MARTIN VROOMAN, M.D.
PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON,
MEDFORD, OREGON.
Calls promptly attended to at all hours.

FORDYCE--At his home in Medford precinct, Jan. 8th, 1885, George W. Fordyce, aged 44 years and ten months.
Ashland Tidings, January 16, 1885


    THE MEDFORD ROAD.--The Sentinel of last week had the following concerning the road wanted between Medford and Jacksonville: "For some time past citizens of Medford have been making efforts to get a straight road to Jacksonville whereby the distance between the two places would be considerably shortened. It seems, however, that different parties want different routes, and for this reason the county court again postponed the matter for the second time, appointing a new board of viewers to assess damages as follows: W. B. Kincaid, Fred Barneburg and M. Peterson. They will report at the February term, when some action will probably be taken. Our idea, personally speaking, would be to leave the old road as it is to a point beyond the Ish bridge and from there build a new road in an air line to Medford. The road from here to the Ish bridge is one of the best in the county at all seasons of the year, and to change it to a quagmire of black sticky seems to us ridiculous. A good road could be made from the point mentioned to Medford at small cost, and with the good road on this end and in the winter or any other season of the year a team could make the trip between the two places in less time than by any other 'straight road.' We hope the viewers and the county court will fully investigate this before deciding."
Ashland Tidings, January 16, 1885, page 3

    Superior brick in quantities to suit. For further particulars enquire of J. S. Howard, postmaster, or the undersigned.

    MEDFORD ITEMS.--Isaac Woolf, of Medford, was in town Wednesday and favored us with the following items of news from that place:
    Building still continues, and the people are expecting a large increase in the population of the town during the present year.
    Barnum & Sons are putting up three dwelling houses for rent, opposite their planing mill in the eastern part of town.
    Hoover Bros., who are preparing to move their tinning business from Phoenix, are building a shop on Main Street near the livery stable.
    A gentleman named Baker, recently from Los Angeles, Cal., is putting up a dwelling house north of the Central Hotel.
    Another gentleman, named Maule, a painter, a new arrival from Cleveland, Ohio, is building a dwelling house on 6th Street.
    F. B. Voorhies has sold his variety and notion store to Dougherty & Churchman, and has removed with his family to San Francisco.
    Thos. Kenney, of Jacksonville, has bought the harness and saddlery business of Mr. Rodgers, and Ed. Helms now has charge of the shop for him.
    There are 160 children of school age in Medford district. School has opened in the new school house with Mr. W. S. Gore as principal and Miss May Crain, assistant teacher.
    The proprietors of the Oakland Iron Foundry talk of removing their business to Medford.
    An effort will be made by a number of citizens who own adjacent lots to unite in building a block of brick stores during the coming season.
Ashland Tidings, January 23, 1885, page 3


    Medford is to have a paper to be called the Mirror, a good name for papers easily to be broken up, but whether suggestive in this case we do not know.
"Current Events," Albany Democrat, January 23, 1885, page 3


    NEW FIRM.--Thos. J. Kenney and Ed. Helms have formed a partnership and bought out Rodgers' harness and saddler shop at Medford, taking charge this week. Mr. Helms runs the Medford stand, Kenney remaining here.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 24, 1885, page 3


    The Medford Mirror, a new paper in our neighboring town, will make its appearance soon with R. G. Scroggs in charge.
    Madison Rodgers of Medford made us a pleasant call on Wednesday. He has quite the saddlery business at Medford and thinks of leaving the country soon.
    The report that Wm. Ulrich had sold out his interest in the saloon business at Medford proved a mistake and he can still be found at that popular resort.
    M. A. McGinnis has examined the Schumpf mine and declares the same to be a quartz ledge of considerable extent. He gives as his reasons several geological facts, the strongest of which is the dissimilarity of the walls that enclose the quartz.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 24, 1885, page 3


    There are 100 children of school age in Medford district. School has opened in the new schoolhouse, with Mr. W. S. Gore as principal and Miss May Crain assistant teacher.
"News of the Northwest," Morning Oregonian, Portland, January 26, 1885, page 4

    There is a petition before the county commissioners' court, signed by sixty or seventy taxpayers, praying for the location of a county road beginning at the bridge on Griffin Creek and running thence along the section line to Medford. This road is one that is needed badly, as it will shorten the distance between Jacksonville and Medford at least two miles, as compared with the present route. While it will cost the county some four or five hundred dollars for the right of way, still on account of the public necessity of a straight road between the two places, we hope the commissioners at their next session will order the award of damages paid and the road opened at once. We are informed by many that this is undoubtedly the cheapest, shortest and best route for a road that can be had, and therefore we favor its establishment.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 30, 1885, page 3

    The undersigned, who have located permanently at Medford, take pleasure in informing the public that they are now manufacturing Merriman's celebrated Iron-Tooth Harrow, which has been extensively used in Douglas County, and given perfect satisfaction elsewhere. Give them a trial and judge for yourself.
    We are also prepared to do all kinds of

    The following is a report of a public meeting held at Medford one evening last week, and the proceedings are furnished by the secretary. The meeting was held for the purpose of deciding on what steps should be taken in regard to Senator Miller's bill to give Josephine County four townships now belonging to Jackson County:
    EDITOR, SENTINEL: Meeting called to order by calling Gen. John E. Ross to the chair, and W. G. Kenney was chosen secretary.
    Mr. Bowditch in this remarks favors the cutting off of the four townships as provided in Miller's bill in order to head off Cameron's bill to annex Josephine to Jackson County. He thinks Grants Pass don't amount to anything anyway, to let them go and thrice welcome.
    Mr. Johnson follows in much the same strain and makes a vehement attack on Prim's integrity.
    Mr. Howard agrees exactly with Mr. Bowditch and warmly eulogizes the delegation from Ashland and moves the immediate circulation of a petition favoring the views of Senator Miller from Josephine County.
    Secretary was called upon to read a telegram from Hon. P. P. Prim which shows there is no danger in Cameron's bill being made a law.
    Mr. Bowditch again reviews the situation and ignores Prim's telegram, followed by Howard, Johnson and Lawton, who makes a general assault on all our representatives and favors a remonstrance for Senator Miller to bat our representatives over the head with.
    Hon. C. W. Broback delivers a scathing rebuke to the other side for the villainous attack made on our representatives and with all the fire of his eloquence was willing to stake his life on the honor and manhood of Senator Prim and was astonished at the ease [with which] the other side falls into the net of Miller's to disarm our representatives of the power vested in them, and warned the people not to be led away into captivity by the nice laid schemes of Miller's cunning.
    Chairman Ross made a stirring appeal to the good sense of the people and stripped the covering from Miller's carcass and held him up to the gaze of the curious, and favored no compromise of any kind--give them nothing and take nothing.
    B. W. Powell closes and was sorry that the gentleman from the rural districts of Ashland had become the willing dupes of Miller and had failed to see the trick till they had arrived at Medford, and that the telegram just received by Ross, Kenney and Broback exposed Miller's scheme, and showed his pity and contempt that there were men in the proud city of Medford ignorant enough to fold the nightgown of injured innocence about their delicate frames and cry pathetically "Miller's got us, let him have the four townships quick."
    Howard's motion was then stated by the chair and carried.
    Howard then moved that Miller and Lawton be appointed to circulate remonstrance. Carried.
    Meeting adjourned.
W. G. KENNEY, Sec.
COL. ROSS, Chairman.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 31, 1885, page 3

    Some poorly informed correspondent has been writing to the Oregonian from this valley and commits a number of blunders. Chief among them is that announcing the removal of the Rogue River Distilling Co.'s works to Medford. This company has no intention whatever of leaving Jacksonville; but, on the contrary, is making a number of substantial improvements here. Such prevarication is hardly edifying.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 6, 1885, page 3

    The Fruit-Growers Association of Southern Oregon will hold its next meeting at Medford on the 28th inst. We hope that everybody interested in fruitgrowing will attend. The objects of the association are quite important and affect nearly every resident in this section, either directly or indirectly.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 13, 1885, page 3

    Read the business advertisements of Medford! You will save money by dealing with the business men of Medford. The farmers, they will pay the highest price for his produce; and the miner, the highest price for his gold.
    No six-mile drayage [from the railroad at Medford to a store in Jacksonville] charged to consumer. If you want dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, groceries, hardware, drugs, paints and oils, building material, houses built, painting done, brick, farms to sell or rent, instruments of writing, such as deeds and mortgages, executed, money to borrow, farming implements, wagons, blacksmithing done, wagons and buggies made or repaired, a good meal or a good glass of wine, and lastly but not last, if you want pianos, organs, music, oil paintings--in short if you want any of the foregoing, come to Medford. Medford is the only place in Southern Oregon that can boast of a piano or organ enterprise. The very best pianos and the world-renowned Sterling organs can be bought at Medford. No town in Southern Oregon but Medford offers for sale genuine oil paintings. If you wish your homes made pleasant by bright pictures and sweet music, come to Medford and see the only enterprise of the kind offered in Southern Oregon.

