There wasn't a Medford newspaper in 1883; there was no Medford. This is the 1883 prehistory of Medford, as recounted in other towns' newspapers.
   
Speculation about the route abounds as the rails approach the future town site. Jacksonville alternately worries and whistles into the wind.*


Byers, John, carpenter, res Washington Hotel
Portland City Directory, 1883, page 96


    The Jacksonville Sentinel says: "It is probable that the most of our merchants will ship over the Crescent City wagon road this year. It will be greatly to their advantage to do so, as the rates will be cheaper and prompt delivery guaranteed. Besides, a new market for our produce will be opened."
    Wimer & Sons have completed the new road from Jacksonville to Crescent City to its connection with the old road, at a cost of between $15,000 and $20,000. Everything will be ready for freighting before April. It is thought that a large portion of the Jacksonville freight will be hauled over this route.
"Local Items," Douglas Independent, Roseburg, January 27, 1883, page 2


    Mr. John Huffer, of Jacksonville, Oregon, has just patented through the Mining and Scientific Press Patent Agency a new method of operating pumps in mines or deep wells, where the pumps are located on different levels or stations. The object of the invention is to furnish means for operating all the pumps upon the various levels or stations at the same time by the application of the original power, which, by certain mechanical devices, is transmitted throughout the entire system.
    Across the top of the shaft is suitably journaled the driving shaft, upon which is a pulley on which is firmly clamped a flat wire cable. This cable is clamped to its center at the top of the pulley to prevent slipping, as its ends are loose and swing down upon each side over the face of the pulley. This power pulley does not make a complete revolution, but oscillates, that is, it revolves part way and then back.
    At the first side station or level is journaled a horizontal shaft, carrying upon one end a double-faced pulley. Upon the outer of these faces is clamped at the center and underneath the pulley another flat cable, the ends of which pass about the face of the pulley at its sides, and extend up to connect with the lower ends of pieces of round cable already attached to the flat cable of the power pulley, thus making a connection with the upper pulley. In the pieces of round cable connecting the flat cables are placed set screws or links, whereby the cable connection can be tightened and adjusted. Over the other face of the pulley at the station is another flat belt connected in a similar manner to that already described, with the pulley at the next station by similarly arranged belts. Each level is connected with the one above in this way, and at each station is a pump.
    The shafts of each of the sets of pulleys have pinions at their ends, these pinions engaging with a rack, either formed with or attached to the piston rod of the pump. Power is applied to the main driving shaft and pulley at the surface to give the pulley an oscillatory motion. This is transmitted through the continuous belt or cable connections to the pinions at the several stations, and by means of these pinions the piston rods of the pumps are moved back and forth to operate the pumps. The pumps may be single or double-acting, or two single-acting pumps, one at each end of the rack, may be used.
    The pumps may be operated at any angle desired, by clamping the flat cables at suitable points upon their pulleys, and by the interposition of guide pulleys the power may be transmitted to them in any location, as in a tunnel or down another shaft. The general principle of operating a series of pumps simultaneously is not new, but the other devices differ from Mr. Huffer's. The vibrations of the cable is provided for, and also the stretching of the cables.
"Oregon," Mining and Scientific Press, San Francisco, February 3, 1883, page 72  A patent model for this device survives, in the vault of the Beekman Bank, Jacksonville.


    Dolson's railroad surveying party will soon take the field again, commencing at Rock Point, where they left off last fall.
    The probabilities now are that the railroad will pass through the valley at some point between this place and the Hanley Butte. Parties who know have given the information that the short tunnel--the highest one up--has been adopted by the railroad company, and in order to reach that elevation the road must commence climbing up along the foothills somewhere about the middle of the valley.
    As to the final location of the road from the summit to the valley, it is too soon to predict its course with any approach to exactness. The preliminary work to be done this month may develop chances for improvement in what is now regarded as the most favorable general route; and even after the grade stakes are set there may be changes made, here and there, in the line.
"Railroad Notes," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, March 10, 1883, page 3




    J. H. Whipple of Evans Creek informs us that the railroad company has sent out agents to look after the right of way, who have arrived in the valley already.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 16, 1883, page 2


    The railroad is coming and the goods at the New York Store must be sold at any price to make room for the new stock that will arrive by the first train.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 16, 1883, page 3


    The road from Jacksonville to Crescent City will be ready for heavy teams by the first of April. Some of the business men have contracted with parties in Crescent City to deliver freight from San Francisco for three cents a pound, which will be quite a saving compared with present rates via Redding or Portland.
"Local Items," Douglas Independent, Roseburg, March 17, 1883, page 3


    Dolson's surveying party is expected in the valley soon.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 23, 1883, page 2


    According to the Ashland Tidings, "the people of Jacksonville have offered to pay the Oregon & California R. R. Co. $190,000 to have the railroad brought to, or near, their town. A public or private meeting of the citizens was held one day this week, and a telegram sent to Thomas G. Reames, who was then in Portland, directing him to make such proposition to the officers of the company."
    We think this will be news to the aforesaid people of Jacksonville.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, March 24, 1883, page 3


    We can state with a considerable degree of authority that the railroad route through the valley has not been definitely located as yet, and that there are some probabilities that it will run this side of Hanley's butte.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 30, 1883, page 2


    CHARACTERISTIC MEANNESS.--The Ashland sheet, with its usual small, jealous spirit, continues to place Jacksonville in a false light on the railroad question. Its item, headed "bonus offered," is untrue from beginning to end, possessing not a single statement that has any foundation in fact. The little pustule is so anxious for the downfall of this place that nothing would be too dirty for it to do if it could injure us any. While the people of Jacksonville are desirous of reaping the benefits of railroad connection, at the same time they are perfectly willing that Ashland shall have its share.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 30, 1883, page 3


    Last week three of our citizens had an interview with Manager Koehler of the O.&C.R.R. in relation to the location of the road through this valley, but no definite conclusion was reached, and the question of location is still open. The company express a desire to swing the line as near as possible to Jacksonville but expect to be reimbursed, partially at least, for the additional expense as the line will be nearly a mile longer than a straight line through the valley. For this favor our people are quite ready to respond in a reasonable amount, and it is probable that before the line is finally located an arrangement will be made satisfactory to all parties. Under no circumstances will the line be nearer to us than the west side of Hanley's Butte and, if it is run there, our people will be perfectly satisfied and feel that it is sufficiently near to subserve our interest and, at the time time be an advantage to the company. Mr. Koehler announced that between the 25th of April and the 1st of May trains would be running to Julia [today's Glendale], two miles below Redfield's on Cow Creek, and that freights would be landed there instead of at Riddle.
"Railroad Matters," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, March 31, 1883, page 3


    Freight for southern Oregon will soon be landed some distance this side of Riddle, probably at Julia. No place will be the terminus long.
    S. L. Dolson, who has been in the O.&.C.R.R.'s office at Portland during the winter, is expected to return to Jackson County this week and resume the location of the railroad route through the valley.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 6, 1883, page 2


    A BOOM.--Real estate is booming in Ashland, in anticipation of the benefits expected to accrue from the building of the railroad. Recently, surveyor-general Tolman of Portland purchased J. S. Eubanks' residence in the north end of that place, paying $2,600 for it, while W. R. Jones has sold his, situated in the same locality, to Jesse Dollarhide for $1,800. A year since this property could have been purchased for at least one-third less.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 6, 1883, page 3


    A. Cole of Jump-off Joe made a call Friday. He says that the railroad right-of-way man, who is now on his way to this valley, is meeting with some opposition in that section, different parties demurring to the amounts offered in damages.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 6, 1883, page 3


    At Jacksonville, Ore., on Tuesday, J. F. McMahon was shot dead by his son William. One woman was the mistress of both. The son discovered the father's intimacy and a quarrel followed, the father beating the son with a club, the latter replying with a revolver.
The Indianapolis Journal, Indianapolis, Indiana, April 12, 1883, page 3


    Mr. Loring, right-of-way agent for the O.&.C.R.R. Co., has been at Kerbyville during the sitting of the circuit court, leaving for Douglas County Thursday to finish up his business on Cow Creek. He expects to be in Jackson County in a few weeks.
    The right-of-way agent of the O.&C.R.R. Co. has compromised with Mrs. C. Sexton and J. G. Lanterman, residing in Jump-off Joe Precinct, Josephine County, by the payment of $100 to each of the parties, on account of damage likely to be sustained by them in running the railroad through their lands.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 13, 1883, page 2


    RAILROAD SURVEY.--Dolson's surveying party is expected at Rock Point next Monday, when the work of surveying through the valley will be commenced. A difference of opinion still exists as to which route will be selected through the valley, but the majority seem to believe that it will come by Fort Lane. As several lines will most likely be run it will be some time yet before the route is finally located to a point opposite Jacksonville.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, April 14, 1883, page 3


    S. L. Dolson, chief of the railroad surveying party now in the vicinity of Rogue River, was in town this week. He has made the slight change near Grants Pass, referred to in our last issue, and will soon commence the location of the route to Ashland. Mr. D. informs us that it has been definitely decided to cross at Chavner's Bridge and run up the south side of [the] Rogue River to Gold Hill. He has not as yet received any instructions what line to take through the valley, but expects to be advised in the premises before long. The people of Jacksonville will therefore soon know how far out in the cold they will be left.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 20, 1883, page 2


    We received a pleasant call this week from S. L. Dolson, the genial chief of the railroad surveying party now working in the valley, who informed us that the road was definitely located to Chavner's Bridge, where it will cross Rogue River. The party is camped at the latter place and the work of surveying through the valley is now progressing. The road will run on the south side of Rogue River from where it crosses that stream and in passing through the valley will miss Jacksonville between three and four miles. The route has not been definitely decided upon as yet, however, and it is possible that some changes may be made before the work of locating commences.
"Railroad Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, April 21, 1883, page 3


    N. H. Bostwick, of Healdsburg, has paid $8,000 for the Chappel farm in Applegate, Jackson County, Oregon.--Republican.
"Local Notes," Russian River Flag, Healdsburg, California, April 26, 1883, page 3


    Mr. Loring, agent of the O.&C.R.R. to secure the right of way, was in town this week. He has not begun active work yet in this valley.
    The railroad line, as located by Dolson's party, crosses Rogue River at Chavner's Bridge, thence goes up the river on the south side, between Gold Hill and the river, and at last report the surveyors were working toward the mouth of Bear Creek, at which point the road will leave the river and strike off through the valley. The Jacksonville people have not much hope now that the road will run between their town and the Hanley Butte. Important consultations have been held by citizens there, however, with Mr. Loring, right of way agent, and Mr. Dolson, engineer of the locating survey corps. It is reported that the R.R. officials have offered to swerve the line toward Jacksonville provided the people will raise $25,000, but we haven't learned from "Chawles" [Nickell] whether this is true or not.
"Railroad News," Ashland Tidings, April 27, 1883, page 3


    Dolson's party have moved their camp to the vicinity of Fort Lane.
D. Loring, the right-of-way agent, was in town this week, en route to Ashland and vicinity.
    In a few days the railroad terminus will be at Julia [Glendale], from which point freight for southern Oregon will then be distributed.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 27, 1883, page 2


    Dolson's party is surveying near Fort Lane.
    Nothing new has been developed, but it seems as if the railroad authorities are not disposed to recede from their proposition to run the road this side of Hanley's butte for $25,000 and the right of way, and from present indications it looks like there is either not public spiritedness or money enough in Jacksonville to raise the required amount.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 4, 1883, page 2


