Butte County CA Archives History - Books .....Chico City 1882
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Book Title: History Of Butte County

CHICO CITY.

    Chico, the largest and most important town in Butte county, is situated in
the fairest portion of her territory. The city is surrounded by magnificent
farms, brought to a high stage of development. An immense tract of ground,
unsurpassed by any in the world for productiveness and beauty, stretches out on
every side, while within, the place presents many attractions not often found in
cities of its size. The population of Chico is in the neighborhood of four
thousand five hundred, most of it having been acquired within the last decade.

    The history of Chico, its primal settlement and occupation, begins as far
back as 1843, more than six years prior to the organization of the state
government, and more than seven years prior to the organization of the county.
It was at that period that Edward A. Farwell and William Dickey, who were
desirous of obtaining grants of land, together with three or four others, came
to this vicinity on a hunting expedition and to look over the land. The
Sacramento and Feather rivers, with their hundreds of tributaries, were running
with bright crystal waters, undisturbed by the primitive rocker of the miner,
inhabited by the finny tribes, and covered with myriads of wild fowl. Farwell
chose for his grant the land on the south side of the creek, and Dickey that on
the north side. A full record of the various grants in the county, together with
their location and boundaries, may be found in another chapter. Mr. Dickey named
the creek Arroyo Chico; Arroyo signifying creek, and Chico, small. Having
selected their land and finished their hunt, they returned to Sutter's fort
(Sacramento) in March. It was about this time that General Bidwell first visited
this section of the state, passing through here on his way to the present site
of Red Bluff.

    Although the grant of land owned by General Bidwell was occupied as early as
1845, and the Far-well grant, upon which Chico is situated, was settled in 1844,
the town-site was not laid out till I860. Prior to that event, however, the
settlement of the country by Americans had made the Rancho Chico a place of
considerable importance. The first house thereon was erected by General Bidwell
in 1849. It was destroyed by fire in 1852, and was succeeded by the adobe
building which stood, for many years, an interesting relic of the past. The
first postmaster of Chico was A. H. Barber, being appointed to the position in
1851, when the first United States mail arrived at the ranch.

    In the organic Act of Butte county, the seat of justice was fixed either at
Butte City or Chico. whichever place should be selected by the voters at the
first election. Though neither was selected when the vote was taken, yet Chico
may claim the prestige of being the first capital city of Old Butte. The
district court was held here in 1850, and the county court had a brief term in
Chico at the same time. The board of inspectors of the first election also held
its convocation at the Rancho Chico, and decided who were elected to the county
offices. In the fall of 1852, Chico became a voting precinct. During this year,
Hall & Crandall began running stages from Marysville to Shasta. They passed
through Hamilton, then the county-seat, Neal's ranch and Chico. His place
becoming a station on the stage-route, where hungry men and exhausted animals
needed refreshment and rest, Mr. Bidwell opened a hotel at this period, which
was conducted for a number of years under his auspices. At this time he
commenced to farm, in addition to stock-raising. He set out fruit trees, planted
wheat and other grains, and laid the foundation of the grand success attained by
him in the Rancho Chico. From 1849 to 1860 there were no houses south of Chico
creek, all of the improvements being confined to Mr. Bidwell's premises.

    Some interesting horse-races were had at Chico in 1854. Thomas Wright, an
early settler of that region, was a great lover of horses, and given
considerably to horse-racing. He had the name of possessing some of the finest
pieces of horseflesh in the country at that time. On the eighth of July, 1854, a
race of only a quarter of a mile was run, between a horse of Wright's and one
belonging to a Mr. Brown, the winning horse to win for his master the other
animal. Wright's horse came off best and added to his stock. On the twenty-ninth
of July, 1854, Wright's gray mare, Pocahontas, ran a half-mile against
Williamson's bay stallion Belmont, from Colusa. Five thousand dollars were put
up on each side and a large number of people witnessed the contest. Pocahontas
came off winner. The track over which they ran extended from below the depot to
where the Fashion stable now stands. Pocahontas ran again at Neal's ranch some
time after, and made a good deal of money for her owner. She was sold to Sam.
Neal, and by him to C. F. Lott, who now drives one of her colts.

    On the fourth of July, 1855, a grand celebration was held at Chico,
connected with which were a barbecue, and a ball in the evening. People were
patriotic in those days and came from far and near to take part in the affair.

    In the fall of 1860, the town-plat of Chico was laid out by J. S. Henning,
county surveyor. The location was selected by General Bidwell, on whose land it
lay. Richard Breese immediately put up a house in the town, and several others
were soon built. E. B. Pond erected the first brick store, and opened it in due
form on the eighth of February, 1861. On Thanksgiving day of the same year he
joined his fortunes with those of Miss C. S. McNeal, the ceremony being
performed while a heavy rainstorm was in progress. Though this was the first
marriage at Chico, the first birth had occurred more than a year before, Emma M.
White being the pioneer baby of Chico. The building erected by Mr. Pond stood on
the corner of First and Main streets, and was successively occupied by George F.
Jones, Sanderson, Harris & Co., and by Tickner, Burnham & Co. In the summer of
1862, a private school was opened in Chico by Mrs. C. J. Doty. A year afterward
the Chico school district required a public school, and Mrs. Jane H. Voorhees
was the first teacher.

