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NOT GOT THE SMALLPOX.--Sachs Bros. inform those owing them that they have not got any contagious disease. They are much in need of money and those indebted need not fight shy. So walk up, gentlemen, and make your annual payment. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
January 2, 1869, page
2
NEW YEAR'S PARTY.--The party at Mr. Horne's on Thursday evening was, under the circumstances, very well attended. The new hall was tastefully decorated and the young folks were in ecstasies with the splendid dancing floor and the excellent supper. Mr. Horne has supplied a want long felt here, at a great expense, and we hope when the needless alarm about smallpox ceases to see him patronized handsomely by our dancing community. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
January 2, 1869, page
2
DISTRICT SCHOOL.--The directors of this school district have decided to postpone the commencement of the next term a short time longer. It was intended to have the term commence on Monday next, but it is thought advisable that the pupils be kept at home until all possible danger from smallpox has passed. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
January 2, 1869, page
2
NO SMALLPOX.--We
are glad to say that there is now not a single case of smallpox in
Jacksonville. All are either convalescent or have been removed outside
the town limits. Our country cousins, therefore, need not be alarmed,
as there is not the slightest danger in coming here.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
January 2, 1869, page
2
ST. MARY'S ACADEMY.--The
studies of the pupils at this institution will be resumed on Monday
next.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
January 2, 1869, page
2
PEST HOUSE.--This
institution was built by the town, outside of the corporation limits,
and a whole family afflicted with smallpox removed into it. It is very
comfortable--much more so than the house occupied by the afflicted
family--and although the name is somewhat appalling it is an excellent
hospital rather than a "pest house."
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
January 2, 1869, page
3
SICKLY SEASON.--The
present winter has been, so far, the most sickly one that has been
known in the valley for many years. Coughs and pneumonia have been very
prevalent, and croup has been unusually fatal among children. A cold
clear spell seems necessary to purify the atmosphere.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
January 2, 1869, page
3
ANOTHER DEATH FROM
SMALLPOX.--John
Walker, who was taken down on "Hungry Creek," on the other side of the
California line, with this terrible disease, died on Tuesday morning.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
January 2, 1869, page
3
Smallpox at Jacksonville, Oregon.
JACKSONVILLE,
January 5th.
Five new cases of smallpox are reported in this place today. to this
date there have been thirty cases, four of which have proved fatal. The
public and private schools are closed and there is much apprehension
that the disease will spread further.Sacramento Daily Union, January
6, 1869, page
3
Jacksonville
January 6th 1869
Mr. Lindsay ApplegateIndian Agt. &c. Dr. Sir, I am directed by the Board of Co. Commissioners to inform you that the smallpox which is now raging in our midst has also alarmingly spread on Kanaka Flat. Several Squaws on the flat now have it, and it is feared it cannot be speedily checked. One squaw died with the disease--the first person taken and who it is supposed brought the disease amongst us. By mutual consent all the business houses and saloons are closed. The Town Trustees have prohibited persons from Kanaka Flat from coming to town. We are informed and believe that several squaws on the flat absolutely need provisions and perhaps some clothing, if the disease continues to spread amongst them, and there is every probability that it will. Many of them must absolutely perish for want of suitable and timely aid. It will tax to the utmost the town, even with liberal assistance from the county, to take care of and support such as are legitimately county charges and to confine the disease as much as possible. I am therefore directed to solicit you, as Indian agent, to render that class such assistance as may be suitable and proper for them. They ought not to perish for want of food or necessary clothing. We hope you will respond in such way as to aid that class that cannot rightfully demand relief from the county. Yours
Very Respectfully
Lindsay Applegate Papers,
University
of Oregon Knight Library Special CollectionsW. H. S. Hyde Co. Ck. Smallpox at Jacksonville, Oregon.
JACKSONVILLE,
January 6th.
Smallpox is raging here. All business is suspended. Four new cases were
reported to the authorities today. The authorities have posted notices
on all roads warning persons that the disease is prevalent. The
Catholic Sisters have asked permission to take charge of the smallpox
hospital. There are now nineteen cases under treatment in town and at
the pest house, six of which are pronounced convalescent. Great alarm
is now felt, and the most energetic means are being taken to prevent
the spread of the disease.JACKSONVILLE,
January 7th.
One death from smallpox reported last
night; three new cases reported today.Sacramento Daily Union, January 8, 1869, page 2 The Epidemic.
We are sorry to say that since our last issue, the smallpox has spread
here at an alarming rate. Since last Saturday two deaths have taken
place and twelve new cases have been reported in the town and vicinity.
At present there are thirteen very severe cases under treatment, and
there seems to be no indication that the course of the epidemic is
checked. Since the first case made its appearance we can count
thirty-seven cases that have spread from it, five of which have
terminated fatally, nineteen of which are considered convalescent, and
the thirteen referred to under treatment. At the county pest house
there are nine cases under treatment, and on Kanaka Flat four; the
latter are all of the confluent type, and two of the former are
dangerous and critical. The exposure has been so great that we expect
to record the continued ravages of the terrible disease, but trust that
faithful nursing will save the most of those who have been unfortunate
enough to contract it. All business has been by general consent
suspended except in two instances. In those, the pecuniary benefit
realized will probably be of a doubtful character, as public opinion in
times of public calamity is powerful; and the people will not soon
forget the mercenary motive that prompts a defiant exhibition of
selfishness. We hope the worst has come, but we are not justified in
saying that it has and we again urge everyone to avoid exposure, and if
not vaccinated to be so at once.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
January 9, 1869, page
2
Correspondence.
To Mr. David Linn,ST.
MARY'S ACADEMY,
SIR:--The
sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary most willingly offer their
services to attend on the patients in the hospital, if the Board of
Health wish to accept of their offer. The Sisters would be happy to
give this slight token of their sincere gratitude to the citizens for
the numerous benefits received at their hands.Jacksonville, Jan. 7th, 1869. President, Board of Health. JACKSONVILLE,
OGN., Jan. 7, 1869.
The Board of Trustees for the town of Jacksonville beg to acknowledge
the receipt of the note of this date addressed by the Sisters of the
Holy Names of Jesus and Mary to the president, in which a tender is
made of the Sisters for the purpose of taking charge of the smallpox
hospital.The Board, while most gratefully acknowledging the Christian charity and humanity which prompts the noble and generous offer, begs to say that for the present the attendants on the afflicted, although not numerous, are deemed sufficient for the emergency and are therefore unwilling to expose the generous ladies of the sisterhood to the contagion until an imperative necessity requires it. If, however, the epidemic should continue its ravages, of which there is every indication at present, the Board will most gladly avail itself of the tender made by the Sisters in the note referred to. The Board takes this occasion, for itself and in behalf of the citizens, to reiterate the thanks due for an offer which only springs from the very highest dictates of religion and humanity. DAVID
LINN,
President, Board of Health Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
January 9, 1869, page
2
A quarantine has been established at Yreka, and no citizen of Jacksonville will be allowed to enter that place.--Yreka seems to be out of luck. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
January 9, 1869, page
2
A NOBLE OFFER.--In another column will be found the correspondence between the Catholic Sisters of Charity and the Board of Health. It is but another instance of the heroic and self-sacrificing devotion that has so often sent the members of the Catholic Sisterhood like angels of mercy to the bedside of suffering humanity. Not pestilence nor contagion nor personal danger appalls these noble women, and the religion that prompts their generous sacrifices is certainly elevated high above the criticism of vulgar prejudice. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 9, 1869, page 3 RIDICULOUS.--We have, during the past week, heard several people suggest the propriety of having the stages stop as a means of preventing the spread of smallpox. The idea is simply preposterous. We have no right to be cut off from the outside world, and the Post Office Department does not recognize an epidemic as a legal reason for stopping the mails. Let the stages come in, change mails and depart immediately and there is no fear of contagion to the drivers. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 9, 1869, page 3 EFFICIENT SERVICE.--We cannot refrain from speaking of the very efficient service rendered by Mr. J. R. Peacock as the special marshal of the Board of Health. He is untiring and sleepless, and discharges his duty promptly and judiciously. He deserves the thanks of the citizens, and we trust that his dangerous duty may not result in his own prostration. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 9, 1869, page 3 APOLOGY.--We have to apologize this week. Our paper is not interesting and we know it. No local items, but we can't help it. The town is like the grave, but it is not our fault. Yellow flags are to be seen on every side, and if this issue partakes of the ghastly character of its surroundings we are not to blame. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 9, 1869, page 3 PERSONAL.--Hon. O. Jacobs returned from Portland Thursday evening, looking as genial and good natured as ever. Dick Hull arrived home from San Francisco last evening. If he has left that place on account of smallpox, he is out of the frying pan into the fire. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 9, 1869, page 3 DEATH FROM SMALLPOX.--On Sunday last, a colored man, commonly known as "Big Ike," died of smallpox, and on Wednesday evening a squaw died of it and was buried the same night. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 9, 1869, page 3 SMALLPOX.--We have perhaps been remiss in duty in not calling the attention of the public to the fact that they are liable, at any moment, to have the smallpox break out among them. It has been in San Francisco for some time past; also at Portland; also in or near Salem; also at Jacksonville. A dispatch from this latter place, dated the 5th inst., says: "Five new cases of smallpox are reported in this place today. To this date there have been thirty cases, four of which proved fatal. The public and private schools are closed, and there is much apprehension that the disease will become epidemic." We advise this community to take immediate steps to prevent the smallpox from visiting us. The physicians of Albany all have pure vaccine matter, and we advise everybody to be vaccinated--particularly if they have never been, as vaccination is generally a preventive. People should not wait until some one or more persons shall be attacked by this fatal disease, before attending to this matter; for the smallpox may be communicated to persons residing here in many ways; by letters they may receive from abroad--by bank bills that may be in circulation, or by the clothes of some stranger passing through the country. Let every head of a family attend to this matter in time; and much suffering may possibly be avoided. While we counsel prompt action, we would have the public avoid being unduly excited, or scared; for we believe fear prepares the human system for, and superinduces attacks of, contagious diseases. Keep cool. Keep your persons and premises clean; don't gormandize. Carbolic acid and quinine are said to be good preventives of smallpox. State Rights Democrat, Albany, Oregon, January 9, 1869, page 3 A dispatch from Jacksonville under date of January 5th says: Five new cases of smallpox are reported in this place today. To this date there have been thirty cases, four of which have proved fatal. The public and private schools are closed, and there is much apprehension that the disease will become epidemic. A dispatch from the same place, dated the 6th, says: Smallpox still raging here. All business has been suspended. Four new cases were reported to the authorities today. The authorities have posted notices on all the public roads, waning persons not to come into town. The Catholic Sisters have asked permission to take charge of the smallpox hospital. There are now 19 cases under treatment in town, and at the pest house six, which are announced as convalescent. Great alarm is now felt, and the most energetic means are being taken to prevent the spread of the disease. Oregon State Journal, Eugene, Oregon, January 9, 1869, page 2 More Smallpox Cases in
Jacksonville, Oregon.
JACKSONVILLE,
January 8th.--Three new cases of smallpox are reported today. It seems
to defy all efforts to check it. Large fires of tar and sulfur are now
burning all over the town, for the purpose of purifying the atmosphere.Daily Alta California, San Francisco, January 9, 1869, page 1 STATE ITEMS.
Fifty marriage licenses were issued in Jackson County during the year
1868.
A Jacksonville paper learns that rich diggings have been struck on Pickens Creek, about eight miles from the Junction House, in Josephine County. The total valuation of property in Jackson County for 1868 is $1,043,987. This is a decrease of nearly $200,000 since last year. How is it accounted for? It has been suggested at Jacksonville that the stages be stopped as a means of preventing the spread of the smallpox. The Sentinel says the idea is preposterous. A letter from Fort Klamath to the Jacksonville Sentinel contains the following: The Goose Lake excitement still continues, and nearly every man you meet out here is going out there in the spring, and judging from present indications there will be a strong settlement early next summer. Summer and Silver Lake valleys are beginning to come in for their share of the general excitement, and from the best information I am able to obtain, Summer Lake Valley is the most desirable country now open for settlement. Morning Oregonian, Portland,
January 15, 1869, page 3
The Smallpox Fatalities.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
January 16, 1869, page
2
For general information and to allay the fears of our friends at a
distance, we publish the names of all the smallpox cases that have
occurred here since the disease made its appearance:
The severe cases of the confluent type that have resulted in death are John Walker, Joseph Martin, John Martin, James Hubbard, Bertha Breitbarth, Mrs. Brewer, Sophia Love, Isaac Cowan (colored), and three squaws. The cases that have recovered are six members of the Roundtree family, four of the Martin family, John Stowe, Chas. Harris, J. T. Hunt, Wm. Thompson, Geo. Hibbard, Smith, Mitchell, Stowe Senior, and one squaw. There are at present under treatment in the two hospitals and in various residences, Wm. Gilmour, Tom More, Chris Wintjen, Jesse Huggins, Thomas Brown, Lake, Ed. Pitts, Jno. Atkinson, Chas. Williams, T. Gaston, Chas. Bryant (child), Nancy Dews, Chas. Bryant (child), Nancy Dews, H. Hoover, Joe Gray, Geo. P. Funck. This makes forty-five in all, eleven of which, or nearly one-fourth, have terminated fatally. This is a terrible percent of mortality, showing that the disease is of a very malignant type and admonishing the people of any community to use extraordinary vigilance against it. In addition to the above, there have been a very few cases of very light varioloid reported, which have been cured without other treatment than care and attention to diet. Just as we go to press--Pitts and Atkinson both died and a new case, Henry Getchen, under treatment. IN A TIGHT PLACE.--A few days since, the telegraph operator from this place was out repairing. While endeavoring to reach a suitable place on a large oak to nail his insulator, a man drove by in a large wagon. Telegrapher was nearly tuckered out. The tree was wet and slippery, his pockets were full of tools and he knew if he dropped any of them, it would be hard to descend and again reach the desired point. "Hallo, stranger!" said he. "Hallo," said the stranger. "Please stay there a minute," said telegrapher, "I might drop something." The stranger stopped his team and gazed up the tree with a frightened look, and inquired, "Be you from Jacksonville?" "Yes," responded the telegrapher, who was now climbing for dear life. "Save this world!" ejaculated the traveler. "I'll jast bet you've got the smallpox, it's breaking out on you, and they do say it's all-fired catchin'. Gelong thar bally, I'll be darned if I want any of it." Off he drove at a good round trot while the telegrapher sat in a fork of the tree convulsed with laughter, and reflecting how extremely selfish and unaccommodating folks are in smallpox times. He says if ever he catches that "husky" in a tight place he will be apt to play even. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 16, 1869, page 2 DESTITUTE INDIANS.--Since the smallpox broke out here there have been several squaws in an almost destitute condition not being allowed to visit town. On learning the facts, Agent Applegate authorized one of our citizens to see that they did not suffer for food or become a charge on the county. It is to be hoped that the Agent will remove every squaw from this part of the county to the reservation as soon as safe and practicable, and we do not doubt but in so doing he will meet the wishes of all our respectable citizens. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 16, 1869, page 2 TELEGRAPH OFFICE.--This institution has been removed to the Sentinel office. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 16, 1869, page 2 "A Good Thing."
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
January 16, 1869, page
2
Two of our citizens, McLaughlin and Karewski, who started for San
Francisco last week, write from "quarantine," near Yreka, as follows:
FRIEND SENTINEL:--We arrived here about half past two o'clock when the stage was stopped by about twelve quarantine officers who requested the Jacksonville passengers to alight, as an order to that effect had been issued by the board of health. We are very comfortably housed and have partaken of a very good supper, which was furnished free gratis to the distinguished guests. We are promised a warm cup of coffee before leaving in the morning, when we will be taken from here without stopping in Yreka. We are under many obligations to the committee that received us and to the gentleman who has charge of this house, for kind treatment. If any of our Jacksonville friends want a good thing, let them take the Yreka stage, but be sure and be out of reach of smallpox before starting. The people of Yreka are very sensible in taking extraordinary precautions against the introduction of smallpox, and their courteous way of enforcing their ordinances in very commendable. PREVENTION OF SMALLPOX.--The following recipe for the prevention of this terrible disease is from Dr. Agnew of Pittsburgh, who is known as one of the most successful practitioners in the United States. The cleansing properties of cream of tartar and sulfur, are well known and in cases of smallpox they were the only medicines he would administer. He says that if a smallpox patient had used the recipe ten or twelve days prior to contracting the disease he would ensure recovery with an almost certainty of having nothing but varioloid. It is worth trying, costs but little and cannot fail to do much good: Take one ounce cream of tartar, two ounces flour of sulfur, and mix well in one pint of molasses. For adults the dose is one large teaspoonful on going to bed. For children one-half teaspoonful. Take for ten or twelve days and renew the medicine after two weeks. It will then have cleansed the system effectually. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 16, 1869, page 2 ANOTHER GONE.--Mrs. John S. Love died this morning at 8 o'clock from smallpox, the most appalling of all human disease. She was a woman of inestimable worth, beloved by a large circle of acquaintances, and her death has made deep sorrow and gloom in this community. She leaves four little orphan children to mourn for a mother's smile and care, and to meet her again only in a brighter and better land. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 16, 1869, page 2 NURSES WANTED.--If there are any lady nurses in the valley, not afraid of smallpox, they can get good wages here, and are much needed. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 16, 1869, page 2 CARBOLIC ACID.--A supply of this much-praised disinfectant just received at the City Drug Store. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 16, 1869, page 2 BOARD OF HEALTH.--For public information, we will state that the Board of Health here is at present composed of Messrs. C. C. Beekman, Jno. S. Drum, and Henry Klippel. The marshals are Asher Wall, J. R. Peacock and John Bonham. The board are entitled to great credit for their judicious and persistent efforts to preserve the health of the town, and we earnestly trust they may be crowned with success. The hospital on Kanaka Flat is conducted by Ed. Langley--that belonging to the county by Mrs. Roundtree, and so far they have both been singularly fortunate in their treatment of patients. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 16, 1869, page 3 FAITHFUL SERVICE.--Amid the trials of the last two weeks there are several persons who have earned the admiration of this community. The two brave women, Mrs. Howlett and Miss Mary Ralls, who have nursed Mrs. Love at the risk of their lives, are entitled to public gratitude. The Catholic Sisters, also, and Father Blanchet have been faithful and devoted to the sick. In a time of public calamity, when a dreadful malady, that nearly dries up the springs of human affection, and drives away friends in affright, is raging, too much praise cannot be given to those who so nobly face the danger of contagion. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 16, 1869, page 3 SAD BEREAVEMENT.--On Tuesday, Mr. and Mrs. Breitbarth, of this place, were called upon to part with their eldest child, an interesting girl of about three years. She was taken about ten days prior to her death with smallpox and no human care or solicitude could save her. A little pine coffin, containing all that was left of childish beauty and innocence, was taken away by two or three rough men; no scalding tears bedewed the last clods that covered the remains of the little sufferer, and the frantic grief of the poor mother when her darling was thus carried away is said to have been agonizing. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 16, 1869, page 3 DIED AT HIS POST.--James Hubbard, who died of smallpox on Wednesday night, was one of the marshals appointed by the Board of Health, and undoubtedly contracted the disease in the discharge of his duty. He leaves a widow and three children, and his property is said to be in a very embarrassed condition. Under the circumstances, if the creditors are able, a quitclaim to the widow and the helpless little children would be not only a noble act of charity, but a handsome recognition of the services of a man whose life was sacrificed in the discharge of a dangerous duty. Who will be the first say "aye"? Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 16, 1869, page 3 MR. PEACOCK RECOVERED.--There was much alarm this week when it was reported that one of the health marshals, Mr. Peacock, was attacked with smallpox. The report was incorrect, and the people are gratified at seeing him busy at his unpleasant and dangerous post again. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 16, 1869, page 3 SUSPENDED.--All business has been suspended at Ashland and Phoenix, the people of those places being seriously alarmed at the close proximity of smallpox. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 16, 1869, page 3 We learn from the Jacksonville papers that owing to the prevalence of smallpox in that city business of all kinds is suspended, the streets deserted, and many houses are decorated with yellow flags as an indication that "smallpox is here." Fifteen cases are reported in the city, and seven or eight cases at Kanaka Flat, a mile and a half above town. Only two deaths from the disease had occurred during the week--a negro and a squaw. Several cases had been reported through the valley. It was reported in Jacksonville that Messrs. Walker & Titus, of Josephine County, had "struck it rich," and were taking out an ounce of dust to the man per day. One nugget had been picked up which weighed eight ounces and a half. On Saturday morning of last week, one of the patients in the pest houses at Jacksonville, while delirious with the fever, made his escape, fleeing to the mountains. After some trouble he was caught and taken back to his old quarters. The Reveille speaks of luscious grapes, fresh from the vines, as yet to be had in Jacksonville. St. Mary's Academy at Jacksonville had been discontinued and the pupils sent home, for the present. The Sisters had offered their services, as nurses for smallpox patients, to the city authorities. There is a man in the Jacksonville jail charged with stealing a shotgun. The man who "runs" the jail, a sort of keeper, is at the present time confined to the jail also, sick with the smallpox. The Reveille, in mentioning the case, says it attaches no blame to the jail keeper for preferring his present quarters to those of the pest house; the prisoner it holds equally blameless for preferring any other quarters, the pest house excepted, to those of the jail; deeming it no joke to be imprisoned before guilt is established, especially when locked up with a case of smallpox, and offers as an opinion merely that one or the other--the prisoner or the smallpox man--should have been removed at once, and not allowed to have remained together a day. The total valuation of the real estate and person property of Jackson County, as returned to the assessor, for 1868, amounts to $1,043.987. Number of polls, 904. "State Items," Albany Register, January 16, 1869, page 2 SMALLPOX.--Mr. Jno. W. Gilmore, living on Oak Creek in this county, last Sunday received a telegram from Jacksonville, stating that his son William was among the victims to that horrible contagion, smallpox; but later news convey the glad intelligence that he is now convalescing. State Rights Democrat, Albany, Oregon, January 16, 1869, page 3 A Jacksonville, Oregon dispatch of the 9th inst. says that the smallpox is spreading in that place. The people are almost panic stricken. On the evening of the 8th a patient escaped from the hospital, while delirious, and was found the next morning almost naked in the mountains. "Down-Sound Items," Washington Standard, Olympia, Washington, January 16, 1869, page 2 The present winter has been one of the most sickly ever known in the Rogue River Valley. The Sentinel says: Coughs and pneumonia have been prevalent, and croup has been usually fatal among children. A cold, clear spell seems necessary to purify the atmosphere. "State Items," Corvallis Gazette, January 16, 1869, page 2 JACKSONVILLE (Oregon), January 16.--One new case of smallpox reported today. There have been three deaths from smallpox since Friday, one of which was Mrs. Love, who died this morning. She was the widow of John S. Love, and was a lady well known and highly esteemed in Southern Oregon. Her death has created universal sorrow. So far there have been forty-six cases here, twelve of which have terminated fatally. Three cases are almost hopeless, and thus far every case of the confluent type has resulted in death. The Catholic priest and Sisters of Charity are untiring in their devotion to the sick, and all are doing their best to combat the disease. San Francisco Examiner, January 18, 1869, page 2 Ben Young came up from town and old Johny is frigtened about the Small pox and has ordered Goddard to order Mr Youngs folks to leave immediately, but I guess they will hardly go so sudden. It is astonishing what unmitigated fools there are in this country. Old Johny is Mad because Youngs folks and I are freindly at present. Will, Axle and Jack of Clubs are here. Jim having gone home, Jack is laying the rock & brick work. Welborn Beeson Diary, January 20, 1869. See article of January 30, below. The Epidemic.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
January 23, 1869, page
2
We are glad to say that within the last week the smallpox has abated
considerably in this place. Since Saturday last, nine new cases have
been reported, all of which were anticipated from the fact of great
exposure. All of these cases have been light and nearly all are now
convalescent. Of the old cases, three have died since our last issue,
and the balance are beyond all danger. Since the first appearance of
smallpox here we count fifty-six cases, probably fifteen of which were
only varioloid and fifteen of which terminated fatally. Several cases
have been reported in the valley but they have been light. The sanitary
committee have ordered the disinfection of all houses where cases have
occurred, and a general feeling is prevalent that the epidemic has run
its course. We trust that it has, but it seems to laugh at conjectures,
and we shall venture no opinion till we can do so safely. We cannot
urge too forcibly the necessity of vaccination. Vaccinate repeatedly
until there is no doubt of its efficacy. It will modify if not prevent
the disease, and we believe we would not have had a single death from
smallpox in this community if every person had been properly protected.
SMALLPOX.--From extended and close observations, the following general deduction seems to be warranted: 1. Infantile vaccination is an almost perfect safeguard, until the fourteenth year. 2. At the beginning of fourteen, the system gradually loses its capability of resistance until about twenty-one, when many persons become almost as liable to smallpox as if they had not been vaccinated. 3. This liability remains in full force until about forty-two, when the susceptibility begins to decline and continues for seven years to grow less and less, becoming extinct at about fifty, the period of life when the general revolution of the body begins to take place, during which the system yields to decay, or takes a new lease of life, for two or three terms of seven years each. 4. The great practical use to be made of these statements is: Let every youth be revaccinated on entering fourteen. Let several attempts be made, so as to be certain of safety.--Hall's Health Journal. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 23, 1869, page 2 SMALLPOX RESOLUTIONS.--Nearly all our Oregon exchanges contain resolutions against that terrible scourge. If every community shows as much "resolution" on its actual appearance as this one has, they will be wise. Don't go to praying and resolving, but cleanse and--vaccinate. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 23, 1869, page 2 DIED.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
January 23, 1869, page
2PITTS.--On the 16th
of smallpox, E. Pitts, aged about 32.
