Sonoma County CA Archives History - Books .....Mendocino Township 1880
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Book Title: History Of Sonoma County

MENDOCINO

   This township is the largest in the county and is situated in the northeast
of Sonoma, rounding off to the north-west. It is diversified with every
imaginable phase of scenery from the park-like plains of the valleys, dotted
with groves and sprinkled with beautiful homes, to the bold mountain-land pine
covered to their summits, thickly clothed with almost impenetrable brush-wood,
until culminating in high, rocky peaks. From the summit of Geyser Peak, a high
mountain, situated on the border of the adjoining township of Washington, a
prospect of the most ravishing order is mapped out at our feet. At a glance the
large main valley through which the San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad
runs, is taken in, from the shore of the San Pablo bay, to its terminus at
Cloverdale. The prosperous towns of Cloverdale, Geyserville, Healdsburg,
Windsor, Fulton, Santa Rosa, and Petaluma are easily distinguished, while a
little to the east of south we look upon the world-renowned Sonoma valley. At
the foot of Mount St. Helena, we have the fertile Knight's valley, while to add
completeness to the scene, the Russian river maybe followed, flowing through the
district in many a beautiful meander, appearing like a silver thread, as the son
glances upon its bosom, until lost in the arms of the Great Pacific.

   The earliest permanent white settler in Mendocino township was Cyrus
Alexander. As has been shown in our history of Russian River township, his
agreement with Captain Fitch had lapsed from time, and he took up his residence
on that part of the Sotoyome grant lying on the east side of Russian river,
including the land from the river's channel to the boundary line of the said
grant, comprising the fertile valley which has since borne his name, situated
along the foot-hills, north and east, far enough to include two Spanish leagues.
This was in 1845, but the title to the property he did not receive until
September, 1847. On taking possession he commenced to erect himself a permanent
residence, but waiting for the hardening of sun-dried bricks was too slow a
process; he therefore began the erection of a redwood building similar to that
described, in another place, in a situation of much natural beauty and
advantage, the structure being placed on an eminence near to which flowed a
stream of crystal water, which found its source in a large hill behind, while to
the east of the location were numbers of living springs, all offering
magnificent advantages for a permanent settlement. Here he commenced the labors
of reclaiming ground which he tilled with a primitive plow, already noted
elsewhere. At his new home he planted, in 1846, a few grapevines, as well as
some apple and peach seeds, which, as soon as they showed above ground, he
irrigated with water procured from the stream close by, while the construction
of the adobe house was proceeded with in the dry season, covering it with a roof
of shingles which he procured from the adjacent forests. As the cultivation of
wheat increased, Alexander bethought him of the necessity of erecting a flour or
grist-mill, and at once set to work to consider the ways and means. Some
suitable rock was found east of the position now occupied by the town of
Healdsburg, but difficult to obtain on account of being situated high up on a
mountain side. A Spaniard was therefore hired, who from these cut mill-stones,
making them about two feet in diameter, and afterwards dragged them down to
level ground by means of a horse and lariat, whence they were conveyed on the
primitive wagon, already mentioned; the site for the mill being chosen on the
stream by which stood his dwelling. Let us describe this, the earliest
flour-mill in the district: The frame-work on which the machinery should rest
was made of timber procured from the redwoods; the water-wheel was about the
size of an ordinary washing tub, provided with arms for the water flowing out of
a large discharge sluice, conveyed from a dam above, to strike against. Set in
the the [sic] wheel and perpendicular with the arms wa9 the main shaft, and on
the upper end of it the spindle—probably the one mentioned as having been
forwarded by Captain Fitch*—the spindle being connected by a trundle to the
stone. The stream furnished water sufficient to work the mill only in the rainy
season; but it proved a success, and a source of comfort as well, for the
neighboring rancheros were wont to make use of it as well as the proprietor. The
mill was not large enough to admit of a bolting cloth, had such a thing been
procurable then; a substitute was, however, found in a piece of canvas, about
five feet long and one wide, stretched on a frame, with a slide made of slats
for the bolting frame to move backwards and forwards upon. In this simple manner
was the first mill completed, and good flour turned out, in the township now
under consideration. This, however, was not the only improvement made at this
early period by our ingenious pioneer. He made a mould in which he manufactured
bricks from adobe clay; he procured shells from the sea-beach that he burned in
a kiln, also made out of the ever useful adobe, which he turned into lime, these
he employed in the construction of that house, wherein now resides his widow,
the partner of these early times; when finished, at the epoch of which we write,
it was eighty feet long, twenty feet wide, and twelve feet high, the walls being
two feet thick, all of solid adobe.

* Vide History of Russian River Township.

