Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 2, 1891 et seq., page 1

Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 2, 1891 et seq., page 1

Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 2, 1891 et seq., page 1

Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 2, 1891 et seq., page 1

Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 2, 1891 et seq., page 1

Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 2, 1891 et seq., page 1



Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 2, 1891 et seq., page 1


Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 2, 1891 et seq., page 1


THE MEDFORD ROLLER MILLS will give in exchange for sixty pounds of clean milling wheat as follows: Thirty-eight pounds straight flour in [the] farmer's sacks, or thirty-four pounds of sacked flour. Exchange will apply at the Phoenix mill by adding two pounds. I am now ready to buy or store, or take in store on exchange, any amount offered.


    When you can get an ENTIRE ACRE of the best fruit land in Nickell's Addition to Medford for the SAME price?
    Nickell's Addition joins Medford's western corporation line, is situated in a beautiful and healthful location, and is within a stone's throw of the Medford schoolhouse. The land is particularly adapted to horticulture, and great returns would be realized there from a few acres planted in prunes, peaches, grapes, etc.
    Two of its best features are that it is free from city taxes, although not lying a great distance from the business portion of Medford, while the Jacksonville-Medford railroad will run through the land near the northern boundary.
    It has been laid out in tracts of five acres and less, and will be sold at very reasonable rates on the most favorable terms, viz: one-third in cash, one-third in one year, and balance in two years.
    For further particulars apply to any reputable real estate dealer, who will take pleasure in showing you the addition.

    Extensive preparations are being made for celebrating the completion of the Jacksonville-Medford railroad on New Year's Day. Buildings are being decorated, and the town will be illuminated and lighted with bonfires in the evening. There will be public speaking and a grand ball at the U.S. Hotel. The train that runs through on that day will be gaily decorated with evergreens and flags, and everywhere the important event will be heralded with unbounded enthusiasm and rejoicing. Anvils will be fired and bells rung, and flags flying from every staff and steeple in the town.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, January 2, 1891, page 2


    An engine from the "Oregonian" road arrived at Medford the first of the week, to be used on the Jacksonville branch, having been leased for that purpose. It is too heavy for the road, and a lighter one from the U.P.R.R. was sent out from Portland yesterday.
    The people who are building the Jacksonville branch railroad have been experiencing some of the troubles and annoyances that go to offset the advantages and pleasures of the managers of the big railroads of the country. In the hurry necessary to get the road put through and ready for operation by the first day of January of this our new year, the engine was started over the track toward Jacksonville Tuesday on a roadbed which has not yet been made solid by the required ballasting. The engine in use is a heavier one than should be used, and the first trouble of the management was the ditching of the engine. Of course there was nothing serious about the accident except the delay it occasioned, but that was a serious matter for the builders of the road. After much trouble, the engine was placed on the rails all right again by Wednesday morning.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, January 2, 1891, page 3


    Last week at Groffith [Griffin?] Creek, Jackson County, a young boy named Edwards, who was playing around a saw mill, riding on the log, seeing how close he could go to the saw; when he made a miscalculation, which resulted in one of his legs being nearly sawed off and the sight of both eyes entirely destroyed. The parents of the boy reside near or in Medford.
Del Norte Record, Crescent City, January 3, 1891, page 2


Morning Daily Herald, Albany, January 7, 1891, page 4


Medford Mail, Jan. 3rd.
    Medynski & Theiss, the former with his family, arrived here last Friday from the East. These are the gentlemen who proposed to put in a large distillery and feed yard here. Immediately upon their arrival they vigorously went to work to see what could be done toward building and maintaining a plant with 500 bushels per day capacity. A public meeting was held at the city hall on Monday and our best citizens turned out to discuss the matter with these gentlemen. A clause in the contract requiring 5000 bushels of corn was dropped out, and its equivalent in money was substituted, as so much corn has been fed in the valley that the crop is somewhat scarce.
    Everything was soon settled amicably and Medynski & Theiss propose to immediately erect the distillery and operate it as best they can until the new crop of corn is harvested, when they will push the mill to its utmost capacity. This enterprise will give employment to about thirty men, and should they put in their bitters factory, which they talk of doing in the near future, it will give employment to 100 more. Two carloads of machinery have already arrived and two more cars are on the road. A side track is to be built to the distillery site to convey the machinery upon. The firm are already making arrangements with C. W. Skeel to furnish the lumber for the new building, and inside of a few weeks the sound of the carpenters' hammers and saws will make a lively and welcome confusion on North C Street, The farmers should now make arrangements to plant large fields of corn and rye, as they will have a cash market next fall and it will take much to supply the demand. Five hundred bushels per day can be used, which will make a call for in the neighborhood of 156,000 bushels of corn during the year.
Valley Record, Ashland, January 8, 1891, page 1


    Dr. E. P. Geary has moved into his fine new residence.
    Lawyer Fitch is at Salem this week on business before the supreme court.
    Born--In this city, Jan. 5th, to Mr. and Mrs. D. T. Sears, a daughter.
    Mrs. O. O. Johnson of Garfield, Wash., is in the valley paying friends and relatives a visit.
    C. C. Ragsdale has taken hold of the Clarendon Hotel and will, no doubt, make it a popular place.
    Mrs. C. C. Gall, an estimable lady, died at her home in Sams Valley on the 5th day of January.
    Capt. A. D. Helman, the I.O.O.F. mogul of your city, was down taking in the installation Saturday evening.
    The K. of P.'s are in a flourishing condition and have lately added to their ranks some very desirable members.
    Judge Willard Crawford is fast acquiring a good practice in the law and seems to be more than pleased with the outlook.
    Jay Bradley, a wealthy cattle owner of Montana and son-in-law of Mrs. A. Merriman of this city, has arrived with his family and taken possession of his farm near here to reside. Such citizens are welcome.
    John Edwards, who had his leg so badly injured at the sawmill on Griffin Creek, is in a very precarious condition and doubts are entertained as to his recovery. Doctors Jones, Geary and Pryce are making every endeavor to save the limb, and if such a thing is possible they will succeed.
    The following officers of Talisman lodge No. 31, K. of P. were installed Monday evening by C. W. Wolters, D.G.C.; Peter Henderson, C.C.; H. U. Lumsden, V.C.; W. W. Skeel, Prelate; Newell Harlan, M. of F.; J. W. Curry, K. of R. and S.; F. C. Hutchinson, M. at A.; G. Merriman, I.G.; D. S. Youngs, O.G.
    The Medford-Jacksonville branch [railroad] is not yet in running order as was expected it would be by this time. But the new proprietors, Honeyman, De Hart & Co., of Portland, say they intend to make a good road out of it, and as soon as the rolling stock arrives work will be commenced in earnest in ballasting the roadbed, etc.
    The city election occurs on the 13th inst., and a lively time is anticipated. A meeting was held Tuesday evening and the following ticket was placed in nomination: G. W. Howard, mayor; F. M. Plymale, Frank Galloway, A. A. Davis and J. W. Short, trustees; Horace Nicholson, marshal; J. H. Faris, recorder; G. H. Haskins, treasurer.
    The following officers of Medford Lodge No. 83, I.O.O.F., were installed last Saturday evening by R. R. Morris, D.D.G.M.; B. S. Webb, N.G.; T. W. Johnson, V.G.; Chas. Strang, Sec.; I. A. Webb, P. Seg.; D. S. Youngs, Treas.; B. Holson, M.; W. I. Vawter, Con.; Isaac Woolf, R.S.N.G.; A. C. Nicholson, L.S.N.G.; A. M. Woodford, R.S.V.G.; W. L. Wallace, L.S.V.G.; G. L. Webb, R.S.S.; S. B. McGee, L.S.S.; I. A. Merriman, I.G.; D. S. Youngs, O.G.
    Three carloads of machinery for the large distillery have already arrived and as soon as the railroad company puts in a side track the same will be unloaded at the place where the buildings will be erected. It is said that the freight on the machinery alone will amount to something near $5000. The enterprise means a great deal for Rogue River Valley and is bound to give a new impetus to farming. Our corn is pronounced the best that grows for distillery purposes and as it costs less to raise it than grain, a  large acreage will be put in by the farmers of the valley this spring as they are bound to get a fair price for it. All planting corn should be careful and put in yellow corn, as that is the only kind wanted at the distillery.
Valley Record, Ashland, January 8, 1891, page 3


    Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Halley are in St. Louis on business.
    A. R. Childers and family have left this section for the state of Washington.
    Hammon Bros. have shipped about 25 carloads of apples from this point thus far during the season.
    A pleasant meeting of the literary society was held at the residence of D. J. Lumsden last Tuesday evening.
    The switch to the site of the proposed distillery is about finished. The building will be located north of town.
    J. O. Johnson, formerly of Medford, is now a resident of Whatcom, Wash. He is a live business man and is doing well.
    The carpenter shop of H. F. Wood is now conveniently located near the Clarendon Hotel. He is doing much work in his line of business.
    Knights of Pythias are justly proud of the beautiful satin banner presented them by the ladies of Medford on Christmas Eve. It is one of the prettiest ever seen in this section.
    John Edwards was delirious most of the week, on account of the terrible injuries he sustained at the Griffin Creek sawmill some time since, and can hardly be called convalescent yet.
    The city election takes place next Tuesday, and considerable interest is taken therein, especially in the contest for marshal, for which there are several candidates.
    Messrs. Medynski and Theiss, who intend to put up a large distillery and pork-packing plant at this place, are busily at work making the necessary arrangements for the inauguration of their enterprise.
    D. T. Pritchard and wife left Medford for southern California last week, whither they remove in the hope of benefiting Mrs. Pritchard's health, which has been very poor for some time past. Our town regrets greatly the loss of such estimable citizens.
    A convention was held at the opera house last Tuesday evening and the following nominations for town officers made: Mayor, G. W. Howard; councilmen, F. M. Plymale, A. A. Davis, F. Galloway and J. W. Short; recorder, J. H. Faris; treasurer, G. H. Haskins; marshal, Horace Nicholson.
    Much disappointment was felt by our people generally at the failure to enjoy their first ride on the new railroad on New Year's Day. When the engine was derailed on the short curve from the main track a general wail went up, and our local surveyor, J. S. Howard, raised himself several notches in the scale of public opinion by demonstrating his ability to lay out a curve that the engine could stick to under any circumstances.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 9, 1891, page 2


Welcome Fowler et al. to George Goeppert, lot 10, blk 71, Medford; $150.
Mrs. Sophenia Baker to G. H. Baker, lots 1, 2 and 3, blk 8, lots 1, 2, 3 and 4, blk 6, Beatty's add. to Medford; $1, etc.
G. W. Connell to Delphine Goldsmith, quitclaim and release to lots 1 & 2, blk 3, Cottage add. to Medford; $200.
Francis Fitch to D. H. Miller, lots 1 & 2, blk 54, Medford; and 1.62 acres in twp 37S, R2W; $175.
Wm. Clarke to Lou Della Jones, lot 16, blk 46, Medford; $525.
Mary A. Davison to H. F. Wood, lots 3 & 4, blk 40, Medford; $75.
"Real Estate Transfers," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 9, 1891, page 2


    When you can get an ENTIRE ACRE of the best fruit land in Nickell's Addition to Medford for the SAME price?
    Nickell's Addition joins Medford's western corporation line, is situated in a beautiful and healthful location, and is within a stone's throw of the Medford schoolhouse. The land is particularly adapted to horticulture, and great returns would be realized there from a few acres planted in prunes, peaches, grapes, etc.
    Two of its best features are that it is free from city taxes, although not lying a great distance from the business portion of Medford, while the Jacksonville-Medford railroad will run through the land near the northern boundary.
    It has been laid out in tracts of five acres and less, and will be sold at very reasonable rates on the most favorable terms, viz: one-third in cash, one-third in one year, and balance in two years.
    For further particulars apply to any reputable real estate dealer, who will take pleasure in showing you the addition.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 9, 1891, page 2




    The Jacksonville-Pacific--our railroad--did not get here on the first of January, and public enthusiasm has fallen several degrees. However the new contractors have taken hold of the enterprise with a view that warrants the belief that the road will soon be completed.
    Miss Laura Harrison, our obliging telegraphic manager, is studying stenography under the direction of Miss Kate Lemburger and is making good progress.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, January 9, 1891, page 2


    G. L. Davis and M. H. Huff have formed a co-partnership and will put in a fine line of groceries. They have rented the building formerly occupied by D. T. Pritchard.
    C. C. Ragsdale has leased the Clarendon Hotel and has already taken charge of it. C. C. Is a businessman and a good rustler and will no doubt make a success as landlord of this popular house.
    Several new crossings have been built across the street--an improvement very badly needed.
    The following ticket was nominated at a convention held in the opera house Tuesday evening: Mayor, G. W. Howard; councilmen, A. A. Davis, J. W. Short, F. M. Plymale, Frank Galloway; recorder, J. H. Faris; Treas., G. H. Haskins; marshal, H. G. Nicholson. The election takes place next Tuesday.
    The side track from the main track to the distillery is now completed and work has already begun on the buildings. They will be pushed as fast as lumber can be had.
    John Edwards, who was so badly injured in a sawmill near here some time ago, is improving rapidly and it is hoped that he will fully recover.
    The Medford Roller Mills, which have been closed for a week past for repairs, started again Monday morning. They are now running on full time.
    Born--In Medford, Jan. 5th, 1891, to Mr. and Mrs. D. T. Sears, a daughter.
Ashland Tidings, January 9, 1891, page 2


    The railroad company is putting in a spur track for the new distillery company at a point about half a mile north of the Medford depot.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, January 9, 1891, page 3


    Mayor G. W. Howard, of Medford, has been in town a day or two this week on insurance business.
"Personal," Ashland Tidings, January 9, 1891, page 3




    The Medford Mail says Central Point wants a newspaper, and the Times says Medford is to have a Democratic sheet in the near future.
    Peter Henderson, of Medford, has been experimenting recently with a 4-candle miniature incandescent electric light, which proved so satisfactory that he will equip his shop with a number of them.--[Times.
"Here and There," Ashland Tidings, January 9, 1891, page 3





    The Jacksonville-Medford railroad builders have had good weather for their work since New Year's Day.
    An engine from the U.P. road arrived for the Jacksonville branch road this week. It is a little lighter than the one that has been on the road for several weeks, but it, too, is heavier than it should be for the track. McCarthy in passing Medford noticed a familiar look about the machine, and found it to be an engine he had run on the O.R.&N. road eight or nine years ago.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, January 16, 1891, page 3




    Now that the distillery project is assured the farmers should not let the enterprise fall through for lack of their support. Corn is in demand and will continually be in demand and farmers should plant large fields of it. The market will be strictly a cash one and cannot be flooded.--[Medford Mail.
"Here and There," Ashland Tidings, January 16, 1891, page 3




MERRIMAN--In Medford, Jan. 12th, 1891, to Mr. and Mrs. George Merriman, a son.
HALL-OWEN--At Medford, Oregon, Jan. 8th, 1891, Mr. J. C. Hall and Miss Mabel C. Owen, Rev. M. A. Williams officiating.
Ashland Tidings, January 16, 1891, page 3


    Mr. Ulrich, of Medford, the rustling special agent of the Farmers & Merchants Insurance Company for Southern Oregon, has been in the city on business.
"Social and Personal," Albany Daily Democrat, January 16, 1891, page 3




    All hail the coming of the regular train to the county seat.
    The latest advices from Milton Harlan at La Grande report him much better.
    George Barden last week went to Salem, probably for permanent residence.
    Mr. and Mrs. C. K. Fronk are rejoicing over the convalescence of their little son.
    Hon. Willard Crawford intends to open an assay office at Medford in a short time, we learn.
    L. Shideler is improving his property in this place, and will build a neat residence during 1891.
    John Roberts continued very ill all week, but is slowly recuperating, we are glad to learn.
    Much of the material for the new distillery is already on the ground, and work will proceed rapidly on the building.
    The second quarterly meeting of the M.E. Church was held here last Sunday, Rev. C. A. Lewis of Ashland preaching both morning and afternoon.
    A. Schilling & Co. of San Francisco have contributed a stand of handsomely arranged goods to Chas. W. Wolters' already fine stock of groceries.
    The Monarch Saloon at Medford, under the management of H. H. Wolters, is proving a popular resort. The best of everything in that line is kept there.
    The hearty manner in which the people of Medford endorsed John S. Miller's administration of the marshal's office is particularly gratifying to him and his friends.
    R. R. Dunn had a runaway experience in Siskiyou County, Cal., while on a business trip. He escaped without injury, but the team, harness and vehicle were considerably demoralized.
    Mr. Darneille of Rogue River was in Medford last week under the charge of our oculist Dr. E. P. Geary, who successfully removed a cataract which had long blinded the patient.
    Attorney Fitch now has luxurious quarters in the upper story of the Cooper building, and his friends assert that he has the most completely equipped suite of offices south of Portland.
    E. W. Hammon had the misfortune to have his buggy wrecked by his fractious horse one day last week, the animal running away with the vehicle just as Mr. H. was preparing to step into his buggy.
    Wm. Ulrich, special agent for the Farmers' and Merchants' Insurance Co., of Albany, is in northern Oregon and Washington, looking after the interests of the company and establishing agencies, and will be gone some time.
    H. H. Wolters, the mixologist, has removed his saloon to the building next door to C. W. Palm's barber shop, on Front Street. He has supplied the bar with the finest wines, liquors and cigars, and a fine billiard table can also be found there. Give him a call, for he will treat you well.
    The many improvements now under way here, not to speak of those in contemplation for the future, have put our people in good heart once more, and it is apparent to all that Medford is on the highway to greatness in the municipal line. Many are looking for chances to invest capital here, and much property will change hands before spring.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 23, 1891, page 2