GILMORE.--On the 17th, of smallpox, Wm. Gilmore, aged about 30. ATKINSON.--On the 17th of smallpox, Jno. Atkinson, aged about 25. FUNCK.--On the 22nd, of smallpox, Geo. F. Funck, aged about 38. RELIGIOUS.--We have received a communication from Revs. Williams, Alderson and Kuykendall, suggesting that Friday, the 29th inst., be observed as a day of special prayer and fasting in order that God may interpose and avert the ravages of the smallpox. It is directed to the community in general, and the brethren and sisters of the various congregations in particular, and they will be governed accordingly. With the most profound respect for any honest minister of the gospel, we would suggest that no meetings be held until all danger of contagion is past. For several weeks this community has been left to its own unassisted prayers. It has helped itself by nursing the sick and protecting the well; its religion has been shown by acts of genuine charity and humanity; and while offering silent thanks for the cessation of the pestilence, if we defer a little longer any public expressions of gratitude, God will surely forgive us. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 23, 1869, page 3 VACCINATION.--When properly managed is one of the greatest of blessings--but in practice there is much humbug about it. This entire coast is flooded with spurious or weak vaccine matter, which if it takes at all, takes enough effect to prevent a second and true vaccination, but not enough to prevent smallpox. Anyone may vaccinate, but every vaccination should be shown to a competent physician between the sixth and tenth days to decide upon--when, if it is rejected, it should be performed again with fresh matter; and no vaccine matter should be used but such as the physicians recommend as being good and reliable from the appearance of the pustule in its early stages. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 23, 1869, page 3 ANOTHER VICTIM.--The latest victim of smallpox in this place is Geo. P. Funck, who died yesterday morning. Mr. Funck was one of the oldest citizens of this place, and long a clerk with Muller and Brentano. He was a young man of excellent social and moral qualities, and had made many warm friends. He was an Odd Fellow, and received every attention from his fellow members, but he could not withstand the ravages of the terrible disease. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 23, 1869, page 3 SAD.--On Thursday evening, Mrs. Howlett and Miss Mary Ralls, who so bravely took care of Mrs. Love and her children, together with little "Maggie," were taken down with smallpox. Their cases are reported as mild and they are now being nursed by the Sisters of Charity. They have the public sympathy, and it is hoped their cases will not be serious. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 23, 1869, page 3 CONVALESCENT.--We were glad to state that Dr. Overbeck is convalescent. He did not have smallpox, but was prostrated from overwork in attending the sick. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 23, 1869, page 3 SMALLPOX IN YREKA.--A case of smallpox is reported on Yreka Flats. It is in a family recently arrived from San Francisco. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 23, 1869, page 3 From the Jacksonville Reveille we learn that: But few men are seen upon the streets; no women; but now and then a boy, hastening upon some errand--and never a dog or cat. Lonesome times. A case of smallpox at the Mountain House is reported. The person afflicted is a traveler from California. Miners are yet idle for want of water. Several heavy rains have fallen recently, but the dry earth seemed to swallow each at a single draught. The smallpox patients at the pest house on Kanaka Flat, under care of Mr. Langley, are said to be doing well. None of the patients have died. It has been stated here that resolutions have been passed at Phoenix to prevent the appearance of smallpox. A citizen of this place remarked that resolutions would prevent it, provided they were made strong enough. There have been no new cases reported for this week, to Friday night. There is hope that the epidemic is abating. But let no efforts be relaxed, and no precautions abandoned. Caution and vigilance now may prevent further ravages. We understand that Wm. Turner, Esq. has been appointed agent at this place to see after the Indians at this place--feed and clothe them. Their proper place is on the reservation. Why are they not there? The patients at the pest house, who are all under treatment by Mrs. Roundtree, are reported as convalescent, with the exception of Mr. Gilmore, the man who in his delirium broke pest house and wandered over the mountains one cold morning from 4 to 8 o'clock; and it is said that he will probably recover. A difficulty occurred at Uniontown, last Tuesday, between Bally Smith and a negro called Ben, in which Ben was badly cut up by Smith. On Wednesday Smith had an examination before Squire Mee and was discharged. Our informant--Mr. Colwell--stated that Ben's wounds were dangerous, and would likely prove fatal. As near as we can learn, there have been reported up to the present time 44 cases of smallpox; of this number 11 have died--just one fourth of all. It seems that the disease is attended here with greater fatality than any other locality on the coast. But it is proper to state, however, that all who died were persons unprotected by vaccination, if we are correctly informed. Fires are constantly kept burning through all the streets and on the premises of nearly every citizen of town. Pitchwood is furnished by the authorities; while old leather, rubber, sulfur &c. is added to the fires from which dense volumes of smoke ascend, and hang like a dark pall over the afflicted town. The object is to disinfect the atmosphere; and it is the prevailing opinion that good results will ensue. Then bring on the pitch! Keep up the fires, and make this a city of smoke so long as the contagion continues. "State Items," Albany Register, January 23, 1869, page 2 BY TELEGRAPH.
State Rights Democrat, Albany,
Oregon, January 23, 1869, page
2(COMPILED FROM THE OREGON HERALD)
JACKSONVILLE,
Jan. 16.--One new case of smallpox was reported today. There have been
three deaths from smallpox since Friday, one of which was Mrs. Love,
who died this morning. She was the widow of John S. Love, and was a
lady well known and highly esteemed in Southern Oregon; her death has
created universal sorrow. So far there have been forty-six cases here,
twelve cases here have terminated fatally, three cases are almost
hopeless; and thus far, every case of the confluent type has resulted
in death. The Catholic priests and Sisters of Charity are untiring in
their devotion to the sick, and all are doing their best to combat the
disease.
JACKSONVILLE, Jan. 20.--Only one new case of smallpox has been reported here for two days, and that is Dr. Overbeck, who was accidentally inoculated, and whose exposure has been very great. Two light cases are reported in the valley. Up to this date we have had fifty-three cases, and fourteen deaths. All the old cases convalescent, except one which is expected to end fatally. The Yreka (Cal.) Journal of the 15th has the following items: SMALLPOX.
There is but one case of smallpox in the Hungry Creek neighborhood, and
he is down on the Klamath away from any settlement. The patient is not
considered dangerous at latest accounts. He is a nephew of Chris.
Aaroe, and caught the disease from exposure to the person who died of
it on Hungry Creek a couple of weeks ago.QUARANTINE.
This establishment had five boarders last Wednesday night, and two the
night before. A man is employed to attend those who remain
there, and
stops there altogether for that purpose. The Marshal is generally
informed by telegraph of all comers from infected districts, and after
changing his clothing in a barn this side of the quarantine goes out
to stop passengers from Jacksonville and detain them at the quarantine.
They can leave the next morning of going through Yreka, but if
intending to stop at Yreka must remain 15 days at quarantine.HEALTH.
Yreka and vicinity has never been so healthy for many years, as this
winter there are no very sick either of adults or children, and unless
we are visited with the pestilence of smallpox, which prevails north of
us, the chances are good for a continuation of the blessing."California Items," Albany Register, January 23, 1869, page 3
SMALLPOX IN JACKSON
COUNTY.--The
following is an extract from a letter from Ashland, Jackson County:
"The raging of the smallpox at Jacksonville and the many deaths that
have occurred there by it have cast a gloom all over the valley and had
the effect to almost entirely stop business. There is no intercourse
whatever between the country and Jacksonville. In our little town we
have adopted stringent rules with a view to keep out the contagion. The
public houses, stores and shops of all kinds are closed, and no
business, except through a marshal, is transacted. Vaccination is also
being performed vigorously. We await the developments of the next two
weeks with anxiety."
Morning Oregonian, Portland,
January 25, 1869, page 3A MAN WHO WISHES TO ACCUMULATE.--One of our merchants received the following letter, which bears date Jacksonville (Oregon) January 18th: "Dear Sir: I write you to ascertain if one could get constant employment at teaming from Marysville to other points with a two- or four-horse team. 2nd. Could one make anything by being economical with such teams? 3rd. Are there any demand for school teachers in your county (that is out of your line of business however), providing one could come with a good recommendation. Running a team and teaching is the avocation in which I wish to engage, providing one could accumulate thereby. I have a wife and child; am 23 years old, and can have a recommendation from the best men of Jacksonville, if desired. If, however, you know of any other employment in which I could engage with such a recommendation, such as clerking, keeping books, selling goods on commission, etc., by which means I might procure, or accumulate thereby, you confer a great favor by informing me. Perhaps I am asking too much. i don't know anyone in your country, hence am somewhat at a loss." We would not recommend the writer to come here as a teacher--his grammar won't do; but we have no doubt teaming would "accumulate." Marysville Daily Appeal, Marysville, California, January 28, 1869, page 3 (Communicated.)
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
January 30, 1869, page
1The Pestilence.
"In the midst of life we are in death." How appropriate these words
today. Surely and steadily the pestilence is sweeping over the land,
covering it with new-made graves and filling homes with sorrow.
"Terrible as an army with banners," death comes in the form of a
fearful contagion. Few who are stricken by its hand can hope to live.
The gray-haired sire and the vigorous child fall together. Mothers,
fearing to embrace their children even on the portals of the tomb,
return to dust, and youths and maidens, full of life and spirit,
radiant with hope, and to whom the world is an Eden, stricken by the
hand of remorseless pestilence, fill untimely graves. When a land is
invaded by a hostile foe, then the people rise with alacrity, and
prompt and energetic measures are instituted to repel the invader, for
only on such measures can they found their hope. Then everyone sees
the danger and realizes the necessity of immediate action. His long
lines of bayonets come gleaming on, his banners wave, the thunder of
his artillery arouses the land. All see and hear, and all are up for
immediate and determined action. Our foe of today is even more terrible
than a visible army, because thousands are so slow to arise to a
realization of the danger, and the necessity of prompt and efficient
measures. They cannot see
the enemy. Sociability and conviviality are in the
eyes of some, and the ALMIGHTY DOLLAR
blinds the eyes of many, and hence with almost unaccountable
recklessness they go on.
Reason would dictate immediate, decisive action. Stringent regulations in regard to intercourse and preparation should be initiated and enforced throughout the whole country. What if a man must sacrifice something of comfort, something agreeable and cheering in life, or a few dollars of filthy lucre? Are these things to be compared to life itself? Would they profit a man in the grave, or make his eternity brighter beyond the tomb? If these regulations are stringent and well observed, they perhaps may not be needed long. To a man of good principles and humane sentiments, the welfare of others is a pleasure; and in a case like this, in which we are now called to act, such a person would willingly sacrifice much for the good of the whole community. If the people decide that houses of business should be closed in your town until there is danger no longer, and in disobedience to this you keep yours open, hoping to gain a few dollars even at the price of introducing the contagion into the community, you deserve the most scathing anathemas of the people, and when the danger is no longer, their patronage should be withheld as a just recompense for your reckless cupidity. Let us rejoice that there is a means at hand to materially curtail the power of the contagion. At last in San Francisco they have turned to vaccination as the only hope of ultimately checking the dread malady. Thousands today can testify that after vaccination they have faced the pestilence with impunity, nursed its victims, smoothed their brows in death, and laid them away in their last resting place, and yet have went on their way without faltering. A small proportion of vaccinated persons have died with smallpox. Is their any evidence that they experienced the complete effects of vaccination? To be effectual the vaccination virus must be pure, and properly applied, and the vaccinated person should observe that the effect on him is decided by physicians. It is a consolation to know that vaccination has had its proper effect, and that the soreness is not merely the result of the wound. Let us act in a spirit becoming a humane, sensible and energetic people. PILOT
ROCK.
Ashland, Jan. 20, 1869.The alarming crisis of the epidemic now prevailing in your town has produced what might be termed a panic in many parts. Hotel and innkeepers on the stage road are now very particular to know from whence their guests come, and if any should be so unfortunate as to hail from Jacksonville, he is instantly placed under a quarantine supervision. Douglas County now contains a new case of smallpox reported to exist at Roseburg, and the people of the vicinity are becoming alarmed by its close proximity. Correspondence from Oakland, Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 30, 1869, page 2 A Smallpox Ambassador.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
January 30, 1869, page
2
Last week a printer friend of ours left town to spend a few days with
his parents on Wagner Creek. No quarantine had been established in that
locality, but it was soon noticed abroad that "Ben" had the smallpox
dreadful and had come home to die. The neighbors had a wonderful idea
of the expansive power of the contagion so they met and resolved that
someone must bell the cat, but no one was anxious for the job. At last
a shock-headed, frog-mouthed, limpy youth, who look as if his life had
been a continual struggle with worms and jaundice, was selected to
notify the intruder that he was unwelcome. Off he started on his
hygienic mission. Approaching to within two hundred yards of Ben's
house he waved his hat for an audience. Ben's parents stepped to the
door and the youth delivered himself. "Looka yere," screamed he,
"yere's what Pap says. Your Ben's got the smallpox and we'uns don't
want it. You'uns has got to make him git up and git for Jacksonville or
Pap says he'll be doggoned if we'uns don't get after you." It is
needless to say that after such an admonition Ben came back to town. He
is now working at his case and hopes that that wormy-looking
plenipotentiary will have the measles before a week.
The Yreka Journal has the following good item on a prominent citizen of this place, now in San Francisco. He will probably not be so smart again in smallpox times. A SMARTY CAUGHT.--A merchant from Jacksonville a few days ago rode out of Jacksonville and booked himself on the stage some distance this side for San Francisco, in order to pass the quarantine. The consequence was he did come into town, but as the Marshal usually inspects all passengers to see whether they are in reality from infected districts or not, found this individual to be from Jacksonville, and made him walk out to the quarantine without so much as allowing him even to get his supper, which was just ready when the stage arrived. He was lucky in escaping a fine of $100 for his smartness, and if the smallpox does reach this town, it will probably be through such tricks. The next man who plays that game will find it an expensive undertaking with imprisonment besides. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 30, 1869, page 2 LOOPHOLE.--Our Ashland neighbors have published ordinances to prevent smallpox from getting into their little town. "The Marshal is to be on the alert from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.," and we see nothing to prevent the disease from slipping in during the night. We hope it may not, however. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 30, 1869, page 3 Dr. Rowell, the chief officer of the Board of Health of San Francisco, is of the opinion that vaccination is not a safeguard from smallpox. The San Francisco people have about the same opinion of Dr. Rowell as he has of vaccination and prefer the latter. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 30, 1869, page 3 The Unionist congratulations the citizens of Salem that the only case of smallpox there has recovered. According to the same paper, the Willamette is only three feet above low-water mark. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 30, 1869, page 3 NEW SAWMILL.--The new steam sawmill of Patterson, Thornton and Beeson on Wagner Creek is nearly completed. It is expected to be in running order next week. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 30, 1869, page 3 The smallpox case that was reported near Yreka last Friday ended fatally on Tuesday. The patient was a little girl about six years of age. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 30, 1869, page 3 The expenses of the smallpox epidemic to this county will be about $2,500. People generally consider that we got off cheap. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 30, 1869, page 3 Since Mrs. Love's death there have been four cases of smallpox in the same house; even the little infant child only a few months old was attacked with it. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 30, 1869, page 3 Jacksonville has suffered badly from smallpox, and we are glad the disease has been checked. The Reveille says: As near as we can learn, there have been reported up to the present time 44 cases of smallpox; of this number 11 have died--just one fourth of all. It seems that the disease is attended here with greater fatality than any other locality on the coast. But it is proper to state, however, that all who died were persons unprotected by vaccination, if we are correctly informed. But few men are seen upon the streets; no women; but now and then a boy, hastening upon some errand--and never a dog or cat. Lonesome times. "Oregon," Oregon City Enterprise, January 30, 1869, page 2
A letter to the Advocate
from
Jackson County has the following: Nothing is doing, nothing going on;
there is but little travel even through the country, and the citizens
generally stay at home. No one wishes to see his neighbor, and should
one man meet another in the way each will try for the "windward."
Finding that difficult, they begin to back off, perhaps strike up a
conversation in regard to smallpox, beat somewhat abruptly away and
thus pass on with the happy reflection of a narrow escape.
"State
Items," Morning
Oregonian, Portland, February 1, 1869, page 2
The Smallpox at Jacksonville,
Oregon.
JACKSONVILLE,
January 29th.
Smallpox still continues here. During the past two days four new cases
have been reported in the valley, and today two new cases have appeared
in town. Business of all kinds is still suspended and much uneasiness
is felt yet.Sacramento Daily Union, February
2, 1869, page
3
CHINESE VACCINATION.--The Yreka Journal says: It is said that the Chinese vaccinate in the nose and in a different style from what the white people here do. They are claimed to be ahead of all other nations in this operation, and it is a general law in China to vaccinate or suffer a heavy penalty. They are all vaccinated, but are willing to submit to it again if it is the law here; hence we think the Board of Health should get one of them to mark out a poster in their language to notify, and thereby give them the privilege of vaccinating or our city authorities will have to pay for several if the $2.50 charge is enforced after tomorrow. At Jacksonville the doctors only charge fifty cents, without limit; but we understand the extra charge is the penalty, all of which goes to the doctors. If the Chinese are ignorant of the law it is not right to force them into such penalty without notifying them. We think it an unjust government that would force us, under similar circumstances, into any such penalties. Stockton Independent, February 3, 1869, page 1 Since last week we have had seven new cases of smallpox, four in the country and three in town--the latter are little Johnny Love, W. G. T'Vault and John Brewer. The two last were taken yesterday. Three of the former are in Ball's family, and the fourth is the wife of David Stearns on Wagner Creek--her case is said to be serious. All the patients at the two hospitals have been discharged as convalescent. Mrs. Howlett, Mary Ralls, the Bryant family and little Johnny Love are out of danger. Maggie Love and a half-breed woman at Brewer's are not expected to recover. It is hard to say when the terrible disease will disappear and we again urge vaccination and every possible precaution against contagion. Treat every ailment with suspicion until satisfied that it is not smallpox.--Sentinel. "State Items," Oregon State Journal, Eugene, February 6, 1869, page 2 Reprinted from the Sentinel of January 30, page 2. STATE ITEMS.
Since last
week we have had seven new cases of
smallpox, four in the country and three in town--the latter are little
Johnny Love, W. G. T'Vault and John Brewer. The two last were taken
yesterday. Three of the former are in Ball's family, and the
fourth is
the wife of David Stearns on Wagner Creek--her case is said to be
serious. All the patients at the two hospitals have been discharged as
convalescent. Mrs. Howlett, Mary Ralls, the Bryant family and Johnny
Love are out of danger. Maggie Love and a half-breed woman at
Brewer's are not expected to recover. It is hard to say when the
terrible disease will disappear and we again urge vaccination and every
possible precaution against contagion. Treat every ailment with
suspicion until satisfied that it is not smallpox.
The Jacksonville Sentinel
of last Saturday contains the following items:
We hear that a very large amount of ground is being broken in the valley this winter. The season has been particularly favorable for farming, but so far very disastrous to our mining interests--for lack of water. The new steam sawmill of Patterson, Thornton and Beeson on Wagner Creek is nearly completed. It is expected to be in running order next week. The smallpox case that was reported near Yreka last Friday ended fatally on Tuesday. The patient was a little girl about six years of age. The expense of the smallpox epidemic to this county will be about $2,500. People generally consider that we got off cheap. Three new cases of smallpox were reported out on the California road this week. The patients are the wife and two children of Frank Ball. Since Mrs. Love's death there have been four cases of smallpox in the same house; even the little infant child only a few months old was attacked with it. The Washington County authorities have signed the west side railroad bonds to the amount of fifty thousand dollars. One thousand dollars of the state tax due from Multnomah County was paid on Monday last in half-dollar pieces. They made an extensive pile of metal. The Unionist learns that there will be a new post office on Howell Prairie, as soon as the bonds of the P.M. shall be filed in Washington City and returns had. Albany Register, February 6, 1869, page 2 Our "Great Mortality."
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
February 6, 1869, page
1
With the light of history, and the records of medical literature--of
what has been already written, and what is known to be sound medical
opinion by the intelligent public of San Francisco, and in face of what
they have been orally taught by those in whom they have confidence--we
say that it is a sin and disgrace that the smallpox continues its work
of devastation among us.
For more than half a year the number of victims for each month has been steadily increased--beginning with twenty in June, it reaches one hundred and forty-eight in December. More than half a thousand people hurried in six months to "Lone Mountain" by a preventable disease. It seems no use trying to teach supervisors, Health Office or health officers, the people themselves must do the work with the energy and determination that the people of California have ever shown when necessity has compelled them to grapple with any great evil, or overcome any great difficulty. When every man goes to his daily work with an inward fear--when death is bringing sorrow to so many hearts, and so many are untimely cut off in their prime--when even commerce is in danger of being paralyzed by this resistless foe--it is really an insult to common sense, a mockery to experience and intelligence, to play experimental farces--to work with feeble weapons--when record upon record, when unquestionable testimony undeniably proves that the ready antidote is before us. If we were writing for the public we would tell them what this ready antidote is--what is the truth that is in us; we should appeal to them in the name of humanity and common sense to take the matter into their own hands, and not rely longer on those who have the power, but apparently not the knowledge, to stop the pestilence; we would tell them that a thousand tongues have said again and again, and recorded experience has verified the utterance, that universal vaccination and revaccination is the only remedy and ever-ready antidote; that prudence has suggested the necessity of disinfecting the house and clothing where an infected person has been and that while infected he should be kept as isolated as possible. But we write to the profession, and we are sure there is not an intelligent member of it in San Francisco who does not believe that if these measures were put effectively in force, that the disease would not only be "stamped out," but rooted out in less than a month. Well, why has it not been? We do not wish to be personal in our fault-finding; but our authorities--the supervisors, the Health Office and health officers--have not met the foe with the proper weapon; they have gone out with a "sling and a stone," but their hands are not the hands of David--and the sling and the stone is a feeble weapon in unanointed hands. Speeches and letters showing plausible ignorance, self-sufficiency, and half-educated conceit--pumping water into sewers, and sending round a cart evolving chlorine gas--are far punier weapons than a tiny lancet with a drop of vaccine lymph. This is the weapon which is sure to kill the smallpox. With shame we confess that this long continuance of the smallpox is an infamous disgrace to us. We do not mean to the medical profession, for as a body they have no power; we believe each individual has done his duty; the blame, the sin lies with the authorities we have mentioned, because they have not long ago enforced the power a state ordinance has already given them of appointing physicians for house-to-house vaccination, and compelling each and every one to be vaccinated who has not been so during the present epidemic. It is a work of supererogation to say anything to an informed mind as to the paramount importance and urgent necessity of such a measure as this. Some we know may deny, may doubt. In answer to these, all we have to say is, some people deny the existence of an Almighty, and some doubt a future existence.--California Medical Gazette. An Infamous Outrage.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
February 6, 1869, page
2
The patience of the community has been sorely tried several times since
the epidemic; but never beyond forbearance till this week. It seems
that there is a female impostor named Roundtree among us, who pretends
to be a smallpox doctor, and the disease is not spreading rapidly
enough to satisfy her cupidity. Not content with the most gross
carelessness with regard to her person after visiting smallpox houses,
she must make the pest house itself a place for the generation of the
terrible disease. On Monday she was hired to nurse a young lady who had
been taken sick out in the valley and, without making any examination
whatever, at once pronounced the case smallpox and had the patient
conveyed to the pest house. This she did against the advice of Dr.
Grube, a regular practitioner, who had been called, had made a thorough
examination, and was quite positive that the case was not smallpox but
advised delay until the disease was further developed. Dr. Grube
expressed himself willing to stake his reputation on his opinion in
this case and on Wednesday, at the urgent solicitation of a number of
citizens, he and Dr. Overbeck visited the pest house and found that the
patient had measles. Was there ever a more infamous outrage committed
in a Christian community? Can anything more horrible, short of actual
murder, be imagined than the exposure of an innocent, helpless girl to
the dreadful infection of a house where every atom of atmosphere
contains a death for all who are unprotected against the most loathsome
and appalling of human maladies? If this act was done wantonly it is
criminal; if only the result of ignorance it is nonetheless
inexcusable, for no ignorant person should be allowed to trifle with
human life and health. Even after the unqualified opinion of both these
respectable physicians, this female charlatan had the impudence to
insist that the case was varioloid and objected to the patient being
vaccinated. It is with difficulty that the people choke down their
indignation at this shameful outrage. There is a current of popular
wrath stirring, and if this unfortunate young lady should contract
smallpox by reason of her unnecessary and cruel exposure, or the
convalescent patients at the pest house take the measles from her, it
will be hard to answer for the consequence. We are loath to war with a
woman, but it is our duty to warn the public against impostors and
quacks, though they should be forty times disguised in petticoats or
claiming the deference supposed to be due to femininity.
BEWARE OF VARIOLOID.--We beg our citizens not to treat varioloid lightly. Shun it as you would a confluent case. One of the most terrible, malignant and fatal cases of viola confluent we have had was contracted from a case of varioloid so light that the person who had it was a subject of derision--no one believing that he had more than a severe cold. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 6, 1869, page 2 The Epidemic.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
February 6, 1869, page
2
Since our last issue we have only to record four new cases of smallpox.
Two of them--an infant at Mr. Norton's and George Stearns--have
occurred in the valley. One of the others, J. Watt, is up Jackson
Creek, and the fourth, Wm. Nichols, occurred in town. Since the first
appearance of the fearful scourge we count sixty-five cases,
fifty-eight of which have been in and near Jacksonville and the balance
in the country. There have been eighteen deaths up to this time, four
patients are now under treatment, and the remainder are convalescent.