    Citizens of Medford and subscribers to the Monitor, I thank you for your cordial welcome and hearty support. I greet you with this, the first issue of the Monitor, and hope I may be able to command your respect, and solicit your support in the future. I do not intend to give you treatises on morals rivaling those of a Socrates, or to astonish you with the eloquence of a Demosthenes, but simply desire to call your attention to the fact that I am here to represent the interests, not only of the citizens of Medford, but of the farmers, the miners, the mechanics, and the educational interests of the county. I shall endeavor to treat all with courtesy and justice. The principles of this paper will be, regardless of politics, for the people and will always try to be on the side of right--for the interest of all. I will not merely stop by slightly admonishing the aggressor, when the weak are oppressed by the strong and the rights of a respectable minority overlooked by the majority, but will agitate that the weak be protected and the rights of a minority guarded. If I may become so outspoken at times as to call [damaged line of type] politics, friends let your conclusions be just, and your criticisms in keeping with your better judgment, for I will only speak publicly on public questions after mature deliberation; and then I shall aim to instruct rather than to dictate.
    Fully conscious that a paper should be the oracle of a people and with Argus eye study their welfare and at all times freely discuss their interests, I will labor to make the columns of this paper both interesting and instructive. While a due regard will be paid to the honest opinions of all, I will not be found wanting in entering into a free discussion and analysis of such opinions, and of having and expressing opinions of my own. I will to the best of my ability, and in spite of all opposition and in the face of every threat, come from what source it will, agitate in the interest of the community. I will spare no pains in securing for the readers of the Monitor the latest and most valuable information both foreign and domestic, so you will pardon me should I fail to remind you that "it rained" or that "we need more rain," and many other things equally as useless to the reader in search of important and valuable thought; I would rather give such space, gratuitously, to some poor merchant or artisan who is struggling to build up an honest business, and to pay his taxes, and to clothe, feed, and educate his children.
    The age in which we live is one that is pushed onward and upward by independent thought, self-energy, and self-investigation. He who possesses none of these traits of character must ever remain bound in body and mind a slave to the eternal and blasting poison of ignorance and vice. Freedom of thought, freedom in the utterance of thought; freedom of conscience, freedom in acting in accordance with the dictates of conscience; freedom in the belief of divine worship, freedom in adhering to and the practicing of any creed or worship--these are the cornerstones, these the pillars upon which rests the magnetic center toward which all thoughtful eyes are turned, and around and about which gather the happy recollections of all that has been accomplished for the happiness and benefit of the human race--and these combined are to be the guiding principles of this paper.
    The Monitor will be ever ready to receive the productions of honest thought in the discussion of questions relative to the public welfare, but will positively refuse to accept for publication anything based upon personal animosity or spite that may injure the good name of another, and be of little or no interest to the community.

    Eggs are worth ten cents a doz.
    Our streets will soon be graded.
    The Monitor sent out 1000 copies this week.
    The farmers can sell smoked hams at good figures.
    Send a copy of the Monitor to your eastern friends.
    Messrs. Egan and Skeel have opened their new saloon.
    Fifty new buildings will soon be added to Medford.
    Flowers have been in bloom in many gardens all winter long.
    Fine chromos and oil paintings very cheap at J. C. Cowles'.
    Another slide delayed the mails Sunday and Monday last.
    The Masons at Linkville have fitted up their halls in fine style.
    Subscribe for the Monitor if you want a good western paper.
    Deeds, mortgages and other legal instruments neatly and accurately executed at the land office.
    Trout are plentiful in Rogue River now; many 12-pounders have been caught.
    A cattle cholera is killing hundreds of cattle on Half Moon Bay, San Mateo Co., Cal.
    The freight went north Tuesday morning loaded with the produce of the valley.
    Go to the ball tonight. The Wilson String Band will give you the worth of your money.
    The Klamath Star, edited by Bowdoin & Curtis, is a neat sheet and now lies upon our table.
    The joint session of the legislature failed to elect a Senator, and the responsibility now rests with the Governor.
    Tube paints, brushes, plaques, canvas, and a complete line of artists' goods at J. C. Cowles'.
    We saw a boy on the street who refused to obey his father. What will become of that boy?
    We need a band, and we are glad to hear that the boys are already doing something in that line.
    A fine assortment of wall pockets, corner brackets, shelves, parlor stands, etc., at J. C. Cowles'.
    Rev. A. M. Grimsley will preach at the Rock Point school house on the second Sunday in March.
    Rev. M. A. Williams holds services at Eagle Point Sunday morning at 11 o'clock.
    Fresh and reliable groceries and provisions always found at Woolf's Dry Goods & Grocery Store.
    Let us have the next teachers' Normal Institute at Medford. Nearly all the teachers are in favor of it.
    Winter has lost its fierceness east of the mountains, and many of the stock men have turned out their cattle.
    Mr. Scott Morris of Spikenard has received the greatest yield from the cultivation of the "Burbank."
    A number of advertisements has been unavoidably crowded out this week. They will appear in our next issue.
    O. H. Johnson will open a jewelry store next door to Dougherty's. He expects his goods by next week.
    The charter incorporating Medford passed the Senate Saturday. It is yet to receive the Governor's signature.
    Some of our new type, shipped from San Francisco by Palmer & Rey of Portland, has not yet come to hand.
    Mr. Barr brought to town last Wednesday a fine lot of cattle. If you want some good steak call at his shop.
    The Chinese new year passed off satisfactorily to the Celestials. They enjoyed themselves in their usual manner.
    Mr. Mensor of Jacksonville has purchased a lot in Medford and will soon commence the erection of a solid brick store.
    The renowned Sterling organ is the best. Do not buy any other. For sale at Chicago prices by J. C. Cowles.
    The new Baptist church at Ashland was dedicated last Sunday. Among those present was Rev. Dr. Baker of Salem.
    When you visit Medford don't fail to call on Bill and Ham at their Gem Saloon. They keep the finest saloon in Southern Oregon.
    Medford needs a flour mill, a jewelry store, a pail factory, a nail factory, a foundry, blast furnace, and a fruit commission house.
    Boys, stay at home and study your lessons in the evening. Nothing but misery will be the outgrowth of idleness and night carousals.
    If the public school is crowded send your boys to the private school by Prof. North. He will treat them well and teach them useful knowledge.
    When the new road is opened between here and Jacksonville the people of the latter place will not be obliged to walk so far to see the cars.
    Several fonts of display type have not yet come to hand, and the consequence is some of our advertisements must be left out. They will appear in our next issue.
    Medford is the center of Jackson County and will, no doubt in the near future, become--well, we don't like to make our friends under the foothills feel bad.
    The second quarterly meeting for Applegate Circuit, M.E. Church, South, will be held on Williams Creek, Feb. 21 and 22. E. G. Michael, P.S., will be in attendance.
    We hear many good reports of the medical skill of our young physician, Dr. E. P. Geary. He has proven himself on more than one occasion to be not only a physician but an expert oculist. Medford may well feel proud of him.
    There will be three or four days' races on the first, second and third days of May next, at Medford, Oregon. Programme will be issued in a short time, and a new track is under construction.
    Kenney & Wolters rec'd., on Wednesday last, $200 from the circuit court, this being their portion of the amount stolen sometime in November last by the agent of the O.&C.R.R. at this place.
    Angle & Plymale are receiving a fine stock of spring goods, men's and boys' and youths' clothing. Call and see them. they also have on hand a fine assortment of garden seeds for sale.
    Mrs. Mattie Bridge is expected to lecture in Jacksonville soon. We have heard the lady and can recommend her to be not only one of the ablest but one of the most entertaining and instructive public speakers of the age.
    We are indebted to lawyer Williamson for the minutes of the entertainment given by the ladies of the Medford Aid Society. Read it and you will be convinced that the ladies of Medford are alive to the spirit of the times.
    The letters of "Siva" in the Inter-Ocean, addressed to "a man of destiny" or in plain words, to the President-elect, are attracting worldwide attention. They are read with great interest by the thinking men of both parties. He argues that the Republican Party cannot survive the shock.
    Mr. Woods moved out of the Central Hotel and Mr. O. Gilbert moved in. The Central will now be under the management of Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert, and will be fully equal to the efficient management it received at the hands of Mr. and Mrs. Woods.
    Hon. Joseph Stewart of Adams Co., Ill., has come to remain with us. Mr. Stewart served a number of terms in the Illinois legislature, and is a nephew of our esteemed citizen, J. T. Stewart. He brought with him a large number of pear grafts and other fruit trees, and intends to go into fruit cultivation extensively.
    Messrs. Shely & Jacobs have opened the Medford Marble Works and are now prepared to do all kinds of marble work in Italian and American marble, also stone work and cemetery enclosures. Both are promising young men. Mr. Shely is one of the finest carvers and marble cutters on the coast. They intend to sell at prices that will defy competition. Read their advertisement in our next.
    Thanks is due the editors of the Ashland Tidings and the Jacksonville Sentinel for the good wishes entertained for the newspaper enterprise at Medford. May each receive in every arrival of the mail the editor's sweetest words "Enclosed please find the necessary wherewithal to pay for a year's subscription."
    The Fruit-Growers Association of Southern Oregon meet here on the 28th inst. We hope to see every farmer and fruit-grower in the county present. The object of the Association is an important one, as fruit-growing is destined to become in the near future the leading industry of this section of our state. "Come one, come all."
    We were somewhat chagrined when we unpacked our printing material to find that we were a roller handle short. Our disappointment was turned to surprise when Mr. Merriman of Merriman and Redfield brought us in one of his own making, which works like a charm. They can make anything in their shop, and to be convinced just drop in and examine Merriman's celebrated patent iron harrow. It's just the thing for the farmer.