   The year 1846 was a noted one in the annals of California, for it was then
that immigration to the Pacific coast took any shape among the people of the
Atlantic, and more western States. Among those who started for this then little
known country were the Gordons, Morrow, Storey, and W. J. March, who all found
their way to the Russian river valley and in 1848 settled on land now comprised
in this township. As month followed month, and year succeeded ^ear, so did the
population increase. In 1849 arrived Wm. T. Allen and others; in 1851, Richard
E. Lewis and many more. In these years the gold fever had stocked California
with denizens from every known part of the globe; every tongue spoken on the
face of the globe was to be heard in the gold mines, while all were bent on
acquiring a large and rapid fortune. Failure or success caused many to leave the
pursuit of treasure and look for somewhere to settle and thus in the next five
years every portion of the State received a marvelous increase to the number of
its residents. In Mendocino township the few residents that were not taken with
the gold disorder, watched carefully passing events and tilled their ground, and
planted their produce, waiting for a certain harvest of dust. Our old pioneer
Cyrus Alexander knew that wealth was now within his grasp; he sent his cattle to
the mines and there received fabulous prices for them. In the Summer of 1850 he
succeeded in raising a good crop of large sized onions—about two tons in all;
these he dispatched to the mines by an ox-team and cleared about twelve hundred
dollars on the venture by retailing them at from forty to seventy-five cents per
pound. Hogs flesh had been up to that time a scarce commodity; they had been,
however, introduced by Alexander in 1850 or before then. At any rate, in that
year a drover named Olmstead came from the mines and wanted to strike a bargain
with Alexander for certain pigs, the price wanted being fifty dollars each. This
was too great a sum, thought the drover, he therefore asked the weight of the
porker, but there were no weights or scales to be had; he, however, hit upon an
ingenious and certainly novel plan to ascertain his wish. He inquired if there
was any wheat on the ranch, and after being informed that there was, he
remarked: "Put a rail through the fence and fasten a hog on one end with a sack
of wheat on the other and see if it will balance." Alexander interrogated him as
to how he would know the Weight of the sack of wheat. "Oh," said Olmstead, "I
can guess at that," on which he received the reply: "Then why not guess the
weight of the hog in the first place." This was not so certain a matter for the
drover, however; he had been a wheat grower in Illinois and was posted in the
weight of sacks of that staple, but the ponderosity of live pork was beyond his
ken. The chances were entirely in favor of the vendor in this instance for it
w6uld have taken more than one sack of wheat to poise the hog, while it is an
ascertained fact that wheat to the sack in California weighs heavier than it
does in Illinois. For these animals Alexander received one thousand dollars for
twenty, being at the rate of fifty dollars a piece.

   It would appear that a saw-mill had been erected on Mill creek about this
period, for we find Alexander procuring lumber and building a barn as well as
making additions to his house. This lumber he obtained in exchange for hogs, the
commodity at that time being worth seventy-five dollars per thousand feet, and a
gelt, i. e. a pig that has never had a litter, being appraised at the same
price, the barter therefore was easily effected. In the year 1851 commenced a
series of squatting troubles in this section of the county. Some of the
immigrants coming to the Russian River valley at this period cast longing eyes
upon the fertile lands of Alexander valley, and taking it for granted that they
knew all the intricacies of the land law as relating to California, occupied
such portions as they had a mind to; among others who were thus honored by the
presence of self-invited guests was Cyrus Alexander. With these, however, he
never quarrelled, but would simply warn them off, advising them of the
consequencas should they remain. As a rule they went away quietly, Alexander
always paying them a fair price for any improvements made. Afterwards, finding
that his property was absolutely needed by those who would pay for it, he
concluded to dispose of all his wild cattle and have the ranch surveyed. This he
did, dividing it into two reserves, and offering the remainder for sale in lots
to suit purchasers. The valley in this way became soon peopled by immigrants
from Illinois, Iowa, Tenessee, Missouri, Indiana, and New York. This move did
not relieve Mr. Alexander of the squatters, however, for we find that in 1856
they once more commenced to molest him, one actually encamping in a field of
standing wheat, and was not got rid of until threatened by the sheriff. The
night before he took his departure the barn was burned with all its contents, it
containing at the time his crop of grain which had been just threshed, the
threshing machine, fan mills, plows, grain cradles, rakes, and various other
farm implements; a rick of grain near the barn being also consumed. Before
closing the annals of Mendocino township let us here relate the following
amusing annecdote, as the subject of it will be remembered by many an old
resident. In 1851 Alexander was on the point of remodeling his residence, and in
the course of his operations to that end he found that the wheat which had lain
next to the wall in his bin had become heated, musty, and therefore spoiled, a
portion of it being alive with black weavils. It was unfit for seed wheat or
flour, so he was at his wits' end what to make of it. An unlooked for market
soon presented itself. An old man named Miller, who had crossed the plains a
year or so before, had brought with him some of the machinery of a distillery
which he had erected. He had heard of the damaged wheat, but thinking that it
might still be good enough to make whisky of, purchased the entire quantity, and
succeeded in manufacturing if not a good, at any rate an appreciated article.
Miller and his wife, Aunt Katie, as she was generally called, were both partial
to a dram, but they could not always command a supply, for grain was not to be
forever had, besides the price of grain was high, and whisky would occasionally
be scarce, even in distillery. On one occasion, as the men folks were leaving
for some other part of the county, on the hard work of a Fourth of July
celebration, they were much concerned as to how to dispose of a jug of the
crathur which was in the house. From her known propensities, it was deemed
impolitic to leave Aunt Katie at home in company with the jug, so one of the
number, quick of resources and lithe of limb, climbed up a tree, and unobserved
by Kate, tied it securely far out of reach of his thirsty friend. Not long after
their departure, Auntie's natural and, on this occasion, national thirst
required assauging. She, therefore, cast about in search of the treasure, but it
was nowhere to be found. She suspected that she had been made the victim of some
diabolical treachery, and, therefore, prospected all the more keenly, till, at
last, a glimpse of the lost jar was caught, as it cosily nestled among the
leaves, but, oh! so far beyond her reach. A quarter of an hour's cogitation
solved the riddle of how to gain the prize. With methodic precision she carried
out a large wash-tub, and having taken correct bearings, placed it immediately
beneath the jug, and next, procuring her husband's rifle, she took deliberate
aim, bang went the charge, the bullet pierced the target, the liquor trickled
into the tub, Aunt Katie regaled herself, and was found, on the return of the
party, in affectionate proximity to what remained of her favorite tipple, having
had as much "independence" as was good for her.