    There will be 400,000 railroad ties cut on Rogue River and floated down the river to Rock Point.
"News of the Northwest," Corvallis Gazette, May 4, 1883, page 3


    Dolson's party is in the vicinity of Central Point. It seems that the route is diverging more to the east than at first expected. There is no telling what will be done as yet, however, as the line can be easily changed on short notice.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 11, 1883, page 2


    The Roseburg Independent of last Saturday says: We learn that the mail train will run to Julia on the 15th inst. May 1882, to Julia by stage and "rail" (fence rail) 24 hours. May 1883, to the same point, three hours. Jacksonville is now within 12 hours, by stage in summer, of the O.&C. terminus, and before the close of the present year will be much nearer.
"Railroad News," Ashland Tidings, May 11, 1883, page 3


    Dolson's surveying party is now camped at Phoenix. The line is being located through the valley and will probably miss Jacksonville about five miles.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 12, 1883, page 3


    J. J. Davis, of Jacksonville, Oregon, arrived here yesterday with his family, with the intention of locating.
"Personal," Tacoma Daily Ledger, May 17, 1883, page 4


    Chas. J. Howard is engaged in tying the section lines of the railroad route through the valley.
    D. Loring, right-of-way agent for the railroad, is now in the valley and about commencing to pay damages likely to result from the construction of the route.
    Dolson's party, which got as far as Phoenix last week, returned to near Central Point, to run another line a little west of the other. Mr. Dolson got a more satisfactory route, although deviating but little.
    Gradually the gap between Rogue River Valley and the railroad is being closed, and soon the occupation of several teamsters will be gone. The distance to Glendale, where freight for Southern Oregon is landed, is about 55 miles from Jacksonville. The time will soon be when the familiar prairie schooner will not greet us on every hand. We may have cause to regret the innovation.
    The railroad route now being run through the valley passes straight through from Fort Lane, and leaves Central Point nearly three-quarters of a mile to the east, while Phoenix will be missed by a few hundred yards, Dolson's objective point being the butte to the west of that place, where he joins Hurlburt's line. It is claimed that less damage will be done to farms by this route than any that could be run straight through.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 18, 1883, page 2


    It is now a certainty that the railroad will miss this town [by] nearly five miles. Well, suppose it does. Does anybody imagine that Jacksonville is to be ruined on that account? Some people, whose ill will toward this town is much more intense than reasonable, seem to be impressed with the idea that the first train that comes in on the new road will have a ready-made town aboard which will be unloaded opposite Jacksonville, and straightaway this town will be deserted. If such people could only crack the shell of selfishness in which they are imprisoned and look the situation fairly in the face, they would see that Jacksonville will be benefited rather than injured. It will be near enough to the railroad to receive all the benefits of it, and far enough away to escape all the disadvantages and inconveniences. As a place of residence, our town will be much more desirable on account of escaping the noise of clattering cars and screaming engines. As a place of business it will always be desirable because of its location, and it will be near enough to the railroad for all practical business purposes. A town such as this is not built in a day, nor without the motive power of those business interests depending upon the resources of the country. A very little insight into the influence of railroads upon the towns through which they pass would serve somewhat to dampen the ardor of these ideal town-builders. The money that is invested in property and business in this town will remain where it is, and will continue to improve and increase under the influence of the new encouragement afforded by the railroad. Imaginative corner lots on the direct line of the road will continue to be cultivated in corn and wheat, and the ideal town will evaporate entirely, or sink into the insignificance of a second-class saloon and a railroad lunch house.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 19, 1883, page 3


    CUTTING AND SHOOTING AFFRAY.--We have received information of a serious cutting and shooting affray which occurred at the railroad front this week. It appears that Dotson, the same cowardly assassin who stabbed Charley Hanna here some time ago, committed an unprovoked assault upon an old gentleman named Bannister. Mr. Bannister's son, a young man eighteen or twenty years of age, learning of this took Dotson to task about it and a fight between them was the result. Young Bannister was rather too much for his antagonist, and was pummeling him soundly when Dotson drew his ever-ready knife. Seeing the knife Bannister, being unarmed, started to run, when he was pursued by Dotson who stabbed him twice in the back, the knife entering just over the shoulder blade. After the second blow a bystander named Hankley knocked Dotson down with a club, whereupon one of Dotson's friend named Stephens shot Hankley, the ball entering the fleshy part of the leg. Both Dotson and Stephens then escaped to the woods, and up to the hour of going to press they have not yet been caught. People here will remember this man Dotson as the man who stuck a knife into Charley Hanna, and afterwards escaped the punishment he so richly deserved. If Judge Lynch could preside at the trial of a few of such fellows as this man Dotson, it would be a good thing for society. Dr. Aiken attended the two young men who were wounded, and says that they were all flesh wounds, merely, which, though quite painful, were by no means, necessarily, dangerous.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 19, 1883, page 3


    We clip the following from the Lakeview Examiner of the 12th:
    "From the reports of crimes of all grades reported by the Jackson County papers as occurring in that county, one would naturally arrive at the conclusion that Jackson County includes within its borders some of the toughest and most unprincipled cusses on the coast. The latest case reported is that of James Knox Polk Brown, who is charged with incest with his daughters. J. K. P. B. is a resident of Ashland, but whether the puritanical sentiment of that town upon the temperance question in curbing the propensities of such monsters in one form of debauchery impels them to display their naturally depraved instinct in another and more fiendish form, does not appear. Certain it is that a town whose people profess to have all the virtues and none of the vices of other and presumably immoral places is not helping to add to its reputation for sobriety, propriety, rectitude and morals by permitting such villains to live. There are less godly communities in existence where a case of this kind just mentioned, when backed up by the evidence which appears to make this so damning, would take the guilty wretch to the nearest tree and hang him so high the flies would not bother the corpse. But then such places are not under Christianizing and humanizing influences of which Ashland so proudly boasts.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 19, 1883, page 3


    Dolson's party have run a line through the valley, which will probably be adopted. They are now at work in the vicinity of Grants Pass.
    Engineer Dolson has located a line 250 feet west of any he has previously ran through the valley, which hits Colver's butte near Phoenix as desired. This ends his work there for the present.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 25, 1883, page 3


    The Dolson party finished surveying the second line from the mouth of Bear Creek to the McCall & Anderson mines about three miles below Ashland, last Saturday, and have returned to Grants Pass, to await the return of Mr. Dolson from Portland, when they will most likely begin setting the grade stakes at some point on the located route. The line this side of Wagner Creek is below the lowest of the preliminary lines run by Mr. Hurlburt last fall. Mr. Dolson did not come any further south because he had reached the end of his division, and because the location of the line at and below Ashland will depend upon the work on the descent from the summit south of here.
"Railroad News," Ashland Tidings, May 25, 1883, page 3


    There is a difference of opinion as to where railroad depots will be located. Several parties near the middle of the valley think one will be located on their land, and some of them are liable to be disappointed. The depot for this place will probably be located about five miles east of us.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 1, 1883, page 2


    RIGHT OF WAY.--The following parties have sold the right of way to the O.&.C.R.R. Co. for the consideration mentioned: Anton Becker, Grants Pass, consideration $1; L. C. Hyde, Grants Pass, $50; Ole Severson, Grants Pass, $200; John Woods, Evans Creek, $50; Lincoln Griffith, Grants Pass, $200; W. Harper, Evans Creek, $100; E. M. Hill, Evans Creek, $100; James Savage, Rogue River, $50.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 8, 1883, page 1


    The croakers who are constantly crying down Jacksonville, and who predict all sorts of misfortune for it, will be badly disappointed. There is too much capital invested and too much business done here to warrant a stampede to other places. Besides, Jacksonville is one of the healthiest and most delightful places in the State to reside in, and it will live and prosper long after its maligners will have more railroads than they want.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 8, 1883, page 2


    The railroad line is nearly half a mile west of Magruder's store at Central Point.
    Mr. Dolson, engineer in charge of the railroad division between Grave Creek and Wagner Creek, was in Ashland one day this week, in conference with Mr. Hurlburt. He tells us that the location of the road between [the] Rogue River and Phoenix, as recently made by him, is final, and that there will probably be but little alteration to make this side of Phoenix, in connecting with the line as brought down by Mr. Hurlburt. Mr. Dolson is now engaged in preparing estimates for the bridge and trestle work, and rock cutting in his division, and he is of the opinion that a force of men will be set at work upon portions of the construction in this valley within two or three months.
"Railroad News," Ashland Tidings, June 8, 1883, page 3


    Capt. S. L. Dolson informs us that the railroad route is definitely located through the valley, and the setting of grade stakes has commenced. Another party as large as the one now employed will be put in the field at once for this work, and everything will be rushed along as fast as possible. Mr. Loring, the right of way agent, is meeting with good success and with less trouble than was anticipated. The road is expected to reach the valley before the first of next January.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, June 9, 1883, page 3


    The engraving on this page illustrates a new form of pumping apparatus designed by John H. Huffer, of Jacksonville, Oregon, who has patented his device through the Mining and Scientific Press Patent Agency. The shaft of a mine is represented with stations at various levels, where pumps are placed. At the surface of the ground, and across the mouth of the shaft, is mounted a shaft upon which is secured a pulley. Extending from each of the various stations or levels are short shafts, each carrying double-faced pulleys, all of which are here in a vertical plane with the pulley at one side of the shaft.
    Clamped upon [the] top of the face of the upper pulley is a flat cable or belt, the ends of which pass over the sides of the pulley and hang down in the shaft. The cable may be a flat wire cable, on a chain, as may be necessary, clamped to the tops of the next two pulleys, upon their outer faces, are similar flat cables or belts, the ends of which hang down on each side.
    Under the three pulleys, upon their inner faces, are clamped flat cables, the ends of which extend up over the sides of the pulleys, and are connected with the depending end of the flat cables alongside of them respectively by round cables or chains, or cords, thus completing the connection between all the pulleys so the oscillation of the driving pulley will oscillate the other three. Tightening nuts and turnbuckles take up the slack.
    To produce the oscillatory movement a steam engine cylinder is mounted on the surface, and in a frame are two rods or tracks, upon which a traveler is adapted to reciprocate. The end of the piston rod of the engine is connected with this traveler to which it transmits a reciprocating rectilinear motion.
    Secured on the shaft is a pulley with three faces. A band or belt is clamped on top of the central face and thence passes loosely around one side of it and under the pulley, and is secured to the end of the traveler nearest the steam cylinder. Two similar bands or belts are clamped to the outer faces, thence pass loosely around and under the pulley in an opposite direction to that of the central band, and are secured to the opposite end of the traveler. Through these bands or belts the rectilinear reciprocatory motion of the traveler is converted into an oscillatory movement, with which the pulley is affected. Through the shaft and pulley all of the other pulleys are oscillated. The movement is reconverted into a rectilinear reciprocating motion affecting the pump rods. There are frames and tracks in said frames, and reciprocating travelers at each station where there is a pump.
    Secured upon each of these shafts are pulleys having three faces. Bands or belts are clamped upon these faces and pass loosely around them, being secured to opposite ends of the travelers, the arrangement being similar to those of pulley and traveler above. Thus the oscillating movement of these pulleys is transmitted to the pump rods in a rectilinear reciprocating motion to operate the pumps. There are no racks or pinions.
    These pumps are supposed to be double-acting pumps, and are connected with each other through suitable pipes and intervening tanks, or in any appropriate manner. Vertical pumps may he also worked on exactly the same principle, with a little different arrangement. One vertical pump is shown in the engraving. The inventor states that this conversion of rectilinear to oscillating motion, and vice versa, while being simple, is advantageous in overcoming the dead-center of crank motion for one half of a circle.
    Although the engraving shows the pumping apparatus in a shaft of a mine, it is obvious that the same apparatus is applicable to a deep well. In all ordinary cases of this character no stations would be required other than the one near the bottom, where the pump would be supported. This could be in any practicable manner. The principle on which the well pump is operated is shown in the smaller of the two engravings accompanying this article; the details are arranged to suit circumstances. The pump rod would be reciprocated in the manner already described by the oscillating pulley, connected through belts and chains with an oscillating driving pulley receiving motion from an engine or a hand crank, as might be desirable.
    The operation of the lift pump has a tendency to throw the system out of balance by the amount of force required to operate it. This may be overcome by adjusting the cutoff of the steam engine, allowing it to admit more steam at one end than at the other. When the required depth of shaft is reached, the lift pump may be dispensed with. This apparatus will work at any angle desired by fastening the chains or cables at the center of the pulleys on a line in the new direction. By the use of this apparatus the power is exerted directly against the water to be lifted, less the friction on the bearings, and the inventor is confident there will be no jar in pumping.
"Oregon," Mining and Scientific Press, San Francisco, June 9, 1883, page 385