    The rich productiveness of Chico township began to operate favorably towards
its settlement, and many left the mountains and the foothills, with their
uncertain crop of gold-dust, to seek comfort and a surer prosperity in the
Sacramento valley. Wheat became the staple product, and the acreage from year to
year rapidly increased. Chico was the principal market for the grain, and of
course furnished supplies to the country. A good trade was thus established,
which steadily built up the town, without subjecting it to the vicissitudes of a
mining village.

    The prosperity of Chico and the surrounding country raised hopes, which in
the end proved fallacious, that she could secure the county-seat of Butte: but
the way not being clear for a decision by suffrage, it was thought best to get
the county divided by an Act of the legislature, Butte to be wholly a mining
county, and the new one—Alturas—to be entirely agricultural in its nature. This
scheme failed, as will be seen by reference to the chapter on Official History.
In 1864, Chico had a population of five hundred, and John Bidwell was
postmaster. The resident physicians were Drs. P. W. Sproul and N. Watts, though
the latter was at that time claimed as a citizen by Dayton. Long prior to 1864,
Dr. J. Smith had practiced in the Chico neighborhood, his first settlement there
being in 1853. J. A. Clark was the first resident lawyer. Mr. Hallet and A. M.
Barnes were the justices of the peace who adjudicated matters in controversy and
punished small offenders, while H. Sunderlin and A. S. Warner summoned the
reluctant witness to appear in court, and dragged the busy merchant from his
store to sit on juries. At that time Pond & Hudson were engaged in the dry-goods
trade, and Thomas McFadden had a tin and stove store. J. C. Noonan, the pioneer
apothecary, did a thriving business in drugs and books; W. Lee was in the book
and stationery line; and Kempf & Benton slaughtered the gentle bovine; beer was
being brewed in the new brewery just erected by Holmes & Boyd; Charles Ball, the
pioneer watchmaker, regulated the internal affairs of the chronometers and
clocks, and Dr. D. C. Burlingame, brother of Ward Burlingame, had been engaged
in the practice of dentistry at Chico for six years. In the fall of 1861, J. D.
Watson built the Chico hotel on Broadway, in the same block it now occupies. It
-was opened on New Years day by Johnson & Wetherbee, and was being conducted by
them at that time. It was in this year that Chico obtained her first
newspaper—that important adjunct to a community's prosperity. It was called the
Index, and it pointed with a long finger towards abolitionism. Though a
short-lived venture, it broke the ice for others, and since the close of the war
there has never been a dearth of newspaper lore in Chico.

    The construction of the California and Oregon railroad, which was completed
to this place in July, 1870, was the most influential factor in developing the
eastern part of the county, and building up the town of Chico. The Chico landing
on the Sacramento river is six miles away. Prior to the building of the railroad
this was the only outlet or inlet for the carrying on of commercial relations
with the cities below, other than by wagons.

    The California and Oregon company provoked a strenuous opposition from the
supervisors of Butte county. In December, 1869, they asked the state authorities
for a quo warranto to protect the interests of the county against the California
and Oregon railroad. The county had voted $200,000 in bonds to aid the
California Northern road to Oroville, which road had given its bonds to that
amount as security for such aid. These securities became less valuable as the
Oregon road progressed into Butte county. The quo warranto was denied, and the
road went through. Right of way was granted the company, together with a grant
of every alternate section of land for twenty miles on either side of the road.
All the railroad land in the vicinity has been settled upon and cultivated.
General H. B. Davidson represents the company's interests in Butte county.

    In 1874, an attempt was made to change the county-seat to Chico, and the
citizens labored earnestly for this purpose. Some time previous General Bidwell
had presented to the town the beautiful plaza that Chico is now so justly proud
of, with an eye to the future removal of the capital, in which case it was the
intention to erect a court-house thereon. As a general inducement, the county
was offered a deed to the entire plaza, together with $26,000 in gold coin,
conditional upon the change of the county seat to Chico. Great difficulty was
experienced in getting the board of supervisors to call an election, but these
obstacles were overcome, and the question came to a vote on the eighth of June,
1874. Chico was defeated. The vote cast in this precinct was ten for Oroville
and six hundred and forty-five for Chico. Another attempt to divide the county
in 1878 resulted in a failure. Though disappointed in her desire to become the
seat of justice, Chico has all the time been making rapid strides. The erection
of many large and beautiful buildings, the constant increase of her business and
population, and the important position she occupies in the Sacramento valley,
makes her metropolitan without official honors. In 1870, two additions were made
to the town of Chico. A. G. Chapman owned considerable land adjoining town, and
during this year laid out a town, which received the name of Chapmanville. It
covered an area of one hundred acres, and now has a population of four hundred.
Bid-well's addition, at the flume-dump, consists of sixty acres, and has the
same number of inhabitants as Chapmanville. Neither were incorporated with Chico
when it became a city, and both still remain outside of the corporation limits.
In the month of August, 1870, a petition of the citizens of Chico, asking for
incorporation, was denied by the board of supervisors. This would have been
merely for the purpose of organizing against fire and to establish a police
force. Two years later a bill for full and complete incorporation as a city was
presented to the legislature, and met with a greater degree of success. Chico
became a city; the Act passed in February, 1872. The boundaries of the
corporation were fixed as follows: "Commencing at the north-westerly corner of
First or Front street, following said street to its intersection with Sierra
avenue, thence along said avenue to Orient street; thence along Orient street in
a southerly direction to Little Chico creek, at a point at a termination of
Humboldt avenue; thence following Little Chico creek westerly to a point
opposite Oak street; thence northerly along Oak street to the place of beginning."