   We now come to a portion of our chronicles on which it is a pleasure to
dwell, for nowhere has the beneficent influences of religion been felt to such
advantage as among the pioneers of every newly-opened country.

   In the year 1852 there were a number of settlements throughout the county
which naturally commenced to attract the attention of the different religious
bodies. The first preacher to visit this district was the Rev. A. L. S. Bateman
of Ohio. His circuit included all the country from Petaluma to Big river, a
distance of one hundred and fifty miles. In Alexander valley he found several
Methodist families, and here he was encouraged to make one of his stopping
places, Cyrus^ Alexander giving up the best room in his house wherein to hold
services. In the following year Mr. Bateman returned to this field with
instructions to build a church, i? such were practicable. He selected Alexander
valley as the most suitable position, and with most substantial aid from the
Alexander family and other residents, a small house of worship was constructed,
a Sunday School being shortly after organized in the same building. This edifice
was unfortunately destroyed by fire about ten years later,At is thought by an
incendiary. In 1853, a day school had also been established in the same
building, but finding that it was not central enough, Cyrus Alexander, at his
own expense, built another on his own land, and offered it to his neighbors for
their especial benefit. He assisted them also with money to employ teachers*and
to maintain the school, which is still standing, and known as " Pine Grove," it
being used as a place of tuition on week days and a church on Sunday. The Rev.
Mr. Bateman, from the size of his circuit, could not visit the valley oftener
than once in two weeks, therefore, arrangements were made with the Rev. James
Woods to undertake the work, and as an inducement for him to settle among them
with his family, and aid in sustaining the school, Alexander presented him with
a rich farm.

   HEALDSBURG.—"As the crow flies," Healdsburg is about sixty-five miles went of
north of San Francisco, being thirty-five miles from Petaluma and fifteen from
Santa Rosa by the railroad. It occupies a beautiful location on Russian river,
near its confluence with Dry creek, and rests pleasantly on rising ground
between the two valleys of Russian river and Dry creek, near to it being the
eminence usually known as Fitch mountain, though there are those who name it by
the more euphonious title of Sotoyome, the name given to the grant made to
Captain Henry D. Fitch. It is a hill of much symmetry, the upper portion being
well wooded, while at its base are rolling lands, offering the advantage of
magnificent pasturage; around the foot of it meanders the Russian river,
clinging to the fertile region as if loth to part with the luxuriant vegetation
on its slopes.

   The site of the city was originallly a portion of the grant named above. In
the year 1852 Harmon Heald, who had crossed the plains in 1849, and settled in
the county in 1850, not far from the position of the future city, located the
land, the proper ownership of which was at that time in dispute. Heald arguing
that should it turn out to be Government property he could pre-empt it, and if
owned privately he would have a like opportunity offered for purchase. On this
ground he erected a small clap-board cabin, placing it on the side of the main
road to Mendocino and the counties to the north, then the only artery for wagon
travel in this part of the country; he thus seized the opportunity, and
procuring a small assortment of goods, opened a store in the Fall of the year,
and that Winter disposed of them, principally to the Indians, of whom there were
a great number, who usually paid for their purchases in cash, and the travellers
on the route. This erection stood on the site of the present express office of
Wells, Fargo & Co., the original building being until lately still standing, a
little to the rear thereof. This was the first building in Healdsburg. In this
Winter there came to live with Heald, Thomas W. Hudson and wife, who assisted
him in his household and other cares, and in the following Spring, having
disposed of his original stock in trade, he set to work to replenish his
shelves, the goods being procured in San Francisco, and thence transported by
steamer to Sonoma, and by wagon or pack, or both, to their destination. A
blacksmith's shop was shortly after built by a man of the name of Morse, on the
site of the store now kept by Sam Myers; he, however, was succeeded by William
Dodge and William Dow, who had moved their smithery business from the Russian
river banks, thus making the second building in the embryo city. The third house
was constructed by August Knaack, on the ground now occupied by the eastern end
of the Sotoyome House, where he established himself, making chairs and repairing
wagons. This house adjoined the blacksmith shop already mentioned; Knaack, it is
said, performing all the woodwork in connection with that business. This was in
the Winter of 1853-4, at which time there also came H. M. Willson, who, with A.
B. Aull, entered into partnership with Harmon Heald, who built an addition to
the store, the business of which was afterwards controlled by Willson alone for
eighteen months. Early in the year 1853, Harmon Heald lost his youngest brother,
who had crossed the plains, with his mother, sister, and another brother, in
1851, his being the first funeral in the little settlement. He was interred by
the side of a cluster of madron as, in what is now the school lot, then
apparently far away in the backwoods, now surrounded on every side by houses.
His remains, alone with those of many others, were afterwards removed to
Oak-Mound Cemetery. In May of this year there also happened the first birth in
the city, in the person of Henry H, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Hudson, who s
>on after moved from the little settlement, for we find that in 1854 the town,
which at that time knew no other name than that of Heald's Store, was composed
of the buildings mentioned above, with their occupants, Harmon Heald and his
wife, for he had married at Mark West creek in the previous year; H. M. Willson,
William Dow, William Dodge, and August Knaack. About this period was established
in Heald's store the first postal station, the nearest office prior to that time
being at Sonoma, whence the mail service was conducted by private enterprise, at
a charge of two, and, sometimes, four bits a letter.

   Nothing of any importance transpired in the following year; in March 1856,
however, McManus moved his store from its position in Russian River township,
making the second store within what is now known as the corporate limits of the
city of Healdsburg. There was still another store, but outside the limits, kept
by a man named Engle.