    Grade stakes are being set along the railroad route and Mr. Loring is busily engaged in securing the right of way.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 15, 1883, page 2


    THE JUSTUS CASE.--The grand jury having found a bill against John Justus, charging him with killing his father, he is now being tried in the circuit court. District Attorney Kent and L. R. Webster appear for the prosecution, while J. R. Neil and B. F. Dowell represents the defense. A large number of witnesses have been summoned and the case is being stubbornly fought. The following jury has been empaneled to try the case: S. Saltmarsh, foreman, John McKee, O. E. Rose, Jas. Buckley, J. N. Traylor, Jacob Klippel, L. A. Williams, L. A. Heberlie, H. F. Torrey, W. A. Jones, W. R. Buck, L. Phillips. It is likely that the case will ocupy a portion of next week.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 22, 1883, page 3


    J. P. Brown has been sentenced in Jackson County, Oregon, to thirty years in the penitentiary for rape upon his own daughter.
"Coast News," Marysville Daily Appeal, Marysville, California, June 22, 1883, page


    Mr. Dolson's headquarters are at Rock Point, where he has had a house built for his convenience. The [Western Union Telegraph] Co. is also having a station put up there, which will be in charge of Mrs. A. W. Cawley. Chas. Strang is acting as Mr. D.'s clerk.
    The railroad bridge will cross Rogue River close to the Centennial Bridge, which will necessitate the moving of some of the buildings in that vicinity. Mr. Chavner says that he has been treated handsomely by the railroad agent, Mr. Loring, and that all damages have been settled.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 22, 1883, page 3


    Chief Engineer Morris says the railroad will reach Ashland by the first of January, 1884.
    We doubt it.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, June 23, 1883, page 3


    The following deeds have been recorded in the county clerk's office since our last report:
    D. Loring to O.&C.R.R.; lot on Rogue River. Consideration, $1. . . . . S. C. Snook and C. C. Beekman to D. Loring, agent; land in Grants Pass precinct. Consideration, $400. . . . . T. F. Croxton to O.&C.R.R. Co.; right of way. Consideration, $150. . . . . W. Croxton to O.&C.R.R. Co. Same. . . . . J. Neathammer to O.&C.R.R. Co.; right of way. Consideration, $1,000.
excerpt, "Real Estate Transactions," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 29, 1883, page 1


    The assertion made by chief engineer Morris that the railroad will reach Ashland by Jan. 1, 1884, is open to much doubt.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 29, 1883, page 2


    THE JUSTUS CASE.--After being out over five hours, the jury in the case of John Justus, indicted for killing his father, returned a verdict of murder in the first degree. A motion for a new trial was yesterday argued by counsel and overruled by Judge Hanna, who ordered the defendant to appear on Monday next for sentence. We shall next week give a full history of the trial.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 29, 1883, page 3


    The question which agitates many people nowadays is, where will the depot be?
    Wm. Egan, lately of Silver Lake, has rented the old Drake place for two years.
    Riley Hinkle, who lately returned from the coast, says R. Benedict and Wm. Egan have purchased 150 head of young cattle in Del Norte County.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 6, 1883, page 3


    The clearing of the right of way has reached the vicinity of Grants Pass and is rapidly progressing. It will not be long before Rock Point will be reached.
    Engineer Dolson will make his headquarters at Rock Point, and is busy getting things ready for the construction force, which will be in the valley before winter.
    Several lines have been run in the vicinity of Ashland to ascertain the best location for a depot, which question has not been settled as yet. It has caused quite a commotion among Ashland property holders, especially the business men.
    D. Loring, right-of-way agent, has secured almost the entire right of way for the railroad to Willow Springs Precinct, having settled the damages with nearly everybody along the line. He expects to finish his work to the state line before the end of the year.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 13, 1883, page 2


    The smoke that fills the valley comes principally from the right of way, which is being cleared of brush by fire. The adjacent hills seem to have escaped the devouring element as yet.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 13, 1883, page 3


    John Justus was found guilty of the murder of his father at Jacksonville, and sentenced to be hanged August 31st.
"Home and Abroad," State Rights Democrat, Albany, Oregon, July 13, 1883, page 4


    Our cotem. takes a great deal of pains to remind Sheriff Jacobs of his duty, and insists that a death watch ought to be placed over John Justus until the moment of his execution. As the day set is six weeks distant, and there is every probability that proceedings will be stayed, owing to the case being appealed to the supreme court (which does not meet until October), the suggestion seems a little premature and bloodthirsty. The assertion that there are some outlaws in this county who might aid in the liberation of the unfortunate man is too ridiculous to admit of serious consideration. Sheriff Jacobs knows his duty and will discharge it fully without any suggestions from outsiders.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 20, 1883, page 2


    The Hurlburt and Dolson surveys were joined in the vicinity of Wagner Creek last Tuesday and the road has been definitely located through the valley. Other permanent work is now under way.
    It is thought to be reasonably certain that the depot for Ashland will be located on B. F. Myers' farm, about a mile below the woolen mills. Some seem to think the land in that vicinity will increase in value, while the present business property is likely to depreciate correspondingly. It may turn out differently, however.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 20, 1883, page 2


    Recorded since our last issue:
    T. G. Reames to O.&.C.R.R. Co., right of way through land in Manzanita precinct. Consideration, $300.
    Alex Martin to O.&.C.R.R. Co., release for right of way through Justus property. Nominal consideration.
excerpt, "Real Estate Transactions," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 20, 1883, page 2


    The point for the depot for the center of this valley and where the freight and passengers for Jacksonville will be landed is yet unselected, no matter what anyone may say to the contrary. There is a manifest disposition on the part of the railroad managers to consult the wishes of the people of this town respecting the site and, as this is the most important shipping point in the valley, such a concession is certainly due us. It is then to be presumed that the depot will, in consideration of our convenience, be at the nearest possible point to Jacksonville.
"Editorial Notes," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, July 21, 1883, page 2


    TIED UP.--The work of connecting the railroad survey with the government land surveys in this valley was completed on Tuesday last by Mr. J. S. Howard. The "tying," as it is technically called, is now completed from the summit of the Siskiyou Mountains to the front, and this operation definitely settles the location of the road. The line is located a little over a mile east of Ashland on the farm of Mr. B. F. Myers, and some of our neighbors up there are beginning to debate the question of the possibility of a rival town at the depot. It is now quite evident that the railroad folks are building to accommodate themselves, and if we want to ride we must be ready when the trains comes, otherwise--walk.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, July 21, 1883, page 3


    J. S. Howard, having finished tying up the section lines of the O.&C.R.R. to the Siskiyous, is now engaged in looking up the title to lands in that neighborhood through which the road passes.
    The railroad company has entered suit against several of our substantial farmers for right-of-way through their lands, they being unable to agree on any terms of settlement. The cases will come up at the special term of circuit court next month.
    Mr. Dolson's headquarters are at Rock Point, where he has had a house built for his convenience. The W.U. Tel. Co. is also having a station put up there, which will be in charge of Mrs. A. W. Cawley. Chas. Strang is acting as Mr. D.'s clerk.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 27, 1883, page 3


    A number of the substantial farmers in the center of the valley will fight the railroad company for the right of way asked, and the company has entered suit against them, to be tried at the special term of court next month. Some of them have already got more railroad than they want.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, July 28, 1883, page 3


    One of our more prominent farmers has always prayed that the railroad might miss Jacksonville at least five miles and run near his place. His prayer is granted and he has got the railroad--"right in the neck"--and is now suing the company for damages. Ill wishes, like the devil's chickens, always come home to roost.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, August 4, 1883, page 3


    Near Jacksonville, Oregon, Saturday, George Smith accidentally shot and killed George Crystal--both boys.
"Coast Items," Reno Evening Gazette, August 8, 1883, page 1


    The railroad extension is moving forward more rapidly than is generally supposed. Engineer Dolson expects to have 1,500 men at work in the valley by the 1st of next month.
    The railroad bridge across Rogue River will be put up about 100 feet below where Chavner's bridge now stands. A force of Chinese have already arrived and commenced getting things ready for the structure. Considerable trestle work will be necessary in that vicinity.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 10, 1883, page 2


    Hard cases follow the construction of a railroad, and the citizens of the valley should soon commence providing against footpads and petty thieves.
    Among the farmers sued by the railroad company for right of way are F. M. Plymale, H. Amy and J. W. Baker. The case of White Bros. is the only one tried so far.
    Thos. Chavner will move all of the buildings in the vicinity of the Centennial Bridge to this side of [the] Rogue River, in order to give the railroad company plenty of room for their bridge.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 10, 1883, page 3




    Railroad rumors are thick.
    We are informed by parties who claim that Col. Morris, chief engineer, so informed them that Phoenix will have a depot and other things that go with it.
    Much blasting is being done at Dardanelles, near the crossing of the proposed railroad bridge. A considerable force is at work there, getting things ready for the structure.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 17, 1883, page 2


    The people of Jacksonville acted wisely in declining to pay the railroad company a large sum of money to construct their line nearer to that town than where it is now located. It will really be of more benefit to Jacksonville where it is than if it ran through the place. Such at least has been the experience of smaller towns.--Polaris.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 17, 1883, page 2


    Haskell Amy compromised with the railroad company this week and the suit against him has been withdrawn. We learn that he got about $1,000.
    A. L. Johnson, land agent, sold 100 acres of land in Eden Precinct, lying on the line of the O.&.C.R.R. known as the A. N. Jones farm, to Arthur J. Weeks, for $2,000.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 17, 1883, page 3


    Cars will be running to Grants Pass sometime in October, it is expected.
    It is expected that 1500 men will be at work in Rogue River Valley on the railroad extension by the first of September.
    The railroad hands on the O.&C.R.R. now wear caps with their respective positions printed on the bands in front.
    The railroad bridge across Rogue River will be about 100 feet below Chavner's bridge. A force of Chinamen have begun work there, and the bridge work at Evans Creek will begin soon.
    Railroad men seem to be giving much attention to Grants Pass as a business point. Much of the Josephine County trade will go to the depot at that place, and in the event of a branch road being built westward toward the coast Grants Pass will be the junction.
"Railroad News," Ashland Tidings, August 17, 1883, page 3