    The first municipal election was held on the fifth of February, 1872, at
which time 217 votes were polled. The trustees elected—G. W. Dorn, C. L. Pond,
B. F. Allen, W. K. Springer, and John Kempf—organized the board on the fourteenth.

  At the next meeting, February 20, the question of erecting a station-house for
the use of the city was discussed, and a committee was selected to find a
suitable location for a building. On the fourth of March this committee reported
that General Bidwell had generously donated a lot on Main street for the
purpose. The thanks of the board were unanimously tendered him for his liberal
donation. On the same day a committee was delegated with the important mission
of waiting upon the board of supervisors of the county, to ask for aid in
building a station-house. In response to this request the supervisors
appropriated two thousand dollars for the Chico station-house, conditionally
that the county be allowed to incarcerate its prisoners therein when desired.
This was readily assented to. On the twelfth of March, fourteen ordinances were
passed by the board. On the sixteenth, the board elected Charles Faulkner town
treasurer, to serve for one year. At the same meeting, James O. Weed was elected
marshal, and W. O. Chalmers, of the Chico Review, received the contract to do
the city printing. B. True and W. A. Taylor were appointed police-officers.
Messrs. Allen, Kempf, and Springer composed a committee to superintend the
erection of the station-house, the contract being awarded 011 the twelfth of
April to G. L. Broadwater, for $8,000, the building to be completed July 15. A
room over Hibbard & Kellogg's store was temporarily hired for use of the board,
at ten dollars a month. Permission was given C. F. Stetson & Co., at this time,
to lay gas-pipes in the streets of Chico, but that firm never availed itself of
the privilege. On the second day of September, 1872, the station-house was
completed, and accepted by the board. The extra work done amounted to $134.85.
The structure is large and roomy, being eighty feet long and forty in width,
with two stories. The ground-floor contains six large rooms, occupied by the
various city officers, and three strong cells to hold public offenders. On the
upper floor is a large hall, used for public meetings. The building is a
monument to the enterprise and public spirit of the city, and would be a credit
to an older and larger town .than Chico. The present city fathers are Newman
Johnson, president; J. 0. Rusby, Isaac Burk, M. V. Loy and George S. Snook. A.
H. Crew, of the bank of Chico, is city treasurer; C. J. Warren, clerk and city
attorney; R. E. Warren, police judge; R. Y. Rundel, marshal; H. C. Mansfield, J.
R. Hutson and Spence Goodrich, policemen. The city finances are in a most
flourishing condition, considerable property of various kinds being owned by the
corporation, among which are the buildings of Deluge Hose Company, and Chico
Engine Company. The city put in the fire-plugs and built the seventeen cistern
for use in cases of urgent need.

    The first fire from which Chico suffered loss occurred on one Sunday
afternoon in the fall of 1863, at which time the What Cheer house was destroyed.
It stood on the lot now occupied by the Union hotel. The first severe fire
occurred on the twentieth of April, 1873, which consumed the entire block
between Main and Broadway, and Second and Third streets. The fire originated in
the livery-stable of O. P. & James Weed, where forty horses, valued at twenty
thousand dollars, were consumed. From Main to Second streets were wooden
buildings, which entailed a loss to their owners of twenty thousand dollars.
Coles' brick building was destroyed, and Ackerman & Co., Butte County Bank, W.
M. Thorpe, Sandy Young, John Kempf, Stillson & Co. and several others were heavy
losers. The total loss was one hundred thousand dollars, of which thirty-five
thousand were covered by insurance. Another extensive fire occurred in the
following year, which burned the Chico hotel and many other buildings. The third
heavy fire of Chico was the burning of the Sierra Lumber Company's works,
involving a loss of three hundred thousand dollars.