   In the Spring of the year 1857, the town site was surveyed by H. P. Mock, and
the lots, with the exception of those donated for a district school, Cemetery,
Methodist Episcopal Church, Baptist Church, Methodist Episcopal Church South,
Presbyterian Church, and Plaza, sold by private contract, the price put upon
each by Heald being fifteen dollars, but such was the increase in value, that in
the following year the lot on which the White House now stands was disposed of
by him for four hundred and fifty eight dollars. In this year (1857) Harmon
Heald finding his space too limited for the business which was springing up
around him, found it necessary to construct a new store, this he did on the
corner now occupied by the Bank of Healdsburg, and, adding largely to his stock,
opened an establishment of some pretensions. We now find the town, which at this
period first received its name of Healdsburg—though there were those who would
have called it Sotoyome—beginning to show signs of something like a permanent
growth; dwelling houses were commenced by Doctor B. B. Bonham, the pioneer
resident practitioner of the city, and John N. Bailhache, that of the former
being located on what is now known as North Street, and the-latter on the east
side of the Plaza, near the Central Market. In this year was constructed the
first church, now the place of worship of the Presbyterian body, the Rev. James
Woods being the first minister- At this time, just outside the town limits, were
the Ohio House, kept by a man named Snyder, the building being still standing on
the first turn of the Cloverdale road, and occupied by a gunsmith by the name of
Livey; a saloon owned by A. J. Forrester, and the store already mentioned as
kept by Engle; shortly after there was built on the other side of the slough,
the house now occupied by William Fitch, where there was accommodation for a
limited number of guests. The city still showed signs of increased prosperity,
and numbers of people arrived to take advantage of the facilities afforded from
climate and situation. In 1858, early in the year, Jacob Heald and John Raney
erected a frame building on the site of the present Sotoyome House, which they
dubbed with that pleasant sounding name, while later in the year Allen and
Dickenson built another on the corner now occupied by the Geyser Livery Stable
of N. W. Bostwick. In this year was also raised the first brick building in
Healdsburg, which occupied the position of Bloom's store, and was the property
of Rathburn and Brother. There are those who say that the first brick building,
also erected by Rathburn, stood on the corner now occupied by the Bank of
Healdsburg. The old settlers are divided on the question; others declare it to
be the store of Mason & Smith. In 1859 a disastrous fire swept away the first
mentioned buildings, as well as some intermediate erections, such as a saloon
with dancing hall above, until its course was stayed by the brick house first
mentioned. We also find that in this year the first school house was erected on
the lot occupied by the building now used for a like purpose, while later
Professor Scott erected his academy. Let us now cast a retrospective glance upon
the fortunes of our new city. She had now made a great stride in life; she had
been born, had received a name, and was now beginning to stand alone. In the
year last noted the number of houses amounted to more than one hundred and
twenty; a brick store had been erected, an academy capable of giving
accommodation to over one hundred pupils had been constructed, while there had
been established a fire organization, a concert hall, and the fraternal
societies usually found where Americans most do congregate, the population at
this period being considerably in excess of five hundred.

   To the year 1860, does the honor remain of having produced the first
newspaper in the city of Healdsburg; this sheet which appeared in the month of
January, was edited by A. J. Cox, a gentleman well known as a pioneer journalist
and still residing in the lovely city of Napa. The print was called the Review
and was about one fourth the size of the Russian River Flag. It gave place in
June, 1864, to the Advertiser, published by Fenno & Warren, A. J. Cox being
still editor. In June 1865, the paper was changed to the Weekly Advertiser, and
changing hands on August 5th, of that year it was published from that date by
Cox & Boggs, under the name of the Democratic Review. On October 4, 1865, a new
paper was started by William R. Morris & Co., called the Democratic Standard, an
opposition paper in everything but politics. Soon thereafter the Review sold out
to Mr. Farley, who moved it to Clear Lake county, where it became known as the
Clear Lake Courier. On October 3, 1866, Mr. Morris became the sole proprietor of
the Standard, and shortly afterwards transferred a half interest to J. B. Fitch,
who, in January 1867, purchased the interest of Mr. Morris, and in the following
month disposed of the entire proprietory rights to Boggs & Menafee. In the
course of a few weeks, Mr. Boggs seceded, and was succeeded by W. A. C. Smith,
when the firm became Menafee & Co. In the winter of 1867-8, Messrs. Fitch &
Davis assumed the reins of office, until in the fall of the latter year when,
John G. Howell, purchasing the material and good will, its publication was
suspended. Mr. Howell, thereupon commenced the publication of the Russian River
Flag, and at once earned for his paper high rank among the Republican
publications of the coast. In 1876, Mr. Howell sold the paper to Jordan
Brothers, L. A Jordan succeeding as sole proprietor. In 1876, Mulgrew Bros. &
Wood, started the Healdsburg Enterprise, a publication which has achieved much
success. Besides being Democratic in politics, it has always made a specialty of
promoting the interest of Healdsburg and the surrounding country, while its
appearance is a pleasing picture of symmetrical form and elegant typography.