    Last Friday the contractors on the Cow Creek tunnel on the Oregon and California extension reached daylight near the center, and will have the tunnel ready for the track layers in about ten days. The perforation was about 2800 feet, and is the longest tunnel on the line, except the one at the Siskiyou Mountains. To an Oregonian reporter who applied for news concerning the progress of the road beyond this tunnel, Major Koehler gave the following information: The grade and the high structures between the Grave Creek tunnel, which was finished early in July, and the Cow Creek tunnel, a distance of seventeen miles, are finished and track laying will proceed with slight interruptions to Grave Creek. There will probably be no serious delay in finishing the line between Glendale, the present terminus, and Grants Pass, ninety-eight miles south of Roseburg. Regular trains will not run beyond Glendale until the road is opened to Grants Pass, which will be done about the middle of October. From Grants Pass to Ashland, a distance of forty-five miles through Rogue River Valley, the road is easy of construction, and it is expected that the line will be in operation to Ashland by the end of the year.
    Thirty-two miles of road beyond Ashland will finish the Oregon and California Company's share of the line connecting Oregon with California, but these thirty-two miles are in the Siskiyou Mountains and quite as difficult of construction as any like distance through the Cow Creek Hills. There will be six tunnels, aggregating 6100 feet in length, the longest being a little over 3000 feet.
Eugene City Guard, August 18, 1883, page 3


Editor Restitution:
    I am requested by Sister E. L. Scott, of Wakeshma, Kalamazoo Co., to announce through THE RESTITUTION the death of her son Elmer, who was drowned in the South Fork of Rogue River, Oregon, on the 30th of May last. The circumstances as obtained by those who last saw him and reported to Sr. S. by a family by the name of Nye, with whom Elmer had formed an acquaintance, are these: On the morning of the day he was supposed to be drowned, he started out in company with two other men in search of timber for R.R. ties (as they were engaged in getting out ties and camped in the woods) and thought they would prospect across the river, and in order to get there they felled a tree across the stream, but it did not fall favorable for a safe crossing, but Elmer being resolute determined to cross on the log and did so against the admonition of the rest of the party who dare not attempt to cross, so Elmer went on his search alone and the other men returned to camp.
    Elmer was never seen alive after that. His body was found (the 29th of June) about six miles down the stream from where he crossed, making 30 days he was missing. Foul play was surmised until he was found. His body was in a good state of preservation, and no mark of violence was found. An inquest was held and the jury returned a verdict of accidental drowning. Whether he attempted to cross back on the same log and fell in or whether he undertook to swim the stream and was taken with a cramp of course is not known; in either attempt it is thought that must be the case, for he was an excellent swimmer, although the stream is said to be a treacherous one.
    Elmer had been in that section of the country but a short time, but had made the acquaintance of this Nye and his family, who lived about six miles from their camp, and according to letters from them to Sr. Scott had formed a strong attachment for him. They say although a stranger in a strange land, yet he seemed to them like one of their family, and their letters to the bereaved mother are full of
sympathy and truly affecting. The last Sunday he was seen alive he spent at Mr. Nye's house. When he was found, Mr. Nye took charge of the body after the inquest, procured a coffin, and attended to the burying, which was done near the place where it was found. It appears it was quite a secluded place, as they write they had to carry the coffin on their backs a mile and a half.
    Elmer was 22 years old and the only son. We have been acquainted with him since he was a small boy, and a noble boy he has always been too. A young man of purer habits and character could not be found; he was large and muscular, and manliness could be seen in every look and action. How hard it is to become reconciled to the death of so noble a young man and especially cut off as he was! Yet it s comforting to the mother and sisters that notwithstanding he was a stranger in a far-off country; still he found those that appreciated his sterling worth.
    Sister Scott is truly deserving of all our sympathy, pity and condolence in this great affliction. May the Lord help her to bear the stroke with fortitude.
"Communications," The Restitution, Plymouth, Indiana, August 22, 1883, page 2


    Most of the depots in Jackson County are virtually located, but manager Koehler still keeps anxious people in suspense. Speculators would give a good deal to know where some locations will be made.
    Homer Harkness of Grave Creek has bonded that portion of C. Mingus' place lying in Manzanita Precinct, with the expectation that the depot for this place will be located there. However, the people in the vicinity of Central Point also have aspirations in that direction.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 24, 1883, page 2


    Ashland is enjoying a boom, and prices asked for property are very high.
    Wm. Egan, who has the Drake farm on Applegate rented, is offering some fine young bulls for sale. See his advertisement.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 24, 1883, page 3


    The [Roseburg] Plaindealer says there will be a roundhouse built at Glendale, timbers and lumber for which are already sawed. As there is an upward grade all the way from Julia to near Grants Pass, extra engines will have to be used and the roundhouse is being built for their occupation. There is also an ugly upgrade through the big canyon and Riddle or some point near may get a roundhouse.
    A new feature was observable in the court last week, the railroad company having secured the services of Mr. W. G. Lee as phonetic reporter. Mr. Lee has been an attache of Engineer Dolson's corps and is evidently an expert shorthand writer. This is nothing new in larger communities but here it seemed to add a greater air of importance to the proceedings.--Sentinel.
"Railroad News," Ashland Tidings, August 24, 1883, page 3


    Railroad camps are being moved rapidly forward, which shows that grading is not being delayed any. It will not be very long before all the camps will be this side of Grants Pass.
    A portion of A. LeFevre's right-of-way force is on Evans Creek and moving rapidly this way. The work will be light after Bloody Run is passed, excepting about a mile in the vicinity of Chavner's bridge.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 31, 1883, page 2


    AN IMPORTANT MATTER.--Everybody living on government land, surveyed or not, should lose no time in filing on it and give the land office due notice of the fact, so it can be used in evidence hereafter. The railroad land grant is being withdrawn as fast as earned, and all the unclaimed odd sections will then be in their possession. Settlers living on the same who have failed to give the land office due notice of their rights will be out and injured, no matter how great their improvements are. Those filing on land in even sections will thereafter be limited to 80 acres and charged $2.50 per acre for it. All those filing now will be allowed the time they have lived on the land they claim. All government land in the 20-mile limit to the east line of section 21, township 36 south, range 3 west, has already been withdrawn from the market. Settlers who are likely to be affected should act without delay.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 31, 1883, page 3


    The counsel for John Justus, under sentence of death in Jackson County, have obtained a stay of proceedings.
"Local Items," Douglas Independent, Roseburg, September 1, 1883, page 4


    Some trestle work has been started in the vicinity of the Rogue River bridge.
    The railroad depot at Jump-off Joe is said to be located on F. M. Nickerson's land and is called Josephine.
    Messrs. Koehler and Morris' mission to Jackson County has not been revealed, and many anxious people are still in great travail.
    Ben Haymond of Rock Point, who was in town this week, informs us that the right-of-way force is expected at that place in a very few days.
    Woodville will also get a depot, which will be located back of John Woods' store. We have not learned of the definite location of any others.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 7, 1883, page 2


    Recorded in the Clerk's office since our last report:
    Lindsay Applegate to R. Koehler, trustee O.&.C.R.R., 156 75/100 acres; near Ashland; consideration, $10,000.
    L. Applegate to same, quitclaim deed; consideration, $1.
    D. F. Fisher and W. Bybee to O.&C.R.R., right of way, $[omission].
    D. F. Fisher to same, right of way, $50.
    I. J. Phipps to O.&C.R.R., right of way, $85.
"Real Estate Transactions," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 7, 1883, page 2


    From Jack Million, who came up from the railroad front on Wednesday, we learn that the heavy grading is nearly all done north of Rock Point, and all of the Chinese are to be moved soon to this valley, with the exception of two camps, which will be left back to finish up the grading. A large force will move this week to begin work between Rock Point and Woodville. Tracklaying has been suspended at Smith's owing to the delaying in the delivery of ties, until the repairs are finished in Grave Creek tunnel; so that there need be no other stoppage in laying the iron until Grants Pass is reached. A large portion of the timbers for Rogue River bridge are on the ground and the pile driver is expected to begin work there within a few days.
    The railroad depot at "Jump-Off Joe" is located on the land of F. M. Nickerson, clerk of Josephine County, and is to be named "Josephine." As this will be the distributing point for Josephine County the name is most appropriate. Had it been called "Jump-Off Joe" unpleasant consequences might have resulted, as every time the brakeman yelled out the name of the station every Joe aboard the train would be bound to jump off and the place would soon become a noted bone yard.--Sentinel. [The station's name was later changed to Merlin.]
"Railroad News," Ashland Tidings, September 7, 1883, page 3


    Mr. Phipps has settled the right-of-way question with the railroad company like a sensible man. This is the best policy and it will, if followed, result in advantage to everyone in this county.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, September 8, 1883, page 4


    I. J. Phipps to O.&C.R.R., right of way, $85.
"Real Estate Transactions," Oregon Sentinel, September 8, 1883, page 4


    The railroad bridge across Rogue River is only about 40 feet below that of Chavner's.
    The bridge across Rogue River is expected to be finished in a month. There are thirteen bridge carpenters employed on this structure and the timbers will be framed in five or six days. Part of the bridge is already in position.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 14, 1883, page 3




    Hon. Geo. Hearst, a capitalist and prominent citizen of California, accompanied by a mining expert, visited a number of quartz ledges in Josephine and Jackson counties last week, evidently with business in view if prospects justified.
    On Saturday evening Mr. Hearst, in conversation with a representative of the Times, expressed himself as highly pleased with the general appearance of this country. In speaking of Jacksonville, Mr. Hearst said: Your people need not worry because the nearest railroad depot will be five miles off; that will not injure your town; there is too much wealth and business energy here for any other place in the county to supersede you, Jacksonville will continue to grow and prosper, and much more rapidly than heretofore. Real estate, both in town and country, will increase in value, and as soon as the railroad is completed there will be plenty of buyers here and real property will soon become a cash article.
    Mr. Hearst is proprietor of the San Francisco Examiner, a man of wealth and a close observer, and his favorable opinion of our town and county is worthy of note and should be highly prized by our people.
excerpt, "The Opinion of a Competent Judge," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 21, 1883, page 2


    LeFevre's right of way gang is in the vicinity of Gold Hill.
    There are over 100 tents at Woodville occupied by employees of the O.&C.R.R. Co.
    The track layers are about two miles this side of Grave Creek tunnel and progressing rapidly.
    Everybody that goes to the front [of construction] expresses surprise at the amount of work being done on the line of construction.
    It looks now as if the railroad would reach Ashland before 1884, although there is still considerable heavy work to be done.
    Fifty scrapers and forty dump carts are employed on the embankment that is being constructed near Woodville by the railroad company.
    There is a large amount of work being done on the railroad between Evans Creek and Birdsey's place, upwards of 500 laborers being employed on construction in that vicinity.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 21, 1883, page 3


State Rights Democrat, Albany, Oregon, September 21, 1883, page 3


    HAY AND GRAIN MARKET.--Col. Frizzell, purchasing agent of the O.&C.R.R. Co., is in Ashland, says the Tidings, and will purchase the hay and grain needed by the company. At present he is buying what is wanted in the Siskiyou and Buck Rock country. Whether he will purchase large quantities for future use depends, he says, altogether upon the prices asked. In the Umpqua he is now buying hay at $12.50 per ton, delivered, and oats at 50 cts. per bushel, sacked and delivered at the cars. As fast as the road is pushed ahead he will have supplies follow him, unless he can get them here at what he considers comparatively reasonable prices.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, September 22, 1883, page 3