So fearfully malignant has the disease been that not a single confluent
case has recovered. There is one encouraging fact, however, among so
much sorrow and death; none of those who died had been vaccinated for
thirty or forty years, and there is much doubt whether any of them had
ever been vaccinated at all. This proves conclusively that vaccination
is our only hope. Persist in it, continue it until satisfied that the
matter will not "take"
before
feeling secure. Some of our citizens have tried vaccination as
frequently as twelve and fifteen times without success and at last
succeeded in getting a genuine vaccine sore. Never be satisfied until a competent physician
pronounces vaccination perfect.
Death of a Pioneer.
The last victim of smallpox among us was Col. W. T'Vault, who
died
at 11 p.m. on Thursday. Although in the fullness of old age, being 62
years old, it is painful to reflect that after a busy life and
prominent services he should be struck down by so dreadful a malady
that not a single mourner dared follow him to the grave.
Mr. T'Vault was one of the early pioneers of Oregon, and has filled a prominent place in its territorial and state history. He was a native of Missouri [Tennessee], and came across the plains as captain of a company of emigrants, in 1845. To him is due the honor of editing the first newspapers published on the Pacific Coast, the Spectator, which was first issued in February 1846, at Oregon City. Col. T'Vault was connected as editor with the Table Rock Sentinel, the first newspapers published in Southern Oregon and afterwards published and edited the Intelligencer, which was started on the material of the Crescent City Herald, in this county. He also published and edited the Index at Silver City, Idaho, and was District Attorney for a short time in that territory. Mr. T'Vault was a member of the provisional legislature of Oregon. He was a member of the first State Legislature of Oregon, from Jackson County, and was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives over Ben Harding, afterwards U.S. Senator, which position was filled by Mr. T'Vault with honor and ability [to clarify, Harding served as U.S. Senator, not T'Vault]. He took an active part in the Indian war of 1856 [sic] in this valley, having led a company in the last battle that took place before Gen. Lane's treaty. [This reference must be to T'Vault's guiding Kearny's expedition in 1851.] Mr. T'Vault was a prominent politician, having acted uniformly with the Democratic Party, and at the time of this death occupied the position of District Attorney of the 1st judicial district, to which he was elected in June 1868. Like all prominent men he had many bitter enemies and warm friends. He was a man of strong and generous impulses, warm in his friendship, positive in his opinions. Whatever faults he may have had are now forgotten--covered with the clods of the grave, and all that was good and generous in him should only be remembered. He was baptized into the Catholic Church a few months since, and in his last hours was faithfully nursed by the Catholic Sisters of Charity, receiving the last offices of the Church from the hands of Father Blanchet. His remains lie in the Catholic cemetery, and let us hope that his spirit is at rest. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 6, 1869, page 2 THE DEATHBED OF INNOCENCE.--One of the most touching, the saddest, yet the holiest scenes of life is the couch of a dying child. Just one week ago, as the last hours of the day were ebbing, and the hand of Time turned to the midnight hour, the spirit of little Maggie Love joined its mother's in the better land, and the scene is described by those who witnessed it as peculiarly touching. Even the shadow of hope had vanished, and the zeal of the destroyer was on the little sufferer, when she brightened up and commenced talking to her mother. No one was in the room but the two nurses, but the child insisted that her mother was standing at the foot of the bed and had come for her. A few convulsive breaths and the little heart stood still--the weary little feet had crossed the brink of eternity! If it be true that invisible spirits cluster on the thickly peopled air, who can say the child did not see her mother? Who can say that it was not given to childhood to pierce the veil of the Infinite, and see beyond, the glory and the brightness that is only vouchsafed to human dreams? Sad as such scenes are, they have their lesson, and teach us that surely all is not vacant beyond the grave. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
February 6, 1869, page
2
There are eight cases of smallpox in the Castro family near Yreka, all in one room. The house is carefully guarded. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
February 6, 1869, page
2
PHOENIX,
JAN. 24th 1869.
Whereas, the smallpox is now prevailing in the town of Jacksonville, in
its most malignant form, attended with unprecedented mortality clearly
indicating its highly infectious and epidemic character; Therefore we
the undersigned citizens of Phoenix and vicinity, for the purpose of
securing ourselves and families from the infliction, are resolved to
act as a vigilance committee to enforce all needful rules and
regulations to check the further spread of this loathsome pestilence.
And whereas Mr. Mensor of Jacksonville, contrary to the express wishes
of the citizens of Phoenix and after public notice of the suspension of
all business by our citizens for the express purpose of cutting off all
communications with Jacksonville during the prevalence of smallpox
there, has, in open and defiant violation of our notice to the public,
dated January 8th, been shipping goods to Phoenix to be sold to our
citizens, after the authorities had closed his store in Jacksonville,
and sent his clerk to the pest house.Resolved: That this committee meet on Monday evening through its delegates, to take measures to prevent the acts of those who would risk spreading pestilence for the purpose of making money. Signed, T. Reames, J. P. Burnes, Joseph Robinson, Sam Morgan, Stephen Booth, N. K. Ross, J. G. VanDyke, S. D. VanDyke, E. E. Gore, L. A. Rose, John Shook, B. Stephens, W. Liddle, C. S. Sargent, E. K. Anderson, Andy Webb, D. P. Brittain, H. Amerman, S. J. Bell, G. W. Bally, Wm. Roberts, Samuel Watts, Wm. H. Roberts, A. Doty, J. Hockersmith, B. C. Goddard, E. W. Carver, Horace Root, H. Tweed, John Crosby, S. M. Robinson, John Howell, Joseph McCormick, W. Reames, J. R. Reames, C. Mingus, A. Shook, J. V. Ammerman, B. F. Reeser, John Patterson, Wm. Patterson, James Thornton, Henry Axtell, Wm. Denny, R. B. Robinson, John Robinson, W. C. Butler, A. Blue, J. B. Brown, M. Morgan, S. Colver, D. Lavenburg, H. B. Sybert, O. Mickelson, C. Taylor, W. Oliver, P. Barneburg, C. Haas, A. F. Randall, S. Farray. We, the subscribers to the above, request you, M. Mensor, to desist from the further shipment of goods from Jacksonville to Phoenix during the prevalence of smallpox in that place. Your failure to comply with this request will be promptly attended to by a majority of this committee. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 6, 1869, page 2 Ashland Sanitary Resolutions.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
February 6, 1869, page
2
ED. SENTINEL:--At
a general meeting of the citizens of Ashland, held at this date, the
following resolutions were unanimously adopted:
Resolved. That the Board of Health notify the inhabitants of other parts of the valley, particularly Jacksonville, Wagner Creek and Phoenix, and vicinity of those places, that their presence in Ashland, except when on the most urgent business, is directly contrary to our wishes. That when compelled by urgent necessity to come, they will be expected to attend to their business through the Marshal, and that we earnestly insist on persons staying away altogether, who are from places where the smallpox is known to exist. Resolved. That the Board of Health assist the Marshal by summary action, when necessary in enforcing the regulations decided on, and that we, the people, will support them in such action. We are deeply sensible of the necessity of prompt, stringent and energetic measures, realizing that only such a course can make us safe from the contagion. EBER EMERY,
O. C. APPLEGATE, Secretary.JACOB WAGNER, JAS. H. RUSSELL, M. MICKELSON, SAM J. DOWNING, JOSEPH WELLS, Board of Health, Ashland, Feb. 1st, 1869. STRICT QUARANTINE.--It having been ascertained that a person named Hunt had been in the habit of visiting the pest house at late hours of the night, and returning to circulate among the citizens of the town, a little meeting was held on the street on Tuesday night to see if the people had not better form themselves into a sanitary committee. The crowd were in a bad humor, and if the town marshal had not put the gentleman in quarantine he would have fared badly. It will be well for him to stay there, as people are losing their patience, and are in no mood for trifling. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
February 6, 1869, page
3
A GHASTLY TOWN.--Since the last new cases of smallpox appeared, there have been immense quantities of pitch pine burned in the streets. By day the town is enveloped in smoke and by night the deserted streets are lit up by lines of fires that blaze and flicker among the shadows, and throw a ghastly and sepulchral light over everything it falls upon. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
February 6, 1869, page
3
LOOK OUT FOR YOUR DOGS.--Marshal Wall has posted a notice that he will enforce the ordinance against dogs. Animals of the canine species are subject to be taken suddenly ill if they are allowed to run at large. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
February 6, 1869, page
3
Notice to Travelers.
HOTEL CLOSED. THE
traveling public are informed that the Grave Creek Hotel is closed
until further notice. No person will be accommodated at present, and
therefore travelers will make the necessary provision for any emergency.
SAMUEL HARKNESS.
Grave Creek, Feb. 1st, 1869.Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
February 6, 1869, page
3
The Courage of Woman.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
February 13, 1869, page
2
O woman! was there ever such a paradox? Gentle, yet stern and resolute
as mailed and belted warriors in the hour of peril--timid, yet bravest
in the face of danger. During our epidemic, when strong men shrank in
dismay; when the dearest ties of kindred were severed by the fear of
contagion, the delicate and gentle members of the Catholic Sisterhood
bravely stepped forward to assuage the horrors of the pestilence. For
weeks they have not ceased their ministrations. Day after day, against
the warnings of physicians, regardless of their own health--like pallid
watchers in the vestibule of Death--these self-sacrificing women have
wrestled with the king of terrors. In chambers burdened with sickening
odors, reeking with loathsome corruption, amid suffering and delirium
and madness, and scenes at which the bravest of us might falter; they
have cooled the burning thirst of the sick; in the last hour uttered
the soothing consolation of religion to the dying, and performed the
last sad offices for the dead. And for no reward--save that which is
beyond the threshold of eternity! Was there ever heroism more sublime?
Amid shrieking shell and gleaming steel, was there ever courage
greater? It is more than heroic--it is supernal! It can only spring
from the strongest and purest faith--it can only be founded in the
deepest and most unswerving hope--it can only be born of the
inspiration that took the sting from the crown of thorns; and the
bitterness from the hyssop that was given to Him who taught us charity.
Scoff as we may--doubt as we may, we must view with admiration the
power and truth of a religion that bestows on the weakest and gentlest
of humanity; a courage so unfaltering, a faith so splendid and so
everlasting. Let prejudice be silent now; and as those gentle sisters
of mercy have done to us and ours, let us so do unto them.
The Epidemic Abating.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
February 13, 1869, page
2
We have not heard of a new case of smallpox in this county since last
Saturday. The youngest child of Mr. Alex. Martin was the last, and we
are glad to say it is out of all danger. There is really but one case
now under treatment in Jackson County, that we are aware of it--that of
the youngest son of Mr. David Stearns on Wagner Creek--It is a
confluent case, and recovery is almost hopeless. On Saturday night a
child died on Kanaka Flat, and on Monday its father, George Wall,
followed--thus swelling the aggregate deaths to twenty. The situation
is again hopeful, and if no new cases show themselves in town, business
will probably be resumed next week. We hope the people throughout the
whole state will take warning by our terrible scourging and attend to
vaccination without delay. Had it not been done here, there would have
been scarcely enough left to bury the dead.
THE ELECTION.--The town election yesterday resulted in the choice of U. S. Hayden for Recorder, and O. Jacobs for Trustee. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 13, 1869, page 2 Contagion from Smallpox.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
February 13, 1869, page
2
The following on the contagion of smallpox is deduced from the
observation of one of our physicians, and may be regarded as
authoritative. In the first place:
Persons who have been exposed to smallpox cannot convey the disease by their persons or clothing, except by actual contact. The exact length of time that clothing will hold the infection is not well ascertained. If they are well aired it soon vanishes, but when packed away in a close room, trunk or closet, it has been known to be nursed for months. From the person it may be removed by one good bath--but clothes cannot be safely disinfected in one day, except by exposure to a strong gas of chlorine. (This gas may be procured by exposing a vessel containing salt and oil of vitriol in a close room--a gentle heat will promote its evolution.) A patient having smallpox or varioloid may convey the disease by contact or by the breath. The air is infected for many feet about him. The infection is possible at any time throughout the disease, from the first moment of the fever until the last moment of the dropping off of the scales. By some it is supposed to increase in degree up to the time of the crisis, then to diminish until the scales drop off. Death does not arrest contagion. It is even thought that putrefaction promotes it. The degree of severity of smallpox does not depend upon its intensity in the source of contagion, but rather upon the state or condition of the person receiving it. For instance, suppose A. has confluent smallpox; B. has varioloid; C. a good vaccination of several years' standing; D. has a recent vaccination which is good, and E. has no vaccination. Now note the result of contagion: C. will take only a varioloid, no matter whether he be exposed to A. or B. D. will endure exposure to either patient with impunity, while E. will have smallpox--perhaps in a malignant form, even though he be exposed only to B. There is only this difference, viz: that the confinement will spread the infection farther than the varioloid will. There may be a third source of this disease, besides the touch and the breath or exhalations from the body, and that is epidemic influence. This is much disputed, but why not? If, as is supposed, the seeds of this disease consist of vegetable sporules, or microscopic animalculae, why may not minute invisible clouds of them be collected in the air, and wafted by the breeze to distant parts, just as cholera has been known to do--overleaping long spaces that are never touched, and alighting upon some new subject away beyond infection. True--that would be one kind of contagion and would well explain some isolated cases which it is claimed "were never exposed." One thing is certain about epidemics--that is that cases of the same degree are more malignant than in sporadic cases. In epidemics, confluent smallpox is almost certainly fatal--while among sporadics, some confluent cases recover. AN AFFLICTED FAMILY.--In the Castro family at Hawkinsville, near Yreka, there have been six deaths from smallpox within two weeks. One more is likely to die and two will probably recover. There have been no cases outside of that family. So Mr. Thompson, the telegraph agent at Yreka, informs us. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 13, 1869, page 2 LINK
RIVER, KLAMATH PRECINCT.
Whereas, we the citizens of the above named precinct, after mutual and
mature deliberation, do consider it our duty to request and prohibit
for the preservation of health and life, all those residing or stopping
in vicinities where the smallpox is known to exist, that they do not
come among us, or travel through the country, for no respect, kindness
or hospitality will be given by the settlers to any who violate these
requests.Jackson Co., Ogn., Jan. 11th, 1869. A. J. BURNETT,
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
February 13, 1869, page
2O. T. BROWN, P. W. CERCEY, G. W. NURSE, BENJ. DAVIS, JAMES PRICE, H. C. WHITE, JOHN GOLBROD, E. OVERTON, D. E. CRANLEY, H. HANCOX, JOHN FULKENSON, J. CONGER, J. W. HARRIS, C. A. ROOT, WM. B. WARD, H. L. ROBERTSON, H. WARD. SUSPENDED.--The Reveille has not made its appearance for two weeks. We learn that it is suspended until smallpox disappears. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 13, 1869, page 3 Bibulation seems to be regarded with considerable favor in smallpox times--probably on the principle that one poison counteracts another, and the latest style of invitation in Jacksonville is: "Let's disinfect." Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 13, 1869, page 3 COURT ADJOURNED.--The Circuit Court for Jackson County met on Monday. In consideration of the prevailing epidemic all cases were continued over, and the court adjourned till June next. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 13, 1869, page 3 WAR ON BUTTE CREEK.--Several citizens of this place started out to Butte Creek last week to hunt up some stock. While camped out on Hanley's ranch, several citizens of that delightful locality came wading through the sticky mud, armed with rifles and shotguns, and warned the Jacksonvillians away. They had "heern of the smallpox" they said, "and didn't want any of it packed out thar." Our boys didn't scare worth a cent, although shooting and horse-whipping were threatened; so they stayed till they got ready to come away and are positive that they didn't leave any smallpox behind them. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 13, 1869, page 3 Butter and eggs are scarce in Jacksonville, Oregon. Smallpox drove them out. "Pacific Coast News Summary," Sonoma Democrat, Santa Rosa, California, February 13, 1869, page 8 IT'S AN ILL WIND THAT BLOWS GOOD TO NOBODY."--The epidemic in this place has been productive of some good as well as bad results. It prevented intercourse among the gossips and busybodies to a great extent, and probably no one suffered by their staying at home. Should the current amount of scandal and gossip have been husbanded, however, the Lord save us when it does break out and every feminine creature tells every other woman what she has known for the past three months. That's all we have to say at present. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 20, 1869, page 2 RATHER BOISTEROUS.--On Sunday afternoon some of our young men undertook to "disinfect" themselves, but before they got through they became rather too noisy. The taste that selects a Sunday afternoon, and a time of distressing public sorrow, for an uproarious spree, is exceedingly questionable, and we advise our young sprigs in future to go out into the woods when they feel like getting drunk. They may thus spare their friends much mortification and themselves some discredit. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 20, 1869, page 2 The Public Health.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
February 20, 1869, page
2
We are glad to say that we believe the epidemic is now ended in this
town. Only two new cases of smallpox have occurred within two
weeks--both in one family--and they are now both convalescent. Sixteen
days have elapsed since there were any other exposures, and we think we
are justified in saying that there is not the slightest danger of any
more cases occurring. Both hospitals are empty, and we expect to
announce next week that there is not a yellow flag in sight in
Jacksonville.
VACCINE MATTER.--The Board of Health have on hand some vaccine matter, direct from the drug establishment James G. Steele & Co., San Francisco, who procure it from Roxbury, Mass. All that has been sent here by that house has been genuine, and many persons have been successfully vaccinated from it. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 20, 1869, page 2 BUSINESS RESUMED.--The merchants reopened all their stores on Monday morning, and although there was not much business done during the week, the town wore a more cheerful aspect and there seems to be a feeling of thankfulness that the epidemic is over. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 20, 1869, page 2 (Communicated.)
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
February 20, 1869, page
2Vaccination. "Jenner, forever
shall thy honored name
Although the efficacy of vaccination is attested by so many
incontrovertible evidences, yet at this late hour some doubt its
protective aid against the dire contagion. Many are loath to be
convinced, when evidences are ever so striking or forcible. Thus we
find that reforms and beneficial inventions, with manifold reasons in
their favor, are so long in securing the support of the people. The
application of steam and electricity, even, to the beneficial objects,
did not meet with approval at once, but had for a long time ardent
opposers, and it is probably true that in the far back woods there are
champions of flatboat trade, and pony express news carriers
who will
not today succumb to the general opinion. The protective influence of
cowpox on the system, though proven by the experience of many years, is
not yet fully appreciated, and undoubtedly many have lost their lives
through actual neglect to apply the great preventative. Before the
discovery of Jenner, the scourge of smallpox was truly appalling.Among the children of mankind be blessed; Who by thy skill has taught us how to tame One dire disease--the lamentable pest Which Africa sent forth to scourge the West, As if in vengeance for her sable brood So many an age remorselessly oppressed Receive a poet's praise, a father's gratitude." Southey says: Where'er its course
the deadly plague began,
The following important passages are
taken from Dr. Gunn's Domestic
Medicine, or Poor Man's Friend. They are commended to the
careful perusal of the people, being from the pen of a justly
celebrated physician:Vainly the wretched sufferer looks for aid; Parent from child, and child from parent ran For tyrannous fear dissolved all natural bonds of man. "In Prussia, out of 584,000 children born in the year 1821, 40,000 of them were vaccinated for the cowpox. During the above period, there died of smallpox, in all the provinces belonging to Prussia, 1190 persons; and before the introduction of vaccination, from thirty to forty thousand died annually of smallpox. Although persons who have been vaccinated may be liable to take the smallpox afterwards, yet the latter disease always terminates very mildly. Of many hundred thousand persons vaccinated in London, not a single case of death has taken place from smallpox, where the matter, if cowpox, had before taken proper effect. "The great point in vaccination is certainly to know that the matter introduced into the system has taken full and sufficient effect. If there is only a redness in the arm where the matter has been inserted, and no other effect is produced on the system, you may certainly conclude that the matter has failed to take effect. But if, on the contrary, a pustule or pimple arises, of a full and oval form, with an indention or dent in the center, not unlike a button mold, about the sixth day, containing matter, vaccination has had the desired effect." PILOT
ROCK.
Ashland, Feb. 10, 1869.MEASLES.--We hear of one or two cases of measles in the valley. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 20, 1869, page 2 VELOCIPEDES.--We acknowledge the receipt of a "complimentary" to the velocipede training school in San Francisco, but regret that we cannot attend. Velocipedes can be purchased there at manufacturer's price. Who will introduce one in Jacksonville? Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 20, 1869, page 3 QUARANTINE REMOVED.--The quarantine regulations imposed by the authorities of Yreka have been removed. Citizens of this valley or Jacksonville are now at liberty to visit that place without any restrictions. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 20, 1869, page 3 ALL CONVALESCENT.--No cases of smallpox have appeared at Yreka, and the survivors of the Castro family at Hawkinsville are all convalescent. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 20, 1869, page 3 (For
the Union.)
EDITORS UNION:
We find in your issue of
the 9th instant, just received; the following:SMALLPOX MATTERS NORTH. "BARBAROUS.--A case of smallpox recently occurred in a Portuguese family at Hawkinsville, near Yreka, and as soon as the fact became known the Christian inhabitants of Yreka caused a guard to be stationed so as to prevent anyone entering or leaving the premises. The whole family, consisting of husband and wife and several children, were thus penned up with the afflicted patient, who, receiving no medical assistance, died in a few days. The father was then allowed to leave the house long enough to bury his child, and was then compelled to go back to his disease-infected residence.--Shasta Courier, Feb. 6th." In justice to our city, I would ask you to correct the charge by publishing the facts. Upon the breaking out of smallpox in Jacksonville (Oregon), we adopted sanitary regulations, among which was the quarantine of all comers from that district; and for that purpose provided a good commodious house, furnished beds, and bedding, a good cook, and all of the usual table supplies. Then we stopped all comers, and when desiring to go on, furnished them conveyance for that purpose. All that were stopped then spoke well of their care, and were more than satisfied. From San Francisco we took no precautions. From there came old Mr. and Mrs. Castro to their son near Hawkinsville, quite a flourishing town three miles from this place. They brought with them a roll of blankets. From these it is supposed that the child took the smallpox. As soon as it was discovered, a guard was placed around the house, and two of the best of our physicians (Drs. Ream and Moore) were sent to their aid. The family consisted of Castro, his wife and six children, and the two grandparents. They nursed the child, but the doctors complained that they did not administer the medicine regularly. The child died. Four men, accompanied by the father, buried its remains in the Catholic cemetery near this place. Soon afterwards all the rest of the family, except the old lady Castro and one child, were taken down with the disease. They were poor, and the house was too small to accommodate so many sick people. Our city and county authorities and the citizens of Hawkinsville immediately furnished them their nurses and two physicians, a comfortable addition to their beds and bedding, and built an addition to their house, and everything that was needed to feed and nourish them. The old man and four others of the children died. Castro and wife, and one child, afterwards taken, recovered. The family were opposed to vaccination, and had lived in a small cabin, closely huddled together, and the disease took a very violent character. The living are thankful for, instead of complaining at, the treatment extended to them. The cost to our citizens by direct tax, is about $1,200. On the part of our "Christian inhabitants " I have only to add that we took these precautions that any civilized people would have done to prevent the spread of so dreadful a contagion, and we have thus far prevented it. At the same time we challenge a comparison with any community in the charities expended to the sick. I address you, as through the Sacramento Union the charge gets a wide circulation, which, from its source, it would not have obtained. We desire the facts to have an extended circulation. Many seem to think Shasta and Yreka are in near proximity to each other, when the fact is they are one hundred and thirty miles apart, and two high snow ranges of mountains intervening. Respectfully,
E. STEELE Yreka, February 17, 1869. STATE ITEMS.
The Democratic paper of Jackson County, the Reveille, has
discontinued publication.
Morning Oregonian, Portland,
February 25, 1869, page 2
STATE ITEMS.
A splendid opening, says the Sentinel,
has
been made on the Malachi quartz lead, on Lightning Gulch. It became the
property of Antone Obert, of San Francisco, last summer, and for the
last six months he has been running a tunnel to strike the lead some
300 feet lower than where it had been worked. On Monday last the lead
was struck and is said to prospect very richly in free gold.
The Jacksonville Sentinel of the 20th has the following: "We are glad to say that we believe the epidemic is now ended in this town. Only two new cases of smallpox have occurred within two weeks--both in one family--and they are now both convalescent. Sixteen days have elapsed since there were any other exposures, and we think we are justified in saying that there is not the slightest danger of any more cases occurring. Both hospitals are empty, and we expect to announce next week that there is not a yellow flag in sight in Jacksonville." The Jacksonville Sentinel says Dr. Greenman, his brother Wm., and Mr. A. Tenbrook have just returned from a three months' sojourn in Goose Lake Valley, and from them we learn some interesting facts. When they left there were seventeen cabins built, each representing a claim. The boundary line between Oregon and California divides the valley and lake about the center; about half the claims are located on the Oregon side, and are consequently in Jackson County. These gentlemen have all secured claims, on which they have made permanent improvements. They speak in the highest terms of the valley, the soil is exceedingly rich and apparently well adapted to cereals. The climate is a little colder than that of this valley, only about a foot of snow having fallen there, and the mercury never falling lower than sixteen degrees above zero. The lake is over fifty miles long and from eight to ten miles in width. They think its altitude is less than that of Surprise Valley, in Siskiyou County; and express the belief that there will be a large emigration there next summer. Morning Oregonian, Portland,
February 26, 1869, page 2
All Well!
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
February 27, 1869, page
2
We are rejoiced to say that smallpox has entirely disappeared from this
place. Every house in which cases have occurred has been disinfected
and the quarantine flags removed. We hope it may stay away, but if it
should appear again, our people will be apt to recognize it.