   In the year 1867, the town was incorporated under the law of the State as it
then existed, but during the twentieth session of the Legislature a special law
was passed incorporating the city of Healdsburg, which was adopted by the votes
of the city on April 18, 1874. In this Charter the corporate limits of the city
are declared to be as follows: Beginning at the section corner to sections
sixteen, seventeen, twenty and twenty-one, township nine north, range nine west,
Mount Diablo meridian; thence running south to the section line, seventy-five
chains to the road running from Healdsburg to and down Dry creek, or to the line
of H. M. Willson's land; thence east along the north line of Willson's land to
the line of L. A. Norton's land; thence south along the line between said
Norton's land and Willson's land to the south line of section twenty-one, to the
quarter section corner; thence along the south side and parallel to the railroad
track to the east side of Russian river; thence north to the north line of
Matheson. street in said town, extended; thence west to the east line of
University street; thenee north to the north line of said section twenty-one;
thence west along the north line of said section twenty-one, to the place of
beginning. The west line, however, in the foregoing boundary, that is to say,
the first course therein given, after running forty chains, run west' to the
corner of the plat of Healdsburg made by William Mock, County Surveyor, and duly
recorded in the Recorder's office of the county of Sonoma; thence south twelve
degrees, thirty minutes, east, with the west line of said plat or map until such
line intersect said section line; thence south on said section line as above
described. In accordance with said charter the corporate powers of the city of
Healdsburg is vested in a Board of Trustees, five in number, of which one shall
be President; a Police Judge, usually termed a Recorder, one Treasurer, a Street
Commissioner, City Clerk, Marshall and one Assessor and Collector. The Trustees
to hold office for the term of two years and until successors are elected and
qualified. The Police Judge, Treasurer, Marshall, and Assessor and Collector are
appointed for one year; the Street Commissioner, Attorney and City Clerk until
their places are filled by other appointments made by the Board of Trustees and
entered upon the minutes.

   Such is the spirit of government vested in the city of Healdsburg. Let us now
turn to the records.

   The first meeting of the town of Healdsburg which we find recorded is that
held on March 5,1867, when the body met at the office of L. A. Norton, and
organized by the election of L. A. Norton as President, and J. J. Maxwell,
Clerk. The days for holding stated meetings were fixed for the first and third
Monday of each month, from April 1st to October 1st, at eight o'clock P. M., and
for the balance of the year at seven o'clock. On motion of P. Greist, L. A.
Norton and W. A. C. Smith were appointed a committee to draft by-laws for the
corporation, while the bonds for the different officers were fixed, the
resolution being also adopted, that the clerk was to receive a reasonable
compensation for his services. Ordinances were ordered to be published in the
Democratic Standard, and Messrs. Greist, Smith and Wagenseller added to the
committee for drafting ordinances. The Board of Trustees at this date would
appear to have been: L. A. Norton, President; Peter Greist, W. A. C. Smith, W.
N. Wagenseller, and H.Dudley; J.J. Maxwell, Clerk; James Wilber, Poundmaster.
Ordinances Nos. One and Two were passed on the 9th March, and No. Three on the
18th; while on April 1st a committee consisting of Trustees Smith, Dudley,
Griest and Wagenseller was appointed to examine the streets of the town to
ascertain what was necessary to be done in the way of changing or opening them
out. On this date, Ordinance No. Four, providing for the licensing of public
shows, was adopted. On motion of Trustee Smith, Messrs. Norton and Barrow were
instructed to appeal the case, Hassett & Vaughan vs. James Wilber, the Board
pledging the faith of the town for the payment of all necessary costs thereby
incurred. On April 15th, it was decided that a Recorder should be added to the
list of Municipal officers at the next election. The officers elected in the
year 1867, which for the lack of any positive information, we are lead to
believe was the first regular election held, were, as nearly as we can glean
from the records of the city, which were rather imperfectly kept in that year:
Trustees, John Hassett, W. A. C. Smith, President, D. Show, John Emerson and W.
N. Wagenseller, all of whom were duly sworn in on May 13th; while F. E. Baker,
on that day, was appointed Clerk on a salary of seventy-five dollars a year. May
20th, the following Committees were appointed : Messrs. Show, Smith and Emerson,
to draft Ordinances to govern the opening of streets; the same, to draft
Ordinances prescribing the duties of Assessor and Collector; as also one, to fix
the manner of raising revenue; at the same time an election was ordered to be
held on May 30th, to fill the vacancies consequent on the Treasurer, Recorder,
Assessor and Marshall failing to qualify, the result being declared on June 3d
to be as under: John McManus, Treasurer; George M. Lacey, Recorder; John W.
Clack, Assessor; T. G. Poor, Marshal. On the same date, notice was given Norton
& Darrow, attorneys for defendants in the suit Hassett and Vaughan vs. James
Wilber, tried before G. M. Lacey, March 27, 1867, that the inhabitants of the
city of Healdsburg will be no longer responsible in the further prosecution of
the case, and that said attorneys be instructed to dismiss the appeal, unless
the said defendant shall elect to continue the case on his own responsibity;
also, that the sureties on the undertaking on appeal be notified of the
abandonment of the suit. Ordinances providing for the opening of streets, and
the raising of revenue were adopted on the 17th June, while it was then
permitted to Mr. Morrow to erect one of his patent pumps on the plaza for trial.
At this meeting John Hassett was appointed a committee to provide a suitable
place to be used as a town jail, while Trustee Wagenseller was nominated to
engage the services of a gentleman to act as City Attorney, the office being
filled on July 15th by the appointment of F. E. Baker; while, on the same date,
Messrs. Hassett and Show were chosen a committee to make all the necessary
arrangements for the construction of a prison, to be built by the corporation.
On August 5th, claims for damages consequent upon the opening of certain streets
were presented from H. Dudley, * W. E. Mason, J. L. Terry, C. Rice, C. Soule,
Mrs. C. W. Beeson and James Palmer, which, on motion, were placed on file, and
J. N. Bailhache, J. N. Wood and T. A. Field appointed Commissioners to assess
such damages.

