK
Medford, April 21, 1885Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 24, 1885, page 3 Mrs. M. Caldwell of Medford, as administratrix of the estate of Wm. S. Caldwell, deceased, has commenced suit against C. W. Broback for damages, on account of killing her husband, which she places at $5,000. As it was proved that Mr. Broback acted in self-defense, it seems as if Mrs. C. was being imposed upon by some enemies of this gentleman. "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 1, 1885, page 3 Mrs. Margaret Caldwell, widow of the late Wm. Caldwell who was killed at Medford, has brought suit against Mr. Broback for $5,000 damages. S. B. Galey, Esq., of Ashland, is retained by Mrs. Caldwell to manage the suit. Margaret Caldwell, administratrix of the estate of Wm. S. Caldwell, deceased, vs. C. W. Broback, to recover damages. "Circuit Court Docket: Civil Cases," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 2, 1885, page 3 When ready for start for Lake County, Cal., this week, C. W. Broback of Medford was informed that a suit for $5,000 damages had been entered against him by the widow of William Caldwell for the killing of her husband not long since. While Mr. Broback did shoot and kill Mr. Caldwell, a judicial investigation declared him not guilty of any crime and he was discharged in consequence, the community in which he lived approving of the verdict. The case will come up for trial at the next term of court, and Mr. B. has set the date of his departure at a time after its close. "Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 2, 1885, page 3 Martha Caldwell, administrator of the estate of W.S . Caldwell, vs. C. W. Broback; suit for damages. Motion to strike out part of answer sustained. "Circuit Court Proceedings," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 30, 1885, page 3 The Caldwell-Broback damage suit has been postponed until next term of court, and the latter will move to Lake County [California] in a short time, expecting to return at the next term. "Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 30, 1885, page 3 C. W. Broback and family left Medford last Saturday for Lake County, Cal., but will return in the fall. "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 5, 1885, page 3 The Caldwell-Broback damage suit has been postponed until next term of court. Mr. Broback has removed to Lake County, but will return when the case comes up for trial. "Brevities," Ashland Tidings, June 12, 1885, page 3 M. Caldwell vs. C. W. Broback--action for damages. "Circuit Court Docket: Civil Cases," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, October 3, 1885, page 2 C. W. Broback, the founder of Medford, but now a resident of Lakeport, Cal., is back on a short business visit. His many friends are glad to see him. "Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 9, 1885, page 3 Chas. W. Broback is now a resident of Hopland, Mendocino County, Cal. "Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 4, 1887, page 3  The Broback house, 206 North Pine, Ukiah, April 15, 2011 "Local News," Mendocino Dispatch and Democrat, June 5, 1891, page 3 F. M. Mason has been awarded the contract to build a fine residence for C. W. Broback on the property recently purchased by the latter from Mrs. M. A. Kelton. Work will commence immediately. "Local News," Mendocino Dispatch and Democrat, June 26, 1891, page 3 F. M. Mason is pushing along work on the Broback residence. "Local News," Mendocino Dispatch and Democrat, July 24, 1891, page 3 Fine Plastering.
The
work on the interior of Broback's residence, executed by W. I. Baily,
is an example of fine plastering, and shows that our local mechanic is
"up to snuff" in the art. The walls are smooth as glass and white as
snow. An elaborate cornice sets them off, and centerpieces, brackets,
etc., give harmony and completeness to a first-class, workmanlike job.
Ukiah Republican-Press, September 18, 1891, page 3  The Broback house, 206 North
Pine, Ukiah, April 15, 2011
Name Age Height Complexion Eyes Hair Occupation Birthplace Residence Broback, Charles Wesley 57 5 9¾ Dk Br Gr Capitalist Virginia Ukiah Broback, Charles Augustus 21 5 7 Lt Gr Dk Waiter Oregon Ukiah Broback, Fernando Wesly 31 6 1½ Dk Blu Dk Printer California Ukiah Mendocino County Great Register, 1892. The age and other data listed doesn't change from the 1892 register to that of 1898; apparently this is the data at registration. The Brobacks registered in 1892. The communication of F. W. Broback, relative to those poetical cards published elsewhere in this issue, pretty effectually disposes of the remarks made on the subject by the Republican-Press last week. Mr. Broback is an unfortunate cripple, unable to walk, who for amusement and something to occupy his time has put a little press and some type into his home, and prints small cards, etc. The Republican-Press last week said those cards were originally printed at another office (than the Republican-Press office), leaving it to be inferred that they were printed by the Dispatch-Democrat. The dishonest motive of this statement will be apparent to all now that the facts are made public. The Republican-Press says that it reproduced a few dozen--not thousands. At least one thousand of these cards were sent to the coast by one man. Mendocino Dispatch and Democrat, October 28, 1892, page 2 Those Cards.
EDITOR DISPATCH-DEMOCRAT:
I see the Republican-Press of last week, in referring to those cards with that poetry on, says that "they were intended as campaign literature to help Standley" and "that the author of the effusion, F. W. Broback, will acknowledge this." I am the author of that "effusion" and emphatically deny that Mr. Standley or his managers had anything whatever to do with his production. I composed the poetry for my amusement, printed a few of the cards (not more than 30) on a little novelty press which I have at my home, and this was all done without Mr. Standley's knowledge or consent. As to the alleged suppression of the circulation of these cards, there was no attempt ever made to circulate them, and Mr. Standley nor any of his friends ever suppressed or suggested the suppression of their circulation. Mr. Mathews, editor of the Republican-Press, has been perfectly aware of all these circumstances, and when I took him to task last Friday for the villainous manner in which he has acted in this matter, his rejoinder was that "he had to say something to get even with the other side." I am prepared at any time to make an affidavit to the facts above stated. F. W.
BROBACK.
Ukiah, October 26, 1892.
Mendocino Dispatch and Democrat, October 28, 1892, page 2 A resume of the rise and development of Medford is an unanswerable argument in support of the fertility of the surrounding country; the facilities placed at the command of the people whose foresight led them to build a town and the enterprise of the citizens through whose energy we have arrived at the point of commercial enterprise; where a decade ago the farms of I. J. Phipps and C. Broback stood, there is now a flourishing city of 2,500 inhabitants of whom there is not one who is not the gainer financially and physically for living here. "Medford: The Leading City of the Rogue River Valley," Medford Mail, July 14, 1893 et seq., page 1 Name Age Height Complexion Eyes Hair Occupation Birthplace Residence Broback, Charles Wesley 57 5 9¾ Dk Br Gr Capitalist Virginia Ukiah Broback, Charles Augustus 21 5 7 Lt Gr Dk Waiter Oregon Ukiah Broback, Fernando Wesly 31 6 1½ Dk Blu Dk Printer California Ukiah Mendocino County Great Register, 1894. See note after 1892 register, above. P. B. O'Neil dropped into the Mail office this week and paid his compliments to F. W. Broback, a gentleman who, with his parents, at one time lived in Medford, but is now residing at Ukiah, Calif. The young man is a cripple for life, but does a good business at job printing. "News of the City," Medford Mail, May 18, 1894, page 3 Good Stuff and Hands Free.
A few weeks ago P. B. O'Neil ordered The Mail sent
to his old friend, F. W. Broback, at Ukiah, Calif., and this is a
letter Mr. O'Neil received under date of June 6th:
Dear Old Friend Barney:--The Medford Mail comes to hand regularly. It was very kind in you to send it, besides you could not have sent me anything that would have pleased me better. I like the paper, and the way it dives into the corruption of the so-called "Jacksonville Ring" is a caution, and shows that the man behind the quill is made of the right kind of stuff, and has both hands free. We have had fine showers here for the last week, consequently the farmers wear a broad smile when they come to town. Politics are all the topic one hears discussed now. Things have brightened up financially of late, and money is not so hard to get. Respectfully, F. W.
BROBACK
P. S. Regards to all, and three cheers for Jackson County and The
Mail.
Medford Mail, June 15, 1894, page 2 They Turned Up All Right.
Considerable excitement was abroad in Ukiah Saturday evening when the
fact was made known that four little girls--two belonging to C. W.
Broback and two to N. Waltrip--had failed to return from a ride [that
was] started out upon in the early morning. Several searching parties
were dispatched, but no tidings of the little ones could be learned,
and it was commonly believed that they had gone over some steep grade
between here and Willits. The next morning, however, the hearts of the
anxious mammas and papas were made glad by the announcement that the
children were all safely at Willits, where they had arrived the
previous day and concluded to remain over night.
Mendocino Dispatch and Democrat, November 23, 1894, page 2 In response to invitations a large number of our young people assembled at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Broback last Friday evening to enjoy a few hours in honor of the birthday of Miss Etta, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Broback. Dancing, game playing, etc., served to take up the time till a late hour, and the evening was indeed happily spent. "Local News," Mendocino Dispatch and Democrat, March 8, 1895, page 3  Identified by the Mendocino County Historical Society as "probably the 2nd Regiment dress parade, June 17, 1895 on State Street across from the courthouse."  A detail of the above image
reveals Fernando Broback, in the wheelchair, trying to get a view.
ARRESTED AT UKIAH.
Fernando Broback Held to Answer to a Serious Charge. MISUSE OF THE MAILS. Corrupting Literature Printed and Sold Throughout the Country. INSPECTOR ERWIN'S STRATEGY. The Culprit Captured While at Work Finishing the Binding of Books.
UKIAH, Cal., Dec. 23.--Fernando W. Broback was arrested here today by
United States Postal Inspector James E. Erwin on a charge of having
used the mails for illegal purposes. Broback was arraigned before
United States Circuit Court Commissioner T. L. Carothers, waived
examination and was bound over under $3000 bonds. These were provided
by C. W. Broback, the prisoner's father, and J. O. White, and Broback
was released.
The particular charge against Broback is that at this place, on October 2 last, he deposited in the United States mails a certain letter, enclosed in a sealed envelope and addressed in black pencil to L. Levin & Son, 26 Stockton Street, San Francisco. This letter contained the following semi-cipher: UKIAH, CAL., Oct. 3,
1895.
Levin &
Son--DEAR SIRS: In reply will quote you as follows: Rosa,
100 lots, 10c each; over that, 7c. She, 100 lots, 6c each; over that
5c. I have no others in stock. Rosa is not bound, and you may have
price printed on outside or inside of cover without extra charge.
The charge, in the language of the United States Revised Statutes, is described as "mailing a letter giving information, directly and indirectly, where and how, and of whom, and by what means, certain obscene books and pamphlets might be obtained." Broback was identified by F. W. Lee, a San Francisco reporter. When his arrest was made a large amount of improper printed matter and many photographs of the same questionable character were confiscated by the officer. The crime charged is a very serious one. It has been stated that for some time Broback was engaged in this business, but no proof could be obtained against him until the matter was taken in charge by the postal authorities. Broback's father is a wealthy property owner of this place, but he did not know, it is said, anything about his son's business. The arrested man is a helpless cripple, having been paralyzed in both lower limbs. He can move about from place to place only while seated in a tricycle made for that purpose. He is about 35 years of age and unmarried. His spare time was spent in conducting a printing office, and here he produced the literature complained of. ----
From information obtained at the office of the postal inspectors in the
Appraiser's Building in San Francisco, it develops that Broback has
been doing a lively business in his particular line. Among dealers in
questionable literature he has been known familiarly enough as
"Broback, the Ukiah Printer." Two men in San Francisco with whom
Broback cooperated have already been convicted. They were Solomon Levin
and Isidore C. Wood, doing business under the firm name of L. Levin
& Sons, at 26 Stockton Street.