    CHICO ENGINE COMPANY, No. 1, is the pioneer fire organization of the town.
Its existence began on the fifth day of April, 1873. Prior to that time, the
only defence the town could boast of against the sudden attacks of the
destroying element, consisted of bucket brigades. But, as the place grew in
importance, and the business establishments multiplied in number, it became
evident that no proper protection was afforded by them, and, a few days prior to
the organization, a paper had been circulated and signed by those alive to the
interests of the town, calling a meeting in the town hall for such purpose. A
committee was appointed to draft a constitution and the necessary by-laws to
govern the association. At the next meeting, April 14, the committee submitted a
set of rules, which was unanimously adopted. Twenty-one persons joined the fire
company that evening. The first officers were: Charles Bell, foreman; W. S. B.
Wilson, first assistant foreman; Jack Tirrel, second assistant; J. W. Scott (now
deceased), secretary; Hiram Arents, treasurer.

    The town board sent to Sacramento, in April, for a second-hand engine, and
the Sacramento No. 3 was brought up. It did not prove satisfactory, and in a
short time was sent back. A new hand-engine was then purchased in the east,
which cost the city three thousand dollars in greenbacks. Accompanying it were
two hose-carts with eight hundred feet of hose. The first engine-room was on
Broadway, and was burned in the fire of 1874. A temporary shed was then erected
near the town-hall, which was occupied for eight or nine months. The company
found fault with the accommodations, and offered to build a house if the town
would pay a rental of seventy-five dollars a month. This was agreed to, and the
present fine structure was put up at a cost of three thousand eight hundred
dollars. The company then issued and sold stock to the amount of their debt,
paying one per cent, a month interest. Outsiders took a part of it, thinking
they were making a donation; but the successful management of the affair soon
caused the stock to run up very high, and it was in great demand. In the course
of time, the whole debt was liquidated.

    The first bell that sounded its dread alarums was from Rumsey & Co., of
Seneca Falls, New York. Its cost was two hundred and twenty-five dollars, and
was altogether not in keeping with the elegant surroundings. In April, 1878,
subscriptions to the amount of one thousand dollars, of which the company itself
gave seven hundred and fifty dollars, were raised to purchase a new bell.
Negotiations were opened with Maneally & Co., of Troy, New York, and in the
following month the bell arrived. Outside of San Francisco, there is no finer
bell in the state. Its weight is twenty-three hundred pounds.

    The present membership of the company is thirty-eight. The officers are as
follows: Henry K. McLennan, foreman; Jules Behme, first assistant: Ed. Rego,
second assistant; John M. Ormbsy. secretary; John R. Robinson, treasurer; Isaac
Burck, Charles H. Woods and James Young, trustees.

    DELUGE HOSE COMPANY, No. 1, was organized in the summer of 1876, and has
always been an effective body and an honor to the town. The first officers were:
B. W. Dorn, foreman; W. A. Lowery, first assistant; H. G. Benedict, secretary;
F. M. Jackson, treasurer. In August, 1876, the town authorities purchased of
Button & Son, of Albany, New York, a hose-cart, hose and other fixtures, paying
therefor $736.57. The first meetings were held in the town-hall. In May, 1878,
the city erected their present building on Main street, between Fourth and Fifth
streets. Everything is kept in the neatest order possible, ready at a moment's
notice for service in extinguishing refractory flames. The present membership
consists of eighteen active members and three exempts. C. B. Swain is foreman;
J. G. Bennett, assistant foreman; F. A. Crum, secretary, and H. H. Camper,
treasurer. The members of the hose company purchased individually their handsome
uniforms, consisting of shirts, hats and belts.

    BUTTE ENGINE COMPANY, No. 2.—The city increased so rapidly in the next two
years that the proportionate risks became much greater, and it was evident that
Chico needed more facilities to cope successfully with incipient conflagrations.
Meetings were held for the purpose of forming another fire company. So much
interest was taken in the matter by certain persons that one man, Fred.
Lightner, who shortly after died, bequeathed towards the purchase of a steam
fire-engine, all of his property, after paying other bequests and a few debts.
The amount realized cannot be definitely ascertained, as the affairs of the
estate have not been wholly settled, but it will probably amount to a thousand
or fifteen hundred dollars. Organization of Chico Engine Company, No. 2, was
effected April 13, 1880. The company began with a membership of thirty-five and
now numbers twenty-eight. At that time the officers consisted of Theodore
Rinehart, foreman; Michael L. Mery, first assistant; L. Utterback, second
assistant; J. M. F. Eitel, secretary; Peter O'Hair, treasurer. The town board of
trustees purchased from the Panama Steamship Company, of San Francisco, a steam
fire-engine, costing $1,200. Five hundred dollars more have been expended on it
for repairs. Accompanying the engine were a tender for wood or coal, a
hose-cart, and six hundred feet of hose. The engine is capable of throwing at
one time two streams as high as the flag-staff on the Chico hotel. The company's
building on Broadway, between Seventh and Eighth streets, is owned by the town.
The company is allowed for services twenty-five dollars a month, and the
engineer gets fifteen dollars a month for the faithful performance of his
duties. The expense of gas, water, fuel, and the cleaning and repairing of
engine, is borne by the city. Other expenses are paid by the company. The
uniforms of No. 2 are similar to the exempt uniforms of the San Francisco
department. The present officers are: James O. Rusby, foreman; W. L. Mery, first
assistant; J. H. Empie, second assistant; C. E. Smith, secretary; Peter O'Hair,
treasurer.