   In regard to the general history of Healdsburg during the year 1867, the most
that can be said of it is that its watchword was still "go ahead." Houses
continued to spring up on every hand, day by day finding themselves further out
in the country. The stately oaks, which abounded, had to be felled to make way
for fresh avenues of traffic; the population increased,* business prospered and
all went well, evidencing a firm prospect of future prosperity which has not
been belied.

   1868.—The city records tell us that on the 31st March of this year the
resignation of Trustee Daniel Shorr from the Board was accepted and Joseph
Albertson duly elected to the vacancy; at the same time J. D. Hassett was chosen
President of the Body for the unexpired term in place of W. A. C. Smith, who
resigned that position as well as his seat at the Board, the latter position
being filled by the appointment of J. N. Bailhache. On April 6th, L. "W. Boggs
was appointed City Clerk, and the office of Marshal declared vacant by the
removal of F. E. Poor outside of the incorporated limits, John W. Clack being
delegated to fill the office as well as that of Pound Master. The Clerk was
directed, on this date, to post notices in conspicuous places, informing the
inhabitants of the town that the acts of the Board of Trustees having been
legalized by the Legislature, the laws would be enforced in accordance therewith.

1869.—March 10th, John N. Bailhache was appointed Clerk to the Board and on May
3d the following Corporation officers were elected: D. Bloom, J. E. Fenno, J.
Mulligan, Joseph Albertson, James Thistle, Board of Trustees; S. M. Hays,
Recorder; J. G. McManus, Treasurer; J. W. Clack, Assessor; W. B. Reynolds,
Marshall; the new Board electing on the 8th, John Mulligan, President and John
N. Bailhache, Clerk. On June 28th repairs were ordered on the foot-bridge to
North Healdsburg, the contract to be awarded to the lowest bidder, proposals
being received from H. Tiddle and J. Cook, the first with specifications showing
a cost of fifty-six dollars, and the latter fifty-eight. The repairs were
reported completed in accordance with the tender oi J. Cook, who had put on more
labor and material than the other. W. A. C. Smith was elected City Clerk on the
19th July, and on September 13th the Marshal presented a report extending from
June 15th to September 15th inclusive, showing that he had received forty
dollars for licenses, fines, etc., which  was placed on file. On the 20th, the
clerk was ordered to advertise for sealed proposals to repair the foot-bridge on
East Street, the contract for which was granted to E. W. Hendricks and reported
completed November 15th. Captain L. A. Norton was appointed City Attorney on
this date. October 4th, occurs the following minute: Owing to the sudden and
untimely death of James Thistle, a member of the Board of Trustees, resolutions
expressing the known sentiments of the remaining members were ordered to be
drafted relative to the sad affair.

   Throughout the year 1869, Healdsburg had shown a steady and permanent growth.
Houses had sprung up here and there, all of a more substantial character than
those hitherto erected. Neat and ornamental fences had been built, porches
spread out, barns constructed, other out-buildings of various styles and sizes
projected and completed, wings and ells, backs and fronts, attached to the
original houses, while its schools, churches, and other public institutions were
all in a flourishing condition. In this regard, the Russian River Flag, of
December 30, 1869, informs us that Healdsburg is an incorporated town, of about
sixteen hundred inhabitants, and has a public school with four teachers, one
Academy with two teachers, eight churches, four saloons, two hotels, one
Masonic, one Odd-Fellows, and one Good-Templar's Lodge, one Brass band, one
Singing Society, one Literary Society, five dry goods stores, four grocery and
provision stores, one clothing store, two drug stores, two jewelers, three
livery and feed stables, three lawyers, two poultry dealers, four physicians,
one undertaker, one exchange dealer and broker, two tailors, five blacksmith's
shops, four wagon shops, two saddler's shops, two paint shops, one meat market,
two lumber yards, one newspaper and job printing office, two book stores, three
millinery stores, three shoe shops, two barber shops, two glove manufactories,
one telegraph office, one express office, two dentists, one brick yard, two
nurseries (near town,) one chair factory, two stove and tin shops, one
photograph gallery, two gunsmiths, one flouring mill in town, and one within
three miles, and three saw-mills within eight miles.

1870.—We find in the proceedings of the Board of Trustees for this year that on
January 26th, the petition of R. Hertel and others for widening Matheson street,
from Mrs. Thoroughgood's corner, east, was received with the verbal assurance
from Mr. Lid die and others, that the parties owning lots on said street, were
willing to waive all claim to damages, with the exception of the above named
Mrs. Thoroughgood, who demanded that the town furnish the material necessary to
build a substantial fence on the line of her lot. The petition was, on motion,
received and ordered filed, the verbal conditions and agreements acceded to, and
Mr, Hendrick appointed a Committee to superintend the building of the fence. On
the same date W. B. Reynolds, resigned the office of Marshal and was succeeded
by John W. Clack on February 28th, when was also carried the resolution that the
TOWTI attorney be instructed to take such steps as will secure the county
road-tax, assessed against the town of Healdsburg, to the use of said town.
North street, between East and Fitch streets was declared open, on the 25th
March, and a vote of thanks tendered to Mr. Dunne, for his liberality in regard
to the widening of it. April 22d, permission was granted to J. M. Vaughan to dig
a well to supply water to sprinkle the streets, such well to be placed in the
slough in such a position that it should be no inconvenience to the public; it
was also then ordered that the Town Marshall should receive a fixed salary of
forty dollars a month, in lieu of fees. The Clerk was directed, on July 25th to
notify the inhabitants that the poll-tax became due on the 1st instant, and that
if not paid within the time provided by Section three, of Ordinance No. six,
collection would be made according to law. Mr. Albertson tendered his
resignation from the Board, at this meeting, which was not accepted.