Secretary Kane of the Society for the Prevention of Vice went after this firm a number of times, but they baffled prosecutors until at last one of their publications was sent to a boy pupil of the Swett Grammar School, and the postal authorities took the matter up. Broback was in a fair way to flood this city from his Mendocino County printing office with debasing literature, and Levin and Wood were doing the work of distribution. Some of the books sold as high as $5 each and none lower than $1, though they were cheaply got up. They were profusely and abominably illustrated. Inspector Erwin decoyed Broback by means of letters, to the extent at least of ascertaining from Broback himself that he was in the business. The Ukiah man took the precaution to always write his replies with a lead pencil and without attesting any signature to them. Mr. Erwin secured an envelope with the imprint of a firm in Broback's confidence on it, and secured an answer that gave the government's authorities the surprising intelligence that he was prepared to quote the most enticing figures. Broback was made to believe that he was about to make a big deal with a Montana man, so he informed his correspondent that he had in stock 500 each of various books, the names of which are too suggestive to be published. When Mr. Erwin arrested Broback yesterday he seized 1500 of these books, 800 of which were still unbound. Broback was caught at work on these unbound volumes. A lot of vile photographs, said to have been taken by a brother in Santa Rosa, also fell in the possession of the arresting officer. The penalty for Broback's offense is five years' imprisonment or a fine of $5000 or both. The San Francisco Call, December 24, 1895, page 3 A PRINTER OF BAD BOOKS ARRESTED.
Evidence Against a Ukiah Cripple. VIOLATED THE MAIL LAWS. OTHERS MAY BE ARRESTED AS ACCOMPLICES. Strange Double Life of F. W. Broback, Who Was Honored in His Own Home.
Postal Inspector J. W. Erwin arrested F. W. Broback at Ukiah yesterday
for publishing obscene literature, and for mailing a letter giving
information where and how and of whom, and by what means, obscene books
and pamphlets might be obtained.
The letter which got Broback into trouble was written to L. Levin & Co. of San Francisco on October 2nd. Solomon Levin of that firm had previously been convicted of a similar offense, and he is now serving a term in the Alameda jail. Through the Levin case Inspector Erwin learned that Broback was dealing in obscene books, and plans were then laid to catch him. They culminated yesterday when Erwin visited Ukiah, made the arrest and confiscated a large number of obscene books, pamphlets and pictures. Broback was taken before United States Commissioner Carothers, who held him to answer before Judge Morrow on January 6th in bail of $3000. A telegram from the Chronicle's Ukiah correspondent last night says that for many months rumor has been current that Broback was engaged in disseminating proscribed literature, but that himself and family stood so well in the community that nothing particular was thought of the accusation. Broback is a man about 35 years of age, and a cripple. He was formerly a vaquero in Oregon, but some years ago received injuries from which he never recovered. His sole means of locomotion is by a tricycle. He was widely known as a man of cheerful and generous disposition. When he realized that his injuries were of such a character as to preclude the possibility of resuming his former vocation, his father, who is a capitalist of excellent repute, purchased for him a small printing office in order that he might have some method by which to amuse himself, and at the same time afford him means of obtaining a livelihood. Broback soon learned the printing business, and for some years past has been making a good living by doing odd jobs of commercial printing for local business men. C. W. Broback, father of the accused man, is one of the oldest settlers in the vicinity of Ukiah. He retired from active business life some years ago. The government has a strong case against the cripple, but there is much valuable information in his possession implicating San Francisco dealers, and there is a strong possibility that he will be given a light sentence or granted complete freedom if he will give the government evidence that will ensure the conviction of San Francisco dealers who have been disseminating the obscene pamphlets among school children. San Francisco Chronicle, December 24, 1895, page 11 An Infamous Traffic.
San Francisco, Dec. 23.--Post Office Inspector Erwin today caused the
arrest of Ferdinand W. Broback at Ukiah for using the United States
mails for the sale of indecent literature. Broback is the crippled son
of a wealthy resident of Ukiah, and bought an expensive printing outfit
to use as a diversion. He printed secretly vast quantities of immoral
literature which was circulated through the state and sold at high
prices, pamphlets costing a few cents to print being retailed at from
$1 to $5 a copy.
San Diego Union, December 24, 1895, page 1 A Serious Charge.
F. W. Broback, son of Mr. C. W. Broback of Ukiah, was arrested Monday
last by a United States Post Office Inspector who at the time was
making an examination of postal affairs here. Broback is a cripple
without the use of his lower limbs, and moves about only in a small
carriage which he propels by hand. The charge against him is that of
sending obscene matter through the mails, and he appeared before United
States Court Commissioner T. L. Carothers, of this city, to whom he
furnished $3,000 bail. The charge is quite a serious one, and the Dispatch earnestly
hopes the young man will be able to prove his innocence when the case
comes to trial.
Mendocino Dispatch and Democrat, December 27, 1895, page 2 He's a Printer--a Bad One.
Medford Mail,
December 27, 1895, page 8
Many of the early day residents of Medford—those dating their
residence
seven or eight years back—will remember a family who lived
here by the
name of Broback. The old gentleman, when here, having been interested
to considerable extent in Medford real estate. There was a crippled
son, F. W. Broback, in the family. From here the family moved to Ukiah,
Calif., and the son, for amusement started a job printing office and
after learning printing did a good business—in fact, too good
of late,
for his general well being. He has not been doing a legitimate line of
printing, but instead, has been printing obscene books and circulars
and has, according to the Examiner, been placing them in the hands of
agents in many localities on the coast and from the same of which he
has gathered a good bit of money. The Federal officers have been
endeavoring to trace the origin of this literature for several months
and this week succeeded in capturing Broback and his outfit. He was in
the act of completing a 500 order for these indecent books. His bond
was fixed at $3000.
Broback's Case Considered.
The
United States Grand Jury devoted yesterday to an investigation of the
case of F. W. Broback, arrested at Ukiah for using the mails in his
business of circulating pernicious literature. Reporter Lee, who worked
up the case with Postal Inspector Erwin, was before the investigating
body. An indictment against Broback will follow as a matter of course.
San Francisco Call, December 27, 1895, page 7 A SELLER
OF BAD BOOKS.
Warren E. Price,
proprietor of the Paper-Covered Book Store at 1203 Market Street and
publisher of several monthly periodicals, was arrested by the federal
authorities yesterday for using the mails in connection with the
marketing of publications of a questionable character.Warren E. Price, Proprietor of a Market Street Store, Arrested. Was Decoyed by the Postal Inspectors and Caught Using the Mails in His Business. The postal laws forbid the use of the mails for the circulation of literature of a vile character, and Price was caught by Postal Inspector James W. Erwin by means of the customary decoy tactics. Price's case is of the same class as those of Solomon Levin and Isidor C. Wood, two dealers now serving sentences in the Alameda County Jail. The books which these men were the means of distributing for the revenue that was in the business to them were such as F. W. Broback, the Ukiah publisher, arrested Monday, produced. Levin, Wood and Price were evidently all patrons of the same producer. Inspector Erwin corresponded as "I. Schwartz" (a dealer in cigars and books), and dated his letters "Crescent City. Cal." The mythical "I. Schwartz" asked for a list of such books as Price could supply with his quotations of prices for dealers. Price took the bait, and in his reply to a second letter gave quite a list of filthy books with their prices. In his first letter Price informed "Schwartz" that the books "would have to go by freight or express, as such books cannot go through the mails." He received a sum of money in a registered letter from "Schwartz," and also the instructions, in a line by itself at the bottom of "Schwartz's" letter, "Send by express." Price sent several books, but did not heed the instruction. He was foolish enough to send them by mail. Mr. Erwin had sent $5 to Price to pay for copies of a particularly vile work. This, Price replied, he did not have in stock at the time, but he expected to be able to accommodate his correspondent later. However, Mr. Erwin concluded he had evidence enough, so the money, upon request for it, was returned in a letter which Price posted at station B. Deputy United States Marshal Moffett arrested Price at his store. The circumstance of the "Schwartz" correspondence was recalled to his mind, and he felt enlightened enough to ask for a continuance so as to get time in which to prepare a defense. Judge Heacock granted him until Thursday and fixed his bail at $3000. The postal authorities feel that they have a complete chain of evidence against Price. They will not rely upon anything but such publications as any jury will have to pronounce obscene, and upon these they will base their case. Price was considered to be a very up-to-date dealer. He published a monthly magazine known as the "Book and News Dealer," and in a recent number of it he took occasion to severely criticize the legitimate local press for some things which Price considered improper. Price was largely instrumental in the conviction of Solomon Levin, the Stockton Street dealer. He looked upon Levin as a rival, and a very incautious one, and he sent an anonymous letter to Mr. Erwin at the time containing a lot of Levin's circulars. He was a very cunning man himself, but he has fallen into the trap at last. He had a supreme contempt for the powers and methods of the Society for the Suppression of Vice. On one occasion he explained his contempt in this wise: "Secretary Kane says we must not put them (the questionable books) in the window. Come inside if you want to see." San Francisco Call, December 28, 1895, page 10 Attorney J. Q. White and wife went to San Francisco New Year's Day. Mr. White will appear for F. W. Broback, charged with circulating obscene literature, in the U.S. District Court on Monday next. "Local News," Mendocino Dispatch and Democrat, January 3, 1896, page 7 Attorney J. Q. White, accompanied by his wife, went down to San Francisco yesterday, as did also F. W. Broback, the cripple. Mr. White is counsel for Broback, who, it will be remembered, was arrested some time ago on the charge of sending obscene literature through the mails. He was released on bail, and his case comes up for trial in the federal court at San Francisco today. "Local News," Mendocino Dispatch and Democrat, March 13, 1896, page 7 F. W. Broback, convicted of sending obscene literature through the mails, was sentenced last Friday by the federal court at San Francisco to six months' imprisonment in jail and to pay a fine of $500. He returned Saturday in charge of a U.S. marshal and will serve his sentence in the county jail here. "Local News," Mendocino Dispatch and Democrat, March 20, 1896, page 7 Six months ago F. W. Broback was sentenced to six months' imprisonment on a charge of using the mails for illicit purposes. In addition to the penalty of imprisonment he was sentenced to pay a fine of $500. The sentence of imprisonment expired the 12st inst., and Mr. Broback is now serving 30 days in lieu of the $500 fine. "Local News," Mendocino Dispatch and Democrat, August 21, 1896, page 7 Nan Broback, whose sentence for using the mails for obscene purposes was commuted, was discharged from jail Monday. Charley Broback has sold his interest in a Santa Rosa barber shop. He is home. "Local News," Mendocino Dispatch and Democrat, October 2, 1896, page 3 HENDERSON MURDER.
Weapon with Which the Crime Was Committed Found.
UKIAH, Feb. 6.--When Gregorio Ybarra was arrested Wednesday last for
the murder of Ben Henderson, a wealthy rancher of this county, he
disclaimed all knowledge of the crime. The prisoner stated that he had
in his possession no knife by which the murder could have been
committed. Today Detective Clarence Broback found the weapon with which
the stabbing was done in a cabin occupied by Ybarra at the time of his
arrest. The weapon is a short, thin and sharp-pointed butcher knife,
and when found had on the blade bloody evidence of the crime.
The Record-Union, San Francisco, February 7, 1897, page 6 April 30, 1897.
F.
W. Broback had both legs broken below the knees in a runaway accident
last Saturday.
"Looking Backward," Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, April 26, 1912, page 8 Serious Accident.
Last Saturday Mr. F. W. Broback and a young man named Miller started
for Hopland in a buggy, but their journey was suddenly terminated by an
accident which resulted seriously for Mr. Broback. When within a short
distance of Largo a whistle warned them that they were about to meet a
train. They whipped up to reach a point in the road that was a little
distance from the railroad, before the arrival of the train, but were
suddenly confronted by a boy on horseback whose horse also became
frightened. In attempting to avoid the saddle horse the buggy was run
over the bank, throwing both men out and breaking both of Mr. Broback's
legs in the knees. He was brought back to Ukiah, and the bones were set
by Dr. Maddux, and he is now resting easily. Mr. Miller escaped without
injury.
Mendocino Dispatch and Democrat, April 30, 1897, page 3 A PAINFUL ACCIDENT.
F. W. Broback the Victim of Unmanageable Horses.
Saturday
morning last Nan Broback and Fred Miller started in a cart for Hopland.