TOWN TAX.--On next Tuesday the voters of this town will be required to decide for, or against, the levy of a tax of two mills on the dollar to meet the expenses incurred during the late epidemic. Some time since a vote was taken on the same question, and there was not a single voice against it, but through some informality, no levy was made. The same reasons in favor of the tax exist now, and we suppose every citizen of the town will decide in favor of paying our just obligations. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 27, 1869, page 2 MEDICAL.--The "calomel doctors" will please read Mrs. Roundtree's communication and consider themselves annihilated, even if they never did send a case of measles to the pest house. The latter part of the communication is of a legal, rather than of a medical character, and as the matter referred to may become the subject of investigation by the next grand jury, we make no comments. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 27, 1869, page 2 A Card.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
February 27, 1869, page
2
The Sentinel
pointedly didn't edit Mrs. Roundtree's spelling.
EDITOR CENTINEL.--having
not only by word but through the medium of the press also had
aspertions cast upon myself and family in regard to the motives which
prompted me to leave my home and neglect my domestia affairs I desire
through the medium of the press to satisfy my persecutors that I am not
the vile Impostore that there disordered Imaginations have formed. my
nightly vigil at the bedside of my elder daughter was kept with a
solicatude nown only to a mother. having ben Instrumental In the hand
of Providence, In restoring her to health I was Induced by the earnest
solicitation of the Comitee (formed in this City for that purpose.) to
labor for the good of others. I believe my efforts have been crowned
with almost entire success; as the following statement will show. I
have had under my care some twenty one patients six of whom had the
disease In Its confluent form. I have lost but too of the number. If
the Calomel Faculty can show a better record they ought to come to the
scratch and no longer keep the people In darkness. I was called upon to
visit a young lady not many miles from this place after due examination
I was convinced that It was a case of veriloid the opinion of a
phasition to the contrary not withstanding this medical nabob offered
to hazzard his reputation upon the Issue, I vertualy stake mine by
taking her to the hospittle. had It ben the measels as stated by too
phasitions my doom would have ben sealed but I new better an I was
deturmined not only to save that young lady's life but the family and
relatives from the ravage of this terible disease I did it In part at
least and If those who sent her home have done wrong I am not
responsible I do not say this boastingly believing that a "soft answer
turneth away wrath but grievous words stirath up anger" consequently I
will not hurl back the anathemas poured upon my head. But this much I
will say, for the benifit of suffering humanity that I believe that
Dame Nature is the proprietor of the best medical collidge In this or
any land and I rejoice to know that her portals stand open to receive
the poor and rich the high and low the bond and free an all may come
and be healed. So far as perloining the food and clothes of the sick
and dying is concerned it is so maliciously false and abserd that I
deem it unnecessary to give it so much as a passing thought knowing
that the good people of Jacksonville will place upon it the seal of
disaprobation.
MRS.
L. A. ROUNDTREE.
VELOCIPEDE.--Mr. Dave Cronemiller is making a velocipede--to be finished Wednesday. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 27, 1869, page 2 FIRE AT PHOENIX.--On Sunday morning last the smoke house of Mr. E. D. Foudray was consumed by fire. About 7000 lbs. of hams and side bacon, together with a quantity of grain, was consumed. The loss to Mr. Foudray will probably reach $2,000. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 27, 1869, page 3 STATE ITEMS.
The Sentinel complains
with much severity of Mr. Dufur's article on Jackson County.
B. F. Dowell writes from Washington City that there is no prospect of any further recognition and payment of Oregon war claims. From the Jacksonville Sentinel: We are rejoiced to say that smallpox has entirely disappeared from this place. Every house in which cases have occurred has been disinfected and the quarantine flags removed. We hope it may stay away, but if it should appear again, our people will be apt to recognize it. In Jackson County the ground is getting too dry to plow. A number of wells in the valley are dry, and few furnish water at a less depth than twenty feet. There is an almost certain prospect of short crops. So dry a season was never before known. Morning Oregonian, Portland,
March 5, 1869, page 2
Mr. George P. Funck, a prominent citizen of Jacksonville, Oregon, died on the 22nd instant, of smallpox. He was Past Grand of the Order of Odd Fellows. A dispatch from Jacksonville, Oregon, dated February 5, says: Two deaths from smallpox occurred here yesterday. One of them was District Attorney W. G. T'Vault, well known as one of the pioneers of Oregon, and once Speaker of the Assembly. "The West," Montana Post, Virginia City, Montana, March 5, 1869, page 6 THE VELOCIPEDE.--To Mr. Dave Miller belongs the credit of introducing one of these strange animals into Jacksonville. It was finished last evening, and we have no doubt it will perform as well as if imported from Paris. Of course everyone will have to skin his nose with it, and the ladies can have a free ride if they will overcome their scruples against riding as we do. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, March 6, 1869, page 3 EXPENSES OF THE EPIDEMIC.--The Board of Commissioners have finally passed upon and audited all the bills presented against the County for supplies and services during the epidemic. After the most searching scrutiny, they allowed the aggregate sum of $3,609.68. Some of the claims were deemed exorbitant and were greatly cut down. That of Mrs. Roundtree, who was employed as a nurse at the Hospital, at a specified sum, was cut down from $755 to $155, which was quite a difference in favor of the taxpayers. The action of the Board cannot be otherwise than satisfactory and gratifying to the people of the county, and there is every reason to believe that they were guided by a strict sense of justice. The expenses of the town, separate from those of the county, will reach about $800.00. Nearly $700 has been awarded already, and several bills have not been presented yet. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, March 13, 1869, page 2 A SUCCESS.--Miller's velocipede is a decided success. The enterprising manufacturer has demonstrated that the thing can be ridden without any danger and has convinced the most skeptical that velocipedes will go if propelled properly. Almost every evening this week we have had an exhibition, and there is no longer any doubts in this community that the velocipede is bound to be a popular means of locomotion. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, March 13, 1869, page 3 ANOTHER CASE OF SMALLPOX.--On Monday last Dr. Overbeck was called to see a man named John Cross, who had been complaining for several days. He at once pronounced it a case of smallpox and the patient was at once taken to the pest house at Kanaka Flat. It is likely to be a severe case. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, March 13, 1869, page 3 THE SANITARY COMMITTEE.--The duties of this committee, composed of Messrs. Beekman, Drum and Klippel, have ended. While feeling thankful that there no longer exists any necessity for their further services, this community also feel grateful for the manner in which their onerous duties have been discharged, for no other object than the general welfare. There are those who would have plundered the town treasury at a time of public distress, who feel a little sore at being checked by the watchfulness of the committee, who probably do not share in the general satisfaction; but as their numbers are few their opinion is of slight importance. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, March 20, 1869, page 3 STREET IMPROVEMENTS.--Street Commissioner Fehely has entered on his duties and, so far, has done well. He has graveled the street in front of Donegan's and is now engaged in opening C Street from Mr. [illegible]'s residence to the Rich Gulch crossing--a work that has long been needed, and we hope the Trustees will order a bridge to be built over the gulch at that point. The street from the Catholic school to Comstock & Cawley's is also in want of a heavy coat of gravel. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, March 20, 1869, page 3 THE OREGON ROAD is working its way down to the California line, via Umpqua and Rogue River valleys. The surveyors and graders are now at work in the Umpqua Valley, near Oakland, and it is expected the road will enter the Rogue River Valley in the vicinity of Table Rock, near Rogue River. It will strike the Klamath probably at Bogus. The Yreka Journal says: Yreka is the most central point on the direct route of the railroad and depot for Scott Valley and Klamath, Del Norte and Trinity counties, and will also be the most central depot for all the Klamath Lake country business between this place and Surprise Valley. The road will run from Red Bluff up the Sacramento River to within a few miles of Shasta, thence to Soda Springs, thence through Shasta Valley to Yreka, following out the Oregon road to Bogus, probably through Hawkinsville. Mining and Scientific Press, San Francisco, March 20, 1869, page 178 What Are Our Farmers Doing to
Meet Hard Times?
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
March 27, 1869, page
2
This is a pertinent inquiry, although it may be considered none of our
business. On all sides we see long faces--from all quarters we hear the
cry of hard times. Miners complain that water is scarce--farmers say
there is no market for their produce. It is a safe proposition that if
there were double the number of acres of wheat sown in this valley
annually the market for flour would be still more dull. On the other
hand, if there was only half the quantity sown, the price would be
higher and attention could be paid to more remunerative branches of
agriculture. In spite of the fact that many farmers in this valley have
actually been impoverishing themselves by [line of type obscured by a fold]
market for it, and this year, a larger number of acres is sown than was
ever sown before. Some farmers, more shrewed, have turned their
attention to stock raising and are growing rich at it. Those who have
fat cattle or fine horses to sell have no trouble in finding a market.
Buyers from California and Nevada are always ready with the cash and it
is a shame that with our millions of acres of good grazing land, we
have so little stock to sell. In Siskiyou County, just on the other
side of the California line, there have been twenty thousand calves
branded this spring, and anyone can calculate how much they will add to
the aggregate wealth of that county in another year. As long as our
farmers persist in raising nothing but flour and bacon, knowing that
there is no outside market for it, they will experience a scarcity of
money. It is impossible to crowd the stock market, as every year the
demand for beef in the mines of Nevada is increasing. We would like to
see our people turn their attention more to this branch of agriculture
and they have only to look round among those of their neighbors, who
have stuck to it, to learn whether it will pay or not.
NOT OUR BUSINESS.--Our attention has been called to the disorderly conduct of certain parties on Sunday night last. We have about quit attending to other people's business. It is the duty of the Marshal to keep up order and we presume he was absent, which accounts for the peaceful slumbers of so many people being disturbed. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, March 27, 1869, page 2 "LOW DOWN."--A day or two since, our friend Taylor of the "Snug" was sawing a few sticks of wood for exercise. A drunken bummer who had just crossed the line from California and who had been pestering our citizens for sums varying from one to four bits walked up and, eying Taylor with pity, exclaimed, "Well, my God! ain't a man awful low down, when he comes to that." Taylor had nothing to say and the bummer went on his way, rejoicing that he hadn't got down to wood sawing yet. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, March 27, 1869, page 3 LOCATED AGAIN.--Mr. F. Heber has purchased the old Davis claim in the "Grove" and intends staying here a while. It is Mr. Heber's intention to sow a large quantity of alfalfa or Chile clover and to raise fat beef instead of wheat. It is a step nearer intelligent farming than anything we have seen lately. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, March 27, 1869, page 3 SALMON.--There are plenty of delicious salmon in market now. They are caught by the Messrs. Cameron of Applegate Creek and are sold very cheap. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, March 27, 1869, page 3 Jacksonville April
1st 1869
SirIn compliance with your request and with considerable trouble I have ascertained that there are in this vicinity the following individuals: Of the Klamath and Modoc tribes there are:
Mrs. Kerr, formerly of this place, has commenced a private school in Yreka, and is meeting with excellent success. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, April 3, 1869, page 2 THE PARTY.--The soiree given by the Band on Monday was gay. Over forty couples were present, and dancing was kept up till four o'clock on Tuesday morning. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, April 3, 1869, page 3 The Kanakas from Squaw Lake have been peddling delicious lake trout in town during the week. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, April 3, 1869, page 3 ROAD OPEN.--The Crescent City road is open for wagons, which is quite unusual at this season of the year. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, April 3, 1869, page 3 SPRING BEDS FOR EVERYBODY.--A soft, easy bed is certainly a desirable luxury, and at last we have one that is within the reach of everyone. Mr. Ellis, the agent for this state for "Howe's Improved Bed Bottom," is in town and will put in the "Improved Bottom" at the very low price of $5, or will dispose of the right of the county. We have one in use and have no hesitation in recommending it as an invention of great merit, fully equal to wire springs and far surpassing them in cheapness and durability. Mr. Ellis refers to the proprietors of the United States and Franco American hotels, who have several in use. Here is an opportunity to get a soft, luxurious bed at an exceedingly small price, and having once used this new improvement, every person will regard it as an indispensable comfort. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, April 17, 1869, page 3 DROWNED.--Charles M. Farwell, aged one year, ten months and twenty-five days, son of Richard and Esther Ann Farwell, was accidentally drowned in a slough near Boston Mills, in this county, on last Sabbath.--Jacksonville papers will please copy. State Rights Democrat, Albany, Oregon, April 17, 1869, page 3 GOOD PROSPECT.--We were shown by Mr. Neuber, jeweler, two bars of gold, weighing eighteen and one-half ounces, which he had melted out of eighty-five pounds of rock taken from the shaft of Messrs. Dillon & Bowden. This yield was at the rate of $7,000 per ton, but was from selected rock, taken out at the depth of about fifty feet on the ledge. The owners are still "sinking," and continue to find very encouraging prospects. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, April 24, 1869, page 3 OREGON.
Silas J. Day, the Grand Master of
the Odd Fellows order of Oregon, was at Salem the other day, and will
remain in the Willamette Valley till June. During this stay, he will
visit the lodges in this part of the jurisdiction.
Mr. Gore of Jackson County has invented a new gang plow which is said to be superior to anything of the kind ever used in that part of the state. It can be operated with all the movements of the walking plow. A letter from Rogue River Valley to the Farmer says: Crops look well in the valley, and a large breadth of land is sown. The mines in this section are all dormant, on account of no water; the farmers and all feel it, and especially the traders--though there has been plenty of rain for farming purposes. Morning Oregonian, Portland, April 29, 1869, page 1 A Love Letter.
The
following is sublimely splendiferous, and we recommend it as a model to
letter writers:My Dear Miss C:--Every time I think of you my heart flops up and down like a churn dasher. Sensations of unutterable joy caper over it like young ghosts on a stable roof, and thrill through it like Spanish needles through a pair of tow-linen trousers. As a gosling swimmeth with delight in a mud puddle, so swim I in a sea of glory. Visions of ecstatic rapture, thicker than the hairs in a blacking brush, and brighter than the hue of the hummingbird's pinions, visit me in my night slumbers, and borne on their invisible wings, your vision stands before me, and I reach out to grasp it, like a pointer snapping at a blue-bottle fly. When I first beheld your angelic perfections, I was bewildered, and my brain whirled about like a bumblebee under a glass tumbler. My eyes stood open like cellar doors in a country town, and I lifted up my ears to catch the silvery accents of your voice. My tongue refused to wag, and in silent adoration I drank in the sweet infection of love. Since the light of your face fell upon my life, I sometimes feel as if I could lift myself up by my bootstraps to the top of the Presbyterian steeple, and pull the bell rope for singing school. Day and night you are in my thoughts. When Aurora, blushing like a bride, rises from her saffron couch; when the jay-bird pipes his tuneful lay in the apple tree by the spring house; when the chanticleer's shrill clarion heralds the coming morn; when the drowsy beetle wheels his drowning flight at sultry noontide, and when the lowing cows come home at milk-time, I think of thee; and like a piece of gum-elastic, my heart seems to stretch clear across my bosom. Your forehead is smoother than the elbow of an old coat. Your eyes are glorious to behold. In their liquid depths I see myriads of little Cupids bathing, like a cohort of ants in an old army cracker. When their fire hit me upon my manly breast, it penetrated my whole anatomy as a load of bird shot would go through a rotten apple. Your nose is from a chunk of Parian marble, and your mouth puckered with sweetness. Nectar lingers upon your lips like honey puon a bear's paw, and myriads of unfledged kisses are there ready to fly out and light somewhere, like bluebirds out of a parent nest. Your laugh rings in my ear like the wind-harp's strains, or the bleat of a stray lamb on a bleak hillside. The dimples in your cheeks are like bowers in beds of roses, or hollows in cakes of home-made sugar. I am dying to fly to your presence and pour out the burning eloquence of my love, as thrifty houswives pour out coffee. Away from you I am as melancholy as a sick rat. Sometimes I can hear the June bugs of despondency buzzing in my ears, and feel the cold lizards of despair crawling down my back. Uncouth fears, like a thousand minnows, nibble at my spirits, and my soul is pierced through with doubts, as an old cheese is bored with skippers. My love for you is stronger than the smell of Coffy's patent butter, or the kick of a young cow, and more unselfish than a kitten's first caterwaul. As the songbird hankers for the light of day, the cautious mouse for the fresh bacon in the trap, as a lean pup hankers for new milk, so I long for thee. You are fairer than a speckled pullet, sweeter than Yankee doughnuts fried in sorghum molasses, brighter than the topknot plumage on the head of a Muscovy duck. You are candy kisses, raisins, pound cake and sweetened toddy altogether! If these few remarks will enable you to see the inside of my soul, and me to win your affections, I shall be as happy as a woodpecker on a cherry tree, or a stage horse in a green pasture. If you cannot reciprocate my thrilling passion, I will pine away like a poisoned bedbug, and fall away from the flourishing vine of life, an untimely branch; and in the coming years, when the shadows grow from the hills, and the philosophical frog sings his cheerful hymns, you, happy in another's love, can come and drop a tear and catch a cold upon the last resting place of Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 1, 1869, page 1 THE NEW PAPER.--The name of the new paper to appear today is the Democratic News instead of the "County Official." We give it the hand of good fellowship and hope to see it labor for the interests of Southern Oregon. We will do our best to maintain courteous and amicable relations with it. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 1, 1869, page 2 ARTESIAN WELLS.--We have received a very well-written article from Rock Point on the subject of "artesian wells." We would publish it, as we thought it would be of any public benefit; but unfortunately the people of this valley cannot be enlisted to any public enterprise. They are too busy twirling their thumbs and waiting for somebody to build a railroad. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 1, 1869, page 2 SODA WATER.--Sutton will commence the manufacture of soda water next week. We expect to cool off then. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 1, 1869, page 2 PLENTY OF PORK.--Mr. Wm. Bybee started for California on Tuesday with a drove of about 250 fat hogs. He expects to find a market among the celestial population along the Klamath and in the neighborhood of Happy Camp. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 1, 1869, page 3 RAILROAD.--We are pleased to be able to inform the people of this valley that the late action of Congress upon the railroad subject simply revives the grant of 1856, and that it is obligatory upon the company to build their road through the valleys of Umpqua and Rogue River. That this road will be built in a few years is beyond doubt, and when called upon--as we will undoubtedly be--our people should contribute liberally toward the completion of this great undertaking. We can now sit and listen to the music of the electric current as she travels along the wire; but when her twin brother, the iron horse, surmounted by that indigenous embodiment of democratic buzzes, the steam whistle, begins to scream upon our mountaintops and through our valley, a new life indeed will be given our people, and a way opened to the outer world. Democratic News, Jacksonville, May 1, 1869, page
2
PUBLIC HEALTH.--Complaints of hard times throughout the state are pretty general, but the people of Jackson County need not be given up entirely to murmuring. The excellent health enjoyed universally by this community greatly compensates for the temporary lull in business. Our M.D.s are the only persons who have a legitimate right to feel discouraged. Their avocation like Othello's is about gone. The superiority of our climate is beginning to be recognized by persons from abroad, and as a consequence a number of farms have been sold this season, at fair prices, to immigrants who sought a residence in our midst, mainly for the health advantages of our climate. Democratic News, Jacksonville, May 1, 1869, page 2 ROCK POINT.--Those who attend parties are familiar with those pleasant entertainments given by L. J. White at Rock Point. He proposes to give another, Thursday evening, May 6th, and especially requests each and every individual in the community, fond of dancing after good music, and eating the luxuries of a well-furnished table, to come and see him on that occasion. Democratic News, Jacksonville, May 1, 1869, page 2 ODD FELLOWS PARTY.--The ball and supper given at Veit Schutz' hall last Monday evening by the Odd Fellows of this place was a splendid affair. Everything passed off in "shape." Dancing was kept up until 1 o'clock, when all adjourned to meet at Mr. L. Horne's, Monday evening, May 3rd, when on goes the dance. Democratic News, Jacksonville, May 1, 1869, page 3 CAN'T BE SURPASSED.--Madame Guilfoyle still keeps the Franco American Restaurant on the corner of Main and Oregon sts.; she has a fine article of wine made from the grape, grown on the soil of France, her native country, and her dinners as regards the variety of viands are not surpassed in Oregon. She is intelligent, entertaining and accommodating, and deserves patronage. Democratic News, Jacksonville, May 1, 1869, page
3
QUARTZ PROSPECTING.--Owing to the failure of our placer mines this season from want of water, miners are now beginning to turn their attention to quartz, a branch of prospecting yet in its infancy, and but poorly understood in Southern Oregon. There has been capital enough already worse than wasted by various companies, through mismanagement and injudicious expenditure of labor, to have fully tested ten or twelve of our best leads; and that there are a number of good-paying ledges within this county no one possessed of a thorough knowledge of quartz mining will be so foolish as to doubt. The Timber Gulch lead is now furnishing the most flattering prospects, simply because its owners are applying the true test, as proven by all reliable experience--that of going down on the lead. Scientific prospectors abroad will hardly credit the assertion that Gold Hill--fabulously and unprecedentedly rich as it was--was never sunk on to a depth exceeding 50 feet. The proprietors now offer one half the lead to any person or company that will put a shaft down 200 feet on the same. A better chance to make a big strike, it appears to us, could not be offered. The Fowler lead, at Steamboat City, has paid big dividends in the past, and would likely do so again if properly worked. The Davenport, Hicks and the Blackwell, ditto. So let prospecting be pushed with vigor the coming summer. DESERVING OF PATRONAGE.--Every person who desires to see this portion of the state prosper should be willing to contribute his support, let it be ever so little, toward the accomplishment of that end. Every year thousands of dollars are taken from our mines, and a large portion of it sent to San Francisco and invested in woolen goods of all kinds, to be worn out in this community. The Rogue River Woolen Manufacturing Co. proposes to supply this demand and retain that large amount of capital among us. Their machinery is entirely new, of the latest improved pattern, and their manufactured cloths far surpass, as regards durability, imported cloths. The farmers can purchase these articles cheaper than they can eastern make of goods, besides, by wearing these cloths, create a home market for their wool, and save the expense and trouble of shipment. We commend these thoughts to your serious consideration. IMPROVEMENTS.--We notice, notwithstanding the cry of dull times, numerous improvements being made which greatly beautifies the appearance of our village. J. D. Fay and ex-Sheriff Owens have built a fine picket fence in front of their residences on California Street … C. C. Beekman is having his Banking House painted and made to look like a new building … James T. Glenn has been making improvements in front of the old City Hotel on Oregon Street. Those rough claptrap boards have been taken up and hauled off, and the sidewalk paved with brick … Street Commissioner Fehely is doing excellent work on the roads leading to and from town, as well as grading and graveling the most traveled streets. We feel pleased to notice these improvements as regards the roads and streets, as anything that tends to facilitate the free and easy locomotion of our people is commendable. Democratic News, Jacksonville, May 1, 1869, page
3
SPLENDID.--L. Horne, proprietor of the U.S. Hotel, is doing a splendid business. He spreads his table with the best the market affords, and is always around, ready to attend to the wants of his customers. He gives a party Monday evening, May 3rd--Read his advertisement in another column. Democratic News, Jacksonville, May 1, 1869, page 3 REVIVAL.--It is reported that Mr. P. D. Hull, of Jacksonville, a practical printer, has purchased a controlling interest in the press and material of the late Reveille, and will resume the publication of a Democratic journal at that place under the editorial control of Hon. J. D. Fay. We hope this is true. Mr. Fay is probably more thoroughly identified with the policy and interests of the Democracy of Oregon than any other man in the state, and his well-known ability cannot fail to make the enterprise a success. The first number will be issued sometime in June or July, when all "policy men" and time-servers had better stand from under. Polk County Times, Dallas, Oregon, May 1, 1869, page 2 OREGON.
Messrs. Abraham and Robert Tenbrook,
of Jackson County, recently started for the Goose Lake Valley with a
large band of cattle, intending to settle permanently there.
The schoolhouse at Rock Point was destroyed by fire last week. The people of the district immediately raised $500 by subscription for the erection of a new house. The Sentinel says: Land is looking up in Rogue River Valley. A short time since we noted the purchase of the "Tenbrook" ranch by Mr. Bellinger for $4,000. A few days ago he disposed of it to a California party at an advance of $1,400. Last week, says the Sentinel, a party of emigrants from here, who were bound for White Pine, got lost on Lost River, in the Klamath Basin. They continued lost for about three days, until found by John Shook, who put them on the right road to Silverado, and sent them on their way rejoicing. Morning Oregonian, Portland,
May 1, 1869, page 2
The first number of the Jacksonville Democratic News has been received. Its typographical appearance is barely creditable, the office material being old. The politics of the paper are intensely Democratic, and per consequence a good many years behind the age. "Small Notes," Morning Oregonian, Portland, May 6, 1869, page 2 COUNTY ROAD.--The County Court at the May term has ordered that a county road be laid out and opened from the sawmill at the forks of Jackson Creek, running up the right-hand fork of Jackson Creek. The road will be run high up, so that mining operations on the creek will not interfere. It crosses Kanaka Flat, Armstrong, Shively and Timber gulches, to or near the Occidental Quartz Mill. The viewers appointed at Geo. Brown, R. S. Dunlap, and J. N. T. Miller. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 8, 1869, page 2 FROM THE EAST.--Mrs. J. B. White, of Rock Point, arrived from the East on Wednesday with four of her children. Give the strangers welcome. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 8, 1869, page 2 NEW STAGES.--The C.&O.S. Co. are now running the new two-horse stages from here to Yreka. They were manufactured in Portland and are very light; and although it looks like a "Cheap John" arrangement, they will probably accommodate all the travel at a great reduction in expenses. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 8, 1869, page 2 BUILDING.--Mr. Wm. Bybee has hauled the material for the foundation of a very large dwelling opposite his present one. He expects to build a house that will last the balance of his life. Back Plymale has laid the foundation of a nice little dwelling opposite Dunlap's, and as "Back" is yet a bachelor, it looks suspicious. Maybe it's a bird cage? Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 8, 1869, page 3 GONE NORTH.--Rev. Father Blanchet has gone north. He visits Coos and Curry counties, and returns in company with Father Buchard early next month. His place is at present supplied by Father Glorious. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 8, 1869, page 3 HOG DRIVING.--Wm. Bybee started on Monday for Happy Camp on the Klamath with a drove of about two hundred hogs. There is a large number of Chinese miners at that point, and they are death on hog. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 8, 1869, page 3 P. D. Hull, of Jacksonville, a practical printer, has purchased a controlling interest in the press and material of the late Reveille, and will resume the publication of a Democratic journal at that place. Jas. D. Fay, editor. Oregon City Enterprise, May 8, 1869, page 2 DEMOCRATIC NEWS.--This is the title of a new paper published at Jacksonville, this state, by P. D. Hull. It is a neat paper, well filled with local and miscellaneous news, and edited with fair ability. It promises to be the "white man's friend, and will seek to build up and advance all material interests of Southern Oregon." We trust the people of that section will give the News a liberal support. State Rights Democrat, Albany, Oregon, May 8, 1869, page 3 OREGON.