   In the month of February of the year 1870, the President of the Board of
Trustees in his semi-annual report, took occasion to congratulate the citizens
of Healdsburg on their present and prospective prosperity, while as a proof of
this, if such were needed, private dwellings, stores, and a church were being
erected. This last was being undertaken by the Baptist body who had, since June,
1868, been holding their meetings in the Academy chapel. The building as it
stands to-day is a handsome one, being thirty-four by fifty-five feet, the front
having a low tower on the north-east corner and a graceful spire on the
south-east. Private schools had been opened by Miss Northcutt and Miss Forsman,
which were receiving a fair share of patronage, while the want of a public hall
suitable for the accommodation of from six to eight hundred people was much
felt; the only detracting influence was felt to be the want of proper street
accommodation. A writer in the local prints of the time calls for a new survey
in these words: The town of Healdsburg was first laid out by Harmon Heald. He
little dreamed then that it would ever become a town of even its present
proportions. He took no thought as to its distant future, and had no visions of
its coming glory that those of us here now think we see. He, therefore, began at
a point at or near a big tree, and ran two parallel streets about north by east,
until they brought up against the southern shore of the slough. Two other
parallel streets were made across these at right angles; the square thus formed
being the plaza. Two other streets were added, making three each way. This was
the original town plat. Since then Hayden's, Knaack's, Jacob Heald's, Willson's,
Matheson's, and perhaps other additions, have been appended with a variety of
"dips, spurs and angles;" no two having the same bearing. Some of these
additions were made without a correct survey, and some have never been recorded.
Now that the railroad is coming, (for the subject of the railroad had been then
attracting great attention throughout the length of the valley from Petaluma to
Cloverdale,) and we may expect a rapid increase in the value of property, would
it not be well to have an official survey of the town, and a full and correct
plat filed and recorded in the county records? It will be cheaper to do this now
than at any time hereafter. Streets need straightening, some want to be made
wide, and others ought to be extended through what, in some instances, is now
private property. The chain of title to property and an accurate description of
it will at some time require this, and the sooner it is attended to the better.
It is a great pity that a town on so beautiful a natural site should present
such a labyrinth of ungainly streets, twisting and squirming in all directions,
some wide, some narrow, and others running against some .man's fence and ending
at his front door.

   The last subject worthy of attracting attention in the year 1870 in regard to
local history, was the decision of the case, The Inhabitants of Healdsburg
versus B. C. Wright. This was an action brought by the Corporation of Healdsburg
to enforce the payment of Poll-tax for town purposes. The case was taken up from
Justice Hays' Court to the County Court on appeal, L. A. Norton for plaintiffs
and D. F. Spur for defendant. After a full hearing on the following points, to
wit.: First—Are the present Board of Trustees legally holding office, not having
been elected at the time appointed for electing officers, there being no
election held, and the present incumbents holding over? Second—Was not the
collection of a poll-tax without an assessment of a property-tax a fraud upon
the people? The Court held that the officers were legal officers of the town and
that the collection of poll-tax was legal and proper. The following story we
glean from the Flag of June 30, 1870: "Last week, while a son of Mr. Cobb was
digging a hole in the rear of Cobb's new building on West street, he came upon
the bones of a human being. They were decomposed enough to be easily broken in
the hand. The jaws contained nearly a full set of teeth, which were worn down as
they often are in a person of from forty to fifty years of age, and several of
the back ones were much decayed. The skull was thin, indicating that it was that
of a white person. The body had been buried about three feet deep and was
probably tumbled in without any care, as the bones of the head, breast, arms,
and hips were not as far a part as if the body had been lying stretched out.
There were no indications of a coffin or clothing. About seven years ago a man
who had come from up the country with a load of wood was seen in company with
some suspicious characters then stopping in Healdsburg. The next morning large
quantities of blood were discovered about a wagon bed and a threshing machine
which were in the rear of Mr. Downing's shop—about a hundred feet from where
these bones were found— and the man was never seen again, although dilligent
search was made for him. It appears that no one here knew him or any of his
friends, and the matter soon blew over, yet there were many who believed that
two certain men had committed a murder and had effectually hid the body of their
victim. Since the finding of these remains the old circumstances are revived,
and there is a general belief that the original suspicions were well founded.
One of the supposed murderers was long since sent to his final account, and the
other is now a fugitive outlaw, the last heard of him being his flight from the
State on a stolen horse."

   In January, 1870, a party of men started to jump the Geyser springs; another
party representing the claims of one Pollack, who had a possessory claim on the
property for years, were fully armed and sent from San Francisco to the seat of
the trouble. The case was afterwards taken to trial before the County Court, and
on the 19th of February was decided in favor of Pollack, when damages to the
amount of five hundred dollars were awarded him.