    B. F. Dowell was seen on our streets one day during the week. He probably intends to move to Medford.
    Geo. Holt was down from Jacksonville and intends to add another new building to Medford.

JUSTIS-JOHNSON.--In Medford, Feb. 20, 1885, at the residence of L. J. Crenshaw, by C. H. Barkdull, J.P., Miss Anna Justis and Mr. O. H. Johnson.

GUERIN-BROWN--At the residence of the bride's parents in this city, March 31st, by Rev. A. R. Bickenbach, James T. Guerin and Miss Sarah A. Brown.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 20, 1885, page 3


    NEW MARBLE WORKS.--Shely & Jacobs is the name of a new firm, who have made arrangements to go into the marble business in this county, and have located in Medford. Mr. R. M. Shely has been working in Jacksonville for some time and is a fine marble cutter and carver, as his work in the Jacksonville cemetery and cemeteries of the county will attest. They are now ready for business and will contract for the erection of monuments, tombstones, tablets, etc., and all kinds of cemetery work, at bottom prices. Don't fail to call and see their neat and elegant designs before ordering work.
Ashland Tidings, February 20, 1885, page 3


    The Medford town charter bill has passed both houses of the legislature.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, February 20, 1885, page 3

    Mrs. Martha King, mother of Mrs. Wm. K. Ish and mother of Jerome King, died on Sunday of last week at the residence of Mrs. S. E. Ish, in Jacksonville.
Ashland Tidings, February 20, 1885


    NEW MARBLE WORKS.--Robt. M. Shely and J. W. Jacobs have formed a co-partnership, and have located in Medford to engage in the marble business. They will do their own work and are now ready for business and will contract for the erection of monuments, tombstones, tablets, etc., at bedrock prices. Call and see their designs, and price their work, if you need anything in their line.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 21, 1885, page 3


    Egan & Skeel opened their new saloon at Medford this week.
    The Medford lodge of A.O.U.W. did not come up last night as expected--bad roads being the cause.
    A son of N. K. Lytle of this place had an arm broken at Medford the other day by falling from a fence.
    The different charter bills for Jacksonville, Ashland and Medford have all passed the two houses of the legislature and after the signature of the Governor will become law.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 21, 1885, page 3

    The Medford Monitor has made its appearance and the world still moves. Its editor, who is a carpetbagger fresh from the cranberry marshes of Wisconsin, Atlas-like seems to have taken the whole of Jackson County upon his shoulders. He evidently thinks that his mission is the demolition of Jacksonville and her business people, judging from the manner in which he slurs and misrepresents them. This exhibition of temper is not only uncalled for, but at the same time, shows his lack of good breeding. His economy with the truth would do honor to [humorist] Eli Perkins or some other veteran prevaricator. If the Times should attack Medford and its people in the same style, they would certainly take exceptions thereto; and rightly, too. Honorable competition is legitimate and admissible under all circumstances, but slandering and belittling one's rivals is detestable and of no avail. The Monitor can never benefit Medford by slurring and lying about Jacksonville. Let it keep that prominently in view.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 27, 1885, page 3


    Prof. North is teaching a private school at Medford.
    Mensor Bros. expect to build a brick store at Medford soon.
    Wilcox Bros., lately of Medford, will move to Jacksonville.
    The party given at Medford last Friday night was well attended.
    A boy in Medford had his arm broken a few days ago by falling from a pair of stilts.
    The Davison farm in Medford precinct was sold at sheriff's sale last Saturday and bid in by Max Muller for other parties. It brought $7,061.
    The Roseburg Plaindealer denies that the foundry at that place will be removed to Medford or anywhere else. It is now running on full time.
    Mr. Wansner has sold an acre of ground to Wm. H. Barr of Medford for $100, and Mrs. M. A. Davison has sold ten acres to the same gentleman for $300.
    Thos. Teeson, the expert builder and contractor, has just completed a neat dwelling house for Mr. Galloway, who lately purchased the Beekman tract near Medford.
    Some of the young bloods who attended the party at Medford last Friday evening undertook to take the town next morning and created considerable of a disturbance.
    The report that Wm. Heffron had leased the Central Hotel at Medford turns out to be incorrect, he having returned to Roseburg. O. Gilbert and wife are in charge of that house and are well patronized.
    C. Wilcox of Medford was in town Wednesday and informed us that Bear Creek was so high lately that the McAndrew ford has been washed out, being dangerous in places. Strangers should not attempt to cross there.
    A. J. Wilcox of Medford, a first-class workman, is prepared to do all kinds of plastering, kalsomining, etc., in the highest style of the art and at reasonable prices. He guarantees satisfaction in every instance. For further particulars enquire of Wilcox Bros., at their residence near Medford.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 27, 1885, page 3

    BALL--In Medford precinct, Jan. 16, Freddie Ball, son of Mrs. Martha Ball; aged 4 years and 3 months.
Ashland Tidings, March 6, 1885


    Almond trees are blooming in Ashland.
    The Medford Journal has made its appearance.
    Measles are prevailing in different parts of Jackson County.
"News Summary," Corvallis Gazette, March 6, 1885, page 8


    The Medford Monitor has made its appearance.
"News of the Northwest: Oregon," Oregonian, Portland, March 12, 1885, page 1

    E. P. Branch of Ashland, who has been a resident of this valley for a short time, and who, of course, knows more about it than all our old residents, has written a so-called description of this section and issued it in pamphlet form for distribution among those who intend settling in southern Oregon. We have not perused this great and miserably printed work, but are informed that it does justice to no place excepting Ashland, all the notice that such insignificant towns as Jacksonville, Medford, Grants Pass, &c., get being embodied in less than a dozen lines, taken altogether. According to its story Crater Lake, Rogue River Falls and all other scenery and good land southern Oregon afford is situated nearer Ashland than anywhere else. While the people of our sister town naturally desire to attract all the immigration to their place and its vicinity that they honorably can, we are quite certain that they will not certify to the accuracy of Mr. Branch's circular, nor endorse it as a whole.