    The organization of the Deluge Company, in 1876, made it necessary to form a
fire department •with a set of general officers. By virtue of his office as
foreman of the oldest company, Charles Ball became first engineer, with two
assistants, holding the position for two years. At the first department election
in May, 1878, George Frost was elected chief engineer, and at present serves in
that capacity. The assistants are A. Allen, first, and E. E. Canfield, second.
Chico is proud of her department, and justly so, for it would be an honor to a
town of far greater proportions.

    The industries of Chico are varied and extensive. The cutting and shipping
of lumber are by far the most important. The Chico Lumber Company was organized
February 1, 1865. The year following, Chapman & McKay bought out the whole
business. They own 3,000 acres of timber land in Kimshew township, where there
is one saw-mill, the finest in the district. It is run by a
sixty-five-horsepower engine. A year ago, another mill belonging to the company
was burned. They are cutting 2,500,000 feet of lumber yearly, very wide and
clear. One tree cut by them last season yielded 22,000 feet. William Bonham,
another lumberman, cuts a million feet, and Tickner, Burnham & Co., about an
equal amount yearly.

    The Sierra Flume and Lumber Company, whose large flume ends at this place,
is concerned more extensively in cutting and sawing lumber than any other
company in northern California. The first establishment of this mammoth
institution was made in 1871, under the title of the Chico Flume and Lumber
Company. Prominently connected with its organization were the three Woodson
brothers, the Allen brothers, and Messrs. Holbrook and Taylor, all residents of
Chico. The company proceeded to build two saw-mills in the lumber region, near
the head-waters of Big Chico creek. To get the lumber to a market it required at
that time from, eleven to thirteen dollars per thousand feet. The difficult
undertaking of connecting the mills with Chico by a flume of sufficient size and
strength to conduct lumber thereto was conceived at the time, and the work
begun. Levi Hammel received the contract to build fifteen miles of the flume,
which he performed in due time, and afterwards superintended the building of the
remainder. In two years the flume was completed. Its length is thirty-eight
miles, and, being V-shaped, has a depth of thirty inches. At the top the canal
is three feet and four inches wide, carrying 3,000 inches of water. The water is
taken from Chico creek, and, in its course southward, follows the creek nearly
all the way. In some places, it is from eighty to one hundred feet high. As fast
as the lumber is sawed at the mills it is thrown into the flume and floated the
whole distance. This mode of transportation reduced the cost to two and a half
dollars per thousand. The same company built an extensive sash, door and blind
factory, which ran for a number of years. In 1875, the old company sold out to a
number of San Francisco gentlemen, who, in November, incorporated the Sierra
Flume and Lumber Company, with a capital stock of $10,000,000.

    The new company tore down the old mills at the head of the flume and built
new ones. Since that time they have cut from twelve to fifteen million feet of
lumber per year. The flume carries from 50,000 to 100,000 feet daily, and as
high as 150,000 feet have been carried in a single day. Sugar pine, yellow pine
and spruce are the principal varieties of wood cut. At intervals of every four
or five miles are stations, or switches, where the lumber, when it gets banked
up, can be run into branch flumes, or, rather, side-tracked, leaving the main
channel open. At first a telegraph line was run the length of the flume, but
has, latterly, been superseded by a telephone line. On the twenty-ninth of
October, 1878, the works of the company at Chico were entirely destroyed by
fire, involving a loss of $300,000. The only buildings saved were a hay-barn and
a China house. In 1880, the hay-barn was destroyed, together with seven horses
and two hundred tons of hay. The sash-factory was never rebuilt. At the yards in
Chico is a planing-mill, built in May, 1880, and run by a double engine with
75-horse-power. This mill handles 20,000 feet of lumber per day during summer.
George A. Lowell is superintendent of the mill. The flume originally cost
$80,000. Another flume runs to Bed Bluff, where the same company have some very
extensive works. J. S. Cone is president, and H. P. Cole present manager.

    The Chico Iron Works, the only institution of the kind in the county, were
started in January, 1875, by Busby & Mery. A machine-shop was first established,
which was followed a year after by a foundry. They manufactured agricultural
implements, steam-engines, barley-rollers and mills, horse-powers and pumps, and
supplied a want long felt in the county. Mr. Mery is now the sole proprietor and
does a large business.

    In 1869, Hallett & Loy started a planing-mill in Chico, which was ran as
such until 1879, when the manufacture of furniture was begun. In 1872, C. S.
Coggins bought the establishment. All kinds of furniture are made in large
quantities from walnut and pine. The buildings cover nearly half a block of land.