    Stages are crowded with passengers each day on the overland route, and quite often some get left.
    The pier on the north side of the Rogue River bridge is about completed, and it will not be long before the whole structure is finished.
    John Noland has gone to the railroad front to take a look at the work now going on, and to pay a visit to his daughter living near Grants Pass.
    A post office has been established at the store of Butler and Farlow on the south side of the Siskiyous. It is called White Point. Ed. Farlow is postmaster.
    Peter Skamokaway, one of the carpenters employed on the railroad bridge crossing Rogue River, had the ends of his fingers cut off this week while at work on a pier.
    A new telegraph office has been opened at the toll house on the Siskiyou Mountains with Mrs. Pauline Rea of Ashland as operator. The tariff from here is twenty-five cents for ten words.
    Gen. E. L. Applegate, now a resident of Ashland, was the discoverer of Applegate Creek while in command of a company of troops passing through in 1845. He reported it to headquarters at Washington, from whence the stream derived its name.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, September 22, 1883, page 3


    A gang of Chinese graders was this week set to work in the vicinity of Gold Hill.
    Hurlburt has finished the preliminary surveys and the route that will be taken south of Dolson's location will soon be definitely known.
    Some of the graders have reached the lower field of White Bros. of Rock Point, which is evidence that the railroad is being pushed rapidly forward, although a great deal of grading is yet to be done north of there.
    The track has reached Louse Creek, where there will be a halt of several weeks, as a great deal of heavy trestle work is to be done. Freight will therefore not be landed at Grants Pass for some time to come.
    Work is progressing rapidly on the Rogue River bridge, the piers being completed and in readiness for the span. It will not be many weeks before the structure is finished. There is considerable trestle work in that vicinity, however, which will require some time longer.
    The commissioners appointed to receive twenty miles more of the O.&C.R.R. extension having completed their labors, a large area of government land has again been withdrawn from market, the line extending to the township in which Jacksonville is situated. Register Benjamin, of the Roseburg land office, has forwarded us definite information concerning the withdrawal, but the letter was miscarried and has not come to hand as yet.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 28, 1883, page 2


    A MISTAKEN IDEA.--A Glendale correspondent of the Times writes as follows under a late date: "We notice that Jackson County merchants have as yet shipped very little heavy goods. This is perhaps attributable to the mistaken idea that seems to be prevalent that O.&C.R.R. freight trains will shortly run as far south as Grants Pass, and save them (the merchants) not a little in the matter of freight, which is no small item on heavy goods, such as coffee, sugar, salt, etc., when hauled by teams. But, for the advantage of all parties interested, it might be well to say that it is by no means likely that freight trains will run south of Glendale before the 15th of November, as we learn from the superintendent of construction that the track cannot be laid to Grants Pass before that time, on account of bridge and trestle work, which will not be completed before. And we also learn from the manager that no move will be made until they can move as far south as Grants Pass. Freight trains will be run as far south as Louse Creek, where the company will establish a supply depot, but these trains will carry nothing but construction freight. The conclusion then would be that those who are apparently waiting for the removal of the railroad terminus farther south to save wagon freight on heavy goods, are likely to wait until wet weather and muddy roads, and then be disappointed."
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 28, 1883, page 3


    The whistle of the locomotive attached to the construction train can now be heard at Rock Point.
    Now that railroad construction is going on in the valley, many engaged in the work visit Jacksonville and business has improved considerably of late.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 28, 1883, page 3


    The railroad station opposite Jacksonville is unsettled as yet, but unless it is put at some suitable point for this town, with a good road leading thereto, our merchants will ship either via Chavner's bridge or Phoenix, the distance amounting to very little when good roads are found.
"Railroad Notes," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, September 29, 1883, page 3


    A scraper gang is expected at Dardanelles in a few days.
    Five more gangs of Chinese have just arrived at Gold Hill.
    Mr. Kirkland, who was in town Saturday, has a party in the vicinity of Phipps' place on Bear Creek, which is engaged in construction work.
    S. Dixon informs us that there are twenty carpenters at work on the bridge across Rogue River, who are making good progress. The main span will be completed in two weeks.
    It is a general inquiry why lands should be withdrawn in favor of the railroad company ahead of the track, as it is supposed that Congress intended the grant should only be awarded as fast as earned. Who can give the desired information?
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 5, 1883, page 2


    Under a late date, Hon. W. F. Benjamin, register of the Roseburg land office, writes to the Times as follows: "It may be of interest to your readers to know that the O.&C.R.R. Co. has filed plots of definite location of their road to the southwest quarter of section 32, in township 37, south of range 1 west, and that the Commissioner has withdrawn from sale all odd numbered sections for 30 miles each side of said railroad line and parallel with their track. Said withdrawal was filed in this office Sept. 17th, 1883. Settlers within said limits will be restricted to the even numbered sections, and within the 20-mile limit the price per acre is raised to $2.50. All claimants on said lands--the 30-mile limit--who had settled prior to that date Sept. 17th, 1883--must place their claims on record within 90 days from the date of actual settlement, if they wish to hold them; otherwise the claims of the railroad will attach."
"Railroad Lands Withdrawn," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 5, 1883, page 2


    A number of improvements are going on in Jacksonville, which shows that the people have as much faith in the stability of the town as ever.
    Heavy blasts are being put in at the scene of railway operations in Willow Springs precinct, which can be plainly heard here, nearly twelve miles distant.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 5, 1883, page 3


    Many of the people in the Butte Creek country have signed a petition to the railroad company for the establishment of a depot at Central Point, we are told.
    The end of the railroad track is now within about four miles of Grants Pass, where tracklaying has been suspended for the present, on account of the heavy bridge work remaining to be done between those two points. About 1,000,000 feet of timbering remains to be put up, some 400,000 feet of which is yet to be sawed. Miller & Sons have a large force of men upon the work, and expect to have it finished ready for tracklaying within about six weeks. All the bridging this side of Grants Pass will be finished in about a month. The Rogue River bridge will be done in two weeks. The grading will be completed as far as the crossing of Rogue River within three weeks. At Gold Hill the heaviest work is found this side of the river, but it is easier than was anticipated, there being less rock work than was calculated upon. The condition of the extension to this place may be best understood, perhaps, from the statement that, after the heavy bridging north of Grants Pass is done the tracklayers will not be delayed until Ashland is reached, unless the grading force should be greatly reduced, or some unforeseen obstacle should intervene.
"Railroad News," Ashland Tidings, October 5, 1883, page 3




    NEW TOWN.--J. S. and Chas. J. Howard, with a party of men, left here last Wednesday to survey and locate the new town of Grants Pass at the railroad station. This will be about one mile from Dimmick's place, the old stage station, and it is expected to be considerable of a trading point in the near future.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, October 6, 1883, page 3


    MISTAKEN POLICY.--While at Rock Point last week we had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Whitney, who has charge of the supply department for a number of camps on the railroad station, and he informs us that nearly all the supplies required for the men employed are shipped in from the north on account of the high prices asked by our farmers. Unless a change of policy is soon made our farmers will find themselves with their crops on hand and no market where they can dispose of them.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, October 6, 1883, page 3


    NO FOOLING.--There is much of a boom in Southern Oregon at present. Everybody is feeling it, and great is the rush to the New York Store in Jacksonville, where a grand clearance sale has been inaugurated and unparalleled bargains are being offered. if you want to select from an immense and first-class stock of goods, clothing, boots and shoes, fancy and furnishing goods, and everything to be found in a general merchandising establishment, give Mensor a call soon, as goods are going off like hotcakes.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, October 6, 1883, page 3


    CLOSE CALL.--By a premature explosion of two thousand pounds of Judson powder in a blast on the heavy railroad work now going on near Bloody Run two Chinamen were killed and several others badly injured on Thursday afternoon of this week. Chief Engineer Morris, Division Engineer Dolson and E. J. Jeffries, tunnel contractor, were in the vicinity at the time and were all thrown to the ground. Strange to say all fell on their knees--something unusual--but none were seriously injured.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, October 6, 1883, page 3


    L. L. Savage is officiating as night watch at one of the railroad camps near town.
    A. LeFevre, right-of-way contractor for the railroad, tarried with us several days this week.
    Frank Kasshafer is in charge of Thos. Chavner's saloon at the Centennial Bridge on Rogue River.
    The bridgemen and other railroad employees indulged in a social dance at Chavner's bridge one night last week.
    Stages from the south have been getting in several hours late the last few days, late rains having made the roads so slippery over the Siskiyou Mountains.
    Lock your doors and keep a shotgun ready, as numerous hard cases from the railroad are continually passing through, only stopping long enough to make a stake that way.
    Col. Frizzell, late purchasing agent for the O.&C. Railroad, has been appointed storekeeper at the Siskiyou tunnel. Mr. John P. Jones is now acting as purchasing agent.
    S. L. Dolson, engineer in charge of this division of the railroad, will move his headquarters to Phoenix in a short time, as that will soon be nearer the center of his division.
    Two railroad tunnel foremen, accustomed to working hard and soft ground and timbering, are wanted by McBean & Jeffery at the Siskiyou tunnels. Good wages will be paid to competent men.
    Some of the Chinamen on the railroad use their leisure moments in exploding giant powder in Rogue River and killing fish. An example should be made of some of them and a stop put to it at once.
    Interruptions still continue on the telegraph wires through this place, and there is hardly a day but some trouble exists either north of Rock Point or south of Ashland--all occasioned by the railroad construction now going on.
    The liveliest camp on the whole route is now at Chavner's bridge [Gold Hill], where a large force is stationed at present. A railroad station will be put there when the railroad is finished, and it will likely remain a good trading point after the road is finished, as it has a large scope of country to supply.
    Twenty-five miles of rail were laid on the railroad extension south of Glendale during the month of September. Track laying will be delayed now for a short time to await the completion of trestle work and bridges on the route. Railroad men say they expect to see trains running to Rock Point by the middle of December.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, October 6, 1883, page 3


    APPARATUS FOR REMOVING SANDBARS.--John H. Huffer, Jacksonville, Jackson Co., Oregon. No. 285,487. Dated Sept. 26, 1883. This invention relates to certain improvements in apparatus for removing sandbars or similar deposits at the mouths of rivers or harbors, and it consists of a receiver or chamber, of sufficient diameter to rest upon the bottom, provided with jet nozzles through which water is forcibly ejected against the bottom, so as to wear it away. The receiver is connected with the vessel or boat carrying the pumps and machinery by a flexible tube, through which the water passes from the pumps, and the tube is provided with bands surrounding it at intervals. These bands have eyes at each side through which wire ropes or chains pass from the boat to the receiver, and hold them together without strain on the tube.
"Notices of Recent Patents," Mining and Scientific Press, San Francisco, October 6, 1883, page 221


    A force of scrapers are now at work on the Colver Butte near Phoenix.
    D. Loring, the railroad company's agent, is meeting with success in securing the right-of-way in the upper part of the valley.
    Many of the scrapers have gone to the vicinity of Phoenix. The railroad managers intend to work the sticky land first, so that they will not have it to contend with in the winter.
    LeFevre's right-of-way force has about finished the clearing of the fourth division (Dolson's), which ends a short distance above Phoenix. It did not take it long to go through the valley.
    It is definitely known that there will be depots at Grants Pass and Chavner's bridge, and the prospects are favorable that Woodville and Phoenix will be likewise fortunate. Where other depots will be located has not yet been made public. There are three or four candidates for the central depot of this valley, but whether it will be put close to Central Point or on either of the Beall, Mingus or Phipps places remains to be seen. As far as the people of Jacksonville and vicinity are concerned, they have no objections to going to the Dardanelles or Phoenix for railroad facilities.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 12, 1883, page 2