    W. H. Bostwick of Uniontown precinct, who now owns the well-known Chappel farm and orchard on the Applegate, has been hauling a large quantity of his superior apples to the railroad depot at Medford for shipment to San Francisco, via Portland. They have been neatly boxed and are consigned to Lusk & Son, the enterprising fruit dealers. The freight on them is $10.50 a ton, the railroad company's rates being $8, or more than three times what the steamship charges. Mr. B. will realize a reasonable profit on his fruit, but not so large a one as if there was an overland railroad and freights were as low as they ought to be to encourage fruitgrowers. If our farmers will devote less soil and time to growing grain and plant the right kind of trees they will have no occasion to complain of hard times in the future. Choice fruits always command a remunerative price.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 13, 1885, page 3

    There will be four days' racing at Medford, commencing May 5th. The following is the speed programme: First day, running race, half-mile dash, for purse of $100; second day, running race, three-fourths of a mile and repeat, for purse of $100; third day, running race, half-mile and repeat, for purse of $100; fourth day, running race, mile dash, free for all, for purse of $150, first horse to receive $100 and second horse $50. There will also be a novelty race for graded horses. For further particulars see posters printed at the Times office.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 13, 1885, page 3



    Some of the Medford boys are ambitious to try "grand and lofty tumbling" from the saddle of a bicycle.
    A. E. Woods, former proprietor of the Central Hotel at Medford, has gone into the butchering business at that place with W. H. Barr.
    The Times says there is talk of building a tramway between Medford and the county seat. It looks rather impracticable--too much expense for the slight advantage to be gained over ordinary teaming. A good, hard level wagon road is about as desirable as a tramway.
    There will be a special meeting of the Jackson County Sabbath School Association at Medford on the fourth Saturday (28th) in March, to discuss methods of working and plans for the future. Several good speakers have promised to be present and assist in the work. All who are interested in the S.S. work, or who want to become interested, are most cordially invited to be present and take part in the exercises. Meet at 10 a.m.m Adjourn at 4:30 p.m.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, March 13, 1885, page 3


    ALDEN, of the New York Times, is responsible for many things. There was only one man in the United States besides Alden that knew as much about matters and things as Alden does. That man fell down a shaft in Calaveras Co., Cal., in the winter of '82 and is no more. In a recent effort to tell what he knows about salmon Alden perpetrates the following:
    The recent frightful accident which happened to a stage in Southern Oregon cannot fail to call the attention of the state authorities to the necessity of protecting settlers against the attacks of salmon. The stage in question was crossing Applegate Creek when it was suddenly attacked by a drove of salmon. The stage was instantly overturned, and the hungry fish swarmed over it, while the stage driver, with great presence of mind, cut the traces of his horses and, throwing himself across the off-wheel horse--a powerful animal, formerly the property of Dr. Goodrich, of Olympia--managed to escape. The dispatch which conveys to us this painful story says nothing of the fate of the stage passengers, but, unfortunately, there is every reason to believe that they fell victims to the salmon.
    The Oregon salmon has long been regarded by experienced western hunters as the moat dangerous animal infesting the continent. It is much larger than the salmon of the Atlantic coast, and. unlike the latter, which is a timid and inoffensive fish, it is fearless, aggressive, and cruel. There is scarcely a river in Oregon which is free from salmon, and many of the streams are rendered practically impassable by the numbers and ferocity of the salmon inhabiting them.
    To hunt the Oregon salmon requires iron nerves and great skill in the use of the rifle. The usual practice of the hunter is to hide himself on the bank of a stream and to send in his dog to arouse the salmon from their lair. When the fish come within gunshot the hunter fires, and unless he kills or disables the game at the first shot his chances for life are small. The infuriated fish will, in most eases, turn upon the hunter whose shot has been ineffective. One blow of the salmon's tail almost invariably proves fatal, and if he can once set his teeth in the flesh of the hunter be cannot be shaken off. The only chance of escape is for the hunter to drive his knife into the fish's heart, but such a blow to be effective must be delivered immediately behind the pectoral fin, and it requires the utmost coolness for a man to face the rush of a maddened salmon and wait until he can stab him in the most vulnerable part. Scores of hunters who have successfully fought the grizzly bear have fallen victims to the Oregon salmon and scores of others, crippled and maimed, survive to tell the story of their blood-curding experience while in the very jaws of a monster fish.
    Were the salmon to confine themselves wholly to the water they would be comparatively harmless, for no man would be in danger unless he ventured into a salmon pool. But unlike most of our American fishes, the Oregon salmon is in the habit of leaving the water and wandering through the forest in search of prey. Men, women, and children have often been chased for long distances by salmon on the lonely Oregon roads, and an enormous number of sheep and cattle have been killed and devoured. Two years ago the forest in the neighborhood of East Melville, in Southern Oregon, was infested by a pair of salmon of unusual size and ferocity. Hardly a night passed that some settler did not lose a valuable domestic animal, and no less than five human lives were sacrificed almost within sight of the Methodist meeting house. The people of the town never went out of their houses unarmed, and they lost so much sleep in consequence of the nightly and incessant roaring of the fish that life was really a burden to them. The town authorities offered a reward of $1,000 for the head of either of the two salmon, but no local hunter was bold enough to make the attempt to gain it. These formidable fish were finally killed by a party of hunters, nine in number, who, assisted by a pack of well-trained fish hounds, tracked the fish to their lair in a small pool of stagnant water and shot them with a Gatling gun. Twenty-two bullets were found in the body of the male and seventy-four in that of the female. The former fell dead at the first fire, but the latter, although severely wounded, rushed on the hunters and succeeded in killing one and disabling eight dogs before she was finally conquered.
    In winter, the Oregon salmon, rendered more fearless than ever by want of food, roam over the country in packs and droves of from twenty-five to a thousand fish. No exact statistics as to the annual loss of life by salmon in Oregon are at present accessible, but it is believed that in proportion to its population Oregon loses as many inhabitants yearly by salmon as India loses by tigers.
    The only way in which to meet this great evil is for the state government to offer a reward of, say, $100 for every salmon killed within its borders. Such an offer would cause an instant emigration of thousands of fearless hunters from every state in the Union to Oregon. Some lives would, of course, be lost, but the salmon would soon be practically exterminated, and it would become possible for a stage to pass even Applegate Creek without being attacked and destroyed by salmon.
Morning Astorian, Astoria, Oregon, March 20, 1885, page 2  This article was reprinted in Jacksonville by the Oregon Sentinel on May 30, page 4.