They were driving below Largo and had reached a point where the highway
follows the railroad for some distance. As the cart neared the river
bank the train came along behind the team, and the animals became
unmanageable and rushed over the steep bank of the river. Miller landed
at the bottom of the embankment uninjured, but Broback did not escape
so fortunately. In fact, he was badly hurt. His left leg was broken
below the knee, and his hands and face were bruised. He was brought
to his home in this city as quickly as possible. The injured
man
takes the result of the accident philosophically, and is getting along
as well as could be expected.
Ukiah Republican-Press, April 30, 1897, page 1 F. W. Broback, who was so painfully injured a month ago by being thrown down an embankment near Largo, is out on the street again looking well. "At Home and Abroad," Ukiah Republican-Press, May 28, 1897, page 1 A meeting has been arranged for Saturday evening at Miss Etta Broback's for the purpose of organizing a dancing club. The first dance will be given Friday evening, July 2nd, at the Opera House. Mendocino Dispatch and Democrat, June 25, 1897, page 7 Card to the Public.
I have placed all my accounts in the hands of F. W. Broback for
settlement. Those not settled in [a] satisfactory manner to him will be
placed in the hands of a lawyer for collection.
JOHN
CASSEL.
Mendocino Dispatch and Democrat,
July 2, 1897, page 6John Cassel and Charles Broback have opened a tailor shop in Cloverdale. "Episodes Epitomized," Ukiah Republican-Press, July 2, 1897, page 1 Name Age Height Complexion Eyes Hair Occupation Birthplace Residence Broback, Charles Wesley 57 5 9¾ Dk Br Gr Capitalist Virginia Ukiah Broback, Fernando Wesley 31 6 1½ Dk Blu Dk Printer California Ukiah Mendocino County Great Register, 1898. See note after 1892 register, above. Too Bad!
Our
local sportsmen, C. W. Broback and John Taylor, are very indignant
because the board of supervisors repealed the county bounty on coyote
scalps as soon as it had knowledge that they had gone out on their
first coyote hunt for fear the county treasury would be bankrupted by
them. They learned of the repeal immediately after slaying their first
coyote and at once returned home and say that in the future they will
try to engage in some line of business that will not be subject to the
vicissitudes of politics.
Mendocino Dispatch and Democrat, January 7, 1898, page 3 W. F. [sic] Broback is polishing up his favorite Winchester. "We Are the People," Ukiah Republican-Press, April 22, 1898, page 1 Arrivals at Highland Springs during the week were: . . . C. W. Broback . . . "Society: Where It Will Spend the Summer," San Francisco Call, April 30, 1899, page 26 The town is so located that a [street] numbering system could be easily adopted. Let Perkins Street divide the town one way and State Street the other. To illustrate--the Dispatch office would be about No. 20 North School Street, and Mason's lumbering mill would be about No. 5 South School Street. J. R. Mathews' drug store would be about No. 6 West Standley Street, while Broback the Printer would be No. 5 East Perkins Street. Excerpt, Mendocino Dispatch and Democrat, July 7, 1899, page 2 F. W. Broback, editor of the Night and Press [sic], has been confined to his bed for the past two weeks, but is reported to be on the improve at present. "City and County," Mendocino Dispatch and Democrat, August 25, 1899, page 3 Charles Broback, 64, born July 1835, married 40 years Frances Broback, 60, born Jan. 1840, married 40 years Etta Broback, 22, born Feb. 1878 in Oregon Alice Broback, 17, born July 1882, in Oregon Fernando Broback, 39, born Sept. 1860 in California, journalist Walter Broback, 32, born Aug. 1867 in Oregon, carpenter U.S. Census, Enumeration District 79, Ukiah, California, enumerated June 1, 1900 MARRIED.
C.
W. Broback passed away at his home in Ukiah last Tuesday
afternoon
after an illness lasting for several months. Mr. Broback was well
advanced in age, being 77 years old, and demise had been expected for
some time.DOUGLASS-BROBACK--In this city,
June 16, 1900, by the Rev. C. A. Parkin, Roy H. Douglass and Ettalyn B.
Broback.
The San Francisco Call, June 19, 1900, page 13 UKIAH, pop. 1,850; MENDOCINO CO. (N.W.), pop. 20,465. 113 m. N.N.W. of San Francisco, Cal. N. West. R.R. Tel. Exp. Bank. In a farming, fruit and hop-growing, stock-raising and lumbering section. Has a tannery and flour mills. The Vichy Warm Springs are 3 m. distant. Newspaper Estab. Pages Size Subsc. Circ. Dispatch-Democrat Friday Democratic 1869 8 15x22 2.50 1,100 Republican-Press Friday Republican 1877 8 13x20 2.50 1,100 Willits Press and Saturday Night Tuesday Independent 1899 10 9x12 2.00 N. W. Ayer & Son's American Newspaper Annual, 1901, volume 1 City Clerk Carothers says that the rapid electrical expert that has been making mathematical calculations for one of the minor sheets in town is again off his base regarding the electric light business. Carothers says that the figures appearing in that sheet are wrong and were not gotten from him. The correct statement will be found elsewhere in this issue. Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, March 1, 1901, page 4  On the steps of the Mendocino County Courthouse, Ukiah, California, circa 1900  Fernando Broback circa 1900 It is stated that the board of city trustees have made a proposition to the electrical editor of a local newspaper to take charge of the municipal plant for the coming two years. "Social Happenings," Ukiah Republican-Press, March 15, 1901, page 1 A PRINTER'S BOOMERANG.
Our esteemed electrical contemporary came out last week in a
double-leaded, double-column editorial about what he termed exorbitant
pricing rates, and through pique tried to insinuate that The Dispatch, and
all the other papers in the county, except its holy self, were BLEEDING
and ROBBING the people, because they accepted printing at the rate
fixed by the Board of Supervisors. The cause of the disgruntled article
was the fact that The
Dispatch bid
in the special election proclamation for the entire four insertions for
only 20 cents per square. Our electrical and magnetic friend then tried
to arrogate to himself the credit for the low rate, when, in fact, the
credit, if any be due, was due The
Dispatch. The
article then went on to say that the board had heretofore paid 90 cents
per square for the first insertion and 45 cents for subsequent
insertions, and that the board was utterly powerless to prevent such
ROBBERY.
The law requires the board to fix the rates, annually, for printing. The rates have been gradually reduced from $1.50 for first insertion and $1.00 for subsequent insertions, until they are now at 90 cents and 45 cents, which is much lower than in many counties. The whole matter rests entirely with the board, and they have not been HELD UP or ROBBED either. The Dispatch has always accepted such work as was awarded to it, at the rates fixed by the board. Whenever the board has advertised for bids, The Dispatch has ALWAYS come to the front and bid in the work lower than anyone else, as the special election proclamation bid will show. Still we never howled ourselves black in the face about it or attributed our low bid to the fact that we loved the DEAR PEOPLE so. Our friend should have taken a second thought before yelling ROBBER and THIEF. It was The Press and Night that printed the General Election proclamation last fall for 90¢ per square for the first insertion and 40¢ for the subsequent insertion and charged the county for printing that proclamation $266.93. At the rate The Dispatch bid in the special proclamation, the bill would have been ONLY $41.06. Who was it that BLED the DEAR PEOPLE out of this difference--$225.87? Did The Press and Night offer to do the work for $40 then? If Mr. Broback will refund the county the amount he insinuates someone has ROBBED it of (and which now proves to be himself) then he is entitled to tell the DEAR PEOPLE how much he loves them and that he is going to prevent ROBBERY and BLEEDING in the future. Otherwise he should hold his peace, for the DEAR PEOPLE will take such "hot air" as that with a great many grains of allowance. The Dispatch has no quarrel with its contemporary and wishes it success. Still we think it ought to "tote" fair. There are not many rich printers scattered throughout the country, and we don't believe as a class they are robbing the people. The Dispatch believes in a fair living price for work and thinks that a printer ought to make a fair profit on his investment. People enter all avenues of labor, not because they LOVE the dear people, but because they want to earn a livelihood. And any man that claims otherwise will bear watching. Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, April 12, 1901, page 4 For Sale--The Geo. Davis property, corner Ninth and A streets. Cheap, if sold quickly. Brick house, new barn. C. L. Corwin. "City Happenings," Medford Mail, April 19, 1901, page 7 AN ATTEMPT AT BLACKMAIL.
At
the time The Dispatch bid
on this work (the delinquent tax list), it offered this journal $100 in
gold not to bid, provided the coast papers
The
above statement is absolutely false and is the work of a disgruntled
sheet that has now resorted to blackmail in a weak attempt to vindicate
its course. The
Dispatch made no such proposition. For weeks prior to the
letting of the contract Broback was frequently in the Dispatch job room
talking to the foreman, M. C. Van Allen, trying to get something out of
him, saying he wanted a SLICE out of the job, and that he thought The Dispatch ought
to give him a chance; that if he didn't bid he thought this paper ought
to give him $100. Mr. Van Allen will testify to this fact. On the day
the contract was to be let Broback and Mr. Pennington were on the
street talking. The editor of The
Dispatch passed along, and Broback called to him and, in
the presence of Mr. Pennington, said: "You two fellows go in together
on this printing biz and make something out of it. The coast papers are
not going to bid. There's no use in us cutting our throats. Give me
$100 and I'll stay out."put in no bid.--Press and Night. The editor of The Dispatch refused to entertain any such a proposition, and bid in the work for 28 cents per square, and "Bro" didn't put in any bid. He couldn't do the work and knew he couldn't, still he thought he might WORK somebody. The Dispatch has never got into any combine, as our low bids will show, and we do not intend to. The absurdity of The Dispatch offering a man $100 to keep out of a $343 job is ridiculous. If we were in the HOLD-UP BUSINESS, we would never give a scab printer $100 when he could be bought for six bits. The trouble with "Bro" is he wanted TO SLIP IN and get the special election proclamation on the quiet and get $266 for it, and failed; The Dispatch underbidding him. He has been angry ever since and has told employees of The Dispatch that he would force us to buy him out yet. He has several times tried to induce The Dispatch to buy his plant. This office has no use for his plant and will not entertain any such a proposition. The Dispatch furnished him old type enough to open up business and has extended him every courtesy, and the thanks we get is an attempt at blackmail. The above facts can be verified by James J. Heath and M. C. Van Allen. *
* *
In
addition to his attempt at blackmail, the electrical expert referred to
other "printing scandals," elaborated on his own ignorance and by
willful misstatements convicted himself. In regard to the delinquent
tax rates we have this to say: Prior to 1897 the Board of Supervisors
FIXED the price of printing the tax list and awarded the contract to
whatever paper it chose. The usual rate was $1.25 per square for the
four insertions. The legislature of 1897 changed the law and compelled
the Supervisors to let the contract to the lowest bidder. The editor of
The Dispatch was
a member of the legislature and supported the change of law.