    We learn that a petition, requesting the railroad authorities to locate a depot close to Central Point, was forwarded to Portland not long since. It was signed by several hundred persons.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 12, 1883, page 3


    J. L. Adams, who is clearing the right of way for the railroad, has the clearing done for a distance of nearly four miles south of the stage road crossing above Ashland. After next week he will begin north of town and cut towards Rogue River. If the right of way is obtained south of here all the way to the mountains, he may keep one party of men working in that direction, also.
"Railroad Notes," Ashland Tidings, October 12, 1883, page 2


    Rapid progress is being made through the valley.
    During the past month 25 miles of rails were laid south of Glendale.
    Woodville is about deserted by railroad employees, the scrapers having gone south.
    The force at work in the vicinity of Gold Hill is being increased and graders are expected there soon.
    The bridge and trestle work is progressing rapidly, but it will be several weeks before it can be completed.
    A force of scrapers are now at work at the Gore and Van Dyke places [at today's South Stage Road], not a great distance north of Phoenix.
    The bridge across Rogue River is about finished, and Dan Large and his force will next engage in the construction of the Evans Creek bridge.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 19, 1883, page 2


    Central Point is improving, the population having increased considerably of late.
    Jacksonville is holding its own wonderfully well and is more prosperous than ever.
    Property is so very high in Ashland that persons in ordinary circumstances do not find it advantageous to invest at present. This fact, taken into connection with the scarcity of building materials, retards the growth of the place.
    Notwithstanding the scarcity of lumber a great amount of improvement is noticeable on every hand. Jackson County is in a more prosperous condition than ever.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 19, 1883, page 3


    The approaches for the Rogue River bridge are being built, the main structure having been completed.
    It is said that the central depot for this valley will be located on Thos. F. Beall's place in Manzanita precinct. If such is the case, we congratulate our old friend.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 26, 1883, page 2


    The effects of railroad construction can be seen on every hand. Money is more plentiful than it has been for several years.
    Jacksonville has presented a lively scene for the two past Saturdays, the town being filled with people and business proving exceptionally good.
    Wm. Egan and New B. Hall have purchased Gen. Cross' saloon at Phoenix and will soon take charge. They will keep the best of wines, liquors and cigars.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, October 26, 1883, page 3


    JACKSON COUNTY GRAPES.--A number of clusters of grapes, from a box sent to Ed. F. Lewis of this city by C. C. Beekman and W. M. Turner of Jacksonville, were left at this office yesterday. They were the most delicious grapes imaginable, thin skinned, juicy and fine flavored. When the Oregon and California railroad extension reaches Jacksonville Portland and have no need to import grapes from California, and the Rogue River Valley will become the fruit garden of Oregon.--Oregonian.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, October 27, 1883, page 3


    David Loring, right of way agent for the railroad, has been at Ashland for a week past. His work is about completed, the right of way having nearly all been secured to the Siskiyou tunnel.
    Wanted at the Buck Rock Tunnel, 20 or 30 horses for cart use. The railroad company want to hire them and will pay 50 cts. per day for each horse. Owners of the horses may send teamsters with them if they choose--one man for two horses. The men are paid $2 per day and board themselves
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, October 27, 1883, 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


    D. Loring, right of way agent, has succeeded in settling with nearly every farmer in the valley and grading will proceed with little interruption on that score.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 2, 1883, page 2


    A number of transactions at good figures are taking place in Jacksonville, which illustrates the fact that property holders and many newcomers have great confidence in the stability of the town.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 2, 1883, page 3


    Grading has been commenced near Central Point and a considerable number of men are at work in F. M. Plymale's field.
    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


    COAL IN THE TUNNEL.--A letter from the foreman of the Siskiyou tunnel, received here yesterday, says that on the 25th inst. the drills in the heading of the south end struck stone coal. A few days ago a vein three feet in thickness was cut through from the north end. This is favorable to the contractors, who in addition to having easy material to move, secure fuel in making steam without extra expense. Timbering through the coal is no more expensive than through loose rock.--Oregonian.
    Grading is going on at several different points between Chavner's bridge and Phoenix.
    The track is almost ballasted as far as completed, the work being carried on from both ends.
    It is said that the railroad company will soon lay out a town site in the vicinity of Chavner's bridge.
    All the forces in the Siskiyous will be concentrated this side of Ashland in order to finish the track, so that transportation to the tunnels will be easier.
    All the grading between Grants Pass and Chavner's bridge, including the heavy cut at Bloody Run, will be completed in a few days. Most of it is completed now and some of the Chinese gangs will be shipped back to Portland. The work in the Gold Hill vicinity will also soon be finished, and it will not take long to finish the balance of the route through the valley.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 9, 1883, page 2


    JUDGE DAY, who has just returned from a visit to the Roseburg land office, says that the railroad withdrawal only reaches as far as Fort Lane on the south. The line runs up to within two miles of Deskins' sawmill on the northeast and nearly to the Klamath County boundary on the east. Less land in the Applegate region is withdrawn than expected.
    A GREAT many timber claims are being taken up in different sections by residents of this county, who anticipate that they will be quite valuable in time. With advent of the railroad and the increase in our population, lumber will be more valuable than ever. Such is the rapidity with which the forests of the northwest coast are being destroyed, that in our opinion we will live to see a railroad built down the coast, in order to make the timber of the country along the route available.
    The route south of Wagner Creek, as recently adopted, passes near by the barn of Jos. Robinson, then through Jas. Helms' fields and Wm. Patton's place to the rocky bluffs above he warm springs near the Eagle Mill, crossing through the low gap in the vicinity of Wright's Creek, cutting G. F. Billings' farm nearly in twain and hitting the corner of W. C. Myer's garden. It then crosses the wagon road and enters the northeast portion of Ashland, running near Daley & Co.'s mill, striking the Applegate place on one end.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 9, 1883, page 2


    The county is filling up very fast and we will not be surprised to find 25,000 people in Jacksonville when the census of 1890 is taken.
    The railroad company and Thos. Chavner have entered into articles of agreement relative to laying out a town site on the western side of the river, near the Centennial bridge.
    A gentleman who proposes settling in the valley with his family found no vacant houses in Ashland and upon coming to Jacksonville discovered such to be the case here. So scarce are houses for rent, that four families occupy one building in town.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 9, 1883, page 3


    Mr. Loring, the O. & C. Railroad right-of-way agent, has succeeded in obtaining the right of way without any legal fights up in this part of the valley, and parties who have had dealing with him nearly all agree that the terms offered on behalf of the company have been fair and reasonable.
    Mr. Hurlburt has received orders from Portland to hurry the construction work at and north of Ashland in his division, even if he has to take men from the work south of here, the object being to push the road to Ashland as speedily as possible. Consequently, he will move a gang of men from the mountains down below town within a few days.
    The report that the railroad company have agreed to locate a central depot for the valley upon the place owned by Messrs. Phipps, Mingus, Broback and Beekman is premature. The matter was not absolutely settled at last report, but there is little doubt about the depot being located there.
    There are at least four camps of graders now at work between Phoenix and Gold Hill--one at Vandyke's place, one at the McAndrew's ford, one at Bill's [Beall's?] place and the last near Willow Springs. The rains are retarding work somewhat.
"Railroad Notes," Ashland Tidings, November 9, 1883, page 3


    One of our subscribers came in and stopped his paper this week because the railroad company had located the valley depot in the wrong place. We have always been afraid the railroad company would work us an injury and we propose calling on Villard for "more mud" immediately.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, November 10, 1883, page 3


    Nearly all those engaged in railroad work are stationed between Chavner's bridge and Ashland.
    When tracklaying commences again it will not be interrupted much until Ashland is reached.
    The right-of-way has about been cleared as far as Ashland, Mr. Loring having secured a settlement with nearly all of the landowners.
    It seems to be a fully settled fact that the central depot of this valley will be located on the land of Messrs. Beekman, Mingus, Broback and Phipps.
    Grading is progressing so rapidly that a considerable number of white men and Chinamen have been discharged and others are leaving every day.
    Quite a force is being concentrated this side of Ashland, in order to finish the line through the valley as soon as possible. Some of the force at work on the Siskiyous will be moved down.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 16, 1883, page 2


    The streets of Jacksonville present a lively appearance nearly every day this week. Business is better than it has been for years.
    Some are waiting to see what the central depot will amount to. Dr. Crook is already making arrangements to build a saloon and lunch house there.
    A town site has been laid out in the vicinity of Chavner's bridge, on the west side of Rogue River, and the proprietor has high hopes for its future. The railroad company propose having a large, deep well dug there soon.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 16, 1883, page 3


    We are to Rev. R. McLean for a nicely bound volume of each of two journals of which he was the founder and publisher in Concepcion, Chile. They are printed in Spanish, and we have not yet read them through, but we can say, at least, that they are well gotten up, and pleasing to a printer's eye.
Ashland Tidings, November 16, 1883, page 3


    The building of the depot, roundhouse and repair shops at Grants Pass has begun.
    The camp of railroad workers set at work at the McCall & Anderson mines, about three miles below town, last week, makes the sixth camp between Ashland and Rogue River.
    Grading between Rogue River and this place is progressing much more rapidly than many people in the valley are aware. Within a few days the work around Gold Hill will be about finished, and from there to Phoenix the road bed is ready for the ties much of the way. Before the completion of this timber work which is now delaying the track extension, grading will most likely be all done as far south as Ashland, so that the track layers, when they can once pass the heavy trestle work north of Rogue River, will not be interrupted until they reach this place.
"Railroad Notes," Ashland Tidings, November 16, 1883, page 3


    The citizens of Woodville and vicinity are striving to get a depot, and will probably succeed.
    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


    EXCITEMENT RUN WILD.--The railroad extension has caused quite a number of new towns to be thought of in this county, many people thinking their farms are especially designed for town sites. As a consequence, some good ranches will be spoiled to make sickly looking villages. Even the new place at Grants Pass, situated in the almost extreme northern end of the county, and the best location for a town on account of its isolation, is likely to be despoiled of some of its embryonic greatness through a rival now being conceived in the brain of the incorrigible Sol. Abraham, who is not in the syndicate which gave birth to Grants Pass and wants some of the pie himself. Sol. owns some wild land a short distance away and he has men at work clearing off the brush, and surveyors at hand ready to lay off his future city. He is selling lots so cheap (from $15 to $50) that he has already disposed of several. As Sol. only paid the government price for the land, he is not likely to lose anything; still, some one might, as two towns are not likely to flourish in that section.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 23, 1883, page 3


    A large amount of track iron is being shipped from Portland up to the front of the O. & C. R. R. extension, preparatory to the resumption of track laying.
    The Phipps place is about 12 miles from Eagle Point by the wagon road, somewhat further than Central Point, so the location of the central depot at the latter place would have pleased Eagle Point people better, they say.
"Railroad Notes," Ashland Tidings, November 23, 1883, page 2


    A turntable is being built at Grant Pass, but no roundhouse yet.
    There are nearly a dozen new buildings at the railroad town of Grants Pass.
    The railroad addition in Ashland has been platted by the company, but no map of it has been received in town yet.
    The name of our depot is still in doubt, some calling it East Jacksonville, while others persist in naming it Phippstown. "Grand Central" seems to have dropped behind.-- Sentinel. ("East Jacksonville" is pretty good. Better call it North Phoenix or West Eagle Point.)
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, November 23, 1883, page 3