    THE JACKSONVILLE SHORT LINE.--A number of our citizens got considerably agitated this week over a proposition to build a narrow-gauge railroad from Jacksonville to connect with the main line either at Medford or Central Point. All the material required, including engine, cars, etc., can be bought at a low figure of a company that formerly operated a short line running into Visalia, California, and then the whole cost is estimated at less than $15,000. Several of the wealthy residents of Central Point precinct have declared their willingness to take more than one-half of the stock, and the matter may yet be brought into a shape so that the road will be built. Either Central Point or Medford could well afford to build the road alone for the benefits that would result to their towns after its completion, and we further believe that the road would pay a fair interest on the investment.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, March 14, 1885, page 3


    MEDFORD CHARTER.--A bill passed the Legislature last session granting the town of Medford a charter and on Wednesday last the citizens of that precinct voted on its approval resulting in a favor of 76 in favor of its adoption and 2 against. An election for town officers will be held in ten days after the last election--Saturday, March 21st, when five Trustees, Recorder, Marshal, Treasurer and Street Commissioner will be elected. At a former meeting of the citizens of that place a majority declared their opposition to being incorporated as a town but the opposition must have changed their mind as the vote in favor is almost unanimous at this time. The promise to hold liquor license down to $200 per year for four years is said to have brought that element over to the support of the charter, but our guess is that those who made the promise will find out that it will take $1,000 lacking $500 to sell spirituous liquors in less quantities than one gallon after its new law takes effect.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, March 14, 1885, page 3


    Residents of Medford have built a race track near that place.
    Jacksonville is to have a railroad of its own according to public talk.
    Brother McGinnis is making a red-hot paper out of the Medford Monitor.
    Angle & Plymale continue doing a rushing business at their store in Medford on account of the low prices asked for goods.
    Wm. Egan is again in the field as keeper of a livery stable in Medford, having rented A. L. Johnson's stand at that place. Bill is popular with all and will no doubt do well.
    Ed. Caton and Al Carey negotiated for the purchase of certain saloon property at Medford this week but have since changed their minds and will remain here.
    Like Prince Bismark and the American hog the Medford Monitor and the Jacksonville Times do not speak as they pass by. Personal journalism is no good thing.
    The Ladies' Aid Society gave an entertainment at Medford Thursday night, and tickets for all the seating capacity of the hall were sold before the performance began. An excellent entertainment was given by local talent.
    A number of the prominent residents of Medford were in town Thursday. We asked one of the party what they were doing here when we were informed that the Medford post office was still in doubt, since the commencement of Democratic rule, and that outside assistance was required to locate it. Our advice would be to let well enough alone and keep Max Muller and J. S. Howard as postmasters in their respective towns.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, March 14, 1885, page 3


    The greatest drawback to the settlement and prosperity of Jackson County is the one-horse railroad system with which the people are afflicted. It will not be until a connection is made between the O.&C. and C.P. railroad that southern Oregon will develop and prove the country it is. We have the best climate in the world, and our many other advantages are not to be sneezed at. It is hard to tell when the ultimatum will present itself, but it cannot be far off.
Editorial, Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 20, 1885, page 2



    J. Nasby of Medford precinct has struck a vein of coal, which prospects well.
    A. L. Johnson of Medford has purchased O. Ganiard's fine stallion "Arabian Night."
    The Justus place in Medford precinct will soon be offered for sale by the administrator, Jas. R. Neil.
    Medford boasts of a fine, two-story schoolhouse and an excellent school under the management of Prof. W. S. Gore and Miss May Crain.
    Frank Langell, who is working at the printing business in Medford, is here on a visit, until more work looms up in the office where he is employed.
    Hon. J. H. Stewart will start for his home near Quincy, Ill., next Sunday, for the purpose of closing his business there and removing to this country. His family will accompany him.
    Jesse H. Wilson of Medford precinct lately received a large number of Muscat and Alexandria grape cuttings, which he is setting out. They were sent to him from California and are an excellent raisin grape.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 20, 1885, page 3


    T. Shattuck, the well-known magician and ventriloquist, has disposed of his interests on Applegate and will leave for other climes before long.
    Henry C. Howard of Eden precinct has sold his fine farm to Hon. J. H. Stewart, now of Adams County, Ill., for the sum of $5,400. Mr. S. is a fruitgrower of much experience and a gentleman of enterprise and intelligence, and we welcome him in our midst.
"Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 20, 1885, page 3


    The probable cost of the proposed new bridge across Rogue River near Bybee's ferry is placed at $12,000 to $15,000 by shrewed guessers.
    The men who bought Mr. Stacy's place on Oak Street are fitting it up for a brewery. It was formerly used for that purpose, before Mr. Stacy bought it and transformed the building into a dwelling house.
    Medford will have a horse racing picnic of four days, on its new track, beginning May 5th. Following is the speed programme: First day, running race, half-mile dash, for purse of $100; second day, running race, three-fourths of a mile and repeat, for purse of $100; third day, running race, half-mile and repeat, for purse of $100; fourth day, running race, mile dash, free for all, for purse of $150, first horse to receive $100 and second horse $50. There will also be a novelty race for graded horses.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, March 20, 1885, page 3

    Since the railroad has been completed to Jackson County, the people of southern Oregon have become more neighborly. Within the past six months there has been an excursion to Jacksonville and one in return to Roseburg. We are informed that the order of Red Men of Jacksonville will have a grand jubilee on May 12th, to be participated in by the Yreka lodge. Excursion rates are to be secured from the north over the railroad, so all will have another opportunity to visit our sister city.--[Roseburg] Plaindealer.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 27, 1885, page 3

    A report was in circulation yesterday to to the effect that Dr. Vrooman of Medford had died, but proved to be unfounded. He is very sick and in a dangerous condition, however.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 3, 1885, page 2


    The new town officers of Medford took their seats this week.
    B. W. Powell of Medford is fitting up a neat office in the Central Hotel.
    Roberts & O'Neil have commenced breaking ground for their new brick building at Medford.
    Considerable work is being done on the road between Jacksonville and Medford. It ought to be macadamized.
    The Sabbath School Association held a meeting at Medford last Saturday, which was well attended. Services were also held in the evening.
    A Presbyterian Church was organized at Medford last Saturday by Reverends A. R. Bickenbach, M. A. Williams and J. V. Milligan.
    Several horses are in training for the races at Medford next month. Some horses from outside of the county are also expected to participate.
    The O.&C.R.R. Co. now runs only one passenger coach to Ashland, having taken off the smoking car as a matter of economy. Our railroad system is truly becoming one-horse in every particular.
    A lawsuit, in which C. W. Broback was plaintiff and J. S. Howard defendant, was tried in Justice Foudray's court this week. The plaintiff was awarded a judgment for $103.25, but the defendant proposes appealing to the circuit court, we learn.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 3, 1885, page 3


    Thos. Teeson and wife, lately of Medford, started for Arcata, Humboldt County, Cal., this week. Mr. T. was one of the O.&C.R.R. Co.'s boss carpenters during the extension of their line toward California and built the Grants Pass, Woodville and other depots. He is a first-class mechanic and a worthy gentleman and carries the best wishes of his many friends here and elsewhere with him.
"Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 3, 1885, page 3


    WITH THE MAJORITY.--The many friends of Jas. T. Guerin, the well-known contractor, will be pleased to learn that he is now with the great and respectable majority in the social world. On Tuesday evening of last week he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. Brown, of Jacksonville. The fair bride is the daughter of George Brown, of Jacksonville, one of the old and respected residents of the valley, and has hosts of friends in the county who will extend hearty wishes for her happiness in the new life. The wedding occurred at the residence of the bride's parents, Rev. Mr. Bickenbach, of the Presbyterian church, officiating. The bride and groom drove over to Medford the same evening, and will reside there, at least for a time.
Ashland Tidings, April 3, 1885, page 3


    Medford people have set out a number of fruit and shade trees. Dr. Geary has planted sixteen fruit trees of different kinds in his lot, and reports all of them growing thriftily without any irrigation whatever so far. He has had the ground about them well cultivated.
    Angle & Plymale are shipping wheat from Medford on every freight train. They are agents for Sibson & Church, of Portland. A large amount of last season's wheat crop still remains in the bins of the farmers of this valley. At the Ish farm some 6000 bushels are still held to await a rise in price.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, April 3, 1885, page 3