It is claimed that the Klamath Lake basin will in a few years contain a
larger population than Rogue River Valley. It is settling up rapidly.
An academy is to be built at Ashland, Jackson County. It is to be conducted on the same plan as the Umpqua Academy. About $3,000 has already been subscribed toward it. W. C. Myer, for many years a citizen of Jackson County, and well known as a stock grower, has started across the plains, taking along with him a band of horses numbering between two and three hundred. Mr. M. expects to find a market for his large band of horses in Missouri, if fortunate in reaching there with them. Morning Oregonian, Portland,
May 12, 1869, page 2
REPAINTING.--The Catholic church is being repainted and renovated generally. It will be ready for services in about a week. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 15, 1869, page 2 STOP THAT HOWLING.--People are beginning to inquire if we have any Recorder or Marshal in Jacksonville. For three days during this week a drunken brute perambulated the streets uttering beastly yells and making himself the terror of women and children. If the aforesaid officers are in existence and don't intend to do their duty, they had better resign. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 15, 1869, page 3 FLOURING MILL.--We hear it is the intention of Mr. Kubli to build a flouring mill near his place on Applegate Creek. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 15, 1869, page 3 The Polk County Times is the name of a paper just started in Dallas, Polk County, by Frank Stuart, formerly of the Jacksonville Reporter. * * * The Times is a six-column sheet of fair appearance, and we wish its editor the best of success.--[State Rights] Democrat. "Notices of the Press," Polk County Times, Dallas, Oregon, May 15, 1869, page 4 WELL ANSWERED.--"Well," remarked a citizen of Jacksonville to a friend from Ashland, a few days ago, "you people are putting on many airs just now--going to build an Academy I hear." "Yes," responded the Ashlander, "we propose to do something for education." "Well, I would like to know," said the first party, "how you can afford to be so liberal up there, we have about all we can do to live and pay our taxes." "Very true," replied the Ashlander quietly, "your taxes are heavy; you have to pay a tax of about $60,000 a year to support your nine saloons, and of course are not expected to have any money to spare for public enterprise. We have no saloon to support--don't pay a cent of whiskey tax and consequently have a little spare cash to invest otherwise." Our citizen asked how grain looked up there.--Jacksonville Sentinel. Morning Oregonian, Portland, May 19, 1869, page 3 MURDEROUS ASSAULT ON A STAGE DRIVER.--On Friday night last, soon after the stage had left Estes station, in Douglas County, on its way southward, a man named John Ross emerged from the brush, armed with a Henry rifle, and throwing up his hand ordered the driver, Jack Montgomery, to stop. The driver stopped his team, and Ross, advancing to within a few feet, presented his rifle at Montgomery's breast, saying, "Now, d--n you, I've got you," and snapped it. Fortunately the gun missed fire, and Montgomery, handing the lines to a passenger who sat on the "boot" with him, sprang to the ground and went for his revolver, which was inside of the coach. Each fired almost simultaneously without effect, and the team getting restive Montgomery was kept pretty busy. One moment he was at the head of a horse, throwing it back to prevent it breaking away--the next in the air like an India-rubber ball, and then on the ground in time to give his assailant a shot. Eight or nine shots were exchanged without damage, when the hostler came from the stable and took charge of the team and Montgomery ran for the barn followed by Ross. Jack had the advantage now, and gave Ross a ball in the leg that brought him down; and it was with the greatest difficulty that Montgomery was prevented from finishing the wounded man. Ross was secured, and taken by the Sheriff to Roseburg on Monday. The stage passengers say that too much praise cannot be given to Montgomery for his presence of mind and pluck, as during the whole affair he stuck to his team, and before he ran had unfastened two of the tugs. Had he abandoned it a general smashup would have ensued, and perhaps some lives would have been lost. The Circuit Court being in session, Ross pled guilty and was sentenced to three years in the penitentiary. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 22, 1869, page 2 THE CATTLE TRADE.--We believe there has never been so great a demand for cattle in this part of Oregon as there has been this season. We are informed that fully 10,000 head of cattle have passed Rogue River on their way south since spring. The whole number driven from Douglas, Jackson and Josephine counties will not be less than 15,000 which at $20 per head--a low estimate--would make the handsome sum of $300,000. When it is considered that there is a steadily increasing demand and a cash market for beef, our farmers will at once perceive the importance of this branch of industry. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 22, 1869, page 2 NO COUNTY SURVEYOR.--We hear that it is the intention of Mr. Howard to resign the county surveyorship for the reason that the County Judge evidently thinks him more ornamental than useful. Mr. Howard has given $10,000 bonds for the correct discharge of his duty, but when any work is to be done it is let to irresponsible parties at a lower price than that allowed by law. Mr. H. is evidently tired of empty honor and desires his bondsmen released. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 22, 1869, page 2 HOME AGAIN.--Dan Cawley of the Union Livery Stable has returned from San Francisco. He says there is a good market there for heavy draft horses and for fast and stylish "crabs" but a poor one for scrub stock. He reports Henry Judge, formerly of this place, doing a splendid saloon business at the corner of Market and Battery, and John McLaughlin gone to White Pine. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 22, 1869, page 2 TOMATOES.--Two thousand splendid large tomato plants for sale at Dunlap's--cheap. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 22, 1869, page 3 MEASLES ABOUT.--We learn that measles are prevalent up the valley--there being about twenty-five cases on Wagner Creek. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 22, 1869, page 3 IMPROVEMENTS.--We notice that Walter's bakery next to the El Dorado has been torn down to make room for a new building. "Ryan's Brick" has received a new coat of paint and looks quite stylish. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 22, 1869, page 3 NEW PAPER.--Democratic News is the title of the new paper published in Jacksonville. It takes the place of the defunct Reveille, but is a much neater-looking paper. P. D. Hull is the proprietor. Albany Register, May 22, 1869, page 3 RETURNED.--Mr. Ad Helms has just returned from a trip to the lower Klamath. He reports that Jack Pawpaw is working a rich mining claim below Orleans Bar. Ad says that is just the roughest country he ever set foot in, but that the people are the most hospitable he ever saw, apparently making money, and as happy as a whole plantation of big sunflowers. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 29, 1869, page 2 County Surveying.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
May 29, 1869, page
2
The following letter from Judge Duncan explains the matter of the
county surveying. In our reference last week, we had no intention of
detracting from the merits of Messrs. Lindley or Meyer, but considered
they were under no pecuniary responsibility, not having given any
bonds. We hope the explanation will be satisfactory to all parties:
JACKSONVILLE,
MAY 27, 1869.
MR. EDITOR.--A
paragraph in your last week's paper, under the head of "No County
Surveyor," demands a short notice from me--loath as I am to notice such
things--to which I hope in justice you will give place.In the latter part of the paragraph you say "when any work is to be done it is let to irresponsible parties at a lower price than that allowed by law." Now, Mr. Editor, you should not have suffered yourself to be misled in making such a statement, without inquiring a little more into the facts. On page 892 of the Code you will see that the County Surveyor is allowed four dollars per day for "every day necessarily employed in surveying roads and making out the plats." He is also allowed ten cents per mile traveling to and returning from place of survey. If Mr. Howard will work for these legal fees, the County Court, I believe, would not think of employing anyone else; but when, as he has done in every case heretofore, he charges the county seven dollars per day, and all expenses paid besides, equal to from eight to nine dollars per day, he should not complain if the County Court, passing over the remedy provided in sec. 14, same page of Code, simply employs other and competent surveyors to survey the roads at a considerable less price than he says he can afford to do it for. I leave it to those who are acquainted with Mr. Lindley and Mr. Meyer to say whether they are responsible or "irresponsible" when acting under the oath the law requires them to take. As to your saying the "County Judge" instead of County Court, I suppose it is owing to a misapprehension of the fact that when transacting county business, the Court consists of three persons instead of one. L. J. C. DUNCAN.
SURGICAL OPERATION.--Alfred R. Haines, a ranchman residing near the Toll House, on the Yreka road, who has been suffering for several years from necrosis of the ulna--on Thursday of this week had his arm subjected to the operation of excision of the bone, which was skillfully performed by Dr. Grube, of this place. The operation was a very severe and tedious one, but was performed while the patient was under the influence of chloroform, and gave him but little or no pain. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 29, 1869, page 2
ASHLAND ACADEMY.--The
Rogue River Educational Society held a meeting on Wednesday, and
resolved to commence work on the Academy immediately. A meeting will be
held on Tuesday next, for the purpose of electing directors.
The California and Oregon Stage Company have extended Comstock's beat from Oakland to Callahan's, thus dispensing with Smith as Superintendent between Callahan's and Jacksonville. There are now only three superintendents between Oakland and Portland. Smith will probably drive for the company as formerly, before his appointment as Superintendent. Morning Oregonian, Portland, June 1, 1869, page 3 STATE ITEMS.
An academy will be built by the Methodists at Ashland immediately.
Hon. O. Jacobs has received his commission as associate justice of Washington Territory. All the merchants of Jacksonville offer for sale goods made at Ashland Mills in their own valley. A few days ago Mr. Whitney, of Ashland, Jackson County, lost a little girl about one and a half years old by drowning. The child accidentally fell into a box in which there was some water, and when found was quite dead. The Sentinel hears of a citizen of Jackson County who, having ascertained that some persons had cut a large amount of rails on government land, immediately entered [i.e., claimed] the fraction on which they were and now forbids the parties claiming the rails to remove them or otherwise trespass on his ground. From the Jacksonville Sentinel: "On Monday evening a miner, named Henry Feilzinger, was discovered dead in his claim on Harris Gulch, a short distance from Willow Springs. The deceased had been working alone in a low drift, and had apparently been caved on when coming out from the drift. It was thought that the unfortunate man had been dead several days. The faithful dog of the poor fellow was watching a few feet from the body, having scraped out a bed in the soft ground, and was almost starving with hunger, probably never having left the corpse to seek food." Morning Oregonian, Portland,
June 2, 1869, page 2
FRESH SALMON.--The
Cameron Bros. of Applegate Creek are doing a good business at their
fishery this season. The catch averages about thirty per day, all of
which are sold readily. They are splendid fish, just up from the sea,
and in many places would be eaten only by "millionaires"--here every
man who has half a dollar can enjoy a luxury that in the East is
enjoyed only by the rich.
Dr. Overbeck of this place has just received the sad intelligence of
the death of his brother, Benjamin S. Overbeck, at Hamilton, Nev., of
smallpox. He left here in 1857 for the old home in Missouri, and was,
at the time of his death, 30 years and 7 months of age. He died on
April 23rd.
VERY UNFAIR.--We
ask our Ashland neighbors if it is fair that their scalawags should
come here, get drunk and injure the reputation of Jacksonville? The
Ashlanders have a good reputation for sobriety, but we notice that if
any of them want to get on a drunk they are sure to come here so as to
save the credit of their town.
Wild
strawberries are plenty on Butte and Trail creeks, and several families
have gone out there to rusticate.
JACKSON COUNTY, OREGON.--It is claimed that the Klamath Lake basin will in a few years contain a larger population than Rogue River Valley. It is settling up rapidly. An exploring party has recently made the trip from Cañonville through the mountains to Fort Klamath. They got through without difficulty, and report that $1,000 will make a good trail over the route. Mining and Scientific Press, San Francisco, June 5, 1869, page 365 STOCK GOING EAST.--W. C. Myer, an old resident of Jackson County, has started across the plains with a drove of horses. He expects to find a ready market for them in Missouri. This is turning the tide of trade. Messrs. Tice and Crain, also of Jacksonville, have started for Nevada (Washoe), with a drove of hogs. Mining and Scientific Press, San Francisco, June 5, 1869, page 365 Death of Dr. Grube.
It is with sorrow that we record the death of Dr. Franklin Grube, which
took place at midnight on Thursday, after an illness of only four days.
Dr. Grube was born in Chester County, Pa. justly this [sic]
February 10th, 1831, and was in the 39th year of his age. He was a
finished scholar and a skillful physician, having graduated at the
University of Pennsylvania in 1854, with distinguished honor; and had
served three years as Assistant Surgeon in the Union army. His sudden
calling away in the prime of life and usefulness has made deep and
heartfelt sorrow in this community, as his gentleness and urbanity had
won him many warm friends who feel that it is hard to part with him.
The deceased was in full communion with the Presbyterian Church, and
was regarded by all who knew him as an upright and exemplary Christian.
He was attended faithfully by Drs. Overbeck and Greenman, and several
intimate friends, but their skill and solicitude were unavailing and
today the sables of mourning and sorrow are in desolate household; and
the widow and children are waiting in vain for a kindly voice and smile
that will come no more. The remains were attended to the grave
yesterday afternoon by a large number of friends and acquaintances.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
June 12, 1869, page
2DIED.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
June 12, 1869, page
2GRUBE.--On Thursday,
the 10th inst., of congestion of the liver, Dr. Franklin Grube, in the
39th year of his age.
Pennsylvania papers please copy. ICE.--Breitbarth has a supply of ice from Aspen Lake, and can fix it to suit the tastes of the most fastidious. For Good Templars he mixes it with water, but if a customer prefers something else--then something else goes. If you can't cool off at Breitbarth's then make up your mind to melt. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, June 12, 1869, page 2 SICK.--Since the intolerably hot weather commenced, there has been considerable sickness. Cholera morbus, flux and diarrhea have been somewhat prevalent, but no severe cases occurred. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, June 12, 1869, page 2
J. D. Fay will deliver the oration at the Fourth at Jacksonville.
The crops in all parts of Rogue River Valley will be lighter than last year. The plum crop in Jackson County has failed. The leaves have curled up, and the fruit has dropped from the trees. A Jackson County paper observes that A. D. Helman, of Ashland, is up with the times. He has sons named Lincoln, Butler, Grant and Colfax, the latter having come into this mundane sphere since inauguration. The Jacksonville Sentinel learns that an attempt was made on the 19th ult. to burn the store of George Nurse, sutler at Ft. Klamath. About the same time in the night, the stable belonging to Mr. Nurse was fired and totally destroyed. Two horses belonging to some Eugene City men were burned. A soldier who had been refused whisky is suspected. The subscribers of the Ashland Academy met at Ashland on Tuesday last, says the Sentinel, and decided on a site for the building near Mr. Thornton's, on the north side of the town. A building committee consisting of A. G. Rockfellow, J. W. Kuykendall, J. M. McCall, J. P. Walker and J. H. Russell was chosen. A sufficient amount has been subscribed to warrant the commencement of the building at once, and steps have been taken to procure material and otherwise inaugurate operations. "Oregon," Oregonian, Portland, June 12, 1869, page 2 Singular Freak of Lightning.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
June 19, 1869, page
2JACKSONVILLE,
OGN.,
ED. SENTINEL:--From
an examination of the premises of Mr. J. Wetterer, in this place, which
was struck by lightning on last Monday, about 3:30 p.m., I found some
interesting development. The building is one story high, and some sixty
feet either way from higher buildings. The parlor is in the northwest
corner of the house, and lined with paper, ornamented with gilt lines
crossing each other diagonally, at intervals of one foot, from floor to
ceiling. The bolt struck the house immediately under the eaves on the
N.W. corner, passing directly to the inside, taking possession of the
gilding on the paper, radiating right and left along the lines, thereby
dividing the current into twenty-five or thirty parts. Of these
divisions some eight or ten seems to have entered the ground at
different places, while the remainder, after traversing nearly every
line on the north side of the room, came together on a lead pipe that
passed beneath the ground under the house. The current, to a distance
of two feet after entering the house, was confined to four streams,
each about two inches wide. These streams, however, became rapidly
diminished, each being subdivided at each crossing. The currents, by
the time they reached the baseboard, with two exceptions, were not more
than one-eighth of an inch in diameter. I was enabled to determine the
width of the current from a black deposit left on the paper resembling
lampblack. This deposit was easily washed off, leaving the paper
unaffected, but the gilding was completely oxidized, leaving the lines
jet black. It was no doubt owing to the division of the current that
the building was saved from complete destruction.June 17th, '69. Another noticeable incident occurred to a large looking glass which hung against the north wall. The current seemed to leave the gilding on the paper and follow the silvering of the glass, breaking it into minute pieces, and scattering them all over the room, while the frame remained uninjured in its place. On leaving the silvering, the currents passed in five or six different streams directly across a piece of gilt molding on which the bottom of the glass rested. This molding was some four inches from the amalgam of the glass, yet a portion of the latter was transferred to the polished surface of gold on the former, leaving a bright surface like polished silver. HEAVY THUNDER STORM.--Last Sunday this valley was visited by one of the most heavy thunder storms that was ever known here. It had been warm and sultry during the forenoon, but at about two o'clock the sky became overcast with dense black clouds, which opened out in wind, rain, lightning and thunder. A tree near the residence of Mr. Drum was struck by lightning and badly splintered. The barn of Mr. Kilgore, about two miles north of this place, was struck, killing a large hog and damaging the building considerably. No further damage was done on Sunday, as far as we have heard, except the unceremonious breaking up of the camp meeting, and some of the men folks getting their shirts wet before they got home. On Monday afternoon it again clouded up and gave us another storm equally as hard, this time striking the dwelling house of Joseph Wetterer, entering the parlor, breaking a large mirror, and materially damaging the papering and some of the furniture. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, June 19, 1869, page 3 The Unionist learns from Mr. William Cox, just from Jacksonville, that a series of severe thunder storms passed over Rogue River Valley during Sunday and Monday of last week. On Sunday, the 13th inst., Mr. Jas. Kilgore's barn was struck by lightning. The shock was heavy enough to kill a hog which was in the barn at the time. The next day a house in the town of Jacksonville was struck. The electric current passed through one corner of the building and tore off the baseboard. Many trees in the neighborhood were struck. The storm was the heaviest that has ever been known in that section. "Oregon News," Polk County Times, Dallas, Oregon, June 26, 1869, page 3 DIPHTHERIA.--A Jacksonville paper says: This dangerous and fatal disease has again made its appearance in this county--no less than three or four children have died but recently with it. Willamette Farmer, Salem, June 28, 1869, page 4 JACKSONVILLIANS IN PORTLAND.--On our recent visit to the metropolis we found quite a number of old citizens of this place apparently in a healthy condition. Messrs. Steers and Hines, Gus Taylor, Harry Oatman, Geo. Hillman, Stearns and several others are prospering and contented. Mr. Gus Payne, formerly foreman in this office, is on the Oregonian, and has made a host of friends. He professes to like Portland well, but occasionally looks southward and sighs for--the delightful climate and pleasant associations of yore, in Jackson County--so we suppose. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, July 3, 1869, page 2 FOR PORTLAND.--Father Blanchet, the Catholic pastor of this place, will leave for Portland on Tuesday. He informs us that he will return about 1st of August with five sisters, and that the Academy here will be opened again early next month. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, July 3, 1869, page 3 DEPARTURE.--Hon. O. Jacobs, Esq., left Thursday morning for Washington Territory. He goes to take a seat upon the judicial bench, having received the appointment of associate justice for that Territory. The friends of Mr. Jacobs serenaded him Wednesday night before he left. We were not there to report his speech, but we learn that it was of a spiritual nature. We wish Mr. Jacobs success in his new vocation. He goes leaving many warm friends to regret his absence, and a void in the rank of the great Union Republican Party of Southern Oregon that cannot be filled at present. Democratic News, Jacksonville, July 3, 1869, page 2 DIPHTHERIA.--This disease has made its appearance in Jackson County, and has proved fatal in a majority of instances. Albany Register, Albany, Oregon, July 3, 1869, page 3
From the Eugene Journal:
The gentlemen who were selected to locate the lands for the endowment
of an agricultural college for this state, and who went south some time
ago for that purpose, returned as far as this place during the week. We
learn that they selected land in the Goose Lake Valley, in Jackson
County. The amount of the donation was ninety thousand acres.
"Oregon," Morning Oregonian, Portland, July 7, 1869, page 2 The National Anniversary.
JACKSONVILLE
(Oregon), July 6th.
The celebration here yesterday was the largest and most enthusiastic
that ever took place in Southern Oregon. No accidents occurred.
Everything passed off pleasantly, and a splendid display of fireworks
in the evening was witnessed by over 1,500 people.Marysville Daily Appeal, Marysville, California, July 7, 1869, page 3 HULL-ED RICE.--P. D. Hull, of the Democratic News, of Jacksonville, Oregon, was recently "consolidated" with a Miss Rice. Hull gets off the following squib on the happy event: "This paper, since its commencement, has been anything but friendly to the Chinese; notwithstanding this fact, however, the proprietor or has been wholly unable to conceal a decided fondness and partiality for Rice. Following out the natural bent of his inclinations in this direction, he drove out last Sunday to Rev. Mr. Williams', and secured a patent right to all the best Rice in this neighborhood. The excellence of the article consists in the fact that it has been carefully selected and judiciously Hull-ed." Morning Union, Grass Valley, California, July 10, 1869, page 3 A man named Oliver Evans committed suicide in Jacksonville, Oregon, under horrible circumstances. He was charged with incest with his own daughter, a girl of sixteen, and immediately went to the mountain and shot himself. The body was found yesterday, badly decomposed. The girl has confessed that the charge was true. He was a widower and leaves considerable property. "Brevities," The Cariboo Sentinel, Barkerville, British Columbia, July 10, 1869, page 1 HONORS TO AN OREGON BOY.--In Harper's Weekly of July 3rd will be found an illustration of the Harvard crew training on the Charles River, as a preparation for the international boat race with the Oxford crew, which is to come off on the Thames in August. The second of the oarsmen is S. W. Rice, A Douglas County boy, who taught school at Phoenix in this county, and whose parents now reside near Roseburg. He is one of the rowers selected by the Harvard boys to test the mettle and endurance of the English crew, and is represented as a finished oarsman. Rice is a poor boy who has worked his way up to distinction in the first college in the country by sheer perseverance, having frequently taken his books out with him while plowing, and for his own, as well as for the honor of the state, we hope he may come off victorious. The crew sailed for England on the 10th, and will train there several weeks before the race. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, July 17, 1869, page 2 We hear that Cawley & Reames are having a splendid hearse built in Yreka. Such a vehicle has been long needed here. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, July 17, 1869, page 3 NO ITEMS.--The town is so unusually dull after the 4th that we are unable to furnish our readers with many local items, for the best of reason--they won't occur. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, July 17, 1869, page 3 WINDMILL.--We notice that Mr. John Bilger has sunk a well and constructed a fine windmill on his place for irrigating purposes. It is probably as cheap and convenient as any other means of irrigation. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, July 17, 1869, page 3 MURDER BY AN INDIAN.--On Tuesday morning about 10 o'clock, a shooting scrape came off at the cabin of "Umpqua Joe," on Rogue River, some five miles above Galice Creek, in which a man named Morton was killed. It seems that Joe and a man named Tom Eastman were on a drunken spree, and it is supposed the former fired the fatal shot, which struck Morton in the back, and from the effect of which he died the same evening. Joe is a half-civilized Indian, and was with Fremont's party. He and Eastman have both been arrested. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, July 17, 1869, page 3 SWEET DISCOVERY.--During the past month a settler in Sams Valley has found ten "bee trees," some of them containing a large amount of wild honey. Last week Mr. Tom Constant found and cut down a large tree in which there was fully one hundred and fifty pounds of the sweets of the fields, and we hear of several other "trees" being found lately in this neighborhood. It will be but few years till this is literally a land "flowing" with honey free to all who take the trouble to hunt. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, July 17, 1869, page 3 NOTICE OF ASSIGNEE OF HIS APPOINTMENT (in Bankruptcy). District of Oregon, SS.--At the city of Portland, the 5th day of June, A.D. 1869, the undersigned hereby gives notice of his appointment as assignee of the estate of E. D. Foudray, bankrupt, of Jacksonville, in the county of Jackson and state of Oregon, within said district, who has been adjudged a bankrupt upon his own petition by the District Court of said district. J.
R. WADE, Assignee, etc.
Morning Oregonian, Portland,
July 21, 1869, page 2OREGON.
A citizen of Jackson County found
ten bee trees last week. Another found and cut down a tree which
contained 150 pounds of honey.