In 1897 The Record bid in the tax list at 76¢ per square. The present management assumed control of The Dispatch January 1st, 1898, and ever since that time The Dispatch has always met all competition and bid to the list cheaper than any of its competitors. In 1898 The Dispatch bid in the tax list for 65¢ per square. There were 1521⅛ squares. At the old rate it would have cost the county $1901.66. The Dispatch's bill was only $988.65, a saving that year of $912.79. In 1899, The Dispatch bid in the list at 35¢ per square. There were 2185 squares. At the old rate the county would have had to pay $2731.25 for the job. The Dispatch's bill was only $764.75; a saving to the county of $1966.50 that year. In these two years The Dispatch saved the county $2879.29. And this was before The Press and Night ever dreamed of an existence. Yet that electrical journal says it has done wonders because IT LOVES THE DEAR PEOPLE SO. Bah! Now to 1900. The Press and Night says The Dispatch robbed the county out of $343.20 on the list; that we charged $1.12 per square. This is an absolute falsehood, and Broback knows it. The Dispatch refused to bribe "Bro" at his own request and bid in the work at 28¢ per square. The bill is on file in the clerk's office and will prove this fact, or we will forfeit $1000. In 1900 there were 1225 squares in the list. At the old rate it would have cost the county $1532.18. The Dispatch's bill was the small sum of $343.20, a saving of $1198.98, yet "Bro" says we robbed the county out of $343.20. The list was printed as it always had been, copies of previous papers being used as samples. The auditor through there was extra space used. The list was not double leaded. Had the auditor's statement been accepted by the board and the bill reduced, the reduction would have been only $76.40. The board had already saved $1198 to the county by reason of The Dispatch, and as the list was printed as formerly they allowed the bill for the full amount, The Dispatch leaving the matter entirely in their discretion. If the $86 were a steal, as "Bro" falsely alleges, it does not quite equal his steal of $225.00 on a job of 205 squares. This tax list contained 1225 squares--six times as much as "Bro's." Had "Bro" SLIPPED IN on that, his steal would have been 6 times 4225 or $1350, whereas The Dispatch's alleged overcharge was only $86. So in the three years The Dispatch has printed 4931 squares of tax list for only $2096.60. At the old rate, the county would have had to pay $6165 for the work, The Dispatch thus saving the county $4069 on these items alone. If the county had had to pay for this work at the rate that "Bro" charged for printing the election proclamation (90¢ for first insertion and 40¢ for each three subsequent insertions) the bill would have been $10,355, for which The Dispatch charged only $2096, a saving of $8,259. In other words, The Dispatch printed 4931 squares of legal work and ROBBED the county, as "Bro" says, of $86 for extra space. Broback printed 205 squares of proclamation and robbed the county out of $225. In that proportion then, had "Bro" printed the 4931 squares that The Dispatch printed, he would have robbed the county out of $5400, or $3304 more than The Dispatch's entire bill. Our electrical friend doesn't know what he's talking about. The Dispatch is not going to be blackmailed, nor is it going to buy him out. The people are onto his "hot air," and they only express surprise and disgust that a man whose reputation is so vulnerable should so idiotically expose his own character to public criticism. Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, April 19, 1901, page 4 RECORD OF BROBACK THE EX-CONVICT
Was Convicted in the U.S. Courts for Printing and Sending Obscene Literature Thru Mails. Dastardly Crime of Poisoning the Minds and Hearts of Innocent Children by Circulating Lewd Matter.
Since F. W. Broback has shown an inclination to resort to his old
tactics by blackmailing The
Dispatch, we think public policy demands the publication
of his previous record.
Who Is F. W. Broback?
It
seems that we have heard that name before. F. W. Broback, the editor of
The Press and
Night, some
few years ago had a little printing press at his home and spent his
idle moments in printing lewd doggerel and obscene literature
generally. It finally became known among the depraved classes where
they could procure literature suitable to their tastes, and Mr. Broback
soon got orders from far and near. Vile and obscene trash was soon
scattered about town and found in the hands of pure, innocent children.
The federal authorities were informed, and in 1896 set a trap for him
and caught him at his infamous work.BROBACK WAS TRIED IN THE UNITED STATES COURT AND CONVICTED OF SENDING OBSCENE LITERATURE THRU THE MAILS. He would have received a very heavy punishment and would have been incarcerated in that dark opprobrious den of shame at San Quentin had not the poverty act and the fact that he is a cripple been used to good effect. As it was JUDGE MORROW SENTENCED HIM TO SERVE SIX MONTHS IN THE COUNTY JAIL TO EXPIATE HIS ATROCIOUS CRIME AND BROBACK BEGAN SERVING TIME ON MARCH 14, 1896. Just a short time before Broback served time in a convict's cell, a little San Francisco blackmailing sheet known as The California World was launched into existence. It was the vilest and most pronounced blackmailing sheet that was ever published. People in almost every town in the state were held up and blackmailed right and left. Ukiah was treated to a season of it, and a lot of depraved scandalmongers here sent articles to the sheet defaming the fair name of men and women. Broback was thot to be one of these correspondents, and the fact that he was later convicted of a heinous crime convinced the people that he was one of the culprits. This is the record of the jailbird that is now trying to blackmail The Dispatch, and force it to buy him out of business. This is the character of the felon that tried to induce The Dispatch to bribe him, and afterwards said The Dispatch made the offer. Does any sane man believe him for an instant? A man that would poison the minds and hearts of pure innocent girls would LIE would he not? A man that has served a term in a convict's cell would LIE would he not? A man that would resort to blackmail would LIE, solicit a BRIBE, or rob a graveyard would he not? Proof of Broback's Lying.
Mr.
Broback, now that he has hurled a boomerang, is trying to recede by
howling "liar, robber" etc. That would have little effect with the
public. Broback stated that The
Dispatch charged $1.12 per square for printing the
delinquent tax list. The records show that The Dispatch printed
the list for 28 cents per square, saving the county over $1000.Broback stated that The Dispatch offered him $100 to stay out of the tax list bid. He made the proposal to The Dispatch and it was refused. Broback said The Dispatch charged $812.32 for printing 530 pamphlets (Indexes to Great Register). The Dispatch printed 636 copies at 16 cents per name. The old rate was 20 cents per name. There were 5077 names, and the county saved $203.08 by reason of The Dispatch. Broback has more than once tried to induce The Dispatch to buy his plant. The proposal has always been refused. He now says he will force us to buy him out. The editor of The Dispatch has never received a dollar that was not honestly and legitimately earned, and he doesn't propose to be browbeaten, maligned and blackmailed by a man of Broback's stamp and character. Who Will Be Next?
Who
will be the next one that [he] will attempt to blackmail? Did the
people notice a Press
and Night editorial
not long ago which was substantially as follows: "YOU TICKLE US AND
WE'LL TICKLE YOU. IF YOU DON'T TICKLE US, WE WON'T TICKLE YOU. WE WANT
YOUR TRADE AND WE ARE GOING TO HAVE IT." What does that mean? Is it is
a feeler for a bribe or a threat to blackmail? Do the people intend to
subscribe for and support a paper of this character? What guarantee
have the people that he won't print obscene matter again? He did once
before and served time for it. Do the fathers and mothers wish to keep
such a depraved creature in this community?The Dispatch felt kindly disposed to Mr. Broback when he first established his paper and lent him assistance in many ways. We naturally felt a sympathy for the cripple and extended him the usual courtesies because he said he wanted to turn over a new leaf. People generally felt like lending him a helping hand, and he got considerable work to do. Mistaking this sympathy for a license to do as he pleased, he became insolent, and really thot he was somebody and imagined he could run Willits, Ukiah and the county. The people have now lost all confidence in, and all sympathy for him as his real nature has again become apparent. They realize that some of the most depraved specimens of humanity are cripples and use their misfortunes only as a plea to get aid so that they can continue in crime. The Dispatch has lost all sympathy for Mr. Broback since he has shown himself in his true blackmailing nature, and refuses to recognize him in future as a fellow craftsman, or his detestable sheet as a newspaper. If the people of this community wish to support such a man as Broback, now that his depraved nature has returned, they are at liberty to do so. If the town board of trustees wish to recognize Broback's blackmailing sheet as a newspaper of general circulation they can do so. If the board of supervisors wish to give printing to a scab jailbird they can do so. If the churches and decent people of Ukiah wish to patronize a despoiler of homes they are at liberty to do so. If the merchants wish to advertise in a paper that resorts to blackmailing tactics they can do so. If the people of Mendocino County wish to subscribe for and support a paper of this character and enable a criminal to exist in the community they can do so and accept the consequences. The Dispatch has discharged its duty to the public by warning them in time. If you have sympathy for him it might be better for the homes in the end to quarantine him and keep him in the county hospital where he will be perfectly harmless. Having stated all these facts which can be proven by abundant testimony, we now close the incident. Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, April 26, 1901, page 8 HOW IT LOOKS TO A MAN UP A TREE.
The Editor of The Lakeport Bee Takes a Swipe at Ukiah's Howling and Erratic Reformer.
Editor Broback, of the Ukiah
Press and Night, applauds
himself most vociferously because by cutting rates, he has brought the
price of official printing down to just a little more than nothing. He
pats himself on the back and proclaims to the open-mouthed populace
that he "has taken up the people's fight" and that there "are more
reforms to follow." And, marvel of marvels, he has "no reward in view,"
but is running a paper for fun.
"If," says he, "the election proclamation can be printed for ten, five, three and two cents, we see no reason why all other county advertising cannot be done for the same figure." To follow this line of reasoning, we see no reason why all other advertising, official or non-official, cannot be done for the same figure. Mr. Broback, being a reformer, will hardly charge one more than another for the same class, or an inferior class, of work--and official advertising is the most difficult, and requires the most careful attention, of any work that comes into a print shop. Last week's Press and Night contains, all told, about 300 squares of advertising. At five cents a square, which is probably Mr. Broback's average price for advertising, he is receiving from this source an income of $15 a week. It is a peculiar state of affairs and suggests a few questions which Mr. Broback is under no obligations to answer, for it is none of our business. Do you pay rent and insurance? Do you use wood, oil, stationery, etc.? Do you receive a fair rate of interest on the capital you have invested? Do you pay your employees living wages? Have you a sinking fund with which to renew worn-out material? If you have and do all this with an advertising patronage of $15 a week, would you mind putting us into the combination? Finally, if to work for next to nothing is to be a reformer, why not be a dead game sport and furnish space gratis to all who come? You would have no difficulty in securing the patronage of the Lake County supervisors, for they are looking for bargain-counter, sweat-shop papers. Perhaps this is one of the "reforms to follow." Since the foregoing was put in type we learn that the Press and Night is the robber that charged 90 cents a square for the election proclamation last year.--Lakeport Bee. Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, April 26, 1901, page 8 Contrary to the Records.
The editor of the Press
and Night was
never convicted of a felony, neither did he send obscene matter thru
the mails, nor was he ever charged with having done so. He was never
tried in the United States Court or any other court.--Press and Night.
The prison record at the county jail shows the following: Name--F. W. Broback; When received--Mar. 14, 1896; Crime--Depositing in the U.S. Mail non-mailable matter; Arresting officer--U.S. Marshal; Committing magistrate--Hon. W. W. Morrow; Court in which tried--U.S. District Court; Occupation--Printer. The people are respectfully requested to note the above prison record and Mr. Broback's denial. They are now at liberty to place whatever credence they see fit in any statement he has made in the past or may make in the future. The people are also requested to look at the files of The Dispatch and the Press and Night and see that Mr. Broback began the unpleasantness by willful misstatements. Whatever odium has been cast upon him, he has brought down upon his own head. Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, May 3, 1901, page 8 County printing seems to have thrown the editor of the Press and Night into a huge nightmare, from the random figuring he has done of late. This week's editorial department was largely devoted to the amount of county printing done by The Dispatch in the last 40 months. The county has always gotten value received for every dollar it has paid The Dispatch. Every bit of printing The Dispatch has ever done for the county has been at rates established by the Board of Supervisors, except the delinquent tax lists, which were bid in by The Dispatch at an average of ⅓ of the former price paid. If the astute expert will wake up from his long nightmarish dream and look up the records, he will find that in Jan. 1898, the year Mr. Sanford assumed the management of The Dispatch, that the Board of Supervisors reduced the rates of printing about 10 percent, and that the bills of The Dispatch since 1898 are about 10 percent lower than corresponding work for a similar period prior to that date, except delinquent tax bills, which are over 60 percent lower than former bills for the same work. Whatever printing Mr. Broback has done has been at the same rate received by The Dispatch, and his bills are in the same ratio proportionally as large. The rates for printing are not exorbitant; in fact, they are much lower than in many counties, and Mendocino County gets value received for every bit of printing done, whether the printing is done by The Dispatch, The Press, Record, Advocate, Beacon or Press & Night, for it is all done at the same rates--the rates fixed by the Board of Supervisors. Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, May 17, 1901, page 8 The Supervisors.
The Board of Supervisors met in adjourned session May 17th.