    Our farmers are already making preparations to put a large area in corn next spring, particularly on adobe soil where it always does well. This is as it should be, for the Medford distillery will afford a market for every bushel that is raised, while the cultivation of corn is in the interest of the best agriculture, being superior to summer fallowing as a preparation for wheat the following season. Besides, even at existing prices, the crop is a remunerative one, and, with the advance that may be looked for soon, it will be one of the most profitable that can be raised. The proprietors of the distillery inform us that they wish the yellow corn for their use, which fact the farmers should take notice of.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 23, 1891, page 3


    Last Thursday the trial trip over the new railroad to Jacksonville was made and participated in by nearly 100 of Medford's citizens. Our people were taken somewhat by surprise, but managed to get the whistles and dynamite of welcome in operation shortly after the arrival of the engine, and everybody jubilated. To say that the day marked an epoch in the history of the county seat would be but the truth. The time is soon coming when the cars will be running regularly, and then goodbye to the stagecoach for all time to come.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 23, 1891, page 3


    The country is full of drummers.
    Jacksonville was full of Medford people last Friday.
    Grading for the railroad track on C Street is now progressing.
    Three Concord coaches and fifteen stages will be sold at auction at Yreka, Cal., on the 31st inst.
    After the Wagner Creek trestle is completed it is likely that one near the '49 diggings will next be filled in.
    Bad colds are popular. The unnatural winter weather now prevailing is the cause of so much hawking and sneezing.
    The Jacksonville-Medford railroad is being strengthened and put in fine shape. It will be a first-class road when completed.
    If judiciously managed, the J.&M.R.R. will prove remunerative from the start, especially if extended to the lime and stone quarries of Jackson Creek.
    A deposit in the nature of quicksand has been encountered in Thomas' field below town, which the railroad company have been busy ballasting during the week.
    The locomotive doing service on the Jacksonville-Medford railroad can be heard every day. The sound is sweet music to the ears of the average citizen of Jacksonville.
    The Jacksonville & Medford R.R. on Wednesday evening brought over a load of Masons, who attended the regular meeting of Warren lodge, to which many of them belong.
    Our railroad continues to be quite a novelty, and many are availing themselves of the opportunity to take a ride between Jacksonville and Medford. The road runs through a most beautiful stretch of country.
    The locomotive made the run between Jacksonville and Medford in 20 minutes one day this week, shows that the track is rapidly assuming a first-class condition. Mr. Ridenour is acting as engineer for the present.
    Honeyman, DeHart & Co. will replace the U.P. locomotive doing service on the J.&M.R.R. with one which they are having built to order, in a few weeks. That now in use weighs about 25 tons, and the new one will be nearly as large.
    Now is the time to work for Jacksonville. With united effort among our citizens the old shire town will this season recover much of its old-time prestige. It is one of the most desirable towns, and too much cannot be said of the capacity of the adjacent foothills for fruit raising.
    Mr. Erickson of Minnesota, who has the contract for the big fill at Wagner Creek, is the right kind of a man for the place and well liked by his men, all white laborers. The old gentleman, his son and son-in-law oversee the workmen, the business agent being W. H. Seaman. They are employing a number of men with good teams at $3 per day, the contractor furnishing board, feed and tools. The company expects to be employed several months between Wagner Creek and Ashland, and are hiring all the teams possible. A good market for hay, grain and other farm produce is thus opened.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 23, 1891, page 3


    H. F. Wood of Medford came to Jacksonville Wednesday to assist Chris Ulrich in the construction of the railroad depot.
    R. R. Dunn, who was manager of Staver & Walker's business at Medford and in southern Oregon, has finished his mission here and will leave for Portland in a few days.
"Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 23, 1891, page 3

   
MERRIMAN--In Medford, Jan. 12, 1891, to Mr. and Mrs. George Merriman, a son.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 23, 1891, page 3


   Mr. Frank Conley, who brought the large C.P. engine to Medford to make the trial trip over the new railroad, returned with it to Portland last week.
    The contract for the immediate construction of a neat, substantial depot building and warehouse at this place, for the Jacksonville & Medford railroad, has been let to Chris. Ulrich by Honeyman and DeHart, half owners in the road.
    The first train over the Medford & Jacksonville railroad reached Jacksonville last Friday evening, January 16, 1891, and marks one of the most important events in the history of the place. The citizens were not aware that Friday had been set as the day for the trial trip, and when the engine's whistle awoke the echoes of the evergreen hills that surround Jacksonville and the train rushed into town, people ran from their houses, the school was dismissed, everyone hurried to the train and a scene of the most joyous excitement prevailed. Anvils were fired, bells were rung, mill whistles were opened, and the enthusiastic crowd sent forth cheer after cheer. On board the train was J. D. Howell, one of the contractors, Hon. J. D. Whitman, W. I. Vawter, G. W. Howard, C. K. Fronk, P. B. O'Neil, Dave Miller, Newell Harlan, editor of the Mail, and many other prominent citizens of Medford. About 2 o'clock the train started back to Medford loaded with Jacksonville people. It was a gala day for Jacksonville and one which will be long remembered as the inauguration of renewed life and prosperity into the grand old pioneer town.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, January 23, 1891, page 3


"Personal Mention," Oregon Statesman, Salem, January 28, 1891, page 4


Valley Record, Ashland, January 29, 1891, page 1


   John Ocander's new house is about ready for occupancy.
    D. T. Pritchard writes from Merced, Cal. that Mrs. Pritchard's health is improving.
    Rev. R. C. Oglesby preached at the M.E. Church in Medford last Sunday morning and evening.
    Halley, the tinner, this week displays an immense coffee-pot sign to attract custom to his emporium.
    Section boss Kelley has been engaged at Cow Creek during the week, in getting the new track there ready for the running of the trains.
    John Edwards is improving rapidly under the careful nursing of his sister, Mrs. Austin, who arrived last week from eastern Oregon to look after his welfare.
    The improved appearance of several of Medford's saloons, stores and residences during the past two weeks is owing to the skill of a traveling paperhanger in town.
    The two new hot-air furnaces donated by Isaac Garringer to the M.E. Church at this place were put in position during the week, and the comfort of the congregation is assured in the future.
    D. S. Youngs and Arthur Nicholson put in the week on a duck hunt down about Cottage Grove, with fair success. The boys made partial arrangements to procure several pairs of Chinese pheasants to be liberated in this valley in the spring.
    An alarm of fire was raised yesterday afternoon, caused by the roof of Doyle Alberry's house burning off. Prompt action by the citizens saved the lower portion of the building, although the contents were woefully damaged. The fire arose from a defective flue.
    The distillery building now being erected will be 40x160 feet, and about 60 feet high--to the peak of the roof. This will accommodate the machinery now on hand, but a similar building will be erected in the spring before active operations are begun. The institution bids fair to make an industrial center of lower C Street.
    Messrs. Medynski & Theiss advise farmers to pay attention to planting yellow corn, rye and barley in large acreage the coming spring, as the distillery intends paying higher than Chicago prices for all these cereals. Yellow corn is preferable to white for distilling purposes, and a ready market will be provided for all that can be raised.
    The Masonic delegation, which accepted the courtesy of Messrs. Howell, Ridenhour and "Duffy," rode up to Jacksonville through the June-like moonlight on Wednesday of last week to attend Warren Lodge No. 10, consisted of Messrs. J. S. Howard, J. Goldsmith, Peter Henderson, M. H. Huff, Dr. E. P. Geary, H. U. Lumsden, J. P. True, E. P. Hammond and Newell Harlan. A number of others from the valley city were in attendance.
    The party of local nimrods, who chose sides and went out to slay what was left of the rabbit crop in Barneburg's pasture last week, had rare sport and some luck. When all reports were in it was found that each side had bagged 34 rabbits and one steer. As neither side was willing to claim the steer, by mutual agreement all parties went in on a pony purse to get someone to look after the meat. D. S. Youngs led in the rabbit score, having killed 8, with Ben Webb a close second with 7 to his credit. Some of the rabbits were very large, and the mistake in regard to the steer was quite natural under the circumstances.
    There bids fair to be quite lively competition for the federal positions of gauger and storekeeper, which will materialize when the new distillery is in operation at this place. Several petitions are circulating already, to say nothing of a good deal of fine sub rosa work. Both positions will be in the nature of "good billets" for a four years' term each. In consideration of the fact that the Republican Party has thus far recognized only the old stagers in the dispensation of patronage, we trust that these two positions will be accorded by common consent to deserving applicants from among the younger generation of voters. The young men have been patiently waiting for a long while for some such recognition of their services at the polls.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 30, 1891, page 2


    Choice home-grown fruit trees for sale by E. R. Russ, Medford.
    The man Parr, who stole Merritt Bellinger's overcoat at Medford on Christmas Eve and was given 30 days in jail, was released from durance on Tuesday last.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 30, 1891, page 3


    Numerous flocks of ducks along Bear Creek attract the cupidity of the hunters nowadays.
    A carload of apples, consigned to Colorado Springs, Col., was shipped from Medford by Hammon Bros. a few days since.
    John Edwards is rapidly recuperating from his sawmill accident, and it is thought he will recover the use of his injured limb.
    Articles of incorporation of the Baptist Academy Association of Medford were filed during the week with W. J. Crawford, E. B. Pickel and G. W. Howard as incorporators.
    A. H. Carson of Redlands has been in the valley this week delivering fruit trees and superintending the planting of 15 acres of prunes and apples for Dr. DeBar at his ranch near Medford.
    Johnny Angle and Frank Fryer had a serious runaway a few days since when driving up from Medford. The animal they were driving kicked himself loose from the buggy, breaking the shafts and the harness, and when Tryer undertook to hold him by the bits he seized the young man's arm in his mouth, causing a severe wound.
    A careless hunter about Medford shot one of the imported Chinese pheasants during the week. The only way to get this bird successfully introduced into the valley will be to liberate a few pairs in the spring about some of the higher foothill ranches, where they will be looked after, and where the boys haven't gotten down to the habits of the bird hunter who shoots everything that comes before his gun.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 30, 1891, page 3


    A number of children in Medford seem to be afflicted with a general epidemic which is going the rounds in shape of a bad cold and a high fever.
    The Baptist Academy Association, of Medford, filed articles of incorporation with the secretary of state last Monday, W. J. Crawford, E. P. Pickel and G. W. Howard, incorporators.
    Work on the distillery at Medford is still going on. The large building now in course of construction will be completed, and the machinery in place, in about four months. It is 40 feet wide by 160 feet deep, and will be about 60 feet high at the highest point. Another building, the same size, will be erected this year, nearby.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, January 30, 1891, page 3


    The young people of Jacksonville have taken advantage of the downgrade of the new M.&J. railway, and of an evening enjoy themselves by riding on the push cars which go toward Medford at a rapid rate of speed.
    The track of the Medford & Jacksonville railroad is all laid and a large force of men are at work leveling, ballasting and putting the road in good condition. Chris. Ulrich is finishing up the depot buildings, which will be completed and put in order by Saturday of this week. Construction trains have been hauling heavy loads of ties and rails safely over the road for the past week, and there is no doubt now but that the road, as far as completed, is a good one. Regular trains will run from Jacksonville and connect with all trains at Medford after the first of February.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, January 30, 1891, page 3


    J. D. Howell, who has been engaged in constructing the Jacksonville-Medford railroad, stopped over in Corvallis last Tuesday. He in company of W. C. Crawford went to Portland Wednesday for the purpose of hastening the arrival of some of the rolling stock which has been delayed along the route.
"Local Notes," Corvallis Gazette, January 30, 1891, page 1


    HAD HIS FOOT CUT OFF.--At Medford Wednesday night a boy who was playing about the passenger train, jumping on and off the moving cars, lost his hold and slipped beneath the wheels, which very smoothly amputated the lad's foot. The boy held onto the guard rails at the steps and was hanging there even after his foot had been dragged beneath the wheels. Had he released his hold he would have fallen beneath the train and no doubt have been killed. The trainmen say they have frequently put this boy off the train. He had a habit of jumping on the cars and off when they were at the station. His name the reporter did not learn.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, January 30, 1891, page 4


    John Edwards, while working at a sawmill on Griffin Creek, near Medford, slipped under the saw, and the flesh from a few inches above the knee nearly to the ankle was taken off as the saw passed back. The bone was badly cut in one place, and the wound was a frightful sight.
"Pacific Coast--Oregon," Lebanon Express, January 30, 1891, page 1


    We take the following items from the Grants Pass Courier:
    The thermometer at Linkville has reached zero this winter. 20 above has been the coldest in this city.
    Mr. Steve Swacher picked up an $84 nugget on his place, on the left-hand fork of Foots Creek, last week--not a bad pick-up.
    Messrs. Davidson and Bailey recently found a very rich quartz mine on the Foots Creek side of the mountains of Applegate and located several claims this week.
    A petition is being circulated in Jacksonville against closing the World's Fair on Sunday. This is very important to the citizens of Southern Oregon; possibly three or four may attend. This must have originated from the Talent anti-Christ ring; we do not believe any other portion of Jackson County could think of such a proposition.
Del Norte Record, Crescent City, January 31, 1891, page 2


Morning Daily Herald, Albany, February 1, 1891, page 4


    The bill making some changes in the Medford charter has passed the legislature and now awaits the signature of the governor.
    "Stormy" Jordan was arrested this week, charged with assaulting Wm. Clarke. The trial will be held in Justice Plymale's court in Jacksonville on next Wednesday.
    The bodies buried in the Odd Fellows' cemetery west of town are being exhumed and reinterred in the cemetery across Bear Creek. The new burying grounds are much more beautiful and appropriate than the one now being vacated.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 6, 1891, page 2


    Angle, Plymale & Short to Lewis H. Wasserman, lot 2, blk 1, Cottage addition to Medford; $100.
"Real Estate Transfers," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 6, 1891, page 2


    Tree planting is going on everywhere in southern Oregon. Many thousand choice fruit trees are being set out in different localities.
    Towns along the line of the Southern Pacific railroad are overrun with tramps, who are an everlasting nuisance with their petty pilferings.
    No ice for use in the summertime has been put up this season, owing to the mildness of the winter. We will have to rely on other sections for our supply.
    About a dozen families from the East have recently located on preemption claims in the big timber at the head of the river, and as many more are expected to join them in the immediate future.
    Fruit cars are attached to almost every northbound passenger train nowadays, showing the immense growth of the country about the Sound and the almost unlimited market it affords for the surplus fruit products of this section. There are more families than fruit trees in the Northwest today, and yet some people talk as though there was already an overproduction of fruit in this state.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 6, 1891, page 3


    J. H. Huffer, who is about patenting a neat and handy pencil sharpener, was in Grants Pass a few days since for the purpose of making a model.
    G. E. Payne, the architect of the courthouse building at Jacksonville and the Ashland bank building, is about to remove his family from their present home in Modoc County, Cal. to Grants Pass to reside.
    P. B. O'Neil of Medford was summoned to Oakland, Cal. one day last week by the sad intelligence of the death of his aged mother at that place. She was a pioneer of the coast, having come to San Francisco in 1848, and died at the age of 77 years, beloved by all who knew her.
"Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 6, 1891, page 3


    We are informed that John Justus, who was sent to the penitentiary for life for killing his father, has been pardoned and is now in Medford.
    The Medford overcoat thief, who stole Merritt Bellinger's coat from this buggy on Christmas Eve and did thirty days' time in the county jail for the offense, went back to his old tricks again as soon as liberated. Wednesday night he purloined several articles of clothing from J. D. Hobson's residence, and was apprehended at Central Point yesterday morning. He evidently wants to board the county's expense until blackberries get ripe.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 6, 1891, page 3


    A Good Templars lodge will soon be organized in Medford.
    The Orchard Home Association are planting out 3,000 fruit trees on their tract near Medford.
    Doil Albury's house in Medford caught fire from the front room stove pipe last week, and the entire roof was burned from off the dwelling.
    Ashland is not the only town in the valley that is to have the benefit of a change in the insurance rates. Medford is also on the anxious seat, and as Mr. Lloyd, the surveyor, went to that place in the interest of the Insurance Union, when he had completed his labors in Ashland, last Sunday, the inference may be had that the Medfordians are to have whatever advantage may accrue from their water works.
    On Wednesday of last week a lad known as "Monkey" Robinson fell from a train on which he was stealing a ride at Medford, and had both feet run over diagonally by the wheels. While they were badly crushed, amputation will not be necessary. It is a very singular wound, and it is supposed he slipped and fell while attempting to get off the train at the crossing, and his feet were caught by the edge of the wheel while they were on the plank, which is put in at every crossing and which is a trifle lower than the rails.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, February 6, 1891, page 3


    Miss Emma Tolman has a class of twelve pupils at Medford, to whom she gives instructions in drawing and painting one day in each week.
"Personal," Ashland Tidings, February 6, 1891, page 3