It is said that Rogue River is now as low as it usually is in August. It will probably be lower in a month than it has ever been seen before. Says the Jacksonville Sentinel: The very dry winter has given us a very prolific crop of "yellow jackets" this summer. They are rapidly eating up all the ripe blackberries, and that fruit has doubled in price in consequence. The Jacksonville Sentinel says there is much danger of trouble with Indians east of the mountains, and adds: Twelve hundred Snakes from Camps Harney, Warner and C. F. Smith have gone to the mountains, headed by some desperate whites like Archy McIntosh. The Indians in the Klamath Lake country are much disgusted and dissatisfied, and it is no child's play to manage them. The cavalry, the only efficient kind of troops against Indians, are taken from Fort Klamath, and the whole frontier is filled with unsuspecting settlers. There are over one hundred Snakes of Old Paulina's band on the Klamath Reservation, and it requires the greatest vigilance on the part of the sub-agent to keep them quiet. The removal of the cavalry from that point and the substitution of infantry was an act of folly, as in case of need, infantry against mounted Indians in an extensive prairie country are worse than useless, being only the laughingstock of the "braves." The presence of a cavalry force in the Lake country is absolutely necessary to control the Indians; and an infantry company is of no more use there than it would be in Jacksonville. Morning Oregonian, Portland, July 21, 1869, page 2 A New Court House.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
July 24, 1869, page
2
Frequently we have been asked by strangers to point out the court house
to them. When they saw the dingy old building they would invariably
turn with surprise and ask, "Is Jackson County so poor that it cannot
afford a decent court house?" We all dislike to hear any reflections on
the ability of this county to have as fine public buildings as any in
the state with the same assessable wealth, and it does seem as if the
old court house had about done its duty. No one can deny that its
appearance is not only disgraceful to this prosperous county, but that
it is incommodious and ill adapted for public purposes at the present
time. This county should have a substantial and convenient building,
large enough to contain the court room, sheriff's, clerk's and other
offices, and it can well afford to build it. The present buildings will
bring a respectable sum for other purposes, and a very moderate tax
distributed through a period of four or five years would
defray the
whole expense and not be felt by anyone, and its erection would give
work to our mechanics and laborers, and add just so much wealth to the
county.
FIRE IN THE MOUNTAINS.--A very large fire is now raging in the mountains west of Ashland, and also in the woods on Applegate Creek. If we do not have rain very soon much damage will be done. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, July 24, 1869, page 3 DRY TIMES.--We hear that the long continued drought is drying up many wells in this valley so that they have to be deepened. We believe that the present is by far the driest season ever known since the settlement of Oregon. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, July 24, 1869, page 3 SMOKY.--The atmosphere has been perfectly saturated with smoke for the last week, so much so that it has been difficult to see more than a half mile in any direction. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, July 24, 1869, page 3 The yellowjackets are eating up all the blackberries in Jackson County. "Umpqua Joe," of Rogue River, a half-civilized Indian, and one of Fremont's party, on the 13th shot and killed a man named Morton. Cause--whiskey. The Jacksonville Sentinel, from which we get the above items, says that a settler in Sams Valley has found ten bee trees during the past month, some of them containing a large amount of honey. Last week a Mr. Tom Constant found and cut down a large tree, containing fully one hundred and fifty pounds of honey. A sweet neighborhood, that. On the occasion of the recent visit of Bishop Morris to Jacksonville, while in the stage riding between Canyonville and Croxton's, he was made the subject of brutal and vulgar jests by a person who rode in the stage with him. The Sentinel says that "It is doubtful if indecency is admissible under any circumstances; but in presence of a minister of the gospel, when exhibited wantonly and with an insulting purpose, it reflects little credit on him who shows it. We feel sorry for a man so devoid of self-respect, as well as public decency, as to deliberately insult a clergyman of any denomination. The stage company might with propriety establish and enforce rules to stop blackguards from rubbing their slime on respectable people while riding in their stages." The State Teachers' Association will commence their annual session on the 27th inst. at Salem, and hold three days. The stages and the steamboats will charge but half fare on the occasion. The Unionist says that a private letter from Washington states that the officers appointed in the Indian service in Oregon are to be retained. The corn crop in Jackson County is reported as excellent, the dry weather not having affected it. The Jacksonville News of the 17th has the following: Mr. Wm. C. Greenman arrived here from Goose Lake on Thursday last. He will remove to that valley, for permanent settlement, in about two weeks. The Goose Lake country is in a flourishing condition. Two stores have been established, and a steam sawmill is being built in the valley. The Fourth was celebrated in an appropriate manner at Gen. Crook's ranch. No Indians are to be seen in the valley. A party, consisting of some five or six families, are preparing to visit the wonder of Oregon--Sunken Lake, or Lake Majesty, as it is sometimes called. One or two gentlemen will start for the lake in a few days. Explorations will be made by boat and otherwise. Bishop Morris, Episcopal minister, who preached in this place last Sunday, was engaged several days looking up a suitable lot upon which to erect a church and parsonage, the cost of which would be something near $15,000. "State Items," Albany Register, July 24, 1869, page 2 SAN FRANCISCO, July 28--A destructive storm passed over Jacksonville, Oregon, yesterday. It commenced to thunder and lightning, accompanied by a tornado, which leveled fences, sheds and trees, and afterwards an immense body of water rushed down the creeks carrying away bridges, gardens, and in some instances, cattle. The supposed waterspout burst west of the place. "From San Francisco," Fort Wayne Daily Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana, July 29, 1869, page 1
WM. KEITH, THE ARTIST.--The
Jacksonville Sentinel, of
the 25th, mentions the arrival at that place of Mr. Keith, the artist
who was lately here, and says: "He is on his way to San
Francisco, but
will stop at Yreka about a week, thus allowing himself time and
opportunity to sketch Mt. Shasta, from which to make a finished
picture." "Mr. Keith took a sketch of Mr. McLoughlin, from a standpoint
at Willow Springs, which he will finish when he gets home. He is very
much pleased with the scenery of Rogue River Valley."
Morning Oregonian, Portland,
July 30, 1869, page 4Jacksonville has suffered from various calamities within the past year--probably the next visitation will be fire. This place should have a fire engine, as the town is entirely without protection. Will any of our public-spirited citizens make a move towards getting one? Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, July 31, 1869, page 2 The Storm of Tuesday.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
July 31, 1869, page
2
We have to chronicle the most singular and destructive storm that ever
passed over this portion of Oregon, which occurred on Tuesday last. The
day had been exceedingly warm, and at 3 p.m. a few light thunder clouds
were in sight but the barometer indicated a sudden change in the
weather. About half past three a heavy black cloud had gathered
directly overhead and some thunder was heard to the westward. In a
short time a heavy wind was blowing from the eastward accompanied with
quite a heavy rain and considerable thunder and lightning. This storm
continued about 20 minutes, the wind increasing in violence and doing
considerable damage to fences and fruit trees. At about 4 o'clock the
wind died away and then chopped round to the westward, blowing from
that quarter about twenty-five minutes and continuing to increase in
strength till it was a perfect tornado. This second storm brought rain
in blinding torrents and drove hail with such violence that no person
could stand for a moment outside of a building. For a short time the
scene was frightful; roofs of sheds, limbs of trees and shingles were
flying like chaff through the air. A volume of water at least two feet
deep was rushing through the principal streets, buildings were shaking,
women and children screaming and cattle and horses were flying
terror-stricken in every direction. Just before the rain ceased, a
trembling of the earth was left and an immense body of water came
pouring down Jackson Creek in a breast probably ten or twelve feet in
height. The breakwater, constructed at an expense of over $1,100, was
instantly swept away. Boulders, logs, stumps, tailings, sluices, and
several head of cattle were carried along with the flood. The bridge
across the creek lasted but a moment, and in less time than it takes to
write it, the water had surrounded four dwelling houses in that part of
town, placing their inmates in a very dangerous situation. Fortunately
the stream had a chance to spread at this point, or some lives would
have been lost. Breaking through the fine orchard and garden of Mr.
Hull, and leaving it a complete wreck, it swept down through the
valley, but did very little damage beyond the town limits. Meanwhile,
at the other end of town, the water was pouring down Rich Gulch in a
fearful torrent. It swept away a large amount of cordwood and lumber
for Howard & Smith, raised the bridge on California Street from
its
abutments, and made a clean sweep through Beekman's lot, and on through
the farm of Mr. Cardwell, which is damaged, probably, $1,000.
It is difficult to estimate the damage by this terrible storm. Many estimate it at over $10,000, and it is safe to place it at that amount. The orchards and vineyards of Messrs. Britt, Neuber and Dr. Davis are seriously injured. The grape crop is completely destroyed by the hail, the leaves and fruit being riddled as completely as if they had been struck with buckshot. Plymale & Manning are heavy losers. Judge Wade suffered to the extent of some hundreds of dollars. Mr. Hall's place, that cost years of patience and labor, is nearly valueless. Dunlap's orchard is much injured. J. N. T. Miller has lost nearly all his fruit crop. Wetterer is a heavy loser. Cardwell's loss is also heavy. Bilger's new windmill was torn to pieces. The breakwater has melted away; many mining claims on the creek and some on Rich Gulch are completely stripped. Many ditches and flumes are totally destroyed; a large field of corn belonging to Mr. Berry is entirely ruined, and indeed, we know of few persons within range of the storm who are not losers. The whole force of the storm appears to have been confined within a radius of less than two miles. At Bybee's to the north, and Orth's farm on the south, there is no indication of heavy wind, and there was not enough rain to lay the dust. The course of the first storm was from southwest to northeast, and it is thought that the sudden change of wind must have blown two heavy rain clouds together directly over us, precipitating their water nearly all at once. At the quartz mill, on the right-hand fork of the creek, only a slight shower fell, and at Herlings', two miles south, there was no rain of any consequence. The heaviest wind seems to have been a few hundred yards south of the town, in a streak not more than two hundred yards wide. On that line the immense pines were uprooted or broken like reeds by the score, and if the wind had been as heavy in town we would undoubtedly have had a sorry tale to tell. One of the old landmarks, the magnificent pine that has stood on the School House Knoll for hundreds of years, was uprooted, and it is a matter of universal regret. It is to be hoped that we will have no more such visitations, and everyone feels thankful that it was not much worse than it was. At one time there was twice the amount of water in the creek that there was during the great freshet of 1862, and although there was some very narrow escapes from mining claims, we are glad to say that no person sustained any serious injury. JUST PRAISE.--The Unionist says: "The Oregon and California Stage Company has the name of having the best stock and best wagons to be met with on any road west of the Rocky Mountains. The company is certainly more careful of their property than is usually the case. All the wagons between here and Jacksonville have been repaired throughout this spring and summer, so that when a passenger gets into one of the company's wagons, he may rest assured that he will go through on time." This is no more than just commendation. Through the efforts and liberality of the company, staging on the route between Portland and LincolnS has been relieved of many of its former inconveniences, not to say dangers. Besides this, the average time has been reduced materially, the certainty of expedition has been greatly increased, and the cost of travel reduced. Morning Oregonian, Portland, July 30, 1869, page 4 SINGULAR SCHEDULE OF PRICES.
The Oregon and California Stage Company send passengers from San
Francisco to Portland, 754 miles, for $45; and from Sacramento to Rock
Point, 13 miles this side of Jacksonville, a distance of only 360
miles, the fare is the same, $45, and is the same to all points north
of that in Oregon--Grave Creek, Canyonville, Roseburg, Oakland,
Yoncalla, Eugene, Corvallis, Albany, Salem, Oregon City, and Portland.
Whether a traveler wants to go from Sacramento to Rock Point in
Southern Oregon, 360 miles, or from San Francisco to Portland, 754
miles or to any intermediate point, it is the same in the eyes of the
company, and $45 is the price. They have the same arrangement for going
south--as much for half the distance as for going over the whole route.
Now, Mr. Jesse D. Carr, if this should happen to attract the attention
of your "eagle eye" at 420 Montgomery Street, we beg leave to inquire
by what rule of arithmetic this schedule was figured out; and whether
you are running opposition to Ben Holladay's "floating
coffins,"
or trying to establish a reputation for being extremely long-winded.
For a long heat you can beat the world, but for a short race you won't
do.Oregon State Journal, Eugene, Oregon, July 31, 1869, page 2 The Crescent City Road.
It is said by teamsters and others that the toll road between Waldo and
Crescent City, over which all the Jacksonville freight is hauled, is,
this season, in a very rough condition. It appears that the tolls are
collected with great regularity, but that the road company have paid
but little attention to keeping the road in a passable condition. There
is much talk among our teamsters and merchants regarding this matter,
and if the road is not repaired there is every probability that the
freighting will next season be done by way of Red Bluff. They claim
that there are advantages of trade on that route that will more than
compensate for a slight difference in freight, and that it can be
traveled much earlier than the Crescent City road can. If the
freighting of Jacksonville goods by way of Crescent City is any
advantage to that place, its merchants had better see that the road is
kept in good condition, as the teamsters cannot well afford to keep it
in repair and pay heavy toll besides. "A word to the wise is
sufficient."
A telegraph office is soon to be opened at Grants Pass with Mr. Magruder as chief electrician. It is intended for a repair station. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, August 7, 1869, page 2 HEARD FROM.--Mr. Wm. Clarke, formerly telegraph operator here, is now agent of the U.P.R.R. at Wahsatch under a handsome salary. He has charge of ticket and freight business and also of the telegraph office at that point. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, August 7, 1869, page 2 CHAPTER OF ACCIDENTS.--On Saturday last, little Johnny, youngest son of the late John S. Love, fell from a buggy on account of the horse starting suddenly, and had his arm broken. He is now, however, doing well. On the same day a daughter of Mr. John Herron was accidentally shot in the face with a revolver, in the hands of her brother, but fortunately escaped serious injury. The boy had snapped the weapon repeatedly the day previous without discharging it, and at the time was engaged in oiling it, when the hammer slipped from his fingers. The ball glanced across the child's nose and passed through the right cheek, making only a flesh wound. On Thursday a little daughter of Mr. Jacob Kubli, on Applegate, aged about nine years, had her leg broken by a gate falling on it. The fracture is said to be a very severe one. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, August 7, 1869, page 3 DIED.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
August 7, 1869, page
2FEHELY.--In
Jacksonville, Aug. 5th, of putrid sore throat, Catherine
E. Fehely, aged 14 years 7 months and 7 days.
ANOTHER VICTIM OF SORE THROAT.--Yesterday a beautiful and interesting daughter of Mr. Fehely, the victim of this terrible disease, was laid down to rest. She was just budding into womanhood, and beloved by a large circle of companions for her amiable qualities. A few days since a blushing maiden, strong in youth and health--today, dust, and nothing more! Though hearts may be breaking for one whose silvery voice will be heard no more, who knows that today she is not richer and more beautiful and happier than any of us, who, too, are only waiting for our call? Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, August 7, 1869, page 3 COUNTY ROADS.--From the best information we have, we find that the Board of Commissioners are powerless to do anything further with the Link River road except by making it a toll road, and allowing the lowest bidder to finish it and charge toll. When they made an appropriation for the survey their power was exhausted, and until the law is changed the road will probably remain unfinished. The bad policy of those who opposed the building of a road to Goose Lake by government aid is now painfully apparent, and coming home, like the devil's chickens, to roost. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, August 7, 1869, page 3 COUNTY HOSPITAL.--This institution has changed hands, the Board of Commissioners having awarded the contract to Dr. Overbeck at $1,200 for twelve months from the 4th inst. There was a bid for $1,000, but that of Dr. Overbeck was considered the most advantageous for the county. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, August 7, 1869, page 3 TORNADO AND FRESHET.--On last Tuesday afternoon, there occurred at this place one of the heaviest storms ever known in Southern Oregon. Its whole strength and fury seemed directed against Jacksonville and did not in any course extend more than one or two miles from town. The clouds were hurled together by opposing forces of air--a grand and fearful struggle of the elements ensued--and with vivid lightning, deafening thunder and whirling winds the clouds were torn asunder and their contents precipitated upon our (latterly) unfortunate town. In one hour, or less, from the beginning of the storm, Jackson Creek--where before not a drop of water was running--was a mighty, roaring river, the current of which nothing living could withstand. So sudden and unexpected was the rise of the waters that persons living along the creek could not escape to the higher grounds, vainly calling for help; and if there had been a further rise of six inches, no earthly agency could have prevented houses and occupants from going to destruction. The furniture and clothing in the lower rooms were ruined, or badly damaged. Many cattle were carried down the creek--some escaping badly bruised, while others were drowned. Orchards and vineyards suffered terribly, the trees being snapped off or torn up by the roots, and the fruit crushed or blown off. Numbers of tall pines and rugged oaks were torn from their firm foundations, or snapped off like pipe stems; and among the fallen monarchs was the great pine tree on the school premises, on the topmost branch of which some aspiring genius had planted a flagstaff. It would be difficult to give a correct estimate of the damages inflicted; but they will amount to several thousand dollars. Traces of this storm will be visible for years, and its visit will long be remembered.--Jacksonville News. State Rights Democrat, Albany, Oregon, August 7, 1869, page 2 The Jacksonville News says: Last week flour advanced from two dollars per hundred--its ruling price for years--to three dollars per hundred, and will probably go up to four dollars. This short crop of wheat, and a lack of water to run the mills, has caused the rise. "State Items," Albany Register, August 7, 1869, page 2 The Sentinel thinks that as Jacksonville survived the smallpox, did not wilt when George Francis Train tooted his horn, and failed to come down when the waterspout struck it on Tuesday, it can stand anything. "Oregon Items," Oregon State Journal, Eugene, Oregon, August 7, 1869, page 2
Train's Speech at
Jacksonville.
We copy from the Sentinel
a portion of the remarks made by George
Francis Train at Jacksonville:The early pioneers were heroes. Half a century hence you will be spoken of as the great column of progress. Speaking of 1845 to 1855 they will say--they were giants in those days. Six months on the buffalo and Indian trail, facing fever and starvation, and six days on the Pacific Railway in a Pullman hotel car are two distinct eras in civilization. *
* *
Why
did you come here then? Was it for love of adventure, or had you been
doing something wrong at home, and wished to escape from old friends,
old sheriffs and old associates? (Loud laughter.) Or perhaps this was
it--the donation claim was the bait. You came--selected the 320 acres
of land, and married a girl of thirteen to get the other
320--(Laughter.)--then came the only crops that seemed to be more than
perennial--the crops of babies! (Loud laughter.) Whitehead on children
is the great work for these valleys. (Continued laughter.) Madame
Restell
must starve in this land where infanticide is murder and Restellism is
unknown. (Sensation.) Where everlasting health, salmon trout, red
apples, jackrabbits and volunteer crops of children are indigenous to
the soil. (Loud laughter and applause.) Well, ye came, saw and
conquered the forest, seized upon every garden plot, every fertile
valley and available piece of land, and went to work. This was between
1850-55 and 1860. The mountains and hills were covered with beautiful
natural grasses, and the climate was that for which Ponce de Leon so
vainly sought to find his perpetual fountain of youth. (Applause.) As
luck would have it, the mines were discovered, population marched in.Money easily made is easily spent. Sitting at your own doors on land given to you, your little log cabin was made fat with the clinking of miners' gold. Fifty dollars for flour, one hundred for cows, twelve for apples, and all your fruits, grains and vegetables in proportion went off at miners' prices. (That's so.) You became rich, improvident, indolent. The climate was enervating. You did not support newspapers. You paid nothing for advertising--hence, today the world looks on you as a northern county of California. San Francisco absorbed your products, and destroyed your individuality--as wet nurse, she still treats you as a child, putting on your clothes, feeding you with a spoon and wiping your nose with a handkerchief made in England. (Laughter.) Wheat raised at your door is sent to Portland, shipped on Holladay's steamers to San Francisco, ground up and put in California sacks and sold in Puget Sound as California flour. They pay you 20 cents for wool and sell it for 40 as California wool. They call your apples California apples. Your salmon, California salmon, and your people "Webfeet," with a sneer. (Laughter.) They cut a 22-inch square 150-foot-long piece of timber on the Columbia, send it to the Paris Exhibition and get a California prize. (That's true.) They have lived off of you, and ridicule you for allowing it. They make you father the infamous lead of repudiating our national debt, so that today you don't know good from evil. No matter which party, whether Democratic or Republican, Federal or Copperhead, Abolitionist or Secessionist, you are so fearfully demoralized you cannot tell right from wrong inasmuch as all of you repudiate our national debt by refusing our currency. (Sensation.) Again, they took $1,000 gold in San Francisco and got $1,400 in greenbacks in New York, and sold you your clothes which you paid $2,000 in gold for, charge you 100 percent for exchange and commission. Still blind, you covered the hills with cattle--you overdid it. Every year you planted the same grain. You killed the goose with the golden egg. The cattle ate off and stamped out the grasses. The mines gave out. The good times changed. The decade of prosperity ended with 1860. Thus the tide turned. Since which time adversity set in. Instead of building factories, working up your own wool, you relied on two uncertain things--mines and pasture. You became thoughtless. Tarweed, fern, brake and whiteweed destroyed your beautiful natural grasses. No new seed was sown, hence ten sheep cannot live where formerly a thousand fattened. Ten bushels only to the acre where you once raised thirty, and no market for the wheat you raise. You sit over your portions in your towns the long day, asking what is the matter--will the mines come again? Will the railroad help us? Where is it all to end? Will Mr. Train send out the population? I have been too well treated by the people of Oregon to deceive them, even were it possible for me to be deceitful. I tell you what I think. Judge yourself. Know then, that no emigrants will come from the East. None can without money, and capital commands higher wages there. Few yet but deadheads and deadbeats have come over the Pacific Railroad. (Laughter.) Expect no emigrants, no new capital. You rely on yourselves, digest these plain facts--wake up from your Rip Van Winkle sleep of 20 years. What chance has the poor settler here? Let us take an observation: Many of you are from Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois and Iowa. Are you not aware that in Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska, for $15 any man can get his thirty-bushels-an-acre homestead of 160 acres? Where can he find it here? Your pioneers have taken the breast of the chicken long ago. (That's so and laughter.) Again, can we not buy in Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas the finest land in the world for $5 an acre? Is it not absurd to expect that the Eastern farmer will sell out his all these dull times, leave railways, markets and population, pay a thousand dollars to come out where you have neither--with his household gods--two thousand miles, to take your farms off your hands in the Grand Ronde, Umatilla, Willamette, Umpqua and Rogue River valleys at ten, twenty and thirty dollars an acre? (Sensation.) There is nothing so dangerous as to deceive yourselves. They call me a humbug--my humbugging consists in telling the truth and showing the world one free man, who is not afraid of church, state, party, family, friends or God (loud applause) but who practices what he preaches, believing that abstinence, knowledge, sobriety, virtue, morality, courage, manhood, independence, and good health is better than quack religion, quack medicines or quack statesmanship. (Applause.) The
religion of the Christians,
(Loud laughter and great applause.)Since the child first learned to spell, Is a phantom God, a local Heaven A long-tailed Devil and a brimstone Hell. While my religion is so living in this life, so following the beautiful character and precepts of the Saviour, so to be prepared for anything which is to come, and not love God so much I have no time to love my fellow men. (Applause.) *
* *
Rely not on the East. Turn to the West. China makes all nations rich
with whom she trades. There are merchants and bankers there, having a
capital of a hundred million. China wants our telegraphs, our railways,
our machinery, our flour, our fish, our bacon, our timber, our
clothing, our boots. Let these "Johns" with us go home with American
boots. Start the fashion, and all the pasture lands, all the farmers,
all the boot and shoe factories you could build would not supply that
vast population for a day. Think of 450,000,000 pair of boots!