    J. H. Lee was the pioneer marble-cutter of Chico. The business is at present
conducted by W. L. Bradley and another firm. Blood's soda-factory and Warren's
candy-factory are manufacturing the sweets of a solid and liquid nature. The
Chico brewery was built in 1866 by a man named Mitchell. This was torn down and
rebuilt in 1872 by C. Croissant, who still conducts the establishment and
supplies the town and county with a fair article.

    The Chico Flouring-mills were built in 1859. The first mill in the county
was that erected in 1853 by General Bidwell. This was replaced by the present
mill, which has three run of stone and makes from eighty to one hundred barrels
per day. The dam is on Chico creek, three miles above, in Sandy gulch, from
which place water is brought to the mill.

The first gas-works of Chico were established in 1871. The company was formed by
L. A. Kelley, Capt. E. Eager and N. P. Fuller. A. A. Hibbard was first manager.
Pipe was laid a short distance in the principal streets, and supplied only a few
business houses with the illuminating fluid. The quality of gas made was very
inferior and liable to explosion. The gas-house was on Broadway, between Second
and Third streets. In 1874, it was merged into the Chico Gas Company, which was
incorporated on the nineteenth of December. A. Bullard, C. L. Stillson, George
F. Nurse, J. W. Gilkyson, G. W. Dorn, E. Rose and N. P. Fuller were the original
company. They laid pipes in the principal streets, and erected the works now in
use. The company sold out January 15, 1879, to the present company, of which A.
H. Chapman is president, and G. W. Dorn, Charles Faulkner, N. P. Fuller and H.
C. Copeland, managers. Much additional pipe was laid, there being now three
miles. Gas is made from crude petroleum by the same process recently introduced
in San Francisco.

    The Chico Water Company was incorporated December 19, 1874, with a capital
stock of $100,000. The incorporators were the same as those of the gas company,
with the exception of Mr. Fuller. A. H. Chapman is president. Water is pumped
from an artesian well thirty feet deep, and raised sixty-five feet above the
ground to a reservoir which holds 60,000 gallons. The company has laid six miles
of iron pipe. The Holly system of direct pressure is used in case of fire.

    The first bank in Chico was opened by Rideout, Smith & Co., in 1870. This
was afterwards changed to the Bank of Butte County, with George C. Perkins as
president, and Charles Faulkner cashier. The building is the finest in the city,
and cost twenty-eight thousand dollars. Mr. Faulkner is still the cashier. The
Bank of Chico has a massive structure, which cost twenty-three thousand dollars.
John Conley is president, and A. H. Crew cashier.

    Chico has seven large grocery establishments, viz: Tickner, Burnham & Co.,
Johnson & Son, Dunn & Burley, A. A. Brunner, M. Goodday, P. O'Hair and Mr. Long.
There are eight dry-goods emporiums, as follows: Peters Brothers, Walker &
Cowles, Tickner, Burnham & Co., Messrs. Cohn, Breslauer, Goodday, Silverstein
and Graham. The hardware trade is carried on by Hubbard & Earll, Stillson &
Faunce and Ferrall & Co. The jewelry and watch-making establishments are:
Charles Ball, Hibbard & Somner and F. M. Jackson. The furniture stores: Hallett
& Loy and Fetters & Williams. Food and lodging are furnished the public by four
hotels, the two leading ones being the Chico and the Union. The former is a
splendid structure, erected in 1874 by Ira Wetherbee. It is now conducted under
the efficient management of W. S. Blake. The latter is a first-class
establishment, and for many years has enjoyed an extensive popularity and
patronage. It is now run by Allen & Woodsbacher. In addition, there are three
first-class restaurants. H. H. Frye has a photograph gallery, and does a high
quality of work. We have merely referred briefly to the leading establishments
of the city. The tobacco-stores, blacksmith-shops, meat-markets and saloons are
very numerous and prosperous.

    On the thirteenth of March, 1877, the strong feeling against the Chinese
which existed in the breasts of the white laboring classes, culminated, after
several incendiary attempts, in the most brutal and horrible murder of four
inoffensive Chinamen, living on the Lemm ranch, two and one-half miles from
town. The Chinese camp was situated back from the road, on the edge of Chico
creek. The inmates had been chopping wood on the premises for some time past,
and after their day's work was over, went into the little cabin, and in their
usual manner lay stretched on their beds. About nine o'clock they were surprised
by the appearance of five men and a boy, who, with revolvers in hand, entered
the room and ordered them to sit still. The boy and one of the men then searched
the cabin, and took a small amount of coin. When the search was over, the men
fired one shot each at the frightened mongolians, each white man selecting his
own victim. After firing, the fiends poured coal oil on the clothes of the
murdered men, and set fire thereto, hurrying away immediately after. One of the
Chinese who was only slightly wounded, threw a blanket over the flames and
extinguished them. Shortly after he crawled to Mr. Lemm's house and told him of
the fearful crime that had been committed. In the morning a sickening sight
presented itself to the spectators. One body lay almost across the doorway, face
downward, with his brain oozing out of a bullet-hole in the head. The second
body was stretched out like the first; another was huddled up in a heap; a
fourth was on the bed, groaning with pain; a fifth was across the creek under
some brush, while the sixth was the one that gave the information. The names of
the victims were Ah Lee, Ah Gow, Shu In, Ah Yuen—the last dying while the
coroner's jury was present. H. T. A. Smizer was foreman of the jury.