    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


    THE JUSTUS TRIAL.--The second trial of John Justus for the murder of his father is now going on in the Circuit Court, the Supreme Court having reversed the former decision and ordered a new trial. B. F. Dowell, A. C. Jones, C. W. Kahler and J. R. Neil are conducting the defense while District Attorney Kent and L. R. Webster are prosecuting. The following are the jurors selected to try the case: John Bailey, K. Richardson, A. C. Speers, D. Hodges, Isaac Simpkins, Charles Stidham, Simon Simpkins, Miles S. Wakeman, W. M. Morris, Jacob Slagle, D. Hendry and G. W. Bailey. Both sides rested their cases before noon yesterday and after dinner the argument was commenced by District Attorney Kent, followed by J. R. Neil for the defense. Court then adjourned till this morning at nine a.m., when the closing arguments will be made by L. R. Webster for the prosecution and A. C. Jones for the defense. The case will probably reach the jury by noon today.
Oregon Sentinel, November 24, 1883, page 3


    David Henry Miller, the first white man to live on the site of what is now the city of Medford, was struck and killed by train No. 13 near Gold Hill at 9 o'clock Saturday morning.
    To bolster up failing health Mr. Miller has been in the habit of each morning taking a long walk down the railroad tracks. Saturday he was returning as usual from his jaunt, thinking, with head bent, as is his usual habit.
    He has been, for several years, hard of hearing, and his first intimation of the coming train came when it was only a few feet away. He jumped, but the train caught him, dragging him 100 feet before the train could be stopped. The back of his skull was fractured and his neck dislocated, either of the injuries being sufficient to cause instant death. In addition his right arm was broken.
    The accident occurred about 300 feet west of the railroad crossing at Gold Hill.
    He leaves only his wife, having no children.
    Mr. Miller first arrived in Medford, to make his residence, November 28, 1883, at which time he assisted in laying out the townsite. In 1886 he assisted in the incorporation of the town of Medford.
    He has filled many offices in the county and the city of Medford, and represented this county in the state legislature in 1909.
Ashland Tidings, February 5, 1917, page 8   Miller may have been the first to move to the town site after it was platted in 1883, but at least a dozen people preceded him, including Napoleon Evans, who homesteaded the site, and the Phipps and Broback families, who owned much of it and had it platted.


    Woodville will have a depot.
    The lumber for the depot at Chavner's bridge is about being sawed and the building will likely be put up this month.
    The tracklayers reached Grants Pass last Monday night and it was expected that the construction train would arrive there immediately afterward. It has been running into the town regularly since Tuesday.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 30, 1883, page 2


    A town has been laid out on the site of the proposed central depot. No name has been given the new candidate as yet, that being left with the railroad authorities.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 30, 1883, page 3


    R. F. High has bought the building heretofore occupied as a dentist office and opened a barber shop this week. It is neatly fitted up.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, November 30, 1883, page 3


    Chas. Howard, of Jacksonville, is engaged in surveying the new town site at the central depot in Manzanita precinct. About 200 acres will be laid off in town lots. A name for the town has not yet been finally adopted, but "Medford" or "Middleford" has been suggested by the railroad people, we are told.
    The work of track-laying will probably be delayed several days at Rogue River Bridge, we learn, after which it may undoubtedly be continued without interruption to the Wagner Creek crossing, and possibly to the McCall & Anderson mines, about three miles below Ashland.
"Railroad Notes," Ashland Tidings, November 30, 1883, page 3


    C. W. Broback, one of the proprietors of the new town down the valley, was in Ashland Wednesday. He says "East Jacksonville" is "no go."
"Personal," Ashland Tidings, November 30, 1883, page 3



    THE JUSTUS CASE.--This celebrated trial came to an end last Sunday morning when the jury came in with a verdict of murder in the second degree, after having been out since six o'clock the night before. The first ballot is said to have been ten for conviction of murder in the first degree and two for manslaughter, when a compromise verdict was agreed upon, making it murder in the second degree. On Tuesday afternoon the motion for a new trial was argued before Judge Hanna on the ground of improper conduct on the part of one of the jurors, which was overruled, and the defendant received the usual sentence--imprisonment in the penitentiary for life. The prisoner took his sentence as coolly as before when he was sentenced to be hung and said he had nothing to say when asked by the Court before sentence was passed. Deputy Sheriff's Steadman and Jacobs and Constable Birdsey will start with him for Salem today, also taking along the Chinaman convicted of robbing sluices and sentenced to a three years' term in the state's prison.
Oregon Sentinel, November 31, 1883, page 3



    C. J. Howard, with the assistance of James Elliott, Ed. Curtis and J. Johnson, is now engaged in surveying and laying out the new railroad town opposite Jacksonville.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, December 1, 1883, page 3


    The whistle of the iron horse can now be heard in the valley and the dream of an age is realized. Not many years ago the building of a railway to the state line was treated with more derision than is the project of a road down the coast, to connect with San Francisco, at the present time. Human ingenuity can devise almost anything.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 7, 1883, page 2


    Jas. Langshire, who has been bossing a gang of railroad employees at Gold Hill, says the work, with the exception of a rock cut, is about finished there. It was found necessary to put on night shifts for a short time past in order to keep ahead of the tracklayers.
    A correspondent of the Times, writing under the date of the 5th from Rock Point, says: We heard the whistle of the locomotive here this morning for the first time. The construction train was a little this side of Woodville. Mr. Volk says the track will be here in about four days after today.
    The favorable weather has allowed railroad work to progress much more rapidly than expected, and, as a consequence, not a great deal remains to be finished north of Phoenix. Most of the work is now being done south of Wagner Creek, and it may not be long, should the storms hold off awhile longer, until everything is ready for the track as far as Ashland. A large number of men have been discharged and many more will be dispensed with in a short time.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 7, 1883, page 2


    Since the railroad has neared us the tramps are on the increase.
    So many new towns are springing up that lumber and other building materials are in great demand.
    Times are unusually good in Jackson and Josephine counties, owing to railroad building, and everybody seems to have more filthy lucre than common.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 7, 1883, page 3


    LAYING OUT A TOWN SITE.--C. J. Howard and party have nearly completed laying out 200 acres in lots on the site of the proposed central depot, the clearing of which will soon be commenced. So far, we hear that J. S. Howard of this place and Henry Smith of Wolf Creek will each start a branch of their present stores, Wm. Egan will put up a livery stable, Dr. Vrooman and D. H. Miller a drug and variety store, and G. W. Crystal and G. Wilprel each a blacksmith shop.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 7, 1883, page 3


    The stage co. has as yet been unable to make any arrangements to connect with the railroad, and the mail is still carried on the old route from Glendale. Wm. Carll is running a wagon between old and new Grants Pass for the accommodation of stage passengers.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 7, 1883, page 3


    Work has commenced at Grants Pass on a roundhouse to hold six engines.
    With the exception of a little work north of the Gore place, the railroad grading is now completed as far south as the big fill north of Phoenix, we are told.
    The track was expected to reach Chavner's station, Rogue River bridge, this week. The approaches to the bridge were not quite completed at last report but may be done in time to allow tracklaying to continue without detention there.
    LATER--The trestle work at the north approach of Rogue River bridge is finished. Yesterday the track was four miles north of Rock Point. No track was laid Tuesday, as the iron did not arrive as expected. It is thought the rock cut at Rogue River will delay the track about two weeks.
"Railroad Notes," Ashland Tidings, December 7, 1883, page 4


    THE NEW TOWN.--Chas. J. Howard and party finished surveying and laying out the new town opposite Jacksonville, making eighty-two blocks out of the place. Two blacksmith shops--one owned by G. Wilprel and the other by Geo. W. Crystal--have already been erected and ready for business. J. S. Howard and Henry Smith of Wolf Creek will open branch stores there, and Wm. Egan proposes starting a livery stable. Mr. Howard and party started for Chavner's bridge this morning to survey the new town at that point with instructions to lay out thirty-four blocks. After this they go to Phoenix where another new city of eighty blocks is to spring up. Jackson County will soon be well supplied with new towns.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, December 8, 1883, page 3