(Applause.) Take our felt hats--150,000,000 of hats. Take salmon in
tins--450,000,000 lbs. of salmon. Take flour, one barrel each,
450,000,000 barrels of flour, for which you realize $3,250,000,000, or
equal to our national debt, and this would only give them a barrel
apiece for an entire year! (Loud applause.) You must wake up to your
great destiny. You want population. China overflows with industry and
wealth.OREGON MUST LOOK TO CHINA. Let your politicians stand back. Can they stop the great river of progress, the laws of emigration, the ebbing and flowing of the tide? First came the Irish driven away, then the Germans, striking the Atlantic shore. Now rushes in the Chinese on the Pacific side like a torrent. Can Senator Casserly and your one-horse politicians mop back this living stream of humanity with their Tammany Hall broom? As well stop the moon's attraction or the shifting of the sun. (Applause.) You must have producer and consumer living together. Capital must work alongside with labor. Let the factor go up next the farm. Remember there are 800,000,000 of bellies to be fed in Asia, and today there are less than one million of American souls this side the Missouri River. (Sensation.) Open wide your door, and strike for wealth through China. Morning Oregonian, Portland, August 13, 1869, page 5 Read the entire speech here. CHANGE OF NAME.--Mr. Glenn has changed the name of the Valley Mill to the El Dorado Mills, and intends making the best flour in the valley. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, August 21, 1869, page 3 DELIGHTFUL CHANGE.--On Tuesday we were favored with a heavy sea breeze, that carried the smoke in a heavy bank to the eastward, leaving the atmosphere clear and bracing. The smoke had become so intense as to be quite oppressive, and the change is very agreeable. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, August 21, 1869, page 3 KEEP CLEAN!--If you want good health go to Dr. Overbeck's today and get a bath; you can get them regularly Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday, and anyone who takes a bath once a week will have no doctor bills to pay. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, August 21, 1869, page 3 The News says peaches are selling at $1.00 and $1.50 per bushel in Jacksonville. The forests of Butte Creek are being devastated, and the range for stock being burned out by the destroying element. Some of these fires are the effects of carelessness on the part of hunters--which merits severe reprehension if not moderate punishment; but when persons wantonly set fire to the woods, for the sake of a fire--as is said to have been the case on Butte Creek, where some emigrants from Salt Lake to the Willamette Valley deliberately crossed the creek to set fire to the timber--then no punishment known to the penal code is too severe.--News. State Rights Democrat, Albany, Oregon, August 21, 1869, page 2 PROPOSED CHANGE IN THE ROAD.--Last week Mr. Howard surveyed a new road over the hill between here and Applegate. He found that by grading three quarters of a mile an excellent road could be built having a grade of only fifteen inches to the road, while the present road has twenty-five inches to the rod. The tax of this road district for one season wold probably be more than sufficient to make the new road, and as it would enable teamsters to haul nearly double the load they do at present, we hope the Commissioners will give the matter a favorable consideration. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, August 28, 1869, page 2 NO LAWYERS.--Jas. D. Fay left for Salem yesterday to prepare for the Supreme Court. Next week all the rest will follow and we will enjoy a short season of peace. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, August 28, 1869, page 2 MORE FIRE.--On Monday last some miscreant set fire to the timber on Humbug Creek, a tributary of Applegate, and in a very few hours it had swept to the head of the creek, destroying all the grass in an excellent range. Several hundred cattle were wintered there last winter, and it is a shame that reckless individuals should wantonly destroy pasturage and escape without punishment. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, August 28, 1869, page 3 ROAD SURVEYED.--County Surveyor Howard has just completed the survey of the road from this place to the line of Josephine County. He makes the distance to Herling's 3 miles; to Logtown 5 miles; to Ray's 8¼ miles; to Benedict's 14 miles, and the whole distance from here to the line 19 miles and 36 rods. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, August 28, 1869, page 3 MANY YELLOWJACKETS.--These insects are a perfect pest here, this summer. We noticed an apple tree in Mr. Cardwell's orchard a few days ago that had been entirely stripped of its fruit by them and it is impossible to dry plums or peaches, as they are eaten up as fast as put out. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, August 28, 1869, page 3 SUPREME COURT.--Mr. Dowell and Mr. C. W. Kahler will leave for Salem on Friday next to attend to business in the Supreme Court, which meets on the 6th of September. The cases from this county are J. B. Pool vs. Wm. Buffum, executor of J. R. Pool; suit to set aside will. P. F. McManus vs. Owen and Papas; suit in equity to quiet title. They will probably be absent about two weeks. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, August 28, 1869, page 3 We get the following item from the Jacksonville Sentinel: The number of letters mailed from Jacksonville during the past month averaged seventy per day. "Oregon Items," Oregon State Journal, Eugene, Oregon, August 28, 1869, page 2 THE SHOOTING CASE.--The man Brown, who last Friday, impelled by jealousy, waylaid and shot Adney, gave himself up to the authorities last Wednesday, after hiding around in the neighborhood of the deed until that time. Notwithstanding Adney was reported dead, and a jury went out to sit upon his "corpus," he still lives, and insists that he will not die; though it will seem miraculous should he recover--being shot through and through the body above the hips. Brown is now a solitary occupant of the county jail, awaiting results; and will have plenty of leisure for meditation--his theme being probably the effects of rash acts.--Jacksonville News. State Rights Democrat, Albany, Oregon, August 28, 1869, page 3 ASSAULT AND BATTERY.--As there are several conflicting reports current, regarding the assault on George Jackson on Saturday night last, we give the statement of Mr. William Herron, who was a witness to the whole affair. It appears that a few words had passed between George Jackson, a peaceable citizen from the Valley, and Deputy Sheriff T. G. Owen, during the circus performance, and the latter remarked that he would see Jackson in the morning. After the performance, Jackson was passing along the sidewalk in front of Dr. Greenman's office, when Deputy Sheriff Owen, accompanied by a man named George Fletcher, overtook him. Owen slapped Jackson on the shoulder and said: "Here is the d---d son of a b." Jackson stood back and said: "Owen, I am unarmed, and want at least a fair show." Owen replied by striking at Jackson with a heavy club, breaking Jackson's arm with the first blow. Notwithstanding Jackson said he was crippled, the deputy sheriff struck him five or six blows more, and then in company with Fletcher left him. Dr. Overbeck set the wounded man's arm, which was very badly injured; and on Sunday morning he was taken out to John Herron's for treatment. Such is the statement of William Herron, corroborated by two other witnesses; and as the present state of feeling among the people will force a thorough investigation by the next grand jury, we make no comments but leave the public to draw their own conclusions. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, September 1, 1869, page 2 The Jacksonville Sentinel learns that the survey of the boundary line between this state and California has been finished. The surveyor, Mr. Major, found at the coast a difference of six miles between his survey and that of Major Truax--locating the line that distance south of the former survey, slightly increasing the territory belonging to Oregon. "The West," Morning Oregonian, Portland, September 2, 1869, page 2 The Breakwater.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
September 4, 1869, page
2
The late heavy storm here has left the breakwater on Jackson Creek in a
very bad condition. Indeed, as it is [it is] quite useless and the
lower end of town is in a very unprotected situation. The tremendous
body of water that comes down the creek brought an immense amount of
tailings with it, which were left above the breach in the breakwater to
be carried down still farther by the next freshet. We all know that if
the water is not confined in its passage through town, the tailings
will spread and then the water will run just where it pleases. Even the
county buildings are not safe if the present course of the creek is not
changed by repairing the breach, and it seems as if the county
commissioners might, with justice and propriety appropriate part of the
sum necessary for their protection. The breach is only fifty yards in
width, and, no doubt, can be repaired for less than $200. We hope to
see property owners take immediate steps in this matter; and hope the
county authorities will see it in the right light and assume a
proportionate share of the burden.
A WANT SUPPLIED.--Cawley & Reames have just received an elegant hearse from Yreka. It is not a gorgeous affair by any means, but neat and substantial. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, September 4, 1869, page 2 LOOK OUT.--The young gentlemen from the country who make a practice of getting drunk and cavorting through the streets of this town, whenever they think proper, are informed that the calaboose is ready for them. They have about played their string out and the marshal intends, in future, to pay very special attention to them. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, September 4, 1869, page 3 JACKSON COUNTY.--The Sentinel says that Wm. Mathews, of Jackson County, lost about 7,000 rails last week, by some parties setting fire to timber on Butte Creek.… Bowden & Miller have commenced crushing quartz rock from their lead on Jackson Creek. They expect a good cleanup.… Mr. Tod Cameron, living on Applegate Creek, in Jackson County, has an apple tree that is now in full bloom.… Jackson County has not had as much rain as we have had, but enough to extinguish the fires in the mountains. Oregon Statesman, Salem, September 8, 1869, page 2 NEW ROAD.--The County Commissioners have accepted the report of Surveyor Howard, and will direct that the road be graded over the Applegate Hill on the new survey. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, September 11, 1869, page 2 CATHOLIC ACADEMY.--We learn that this institution is in a flourishing condition, having forty-six boarding and day scholars. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, September 11, 1869, page 2 GOOD YIELD.--Mr. Lane of Phoenix brought us a hill of potatoes this week weighing just 15 pounds and not fully grown at that. They were raised on the ranch of Isaac Woolen and of the blue mashanic variety, dry and finely flavored, although raised by irrigation. This is the best yield we have heard of this season. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, September 11, 1869, page 3 The Sentinel says the people of Jacksonville had a regular spell of Oregon weather last week direct from Webfoot. The clouds were heavy and threatening, but little rain fell in the neighborhood. On the mountains, however, it has put out the fires, and the atmosphere is now clear and pleasant. "Oregon Items," Oregon State Journal, Eugene, Oregon, September 11, 1869, page 2 FLAG STAFF.--Mr. Horne, of the U.S. Hotel, is going to raise a fine flag pole, about seventy feet in height, in front of his premises today. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, September 18, 1869, page 2 THE Pool will case has been decided by the Supreme Court in favor of W. G. Buffum, the Court holding that a mark is sufficient signature to a will, where the intention is clear. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, September 18, 1869, page 2 BADLY DAMAGED.--We are informed by Mr. Henry Klippel that a large amount of goods for Jacksonville were damaged by the late accident to the Pacific. Glenn, Hoffman & Klippel, John Miller, Mrs. Levy and Wm. Boyer, of Jacksonville, and Messrs. Sturgis and Kubli of Applegate are among the losers. It appears that the steamer was running in a fog and struck a rock, making about thirty inches of water. Insurance does not cover partial damage in such cases; so the parties above named are "out and injured." Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, September 18, 1869, page 3 DISTRESSING ACCIDENT.--We are sorry to record a terrible accident that occurred at Sterlingville on Saturday last, by which Gilford B. Comstock was almost instantly killed. It appears that Mr. Comstock was out with a hunting party, one of which was his brother-in-law, Josiah Burrell, and that on the evening previous caution was given to all the party, accidents in the brush having been the subject of conversation. Early in the morning the party separated, and Burrell soon jumped up a deer at about 70 yards distance. Firing at the deer he missed it, and while endeavoring to get another shot, he found that Comstock had been in range and had been mortally wounded. Comstock had evidently been trying to get a shot at the same deer and holding his gun close to his side, as the hammer was knocked off by the ball from Burrell's rifle, before it passed through him. When Burrell found him, he said, "you have shot me," and those were the last words of the unfortunate man, as he expired in a short time after. Mr. Comstock was respected by all the community, and leaves a widow and one child. No one feels more distressed at the shocking accident than Mr. Burrell, and the sad result is another warning to hunting parties to use extraordinary care against such occurrences. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, September 18, 1869, page 2 Near Jacksonville, Oregon, on the 11th instant, James Brown shot and killed John Adney. Jealousy on the part of Brown, on account of supposed attention paid to his wife by Adney, was the cause. "Social Crimes and Incidents," The Universe: A Weekly Journal, Chicago, September 18, 1869, page 98 JACKSON COUNTY.--Mr. O. D. Applegate communicates to us the following items of news, received by correspondence from Jackson county. Accidentally Shot.--G. Comstock, Esq., of Applegate, in Jackson County, was shot dead a few days ago under the following circumstances: He was hunting with his brother-in-law, from whom he had become separated, when the latter seeing an object moving in the brush, which he supposed to be a deer, fired, and discovered, to his inexpressible horror, that he had killed Mr. Comstock. Mr. Comstock was a young man of excellent character and his loss is mourned by the community. Another Accidental Shot.--A stranger accidentally fired his gun a few days ago in the bar room of the Ashland House, the gun being in a vertical position. The ball grazed his head, passed through the ceiling, through a bed upstairs from which a man had just risen, and then through the roof. Oregon Statesman, Salem, September 18, 1869, page 2 SHOT BY MISTAKE.--G. B. Comstock and Silas Burr [Josiah Wiley Burrell] were out hunting near Sterlingville, Jackson County, Oregon, on the 11th inst. Burr, mistaking Comstock for a deer, shot and instantly killed him. Albany Register, September 18, 1869, page 4 OREGON.
Parties are examining the sugar pine forests along Rogue River with a
view of cutting the timber and rafting it down to the coast.
The Jacksonville Sentinel threatens citizens of that place with prosecution unless they extinguish the cockleburs on their premises as required by law. Some of the ranchmen in Jackson County are troubled by a grizzly. It frequently comes down from the mountains and takes a calf for breakfast; and only a few days since regaled itself with a full-grown cow. Aaron Chambers, an old settler of Rogue River Valley, died on the 14th inst. His widow, says the Sentinel, has her full share of affliction. She saw her first husband, Mr. Harris, murdered by the Indians in this valley. On the same dreadful night her little son disappeared and was never heard of. Two years ago, her son-in-law, John Love, died; and last winter her only daughter, Mrs. Love, and one of her grandchildren were carried off by the smallpox. She is now left alone with three remaining grandchildren. A writer at the Klamath Agency sends a letter to the Sentinel cautioning the people to be on their guard there against the Snake Indians. It is true, he says, that they "are not engaged in hostility now, but the point is this: There are now some 1,200 Snakes at large in their old range, and if they are not taken charge of, is it to be supposed that they have sufficiently repented of their past acts to make it safe for defenseless families to settle in their country? If so, I am mistaken in the Indian character, although I have been acquainted with it for the last twenty-five years." Morning Oregonian, Portland, September 22, 1869, page 3 SHORT OF WATER.--The quartz mill is only crushing rock every other day, on account of scarcity of water. The company are still getting out rock, which is said to look very well. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
September 25, 1869, page
3
Grain Prospects.
The demand for wheat in this valley at the present time is not very
brisk. Farmers are holding at seventy-five cents per bushel, and we
understand that the millers have purchased some at that figure. Even if
the sale were ready, this rate is not remunerative. To be in proportion
with the wages of labor and other cost production in this locality,
farmers should have at least one dollar for every bushel of wheat they
raise, and it seems strange that they will continue to sow and reap,
year after year, at ruinous rates. Our farmers see in the prospective
building of a railroad through this valley a market for grain, but they
miscalculate. The companies that build the road are allowed until 1875
to finish it, and it is reasonable to presume that, as we are about
midway, we will derive little benefit from it until it is completed.
This, then, gives no encouragement for the production of grain, and it
would seem shrewd in us to pay more attention to the raising of beef,
which is easy of transportation and always in demand. The complaints
that grain is dull are not confined to this locality. In Northern
Oregon there is little sale for it at fifty cents, and in California
there is a very light demand. If farmers would set on these hints for
one season, they could command a fair price for their grain, and not be
continually depending on a glutted market.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
October 2, 1869, page
2
Oregon Abroad.
We give the following extract from a letter of Capt. Sprague, from
Sunbury, Ohio, to Mr. Langell, of this place, which shows how little
Oregon is known abroad. "Oregon only wants to be known to be
appreciated. Numbers of intelligent people think it is a cold desert,
some do not even know that it is a state, nor where it is. It would pay
the state to appropriate money to send a good lecturer through the
Eastern States. Hundreds of thousands are going to Kansas, Colorado,
and other western places, many of whom would go to Oregon if they were
properly instructed. The papers are filled with California, since the
road was finished; all visitors are in raptures over it, yet Oregon is
the best of the two. People will crowd around me to hear me talk about
Oregon, and many have expressed a desire to go there. Stick to it--you
will be sorry if you ever leave it."
THE BREAKWATER.--Has anything been done towards repairing the breakwater which was damaged by the August storm? The work is a public necessity concerning the whole town; as in case of a flood the town buildings are in danger of being washed away. Since we called attention to this matter several weeks ago we have learned that the County Commissioners are willing to make a small appropriation, and no doubt the town authorities will do so too, thus lightening the burden of the property owners on the creek. It is time someone took the matter in hand, as the rainy season is near. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
October 2, 1869, page
2
THE Ashland factory is now at work on a large blanket order for Klamath Agency. We are glad to know this; as every dollar's worth of goods purchased there is adding just so much to the wealth of this valley. People would do well to bear this in mind; and certainly the fabrics made there are good enough for anyone to wear. They can now be found at any store in this place. But them and keep your money at home, and some of it may find its way into your pocket again. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
October 2, 1869, page
2
PAINTING.--Mr. J. M. Sutton is engaged on an oil painting of the beautiful and picturesque falls of Rogue River, which bids fair, when finished, to be a very creditable and artistic production. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
October 2, 1869, page
2
ROAD CHANGED.--We notice that Mr. Wm. Bybee is changing the public road in front of his residence--locating it further east. We understand that the old road is not a legal one, never having been surveyed, but it has been recognized as a public thoroughfare, and much labor has been expended on it. This being the fact, it is presumed that Mr. Bybee will put the new road in as good condition as the old; especially as the change is a matter of convenience to him, and immaterial to the public. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
October 2, 1869, page
3
FULL STORE.--Hoffman & Klippel, under the Odd Fellows Hall, have the fullest and most complete assortment of goods in their line. They have any amount of tin, stove, and copperware, and a good supply of the submerged pumps that are now used so extensively here. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
October 2, 1869, page
3
REAL ESTATE SALE.--The Catholic Sisters of this place have purchased the handsome residence of Mr. John S. Drum for an academy. The purchase includes four acres of ground, the consideration being $2,500. We understand that they do not take possession till spring. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
October 2, 1869, page
3
FREIGHT.--Teams loaded with goods for the merchants of this place continue to arrive from Crescent City. If these old observers of the times are not mistaken, we shall have lively times this winter. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
October 16, 1869, page
3
We learn from Spaulding, the stage driver to Jacksonville, that a
destructive fire has been raging on both sides of Siskiyou Mountain,
and that he had considerable trouble in getting over last Sunday, being
obliged several times to cut away fallen trees. The origin seems to be
from a camp fire left carelessly burning near the top of the mountain.
A vast amount of valuable timber has thus been destroyed, which ought
to be protected by more stringent laws from such careless action on the
part of travelers.
JACKSON COUNTY.--The News says that R. H. Dunlap, of Ashland, while out on Evans Creek, found an immense bed of stone coal. The coal is of a superior quality, and in such quantities as to supply this section of country for an unlimited number of years.… The same paper represents that the town of Ashland is a thriving place, and furnishes employment for every inhabitant so that they have no such luxury as loafers in the village.… The Sentinel says that the postmaster at Applegate has resigned, and recommends that the office be discontinued.… Jas. Sutton has painted a picture of the falls on Rogue River which he offers to sell for fifty dollars. The Sentinel thinks it is worth $10,000.… The Oro Grande Mining Company has struck a large quartz lead on Applegate, in Josephine County, which prospects well in free gold. The vein is twelve feet wide and dips to the northward. "General News," Oregon Statesman, Salem, October 22, 1869, page 2 THE Court House is just receiving a new coat of paint, and promises to look quite respectable when the process is completed. It has been sadly needed for a long time, and we think the undertaking both wise and seasonable. BATHS.--Those in want of a good washing (and who is not?) should patronize Dr. Overbeck's Bathing Rooms. They are well arranged, and neatly kept. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
October 23, 1869, page
3
CIDER.--This office is under obligations to Sergeant Dunlap, of this place, for a large bucket of nice cider. It was some of the Sergeant's own manufacture, and was just as good as anybody's. We are much in favor of patronizing the Sergeant's liberality. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
October 23, 1869, page
3
BEAT THAT.--T. J. Allen, formerly of Portland, over 50 years of age, walked in one day, last week 65 miles, from what is called the "Mountain House," on the Crescent City road, to Tom Beall's farm in Rogue River Valley. Beat that, young men with high-heeled boots, if you can. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
October 23, 1869, page
3
Sentinel.
The following numbers of the Sentinel
are missing, and for every five numbers I will give
a year's subscription to the Sentinel.
I wish to get full files, and I hope the friends of
the Sentinel will
look them up, and forward them by mail. Send one of them, if you have
no more. I will give 50 cents apiece in cash for any of the missing
numbers.
1. Vol.--Nos. 1, 2, 3, 20, 24, 25. 2. Vol.--All missing. 3. Vol.--Nos. 8, 48. 4. Vol.--Nos. 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 ,19, 20, 21, 23, 24,25, 26, 27, 29, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52. 5. Vol--All missing, except No. 2, 23, 24, 27, 30, 45. 6. Vol.--Nos. 9, 40 missing. 7. Vol.--Nos. 16, 57, 58, 59, 66 missing. 8. Vol.--Nos. 47, 83 missing. 9. Vol.--No. 29 missing 10. Vol.--No. 48 missing. 11. Vol.--No. 25 missing. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
October 23, 1869, page
3
SERIOUS ACCIDENT.--A Jacksonville (Oregon) dispatch of the 23rd says: While Walter Myer, son of B. Myer, of this county, was crossing the bridge across Rogue River at Rock Point, this evening, in a buggy, accompanied by his sister and Miss Emma Beach, his team became unmanageable and backed off the bridge, falling upon the rocks below. Myer and Miss Beach saved themselves by springing from the vehicle. Miss Myer is reported fatally injured. Both horses were killed and the buggy almost demolished. Sacramento Bee, October 25, 1869, page 1 STARTLING ACCIDENT.--On last Saturday evening, as young Walter Myer, Miss Beach, and Miss Sarah Beeson, all residents of this section of country, were driving together in a two-horse buggy over the bridge at Rock Point, they met with quite a serious accident, and yet may well be thankful that it was no worse. It seems they had got nearly to this end of the bridge when the horses became unmanageable, and backed off with the buggy--falling some 16 feet on the rocks below. Myer and Miss Beach saved themselves by jumping out before the vehicle went over; but Miss Beeson went over with the buggy and team. She was but slightly injured, although one of the horses was killed; the other badly crippled; and the buggy smashed into a complete wreck. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, October 30, 1869, page 3 Apparently the inaccuracy of the earlier version can be blamed on the Rock Point telegrapher. TAILOR WANTED.--A letter to the "Labor Exchange" from a gentleman in business at Ashland Mills says there is not a tailor shop in Jackson County. Ashland Mills is a thriving business point and offers a first-rate opening for a man to commence a business of that kind. Morning Oregonian, Portland, November 2, 1869, page 3 Correspondence.
JACKSONVILLE,
Nov. 1, 1869.
ED. SENTINEL.--The
mineral resources of our county are of such vital importance, not only
to the miner, but to the merchant and farmer as well, that with
pleasure I give you the opinion of a practical miner in regard to the
mineral wealth in our close proximity.The placer mines of our early days, as far as water could be obtained, are exhausted; our population, as well as our agricultural products, are increasing; why should we not try to bring the hidden mineral treasures to daylight, and to develop those mines that are only waiting for the energetic miner; and the cry of "hard times" will cease. The chain of mountains from the head of Jackson Creek down to Rogue River show, after a close examination, the same strata of wash and cement gravel, that on places, in the course of time, has been laid bare by the intervening streams, removed, partly, by great slides from the original position; while in other places it lays deep in the mountains, where it takes time and money to extract it. But of more lasting benefit will be the quartz mining, if ever capitalists can be induced to invest in our mines. None of our ledges have been thoroughly tested, no greater depth than a hundred feet has been obtained, and that only in the Timber Gulch ledge, with satisfaction to the owners of that ledge. Why not go down into the bowels of the earth, and see what our mines are worth? But it is easier said than done. A man that preempts a piece of uncultivated land must have time, perseverance, and capital to make it productive, and the more he invests on it the greater the value, the greater the produce. Just so with a gold-bearing quartz ledge. It takes time, many a hard lick, and capital to open the same; the quicker it is opened, the sooner will there be a productive result. There are plenty of ledges here that would pay well if they were properly worked; there are plenty of steady, energetic, industrious miners here to do the work, if they had assistance from the merchant, the farmer, the capitalist. There are plenty of men here willing to work, if they had a prospect to be paid eventually for their work; and the ringing of the pick, the thunder of the blast would bring a new impulse into our community, similar to the early days of our mining, now nearly forgotten. A MINER.
OWEN AND SHIPLEY.--Alfred Owen filed a complaint, last week, against T. H. B. Shipley, Superintendent of Common Schools, before James R. Wade, J.P., charging Mr. Shipley with making two assaults on him with a dangerous weapon, on the 1st of November, 1866. The Justice bound him over in both cases for his appearance in the Circuit Court in the sum of one hundred dollars. Justice Wade, on Thursday last, also tried the case of the State vs. Thomas G. Owen for an assault with a dangerous weapon on George S. Jackson in September last, and bound him over for his appearance to the next term of the Circuit Court. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
November 6, 1869, page
3
We stated last week that there were two cases against T. H. B. Shipley for assaults with dangerous weapons upon Alfred Owen, more than three years ago. The prosecuting witness swore he committed the first assault in both instances, and Thomas G. Owen, his brother, swore he drew his pistol on Shipley during the first encounter. The statute of limitations prohibits prosecutions of this kind after three years; therefore, on both grounds, the grand jury returned both cases not true bills, and the prisoner was discharged. These cases look more like malicious prosecutions than any suits we have ever seen in this court. To say the least, the prosecutor committed the first crime, and he neglected to prosecute Shipley until it was impossible for the grand jury to indict the prosecutor or his brother for their offenses before they would be barred by the statute of limitations. Judge Marey, of New York, says of such prosecutions that "where the alleged offender is accessible to justice, prosecutions should not be unnecessarily delayed. Such delays do not often take place from worthy motives. Charges are often kept suspended over the heads of the accused to subserve the ends of the accuser, and the accused kept in a state of moral slavery, to which no human being should be subjected. It is true that stale prosecutions are looked upon with an unfavorable eye by courts and juries, but the very existence of this feeling in criminal tribunals is a strong argument in itself in favor of reasonable limitations in criminal prosecutions." However, the prosecutor in the fight got badly cut, which laid him up for a month. We hope it will be a warning to him, and that he will not be found abusing and assaulting his equals again without cause or provocation. A statement of the matter by Mr. Shipley will be found in today's issue. "The
Circuit Court," Oregon
Sentinel, Jacksonville, November 13, 1869, page
3
Justice's Court.
Jacksonville,
Nov. 1, 1869.