    Dr. Vrooman, of Medford, is very ill with consumption, and his friends fear he has a very short lease of life remaining.
Ashland Tidings, April 3, 1885, page 3


    MEDFORD ELECTION.--At the election for town officers for Medford the following proved the successful candidates: For Trustees, J. S. Howard, I. J. Phipps, Dr. E. P. Geary, W. H. Barr and A. Childers. Marshal, J. H. Redfield. Recorder, R. T. Lawton. Treasurer, Chas. Strang. Street Commissioner, E. G. Hurt. 98 votes were cast at the election.
Ashland Tidings, April 3, 1885, page 3


    The question of building a narrow gauge railroad to connect Jacksonville with the O.&C. Railroad at Medford or Eagle Point is being favorably discussed by the business men of Jacksonville.
"Local News," Rogue River Courier, Grants Pass, April 3, 1885, page 3


    A number of fast horses are in training for the Medford races commencing May 5th.
    The fast-running horse Creedmore, formerly of Crescent City, is now at this place in training for the Medford races which commence the 5th of May.
    Brother McGinnis is making the Monitor an interesting paper and is driving the quill with the skill of a man who had come with his "carpetbag" to stay. That's the kind of citizens this country wants.
    The case of C. W. Broback vs. J. S. Howard was tried in Justice Foudray's court this week resulting in a verdict for plaintiff for $101.25 and costs. A large number of witnesses were summoned from Medford and Ashland.
    Dr. M. Vrooman of Medford, who was for a number of years a resident of Jacksonville, is seriously sick, and his recovery is considered extremely doubtful. He united with the Presbyterian Church organized there last Sunday. The Dr.'s many friends in Jacksonville hope to hear of his speedy restoration to health.
    Last Sunday a Presbyterian Church was organized at Medford.  A large concourse of people were present and the ceremonies which included the communion services were very solemn and impressive. It started with a good membership, and the venerable friend Rev. M. A. Williams will be the pastor.
    Brother McGinnis has launched out in fiction, giving his first production "The Modern Rip Van Winkle" to the public in his last edition. His characters are taken from real life, the plot is laid in this valley, and the story ends with a moral. Go ahead, Bro. M., for if you can find literary inspiration in that subject your success in the newspaper line is assured.
    George H. Chick, a Portland real estate agent representing a large amount of capital, was here this week negotiating for the purchase of the Schumpf quartz ledge near Willow Springs, and terms have been agreed upon whereby the former agrees to put up a ten-stamp mill at once to crush the ore now on the dump. The purchasing parties say the regular run of rock assays $22 per ton and they look for big returns.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, April 4, 1885, page 3

SHELY--In Medford, May 1, 1885, to Mr. and Mrs. R. M.  Shely, a daughter.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 9, 1885, page 3

    The tide of immigration now setting toward Oregon is only the vanguard of a great multitude a little way behind. From every quarter of the union comes the intelligence that people are getting ready to immigrate to the west. The drought in California this year will send thousands of newcomers to us and to Washington Territory. Immigration coming to this coast all over the central routes this season will give California the go-by unless they have friends or relatives to cause them to tarry. The completion of the Northern Pacific and the Oregon Short Line has lent such additional facilities to travel and so cheapened rates that many heretofore unable to come are now coming or contemplate coming in the near future.
    One great drawback to a heavy immigration is the difficulty of disposing the property in the East and middle-western states. Property has greatly depreciated there. If people could sell out in these localities without too much sacrifice, there would be a regular stampede for the golden shores of the Far West. As it is they are coming as fast as they can get away. The terrible storms experienced in many of the western and southwestern states [what we call today the Midwest] preclude the possibility of their ever becoming desirable places for residence. Cities [sic] of refuge, a hole dug in the ground, into which families can flee in times of storms, is the local accompaniment of thousands of dwellings in some of the western states. Who would like to live in a country where the hard earnings of a lifetime are liable to be swept away in a moment of time, dashed to pieces and destroyed? Where life is not safe for one moment! Rather live in the Willamette Valley, the Eden of the Far West, where the heaviest winds do comparatively no damage, and cyclones and the battling of the elements are unknown.
    If we were gifted with the spirit of prophecy we would prophesy a brilliant future for Oregon. That it will in a few years have a large population of worthy and happy citizens. That the Willamette Valley will one day be to Oregon what the Mohawk Valley is to New York--a rich beehive of human industry. A beautiful garden, exalted to the highest standard of cultured excellence, and becoming in vernal beauty and unexcelled productions.--Albany Bulletin.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 16, 1885, page 1


    The leading citizens and business men of Jackson County ought at once to organize an immigration board, and have full statistical information on hand, so that persons coming here could apply at once to the board and get all needed information in reference to our county. By this means many could be detained, but as it is, they apply to everyone, and no one seems to be well informed on the subject that would interest our eastern friends when they arrive. Other counties are wide awake to these interests, and should no longer be neglected by us. The greatest immigration that ever came to Oregon is now upon us, and are mostly of the better class, just such as we need to build up a county. We learned some important facts last week in Portland in regard to this opportunity, which we should embrace.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 16, 1885, page 1

LEWIS-SIMPKINS--In Medford precinct April 28th, 1885, by Rev. M. A. Williams, John W. Lewis and Miss Phoebe Simpkins.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 23, 1885, page 3

    The county board of immigration for Jackson County, Oregon met in Byar's hall at 1 o'clock p.m. in Medford, May 23, 1885. President J. B. Wrisley, J. H. Griffis, P. Pickens, G. F. Pennebaker, A. J. Daley and M. Peterson. Moved and carried that we resolve ourselves into a committee of the whole to consider upon the adoption of a set of rules for the board. The president, J. B. Wrisley, then called the house to order, and the following preamble, resolutions and rules were adopted.
    WHEREAS; The County Commissioners of Jackson County, Oregon, in their wisdom, have seen fit to appoint a county board of immigration for said county of nine members, representing the principal districts of the county, And
    WHEREAS; The County Commissioners have appropriated a certain sum of money to be used by the board for the purpose of diffusing the knowledge of the resources of said county among immigrants; Therefore be it
    RESOLVED; That we, the members of said county board of immigration, feeling the great responsibility placed on our hands, in order that we may use said appropriation in a way that will most greatly benefit our county, do hereby establish the following rules, by which we shall be governed, to wit: 1. The officers of the board shall consist of a Chairman and a Secretary. 2. It shall be the duty of the Chairman to preside at all meetings of the boards; to discharge all the duties of a presiding officer, and to call the members of the board together whenever there is important business to require their attendance. 3. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep a record of the proceedings of the Board, to receive and answer all communications, to notify each member of the Board whenever there is a meeting called, to give information to immigrants desiring to locate in the county and transact all business the Board may direct. 4. It shall require the attendance of five of the Board to constitute a quorum; any business transacted by a less number will be illegal and void. 5. The Secretary shall receive two dollars per day for his services actually performed, and all traveling expenses paid and shall hold office as long as a majority of the Board shall consider him competent, or until he may see proper to resign. Moved that J. H. Griffis be chosen Secretary. He declined, as the pay would not justify him to leave his business to attend to this business. Moved that M. Peterson be chosen Secretary. It was so ordered. Mr. Griffis presented to the Board a proposition from Gold Hill that it would furnish the Board with suitable office and exhibition rooms. Also the trustees of the town of Medford presented the following proposition which was accepted, viz: To the Honorable Board of Immigration for Jackson County, Oregon, Mr. Wrisley Chairman. We, the trustees of Medford, Jackson County, in Oregon, hereby make you the following proposition, if you will locate your headquarters at Medford. We will furnish you suitable rooms, stationery and lights free of charge during your stay in Medford, while carrying on the business of the Board. J. S. Howard, President; W. A. Burr, E. P. Geary, I. J. Phipps and A. Childers. Mr. Hubbell, of Jacksonville, presented an informal offer of rooms from the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Jacksonville. Moved and carried that Secretary report at each regular meeting of the Board all money expended. Moved and carried. That the next regular meeting of the Board be on Friday, at 1 o'clock July 3, 1885, at Medford, and the first Friday in each month. Mr. J. H. Griffis made quite a good speech on the duty of us as the Board of Immigration to bestir ourselves for the further development of the resources of our county, and as far as possible arouse the dormant muscle and brain of our young Oregonians and bring into requisition every power of body and mind to develop the resources of our grand country, which can be made one of as lovely places as is found on earth. Short addresses were delivered by Messrs. A. L. Johnson, J. S. Howard, G. A. Hubbell and others. Moved to have the proceedings published in the county papers. Moved that we give a vote of thanks to Mr. Hubbell for acting as Secretary pro tem and to Mr. Byars for use of all for meeting of the Board; carried. Moved to adjourn; carried.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 30, 1885, page 3