    On Monday of the week just closed, the first railroad train ran into Grants Pass, in Jackson County, and made its connection with John Hailey's stage line just sixty-two miles north of the California boundary line, having traversed some of the most broken country in the universe. The trains now leave Portland at 7:30 and return at midnight from Grants Pass, which is now a trifle inconvenient to travelers, but will be improved when the road reaches Ashland, in February, as there will be sleeping cars put on after reaching that point. I naturally feel an interest in the upper end of Rogue River Valley, for I taught a six months term of school at Ashland the first year I lived in Oregon. And to hear that the once-quiet little hamlet has steadily grown and blossomed into one large town of nearly equal population with Jacksonville does not surprise me. It is part of the manifest destiny of a thrifty and diligent people, who have reared a neat and New England-like town out of the silence of a wilderness. In the early days of Oregon, Ash Creek [sic] was known only as a stream which had the coldest of drinking water for the immigrants' camp; and the excellence of the article seems to be kept up to such a degree that no person has yet been able to obtain license to retail spirituous liquors in the town. The good example of one seems to be that of the entire community. In a school of sixty-five children I never once was obliged to whip a boy or reprove a girl in the presence of her playfellows. In this was plainly to be seen the effects of thorough home discipline.
    The construction trains have laid track twelve miles beyond Grants Pass, but that place will be the terminus of the road until it reaches Central Point (the old Magruder store) some five miles east of Jacksonville, where it will stay until the road is formally opened to Ashland. Beyond Ashland the road goes through about four miles of comparatively level land till reaching the Tolman farm, owned by our old worthy surveyor general. Then it is a gradual ascent till it reaches the famous tunnel through the Siskiyou Mountains and emerges on the California side of the line after clearing the fifth tunnel. And from the time the train leaves Grants Pass till it strikes the bed of Hungry Creek in California it runs in full view of the most romantic and lovely scenery on the continent. But the train, if run on the present schedule, will pass through there after dark, and the only chance Oregon people will have to see it will be on their return trip by rail. And yet it would well repay a stopover of one day in order to observe the many beauties of the valley. At the south end, Pilot Rock rises out of the pine-crested Siskiyous, rugged and defiant in its massive solitude. To the east, Mount McLoughlin, white with eternal snow and pure as the noble old pioneer whose fame it will ever commemorate, towers into the azure an exact duplicate of our St. Helens. The two Table Rocks, further to the northward, rise like grim redans of a ruined fortress, and beyond them lies the picturesque little Sams Valley. Then further west is Rock Point, with the crystal river bounding and roaring past its steep and iron-bound promontories. It is all a scene of beauty in the spring.
    But you will ask, What good is all this rare scenic beauty to Portland? We certainly have as grand scenery between Vancouver and The Dalles as can be found elsewhere in America; and why go out to Ashland, 300 miles if it is a foot, to see what is no grander than we have at home? I answer you that the scenic beauty of Southern Oregon is a drop in the bucket compared with its value to us as a  commercial tributary. Prior to 1873, Jacksonville shipped all its goods from Red Bluff or else over the mountains from Crescent City, with freight averaging 3½ cents per pound from San Francisco. The completion of the railroad to Roseburg diverted all the trade of Jacksonville to Portland, and caught a portion of the traffic of Ashland. But when the road is done to Ashland, the traffic of the two great Northern California counties of Siskiyou and Modoc will be thrown open to Portland; for Portland will be nearer to them than Redding, and the cheapness of wagon-haul from Ashland to Yreka will turn the scale in our favor. And we all know that merchants will buy where they can do so to the best advantage. Is not the trade of Yreka and Scott Valley worth having? If so, it behooves our merchants to secure it.
    Just see what a broad expanse of vine-bearing lands that railroad will open out for cultivation. It is the furthest northern spot in the great viniferous belt, of which San Bernardino Valley is the southern extreme; and from the red gravel lands of the foothills in Jackson and Josephine counties, the central portion of Oregon must henceforth look for not only its supply of domestic wines and brandies, as its table grapes as well. The Mission grape, which is an entire failure in the Willamette Valley, thrives and may be successfully grown in the Rogue River country, especially upon such hillsides as have a southerly exposure; nor is it necessary to dethrone wheat as the staple product of the valley lands, for grapes always attain their highest state of perfection on the red gravel lands. If the land-owners of Rogue River will set out vines of three varieties--the White Chasselas, Mission and Black Hamburg--they will have grapes fit to ship to Portland from the 20th of August to the 1st of October, the Chasselas being the first to ripen. The valley wines have been heretofore limited in production, owing to the want of facilities for cheap transportation; but once give those vineyards the advantage of low freights to market, and we shall see Rogue River wine in every retail store in Portland and the valley towns. At present the loss on grapes shipped hither by steamer from San Francisco is nearly 16 percent, as five days generally elapse between the picking of the grapes and their opening for sale in this city. But land grapes here from Rogue River inside of thirty hours from the time they are picked and the loss would not exceed 5 percent; besides which the money paid for them by consumers would all be kept within the state, instead of being sent abroad to enrich the owners of California vineyards.
    Next we come to the great staples of grain and pork, which are the food of the common people, and always find ready markets if they be of good quality. Up to date the wheat of Rogue River Valley has always shown an excellent grade, and the flour made therefrom has been of superior quality; but the only markets outside of home consumption have been the post and Indian reservation st Klamath Lake and the once-famous mining town of Yreka, in California. If the railroad company can afford to carry wheat and flour from Rogue River to Portland for $8 per ton, there will be cultivated nearly four times the present acreage, and much land will be tilled which now lies idle. The grain-fed hogs of Rogue River Valley have always been famous for producing a high grade of bacon, as the clear, cold winters of that section assist in extinguishing the animal heat from the carcass almost as soon as the animal is dead. Hogs are driven from Jacksonville to Happy Camp in Del Norte County, Cal., a total distance of about 180 miles, as well as to the few remaining camps in Siskiyou County, and sold at good figures. Several of the richest men in Jackson County have made their first start in this humble but lucrative vocation. Jackson and Josephine counties afford good advantages for this pursuit, as they abound with the wild soaproot on which hogs can keep in good order until the grain ripens, and they can be hardened into flesh suitable for slaughter. The want of good spring food for hogs has always been severely felt in Central Oregon, which gives Rogue River Valley great advantage over the northern counties in this respect. Portland will afford a market for all they can produce in this line.
    The orchard fruits thrive all through the two southern counties along the railroad line, especially peaches and plums. The production of peaches north of the Calapooya Mountains has always been exceedingly limited, the orchards of Hood River furnishing the most of them until this year, when the trees were killed off by spring frosts and the crop reduced to a cipher. But in Jackson County peaches have always been abundant and of good quality ever since their first production, yet the limited demand for them at home has discouraged fruit growers from cultivating their orchards and keeping their trees in as good order as they would have done had they always been able to avail themselves of a cash market for their surplus fruit. Plums and prunes, especially the Italian and Hungarian varieties, which command the top figures when cured for export, have been successfully grown, though only to such an extent as may be properly called experimental. The want of an export market, in this matter as in all others, has heretofore proven the great drawback in fruit culture in this section. The smaller fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, currants and fruits of that sort, not only attain excellent growth and flavor but become ripe at least two weeks earlier than those of the Willamette Valley, hence there will be ready sale for all they can send us in this line. Therefore there is a good outlook for orchard culture in Rogue River Valley. Judge Tolman recently gave me some Spitzenberg and Winesap apples, grown on his place three miles south of Ashland, which certainly could not be surpassed for quality. All the early garden vegetables come about two weeks ahead of the Willamette Valley, and, if moderate freight tariffs are adopted, will drive out the half-wilted and rancid vegetables now brought here by steamer.
    Besides these there are innumerable other products, too varied to mention, but all going to swell the total of a lucrative freight traffic. The old saying, that there is "no man so far from market as he who has nothing to sell," holds good in this case as in all others. Poultry, eggs, butter, lard, cheese, and all other farm products must eventually find their market in Portland, and will do so unless a prohibitory tariff is put upon their equipment by the primary producers of that section. The Oregon and California railroad has never paid interest on its construction and repair, and the only way to make it do so is to offer inducements to shippers such as do not now exist. Jackson County has also valuable quarries of marble, none of which finds its way here as yet, but will be certain to become plenty here whenever the railroad is finished to Ashland. The people of Rogue River Valley have been, so far, a self-sustaining and thrifty population. Not only that, but the city of Oakland, in California, boasts among its residents some men of great wealth who got their first grip on fortune's favors in the vicinity of Jacksonville. The truth is, the valley boasts of a great deal of natural wealth, and its resources are more varied than those of any other portion of Oregon. To develop those resources and to bring all the various products of that section to Portland for a market should be the aim of the Oregon and Transcontinental Company, which now controls the Oregon and California road. The more money farmers can be allowed to make by the exportation of home products, the more money they will have to expend for travel as passengers, which is the chief source of profit to each and every railroad corporation. It requires hired labor to handle freight, but passengers always handle themselves.
    We look with satisfaction upon what is already before us, but it is nothing to the degree of prosperity which is yet to come. Before another December shall have rolled by the cars will be running into Northern California, and we shall be competing with San Francisco for the trade of Yreka and the busy little villages in Scott Valley. And whenever the line is complete through to Redding, we shall be within thirty-four hours' ride of San Francisco. The average Californian is not partial to steamship voyages and will be slow to visit Oregon until he can do so by rail; and when the road is completed from the Willamette to Sacramento, the passenger travel will be so great that, in order to keep ahead of the steamships, the through trains will be obliged to stop only at the larger towns on the line and ignore all the little "flag stations" which now help the road to eke out its maintenance. This will lead to a radical change in order to accommodate way travel and relieve the through trains. The present Albany express will probably be lengthened out into the Eugene express and leave the university city an hour earlier in the morning than it now leaves Albany, and leaving here half an hour earlier than its prevent time of departure. This will also necessitate another train as far south as Albany, leaving here at 11 A.M. and return from Albany at 8 P.M., or 20 o'clock as they now propose to call it at the East. And this train, when once established, will pay a larger return for its mileage than any other train on the road, because it will catch all the pleasure travel that dislikes early hours. The west side road will be lengthened out to connect with the east side road at Junction City, and the through passengers on reaching the latter point will be allowed to change cars and take their choice of routes to the metropolis. There will be Sunday trains, in summer time, to the beautiful oak groves of Lane and Linn, as well as to the health-giving springs of Lebanon and Snowdon [Boswell Springs in Douglas County]. And the whole line will pay its way, even into the solitary jungles of Pass Creek. At times I have been inclined to regard Mr. Koehler and Mr. Brandt as slow and unprogressive men; but the "inexorable logic of events" has convinced me that they were right and I was wrong. They have pushed the road ahead just as fast as was consistent with economy, and they will soon see their property pay a happy tribute to their sagacity in the shape of a princely income.
Oregonian, Portland, December 9, 1883, page 1


    It is definitely settled that Phoenix will have a depot and the preliminaries for side tracks, etc., are progressing.
    So rapidly is the large force of tracklayers progressing with their work that rails and ties can hardly be delivered fast enough. Some time has been lost for lack of material.
    Work in the vicinity of Phoenix is almost done and the camps are moving further south. The only heavy work which remains unfinished is in the hills southwest of the Eagle Mills.
    If the good weather which has been prevailing this fall should continue awhile longer, trains will be running into Ashland in less than three months. Rapid progress is being made everywhere.
    It is said that the railroad company will change the name of Grants Pass. The station at Chavner's Bridge will probably be Dardanelles and the one in the middle of the valley Medford.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 14, 1883, page 2


    The screech of the locomotive is already becoming familiar in the valley.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 14, 1883, page 2


    J. B. Cann, who is engaged in the liquor business in the Siskiyous, will become a resident of Medford.
    A number of substantial improvements are contemplated by different residents of town, which shows that there is plenty of vitality and faith left in Jacksonville yet.
    Mr. Voorhees is putting up a store at the central depot and M. E. Pogue also proposes erecting one shortly.
    Frank Towne of Phoenix, who was in town Wednesday, informs us that considerable improvement is still going on in that place. Dr. R. Pryce is building himself a neat office there.
    There is considerable of a demand for lots in the town just laid out in the center of the valley, mostly among newcomers. But very few residents of this place are investing, having the utmost faith in Jacksonville.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 14, 1883, page 3


    WHAT WE WANT.--The railroad will soon be here and it behooves the people of Jacksonville to immediately take steps toward building a first-class road to the central depot and establishing an omnibus line on the same. This can be done at comparatively small expense when we consider the great benefit it will prove to this community. It is just such enterprise that has enabled San Bernardino and Bakersfield, California, to flourish in spite of the fact that they are both missed some distance by the Southern Pacific Railroad. We hope our citizens will see the point and act promptly.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 14, 1883, page 3


    Emil Peil, an excellent blacksmith, has opened a shop at the central depot, and is prepared to do all kinds of blacksmithing, including horseshoeing, in good style and at reasonable rates. See his advertisement elsewhere.
"Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 14, 1883 et seq., page 3




    Railroad villages are numerous along the stage road north of Ashland. In the camp down at the [McCall & Anderson] mines are two neatly painted board houses which are built in sections and are moved from place to place.
    The new R.R. town this side of Central Point is laid off in eighty-two blocks. Chas. Howard, who surveyed it, is now engaged in laying off thirty-four blocks of town lots at Chavner's Bridge, and will also stake off some eighty blocks of the railroad addition to Phoenix.
    Messrs. Geo. Crystal and C. Wilprel have each built a blacksmith shop at the new town at the Phipps place, J. S. Howard intends to build a store there as soon as he can get the lumber, and several other persons are intending to put up buildings and start business. By the time the track reaches the place a town will be looming up.
"Railroad Notes," Ashland Tidings, December 14, 1883, page 3


    New town sites are being recorded in the county clerk's office and lots are offered for sale. You pays your money and takes your choice.

    The roundhouse at Grants Pass is now being built.
    P. West, Mr. Kearney and other carpenters are putting up trestlework not far from Medford.
    The track is ballasted as far as Woodville. Capt. Hyzer is in charge of the Chinese gangs doing this work.
    A report is in circulation to the effect that a station will be made at Central Point, but it has not been confirmed as yet.
    The ground being very soft in the Coakley field, the track sank down on one side and the construction train went off into the mud the other day.
    The track has been laid as far as Haskell Amy's place in Manzanita Precinct. Not a great deal of track laying has been done during the past week.
    The railroad company charges $1.37 per hundred pounds from Portland to Grants Pass and teamsters charge $1 for the same from the terminus to Jacksonville.
    Railroad building will now be much slower, as the storms have made the roads bad and interfered a great deal with general progress. Fortunately for the company, little grading remains to be done along the whole line to Ashland.
    Surveyor McCall is engaged in staking off the railroad addition to Ashland into lots. This tract of land was purchased of L. A. Applegate and contains 130 acres, considerable of which will be occupied by the company's buildings, side tracks, etc. It has not been definitely announced as yet in what part of the addition the depot will be located.
"Railroad Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 28, 1883, page 2




Last revised September 24, 2024
*For more complete names of persons identified by initials, see the Index.