Bids for printing the delinquent tax list were opened and found to be as follows: William Hanen (Point Arena Record) 43 cents per square. J. B. Sanford (Dispatch-Democrat) 50 cents per square. F. W. Broback (Press & Night) 80 cents per square. Pennington & White (Republican Press) 60 cents per square. The bid of William Hanen was accepted, and the contract was awarded to him, upon his filing a bond in the sum of $500. The Board then adjourned to June 3rd. Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, May 24, 1901, page 2 A COMPARISON?
The bids for printing the delinquent tax list were opened by the Board
of Supervisors last Friday and found to be as follows: Record, 43¢
per square; Dispatch, 50¢;
Press, 60¢;
F. W. Broback, 80¢.
The people will please observe that the man who has been howling "robbery" and exorbitant rates had in the highest bid of all. The Record was awarded the contract. The delinquent list was printed the three years prior to this by the Dispatch. There were in all 4931 squares printed for $2096.60. If Broback had printed the lists at the rate he wanted, it would have cost the county $3944.80, nearly twice as much as the Dispatch's bill. Or, in other words, if Broback had performed the work he claims the Dispatch received $9000 for, the county would have been taxed $10,848.20 for it--$1848.20 more than the Dispatch. Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, May 24, 1901, page 8 The last issue of the Press had quite a sensible article on the subject of printing and incidentally referred to the late controversy between the Press & Night and The Dispatch. Bro. Pennington made one mistake, however, in referring to the Press & Night and The Dispatch as "our two Democratic contemporaries." The Press & Night is not a Democratic paper, but is listed as one of these so-called "independent" sheets, a kind of a cross between a billy goat and a jack ass, which kicks with one end and brays and butts with the other. Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, May 24, 1901, page 8 Remarkable Mentality.
The electrical expert on the Press
& Night took another lesson in primary arithmetic
last Monday and made the remarkable discovery that the total cost of
county printing, job work and office supplies for county use amounts to
about $18.00 per day, and wants to put a stop to furnishing that which
the law makes mandatory in order that business may be efficiently
performed. The only point in this is that the taxpayers can
congratulate themselves on the fact that Broback didn't get the
delinquent tax list, for if he had, the cost to the county would have
been $20 per day instead of $18.
The electrical expert labors under many disadvantages, as the wheels in his head get afoul of a real thought occasionally and clog up, so that he has to lay off for repairs and oil up, which impedes mental progress and development. But that's all right; he's going to take another lesson early in June. He will then be able to divide by 365 unassisted and figure out that the cost to the county for salaries of officials and fees for justices and constables amounts to about $70 per day, and will, of course, advocate the abolishment of county offices because people won't work for nothing. After he survives his great mental strain he will rest a few weeks as usual; and early in July will get a haircut and a shampoo and have his cranium thoroughly scraped so that an X-ray may penetrate the dense corrugations and locate a loose thought that might happen to be rattling around, and then--he will take another lesson and will be able to figure it out that it costs the county $110 per day to keep our roads and bridges in repair, and will at once advocate the abandonment of all roads and bridges and urge the use of flying machines because road overseers, bridge contractors and laborers will not work for their health alone and sample copies of the Press & Night for a year. Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, May 31, 1901, page 6 The contract for city printing of the town of Ukiah was let to The Dispatch last week by the board of trustees, said bid being the lowest one submitted. The bid of F. W. Broback was the highest one received. The Point Arena Record was mistaken in its last issue. It was The Dispatch that had in the next lowest bid to the Record on the delinquent tax list--50 cents per square. Mr. Broback's bid was 80 cents per square. Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, May 31, 1901, page 6 The Ukiah Press and Night seems to have recovered from its late acute attack of reformer's fever and is not as anxious to work for nothing as formerly. Its bid for publishing the delinquent tax list was the highest of four. The contract went to the Point Arena Record for 43 cents.--Lake Co. Bee. Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, May 31, 1901, page 6 Mrs. C. W. Broback and daughter, Miss Alice, left Thursday morning for Medford, Oregon, their old-time home, to be gone about two weeks. "Personal Paragraphs," Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, June 14, 1901, page 3 Mrs. C. W. Broback and daughter, Miss Alice, of Ukiah, Calif., who have been visiting Medford friends for several days, returned to their home Tuesday morning. "Purely Personal," Medford Mail, June 21, 1901, page 6 Mrs. F. E. Broback and daughter, of Ukiah, Cal., visited several days this week at the home of W. B. Roberts. Mr. Broback is the founder of Medford. "Society: Medford," Sunday Oregonian, Portland, June 23, 1901, page 15 Willits, July 3.--F. W. Broback of The Times came up from Ukiah Friday. His buggy broke down on the way up, but no damage was done the editor. "News from the North," Ukiah Republican-Press, July 5, 1901, page 3 With the last week's issue the name of the Willits Press and Saturday Night was changed to The Times. If the newspaper business in Ukiah is not more remunerative than it is in Willits, editor Broback probably means Hard Times. "Social Happenings," Ukiah Republican-Press, August 16, 1901, page 1 F. W. Broback, who spent his boyhood days in Medford, is now editor and one of the proprietors of the Times, an excellent newspaper printed at Ukiah, Calif., and is prospering. "Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 14, 1901, page 4 Name Precinct Age Post Office Broback, Charles Wesley Ukiah No. 1 67 Ukiah Broback, Fernando Wesley Ukiah No. 1 40 Ukiah Broback, Clarence Fort Bragg No. 1 27 Fort Bragg Mendocino County Great Register, 1902 Mrs. Roy Douglass and little daughter are visiting the former's parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Broback, of this city. "Mentioned Personally," Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, May 5, 1902, page 1 In the matter of printing the delinquent tax list for the current year: This being the time and place set for the opening of bids for printing the delinquent tax list, now, on motion duly carried it is ordered that the contract for printing the delinquent tax list for the current year be awarded to F. W. Broback for 24 cents per square, and that the bond for $500 accompanying said bid be approved and accepted. "The Board of Supervisors," Ukiah Republican-Press, May 23, 1902, page 1 Duncan Springs--The following are the recent arrivals . . . from Ukiah--F. W. Broback, Miss Alice Broback. . . . "At the Summer Resorts," San Francisco Call, May 25, 1902, page 33  ----
C.
W. Broback visited Hopland yesterday to look after ranch interests.
The Ukiah Times, January 6, 1903 F. W. Broback is visiting at his old home in this valley. He has been residing in Ukiah, Cal., for a number of years. "Personals," Ashland Tidings, March 30, 1904, page 3 F. W. Broback, who has been in Medford for a couple of weeks, left Tuesday for his home at Eureka, California. Mr. Broback formerly resided in Medford--'way back yonder, when there was no Medford--twenty years since, and this is the first time he has been back here since he left--and the brick blocks, cement sidewalks, well-kept streets and densely populated commonwealth sorta dazed him--couldn't understand just how things had happened to come about in that way. Mr. Broback was here as a witness in the Danielson-Roberts lost money lawsuit. The statement, we are told, has been made that this lost money in question was found on the Amerman place, near Phoenix, wherein, as it is averred, it was really found in a henhouse on what used to be the Henry Martin place, and which is now, most of it, inside the incorporated limits of Medford. It was to give evidence as to matters appertaining to the above--part of which was as to the date when the aforesaid mentioned henhouse was built--which was in the fall of 1883-- that Mr. Broback was here. "Purely Personal," Medford Mail, April 15, 1904, page 4 Will Widen the Street.
F.
W. Broback, owner of the Times
office,
is having the building moved back sixteen feet. Mr. Broback is the
first property owner to take a step towards widening Perkins Street
between State Street and the depot, and it is to be hoped that his
example in this direction will be followed by others.
Ukiah Republican-Press, September 23, 1904, page 1 MARRIAGE LICENSES.
Clarence W. Broback, 21, Fort Bragg, and Marjorie H.
Cummings, 18, Fort Bragg.
The San Francisco Call, November 4, 1904, page 14 F. W. Broback returned Monday from a visit to Oregon. "Mentioned Personally," Ukiah Republican-Press, December 23, 1904, page 5 To the Public.
UKIAH, CAL., January 3, 1905.--Notice is hereby given that
F. W. Broback has been appointed superintendent of the Ukiah Water
Works.
UKIAH
WATER & IMPROVEMENT CO.
Ukiah Republican-Press, January
27, 1905, page 4By J. H. BRUSH, President Supt. Broback has a force of men at work laying a new water main on Clara Street. "Local News Epitomized," Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, February 17, 1905, page 1 Superintendent F. W. Broback, of the Ukiah Water Works, returned Tuesday from a business trip to Santa Rosa. "Personal Paragraphs," Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, March 3, 1905, page 5 Mrs. C. W. Broback was called to Healdsburg last week by the death of her sister, Mrs. George Seawell, which occurred Wednesday. She had been a resident of Healdsburg since 1856. Her husband, who survives her, is a brother of the late Senator Seawell. "Personal Paragraphs," Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, June 23, 1905, page 5 Visitors from Oregon
P.
B. O'Neil, Mrs. Wm. Roberts, Mr. and Mrs. James Roberts and Mr. and
Mrs. D. Roberts, all of Medford, Oregon, are here visiting Mr. and Mrs.
C. W. Broback and family and incidentally looking for a place to
locate. They were all neighbors of the Brobacks in Oregon many years
ago, and their visit partakes very nearly of the nature of a family
reunion. They are very favorably impressed with Ukiah and may purchase
property if they find what suits.
Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, June 30, 1905, page 5 Woodsheds Are Woodsheds.
At
the meeting of the town board last Monday night the Ukiah Mercantile
Company and F. W. Broback were ordered notified that the buildings
which they had erected under permit from the board to be used as
woodsheds would have to be used for that purpose only. It is understood
that Mr. Broback is occupying his as an office, and that the one
belonging to the mercantile company is being used as a warehouse. The
intention of the board to enforce the building ordinance will be
appreciated by the citizens. It is a move in the right direction.
Ukiah Republican-Press, June 30, 1905, page 1 C. W. Broback got a big one this week, the only deer he has killed this season according to him. "Mentioned Personally," Ukiah Republican-Press, August 11, 1905, page 3 Brush Takes Charge
Irving
H. Brush of Santa Rosa has taken charge of the business of the local
water company, F. W. Broback having resigned. Mr. Brush will have
offices on the corner of School and Perkins streets in what is known as
the old law building.
Ukiah Republican-Press, January 18, 1907, page 1 Celebrated 50th Anniversary
Mr.
and Mrs. C. W. Broback of this city celebrated their fiftieth
anniversary last Saturday. At that time they were paid a visit by the
absent children, Mrs. Roy Douglass and Clarence Broback, of Fort Bragg.
A number of other near friends were also present upon the occasion, and
a most enjoyable time was had.
Dispatch-Democrat, Ukiah, California, December 31, 1909, page 1 Name Precinct Age Occupation Post Office Broback, Charles Wesley Ukiah No. 1 74 Capitalist Ukiah Broback, Fernando Wesley Ukiah No. 3 48 Hotel Keeper Ukiah Mendocino County Great Register, 1910 Charles W. Broback, 74, capitalist Frances A. Broback, 70 Alice L. Broback, 25 U.S. Census, Ukiah Township, Ukiah, California, enumerated April 20, 1910 Fernando W. Broback, occupation: lodging house U.S. Census, Ukiah Township, Ukiah, California, enumerated May 3, 1910 Charles Broback, who has been running a barber shop in Santa Rosa for some time past, came up to Ukiah Monday. He has sold out his business in Santa Rosa and will locate in San Francisco. "Short Items of Interest," Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, March 11, 1910, page 5 Eighteen to Twenty Dollars
is
not picked up every
week, but every good barber makes that. We will show you how. We will
pay you while you learn. Write for circular. Address C. A. Broback,
Oakland Barber College, 469 7th Street, Oakland, Cal.
Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, April 8, 1910, page 2 Mrs. Bert Miller and father, C. W. Broback, left the latter part of last week for Southern California, where they will remain for some time in the hope of bettering Mr. Broback's health. Dispatch-Democrat, Ukiah, California, January 6, 1911, page 1 BRO WOULDN'T STAND FOR IT
A
warrant was issued out of Judge Wilson's court last week for Clayton
Haney for defrauding an innkeeper and he was arrested in Escondido. The
account was settled and he was released. Landlord Broback of the
Elkhorn was the complaining party.
Ukiah Republican-Press, February 24, 1911, page 1 The Elkhorn was on East Perkins Street. Clarence Broback and little son Jack were over from Ft. Bragg a few days this week on a visit to Mr. Broback's father, who has been sick for some time. Little Jack is a crackerjack and can cheer vociferously for Champ Clark. "Personal Mention/Local Happenings," Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, May 24, 1912, page 5  CHARLES
W. BROBACK BURIED
YESTERDAYThe funeral was held yesterday afternoon from his home and was well attended. The funeral service was preached by Rev. J. E. Moore of the M.E. Church, South. Mr. Broback was born in Virginia, July 14, 1835. He came to California in 1852, settling in Sonoma County. He afterwards moved to Oregon where he served as an assemblyman from Lake County. He came back to California in 1888 and located in Ukiah in 1890, having made this place his home continually ever since. He was married to Miss Frances Haigh in Healdsburg Dec. 25, 1859 and the widow, four sons and two daughters survive. [Sonoma County records the date of the wedding as June 15, 1858.] He was a broad-minded, energetic citizen and a man of sterling integrity in his business dealings, and his loss will be keenly felt by his family and friends. Dispatch-Democrat, Ukiah, California, August 30, 1912, page 1 C. W. Broback Died After Long
Illness
C.
W. Broback died at his residence in this city Tuesday afternoon. The
deceased had been suffering for several years and the end was not
unexpected. The funeral occurred from the residence yesterday
afternoon. Mr. Broback was born July 14, 1835, and had been a resident
of this city for many years. He had previously resided at Hopland,
where
he had property interests. He was of jovial disposition and had many
friends. Besides the widow, he is survived by six children: Walter of San Francisco, Charles of Santa Rosa, Clarence of Fort Bragg, F. W. and Mrs. Bert Miller of this city, and Mrs. Roy Douglass of Berkeley, all of whom were at the funeral. The deceased came to California in the early days and was engaged in mining and teaming. He was also engaged in several of the Indian wars. He spent a number of years in Oregon at Medford and Lakeview, Mrs. Broback having named Lakeview. In Oregon he was active in politics and was elected to the Legislature in 1878. From Oregon the family moved to Lakeport and spent a couple of years and then located at Hopland and moved to Ukiah about 20 years ago. Ukiah Republican-Press, Ukiah, California, August 30, 1912. The Oregon Historical Quarterly (September 1943, page 302) credits a John A. Moon with suggesting the name "Lakeview." CHARLES W. BROBACK HAD EVENTFUL
LIFE
C.
W. Broback, notice of whose death appeared in last week's Dispatch, led a
very eventful life, and could his biography be written it would read
like a romance. He was one of the pioneers of this state and Oregon and
took an active part in the wild life that prevailed in these states in
the early fifties. He first came to California in 1852 at the age of 17
years, led by the lure of the gold fields and the promise of adventure
that the West held in those stirring times. He first settled in
Healdsburg when that place was a mere hamlet on the outskirts of
civilization. He engaged in the livery business there and was married
to the sister of his business partner, Miss Frances Haigh in 1859.
We next find him teaming from Sacramento over the Sierras to Carson City and Reno, Nevada in the days before the railroad came, when sixteen-and eighteen-mule teams hauled all the freight that went into those bustling mining camps. With the advent of the railroad he departed from that section and went to The Dalles, Oregon, where he again engaged in teaming into Canyon City and Boise. These were the days when the Snake Indians were on the warpath, and many a night Mr. Broback lay under his wagon with his mules tied to the wagon bed and fought off the marauding Snakes who were intent on stampeding his stock and killing him. He next engaged in stock raising in Lake County, Oregon, and had many narrow escapes in encounters with cattle rustlers and thieving Indians. He moved to where Medford now stands in 1880 and owned the ranch where the town is located for several years, assisting in the founding of the place. He returned to California and settled in Lakeport in 1887, later moving to Hopland, where he engaged in hop growing for a time, and finally settled in Ukiah in 1890, remaining here up to the time of his death. Dispatch-Democrat, Ukiah, California, September 6, 1912, page 8 F. W. Broback is delighted with his Buick. He says that the cost of upkeep has been very cheap, amounting to much less than was represented. In addition it will go farther on a gallon of gasoline than any other car he knows of, and as for hill climbing it will go up anything short of straight up. Mr. Broback is certainly an enthusiastic Buick booster. "Buicks Are Going Like Hotcakes," Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, October 18, 1912, page 8 Mrs. B. H. Miller and mother, Mrs. Broback, returned last Wednesday evening from Berkeley, where they were visiting Mrs. Roy Douglass. "Short Items of Interest," Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, December 13, 1912, page 5 Child Run Over
Angelo, the little son of Carmelo Fracchi, was knocked down and run
over yesterday by an auto at the corner in front of the tailor shop of
Henry Meyer. F. W. Broback was driving the machine and was rounding the
corner going very slowly. The child was crossing the street, and as Mr.
Broback thought, was out of the way safely. However he [Carmelo] got
rattled and turned back and the machine struck him, throwing him on his
face. The front wheel passed over his body lengthwise and, the brakes
being on, the rear wheel skidded along scraping the boy in front of it.
The little fellow was taken to the Lathrop Malpas hospital, where Dr.
Malpas examined him for broken bones. Other than a few bruises he was
unhurt, however.
Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, January 24, 1913, page 1  State Street, Ukiah, 1920s In veering to avoid another car on South State Street last Saturday, F. W. Broback ran into the front of the K. & P. garage and demolished it, damaging his car also to some extent. "Short Items of Interest," Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, July 18, 1913, page 5 Frances Broback through Preston & Preston has filed a petition for letters of administration on the estate of C. W. Broback. The estate consists of a mortgage for $2500 against property owned by Pete Howard. "New Cases Filed in Superior Court," Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, August 29, 1913, page 1  PASSING
OF MRS. BROBACKONE OF CALIFORNIA'S PIONEER MOTHERS GOES TO HER REWARD
One
by One California's pioneers are passing to the great beyond. Last
Friday evening Mrs. Frances
Ann Broback passed away at the family
residence on West Standley Street. Death came unexpectedly, as she had
not complained of being ill, and was planning a trip to Healdsburg just
a day or so before the final summons came. Death was caused by
neuralgia of the heart.
Frances Ann Broback was born in Missouri January 9, 1839, being 74 years, 9 months and 15 days old at the time of her death. She crossed the plains in 1856 with her parents, locating on what is now called the Pepperwood Ranch near Lyttons in Sonoma County. On December 25, 1860, she was married to her late husband, C. W. Broback, and they removed to Lakeport, where they resided for two and one-half years, going from there to Oregon, where they remained until 1885. They returned to California in 1888, and located at Hopland. In 1890 they came to Ukiah. Mrs. Broback is survived by two brothers, George and Frank Haigh of Healdsburg, and six children, F. W., Charles A., W. L., and Clarence Broback, and Mrs. Etta Douglass and Mrs. Alice Miller; also several grandchildren. The funeral took place Monday afternoon from the family residence and was largely attended, Rev. Graham officiating at the services. The remains were interred in the Masonic cemetery alongside her husband. Ukiah Times, October 28, 1913, page 1 MRS. BROBACK DIES IN UKIAH
Clarence Broback received word here late Friday evening that his
mother, Mrs. Charles W. Broback of Ukiah, had died of heart trouble
while sitting in a chair.
She was a well-known and highly esteemed Ukiah pioneer, and it is reported that she was 63 years old. Mr. and Mrs. Broback left for the county seat Saturday morning. Fort Bragg Advocate, October 29, 1913 PIONEER WOMAN DIES AFTER A USEFUL
LIFE
Crossed the Plains with an Ox
Team with her
Parents and was Early Settler Both in California and Oregon. Death Came
Without Warning
Last
Friday evening Mrs. Frances A. Broback passed away at her home in this
city. Her daughter Mrs. Miller was with her at the time, and her death
was a great shock as she had not been ill and was planning a trip to
Healdsburg. Neuralgia of the heart was the cause and the silent reaper
came so quick that medical attention and loving hands were to no avail.
The funeral occurred from the family residence Monday afternoon; Rev.
Graham of the Presbyterian Church preaching a very touching sermon. All
of the children except Walter, who was unable to reach here, were
present
at the funeral. to Members of Family Frances A. Haigh was a native of Missouri, where she was born January 9, 1840. She crossed the plains with her parents in 1853, the trip being made by ox teams. The family settled in Santa Clara County and at the old Pepperwood ranch near Healdsburg in 1856. This ranch was widely known among the pioneers as a stopping place and was famed for its hospitality. On Christmas Day, 1860, she was united in marriage to Charles Wesley Broback. [Sonoma County records the date of the wedding as June 15, 1858.] Soon afterward they moved to Sacramento and later to the state of Oregon and were pioneers of the early '60s there. They were instrumental in establishing and laying out the towns of Lakeview, Lake County, Oregon and Medford, Jackson County, Oregon. After spending a number of years there they returned to California and located at Lakeport in 1884, moving to Hopland in 1886, where they engaged in farming and remained there until 1890 when they settled in Ukiah. Mr. Broback preceded his wife to the grave, having passed away August 27, 1912. Besides two brothers in Healdsburg, the deceased is survived by the following children: F. W. of Ukiah; Walter of San Francisco; Charles of Santa Rosa; Clarence of Fort Bragg; Mrs. R. H. Douglass of Los Angeles; and Mrs. B. H. Miller of Ukiah. Mrs. Broback was one of the typical pioneer women who endured the hardships incident to making a new country and was kind and generous and kindly regarded by all. Her life was well rounded out with good deeds and the final summons has called her to a well earned rest. Ukiah Republican-Press, California, October 31, 1913 Mrs. F. A. Broback Passes to Rest
Mrs. Frances
Broback
passed away at her home in Ukiah last Friday as a result of an attack
of neuralgia of the heart. Her death came unexpectedly and was
something of
a shock to her many friends and to the children who were widely
scattered over the state. The funeral was held last Monday
afternoon from the residence and was attended by a large concourse of
those to whom she had endeared herself by many acts of kindness.Was a Pioneer of California and Oregon DEATH COMES UNEXPECTEDLY Mrs. Broback's maiden name was Frances A. Haigh. She was born in Missouri January 9, 1840, residing in the state until 1853, when she crossed the plains with her parents and settled in California in Santa Clara County. In 1856 the family moved to Healdsburg and settled on what is known as Pepperwood Ranch, and there she was married to Chas. W. Broback on Christmas Day in 1860. Soon afterward, she and her husband moved to Sacramento and a little later to Oregon. They were pioneers of that state and were instrumental in the founding of Lakeview and Medford. In 1884 they returned to California and eventually settled in Hopland in 1886. From there they went to Ukiah in 1890 where they made their home permanently, and where Mr. Broback passed away several months ago. There remain six children to mourn her passing, F. W. Broback, Ukiah; Walter Broback, of San Francisco; Chas. Broback, of Santa Rosa; Clarence Broback, of Fort Bragg; Mrs. R. H. Douglass, of Los Angeles; Mrs. Bert Miller, of Ukiah. All but Walter were present at the funeral. Two brothers also survive her, George and Ed Haigh of Healdsburg. Mrs. Broback was a devoted wife and mother and a constant friend to the many who claimed the privilege of her friendship, and her passing occasions regret to all. Dispatch-Democrat, Ukiah, California, October 31, 1913, page 1 Passing of Mrs. Broback
One by one California's pioneers are passing to
the great beyond. Last
Friday evening Mrs. Frances
Ann [sic]
Broback passed away at the
family
residence on West Standley Street. Death came unexpectedly, as she had
not complained of being ill
and was planning a trip to Healdsburg just a day or so before the final
summons came. Death was caused by neuralgia of the heart. Francis Ann
[sic]
Broback was born in Missouri
January 9, 1839, being 74 years, 9 months, and 5 days old at the time
of her death. She crossed the plains in 1856 with her parents, locating
on what is now called the Pepperwood ranch near Lyttons in Sonoma
County.ONE OF CALIFORNIA'S PIONEER MOTHERS GOES TO HER REWARD On Dec. 25, 1860, she was married to her late husband, C. W. Broback, and they removed to Lakeport where they resided for two and one-half years, going from there to Oregon where they remained until [1888]. They returned to California in 1888, and located at Hopland. In 1890 they came to Ukiah. Mrs. Broback is survived by two brothers, George and Frank Haigh of Healdsburg, and six children, F. W., Charles A., W. L. and Clarence Broback, and Mrs. Etta Douglas and Mrs. Alice Miller; also several grandchildren. The funeral took place Monday afternoon from the family residence and was largely attended, Rev. Graham officiating at the services. The remains were interred in the Masonic cemetery alongside her husband. Ukiah Times,
California, October 28, 1913
INDIAN FOUND DEAD
Issac Green, a Carlisle Indian, who has been filling the position of
general factotum at the Elkhorn lodging house for Frank Broback for
several years, was found dead in his bed there Wednesday morning. A
coroner's jury was summoned and held an inquest, it being decided that
Greene [sic]
had died some
time the early part of Tuesday night from pneumonia. He had been ailing
for several days, but his condition was not thought to be so serious as
to warrant fear of death.