    Pursuant to a call by the chairman, the Jackson County Board of Immigration met at one o'clock p.m. on the day above mentioned. The board was called to order by the chairman, J. B. Wrisley. Minutes of previous meeting read and adopted. The chairman stated that the object of the meeting was to determine whether the board shall publish a descriptive pamphlet of Jackson County or not. A. J. Daley moved that the secretary of the board be required to make a statement of the immigration work he has done while acting as secretary, carried. The secretary then read letters he had written descriptive of Jackson County. A. L. Johnson submitted a pamphlet published by Klamath County as an example of the manner in which the different subjects should be treated. On motion of J. H. Griffis, the secretary was ordered to obtain information as to the cost of writing and publishing 5,000 pamphlets of about twenty pages each, descriptive of Jackson County, and also to invite those who have already written up the resources of the county to present their manuscript at the next regular meeting of the board. After considerable discussion on matters of immigration, the secretary tendered his resignation, which was accepted by the board. J. H. Griffis was then elected secretary. Hon. H. B. Miller of Josephine County read a letter before the board outlining the work he considered most necessary for them to do in order to have their county properly represented. He also spoke at some length on immigration in general; at the conclusion of his remarks the board showed its appreciation by thanking him for the advice and information given. On motion a recess of five minutes was taken to draw up written instructions to the secretary as follows, to wit: The secretary shall collect specimens of the vegetable, mineral and manufactured productions of the county, to place on exhibition at the immigration rooms at Medford, and also forward specimens to the State Board of Immigration at Portland. The secretary was given an order for fifty dollars of the fund appropriated for immigration purposes, to be used in defraying the expenses of collecting specimens. On motion of G. F. Pennebaker, the meeting adjourned to meet Friday, July 3, 1855.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, June 20, 1885, page 3


    The Iowa Press Association arrived at Medford at 9:30 a.m. yesterday morning and were tendered a grand impromptu reception by the citizens of Medford and Jacksonville. When our people found that it would be impossible for the press association to visit Jacksonville, they determined like Mohammed to go to the mountain. And several carriageloads of people headed by the Silver Cornet Band, in their handsome new regalia and magnificent band wagon, repaired to our neighboring town to greet these distinguished visitors. The Jacksonvillians drove up in procession alongside the train, and after some fine music by the band, Hon. N. Langell arose in his buggy, and in a neat and appropriate speech welcomed the visitors in behalf of the people of Jacksonville, and A. L. Johnson, Esq., occupying the same place, extended a cordial welcome from the citizens of Medford. Hon. Lafe Young and President Swalm acknowledged the courtesies on behalf of the excursionists. Hon. Lafayette Young said he had met people from Iowa in every place he had been except the Oregon penitentiary. The two speakers expressed the appreciation of the entire party for their magnificent reception throughout the state which had been a continued ovation since their arrival in Portland, and at no place had they met with as enthusiastic an impromptu reception as from the citizens of Medford and Jacksonville. Only a few minutes' time were allowed the excursionists for welcomes and farewell, when the bell sounded the time for departure, and the train rolled on, bearing with it the good wishes of the assembled multitude.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, June 20, 1885, page 3


    Now we have got an item: From the Medford (Oregon) Monitor we learn of an old Schuylerite, the first barber of Schuyler, and who graduated into a justice of the peace. Read the following: "B. W. Powell, who had an office in the Central Hotel, has just been elected Judge of the Supreme Court, and he with his family have moved to Salem."
"Colfax County," Columbus Journal, Columbus, Nebraska, June 24, 1885, page 2

ULRICH--In Medford, June 21, 1885, to Mr. and Mrs. William Ulrich, a son.

BROWN--Near Medford, June 24, 1885, Mrs. Pauline Farren Brown, aged 41 years, 2 months and 18 days.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, June 27, 1885, page 3


    Angle & Plymale of Medford are doing a rushing business.
    Mrs. J. W. Cowles of Medford has a class in Jacksonville in painting.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, July 4, 1885, page 3

HULL-FITZGERALD--At Medford, July 1, 1885, by Rev. M. A. Williams, Millard Hull and Miss Elizabeth Fitzgerald.

    In company with Jacob Wagner, the Tidings editor took a ride through a good portion of the central part of the valley last Saturday, stopping at all the towns and budding cities on the route. At nearly every town the citizens appeared to think that every other town in the valley was on its last legs, and that theirs was to be the chief city of the county. Having seen them all within a very short time, we can report that none are yet buried as completely as Pompeii and Herculaneum, and at every place there was signs of life and hope. At Talent several new buildings give the village an air of improvement and prosperity. At Phoenix little improvement is to be seen, but the town has its flourishing mills and its steady, modest business and is apparently undisturbed by dreams of any mushroom growth in the immediate future.
    The building boom which has made the place so lively during the summer still continues. The fine large brick buildings erected by Geo. W. Williams and J. S. Howard are about ready for the plasterers. The block is two stories in height, and the lower part will contain four fine store rooms. Mr. Howard will occupy his own building--his store in the lower part and a fine dwelling fitted up above. D. H. Miller & Co. will occupy the largest of the other three stores with their hardware and drug business, and the post office. One of the others will be a bakery, and other a jewelry store, it is said. The Byers & Jacobs brick is being fitted up for a hotel and will have 27 fine lodging rooms and a parlor on the second floor. Angle & Plymale, who carry a large stock of general merchandise, are preparing to build a substantial brick store immediately east of the wooden building now occupied by them. The foundation is already laid. A. L. Johnson has just moved into his new brick dwelling, at the front of which is his banking room, fitted up with a fireproof vault of the most approved design. A number of fine dwellings about the town have recently been completed, and two or three wooden business houses are being finished up. I. A. Webb, the contractor and builder, has the contract for several new buildings, among them being a dwelling for Mr. Dorson, in Howard's addition, and A. P. Talent is preparing to put up a dwelling upon his lot. The main business street has been greatly improved by a line of sidewalk on each side within the past two months, and altogether the town looks more businesslike and settled than at the last visit of the writer. D. W. Matthews, formerly of this place, has his drug store in faultless condition and appears to be doing a good business. W. H. Mayfield is landlord of the Central Hotel, R. F. High has a barber shop here, Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert keep a restaurant, and Chas. Hosley, of Ashland, is one of the proprietors of the handsome new meat market recently opened.
Ashland Tidings, October 30, 1885, page 3


    I. A. Webb, of Medford, will build a new barn for Rev. M. A. Williams this fall.
    Mr. Dorson, of Medford, a newcomer, has bought of Roberts & O'Neil 154 acres of the old Norton place near that town for $3,500. He is building a dwelling in town for himself.
    The specimens of fruit, grain and other products which has been collected at the room of the county board of immigration have been taken in charge by R. T. Lawton, of Medford, who has them displayed in his real estate office in that place.
    Geo. H. Chick is preparing to put up a quartz-crushing machine in Medford, the object being to attract thither for test the quartz from various ledges in the county now being prospected. The site chosen for the mill is near the railroad track a short distance south of the depot. A number of citizens of Medford "put up" for the enterprise.
    The apple orchards in the lower and central part of this valley, which are usually loaded with fruit at this time of year, failed to yield any this season, and some of the farmers who have never bought apples before since they set out their orchards will no doubt be glad to pay a cent a pound for a few bushels for their own use during the coming winter.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, October 30, 1885, page 3