    The people of Crescent City, California, are very anxious that the Medford & Jacksonville railroad be extended to the coast and there is a movement on foot among capitalists and those interested to bring about this desired result. The extending of this branch line would open up a wonderfully favored country. The Siskiyou Mountains, through which this road must pass, are latent [laden?] with nearly all the valuable metals and ores known to commerce. Among these are gold, silver, platinum, copper, iron, lime, coal, marble and associate metals and minerals. The timber adjacent to this road would be almost inexhaustible, besides the numerous rich and fertile valleys thus thrown open to profitable cultivation. Such a consummation as the building of this road would bring southern Oregon rapidly to the front.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, February 6, 1891, page 3


    A dispatch says: "The last itinerary for California on Wheels was forwarded to the car today. The train will leave Portland, Oregon, February 8th, and stop at Oregon City, Salem, Albany, Eugene, Roseburg, Medford, Ashland and several points in California. Cars left San Francisco December 3rd, 1890, and will be home February 28th."
Albany Daily Democrat, February 6, 1891, page 3


    Times continue dull in southern Oregon, but will probably brighten up very much, should we be favored with good crops of all kinds.
    The first well authenticated case of hydrophobia on this coast has been exercising the medical fraternity during the past week. The victim was Chris. Buckley, a farm hand living near Redding, Cal., who was bitten by a dog some three years ago, and who was taken suddenly and violently sick one day last week at the Yank ranch near there and lived but two days, suffering the most excruciating agony until his death gave him relief. All the symptoms of the disease were present, and the coroner who held the inquest over the remains pronounced it a clear case of hydrophobia. The climate of the coast was formerly supposed to be unfavorable to the development of the malady.
"Editorial Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 13, 1891, page 2


    The following bill, introduced by Mr. Cameron, has passed the legislature:
    WHEREAS, by an Act of the legislative assembly of the state of Oregon mentioned in the title of this Act, and approved February 21, 1889, it will extend the boundaries, corporate limits and jurisdiction of the town of Medford, in the county of Jackson and state of Oregon, as to include and to embrace within the limits of said town of Medford all of the territory included within the limits of said town as in this Act provided; and whereas, by mistake and oversight, an error occurred in the description of the boundaries of said town in said Act, approved February 21, 1889, by omitting one line of said boundaries therefrom, whereby the boundaries of said town are rendered indefinite and uncertain; and whereas the said town of Medford and the board of trustees thereof have exercised jurisdiction over all of the territory embraced in the limits of the boundaries of said town, as described and amended in and by this Act, and has, among other things, attempted to vacate Johnson's addition to the town of Medford and the plat thereof, which said addition is situated within the limits of said town, as in this Act described and amended, and has exercised various other acts of jurisdiction within said limits; and whereas the validity of said acts of said town and of the board of trustees thereof are rendered doubtful and uncertain by reason of said error and omission in said description in said Act of February 21, 1889; therefore be it enacted by the legislative assembly of the state of Oregon:
    SECTION 1. That section 2 of article 1 of an Act entitled "an Act to incorporate the town of Medford, in Jackson County, Oregon, and limiting its powers and defining the duties of its officers, and to repeal an Act entitled an Act to incorporate the town of Medford, in Jackson County, Oregon, approved February 24, 1885," approved February 21, 1889, and section 2 of an Act entitled "an Act entitled an Act to amend an Act to incorporate the town of Medford, in Jackson County, Oregon, and limits its powers and defining the duties of its officers, and to repeal an Act entitled an Act to incorporate the town of Medford, in Jackson County, Oregon, approved February 24, 1885, and also an Act entitled an Act to incorporate the town of Medford, approved February 24, 1885," approved February 21, 1889, be and the same are hereby amended so as to read as follows:
    SECTION 2. That the boundary of said town shall be as follows: Beginning at the southeast corner of section 25, in township 37 south, of range 2 west, in Jackson County, Oregon, and running thence west 60 chains; thence north 80 chains to the north line of section 25 in said township and range; thence west on said north line 646 feet, more or less, to the center of the county road, running northeasterly along the northwest side of what was formerly Johnson's addition to the town of Medford, hereinbefore mentioned; thence northeastwardly along the center of said county road to the southwest corner of the John S. Miller donation land claim; thence east along the county road to and one chain east of the east bank of Bear Creek; thence southward parallel with and one chain east of the east bank of Bear Creek; thence southward parallel with and one chain distant east from said creek to a point due east from the intersection of the south line of East Twelfth Street, of the town of Medford, with the center line of the stage road running along the east side of the original town of Medford; thence west to said intersection; thence south 26....25 degrees east along said road 13.60 chains to the northeast corner of a piece of land belonging to J. D. Whitman, and described in a deed recorded in book 12 of deed records of said Jackson County, Oregon, at page 532 thereof; thence south 72½ degrees west 36.30 chains, more or less to the west line of donation land claim number forty-four, in township 37 south, of range 1 west of the Willamette meridian in Oregon; thence south along the said west line of said last-mentioned donation land claim to the south line of section thirty in said last-mentioned township and range; and thence west to the place of beginning.
    SECTION 3. That the said act of the said town of Medford and of the board of trustees thereof in so vacating Johnson's addition to the town of Medford aforesaid, and all other ordinances, resolutions, by-laws and acts of said town of Medford which were otherwise authorized by the charter of said town of Medford and of the board of trustees and officers thereof, passed, adopted or done within and in any manner affecting or relating to the premises properly within the corporate limits of said town of Medford as herein before described, since the 21st day of --------, A.D. 1889, be and the same are hereby legalized and made valid and binding upon all persons whomsoever to the same extent and in like manner as if the said section 2 of said Act approved February 21, 1889, had originally been made to read as by this Act amended.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 13, 1891, page 2


    Senator Veatch, Oregon's great objector, made a speech against the continuance of the State Horticultural Commission, which was not only unkind, but unjust at the same time. Here is an excerpt therefrom:
    I think this commission the most innocent and unobjectionable of all, as it costs the least, but my objections extend just as far as the amount which it costs. I cannot see what the commission has done. There are just as many wormy apples, scale bugs, codling moths, woolly aphis and cherry slugs in Oregon as there ever were. They said, "spray your trees." I have heard that ever since I was a boy, and there is not a single thing which they recommend which was not well known to orchardists long before we had such a commission. I beg pardon for saying that the commission has not done anything. I do remember that, when they made a trip down in southern Oregon, I read about their spraying two young orchards, and the orchards died; also that a man, who was using a spraying machine, was too near when it burst, and had both eyes put out. Now, to sum up, we have to show for our horticultural commission two dead orchards, a blind man and taxes.
    Mr. Veatch is not posted, or he would not talk in such a cruel manner. The commission did much good during the past two years, and it would have done much more had it been invested with the proper authority. The legislature should give the commission further powers to proceed against refractory horticulturists, and then its benefits will be apparent.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 13, 1891, page 2


    Mrs. J. W. Barkdull returned home to Medford during the week.
    Lewis Shideler has enclosed his lots adjoining Dr. Geary's premises with a neat fence.
    School Clerk Hamilton announces that school taxes will be delinquent after the 15th instant.
    Haller, the new jeweler from San Francisco, is deserving of a good share of public patronage.
    This place will soon number among its societies a Good Templars' lodge, now being organized here.
    The railroad to the county seat adds much to the importance of Medford as a distributing point.
    Mr. Creed and his wife (nee Miss Maggie Louden) have gone to Mr. C.'s former home east of the Rockies.
    The infant child of Mr. and Mrs. E. Wilkinson, which was dangerously ill for a while, is now convalescent.
    J. W. Short, W. G. Cooper and Frank Tryer attended to mining interests on Sardine Creek during the week.
    Medford is going to make a big jump forward during 1891. Many improvements will be made during that time.
    If you want anything in the grocery, fruit or confectionery line, call at the bakery. The best is always kept there.
    Dr. Pickel's neat cottage in south Medford comes from the hands of the painters this week and is about ready for occupancy.
    Among the Eagle Point ladies attending school at Medford are Misses Laura Nichols, Anna Carney and Millie Howlett.
    Miss Emma Tolman of Ashland has organized an art class at Medford, which she instructs during several evenings each week.
    Mrs. Brown last week returned to her home in San Francisco, after spending several months with her daughter, Mrs. I. J. Phipps.
    The Rogue River Valley R.R. will build a neat and cozy depot at this place immediately, and have invited bids for the construction of the same.
    C. H. Wallace and family will soon leave this place. They have made many friends during their residence among us, who will regret to learn of their departure.
    Treasurer Haskins advertises that town taxes of Medford for 1890 are due and will be delinquent after March 1st next. All should pay up and avoid costs.
    J. O. Johnson and Spencer Childers, Sr., are contemplating an early return to Medford from Whatcom, Wash., where they have spent the winter with their families.
    Mr. and Mrs. Alberry desire to cordially thank their neighbors for the prompt assistance rendered during and after the fire which almost destroyed their home.
    West's addition to Medford will soon be thrown on the market, J. S. Howard being now engaged in completing the plat of same from notes taken in his survey last week.
    Work on the distillery buildings goes on steadily but quietly forward, and it is hoped that everything will be in readiness for handling the next crops of rye, corn and barley.
    P. B. O'Neil returned from his trip to California last week and reports the country living in anticipation of a drought and correspondingly light crops the coming season.
    The completion of the R.V.R.R. is a matter of much importance to us, as it centers a large amount of business, which has heretofore been done at other points, at Medford.
    Mrs. J. B. McGee arrived from San Francisco last week to rejoin her husband, who is engaged in developing the Cinnabar mines. They will probably make Medford their future home.
    Dr. Demorest, the popular dentist, is always kept busy. He does first-class work and his charges are reasonable. Mr. Wilkinson, who is assisting him, proves an apt scholar and is learning rapidly.
    A number of our citizens went to Jacksonville on Monday, to attend the trial of G. M. Jordan, who was charged with assaulting Wm. Clark. They were disappointed, however, as the prosecuting witness had left for other scenes, and the case was dismissed at his cost.
    Hon. Willard Crawford was sent to Salem last week by our board of trade to secure, if possible, the defeat of the special legislation contemplated by Mr. Merritt's bill granting the exclusive lumbering franchise of the south tributaries of Rogue River to the Central Point Sugar Pine Flume Company.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 13, 1891, page 2


Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 13, 1891 et seq., page 2


    Proposals for the delivery of 100 cords of wood will be received at the company's station at Jacksonville until Thursday, February 19, 1891. Wood to be of sound fir, delivered and stacked alongside of track, not less than 4x4, 2 feet long, 128 cubic feet to the cord. Cash will be paid on acceptance.


    John Miller left for Iowa last week to pay his old home, which he has not seen for many years, a visit.
    Chas. W. Wolters, Medford's clever baker and grocer, made the Times a friendly call Tuesday. He is doing a good business.
"Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 13, 1891, page 3


    We are glad to announce that the bill to abolish the state board of horticulture was killed in the senate.
    A heavy windstorm prevailed throughout the valley yesterday, which did some damage. It is reported that the roof of the Medford Roller Mill was blown off.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 13, 1891, page 3


    Jas. Parr, a tramp who stole an overcoat from M. Bellinger's wagon at Medford while the owner was attending a Christmas entertainment with his family, is again in the meshes of the law for a similar offense. He was so well pleased with his 30 days' sojourn in the county jail that he resolved to get back into the institution. So he stole an overcoat, a pair of pantaloons, etc., from the room of J. D. Hobson, who is employed on S. L. Bennett's farm near Medford. Parr was arrested at Talent and brought before Justice Walton, who bound him over to appear before the grand jury, and in default of bail he was brought to Jacksonville by A. Z. Sears and turned over to the sheriff for safekeeping. Besides a two months' stay in jail, he stands a good chance of serving the state at Salem for awhile.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 13, 1891, page 3


    The parties now owning the railway between Jacksonville and Medford have formed a corporation, known as the Rogue River Valley Railroad Company. They are putting everything in first-class order and will soon have a good road in every respect. Their new rolling stock will be put on the road as soon as completed. The first regular trips were made yesterday and proved quite successful. The following crew is in charge of the train: Mr. Ridenhour, engineer; Will Farrier, fireman; and John Dyar, conductor. The fare is only 20 cents each way, but what the freight charges will be we have not learned as yet. It is to be hoped that the enterprise will prove a remunerative one.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 13, 1891, page 3


G. H. Baker to Miss Helene Buhlmeyer, lot 1, blk 2, Medford; $560.85.
O.&T. Co. to S. Rosenthal, lot 19, blk 21, Medford; $200.
"Real Estate Transfers," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 13, 1891, page 3


    The Medford-Jacksonville railroad began running regular trains yesterday meeting each train on the S.P. line--fare 20c.
    Rev. E. Russ, of Medford, offers for sale a lot of about 7000 choice home-grown apple trees of twelve standard varieties--a chance for some people who are planting apple orchards to get the best stock to be had.
    On Saturday last the Rogue River Valley Railroad Company filed articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State. Its principal office is stated to be in Portland; its capital stock is $100,000 divided into 1000 shares. The object is to construct and equip a railroad from Medford, in Jackson County, to Jacksonville, and two miles beyond. Wm. Honeyman, E. J. DeHart, W. C. Crawford, J. D. Howell, are the incorporators.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, February 13, 1891, page 3


    B. W. Isaacs and Sam. Murray have started a butcher shop here.
    The arrival of the trains from Jacksonville liven up our town considerably.
    Our merchants are greatly encouraged over the outlook for spring trade.
    S. Rosenthal made his numerous friends in Jacksonville a visit last Monday.
    George Merriman has so far recovered as to be able to resume work in his shop.
    Wm. Clarke is at Yreka, where he is charge of the saloon in the Clarendon Hotel.
    Mrs. Noland is now a resident of California, having removed thither some time since.
    Work proceeds on the distillery plant, and ere long the proprietors will be ready for business.
    D. J. Lumsden has sold his handsome dwelling on the corner of 8th and C streets to J. B. McGee.
    Hon. Willard Crawford will soon have his mining and assay office open for business at Medford.
    Farmers are preparing to plant an unusually large acreage in corn in the vicinity of Medford this year.
    Parties wishing to visit Jacksonville on Sundays will find the change in the railroad timetable quite convenient.
    D. T. Lawton, formerly of this place, is now a resident of Salem, where he is agent for Kellogg & Co., a steamboating firm.
    A neat depot will be built here for the R.R.V.R.R. at once. A contract to build it was last week let to E. W. Starr.
    John Edwards has so far improved as to be able to sit up a portion of every day now, and hopes are entertained of his entire recovery.
    Wm. Robinson, having taken a wood contract for the railroad company near Grants Pass, has removed his family thither.
    Our town was full of Jacksonville people last Sunday. The railroad will do much to cement the bond of friendship existing between the two places.
    A. Goldsmith and Chas. Goldsmith of Eugene, father and brother of Jules, the grocer, spent the week visiting the latter and his family at Medford.
    The Medford public schools now have an enrollment of 263 pupils, with an average daily attendance of 212. Good work is being done by the different teachers.
    The wind played sad havoc with the roof of Davis' roller mills, and the rain that followed also did some damage. Everything has been righted since, however.
    P. Henderson, the tonsorial artist, and Dr. Demorest were among the many who visited the county seat during the week.
    W. H. Barr was temporarily snowed in at his Briggs Valley mine while visiting there last week, the beautiful having fallen to the depth of several feet down there.
    A. Garrick is now carrying a fine line of ready-made clothing and neckwear for the accommodation of Medford's dressy young men. He has acquired much better quarters than he had.
    The assertion in last week's Mail, to the effect that "real estate is beginning to move quite rapidly," had nothing to do with the Cow Creek slide. It referred to the movement that is apparent to everyone now. Sales of real property have been frequent during the past few weeks.
    W. F. Shawver last week purchased of Roberts & O'Neil a five-acre tract of land near the bridge for $800, and regards it as a bargain. It is confidently expected that real estate will be in great demand here during the coming season. The branch railroad has had much to do with attracting attention to our advantages.
    The Oregon delegation have received a petition in which Frank Galloway, of Medford, has been strongly endorsed for United States storekeeper for the distillery now being erected at Medford, and the delegation has transmitted the endorsement, with their own recommendation, to the United States commissioner of internal revenue. The many friends of Mr. G. hope to see him occupy the position, as he is well qualified for it and deserving besides.
    The presentation of "Honor Bound" by the Hollis-Lent company at the opera house last week, although to a very small audience, was good. The residents of Medford should be stirred up to a sense of duty in the matter of patronizing the performances at the opera house, and reward the enterprise of Messrs. Angle & Plymale in giving us such a temple of the muses. Good troupes will not patronize the opera house unless the populace patronize the troupes.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 20, 1891, page 2


    Wm. Slinger to Medynski & Theiss, lots 1 and 2, blk 2, Cottage add. to Medford; $1.
    Honeyman, DeHart & Co. et al., to Rogue River Valley Railway Co., franchise, etc.; $1.
    E. W. Dusenberry to Wm. Slinger, lots 1 and 2, blk 2, Cottage add. to Medford; $1000.
    Welcome Fowler et al., to H. F. Whetstone, lot 8, blk 48, Medford; $150.
"Real Estate Transfers," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 20, 1891, page 2


PENTZ--In Medford, Feb. 10, 1891, to Mr. and Mrs. S. S. Pentz, a son.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 20, 1891, page 2