Dispatch-Democrat, Ukiah, California, January 9, 1914, page 1 ELKHORN LODGING HOUSE ENTERS NEW
HANDS
F.
W. Broback this week sold the Elkhorn lodging house to Joe McCreary and
his sister, Miss Donna McCreary, and they took possession yesterday
morning, and will conduct the business in the future. Mr. Broback will
enter into other business, it is stated.
The Elkhorn has a good patronage, and Mr. Broback has made a big success there, which it is hoped will also follow the efforts of the new owners. Billy Lewis and wife will continue the management of the restaurant. Dispatch-Democrat, Ukiah, California, January 23, 1914, page 5 Deed--F. W. Broback to J. E. McCreary, "Elk Horn" [Hotel], Ukiah. "Instruments on Record," Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, July 10, 1914, page 3 F. W. Broback came over from Lakeport Monday for a few days visit. "Short Items of Interest," Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, October 7, 1914, page 5 Decree of Distribution--Est. of Frances A. Broback, dec'd. Distributes property of said Estate to Walter A. Broback, Charles A. Broback, Clarence Broback, Mrs. Etta Douglass, Mrs. Alice Miller & Fernando Wesley Broback. "Instruments on Record," Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, October 23, 1914, page 3 Frank Broback came over from Lakeport the first of the week on a short business trip. "Short Items of Interest," Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, November 27, 1914, page 5 First Bank of Savings: Capital, $25,000, paid up. Resources. $150,014. L. Barnard, president; George Golden, vice president; J. E. Weller. cashier; additional directors, H. P. Plummer, L. J. Scooffy, [Clarence] W. Broback. F. Windlinx. Aurelius O. Carpenter and Percy H. Millberry, History of Mendocino and Lake Counties, California, with Biographical Sketches, 1914, page 67 The Times, another weekly, has had an exceedingly varied experience. It is hard to say who its progenitor was, as it has been grafted upon several sporadic efforts at journalism. The Ukiah Independent of Hunter & Whitton, the Mendocino Republican by C. Huse, the Herald by Herzinger, the Saturday Night by Broback, may all be counted among its ancestors. Finally it fell into the hands of George H. Rhodes, who let go of it soon after the election of W. H. Kent to Congress. Since then it has been successively in the hands of Marlow, Halliday, Adams, and now is run by Keller & Hufft, two young men who have grown up with the town. It also has a job office, power press and linotype. Aurelius O. Carpenter and Percy H. Millberry, History of Mendocino and Lake Counties, California, with Biographical Sketches, 1914, page 71 In 1900 the Little Lake Herald was issued by White & Pennington, and passed to the latter in 1903, and was later merged into the News. The latter was established by S. P. Curtis and by him sold to Broback, who moved the paper's headquarters to Ukiah and issued it as the News and Saturday Night, its ostensible home being Willits. Aurelius O. Carpenter and Percy H. Millberry, History of Mendocino and Lake Counties, California, with Biographical Sketches, 1914, page 111 FERNANDO W. BROBACK.— The distinction of being a native Californian and the son of a western pioneer belongs to the proprietor of the Elkhorn hotel in Ukiah. It may be said of his father, Charles W., that he was a man of superior intelligence, a Virginian by birth, descended from an honored family of the Old Dominion, but so impoverished by circumstances that from the age of nine years he was forced to make his own way in the world. Only a lad fearless of spirit, robust in body and resourceful in mind could have survived the hardships which he continuously buffeted. For the privations of poverty and the exposure of frontier existence nature had qualified him by giving him as an endowment a sound mind in a sound body, and when he came over the plains in 1856 he was ready to cope with the severest trials besetting the pathway of a miner and frontiersman. Besides working in the mines he was employed in the stock industry and in teaming. During 1860 he drove a mule-team from Sacramento to the mines and return. On the 26th of December, 1860, he married Frances Haigh, a girl of seventeen, who had crossed the plains in 1856. The young couple settled at Healdsburg, Sonoma County, where their eldest son, Fernando W., was born September 26, 1861. The younger sons and daughters were as follows: Oliver (now deceased), Walter L., Charles A., Clarence, Etta (Mrs. Roy A. Douglass), and Alice (Mrs. Bert Miller). The family removed to Oregon in 1862 and for a time lived in Portland, then moved to The Dalles, teaming to Canyon City and Boise City, Idaho, until 1870. The trail ran through an Indian country and he took part in many a serious fight with the Snake Indians, but was fortunate and was never wounded. In 1870 he removed to eastern Oregon and engaged in the stock business for ten years. While the family was living in Goose Lake Valley, Lake County was organized, and Mrs. Broback has the honor of naming Lakeview, the county seat. In 1880 they moved to Rogue River Valley, and Mr. Broback became one of the founders of Medford, Ore., which city was built on a ranch that he owned at one time. While engaged in stock raising in Lake County he became so popular among the cowboys and ranchers that they elected him to the legislature of Oregon, and he served for one term with credit to himself. Frequently he met Indians in his teaming expeditions, and more than once he became involved in skirmishes with those that were hostile. Indeed, his entire experience in Oregon was fraught with danger. The small financial returns by no means represented the merited results of manifold perils. In his teaming expeditions from The Dalles to Boise City he took personal risks which none but the bravest of men would face. While his adventures in Oregon were often dangerous and always interesting, they brought him little in the way of permanent advancement until he began the stock business, in which he was successful, as well as in the sale of the townsite. From 1885 to 1888 he lived at Lakeport, Lake County. During the next two years he raised hops at Hopland, Mendocino County. In 1890 he retired from manual labor, settled in Ukiah, and there remained until his death, August 27, 1912. In every respect a self-made man, he was a type of that fearless, adventurous pioneer element that passed away with the passing of the last frontier. The mother died in Ukiah September 20, 1913. At a very early age the eldest son in the family, Fernando W. Broback, began to assist in the maintenance of the younger children. As a cowboy he rode the range in Eastern Oregon, Idaho and Montana. Like his father, he was fearless, adventurous, fond of the frontier, skilled with animals and an expert rider. It was not until he came to Ukiah, August 8, 1889, that he turned his attention to business pursuits and relinquished ranching activities. With S. P. Curtis he founded the Ukiah Times, the first issue appearing August 8, 1889. Later he bought the interest of his partner and for four years continued the paper alone. During the period of his management the publication was popularly known as one of the most newsy, interesting and up-to-date papers in the county. After he sold the sheet and the plant he acted as superintendent of the Ukiah Water Company for five years, and since 1906 he has been the proprietor of the Elkhorn Hotel in Ukiah. Aurelius O. Carpenter and Percy H. Millberry, History of Mendocino and Lake Counties, California, with Biographical Sketches, 1914, page 591 CLARENCE W. BROBACK.— From a very early period in the American occupancy of the West the Broback family has been identified with the material upbuilding of California and Oregon. When quite young Charles W. Broback, a Virginian by birth and ancestry, crossed the plains in 1854 as a member of a large party of emigrants allured to the coast by the prospects of the mines. Seeking a means of immediate revenue, the young men engaged in teaming from Sacramento to the mines, and later followed the same occupation between Petaluma and Santa Rosa in Sonoma County. A desire to see more of the west caused him to travel extensively through this state and Oregon, and he was so attracted by the possibilities of the latter state that he first settled in Lake County, where the settlers had several battles with the Indians and succeeded in driving them out. Later he settled in the Rogue River Valley, in Jackson County, Ore., when that section of the country contained very few inhabitants. Indians still roamed at will through the forests and not infrequently he had narrow escapes in encounters with hostile savages. The thriving city of Medford now stands on the original site of his ranch with its primeval cabin of logs, its rude barn and frontier environment. At one time he owned seven hundred acres, which he devoted to general ranching and out of which he gave sites for churches and school houses, as well as a right of way to a railroad in process of construction. He also laid out the original site of Medford, which was named by his wife. Besides being identified intimately with the Rogue River Valley he lived for a time in the Hood River Valley, and for two terms represented The Dalles district in the Oregon legislature, where his intelligence, patriotism and broad knowledge of conditions and possibilities of the commonwealth made him a valued member. Returning to California in 1888, accompanied by his wife, Frances (Haigh) Broback, a native of Iowa, and also accompanied by their children, Hon. Charles W. Broback located at Lakeport, Lake County, where his abilities and energy made him a prominent factor in agricultural development. About 1890 he came to Mendocino County and engaged in ranching near Hopland. Eventually he retired from agricultural activities and established a home in Ukiah, where in 1912 his earth life came to an end. In his family there are the following named sons and daughters: Fernando W., of Lakeport; Walter, of San Francisco; Charles A., of Santa Rosa; Clarence W., our subject; Mrs. R. H. Douglas, of Sacramento; and Mrs. B. H. Miller, of Ukiah. The mother died at the old home in October, 1913. When the family came to California in 1888 Clarence W., who was born in Lakeview, Lake County, Ore., July 12, 1875, was a lad of thirteen years, and his schooling, begun in Oregon, was completed in Lakeport, Hopland and Ukiah, Cal. During youth he interested himself in ranching, but since May, 1900 he has been connected with the Union Lumber Company, and now acts as foreman at their wharf in Fort Bragg. He not only possesses large executive ability and sagacious judgment, but in addition he is familiar with the lumber industry in all of its details, hence fills his responsible position with unusual efficiency. Since its organization he has been a director in the First Bank of Savings in Fort Bragg. The family of Clarence W. Broback comprises his wife, Margaret H., and two sons, Jack W. and Charles R. Mrs. Broback is a daughter of John Cummings, an honored pioneer of Mendocino County, born near Toronto, Canada, February 18, 1840, and there trained to a knowledge of carpentering. January 3, 1869, he first arrived at Caspar, Mendocino County, where he found employment as a millwright. Returning to Canada in 1872, he soon came back to Caspar, where he resumed his old position in the sawmill and was promoted to be foreman of the mill. In subsequent years of business activity he erected several sawmills along the coast of this county, among them the first mill at Fort Bragg, of which he was foreman for several years. He is now living retired in Fort Bragg. While visiting in Canada he was there married to Miss Catherine Williams, who was born and reared in that country. Their five children, all natives of California, are as follows: John A., Lottie M., Margaret H., James K., who died when nine years old; and Maude, Mrs. W. C. Balfour. Mrs. Broback received her education in the schools of Mendocino County, which has been her home throughout life and in which she and Mr. Broback have a large circle of warm personal friends. Aurelius O. Carpenter and Percy H. Millberry, History of Mendocino and Lake Counties, California, with Biographical Sketches, 1914, page 748 THE UKIAH TIMES.—The history of the Ukiah Times dates back to the year 1898, when F. W. Broback launched a magazine of sixteen pages upon the journalistic sea. As is the common lot of newspapers in villages and small cities, the new publication encountered many storms. More than once it appeared that the small bark was destined to be wrecked against the rocks of financial depression or community indifference. To the surprise of many, however, it has weathered every gale and, stronger by reason of its many struggles, now rides upon the seas of popular favor. Meanwhile many changes have been made. The original job press upon which the magazine was printed has been replaced by a large press suited to the present newspaper form, while the composition is the work of a substantial linotype machine. From a position of insignificance the paper has risen to a weekly circulation of eleven hundred, with a corresponding influence in the moral, educational and business upbuilding of Ukiah. After many changes in its ownership the Times finally was purchased by E. A. Keller and L. Y. Hufft, the present owners. Aurelius O. Carpenter and Percy H. Millberry, History of Mendocino and Lake Counties, California, with Biographical Sketches, 1914, page 863 DEFECTIVE FLUE DESTROYS HOME
John Vincent, a bachelor living in the Broback house, on West Eleventh
Street, narrowly escaped death by incineration early this morning in a
fire caused by a defective flue, which destroyed the house. Vincent was
awakened from his sleep by shreds of flaming wallpaper falling upon his
bed. The room was aflame. He threw his overcoat over his head and made
his way to the open air, summoning help. The loss is about $300,
household effects and building.