State
vs. T. H. B. Shipley--Affidavit for an assault with a deadly weapon.The defendant pleaded not guilty, and made the following statement: On November 1st, 1866, I was in the employ of Sachs Bros., in the town of Jacksonville, Jackson County, Oregon. I knew Mr. A. P. Owen, and the most friendly relations existed between us up to about half-past six o'clock p.m. Mr. Owen came into the store in the afternoon of said day, Nov. 1st, 1866, and asked me if I was going to attend the party that evening. I told him that I had not as yet determined whether to go or not. He insisted that I should promise him to attend, as he was going to quit party-going after that night. About six o'clock in the evening he came into the store, dressed, ready to attend the ball, and remarked to me, "Ship, let us go into the cellar and take a drink." We went into the cellar and took a drink, passing the usual social "good luck," after which Mr. Owen left the store and started for his partner. I was soon after called to put up a bill of groceries for someone, and while engaged at that Mr. Owen returned. He walked back into the store where I was engaged at my business--looking scornful and full of anger, so much so as to cause Mr. Samuel Sachs to ask him, "Al., what is the matter with you?" He replied, "That s-- of a b---- has been meddling with my business," pointing at me. I replied, "What do you mean," somewhat astonished at his remarks--when he boisterously exclaimed, "Shipley, G-- d--- you--you know you done it, you d----- s-- of a b----, and I am going to whip you this night, or Grundy shall" (meaning his brother). He then started to leave the store, and I followed him to the front door, demanding of him what he meant by abusing me so. He made no explanation whatever, but crossed over the street to the store of Glenn, Drum & Co., where he met A. H. Martin at the door, and commenced telling him that the d----- s-- of a b---- had told Hattie Thompson (his partner) that he was going to fool her, and that when he called for her she was not ready to attend the ball. I never made any representations whatever to Miss Hattie Thompson upon the subject. Feeling considerably excited, and knowing that I had been most barbarously and ungentlemanly treated, I walked back into the store and picked up a knife and put it into my coat pocket. I met a friend soon after leaving the store and told him about the affair, and he gave me his pistol. After mature deliberation, I concluded that I had a right to attend the ball, and started for my room to dress myself (that being at the hotel, as I boarded and lodged there at the time). At the ticket stand I met Mr. Owen and remarked to him, "Al., explain to me why you have abused me so tonight," whereupon he made for me most viciously, and I prepared for self-defense. I was surrounded instantly by a number of persons, my arms thrown above my head, and an attempt made to wrench my weapon from my grasp. Grundy Owen, at present Deputy Sheriff, grabbed me around the neck and bore a derringer against the side of my face, remarking, "Give up, you s-- of a b----, or I will kill you." I let go the pistol, and got away. How I effected an escape I am unable to explain. I got away, however, and passed out of the hotel and down to the corner of the Sentinel office, and around to Row's store, where Caro keeps at present. I remained there some time; I cannot tell how long. Presuming everything quiet and the way clear, I started to go to my room at the hotel. I walked quietly along down the street, and just as I passed the door of Glenn, Drum & Co.'s store, I heard running, and someone exclaim, "Here goes the s-- of a b----." On looking around I discovered Al. Owen with something in his hand which I took to be a gun, and knowing that he could shoot me before I could get away, I backed up against the door of the building, at present kept by Mr. Ullman, concluding to make the best defense in my power. The first lick he struck me was on the side of the forehead, cutting and bruising it considerably, and rendering me partially insensible. When I regained my thoughts, I found that I was some distance from the place where he first struck me, and still receiving blows upon my face and head. Knowing that his brother would be there in a moment, and my life at stake, I drew my knife and struck in self-defense. Owen exclaimed, "He has killed me, he has got a knife." I remarked, "It is your own fault; if you had left me alone I would not have done it." I stepped into the saloon and was asked by Asher Wall, who was behind the bar, to take some brandy. He remarked, "Take a drink quick and go. T. G. Owen was in here hunting you, swearing he would kill you." I left, and went to Mr. Brennan's and took a bed for the night, and next morning surrendered myself to G. M. Banks, City Marshal, who informed me he had no use for me. I have been in Jacksonville, Jackson County, Oregon, ever since. T.
H. B. SHIPLEY.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
November, 13, 1869, page 3STATE ITEMS.
Dr. Overbeck, says the Jacksonville Sentinel, was
thrown from his buggy on the 30th ult., receiving a pretty severe gash
on his head, and a painful bruise on his leg.At Jacksonville on the 5th inst., as James Cardwell was driving along the street in front of the court house, his horse shied and ran the buggy against the fence, smashing the vehicle and throwing James to the ground. Nobody hurt. On the 29th ult., at Cooper's Ford, Rogue River, a boy aged eight years named Triplet is supposed to have been drowned while attempting to wade the river. According to the Sentinel parties had been searching the river for the corpse ever since, but without avail up to the 6th. A man named Chas. Wright was arrested last week for assault with a deadly weapon on the city marshal of Jacksonville, Asher Wall. He gave bonds and was released from custody. The Jacksonville News says that a huge grizzly, whose track measures eleven inches in length and ten in width, has been destroying fat hogs in the suburbs of Ashland of late. A powerful trap has been set for him. Mr. Eli Durbin, who was killed near Jacksonville on the 5th inst. by his team running off and upsetting the wagon on the side of a steep hill, leaves a wife and one child. Albany Register, November 13, 1869, page 2 JACKSON COUNTY.--The Sentinel has this: Circuit Court commenced on Monday the 8th; but owing to illness in the family of Judge Prim, after empaneling the jury he adjourned the court. There are seven divorce cases, ten other civil actions, and twelve indictments, half of them against absentees. Four of the remainder are for felonious assaults.… On Thursday night last, someone entered the store of John Walters, on Oregon Street, and took out a cigar box containing about four hundred dollars. The News has improved by reducing its size, and says that it won't die, but if it does it knows that "whom the gods love die young."… The same paper publishes Dorris' scurrilous attack on Judge Kelsay in full.… It also says that skunks are very troublesome in Jacksonville. Can there be any connection between these three items? Oregon Statesman, Salem, November 19, 1869, page 2 (From the News.)
PATENT GATE.--Mr.
Patterson of Phoenix has purchased of a gentleman from California the
right of making certain patent gates in Jackson County. The gate is so
constructed that a wagon on approaching it runs over a spring, which
causes the gate to open; and in passing out the wheel strikes another
spring, which causes it to close, then rendering it unnecessary for the
driver to dismount or event halt.ANOTHER ROBBERY.--It is reported that on Thursday night some daring thief entered the Union Bakery, during Mr. Walter's absence, and relieved the drawer of about $400, gold coin. HOG DRIVING.--Mr. William Bybee started 300 fat hogs to Happy Camp this week. Jackson County is a heavy exporter of livestock. State Rights Democrat, Albany, Oregon, November 19, 1869, page 3 Correspondence.
CAMP
HARNEY, Oregon,
As it appears to be generally understood that the expedition to which I
have the honor to belong was sent out for the purpose of collecting and
removing, if found practicable, the many bands of Snake or Piute
Indians at this time scattered from Sprague River, Klamath Agency, to
the Malheur north, and to Camp Bidwell, Nevada, south, on to a
reservation. And as the readers of the Sentinel, in
common with all good citizens, have a general interest in this
enterprise, I will attempt briefly to give you a statement, imperfect
as I fear it may be, of the situation as we find it.Oct. 26, 1869. On Sprague River we find one hundred Snake Indians under Chiefs "Enkaltoik" and "Chocktoot." This band is closely connected with the Warner band, and formerly, in company with them, inhabited the "Chewaucan" or Summer Lake country. Taking with us from Sprague River "Chocktoot" and five of his leading men, we reached Camp Warner on the 15th ult. Here we found encamped near the garrison 140 Indians under a young chief named "Ocheho," a very smart fellow. In conversation with Ocheho we learn that many of his people have been in and about Surprise Valley; and it is true beyond dispute that his people are more or less connected with the Indians about Bidwell. We heard here many reports in regard to the "Deep Hole" murder, which took place in July last, and for which some suspected parties are now confined at Camp Bidwell. The Warner Indians are more or less related to those under Big Chief "Weahwewa," who surrendered at Camp Harney. Accompanied by "Ocheho," we left Camp Warner on the 18th for this place, reaching here on the 21st, traveling one hundred and fifty miles, over a miserable sage plain, in three days. Fifteen miles from Warner we see the last water a human being can drink for the next eighty miles, and not a stick of timber is to be had the entire route bigger than sagebrush. We had expected at this Post to find five or six hundred "very peaceable Piutes"--but were sadly disappointed, finding in fact, six miles from the garrison, only about fifty or sixty people; and were informed that was all that had come in yet, having had notice some ten or fifteen days to meet here on the 25th. Chiefs "Winnemucca" and "Weahwewa," with fifteen or twenty of their head men, met the Superintendent, and listened to such a speech as I dare say they had never heard from a "big white chief" before. His frank, open and yet firm statement of facts and things pleased them very much--every word seemed to inspire confidence and force conviction. From these chiefs we learn the fact that their people are scattered over a vast region of country, reaching from Bidwell via Steen's Mountain to Malheur and Willow Creek mines near Auburn. "Winnemucca" said some of his people were in jail at Bidwell, proving beyond doubt what has often been disputed, that these Indians as a tribe were in greater danger of being dragged into hostility by being allowed to straggle around and provide for themselves. The Superintendent has a heavy and hard task before him in collecting these people. Many untrue and exaggerated stories have been circulated among them, calculated to prejudice them against going onto a reservation, and nothing but indomitable energy and perseverance can possibly lead to success. As this letter has already outgrown my expectations, and is probably fast exhausting your patience, I must close, reluctant as I am before mentioning the many favors and hospitalities we have shared at the hands of the gentlemanly officers both here and at Camp Warner. YAI
NOX. [Yainax]
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
November 20, 1869, page
1
SMALLPOX.--The Jacksonville News says rumor was current last week at that place that a child on Wagner Creek had taken the smallpox from some old clothes--improperly exposed--which had been used last winter, in a house where there had been several cases of this disease; but now a contradictory report reaches us that it was only a case of fever, which we trust is correct. Once more, then, be cautious! Better that a cargo of old clothes, or a half a dozen old houses, were burned to ashes than that this disease come among us again. Marysville Daily Appeal, Marysville, California, November 23, 1869, page 3 JACKSON COUNTY.--We learn from the News that parties at Jacksonville have discovered some splendid quartz, very fine quartz indeed, but no gold in it. Pack trains and wagons have all returned satisfied.… A man named Young was thrown from his horse in the Overbeck Grove and had his ear so badly smashed that amputation was necessary.… Skunks are still numerous; they have chased several ladies off the street.… The smallpox scare at Wagner was a false alarm.… Game is very plentiful there as elsewhere.… The steamer has ceased calling at Crescent City.… James D. Fay sues Josephine County to compel payment of a county warrant in coin.… The Sentinel says the Chinese miners are about ready to commence work, the rains having furnished water to begin with.… Mr. Chappel of Applegate raised from one Early Rose potato 260 pounds, and from one pound of Norway oats 5¼ bushels. Oregon Statesman, Salem, November 26, 1869, page 2 STATE ITEMS.
Albany
Register, Albany, Oregon, November 27, 1869, page 3
From the Jacksonville Sentinel
of the 20th we learn that Mrs. N. M. Wade obtained a decree of divorce
last week, on the ground of cruel and inhuman treatment.
Also that Mr. Campbell on Applegate, Jackson County, raised on his farm this season, from one pound of Early Rose potatoes, 260 pounds. Also, from one pound of Norway oats, 5½ bushels. Who can beat that? The same paper says: [From] Mr. Colwell, of the Crescent City stage line, we learn that a young man, 17 or 18 years of age, was drowned in Illinois River, Josephine County, a few days since. His name was William Wakeman. He was endeavoring to cross the river on horseback when the accident occurred. His body had not, up to the latest information, been recovered. The News reports a big sell in the way of a big quartz lead. "All is not gold that glitters"--as in this case the glittering stuff turned out to be "mica." Rev. Mr. Driver preached the Thanksgiving sermon in the Jacksonville M.E. church. Jacksonville complains with being overrun with skunks. Owen and Shipley, and Sheriff
Reames.
Our report of the 13th inst. of the proceedings of the Circuit Court in
the two cases against Shipley commenced by Alfred Owen, and the case
against Thomas G. Owen, Deputy Sheriff, created quite a sensation in
Democratic circles. In a few hours after the paper was out, Thomas G.
Reames, Sheriff of this county, met us, and inquired why we described
Owen as Deputy Sheriff, and ordered his paper to be stopped and his
advertisement as the keeper of the quasi
"Union Livery Stable" to be discontinued.
We think Sheriff Reames very sensitive. We simply stated that the grand jury had found a true bill for an assault with a dangerous weapon against Thomas G. Owen, Deputy Sheriff of this county, without saying who was Sheriff, or who appointed him to office, and as the case will still be investigated by a petit jury, we did not say whether he was guilty or innocent. We expect no Democrats to patronize the Sentinel that do not think it to their interest to do so. Our columns are crowded with advertisements, and we think that Mr. Reames may find that the Sentinel has been as much or more advantage to his livery stable as his advertisement has ever been to the Sentinel. It may be that Mr. Reames knows the old adage that "a guilty conscience needs no accuser" is strictly applicable to himself. He appointed Thomas G. Owen to office after he ought to have known he had drawn his derringer during the affray between his brother and Shipley. We know the grand jury found the bill, and Sheriff Reames may believe he is guilty; yet he is still Deputy Sheriff. This, perchance, is the cause of his sensitiveness. You may stop your paper, and stop your advertisement; but you can't stop mine, nor can you muzzle the press. The Sentinel can live without your aid; and it will chronicle and condemn crime in whatever form it makes its appearance. If it shows its head under judicial forms, or in high official places, it richly deserves and shall receive the strongest animadversion of the press. We have tried to run the Sentinel for the good of society, and not for the benefit of any particular individual. We have no political sympathy for Mr. Shipley. Shipley, Owen and the Sheriff are all Democrats. We only published records and chronicled facts, with legitimate and appropriate conclusions from these facts. The material facts that Alfred Owen commenced both fights, that Shipley in the second instance got the best of the fight, and Owen delayed nearly three years before he commenced the prosecution, are not denied. We envy not the heart or brain of a man, or his aiders, advisers or abettors, who will commence two fights on the same night, get whipped, and after his crime is barred by the statute of limitations, commence a prosecution against the man who whipped, and thereby put the county to an enormous cost. Under these circumstances, if Sheriff Reames, Owen, their aiders, advisers or sympathizers don't like our comments, we say stop such crimes; stop breaking the peace of society; stop your stale or malicious prosecutions; stop unnecessarily running the county in debt, and you will not find your names in the Sentinel. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
November 27, 1869, page
3
Deputy Sheriff Owen, of Jacksonville, arrived on the stage Monday night, bringing with him Jas. Brown, who was sentenced, at the recent term in that county, to serve three years in the Penitentiary on a conviction for assault with intent to kill. Brown was yesterday made over to the prison authorities and Owen returned home. "The City and Country," Oregon Statesman, Salem, December 3, 1869, page 3 Letter from Jackson County.
ASHLAND,
Oregon, Nov. 1, 1869.
ED. OREGONIAN:
A few days ago I sent a communication to the Sentinel for
publication, which was favorably received by the editor. A few copies
of the paper containing it were printed off, when it was discovered by
the business manager, who is slightly prejudiced in favor of the person
to whom it mostly alluded. He had it taken out and the paper
reconstructed, and I am therefore compelled to seek a paper whose
columns are always open for exposing evils and corruptions from all
sources. No doubt you have by this time heard of the cowardly attack
made by our deputy sheriff upon the person of George Jackson, a
peaceable citizen whose respectability cannot be questioned, resulting
in the breaking of his arm and otherwise injuring him. It would be well
to explain who this deputy sheriff (Owen) is. Fresh from Price's
army,
he fled to Mexico, whence he came to Jacksonville. It is supposed that
the Democracy of this county, in order to show their high appreciation
of his bravery and heroic deeds for the "Lost Cause," made him deputy
sheriff, instead of allowing any old Democratic citizen of
respectability to be appointed. His attack on Jackson was no doubt the
result of his ideas of "chivalry," as taught while fighting for the
defunct Confederacy; and as I am inclined to be charitable, I will say
that perhaps he was not so much to blame, as it was the result of habit
and education. He is now under arrest and in the hands of the Sheriff,
yet he is exercising all the functions of his office, riding over the
country and summoning a jury for the November term of our court, who
will in all probability try him for a penitentiary offense. He is also
summoning witnesses who will testify for him. This, I believe, is what
they call Democratic justice in Jackson County. But is not such conduct
making a farce of both law and justice. I am glad to see that people
here with one voice condemn these outrageous acts on the part of the
officials. It is shameful to see their disregard for the good of our
county. Last year the assessable property fell short of the year before
by more than two hundred and fifty thousand dollars; and this year it
is less than last by twenty thousand. If the county were properly
assessed, its wealth, instead of falling off two hundred and seventy
thousand dollars in two years, would have been increased by that
amount. People here are getting tired of paying so roundly to cover the
delinquencies of the pets of that party.SIMON.
Weekly Oregonian, Nov.
20th.Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
December 4, 1869, page
1
Warm Climate.
Jacksonville is situated in latitude 42 degrees, 30 minutes north, yet
we have a very warm climate. During the week we have had several white
frosts, but the grass and vegetation is still green and beautiful. We
observed this morning in the flower gardens of Peter Britt, James T.
Glenn, B. F. Dowell, and others, roses and plenty of other flowers in
full bloom. The Sisters of Charity have plenty of grapes on their
vines, and two apple trees full of good winter apples. The farmers have
just commenced sowing their fall and winter wheat. We believe we have
the most delightful climate on the continent. It is not as wet here as
in the Willamette Valley, during the winter; it is warmer in the
summer, and the winters are always mild. We have resided here for
sixteen years, and during that time the rivers and creeks in the
valleys have never been frozen over. There has never been a winter cold
enough to get ice sufficient to fill an ice house, without going in the
mountains.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
December 4, 1869, page
2
"Simon."
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville,
December 4, 1869, page
2
On the outside [above]
will be found an article which we take from the Weekly Oregonian of
the 20th of Nov., over the unpretending nom de plume of
"Simon," in which there is an attempt to make a false impression
against the Sentinel about
not publishing a previous communication from his pen. The truth is we
are always glad to get truthful communications from our friends on any
item of news, and such articles have always found a place in the Sentinel;
but we have never knowingly published a falsehood, except for the
purpose of contradicting it. This is the reason why "Simon's"
communication of so much literary merit was excluded by the business
manager. It lied on Mr. Fletcher and Mr. Reames both; and we notice as
a significant fact, this scabby and anonymous expositor of popular
sentiment has left wholly out of his communication to the Oregonian even the
name of Mr. Fletcher, whom he assailed in the article furnished the Sentinel.
"Simon" knows very well that he lied in several very material portions of his communication to the Sentinel, and while he studiously avoids their repetition in this last effusion, he blames us for not furnishing a combination of lies and facts. It was not only the privilege but the duty of the managing agent to exclude from the columns of the Sentinel the lies of "Simon." This paper has always, under its present proprietor, been open to any candid and truthful statements of party abuses or official misconduct; but we will not knowingly make it an instrument for a malicious and irresponsible man to vent his cowardly personal spleen against anyone. Truth is more powerful than fiction. We learn Mr. Fletcher served in the Union army, and that he has been here about a year. Personally we know but little about him, but Thomas G. Reames, Sheriff of this county, we have known for a long time; we know he has plenty of personal political and official sins to answer for without making a falsehood the basis of an attack. OREGON ITEMS.
Oregon
State Journal, Eugene, December
4, 1869, page 2
Elder Martin
Peterson, of Jackson County, had a leg broken a few days ago.
The Sentinel says: Rev. I. D. Driver has been preaching to full houses in Jacksonville for several days. The Statesman of the 1st says: Deputy Sheriff Owen, of Jacksonville, arrived on the stage Monday night, bringing with him James Brown, who was sentenced at the last term in that county to serve three years in the penitentiary on a conviction for assault with intent to kill. Brown was yesterday made over to the prison authorities, and Owen returned home. Cases of typhoid and scarlet fevers have made their appearance in Jackson County, none proving fatal. The general health of the country is good. The News says that Brown, charged with assault with intent to kill Adney, has been found guilty and sentenced to three years in the penitentiary. Adney still lingers, and should he survive will be a cripple the balance of his days. Albany Register, Albany, Oregon, December 4, 1869, page 3 SCARLET FEVER.--A good many cases of this disease have appeared in Jacksonville recently, and several deaths. Father Blanchet has been quite ill for several days. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, December 11, 1869, page 3 Scarlet fever is prevailing to some extent in Jackson County. Dr. Overbeck lost a little son by this disease. Albany Register, Albany, Oregon, December 11, 1869, page 4 RARE FEAT.--On Christmas Day, at three o'clock in the afternoon, one of the most wonderful feats on record will be performed for the diversion of the good people of Jacksonville and vicinity, on the road in front of the courthouse. A man will pick up 100 potatoes, placed one yard apart, one by one, and carry each one separately, and place it in a basket at one end of the line, in 40 minutes. Distance gone over 7 miles We have the above from good authority. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, December 25, 1869, page 3 This was a promotional stunt for the McGinley Troupe, which attracted small attendance and worse reviews. CITY STYLE.--Madame Guilfoyle announces that hereafter her house will be kept open at all hours, day and night, and that square meals, lunches, oyster soups, etc., can be had there at all hours. Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, December 25, 1869, page 3 WONDERFUL FEAT.--This afternoon, at 3 o'clock, near the courthouse, a man will attempt the feat of picking up 100 potatoes, placed one yard apart in a straight line, and carrying them one at a time, and putting them in a basket placed at one end of the line. The distance will be about five miles and a half, and the time allowed, 40 minutes. Go! Democratic News, Jacksonville, December 25, 1869, page 3 NEW STATE.--This morning oceans of eggnog will be found at Pape & Savage's--free for all. Tonight, in keeping with their old custom, they will prepare a splendid lunch for their friends and patrons. Democratic News, Jacksonville, December 25, 1869, page 3 A GRAND LUNCH.--A grand lunch will be spread at the Railroad Saloon, on Christmas, at 8 o'clock P.M.; also, a lunch will be given at the same place, at 8 o'clock P.M. on New Year's Day. Democratic News, Jacksonville, December 25, 1869, page 3 CALL IN.--Warm drinks for the boys this morning at the El Dorado--proprietor's treat. Lunch tonight. Democratic News, Jacksonville, December 25, 1869, page 3 TABLE ROCK.--Wintjen & Helms expect their friends this morning. A "warm" reception has been proposed. Democratic News, Jacksonville, December 25, 1869, page 3 BELLA UNION.--The proprietor will pledge his numerous friends with a glass of "steaming hot" this morning. Call around. Democratic News, Jacksonville, December 25, 1869, page 3 A correspondent at Jacksonville, under date of Dec. 19th, informs us that the scarlet fever is prevalent at that town, and three deaths have occurred--all boys. It is remarkable that though two thirds of all the children affected are girls, no deaths have occurred among them. The fatality seems to attach entirely to the boys. "Oregon," Morning Oregonian, Portland, December 30, 1869, page 2 County Statistics for 1869.
We give below a
list of all the marriage contracted in the county, divorces applied
for, granted, refused or continued; together with the names of the
persons buried in the Jacksonville cemetery during the year 1869, as
furnished by the Sexton:
Marriages.
Jan. 14, 1869. John Justis and Mary Jane Roberts.
Feb. 22nd.--William Carll and Mary Eddens. March 5.--M. D. Childers and Nancy Lundy. March 1st.--Riley Philips and Mrs. Bertha Arnold. March 11th.--John B. Bowen and Mrs. Catherine Bellinger. March 22nd.--Thomas Brooks and Mary Jane Gillmore. March 29th.--David Peneger and Sarah L. Cox. April 10th.--Lew Burch and Lavinia Gordon. April 11th.--Martin H. Rountree and Julia Ann Cooper. May 3rd.--Thomas Giannini and Mrs. Norrissa Wilkinson. April 16th.--W. C. Daley and Lavinia Hambleton. June 3rd.--Wm. L. Neil and Prudence A. Parsons. June 10th.--Thomas Brown and Mrs. Florence R. Dews. June 14th.--James Purves and Arminda Stearns. June 20th.--William Kincaid and Orphelia Jane Evans. June 20th.--P. D. Hull and Sarah C. Rice. July 14th.--Edward DePeatt and Antoinette Fidler. July 22nd.--Abram Tenbrook and Mrs. Harriett Phettyplace. July 29th.--W. W. French and Mary E. Wilson. Aug. 2nd.--Andrew McNeil and Mary E. Matthews. Sept. 14th.--James M. Stow and Jane Vincent. Sept. 20th.--Silas Reynolds and Mary A. Saltmarsh.. Oct. 26th.--Francis Logg and Magdalena Hockenos. Nov. 4th.--J. S. March and Marsha M. Walker. Nov. 7th.--Wm. E. Center and Francis E. Gage. Nov. 9th.--Conant B. Briarly and Lucy Agnes Corcoran. Dec. 9th.--Thomas E. Nichols and L. Bradley. Dec. 12th.--Thomas B. Houston and Josephine Miller. Dec. 30th.--Minus Walker and Phoebe J. Erb. Divorces.
Helen M. Hards vs. James Hards, refused.
J. H. Bellenbrook vs. M. M. Bellenbrook, adultery, granted. Nancy S. Stow vs. A. J. Stow, adultery, dismissed. Nancy S. Stow vs. A. J. Stow, 2nd case, adultery, still pending. George Dodge vs. Jane Dodge, adultery, still pending. M. M. Wade vs. R. F. Wade, cruelty, granted. Jeannette Lacy vs. Jno. S. Lacy, cruelty, dismissed. M. E. McVay vs. B. McVay, adultery, granted. Jeanne Gilfoyle vs. John Gilfoyle, dismissed. Mary Smith vs. Ben. Smith, adultery, still pending. Thomas Brown vs. Florence R. Brown, adultery, still pending
Mortuary.
Democratic News, Jacksonville, January 8, 1870, page 3 Last revised October 29, 2024 |
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