    Trains are running regularly between Jacksonville and Medford, the service giving the best of satisfaction. The patronage has been good so far, and will doubtless increase, as many will come to the county seat, on business and pleasure, who never would have thought of coming before the building of the road. Last Sunday nearly 100 people made the round trip over the line, while there were many others who rode one way only. In a short time the company will handle freight, charging five cents per hundred pounds for distances less than three miles and nine cents a hundredweight for distances less than six miles. The minimum rate will be 25 cents. It is expected that the new rolling stock which the company is having built in the East will arrive in a short time, when the trip between Medford and this place will be made in less than 15 minutes. When everything is gotten in shipshape, this will be a first-class line in every particular.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 20, 1891, page 3


    The roads are worse now than they have been at any time this winter.
    Prof. Narregan has sold his interests at Tolo and moved to Medford.
    Thousands of fruit trees are being set out in different portions of southern Oregon. This will certainly be a great fruit country in the course of time.
    The town is full of canvassers for different kinds of articles. The "hard times" don't seem to discourage them, as their seductive talk makes more or less victims.
    The railroad engineers are now preparing to straighten the course of the main line at Mineral Point, in Eden precinct, and will see that all trestles are filled on the route.
    Travel on the R.R.V. railroad is fully equal to expectations so far, and there is every reason to believe that the road will at least pay operating expenses from the beginning.
    A petition is said to have been circulated in Crescent City, Cal., during the past week, requesting the R.R.V. railway company to extend their line westward to the coast at once. It is understood a liberal bonus will be granted by the town and settlements along the route.
    It is said that every building and loan association in Oregon is in a flourishing condition. The stock of the Roseburg association now commands a premium of $30 per share. There is talk of forming associations at Medford and Grants Pass in the immediate future.
    The Rogue River Valley Railroad Company has filed articles of incorporation with the secretary of state. Its principal office is stated to be in Portland; capital stock $100,000, divided into 1000 shares. The object is to construct and equip a railroad from Medford, in Jackson County, to Jacksonville, and two miles beyond. Wm. Honeyman, E. J. DeHart, W. C. Crawford and J. D. Howell are the incorporators.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 20, 1891, page 3


    Chas. Carney and wife made their Saturday visit to Jacksonville. They went to Medford from here, to visit their daughter, who is attending school there.
    W. A. Buchanan has gone to Portland, but will return in a short time. He is managing the affairs of the R.R.V.R.R. quite efficiently and acceptably.
"Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 20, 1891, page 3


    Twenty-three passengers came in on the train from Medford last night.
    As will be seen by the timetable of the R.R.V.R.R., published elsewhere, trains will leave Jacksonville at one o'clock P.M. after tomorrow. This change will be duly appreciated by everybody, as it gives more time for the transaction of business at the county seat.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 20, 1891, page 3


    Judge Willard Crawford will open a mining assay office in Medford.
    Roberts & O'Neil have sold five acres of their land near the bridge at Medford to Mr. Shawver for $800.
    A. Darnell of Applegate, who has been nearly blind from some eye disease, was at Medford recently under Dr. Geary's treatment, and went home able to read.
"Here and There," Ashland Tidings, February 20, 1891, page 2

    The time schedule of the Medford & Jacksonville railroad--the "Rogue River Valley Railroad," appears in the ad in this issue of the Tidings.
    Frank Galloway, of Medford, is an applicant for the position of storekeeper of the distillery to be established there, and has sent to the Oregon congressional delegation a petition for the appointment containing the names of many of the leading Republicans of the county. As there is no opposition to Mr. Galloway's petition in this part of the state, so far as [is] known here, it is likely he will be given the appointment. The Oregonian of Monday stated that the Oregon delegation had endorsed the petition with their own recommendation and submitted it to the U.S. commissioner of internal revenue.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, February 20, 1891, page 3


    Mr. Awbrey, the section boss of the R.V.R.R., and family are occupying the Turner residence on Fifth Street, and think of locating here.
    The depot buildings with their new coats of paint and neat fixtures look quite "stylish," and when the people turn out en masse to see the train, Jacksonville presents a lively appearance.
    On last Thursday the regular trains of the Rogue River Valley Railroad Company began running between Jacksonville and Medford. Many prominent citizens of Medford availed themselves of the opportunity and paid Jacksonville a pleasant visit. On board the train also was Superintendent Buckman and Howell Bros., part owners in the road. The passenger train makes three trips over the road daily. The schedule time is as following: Leave Jacksonville at 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Leave Medford at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Trains will also stop at Harbaugh's on being signaled. The new owners will extend the road to the lime quarries on Jackson Creek almost a mile above town, as soon as the road is put in order between here and Medford. This will be of much benefit to Jacksonville, as a large number of men will necessarily be employed in the quarries getting the stone ready for shipment. The hills west of town are bountifully stored with the finest of lime rock, which, when a commodity of commerce, will be of great value. What a grand opening for someone with capital!
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, February 20, 1891, page 3


Oregon Statesman, Salem, February 25, 1891, page 2


    Prof. Narregan of Tolo has purchased a desirable building tract of C. W. Palm.
    Francis Fitch is in Portland again, in the interest of the Orchard Home Association.
    Those who were so fortunate as to secure invitations to the calico hop this week are happy.
    A. Z. Sears has sold his drayage business to A. W. Bish, who will operate it hereafter.
    E. S. Carder intends returning from Tulare, Cal. in a short time, to make Medford his permanent home.
    W. P. H.. Legate was called to the bedside of his mother, who was quite ill at Talent, one day last week.
    J. R. West, who is spending the winter in California, has improved his health considerably since he left Medford.
    A. Nicholson was engaged for several days this week in clearing the brush from his orchard land near Jacksonville.
    George Parkhill returned to the East last week after his family, with whom he will come to this place to reside in a short time.
    Mingus' subdivision is the latest addition to the town of Medford; Charlie Howard completed the platting of the tract this week.
    Shorty Hamilton reports that school taxes are coming in very slowly. As they will soon be delinquent, it behooves our citizens to bestir themselves, before it is too late.
    Mr. Theiss, of the distillery force, expects to welcome his father and mother to Medford in a short time, their household goods having already been shipped from the East.
    The shipment of apples still continues at Medford, Hammon Bros. having shipped a carload of choice fruit to Denver, Col. last week, making the second to that place within a few days.
    J. E. Enyart, N. A. Jacobs, Peter Henderson and others have organized a class in stenography at this place and are rapidly mastering its mysteries. Edward Russ is instructor for the class.
    R. H. Halley and wife returned from their visit to the eastern states last week, well pleased to get back to Oregon again, after a pleasant visit with old-time friends, some of whom will be apt to follow them to this coast in the future.
    With inimitable effrontery the Klamath Star suggests that as Medford is now assured of a Good Templars lodge and a distillery, that it would be a good time to subsidize a spoon factory and a sugar refinery here and to encourage the culture of mint.
    A couple eloped from Medford Tuesday morning, but did not go further than Roseburg. A warrant was placed in the hands of Marshal Miller, charging the female with lewd cohabitation, and he put it in the hands of Sheriff Birdsey for service. Jim telegraphed the facts to Sheriff Miller of Douglas County, who arrested the woman and turned her over to Birdsey, and the latter brought her back Wednesday morning, where the Medford authorities took her in charge.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 27, 1891, page 2


Alex Mackintosh to J. A. Mabee, lot 7, blk 58, Medford; $300.
John A. Mabee to J. F. Simpson, same as above; $300.
J. F. Simpson to A. J. and Rhoda A. Davis, same; $300.
Rhoda A. Park to A. J. Davis, undivided half interest in same, $50.
A. J. Davis to James G. Birdsey, same lot, $75.25.
W. I. Vawter to C. W. Palm, quitclaim to lots 8 and 9, blk 45, Medford; $230.
Plat of West's addition to Medford.
Plat of Mingus' subdivision near Medford.
"Real Estate Transfers," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 27, 1891, page 2


    Thirty-one passengers rode on the railroad from Medford Wednesday morning.
    The railroad brings many people into Jacksonville who would rarely, if ever, come here otherwise.
    Mrs. L. Justus visited relatives at Medford last week, while en route to Ager, Cal., where one of her daughters resides.
    The R.R.V.R.R. will commence carrying freight next Monday, connection with the S.P. Co.'s track having been made.
    Under the new Australian ballot law passed by the legislature, voting precincts must not contain to exceed 250 voters. This will make it necessary to reduce the size of several precincts in this county.
    There are now known to be seven Chinese pheasants in the valley, and it is sincerely hoped that they will not be molested this season, after which it is predicted they will be so numerous that it will not be necessary to look out for them very closely.
    A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. J. O. Johnson, formerly of this county, now residing at New Whatcom, Wash. Their eldest daughter was born in California, the second in Oregon, and the third and last in Washington, thus bounding the states comprising the west slope of the Union.
    Barneburg & Sons of Eden precinct, the successful stock raisers, stall-fed several hundred head of cattle during the past winter and are shipping them to northern markets. Three of the steers they shipped recently weighed 5000 pounds. No wonder there is a good demand for this fine beef.
    Every inducement will be offered the farmers by the proprietors of the Medford distillery, Medynski & Theiss, to induce them to raise corn to a much greater extent than has heretofore been the case in this valley. The very highest market price will always be paid for all that can be produced, and cash in hand will be the rule.
    The mother of Joe Goodwin, on trial for murder down at Fall River, Cal., is a Mrs. Heald, living on one of Major Barron's places in Ashland precinct. Judge Parker of Linkville will defend the young man, after he is through with assisting in the prosecution of Dixon and Sylvester in Lassen County and Josh Buckmaster at Redding, Cal.
    Fred. T. Merrill is having a carload of bicycles put together at San Francisco, especially with reference to the demands of the trade in southern Oregon, and will ship a consignment of them to Ashland in a short time. With the R.R.V. railroad and a full equipment of bicycles, this valley will be well fitted out for means of local transportation.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 27, 1891, page 3


    J. N. Fanning, who owns the Clarendon Hotel property, has returned to Fresno, Cal., accompanied by his family.
    J. O. Johnson and family will return from the Sound country to this county for permanent residence in a short time, we learn.
    G. W. Edwards contemplates removing from Talent to San Francisco, and is at the Bay City now looking out a residence location for his family, who will follow him thither in a short time.
    The venerable Jesse Wilson, one of the most highly respected pioneers in the valley, has been lying very ill at the home of his son, near Medford, for a few weeks past, and his life was several times despaired of. At his advanced age, 94 years, it is not likely that he will recover.
"Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 27, 1891, page 3


    One of Mrs. S. E. Ish's teams ran away a few days since and did more or less damage. Their driver, Jas. Cook, narrowly escaped serious injury.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 27, 1891, page 3


    Conrad Mingus is having his land near Medford divided into five and ten acre tracts for sale.
    Mr. P. W. Croake, formally [formerly?] of the Pacific Publishing Co., is in town this week gathering data for a handsome, illustrated pamphlet description of the Rogue River Valley, which is to be published soon. His prospectus is an attractive one, and he has met with satisfactory encouragement at Grants Pass, Medford and Ashland. He will also visit other towns of the valley.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, February 27, 1891, page 3


    G. W. Isaacs and Saml. Murray have opened a butcher shop at Medford.
    A steer belonging to Fred Barneburg was accidentally shot by one of a party of Medford rabbit hunters not long ago and the hunters went down into the pockets and made up the price of the animal to its owner.
    The Mail reports that a number of persons who have left Medford for other places within a year or two will return--J. O. Johnson, who has been at Fairhaven, and A. Childers, who also has been up in Washington, are among them.
    Said the Medford Mail of last Thursday: A. M. Wilson informs us that his father, Jesse Wilson, is quite ill at his house and will probably not recover. The elder Mr. Wilson is 94 years of age and is well known by all, having come to the valley in an early day.
"Here and There," Ashland Tidings, February 27, 1891, page 3


    The train running on the RR.V.RR. is conveying a goodly number of passengers between the terminus towns. Three new stations have been created on the road, the first from Jacksonville to Whetrock, next Harbaugh's, then Davisville and last of all is Medford. The road has been extended up Jackson Creek and the construction train conveys gravel to the place where the road is being ballasted.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, February 27, 1891, page 3


    W. W. Skinner, agent of the S.P. railway of this city, departs for a week's layoff and business trip to the Golden Gate City. He will be joined at Medford by his daughter, Miss Lura Skinner, who started yesterday for a visit to her uncle at San Francisco.
Capital Journal, Salem, February 27, 1891, page 3


    Fred Barneburg shipped two carloads of stall-fed beef to the Portland market Wednesday.
    Miller & Strang fixed A. A. Davis' tin roof of his roller mill, that the winds lifted off some time ago, in good shape.
    The work on the distillery buildings is not progressing very rapidly, on account of the inclemency of the weather.
    At the school meeting Monday, I. A. Webb was elected as director for three years and Geo. L. Davis, district clerk. Both are excellent selections.
    The R.R.V.R.R. is proving to be quite a convenience, and it is said by those who know that the road is more than paying running expenses, too.
    Jesse Wilson died at the residence of his son, A. Wilson, on Sunday, March 1st at the age of 94 years, 3 months and 1 day, and was buried on Tuesday at Jacksonville.
    N. A. Jacobs will continue as teacher in the second department of our public schools for the remainder of the year. Miss Coleman, on account of ill health, was compelled to give the school up.
    C. C. Ragsdale has sold out his interest in the Clarendon Hotel to Clayton Coker and a gentleman from California, and will leave soon for California to spend the rest of the winter, but will return to the valley next summer to look after his landed interests.
Valley Record, Ashland, March 5, 1891, page 3


    John Beek has returned from his northern tour, glad to get back out of the fog.
    Miss Mollie Merriman is holding a responsible position as teacher in one of the leading Portland public schools.
    The road from town to the Odd Fellows' cemetery has been placed in good repair by the lodge and interested citizens.
    The tract of land last week purchased by W. F. Shawver from Mrs. Roberts gives him an excellent piece of property on Bear Creek.
    Miller & Strang last week completed the work of putting on the new tin roof on Davis' flouring mill, and made an excellent job of it.
    I. A. Webb was elected school director and G. L. Davis school clerk of this district at the annual school election held last Monday.
    H. F. Wood last week took the contract to build the new R.R.V.R.R. depot, his bid being $687. It will soon be ready for occupancy.
    It is rumored that Chas. F. Wall will erect a fine brick block on his lots adjoining the Noland saloon property at this place, during the coming season.
    Charles Howard has removed his family to Medford from Grants Pass and has gone in to the civil engineering business in connection with his father, J. S. Howard.
    The Chinese have had to "go" from the culinary department of the Grand Central, the cuisine of which is now under the supervision of W. T. Prim, a caterer of rare ability.
    Rev. C. H. Wallace of Cottage Grove has been in town during the week, straightening up his affairs here, preparatory to taking his final departure for the Willamette section.
    W. W. Scott and family, wife and six children arrived at Medford from Iowa last week with the intention of making their home in this valley. They have relatives at Grants Pass.
    A. A. Davis, the Medford miller, was at the county seat on Tuesday. He has an abundance of grain, enough to last until new wheat comes in, and is able to take a cheerful view of prospects for spring trade.
    The calico party given at Howard's hall last week was a most enjoyable affair, and was well attended by the leading society people of Medford and vicinity. Hamilton's orchestra furnished the music, which was of the best quality.
    Medford is rapidly filling up with a desirable class of citizens, and while there is nothing like a boom on foot, it is evident that newcomers all realize that no place in the valley has brighter chances for the future than have we.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 6, 1891, page 2


GROVER-GROVER--At Medford, February 20, 1891, by Rev. L. D. Goodwin, Martin E. Grover and Nettie F. Grover.
ANDERSON--At Medford, Feb. 22, 1891, to Mr. and Mrs. George Anderson, a daughter.
WILSON--Near Medford, Sunday, March 1, 1891, of general debility, Jesse Wilson; aged 94 years, 2 months and 1 day.
    [We are accustomed to view with a certain degree of respect akin to veneration the life of one who has seen the birth and who has figured in the earlier development of a single one of our great western states. With what feelings then must we regard the existence of one whose lifespan covers almost the history of the nation; who has figured as a pioneer in a dozen states as he led the course of empire westward; of one whose birth antedated the century and who has lived under every administration since the inception of our government. His age exceeding by well-nigh a quarter of a century the allotted span, what a striking example he affords of the sturdy vigor and lusty hardihood of the founders of our government. Deceased was born in the state of Kentucky in the beginning of the year 1797, removing to this coast after a long life in the Mississippi Valley in the year 1870 to join his sons Arthur and Jesse Wilson, Jr., in the Rogue River Valley. At the time of his death he represented the first of five living generations in direct succession. He belonged to a family noted for longevity, and a sister, older than he by almost three years, survives him in her native state of Kentucky. The declining years of the subject of this sketch alone were familiar to the residents of the home of his adoption, but there was abundant evidence in them of the sterling worth of the man, as neighbor, friend and citizen, and he took with him to the grave the lasting esteem and regard of all who knew him. The remains were followed to their last resting place on Tuesday morning last, in the peaceful cemetery at Jacksonville, by a large number of mourning friends and relatives, and were laid to their long rest after a few appropriate remarks at the grave by Hon. G. S. Walton of Medford.]
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 6, 1891, page 2