The fire department made the run to the fire in record time, covering the distance in three minutes and forty-five seconds. Over 200 feet of hose was laid. Vincent lost, besides his personal goods, a small amount of paper money, which was burned up. The glare from the fire lighted all the western sky, but was quickly extinguished. A number of people were routed out of bed at an early hour by the fire. Medford Mail Tribune, January 13, 1915, page 2 Max Weiss, wife and daughter, Miss Lillie and his head brewer, Mr. Bittner and Harold Maze composed a party who autoed to Lakeport Sunday for a day's recreation. They put in the day as the guest of F. W. Broback at his boat house on the lake and report an enjoyable time. "Personal Mention/Local Happenings," Ukiah Republican-Press, September 10, 1915, page 3 F. W. Broback came over from Lakeport Tuesday for a few days visit. "Personal Mention/Local Happenings," Ukiah Republican-Press, October 1, 1915, page 3  Ukiah, California, 1920s Name Precinct Occupation Post Office Broback, Clarence W. Fort Bragg No. 2 Lumberman Fort Bragg Broback, Fernando W. Ukiah No. 5 Retired Ukiah Broback, Marjorie H. Fort Bragg No. 2 Housewife Fort Bragg Mendocino County Great Register, 1920 Fernando W. Broback, 59, living in a houseboat, no occupation U.S. Census, Fourth Township, Lakeport, California, enumerated January 13, 1920 BAGS BUCK WITH BOAT AND LASSO
(Clear Lake Press)
Only slightly less sensational was the record of F. W. Broback, also in
the crippled class, his two lame knees requiring the regular use of
crutches. "Bro" got his buck by aid of a rowboat and lasso, but the
deer had been crippled by hunters on the hills above the eastern lake
shore. Broback was in his houseboat off shore, watching for the bucks
to come to water, as they do at times when hard hunted. This wounded
forked-horn took to the drink; Bro hauled after him in the dinghy, got
a loop about his horns and finished him with a knife.
There is a great demand for crutches and wheelchairs among disgruntled hunters around town. Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, August 13, 1920, page 5
Two Brothers Die Within 12 Hours
Friends of Mrs. Bert Miller of this city and Clarence
Broback of Fort Bragg are extending their condolences on account of the
deaths of Charles and Ferdinand Broback, their brothers, who died
within twelve hours of each other last Tuesday, February 28, the former
at Santa Rosa and the latter at Oakland. Both had been in poor health
for some time, but nevertheless the news of their deaths, coming within
a few hours of each other, brought a shock to the relatives and to
those who knew them in the days of auld lang syne.
The funeral services will be held this afternoon, interment being in the local cemetery. Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, March 3, 1922, page 1 LOCAL LADY LOST 2 BROTHERS ONE DAY
(Santa Rosa Republican) Two
brothers, one of them Charles
Augustus Broback, for many years engaged
in the realty business in Santa Rosa, and prior to that a resident of
Ukiah for some time, died within a few hours of each other yesterday.
The local man died at his home, 717 Washington Street, at 10:15 o'clock
last night, from a lingering complaint which had kept him in poor
health for many years. His brother, a resident of Berkeley, dropped
dead at noon.
To Rest Together
Both dying
at practically the same time, although in different cities, they will
be interred at the same time Thursday at Ukiah, in adjacent graves,
following the funeral of the local man here Thursday morning.Mr. Broback was a native of Oregon, born January 16, 1872. He had lived in California 40 years. Surviving are a widow, Mrs. Laura Broback, and three children, Mrs. Naomi Bennett, Venera and Elwood Broback. A grandchild also survives. Mr. Broback was affiliated with the Santa Rosa Realty Board, and took an active interest in the welfare of that organization. His associates will feel his absence, especially because Mr. Broback took his illness cheerfully and was unfailingly courteous. The body will be sent north to Ukiah on the train leaving here at 10 a.m. today. The same train will convey the body of the brother to Ukiah for interment. By a strange coincidence two brothers, many miles apart, died on the same day and within a few hours of each other. They were Fernando W. Broback, eldest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Broback, for many years residents of Ukiah, who died in Oakland at the home of his sister, Mrs. R. H. Douglass, and Charles A. Broback, third son of the same couple, who resided at Santa Rosa with his family. Brought to Ukiah
The bodies
were brought to Ukiah on the same train Thursday evening, and a double
funeral service was held the following day, the bodies being interred
in the family burial plot in the local cemetery.The services were held at two o'clock from the Cleland parlors, the Rev. W. W. Breckenridge of the Presbyterian Church officiating. The pallbearers were Judge H. L. Preston, F. C. Handy, John Redemeyer, Taylor McGarvey, Lee Cunningham and T. M. Cleland. Long Lived Here
Fernando
W. Broback was born in Healdsburg, in 1860. He came to Ukiah with his
parents in 1892 and lived here until 1907. He was the founder and
editor of The Ukiah
Times, a weekly paper recently suspended. For the past
few years he has been a resident of Lakeport. Death was caused by heart
disease. The family are well known here, one sister, Mrs. B. H. Miller,
still residing at the old family home in West Standley Street. Clarence
Broback, a brother, is a valued employee of the Union Lumber Company at
Fort Bragg. Previous to coming here with his family to reside, Mr. C.
W. Broback founded the town of Medford, Oregon, on a tract of land
owned by himself.Surviving members of the family are Mrs. Laura Broback, née Wade, formerly of Willits, and three children, Mrs. R. H. Douglass of Berkeley, Walter Broback, of Oakland, Clarence Broback, of Fort Bragg, and Mrs. B. H. Miller of this city, to all of whom the sympathy of many old-time friends is extended in their double bereavement. Ukiah Republican-Press, March 8, 1922, page 8 Mr. and Mrs. Roy Douglass were Ukiah visitors the latter part of last week, coming up from the bay section to attend the funeral of Mrs. Douglass' brothers, Fernando and Chas. Broback. Ukiah Dispatch-Democrat, March 10, 1922, page 3 SPENCER CHILDERS RAZING HOUSE HE
ERECTED IN 1885
When
Spencer Childers, now nearing his 80th birthday, dropped into Medford
in 1885, he was here but a half hour when he signed a contract to build
the first brick house in the city [for C. W. Broback],
on the corner of Ninth and
Riverside. There was only one other brick building here then, according
to the pioneer builder, and that was in the present location of the
Nash Hotel. [The year
was 1884,
not 1885, and the Medynski Building at Main and Central was
also completed that year.]
This week Mr. Childers, who looks many years younger than his age, fulfilled another contract at the same location, that of tearing down the house he built 44 years ago. The brick are every bit as good as they were in those days, and part of them are to be used in a building now under construction in Ashland. In the same location the new Firestone Tire Company's local headquarters are to be established. [The 1930 Medford city directory locates Smith & Watkins' Firestone dealership at 206 South Riverside.] Medford Mail Tribune, March 21, 1929, page 5 Charles W. Broback, who was born in Virginia on July 14, 1835, went to California in 1852 and came to Oregon in 1864, owned a farm on which part of Medford is built. He was married on Christmas Day, 1859, to Frances A. Haigh. Fred Lockley, "Impressions and Observations of the Journal Man," Oregon Journal, Portland, June 30, 1936, page 12 OLD ELK HORN SOLD, WILL BE TORN
DOWN
Landmark in City for About Fifty Years
Ukiah's hobo haven, the old Elk Horn, will soon be no more.
Funeral Services Wednesday for
Ettalyn DouglassThe old landmark, condemned for a number of years by fire and health officials of the town, has been sold to P. D. Peterson, well-known builder and contractor, and will be torn down without delay. Work of demolition was started Monday morning. The property is part of the Joseph McCreary estate and is now owned by his niece, Miss Alice Lamb, who retains the land on which the hotel is located. The Elk Horn, the rendezvous of hoboes for several years, was at one time the home of the Ukiah Times, a local newspaper in the years gone by. The name of the paper is still in letters above one of the entrances. The old hotel was built about 50 years ago by the late F. W. Broback, who was proprietor and editor of the former Ukiah Times. The hotel was bought some 35 years ago by the late Joseph McCreary and operated by him as a hotel to the time of his death a few years ago. There are 40 rooms in the rambling old building, all of which were completely furnished at one time. It was the home for a number of years of the late Donna McCreary, who is credited with being instrumental in the capture of "Black Bart," an early-day character in the stage robbery game. The Broback home in Ukiah is now the home of Dr. and Mrs. C. E. Roberts on West Standley Street. The home was built by the late F. W. Broback. [It was built by C. W. Broback.] The late F. W. Broback was a brother of Clarence Broback, who for a number of years has been an employee of the Union Lumber Co. Mrs. Bert Miller, who passed away recently in Los Angeles, was a daughter of the man who built the old Elk Horn. (Mrs. Miller was F. W.'s sister, C. W.'s daughter.] Situated on East Perkins Street, which leads from the railroad station, the old hotel is known to the majority of residents and visitors to the city. Of late years, unoccupied, it has been the winter refuge of hoboes, whom locks and bars failed to keep out. A fire and health menace, it has been a city problem for some time. Redwood Journal, Ukiah, California, April 12, 1943, page 1 Old Elkhorn Now Being Torn Down
The
Elk Horn Hotel, which wanderlust tribes used for years as a flop
house, is being razed. The land on which the structure stands is owned
by Miss Alice Lamb.
Ukiah Republican-Press, April 14, 1943
Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 1 p.m. from the chapel of
the Albert Brown Mortuary, 3476 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, for Ettalyn
Douglass, former Ukiahan. Mrs. Douglass died Feb. 16, her death
following not long after that of her husband, Ray H. Douglass, who died
at their Oakland home on Feb. 6 after a long illness.
A native of Oregon, Mrs. Douglass' maiden name was Broback. Her family resided at Standley and Pine St. here. Mr. Douglass resided at the Douglass ranch, seven miles south of Ukiah. Their home has been in the Bay Area since 1900, but they kept in touch with friends here as they spent part of each summer at Orr's Springs. Surviving her are two daughters, Mrs. Dorothy Johnson of Oakland and Mrs. Bernice Slade of Palo Alto. Mrs. Lillie Bevens of San Francisco, a sister, also survives Mr. Douglass. Ukiah Daily Journal, February 18, 1958, page 8 Last revised July 21, 2022 |
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