    A reign of terror was instituted in Chico, no man knowing who the
perpetrators of the foul crime could be. Charges were made against the Order of
Caucasians and the Labor Union with having sanctioned, the outrage, and both
these associations hastened to denounce the diabolical act, and to deny having
had knowledge of or complicity with it. The fears of the people were not allayed
by sundry threatening letters received at the time by prominent citizens. We
give a few of them to indicate the pressure that was brought to bear upon the
minds and imaginations of the citizens.

    To GEN. BIDWELL—Sir: Get rid of your Chinese help within the next two
months, or suffer the consequences. Let this be enough.    COMMITTEE.

    CHA.S. BALL—Sir: Get rid of your Chinese help within fifteen days from this
date, or meet the consequences.     COMMITTEE.

    CHICO HOTEL—Sir: Get rid of your Chinese help within the next two months, or
you'll meet the consequences. You'll find out in time which is the best course
for you to take; fair warning.
                                     COMMITTEE.

    MRS. JONES—Madam: Have the kindness to discharge your Chinese help within
two weeks and save trouble.       COMMITTEE.

    UNION HOTEL—Sirs: If you would consult your interests, get rid of your
Chinese help—all of them—inside of twenty days from this, and save your property
from the red glare of night. Let this be your warning.      COMMITTEE.

    To J. M. DECKER—Sir: You will discharge all the Chinese in your employ at
present on or before the first of next month, and save yourself trouble. You
will not be told again.       COMMITTEE.

    The board of trustees organized a citizens' committee of seventeen persons
to seek out the murderers; detectives were hired, and for several days the town
was on the qui vive of excitement. Forty-eight hours after, Eugene Roberts, John
Slaughter, Charles Slaughter, F. E. Conway, J. Mahoney, H. T. Jones, Adam
Holderbaum, H. C. Wright and Thomas Steinbrook were arrested. On the thirtieth,
at a citizens' meeting, it was resolved "that the further discussion of the
Chinese question should be at once and forever withdrawn from the dark corners
of secret societies and referred to open and fair debate before the people."
Confessions were elicited from F. E. Conway, Thomas Stainbrook, H, C. Wright,
Charles Slaughter and Eugene Roberts. S. L. Daniels received the confession from
Conway after he had been in jail two days. The examinations were held before
Judge Hallett. Five persons were held for arson, and four for murder and arson.
From the county court they received sentences varying from five to twenty-five
years respectively. So ended the "reign of terror" in Chico by a complete
triumph of justice and law.

    In 1875, the Chico Stock Association was formed, which had a wide reputation
in sporting circles. Mr. S. L. Daniels was the principal manager, and devoted
much time and attention to bringing this track and location into general public
notice. A large amount was expended in building the track, which is one of the
finest in the state. On the twenty-first of May, 1877, occurred the celebrated
race between Goldsmith Maid and Rarus, which was trotted on this track. Three
thousand people were present to witness the affair. The Maid was driven by Budd
Doble, and Rarus by John Splan. Goldsmith Maid won the first heat in 2:19 1/2,
having made the first half mile in 1:08. In the second heat the quarter was made
in 36 seconds, the half-mile in 1:07, and the Maid won the heat by half a neck
in 2:14 1/2, the fastest time ever made prior to that period. The third heat
resulted the same as the second, save that the time was 2:17. On the
twenty-fifth of May, 1877. Occident and Bodine trotted four heats on the Chico
track. Occident won the first heat, but the three others were gained by Bodine.
The best time made was 2:15 1/2. The association was succeeded in 1880 by the
present society of the same name.

   The first military organization of Chico was the Chico Light Infantry,
mustered into service of the state in January, 1864. The roster of December
shows that Joseph Eddy was captain; Edward Hallett, Charles L. Stillson and
Israel Hull were lieutenants. The organization at first numbered sixty, and
afterwards increased somewhat. In 1868 the company disbanded.

   The Chico Guard were mustered into the service of the state on the
twenty-ninth of April,. 1875. The first muster-roll of the company shows that
there were fifty-eight privates and seventeen officers, together with a drummer,
marker and lifer. The original officers of the company were as follows: captain,
William T. Turner; lieutenants, H. F. Batchelder and Samuel T, Black. Meetings
were held for two years in the old pavilion building, now torn down. Then a room
was rented by the Guards in the present armory building, and with the addition
of another large room for business meetings, the same place has been occupied by
them to the present time. At the organization of the company General Bidwell
donated the Guards one hundred dollars, and since that time has on several
occasions received them in a body at his palatial residence. For some, time the
Guards had to parade without uniforms. When the demand for them became urgent,
General Bidwell again came to the rescue and put his signature to a document to
the extent of one thousand dollars in aid of such improvement. In the month of
June, 1876, the Guards appeared on dress parade with the elegant suits now used
by them. In the spring of 1877, seven hundred and fifty dollars were expended in
fitting up the armory with racks, tables, carpets and other paraphernalia. No
more perfect state military organization than the Chico Guards can be found in
northern California. Among the various associations of Chico the company stands
the very highest in the esteem of the citizens. The present officers are:
captain, H. T. Batchelder; lieutenants, W. R. Williams and C. N. Johnson. The
ladies of the town have presented the company with an elegant silk flag, used
only on state occasions.