    The railroad continues to be well patronized.
    Rogue River raised over 5 feet at the bridge during the heavy rains of last week.
    Mumps are holding sway in several sections in the valley, notably at Ashland.
    There has been no use so far for the Cyclone snowplow in the Siskiyous this winter.
    The railroad company is hauling freight, as well as passengers, mails and express, since last Monday.
    Thos. J. Kenney received the first full carload consigned over the R.R.V.R.R. last week, consisting of a carload of feed from the Medford roller mill.
    The fact that law regulates the fare on railroads in this state is responsible for the fact of such low rates being charged for passenger transportation on the branch road.
    The railroad fill at Wagner Creek is completed, and the contractors will now go to work at the other trestles between Ashland and Talent. It has not yet been decided what will be done at Mineral Point.
    The school census shows quite an increase in the school children population of the county seat as compared with last year. The old shire town seems to have "touched bottom" and to be on the upgrade once more.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 6, 1891, page 3


    Uncle John Wolters of Medford visited his old home in Jacksonville one day last week.
    J. C. Coker has returned from Florida and will engage in the livery business at Medford. He informs us that his father, C. W. Coker, has married since he left here and is engaged in raising oranges in Florida.
"Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 6, 1891, page 3


    The Postal Tel. Co. has established an office in this place.
    J. Nunan last week sold 1600 bushels of wheat he had stored in the Medford warehouse to F. M. Mingus for 65 cents a bushel.
    The railroad depot in this place having been finished, the W.U. Tel. Co.'s office, of which Miss Laura Harrison is manager, has been removed thither.
    Sheriff Birdsey made a trip to Roseburg to bring back a woman against whom charges were pending in the justice's court of Medford precinct. On her return she was remarried to her divorced husband and the charges dismissed. [These are presumably the Grovers, above.]
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 6, 1891, page 3


    The following deeds have been recorded in the office of the county recorder since the last report of the Times:
    Thos. Harlan to Newell Harlan; N½ of lot 6, blk 3, Cottage add. to Medford; $200.
    C. C. Ragsdale to W. A. Forbes;lots 15 and 16, blk 20, Medford; $100.
    Conrad Mingus to C. W. Palm; lot 1, blk 1, Mingus subdivision; $250.
    J. C. Cowles to W. G. McCubbin, lots and blks in Park add. to Medford; $10.
    Wm. Slinger et al., to F. E. Zoellner; lots 1, 11 and 12 in blk 33 and lot 6, blk 49, Medford; $370.
    C. W. Palm et al., to Ferdinand Million, lots 9 and 10, blk 33, Medford; $160.
Excerpt, Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 6, 1891, page 3

    J. S. Howard, Medford's popular postmaster, was in Jacksonville during the past week; he regards the new railroad as [a] great convenience as he will be enabled thereby to visit his many Jacksonville friends more frequently.
    The Western Union Telegraph Office has removed to the depot building, where the efficient operator, Miss Laura Harrison, will also act as ticket seller for the Rogue River Valley Railroad.
    Traveling is increasing daily on the R.R.V. railroad, and the business interests of the town of Jacksonville are looking up accordingly.
    Misses Alice and Ella Hanley visited Jacksonville Saturday and availed themselves of our new railroad facilities to spend part of the day with Medford friends, preferring "rapid transit" to the old-time style of buggy riding.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, March 6, 1891, page 2


    The connection of the track of the Medford & Jacksonville branch railroad with the S.P. main line at Medford was made last week, and the business of carrying freight was begun by the branch road the first of this week.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, March 6, 1891, page 3


    Engineer D. McCarthy has turned his engine over to Jim Porter for a week or two, having been employed for some days past in getting the better of a threatened attack of fever. He is able to be out this week.
"Personal," Ashland Tidings, March 6, 1891, page 3


    Charley Howard has moved from Grants Pass to Medford. Mr. Howard understands civil engineering in all of its branches, and J. S. Howard & Son will indeed make a strong team.--[Mail.
"Here and There," Ashland Tidings, March 6, 1891, page 3


    The vast area of orchards in southern Oregon that will bear their first crops this season will make our surplus something huge in 1891, if no untoward circumstance arises. From indications at present the season will be most propitious.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 13, 1891, page 2


    A. A. Davis shipped a carload of mill-feed to Grants Pass last week.
    J. O. Johnson and family returned to Medford this morning.
    One of Mr. LaFollett's children died in this city a few days since.
    E. Langley acted as fireman on the R.R.V.R.R. during the sickness of W. Farrier.
    Spring fights have commenced already in Medford, but no one has been seriously hurt so far.
    Hon. Robt. Clow, one of the railroad commissioners, visited relatives here one day last week.
    Frank Cardwell, who was appointed deputy assessor, has resigned and will leave this section soon.
    Hanley & Wilkinson, the butchers, are offering the choicest of cuts to the residents of Medford.
    Rev. C. H. Wallace and sons took their departure for permanent residence at Cottage Grove last week.
    A daughter of Warren Dodge has returned home from Ashland, where he has been attending school.
    D. S. Youngs purchased a large amount of goods for his second-hand store at Jacksonville during the week.
    D. T. Sears went to Grants Pass with the railroad commissioners last Saturday, returning home next day.
    Sneak thieves entered the store-room of John A. Hanley one night last week and stole several small articles.
    Judge Walton last week entertained his old-time friend, Frank Witte of Iowa, during the latter's stay in this place.
    Merriman & Legate, the live blacksmiths, received a carload of stone-coal from the north one day last week.
    H. F. Wood, the popular contractor, will push the R.R.V.R.R. Co.'s depot at Medford to completion with all speed.
    Dr. Demorest now occupies fine quarters in the front of the opera block building, where he has fitted up his new office.
    Francis Fitch returned from Portland last week, here he has been looking after the interests of the Orchard Home Association.
    S. G. Wortman returned to Medford last week from his trip through Mexico, and will probably remain here for the future.
    District Attorney Colvig was here Tuesday, conducting the prosecution of the tramps who burglarized a car on Sunday night.
    The city council made a mistake when they abolished the night watch. It is at night when nearly all the burglaries and fires occur.
    Dr. Jones was at Jacksonville Wednesday, having been called to treat some members of the family of Mr. Alberry, the section foreman.
    Fred Barneburg shipped two carloads of fat cattle north last week from this station. His stall-fed stock have already earned a good reputation.
    C. C. Ragsdale, having disposed of his hotel interests to Forbes & Coker, will probably spend a portion of his time the next few months in California.
    The rapidly increasing business of Medford establishes the fact beyond a doubt that this is destined to be the leading town in the valley in a very short time.
    Since the switch connection with the S.P. line was established on the R.R.V. railroad last week, the handling of freight for Jacksonville has been greatly facilitated.
    The recent bad weather has delayed building operations at the distillery site somewhat, but the work will be pushed  as rapidly as possible from this time forward.
    W. A. Forbes, one of the new proprietors of the Clarendon Hotel, last week traded Los Angeles property for S. H. Hull's residence on the corner of Front and Eighth streets.
    Prof. N. A. Jacobs will teach the intermediate department of our public schools for the remainder of the term, Miss Coleman's health not admitting of her resuming her duties there.
    Medynski & Theiss announce that they will be ready for business by the time that harvest is over, and expect to have their buildings completed and machinery in place by the first of June.
    Much complaint has been heard of muddy streets in Medford during the past few weeks. One or two of our merchants have found it necessary to have the mud cleared away at their own expense. Shame!
    The Postal telegraph system between here and the county seat is deserving of a share of the public patronage. Will Miller has control of the Jacksonville end of the line at his office in Dr. Jackson's old business place.
    D. G. Coy of Roseburg opens a full line of clothing, boots and shoes, etc., this week in the store-room adjoining Hanley & Wilkinson's butcher shop in Medford. The car thieves last Sunday night gave him an excellent advertisement.
    An inspection of the real estate transfers the past few weeks will satisfy anyone that a healthy immigration is now pouring into the county, and most of these desirable newcomers inquire into the advantages offered by Medford before investing elsewhere.
    The section crew had the misfortune to have their handcar wrecked by the freight train coming up unexpectedly in the fog one day recently and striking the car before they could remove it from the track. It was taken to the car shops at Grants Pass for repairs.
    Uncle John B. Wrisley has received an appointment in the U.S. land office, we learn, and will probably be called to Washington city. We shall regret to see Uncle John depart from among us, but it gives us pleasure to know that B. F. Dowell will have so able a voucher at his elbow, as it were, to substantiate his statements about the privations and hardships of early days among the pioneers [i.e., testifying in favor of Indian war claims]. What a team Uncle John and the immortal B. F. would make, should they be able to join forces in the third house at Washington.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 13, 1891, page 3


    The following deeds have been recorded in the office of the county recorder since the last report of the Times:
    C. Mingus to N. L. Narregan; 7 acres in Mingus subdivision. $500.
    Leonard & Skeeters to Vawter & Howard; lot 15, block 13, Medford. $1000.
Excerpt, Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 13, 1891, page 2


    Last Sunday evening, at Medford, S.P. car No. 4800, containing a consignment of goods for the new Medford clothing merchant D. G. Coy, was broken into by tramps at about 9:30 o'clock, and 21 pairs of double blankets, several hats, a number of pairs of shoes, some razors, etc., were found to be missing next morning. In the car was found a No. 10 badly worn tramp's shoe and a No. 7 of the same species, the mates to the odd shoes being found at the end of the switch, denoting at least two thieves to have been present at the robbery. A lot of "dope waste" had been piled on a dry goods box and lighted to serve as a candle for the rascals, and had burned a hole through the box, showing them to have been engaged a considerable time at the job. On Monday the sheriff was given a minute description of the stolen property, and ran the thieves down at Ashland, with the assistance of Marshal Mayfield and Deputy Marshal Smith, who obligingly ran one of them into the cooler, while the sheriff was given a fair swing at questioning the younger of the fellows, who had obtained a night's lodging with a woman living near the depot at that place. After making several contradictory statements the man at last confessed to the details of the crime, and put the officers on the track of the missing property that they admit having stolen, even to the two pairs of blankets they had used for bedding and left under a laurel tree near Phoenix. The other fellow virtually admitted his complicity in the crime after learning of his partner's confession, but both denied breaking the seal of the car, or taking the missing 19 blankets. As their story hung together so well the officers are inclined to think that other thieves raided the car after they left it. The young fellow who confessed gave his name as Wm. Johnson, the other calling himself Jim McCarthy. Both had a preliminary hearing before Justice G. S. Walton at Medford on Tuesday last, and were able to await the action of the grand jury. In default of $500 bail bonds both languish in the county jail. They were photographed by P. Britt yesterday, in response to a telegram from the railway authorities, L. R. Fields, the general traffic superintendent, thinking they are responsible for other crimes in which the railroad is interested. They are unquestionably elected for long terms in the penitentiary. Francis Fitch, Esq., assisted District Attorney Colvig in the preliminary examination before Judge Walton, appearing as the representative of the S.P. company. The cases of goods were badly torn up in the car, the fellows being unable to find the clothing they were in search of. No clue has yet been found to the nineteen pairs of missing blankets, nor to several missing hats and five pairs of shoes.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 13, 1891, page 3


    Hon. J. D. Whitman, horticultural commissioner for this district, is now in Jacksonville with a complete spraying apparatus, and is fully prepared to operate against the San Jose scale and other fruit pests. We hope that our citizens will lend him their assistance in getting rid of what promises to be southern Oregon's greatest enemy. Mr. W. is doing this work at the lowest possible figure. The people of Jacksonville should waken to the importance of this matter before it is too late, as much of our future prosperity depends on it.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 13, 1891, page 3


    One of the children of J. N. Walters, of Medford, aged about two years, came to its death by drowning last Saturday. A washtub containing water was sitting on the back porch of the residence, into which the little child fell unnoticed. The lifeless body was discovered by the mother about fifteen minutes afterwards.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 13, 1891, page 3


    Business is looking up, and money will no doubt be more plentiful soon.
    The R.R.V.R.R. Co. finished their switch in Jacksonville this week.
    The lumber output of Jackson County was over 25,000,000 feet last year.
    The roads were never before in such a sorry plight at this season of the year.
    Our railroad continues to be well patronized, both as regards the passenger and freight traffic.
    Miss Rose Luy of this place is now learning the "art preservative" [i.e., printing] in the Mail office at Medford.
    The ballasting of the railroad track progresses steadily. The rails in some of the fields on the line have sunk to the level of the ground.
    Assessor Hamilton has appointed A. S. Johnson of Medford as his deputy. We are informed that he is well qualified for the position.
    Every day the great convenience of the R.R.V. railroad is demonstrated anew, and we are glad to see that it is being liberally patronized.
    The weather is considerably warmer than it was at the beginning of the month, and the snow that fell on the mountains during the past few weeks is disappearing.
    Miss Laura Harrison is ensconced in cozy quarters at the depot, where she officiates in the dual capacity of W.U. telegraph operator and ticket agent for the R.R.V.R.R.
    A small consignment of choice apples was shipped by Benj. Eggleston to Page & Son of Portland during the week; but the apple season is about over for this year.
    The Orchard Home tract, near Medford, is now under the superintendency of Henry Pohlman, a fruit tree expert lately from Los Angeles, who has himself bought five acres of the land.
    The official figures show that the fares on the R.R.V.R.R. average about 50 per day, a pretty good showing for hard times. There is no longer any doubt as to the road paying expenses.
    By the provisions of the new Australian ballot law it will be necessary to subdivide Ashland, Medford, Jacksonville and Central Point precincts, each of these having more than the stipulated number of 250 voters allowed.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 13, 1891, page 3


    Mr. Hutchison, freight and passenger agent of the R.R.V.R.R., is in Jacksonville frequently  since assuming that position.
"Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 13, 1891, page 3


    H. F. Wood is pushing the railroad company's depot at Medford to completion, and is doing a good job.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 13, 1891, page 3


    Those wishing to sell goods of any kind will do well to consult D. S. Youngs, Second-Hand Dealer, Medford.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 13, 1891, page 3


    At the school meeting for Medford district, on Monday of last week, I. A. Webb was elected as a trustee to serve for three years, in place of W. H. Barr whose term of office had expired. G. L. Davis was elected to fill the vacancy made by I. L. Hamilton.
"Here and There," Ashland Tidings, March 13, 1891, page 3


    W. I. Vawter and wife and Mr. [and] Mrs. J. Goldsmith, of Medford, spent Saturday in Jacksonville. Mr. and Mrs. Vawter came over to avail themselves of our superior photograph talent to have their dainty little darling, that has lately blessed their home, photographed.
    This morning the working crew on the R.R.V.R.R. boarded the gravel car to run down on the road as usual, trusting the brakes to hold it. The brake beam broke on the heavy down grade, and all the hands jumped off but four, who probably took the fastest trip of their lifetime; down below Harbaugh the car stopped on an up grade and the engine ran down and brought it back; the regular morning train was a little late in consequence of the accident. Nobody was hurt, and the gravel train will probably have an engine in future.
    One of the delightful events of the past few weeks was a trip over the R.R.V.R.R., in company with the pioneer poet, historian and philosopher, Gen. E. L. Applegate. He is equally as familiar with the people and events of pioneer history as he is with the history of ancient Greece and Rome, and it is one of the privileges of a lifetime to listen to his thrilling anecdotes of pioneer days or to hear him tell, in classic story, the history of buried ages, while he stands with his majestic intellect, a grand connecting link between the present and the past.
    James McCarthy and William Johnson, who burglarized a freight car in Medford Saturday, were arrested by Sheriff Birdsey near Ashland Monday and a part of the stolen goods found in their possession; they were brought before Justice Walton of Medford and pled guilty to the charge of burglary, and placed under $500 bonds to appear before the grand jury. They could not furnish bonds and were brought to Jacksonville and lodged in jail. The goods stolen were household and mercantile, belonging to D. G. Coy. Among them were 22 pair of blankets; the prisoners pointed out a woodpile in Medford where they told the sheriff he would find two pairs of blankets, and he found them as they had stated. They deny all knowledge of the other articles and District Attorney Colvig will investigate the case.
    The R.R.V.R.R. is increasing in passenger traffic daily, and freight trains are running regularly. The outlook for the new enterprise is extremely favorable notwithstanding the low rates of 4 cts. per mile. It is said to be paying running expenses and will soon pay dividends on the original investment. Business is looking up in Jacksonville, and the coming year will see the town improve in every way.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, March 13, 1891, page 3






    Jas. Herely and family have removed from Tacoma to Kent, Wash.
    The train ran into the depot being built for the R.R.V.R.R. at Medford, and damaged one end of the passenger car considerably.


TAYLOR-WOODY--At the residence of J. N. Woody, near Medford, March 5, 1891, by Rev. C. H. Hoxie, Willis A. Taylor and Miss Annie E. Woody.
PHIPPS--At Medford, March 7, 1891, to Mr. and Mrs. M. P. Phipps, a son.
JACOBS--In Medford, March 17, 1891, to Mr. and Mrs. N. A. Jacobs, a son.
LAFOLLET--At Medford, March 8, 1891, of typhoid fever, Elmer Lafollet; aged five years and 1 month.