WE THE UNDERSIGNED, DEEMING IT for our own convenience and for the best interests of the community, have decided to form a co-partnership in the practice of Medicine and Surgery in Medford and, in order to make the proper arrangements for such co-partnership, those indebted to either of us will confer a favor by settling their accounts at their earliest convenience.
    Our offices will be as heretofore until the rooms which we have engaged in Williams' brick building are completed.
                                                                        R. PRYCE, M.D.
                                                                        E. P. GEARY, M.D.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 13, 1885 et seq., page 3


    The Medford Monitor has been enlarged to an eight-page paper. "We place too much faith in systems and too little confidence in men," appears at its head. When McGinnis runs the paper a year and calls upon his subscribers for pay, he will turn his motto end for end.--[Yreka Union.
"State and Coast," Ashland Tidings, November 13, 1885, page 1


    The Chick quartz mill at Medford is ready for business.
    Walsh & Bragdon will send some of the quartz from their Wagner Creek mines to Medford for trial
    Churchman Bros., recently from Iowa, bought a twenty-acre tract of land adjacent to Medford from I. J. Phipps last week.
    The Justus property, near Medford, was sold recently to J. D. Whitman for $3,600, the first sale, reported by the administrator some weeks ago, having been set aside.
    Rev. M. A. Williams write that at his place near Medford 0.84 inches of rain fell during the month of October, and up to 6 a.m. Nov. 10th 3.75 inches had fallen this month, making a total of 4.59 thus far this fall.
    Messrs. John W. Curry, at Medford, and W. C. Leever, at Central Point, have consented to act as agents for the Tidings, and will receive and forward subscriptions from those places. They are authorized to collect and receipt for money due the paper upon subscription accounts.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, November 13, 1885, page 3




    SOLD OUT--Frank Lewellen has sold out his interest in the Medford livery stable to Ed Worman, a newcomer from the East, for $2,000 and will give possession on the 16th inst. Mr. Lewellen has not yet decided on the business he will follow from now on.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, November 14, 1885, page 3


    A new brick building will soon be erected at Medford by Geo. S. Walton on the lot formerly owned by M. Mensor of this place.
    37,000 pounds of freight arrived at Medford for Jacksonville on last Wednesday's freight train. Quite a good showing for a town that is dead.
    A special term of the Commissioners' Court will be held next Tuesday to examine bids for the graveling of Tice's lane on the route from here to Medford.
    Drs. R. Pryce and E. P. Geary of Medford have formed a partnership for the practice of medicine. They will make a strong team, as both are acknowledged as fine physicians and surgeons.
    Some villain entered the barn of J. C. Ducket, at Medford, a few days ago and poisoned five head of horses, valued at $1,000. here is no clue to the perpetrator, but is supposed to be a party with whom Mr. Ducket has had trouble.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, November 14, 1885, page 3


    The board of trustees of Medford have passed an ordinance making it unlawful to carry on a laundry in the town limits, but permitting any respectable woman to apply and receive a license therefor. This law is intended to reach the Chinese, who have been monopolizing the laundry business.
Editorial, Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 20, 1885, page 3


    Frank Lewellen has sold his residence in Medford.
    A. P. Talent is building a neat residence at Medford.
    Work is progressing on Angle & Plymale's brick building at Medford.
    O. Holtan, lately from the East, is putting up a tailor shop at Medford.
    Childers & Son of Medford have just completed another kiln of excellent brick.
    Gilbert's restaurant at Medford is doing a good business, being kept in excellent style.
    Jas. Priddy and sons of Medford precinct brought some fine turkeys to this market Monday.
    J. McCullough, who fell from Carlson's building at Medford several weeks ago, is improving.
    Churchman Bros. bought twenty acres of land near Medford recently. They came from Iowa not long ago.
    J. W. Cunnyngham of Medford is selling many rights to his celebrated Centennial Gate. Every farmer should have one.
    'Squire Walton has let the contract for putting up a brick building on his lot in Medford, and work has already been commenced.
    E. B. Sears, the well-known Medford architect, was in town Wednesday. He has commenced suit against his late partner, Mr. Smith.
    Miss May Crain of Medford precinct has just completed a fine oil painting of "Sentinel Rock." She is a member of Mrs. Cowles' art class.
    Messrs. Sherman and Smith, who have been in the employ of our local blacksmiths, will probably reopen the Slagle shop at Medford. They should be well patronized.
    Hays & Elliott have not rented John Slagle's old blacksmith shop at Medford, as reported, but propose remaining in Jacksonville, where they are doing a good business.
    As will be seen by advertisement elsewhere, a social party will be given at Byers' hall in Medford on Christmas night. The best of music and supper will be provided, and those who attend will be sure of enjoying themselves.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 20, 1885, page 3


    The Medford Reduction Works are now in running order and are testing ore from different mines.
    Considerable prospecting is still being done in different portions of Jackson and Josephine counties. When the quartz mills at Jacksonville and Medford are in operations, there will be much more inducement to prospect for quartz.
    Our citizens are subscribing liberally toward the $2,000 bonus that is required to induce Brown & Co. to bring a quartz mill here. In case that sum is raised, first-class machinery of the most improved kind, and valued at $8,000, will be put up at this place or in the immediate vicinity. It is to be hoped that we will not allow another golden opportunity to slip by.
"Mining News," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 20, 1885, page 3


    Medford has three barber shops.
    Charley Wolters has gone to Medford to open a bakery and confectionery store.
    Doctors E. P. Geary and R. Pryce, of Medford, have formed a copartnership.
    Rev. W. G. Simpson and Rev. J. H. Mayfield, of this place, have been holding evening meetings at Medford within the past fortnight.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, November 20, 1885, page 3




    J. N. Banks is completing a residence at Medford.
    The roads between here and Medford are in a bad condition.
    Medford needs a cemetery and her citizens should take steps to secure one.
    Chas. Wolters will soon open a bakery at Medford. He understands the business.
    Frank Lewellen has retired from the Medford livery stable and Mr. Worman has assumed his interest.
    G. W. Howard, who bought C. W. Broback's property at Medford, reports having sold quite a number of lots since then.
    Byers & Guerin, the well-known contractors, are engaged in the construction of 'Squire Walton's brick building at Medford.
    The brick buildings of G. W. Williams and Byers & Jacobs at Medford are now being plastered and will soon be ready for occupancy.
    Over 100 carloads of wheat has already been shipped from Medford station, and considerably more will be shipped before the end of the season.
    They say that Charley Fronk, the popular railroad agent at Medford, is building a neat residence, and his many friends are enquiring what it all means.
    A petition has been in circulation asking the establishment of a daily mail between Medford and Eagle Point. We hope the P.O. Department will act favorably on it.
    Owing to press of legal and other business Prof. W. F. Williamson has found it necessary to resign as principal of the Medford school, which will reopen next Monday, with Miss Maggie Sargent and Miss Merriman in charge.
    Mrs. J. C. Elder of Medford, formerly of Josephine County, died rather suddenly last week. She had been ailing some time and came from Eugene City for the benefit of her health. The burial took place in the Jacksonville Cemetery.
    Not enough time having been given for the circulation of the advertisement inviting bids for the graveling of the Tice lane, the county commissioners' court has extended it until the December term. Several bids will no doubt be in then.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 27, 1885, page 3


    C. W. Coker, a well-known citizen of Medford, expects to make a trip to his old home in Georgia for a short time. Bon voyage.
    Messrs. Payne and Worman were over from Medford last week. The former is a brother of Ned Payne, the well-known stage driver, and hails from San Bernardino, Cal., to which place he has since returned. He wishes to know the whereabouts of Ned.
"Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, November 27, 1885, page 3