    Of secret orders Chico has had a large number; those now in existence are in
a flourishing condition.

CHICO LODGE, No. 111, F. & A. M., was organized under dispensation January 10,
1857, with Allen Wood, W. M.; John B. Smith, S. W.; John Bidwell, J. W. It was
chartered June 20, 1857, with John Bidwell, W. M.; J. B. Smith, S. W.; A. M.
Sadorus, J. W.; E. B. Kinson, Treas.; C. Wheeler, Sec.; W. A. Middleton, S. D.;
H. M. Jennings, J. D.; W. V. Polk, Tyler. The lodge is a large and flourishing one.

   CHICO CHAPTER, No. 42, R. A. M., was chartered April 12, 1871, with the
following officers: C. L. Pond, H. P.; R. M. Cochran, K.; W. P. Tilden, S.; Ed.
Hoole, C. of H.; Ira Wetherbee, R. A. C.; C. C. Mason, M. 3d V.; O. H. P.
Tanquary, M. 2d V.; John Bidwell, M. 1st V.; G. F. Jones, Treas.; J. F. Wayland,
Sec., J. R. Robinson, Guard.

    CHICO COMMANDERY, No. 12, was organized under dispensation January 19, 1876,
and chartered April 16, 1876. Thirty-six members were knighted before the
charter was obtained. The first officers under the charter were: C. C. Mason, E.
C.; J. A. Turner, Gen.; C. Faulkner, C. G.; R, E. Warren, P.; W. T. Turner, S.
W.; C. Nichols, J. W.; Ira Wetherbee, Treas.; G. H. Crossette, R.; J. W. B.
Montgomery, St. B.; C. L. Pond, S. B.; J. M. Jackson, W.; L. Hanson, Sentinel.
The Masonic hall was built in 1871, and is a very commodious and
handsomely-furnished building.

    CHICO LODGE, No. 113, I. O. O. F., was instituted January 5, 1863. The first
meetings of the lodge were held in the Masonic hall, and continued so for two
years; then a lodge-room was fitted up on the corner of Main and Second streets,
which burned in the fire of 1873. Their present building was then erected.

    CHICO ENCAMPMENT, No. 33, was instituted December 21, 1869. The Odd Fellows
hall was built in conjunction with the Masons, each order occupying a lodge-room
of its own.

    VICTORY LODGE, No. 1675, Knights of Honor, was organized June 27, 1879, with
twenty-two charter members. George H. Crossette was the first Dictator, and J.
M. Ormsby is the present presiding officer. The membership of the order is
fifty-six.

    CHICO COUNCIL, No. 55, American Legion of Honor, was instituted December 7,
1879, with ten charter members. C. A. Beesley was the first Commander. The
office is now held by George H. Crossette.

    The other orders in Chico are the Improved Order of Red Men, established in
1869, and the Order of Chosen Friends, chartered in 1881.

    WASHINGTON CAMP, No. 18, Patriotic Order Sons of America, was organized
October 29, 1881, with thirty-five members; there are now seventy. The first
meetings were held at Armory hall, but the lodge now convenes at Henerie hall.

    HALLECK POST, No. 19, G. A. R., was organized April 2, 1881, with George S.
Snook as commander. The charter members are John McCullough, George A. Lowell,
A. L. Knowlton, H. T. Batchelder, E. B. Stuckey, Geo. S. Snook, George Miller,
J. M. Abrams, John H. Allen, H. L. Slater, M. W. Green, Jack Terill, James
Davison, J. W. Cook.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from:

HISTORY OF BUTTE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA,
IN TWO VOLUMES.

I.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA FROM 1513 TO 1850.
BY FRANK T. GILBERT.

The Great Fur Companies and their Trapping Expeditions to California.
Settlement of the Sacramento Valley. 
The Discovery of Gold in California.
BY HARRY L. WELLS.

II.
HISTORY OF BUTTE COUNTY,
From its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time. 
BY HARRY L. WELLS AND W. L. CHAMBERS.

BOTH VOLUMES ILLUSTRATED WITH VIEWS AND PORTRAITS.
HARRY L. WELLS,
517 CLAY STREET, SAN FRANCISCO
1882.

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1882, by HARRY L. WELLS, in
the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C.

FRANCIS, VALENTINE & Co., Engravers & Printers
517 Clay St., San Francisco



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