    One of the most distressing accidents which ever occurred in this city was the death of the little two-year-old child of Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Walters of this place Saturday. The little one had been given a piece of bread and butter to keep her quiet while the mother was washing the front windows and had at once started out of the kitchen door to play in the yard. Shortly after the mother went to look for her child, imagine her anguish and terror when she beheld the little one head downward in a tub of water which was standing on the back porch. The child was immediately taken into the house and a doctor summoned but nothing could be done. The little one had strangled before she was taken from her position. The mother was driven nearly frantic with grief but was finally reconciled to the loss of her child. The funeral took place on Sunday from the house, quite a number of friends of the family being present.
Ashland Tidings, March 20, 1891, page 2


    County Assessor I. L. Hamilton this week sold out his interest in the Grand Central Hotel at Medford to M. Purdin.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, March 20, 1891, page 3


    This morning the working crew on the R.R.V.R.R. boarded the gravel car to run down on the road as usual, trusting the brakes to hold it. The brake beam broke on the heavy down grade, and all the hands jumped off but four who probably took the fastest ride of their lifetime; down below Harbaugh the car stopped on an up grade and the engine ran down and brought it back; the regular morning train was a little late in consequence of the accident. Nobody was hurt, and the gravel train will probably have an engine in future.
    One of the delightful events of the past few weeks was a trip over the R.R.V.R.R., in company with the pioneer poet, historian and philosopher, Gen. E. L. Applegate. He is equally as familiar with the people and events of pioneer history as he is with the history of ancient Greece and Rome, and it is one of the privileges of a lifetime to listen to his thrilling anecdotes of pioneer days or to hear him tell, in classic story, the history of buried ages, while he stands with his majestic intellect, a grand connecting link between the present and the past.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, March 20, 1891, page 3


JACOBS--In Medford, Oregon, March 18, 1891, to Mr. and Mrs. N. A. Jacobs, a son.
Ashland Tidings, March 20, 1891, page 3


    A man in Jackson County, Ore., has been plowing this fall with a steam engine, and has found that it works quite successfully. He pulls eight plows with his engine, and turns over the soil at the rate of sixteen acres per day. The cost of running the outfit is not over five dollars per day.
"Abreast of the Times," Bridgeport Chronicle-Union, Bridgeport, California, March 21, 1891, page 4


Medford Mail.]
    The Rogue River Valley Water Company has been incorporated under the Raley water law with a capital stock of $250,000, in 125,000 shares. The incorporators are Henry Klippel, J. A. Lee, J. B. McGee, Francis Fitch and L. C. Gruby. The object of the company is to construct and maintain a water ditch from Little Butte Creek down into the valley. Said ditch to be used for irrigating and transportation purposes. Surveyors have been out for two weeks setting stakes for the ditch. The ditch will be about thirty miles in length, twelve feet across at the top and eight feet at the bottom. It will take such a course as to give the desert the full benefit of its water, and will cross over into Bear Creek Valley between Coker Butte and Mount Roxy. J. S. Howard and son are doing the surveying and Mr. Howard informed the reporter that Medford could be reached within a hundred-foot fall.
Valley Record, Ashland, March 26, 1891, page 1


    When you can get an ENTIRE ACRE of the best fruit land in Nickell's Addition to Medford for the SAME price?
    Nickell's Addition joins Medford's western corporation line, is situated in a beautiful and healthful location, and is within a stone's throw of the Medford schoolhouse. The land is particularly adapted to horticulture, and great returns would be realized there from a few acres planted in prunes, peaches, grapes, etc.
    Two of its best features are that it is free from city taxes, although not lying a great distance from the business portion of Medford, while the Jacksonville-Medford railroad will run through the land near the northern boundary.
    It has been laid out in tracts of five acres and less, and will be sold at very reasonable rates on the most favorable terms, viz: one-third in cash, one-third in one year, and balance in two years.
    For further particulars apply to any reputable real estate dealer, who will take pleasure in showing you the addition.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 27, 1891 et seq., page 2     The price in the headline increased from $50 to $70 with this issue.


    Isaacs & Murray have closed their butcher shop for the present.
    Ed. Tryer is assisting F. Galloway at the combination fence works.
    M. Purdin has been admitted to practice at the bar, and is well received.
    Geo. Justus has been visiting his sister at Ager, Cal., during the week.
    Fred Faris now dispenses sweets to the sweet at Goldsmith's headquarters.
    The elder Mr. Galloway has returned to Medford for permanent residence.
    Peter Henderson and family last week visited at Woodville, prior to their departure for the north.
    H. U. Lumsden and family are spending a month in the Sound country, in quest of health and pleasure.
    The Mitchell & Lewis Co. have reestablished headquarters here with a big stock of goods in their line.
    The W.C.T.U. now meets regularly every Thursday afternoon, at 3 o'clock, at the Presbyterian Church.
    Rev. F. Watry will hold services at the Catholic Church next Sunday, which is Easter, at 11 o'clock A.M.
    Mrs. Bell returned to Ashland last week after a very pleasant visit with her daughter, Mrs. E. W. Hammon of this place.
    The R.R.V.R.R. Co.'s depot at this place is finished and is a handsome one, reflecting much credit on the contractors.
    Mrs. M. A. Davison has sold four acres near town to Mrs. F. L. Cranfill for $70 an acre. C. W. Palm negotiated the sale.
    On Thursday evening of last week the sons of veterans residing in Medford met and perfected an organization of the order here.
    George Merriman recently bought Dr. Pickel's house and lot in the southern part of town and will occupy the same as a residence.
    Mr. Crouch contemplates building at once on the handsome lot he last week purchased from C. W. Palm, in the Mingus subdivision.
    Considerable building is already going on at Medford, although the season is yet early. We expect to see a great deal of improvement here during 1891.
    J. O. Johnson and family have returned to Medford for permanent residence, and are glad to get back again after their sojourn in Washington.
    A. M. Gibson of Missouri spent the week investigating the resources of Medford and vicinity, with a view of locating here. He is a cousin of O. P. McGee.
    Davis' park in the southern part of town is now a very handsome enclosure, and many hope that he will carry out his threat of donating it to the city for the use of the public.
    Much complaint of tramps is heard on every side, and it is highly probable that a tramp ordinance, to enable our marshal to put these worthies to work, will be passed at an early day.
    It was reported on our streets during the week that parties abroad would meet our citizens more than halfway on a cannery proposition for Medford, provided sufficient interest is taken here to insure the success of the undertaking.
    A. Childers, the pioneer brickmason, who went to Whatcom, Wash., on a visit some time since, was taken sick. He will return as soon as he recovers. His son Arnold is also there, and his family have been sick more or less of the time.
    The huge proportions of the distillery buildings attract many visitors every Sunday to inspect them, and the fact is becoming more evident every day that the representations of the gentlemen who have the concern under way will be fulfilled to the letter.
    Much interest is taken in Medford in the proposed road to be opened to the Cinnabar Springs and health resort the coming summer. Citizens here will petition the county court to lend a helping hand in the work. The road will prove of vast benefit to all sections of the country if it is built, affording easy means of access to the most important health resort on the coast, and one that will pay all parties interested to keep tributary to this county.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 27, 1891, page 2


    The following deeds have been recorded in the office of the county recorder since the last report of the Times:
    Volna Webster to Belinda Webster; north part of lots 7 and 8, blk 8, Park add. to Medford. $100.
    Peter Fitch to Vawter & Howard; lot on East 9th Street, Medford. $400.
    C. W. Palm et al. to John Cox and George Finley; lot 13 blk 47, Medford. $200.
Excerpt, Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 27, 1891, page 2


    Miss Mamie McMahon, who has been critically ill at S. Earhart's residence in Medford precinct for some time past, is recovering slowly.
    The Orchard Home Association is planting 20 acres more in choice trees. It has upwards of 60 acres planted, which is evidence that their scheme is proving popular, as it rightfully should.
    The new locomotive for the R.R.V.R.R. arrived this week and is ensconced in the roundhouse. It is small, but handsome and powerful. The passenger car is expected soon, conductor Dyar informs us.
    The real estate market in Jackson County is in a better condition than it has been for nearly two years past, and many transactions are looked for during 1891. Considerable land has changed hands during the past few weeks.
    Some hoodlum placed a cartridge on the railroad track near the Times office, which exploded with a loud report as the train passed over it. Such conduct is criminal, to say the least, and should be severely punished. It might have resulted in someone getting hurt.
    Mitchell & Lewis Co. have opened their branch house at Medford, and will carry a very complete stock of farm wagons, springwork implements, corn and hay tools, etc., adapted to this section of country. They manufacture and handle a strictly first-class line of goods and sell direct to the consumer. Farmers will consult their own interests by examining their stock before purchasing elsewhere. See their advertisement in another column.
    The manner in which our citizens are beautifying and renovating their premises, not to speak of their hearty support of the efforts of the state board of horticulture to eradicate the fruit pests that at one time bade fair to eradicate the fruit, cannot be too highly recommended. We have here one of the prettiest little towns on the coast; and since our citizens have taken renewed courage from the advent of our railroad [it] bids fair to again be one of the most prosperous.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 27, 1891, page 3


    W. Honeyman and W. A. Buchanan, members of the firm of Honeyman, DeHart & Co., Portland, proprietors of the R.R.V.R.R., made this section a visit last Sunday. They returned home well satisfied with the manner in which their railroad is being conducted and patronized.
"Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 27, 1891, page 3


    Since the advent of the railroad the genus tramp is becoming more abundant.
    Since the railroad was built we see five strangers on the streets of Jacksonville now where we saw one before.
    Next Monday M. Purdin, the assignee of the estates of Magruder Bros. and Kincaid Bros., will auction off the goods remaining. The unsold goods were brought to Medford last week.
    A postal inspector was in Jacksonville this week for the purpose of making arrangements to transfer the mail contract to the R.R.V.R.R. Co.
    The hoodlums who are playing all kinds of pranks on the railroad track will come to grief sooner or later. Efforts are being made to locate them, and when they are discovered the severe punishment they deserve will be meted out to them.
    Rev. Mr. Aleridge of Medford preached at M.E. church in Jacksonville last Sunday. His remarks concerning our town were not complimentary, principally because he was not favored with the audience he expected. But, then, he did not know that the people here had never gained a reputation as church-goers.
    Some very small individuals smeared the railroad track in Cardwell's field with rancid lard or soft soap last night, so that the train could make no progress and caused a delay of nearly half an hour. There is a law against such proceedings, and the perpetrators of this outrage will not think it so funny when they find quarters in the county jail.
    It transpires that the correct name of young McCarthy, who is confined in the county jail for stealing from a freight car at Medford, is Demar. He is an old offender, having given bonds to appear in one of the San Francisco courts, with his father as bondsman. His identity was fortunately discovered by a checkbook in his possession, and the elder Demar, who is a poor man, will be spared the loss of his money.
    W. P. Dodge of Medford is now sole proprietor of Dodge Bros.' well-drilling business, and is prepared to fill contracts in that line, as well as prospecting mining claims. He has drilled a number of wells in different portions of the county and never failed to give satisfaction. His machine can drill to the depth of 400 feet, if necessary. We take pleasure in recommending Mr. D.'s work. His advertisement will appear next week.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 27, 1891, page 3


   Post office inspector and road agent Samuel Flint, of San Francisco, was in Jacksonville Monday, looking after postal matters and arranging for the transferring of the mail contract between this place and Medford to the R.R.V.R.R.
    Rev. M. C. Aleridge of Medford occupied the pulpit of the M. E. Church in this place last Sunday morning and evening. Although his audience was small on both occasions his sermons are pronounced of more than ordinary excellence. Our people should not miss an opportunity to hear him.
    M. Purdin, the Medford lawyer, has purchased the Grand Central Hotel at that place. He can now be "admitted to the bar" without any special examination. He is a capable man of business, courteous and obliging and the Grand Central will continue to be the leading hotel under his management.
    W. L. Miller has purchased the telegraph line between this place and Medford and has an independent connection with the Mackey-Bennett line, for which he is now operator. He has also accepted the position of Associated Press correspondent and telegraphic and general correspondent of the Portland Telegram. He will attend to all the business promptly and acceptably.
    The home of Prof. N. A. Jacobs, of Medford, was made happy on March 18th by the advent of a bouncing baby boy. Brother Jacobs is Grand Treasurer of the R.D.C. and members of the Degree will join us in the wish that little one may inherit all the good qualities of both father and mother and become in time a shining link in the order.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, March 27, 1891, page 3


DEAR CARL:--
    As you have been absent for quite a while I thought that I would write to let you know the news.
    We are not going very fast in arithmetic, because some of the scholars do not understand the examples. We are going quite fast in our physiology. The next lesson is about the eye.
    The little engine is making regular trips now.
    The day that the circus was here there were only fifteen scholars in our room.
    When are you going to visit the navy yards on Mare Island?
    Three new cars are expected for the Rogue River Valley Railroad soon.
    The boys say that the creek is almost full of fish. I suppose that you have caught a great many saltwater fish.
    When do you expect to visit Mount Hamilton?
    We intend to have an entertainment at the close of school.
    A gentleman from Australia lectured at the Baptist church night before last. He told about a kangaroo hunt and a great many other things. He also recited a number of pieces.
    As it is almost train time I shall close. Please write soon.
Mr. Carl Crystal,
    53 Sacramento Street,
        San Francisco, California.
The Young Idea, Washington School publication, April 1891, page 2




    CASH VS. CREDIT.--The credit system, as at present carried on in Oregon, is the whole cause of what is now termed "hard times." The farmer, the merchant, the stock raiser and grain dealer all do an immense credit business. We say it is the cause of hard times and expect, by points which have come under our observation, to prove our assertion. We ask, can any farmer or business man pay from twenty to thirty percent interest and then make a success of such business? You say no, as all business men say. But does a farmer pay such interest as above stated, you ask. Take the following for an example: A farmer in this section a short time ago wished to purchase a wagon. Upon inquiring the price he was informed that it was $104 on one year's time, at ten percent interest, $97 on thirty days or $88 cash. At that rate the purchaser pays about twenty-six percent on his investment. If he borrows money on his farm to pay the debts he has contracted he pays eight percent on his mortgage, four percent to insure the property against fire if there be buildings on the land, and from three to five percent to the loan agent. Is there any wonder that he cries "hard times." The reason that corporations are on the increase is that they do a strictly cash business. You would not ask the railroad company to trust you until your wheat is threshed for a passage from here to Chicago or Portland. Then why ask your neighbor or merchant to wait on you. Pay as you go, and if you cannot pay don't go, and in a short time you will find that cash is king and that credit is the slave that has bound you, not with a golden link, but with an iron band for lo these many years. We say break the iron band and deliver yourselves from the bonds of slavery.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 3, 1891, page 1


    D. G. Coy, the new clothier, auctioned off a lot of goods last week.
    Peter Henderson intends to look up a location in the Coos Bay section.
    J. A. Brown has purchased the Robinson delivery business and took charge last Monday.
    W. P. Dodge now has sole control of the well-boring machine and is taking many contracts.
    D. H. Miller will welcome a brother from the East to this valley for his future home in a short time.
    Pension examinations continue frequently, as many as six being made at Medford in one day recently.
    Chas. Skeeters and J. Leonard left for Crescent City one day recently, after quite a lengthy sojourn here.
    P. J. McGee, who left Oregon last fall for Kansas, will return to Medford in a short time to reside permanently.
    G. H. Haskins has an assistant in his drugstore in the person of Ed. Phipps, who is studying pharmacy there.
    Miss Ada Barr returned from San Francisco last week, after graduating in a school of stenography in that city.
    The M.E. Church presents a greatly improved appearance since being treated to a coat of paint on the interior.
    Miss Elma Young has been in town from San Jose during the week, visiting her parents and friends at this place.
    The contract for laying the water pipe for the city was let last week, and the system will be complete in a very short time.
    S. D. Biden, a newcomer of the most desirable class, last week purchased 10 acres of W. H. Shores, through S. H. Hull's agency.
    Shipment of forty boxes of apples was made to San Francisco by Davis & Huff one day not long since. Good fruit commands high prices at this season.
    Dr. Pickel entertained his mother and sister, Miss Della, of Talent, during the week. Miss Della began a term of school at the Bell school house last Monday.
    Rev. Lund of Roseburg recently presented Dr. Jones of this place with a pair of fine homing pigeons, which are beauties and very valuable, as they are of a choice strain.
    The matter of building that new schoolhouse is once more being agitated. It will be an absolute necessity before long, which is a high compliment to the growth of our town.
    Mart Hurst of Antelope will take charge of the Clarendon Hotel in a few days. With the efficiency of Mrs. Hurst as a cook they cannot fail to make a success of the venture.
    J. C. Elder entertained his sister and her son from Iowa during the week. Mrs. Brooks, the sister, is very much pleased with Oregon, as no one could avoid being at this season.
    Mrs. Belinda Masterson of Gold Hill recently purchased two desirable building lots in Medford through the agency of Faris & Erford, and announces her intention of building soon.
    A. A. Davis completed arrangements for giving the railroad company 51 carloads of patronage, grain, flour and mill seed, during his recent trip over the road between here and Eugene.
    Miss Ora Adkins was brought home from the state university by her father last week, the young lady having just passed through a severe attack of pneumonia. She is convalescing now.
    G. Theiss and daughters, Misses Mary and Lizzie, arrived from their former home in Illinois, to make their residence here, during the last week. Mr. T. is the father of our estimable townsman, B. P. Theiss.
    Trade has improved wonderfully in Medford since the building of the R.R.V.R.R., and our merchants now have little to complain of in the way of patronage. The town is steadily growing, and many strangers have come amongst us recently.
    M. Purdin, having purchased a half interest in the Grand Central Hotel, is now devoting his energies to the effort to make that the leading hostelry of southern Oregon, in which effort he has the hearty support of his partner, the genial Tom Harris.
    The chief of all worn-out plays, "Uncle Tom's Cabin," will be presented by a company of barnstormers in a tent in Medford. It is about time that this very ancient chestnut were retired for awhile, at least, if for nothing more than rejuvenation.
    As we predicted some time since would be the case this spring, many immigrants are making it a point to stop over at Medford to investigate the climate and resources of this section, and numbers of them are finding desirable homes in our midst. Medford is bound in the very nature of things to be the center of a most prosperous community for many years.
    The camp of Sons of Veterans was organized at Medford last week as announced, with fifteen charter members. Officers were elected after organization as follows: Captain, C. O. Damon; first lieutenant, E. S. Johnson; second lieutenant, L. H. Mattox; camp council, Newell Harlan, E. L. Bashford, L. D. Goodwin; first sergeant, U. S. Damon; sergeant guard, Fred Faris; corporal guard, E. L. Bashford; camp guard, J. S. Bunch; picket guard, W. S. Johnson.
    The letters written the president as a part of the literary and rhetorical training of the pupils of the Medford public schools have been heard from. A number of the missives were enclosed and sent by Principal Crawford to President Harrison, who had his private secretary sit down and acknowledge their receipt in very courteous terms. Unless the copy of the private secretary's letter published in the Mail is a base slander upon a worthy man, Mr. Halford's own early training in the literary line was grossly neglected.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 3, 1891, page 2


FRAZIER--At Medford, March 24, 1891, to Mr. and Mrs. John Frazier, a daughter.
WEBB--In Medford, March 31, 1891, to Mr. and Mrs. Geo. L. Webb, a son.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 3, 1891, page 2


    Operations have been under way during the past two weeks at the Orchard Home Association tract looking to the transformation of that beautiful location into an entire orchard in the immediate future. A large number of trees have already been set out.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 3, 1891, page 3


    John Posey, formerly of Medford, now a resident of California, is visiting James Bigham's family of Lake Creek.
"Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 3, 1891, page 3

 
    H. H. Wolters and Miss Mamie McMahon of Medford were joined in matrimony one day this week. They have the congratulations and best wishes of many friends and acquaintances.
    A majority of the hands employed on the R.R.V.R.R. struck for higher wages yesterday. Their demand not being acceded to, they quit work. They have been getting $1.50 a day, but wanted $1.75.
    As the new engine becomes "limbered up" it does satisfactory work, and the railroad boys are much better pleased with it than at first. It hauled the passenger coach several times within the week, and bids fair to fulfill the guarantee of 80 tons up a 3 percent grade as it settles to its work.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 3, 1891, page 3


    The following deeds have been recorded in the office of the county recorder since the last report of the Times:
    H. E. Baker to Vawter & Howard; quitclaim to lot 4, blk 6, and all of blks 7 and 8, Beatty's add. to Medford. $1.
    George H. Baker to same; same property. $1700.
    L. M. Lyon to Mrs. M. J. Tipton; lot in Medford, $1800. (Subject to lien.)
    A. S. Jacobs to Elizabeth C. Wait; lots 4 and 5, blk 52, Medford. $425.
    Eunice M. Lumsden to Oliver McGee; lot in Medford. $2600.
Excerpt, Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 3, 1891, page 3


THE UNDERSIGNED, having become sole proprietor of Dodge Bros.' well-drilling business, respectfully announces that he is now prepared to do all work in his line in a first-class manner and at a reasonable rate. I will also take contracts for prospecting placer mines. The capacity of my machine is 400 feet. I refer to the work I have previously done in different portions of the valley.
    Satisfaction guaranteed.
    For further particulars call on or address

    Mrs. Barrett, the evangelist, finished her work in Ashland and went down to Medford last Saturday to hold a series of meetings. It is announced that she will return to Ashland after the completion of her Medford engagement and deliver a course of temperance lectures here.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, April 3, 1891, page 3


    Says a Washington dispatch to the Oregonian: The postmaster general has informed Representative Hermann, in reply to previous application made to him, that the Rogue River Valley Railroad Company declines to transport the mails on its line between Medford and Jacksonville for the compensation provided by law for ordinary railway service. The postmaster general decides that it is not discretionary with the department to allow a greater compensation than is provided by law.
"Here and There," Ashland Tidings, April 3, 1891, page 3


    The little 12-ton engine which was ordered especially for the R.R.V.R.R. has not yet been [made] to work satisfactorily, and it is feared that it will not do the work on the road, as the grade is heavy all the way from Medford.
    William Ulrich, the irrepressible insurance agent of Medford, was in town during the week. When he concludes to insure anybody's property they had better capitulate at once, as he don't know any such word as fail, and everybody feels better and happier when their property is insured in a reliable company, especially if there is a fire soon after.
    Wednesday night of last week a .44-caliber pistol cartridge was placed on the R.R. track near the Times office, and was exploded as the train came in, the shell passing very near Mr. Nickell, who was going to the depot. The next night the  track was greased on the heavy grade near the Cardwell farm residence and the train was delayed nearly an hour. There is no clue as yet to the perpetrators of the dastardly outrages, but they indicate clearly the presence of a lawless, reckless hoodlum element that will sooner or later fall in the hands of the law, and be justly punished for their misdeeds.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, April 3, 1891, page 3


    It gives us pleasure to note that our cotemporaries throughout this judicial district are commenting most favorably on the fact that Jacksonville has at last thrown off her lethargy and is in the van of progress once more since the building of our railroad, with many improvements in contemplation and some already under way.
"Editorial Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 10, 1891, page 2


WOLTERS-McMAHON--At the residence of S. Earhart, near Medford, April 2, 1891, H. H. Wolters and Miss Mamie McMahon.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 10, 1891, page 2


    The rumor which we republished a few weeks since, to the effect that the female evangelist, Mrs. Barrett, who has been holding a series of revival meetings at Medford and Ashland, was none other than the noted Mrs. Emma Malloy, of Springfield, Mo., of criminal calendar fame, turns out to be correct; and while the lady makes no definite denial of the charge, she rightfully claims that anyone has the option of reforming and leading a new life at any time he or she may see fit to do so. If the evangelist is content to pursue her calling with such a handicap upon her as so unsavory a record, it is probably nobody's business; and if she can succeed in distracting attention from herself to the extent of planting the seeds of faith and trust in her hearers, it perforce indicates a high degree of mental power in herself, or a limited degree of intelligence and common sense in her hearers. Let the work go on without let or hindrance, and time will determine which horn of the dilemma the public will roost on.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 10, 1891, page 3


    The new united monster shows will be at Medford on Friday, April 17th. From all accounts this mammoth combination, with its wonderful galaxy of arenic talent and wonders from wonderland, will with its advent here mark an epoch in the history of this section. It is by far the greatest circus in the universe, and our citizens, both far and near, should feel specially favored by its coming. One feature alone of its many attractions, Queen Jumbo, is enough to arouse the curiosity and attention of everybody within fifty miles. The presence of the largest animal in the history of the world, and that a living, breathing, moving mountain of flesh, is sufficient to startle the sluggish blood of the most inert among us. See advertisement elsewhere in our columns. An excursion train will run between Jacksonville and Medford on that occasion.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 10, 1891, page 3


    The railroad company will run an excursion train to Medford on the day McMahon's circus exhibits in Medford. The fare will be only 20 cents for the round trip.
    Hon. J. D. Whitman is doing good work in introducing spraying machines in large numbers into the valley. He orders from headquarters and gets the lowest prices for the people.
    Mrs. Barrett, the evangelist, came to Jacksonville last week to have the editor of the Ashland Record, who has been publishing a number of severe criticisms concerning her career in the East, indicted for criminal libel. The grand jury failed to take any notice of the matter, however.
    Messrs. Whitman and Narregan of Medford have made a proposition to the commissioners' court to abstract all the lands in the county, to ascertain description, ownership, etc., for a certain percentage of the tax that will be levied upon the land that the assessor fails to find and assess.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 10, 1891, page 3


    Col. Jacob Johnson inspected his ranch on Rogue River one day during the week.
    Johnny Bellinger last week sold his fine span of horses to Mrs. Cardwell of Jacksonville for $200.
    Hon. Willard Crawford is about recovered from his recent indisposition and attack of the grippe.
    The R.R.V.R.R. Co.'s depot is one of the handsomest on the coast; C. I. Hutchison is in charge.
    Our people are being overwhelmed by traveling shows, not less than four being billed for Medford inside of eight days.
    S. Rosenthal is showing a splendid line of new goods, which all in need of such will find it to their advantage to inspect.
    M. Lafollet and family last week went to California to reside in the future on a fine farm they recently acquired near Oakland.
    The new house in the Mingus subdivision is being built by B. F. Crouch of Linkville, who recently bought a desirable lot there.
    There is a fine opening at Medford for a good, responsible jeweler to ply his calling. The town has been without a jeweler for some time.
    Four of our sportively inclined residents have been indicted for gambling. Only two were arrested, the balance being conveniently absent from the valley at present.
    J. W. Miller, the advance agent of 100 Nebraska families who would like to better their condition by removing to this section, was in Medford last week, looking over the situation.
    A pile of straw set on fire by one of John Perdue's children last week almost resulted in the destruction of his barn and outbuildings, the fire being beyond control when discovered.
    The parlor meeting of the W.C.T.U. at the residence of Henry Baker last week was a pleasant event, there being no less than 65 in attendance, all enjoying themselves. Several new members were received.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 10, 1891, page 3


    Jacksonville has a crop of the meanest hoodlums in existence, some of whom are trying hard to develop into thieves and train wreckers. Members of this gang stole some of the cakes which had been baked for the sociable of the O.E.S. from the Masonic club room last night. Somebody--no doubt a hoodlum--placed a rail across the railroad track in Cardwell's field one night recently, and an accident would probably have happened had not the engine crushed it in running over the stick of wood, as it fortunately was an old one. If these criminal freaks are persisted in somebody will find himself in the county jail or penitentiary.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 10, 1891, page 3


    The Rogue River Valley R.R. Co. will run excursion trains to Medford on Friday, April 17th, on the occasion of the exhibitions of McMahon's United Shows, both afternoon and evening, to accommodate the citizens of Jacksonville and vicinity, at half rates, or one fare for the round trip. Make up your parties, and for time of trains consult the conductor. By order of

    Medford is again without a jeweler.
    J. W. Miller of Central City, Neb., has been in Medford representing a colony of 100 families who desire to obtain cheap land in Oregon.
    The cars, three in number, consisting of a mixed baggage and express, a flat and a box car, for the R.R.V.R.R., are expected this week. The new engine will not be put on the road for regular trips until they arrive.--[Medford Mail.
"Here and There," Ashland Tidings, April 10, 1891, page 3


    The "Uncle Tom's Cabin" company that showed in Medford Tuesday evening paraded our streets in the afternoon of the same day and afforded some amusement for the boys.
    Quite a number of Jacksonville people went to Medford last Wednesday evening to hear the much talked-of evangelist, Mrs. Malloy-Barrett; and found her to be a most entertaining talker.
    Several hands on the ballasting force of the new railroad struck for higher wages last week, which not being granted they promptly quit work. It appears that their expenses were in some way advanced and they in turn asked for additional wages from $1.50 to $1.75 per day.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, April 10, 1891, page 3


    One of the many resources of wealth to the people of southern Oregon is in her fruit crop. Neglect last year caused a severe loss on account of the apple worm (codling moth). I have examined several apple orchards in the past three days and have found the codling moth worm in great numbers. As soon as the season advances the worm will undergo its natural change and become a moth, and at the proper stage the moth deposits its egg on the apple. It is nocturnal in its habits, doing its work at night, and the thoughtless apple grower if he neglects to spray is not aware of the damage done until along in the summer he finds his choice red apples ripening prematurely and falling to the ground. Now, through your paper, permit me to urge our apple men not to neglect spraying this season. The thing needed is a good spray pump; then Bulletin No. 4 contains the remedies, which can be had by addressing Hon. J. D. Whitman, Medford, Or., member of the state Board of Horticulture for the 3d district of Oregon.

    Dr. Clark, representing the Paradox Medical Co. of Portland, who has been giving entertainments at Ganiard's Opera House for a fortnight past ["with performing dogs and other attractions"], moved on to Medford for a week's stay last Sunday. From there he goes to Grants Pass, to favor them with a two weeks' visit.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, April 17, 1891, page 3


    When the president and party arrive in Oregon they will be received at Ashland, and the Oregon committee will take charge of the "remains" and conduct them to Portland, where the grand blowout will take place. We rather fancy that the party will not be in exactly a receptive frame of mind after the treat that nature will furnish them in coming down the Siskiyous, and perhaps it would be as well if our local Boanerges would refrain from spouting until their minds get back to the purely earthly again. At this season of the year we haven't really much to offer the distinguished gentlemen except fine scenery and a glance at our good-looking girls. There isn't even a pumpkin or a beet to rhapsodize over.
"Editorial Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 24, 1891, page 2


    Henry Griffin is putting in a fine field of corn on the True place near the old stage road.
    Wm. Ulrich now has an office fitted up in the rear of the bank, in Mrs. Stanley's building.
    B. F. Crouch has gone to Linkville, but will soon return with his family, to permanently locate here.
    A branch of the Epworth League was organized at this place last Wednesday evening at the M.E. Church.
    O. P. McGee and family have removed to the Williams Creek section, where they will make their future home.
    J. H. Faris was recently appointed pension agent by the department at Washington. An excellent appointment.
    Messrs. Leonard & Skeeters, who were in business here some time ago, are now at Crescent City, Cal. Good luck to you, boys.
    A. Childers and family arrived at Medford last week from the Sound country, and will be content to remain here for the future.
    Wilkinson & Hanley have dissolved partnership in the butchering business, and Ed. will continue the business alone in the future.
    D. S. Youngs, the expert tree trimmer, has been engaged at the Walz ranch during the week, preparing the fruit trees there to bear up under their burden of apples and peaches.
    The programme carried out by all connected with our public schools on Arbor Day reflected credit upon pupils and teachers alike, and gave the public an idea of the civilizing influences around us.
    P. B. O'Neil was in Napa, Cal. during the week, arranging for the erection of a monument above the remains of his recently deceased mother, who sleeps in the quiet burying ground at that place.
    A member of the Oregon Iron and Steel Company of Portland, Mr. G. S. Miller, has been in this place during the week, looking for an eligible site for a blast furnace near some one of the large iron deposits of southern Oregon.
    The school meeting in District No. 49, Medford, will be held tomorrow to vote upon the proposition to levy a three-mill school tax, for the purpose of paying one-third of the cost of building a new schoolhouse for the district. Much interest will be taken at the election.
    The plat of the town of Medford, recently completed by Mr. Narregan from official plats among records of the county, is something long needed by the school clerk and assessor, and should be paid for at liberal rates by the town council. Owing to the numerous additions to the town, the map of the city complete resembles a gerrymandered congressional district more than anything else.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 24, 1891, page 2


    Messrs. Honeyman & Buchanan, of the R.R.V.R.R. management, have been in the valley for several days, investigating the feasibility of at once extending the Rogue River Valley Railroad to the splendid water power on Butte Creek at Eagle Point. The most casual inspection is enough to satisfy a thinking mind that such an extension as that proposed would almost work a revolution in the business interests of this valley. There is no better nor more easily available water power in the valley than at and above Eagle Point, while the large and rapidly extending area of grain and fruit land in that section warrants the prediction that it would soon expand into one of the leading agricultural sections if easy means of transportation can be obtained to the main line of the overland road. There is perhaps as large an area of frost-proof foothill fruit land in this section as in any other part of the valley, and if the same facilities are afforded for getting to the market, it will most of it be in cultivation within the next decade. It gives us pleasure to state that the visiting gentlemen received assurance from the citizens of Butte Creek section as well as from residents of Medford and the lower valley, that when the time for action arrives, substantial assistance will be rendered in carrying the project into execution. It is a matter that concerns the whole valley, and would do more than any other conceivable thing within our reach to develop the country, and make it an inducement for some one of the great transcontinental lines to eventually throw a branch road through this valley. Twenty miles of completed roadbed are not to be sneezed at when even the greater companies are making their computations, and this line would unquestionably at no distant day become part of an overland system. We trust that success will crown the efforts of Messrs. Honeyman & Co.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 24, 1891, page 3


    McMahon's Circus performed at different points in the valley last week to fair-sized audiences. During its stay the hangers-on robbed all they could by gambling devices and then finished their stay by stealing everything in sight. Several parties had to go to the cars of the company to recover their effects, which were reluctantly given up even then, the proprietors of the circus acting as if they had an understanding with the thieves. Whisky and cigars were also sold without license and other lawlessness indulged in. Should this gang visit southern Oregon again, it will meet a warm reception. The majority of them should be serving the state in the penitentiary even now.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 24, 1891, page 3


    One of the R.R.V.R.R. Co.'s flatcars is on the Siskiyou mountain in a disabled condition, and those in authority refuse to receive it.
    The roads are improving fast since the pleasant weather began, and they are in a comparatively good condition, excepting that they are somewhat rough.
    I. E. Deboy, the Gold Hill jeweler, now makes regular trips to Central Point and Medford on Thursdays and Fridays of each week, which is quite a convenience to residents of those places.
    There is a great deal of travel on the overland passenger trains, and standing room is all there is left quite often. It is not an unusual sight to see upwards of three Pullman sleeping cars attached.
    Tracheotomy was successfully performed by Drs. Pryce, Geary and Pickel of Medford last week upon the person of the little adopted child of Mrs. Baker near Central Point, the babe being afflicted with membranous croup.
    The fact has become already noticeable this spring that all the trains going north are heavily loaded, while those going south are "flying light" and carrying few passengers. This is at least significant of the fact that a heavy tide of immigration is setting our way from the southern country, while from all accounts there is an equally heavy influx of population over the northern routes. Oregon's day has come at last, it would seem, to get her share of the mass of emigrants that annually pours over the Rockies from the eastward.
    The rented engine which was in use on the R.R.V.R.R. was sent home to its owners, the U.P. Company, last Friday, and now the "pony" has the whole responsibility of local travel and traffic resting on its shoulders, so to speak.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 24, 1891, page 3


    The following deeds have been recorded in the office of the county recorder since the last report of the Times:
    B. S. Webb to Arthur C. Nicholson, 2 acres of Barr's add. to Medford. $200.
    Wm. Angle et al. to H. Hollingsworth, lot 7, blk 3, Cottage Grove add. to Medford. $160.
    John H. Brantner to Milton Maule, lot 5, blk 24, Medford. $300.
Excerpt, Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 24, 1891, page 3


    Mr. Beek, the genial assistant of C. K. Fronk at the Medford depot, was among those who visited Jacksonville on Sunday.
"Personal Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 24, 1891, page 3


    The residence on the Cardwell farm, which has been doing service for so long a time, is being superseded by a neat, new one.
    A. Garrick, the Medford tailor, has leased the shop lately occupied by Mr. Zoellner at Ashland and will remove his stock of goods to the latter city.
    The new rolling stock of the R.R.V.R.R. arrived today, much to the relief of the railroad boys who were heartily tired of hauling the heavy passenger coach which has been in use heretofore.
    An excursion train was run between Jacksonville and Medford last Tuesday evening, on the occasion of the Alba Heywood Company. A goodly number participated in the diversion, the train being loaded to its utmost capacity.
    Heavy fast freight business on the S.P. line has made it necessary to run the passenger [train] over the Siskiyous in two sections on several occasions recently. The shipments from the citrus fruit belt are assuming huge proportions this spring.
    Dr. A. C. Caldwell returned to Ashland last week from Marion County, where he was summoned to attend at the bedside of his brother, who was stricken with la grippe, but arrived there too late to be of any assistance to him, the young man having breathed his last before the doctor's coming.
    Our old friend H. B. Reed has changed his calling since our last issue, and now instead of being the "combination fence man" of southern Oregon, is entitled to the sobriquet of the "combination hash man," having succeeded to the control of the well-known Oregon Hotel at Ashland. He is well acquainted throughout the southern part of the state, has a host of friends, is an excellent business man, and we predict a large measure of success for him in his new calling. To say nothing of the fact that he has the best hotel building in which to operate that can be found in the state outside of Portland, he begins business at a time when the outlook is extremely favorable for a good season in every line.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 24, 1891, page 3


HOUSTON-MERRIMAN--At East Portland, April 5, 1891, G. A. Houston of Portland and Miss Mollie Merriman, late of Medford.
MATHES-MILLS--At the residence of the officiating minister, April 16, 1891, by Rev. M. A. Williams, Geo. Mathes and Miss Jennie Mills.
GARRICK--At Medford, April 10, 1891, to Mr. and Mrs. A. Garrick, a daughter.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, April 24, 1891, page 3


    Messrs. Honeyman and Buchanan, of Portland, managers of the R.R.V.R.R., were in Jacksonville Wednesday.
    About 50 persons from Jacksonville attended the Alba Heywood concert in Medford last Tuesday evening, the R.R. running a special train for their accommodation.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, April 24, 1891, page 2


    Garrick, the tailor, has moved his establishment from Medford to Ashland, and has moved into Zoellner's old stand.
    Miss Mollie Merriman, formerly of Medford, was married in Portland April 6th, to G. A. Houston, a civil engineer of that city.
    J. W. Hockersmith says that arrangements are pretty well perfected for the organization of the Southern Oregon [Pork] Packing Co., which expects to start up the pork packing business at Medford this fall. Mr. Hockersmith as instigator of the scheme has canvassed among some of the solid farmers and hog raisers of the valley and secured subscriptions to the capital stock of the company which is placed at $25,000. Mr. Hockersmith thinks that the company will be able to secure 2000 hogs for butchering next fall.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, April 24, 1891, page 3


    N. L. Narregan has just finished the work of making a plat of Medford, which, considering the many additions, was quite an extensive job.
    Jacksonville and Medford are exchanging courtesies lately by means of the new connecting railroad. Medford people patronize Jacksonville entertainments in a body and Jacksonville people will no doubt reciprocate.
    Medford has called for a meeting of the legal voters in the school district tomorrow (Saturday) to vote on the proposition to levy a 20-mill tax to raise one-third of the money necessary to build a commodious school house for the district.
"Here and There," Ashland Tidings, April 24, 1891, page 3


    A large number of citizens of Eagle Point were at the railroad meeting at Central Point last Monday evening. The residents of that section want a railroad and want it badly, but are not very particular what town they connect with on the railroad through the valley. It would be of immense benefit to the whole country to have a railroad in operation to the Butte Creek region, and if Central Point secures the plum it will not be impossible for the R.R.V.R.R. Company to lease the S.P. roadbed between Medford and that place and run through trains from the county seat to the water power on Butte Creek. One crew could operate the whole plant, via any route, and all the towns of the central valley would thus be connected with bands of steel and within a few hours' communication at any time. The connection of Butte Creek with Jacksonville is a consummation devoutly to be wished. By many it is thought it would be preferable to extend the present road from Medford to Eagle Point by another route. Which one will be taken is, of course, in doubt.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 1, 1891, page 3


    R. R. Dunn, manager of Staver & Walker's extensive branch house at Walla Walla, Wash., and Miss Emma Pape, a young lady who grew to womanhood in Jacksonville, were joined in matrimony at the residence of the bride's parents (Postmaster Pape and wife) on Wednesday afternoon, Rev. Robt. Ennis officiating in his usual impressive manner. The affair was a very quiet one, only the relatives and immediate friends of the bride being in attendance. An elegant wedding dinner was served after the ceremony. The couple soon afterward took the train for their future home, being accompanied to Medford by several of their friends. The contracting parties are well and favorably known in southern Oregon and carry the best wishes of all with them to their new home.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 1, 1891, page 3


    Articles of incorporation have been filed in the county clerk's office by the Southern Oregon Pork Packing Co., which is composed of Wm. Slinger, Wm. Ulrich, W. I. Vawter, J. W. Hockersmith and E. Worman. The principal place of business is Medford, and the capital stock is placed at $25,000, divided into shares of $100 each. This enterprise will prove of great benefit to the whole of southern Oregon, as it will furnish a ready cash market for a great portion of the hogs which may be raised here in the future. It is the intention of the company to commence operations soon and have everything in readiness when the packing season commences.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 1, 1891, page 3


    Southern Oregon orchardists are paying far more attention to their holdings than ever before, and will get their orchards into prime condition before long.
    Wheat is scarce in the valley, and a good article commands 65c and upwards a bushel. Flour has also advanced, being quoted at $22.50 at the Medford mills at present.
    A. Garrick, one of the best tailors who ever did business in southern Oregon, has moved his stock of ready-made clothing to Ashland, where he will also engage in the tailoring business.
    There is still more or less sickness in southern Oregon, but health is improving since the backbone of la grippe was broken. It is astonishing how many people were affected by the epidemic.
    B. F. Stephenson of Medford has established his reputation as a "rustler," having taken a large number of subscriptions to Talmage's book "From Manger to Throne," notwithstanding the hard times in southern Oregon.
    We are in receipt of a neat and interesting little publication called "The Young Idea." It is as, its name indicates, devoted to educational matters, and is edited by Prof. N. A. Jacobs, teacher of the second department of the Medford school.
    Mrs. E. B. Myer presides over the Oregon Hotel at Ashland under the new management, and cannot fail to give satisfaction, as she is one of the best housekeepers in the upper valley. The proprietor, H. B. Reed, was called to Indiana last Monday by a dispatch announcing the death of his father at that place, and he will probably not return short of three weeks.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 1, 1891, page 3


    Early garden stuff, such as radishes, lettuce, onions and asparagus, is in the market.
    It seems highly probable that the R.R.V.R.R. will be extended to Butte Creek, and maybe to Josephine County, at no distant day.
    Peter Applegate has a party in the field looking for the most feasible railroad route between Central Point and the Butte Creek section.
    The marshal shot at a hoodlum who broke away from him as he was about to arrest him for violating the curfew ordinance. Next time he may shoot to hit, so those interested will "look a leedle out."
    The railroad work in the Cow Creek Canyon, which was commenced a year ago, is finished and Bays & Jeffrey, the contractors, have removed their plant to other scenes. It cost the S.P. several hundred thousand dollars to repair the ravages of the winter of 1890.
    Phil. Wadsworth of Portland, vice-president of the Oregon Trust Co., has been in this section again. His firm are locating a number of immigrants, direct from the East, in southern Oregon, and are receiving much assistance from their local agent, J. Harryman of Medford, who is full of energy.
    The R.R.V.R.R. Co. is now using its own rolling stock, a handsome passenger and baggage car in one, as also a flatcar, having been received from the Stockton car works during the week. The locomotive experiences no trouble in hauling the heaviest loads over the road now, the new cars fitting its capacity exactly. We feel proud of our railroad, and it will soon prove a first-class one in every respect. Ballast is all it needs now.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 1, 1891, page 3


    The following deeds have been recorded in the office of the county recorder since the last report of the Times:
    Welcome Fowler et al., to Catherine E. Crystal; lot 5, blk 71, Medford. $90.
Excerpt, Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 1, 1891, page 3


    It is thought that President Harrison and his party will pass through the valley next Tuesday forenoon. Judging from the following correspondence, sent us from Medford, he may make a short stop there:


    A neat little school paper called the "Young Idea" devoted to the interest of the second department of the Medford public schools, N. A. Jacobs, teacher, has been received at the Tidings office.
    Articles of incorporation of the Southern Oregon Pork Packing Company were filed with the county clerk Wednesday. The objects of the company as set forth in the articles are the purchasing and slaughtering of hogs, manufacturing bacon and lard and packing and curing meats and selling and disposing of the same for profit. The principal place of business is at Medford, capital stock $25,000 divided into shares of $100 each. Incorporators, Wm. Ulrich, Edwin Worman, J. W. Hockersmith, Wm. Slinger, W. I .Vawter.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, May 1, 1891, page 3


    Mr. Hutchison, depot agent of the R.R.V.R.R. of Medford, spent Sunday in Jacksonville accompanied by his wife.
    Mrs. S. R. Taylor went to Medford this week to buy furniture and carpets, wallpaper, etc., to be used in refurnishing her boarding house. Mrs. Taylor, by her industry and good taste, is making her place of business so attractive and comfortable that patronage don't have to be solicited, it comes for its own pleasure.
    Why is it that there is not a full line of house furnishing goods, wallpaper, etc., carried in Jacksonville as there used to be? There is certainly sufficient demand in this line to justify the establishment of the trade. Now that there is through railway transportation, our people ought to be able to buy these goods as cheaply at home as in their neighboring towns.
    Messrs. Honeyman & Buchanan, managers of the R.R.V.R.R., have been in Jacksonville during the past week superintending the completion of the road. They have everything completed and in fine order about the depot grounds. The $12,000 bonus was all paid over to them this week excepting $500 which they refused to take until some minor details of the contract are concluded. The gentlemen became partners in the enterprise through force of circumstances, but the outlook is so favorable they are now looking to the further extension of the road as profitable investment. A large and enthusiastic meeting was held at Central Point Monday, for the purpose of trying to extend the line to Eagle Point. They contemplate going on the S.P. Co.'s line from Medford to Central Point, and on to the fine timber belt on Rogue River.
    A large delegation of Eagle Point citizens was present, and submitted an offer to secure a free right-of-way and do the grading for the whole distance of fourteen miles between Central Point and Eagle Point.
"Jacksonville Items," Ashland Tidings, May 1, 1891, page 3


    I. A. Merriman is the agent of the great Standard Oil Co. for Medford.
    Neil West and Bert Redden of Medford started last week with forty head of horses to Sierra County, Cal. They will take charge of a large band of horses at that place, which they will pasture on the large free range of that county. They form a partnership for the purpose of breeding and raising fine horses.
    The following is the Medford Mail's account of the big distillery being built at that place, and work on which is progressing: The lower part of the building which is 170 feet long by forty feet wide, is being subdivided into three apartments as follows; the store room which cuts off thirty feet from the east end of the building, the wine room which joins with it, the dimensions of which are about twelve by twenty feet, while the balance of the lower floor is devoted to the machinery. The partition between the different apartments are to be tightly sealed on both sides, the only means of entrance being from the outside. Uncle Sam carries the keys to the wine and store room which he only unlocks twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, when he draws off and stores the spirits. The east end of the building from the second floor up is to be partitioned off with four grain bins. The grain elevators will also be in this end of the building. The rest of the building will be used for the still, the pipes etc. which is necessary. The spirits which are to be made by this plant will mostly all find a market in the patent medicine and perfume plants on this coast. The utmost capacity of the mill will be 12000 bushels per day. The latest improved machinery will be used and the spirits will be entirely pure.
"Southern Oregon Items," Ashland Tidings, May 1, 1891, page 4


    MEDFORD FLOUR.--A. Goldsmith has received another carload of the celebrated Medford flour. He will keep this excellent brand of flour in stock at all times hereafter.
Eugene City Guard, May 2, 1891, page 1




    Grants Pass, Ore., May 5.--Oregon's distinguished guests arrived at Grants Pass at 10 o'clock last night and received a cordial welcome. The visit to Medford was acknowledged by a general illumination of the town, bonfires being particularly numerous. The local Grand Army [of the Republic] men were drawn up in line at the station and greeted their old comrade with cheers. The President [Benjamin Harrison] was introduced to the throng by the Mayor of Medford [G. W. Howard], and made the following speech:

    Comrades and fellow citizens: It gives me great pleasure to see you tonight, especially to have these old comrades' greeting. I would have you think of me as a comrade. I recall those army scenes which are fresh in your minds as well, the scenes of privation, suffering and battle; and I am glad to see that the old flag you took to the field and brought home in honor is still held in honor among you. It is a beautiful emblem of a great government. We ought to teach our children to love it and to regard it as a sacred thing, a thing for which men have died and for which men will die. It symbolizes the government of the states under one constitution, for while you are all Oregonians as I am an Indianian and each has his pride in state institutions and all that properly pertains to our state government, we have a larger and greater pride in the fact that we are citizens of a nation of a union of states, having a common constitution. It is this flag that represents us on the sea and in foreign countries; it is under this flag that our navies sail and our armies march. I thank you for this cordial greeting. I hope you have found in this state comfortable homes and that in the years that remain to you God will follow you with those blessings which your courage and patriotism and sacrifices have so well merited. (Cheers.)

"A Welcome in the Rain," New York Tribune, May 6, 1891, page 7

The President at Grants Pass.

RAILWAY TO EAGLE POINT AND SUGAR PINE BELT.

MEDFORD SQUIBS.

BORN.

Democratic Times, May 8, 1891, page 2

The President at Medford.

Let the Good Work Proceed.

REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS.

Democratic Times, May 8, 1891, page 4

AT MEDFORD.

MEDFORD, OREGON, MAY 4.

GREAT EXCITEMENT.
It Will Occur Monday Evening at the Opera House.

NAUGHTY ATTORNEY
He Collects an Aged Widow's Insurance Money.
PAYS OVER ONLY HALF OF IT.
Then Skips Out for Pastures New and Green--
The Law Follows Him Up and He is in Limbo.

A LAWYER ARRESTED.
He Attempts to Defraud a Widow Out of $600.

MEDFORD SQUIBS.

REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS.

Wood Wanted.

W. A. BUCHANAN, Secretary.       

Where Shall It Be?

The Medford Distillery.

The Railroad Extension to Eagle Point.

MEDFORD SQUIBS.

Look After Your Trees.

A Big Enterprise.

MARRIED.

TRIBUNE OF 1891 MENTIONS NAMES EARLY FAMILIES

MEDFORD SQUIBS.

MARRIED.

BORN.

DIED.

Farmers, Attention!

                              Yours respectfully,

Row at Ashland.

MEDFORD SQUIBS.

REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS.

BORN.

Medford Notes.

MEDFORD SQUIBS.

Railroad Extension.

MARRIAGES.

MEDFORD SQUIBS.

BORN.

A Cannery.

ROGUE RIVER VALLEY RAILWAY CO.

W. HONEYMAN, President.       

Professional.

The Eagle Point R.R.

MEDFORD SQUIBS.

BORN.

Medford News.

MEDFORD SQUIBS.

MARRIED.

MEDFORD SQUIBS.

BORN.