   1871.—At the meeting of the Board of Trustees held on 2d of February, R
Truitt was appointed road master, and directions given that the residents should
be notified that the county road-tax would be collected by him. A petition from
H. H. Hurd and fifty-one others, for straightening Main or West street, between
North street and the Healdsburg Brewery was presented on the 20th, and on motion
referred back to the petitioners, with the request that they prepare a plat of
the proposed change showing the amount of land that each property owner would
lose or gain, with the sum that each claims or is willing to pay for damage or
gain in consequence of the pro-posed change. The petition was rectified, and on
April 3d, read, explained, and trustees W. A. C. Smith, J. G. McManus, and J. B.
Beason appointed a committee to review the matter in accordance with the
ordinance. On the 17th this committee was discharged, the majority refusing to
serve, when W. A. C. Smith, George Haigh and Aaron Hassett were appointed, with
instructions to make examination relative to the cost of bridging the slough,
the clerk being directed at the same time to enter into a correspondence with
Lindsay Carson with the object of obtaining a deed for West street in North
Healdsburg. February 25th, the resignation of Recorder Hays was tendered and
accepted, Henry Sargent being appointed to the office for the unexpired term.
The result of the last election was, on May 4th, declared to be: William Melton,
H. W. Smith, B. C. Wright, A. M. Church, G. H. Peterson, Board of Trustees;
Henry Sargent, Recorder; J. G. McManus, Treasurer; T. P. Maxwell, Marshal; S. P.
McManus, Assessor and Collector; Trustee Church being elected to the Corporation
Chair. On the 8th, a committee consisting of B. C. Wright, W. Melton, and H. W.
Smith, having been appointed to select a suitable place wherein the Board should
hold their meetings, reported on the 15th, that Firebaugh & Watson had tendered
the use of a room for that purpose, which was duly accepted. At this session W.
A. C. Smith was appointed Town Clerk, while on the 22d, Trustee Peterson
presented to the Board a deed from Mrs. Matheson and Jessie Seaman, conveying to
the town the title to certain lands to be utilized in the extension of Tucker
street, which, on motion, was duly accepted and ordered recorded. Hereafter the
subject of raising revenue for town purposes was brought forward, when it was
ordered that the poll-tax of one dollar per capita, levied under the provisions
of Ordinance No. 6, be considered assessed against and collected from the
inhabitants for the ensuing year, and that due notice of the fact be given in
the Russian River Flag. At the same meeting was also appointed a committee,
consisting of B. C. Wright, W. Melton, and H. W. Smith, to act as Street
Commissioners, whose duty should be to ascertain the wants and necessities of
the Corporation in street matters. June 5th, the alley west of West street was
declared to be a public thoroughfare, and the Marshal instructed to clear all
nuisances therefrom. On July 7th, S. P. McManus having failed to qualify, the
office of Assessor and Collector was   declared vacant, and J. W. Clack
appointed thereto; on the 17th, D. F. Spur was appointed Town Attorney, while,
on the 22nd, the office of Street Superintendent was created and J. E. Stewart
appointed thereto. The Marshall was instructed, on August 11th, to notify the
two political clubs of the town to make their flag-staffs secure against
falling, or other accident; the deed of land from J. J. Piper for street
purposes being accepted on that date, the bid of said Piper to build the fences
on either side of such land being then acknowledged—said street to be opened
before the new year; while on the 14th a tax of one day's labor was levied on
each male inhabitant for the purpose of working the streets of the town. The
office of Clerk becoming vacant on the 2nd October, Thomas P. Maxwell was
appointed to the position; while on the same date, the Assessor was instructed
to assess all solvent notes and accounts not secured by mortgage. November 20th,
the Street Superintendent reported having sold a dead tree on the plaza for two
dollars and fifty cents. On the same date James Mitchell was appointed Deputy
Marshal, in accordance with the terms of Ordinance No. 6, and on December 18th,
D. F. Spur was delegated to fill the office of Town Clerk, F. P. vice Maxwell
resigned.

   The following remarks are-taken from the Russian River Flag, and are here
produced as being most apposite: Daring the past year (1871) Healdsburg has been
looking up, and permanent improvements have been quite numerous—more so than
ever before in a single year. During the past few weeks we have taken great
pains to ascertain the location and cost of every new house erected within the
corporate limits (and a few just over the line), together with their owner's
names. Below we give a list of improvements by streets. It is quite probable
that some omissions have been made, and that mistakes have crept into our
figures, but we give the list in as correct a shape as possible.

   South street extends from the south-west corner of the plaza, in an easterly
direction, past three blocks to Fitch street, where it is continued under the
name of Matheson street. The Odd-Fellows own a lot, fifty feet front, on south
side of the plaza, on which they have erected two small buildings, one of which
is occupied by John Call as a shoe-shop, and cost two hundred dollars; the other
is occupied by Lockwood & Van Slyke, as a bookstore, and cost two hundred and
twenty-five dollars. Drs. Rupe and Seawell own a lot adjoining the Plaza Church
on the west, upon which they erected, last Summer, a two-story frame
building—hard-finish—at a cost of twelve hundred dollars. The first floor is
occupied by themselves as an office, and the second story is used as a dentist's
office by Dr. J. N. Wiley. East of Center street, Silas Peter has just completed
a two-story building, with forty feet front, hard-finished throughout, at a cost
of sixteen hundred dollars. It is suited to business rooms, but is too far out.
It is now used as a tenement house. Adjoining this Mr. Peter has erected a small
shop, at a cost of two hundred and fifty dollars. Nearly opposite, James E.
Fenno has rebuilt a small house, at a cost of about two hundred and fifty
dollars, and uses the same as a jewelry shop.

   Matheson street is a continuation of South street, to the east. Dr. Maxwell's
house, on the south side of the street, cost six hundred dollars. Still further
out, Jesse Seaman has erected a residence, one and one-half stories high, at a
cost of twelve hundred dollars. On the north side of the street, Mrs. Thurgood
has a new residence, costing one thousand dollars. A little beyond, C. C.
Wheeler has rebuilt an old house, expending thereon about a thousand dollars,
making quite a cozy residence. To the east of the University, on the north side
of Matheson street, we find D. Grove's new two-story residence, costing sixteen
hundred dollars; J. W. Brown's one and one-half story residence, costing fifteen
hundred, and a barn three hundred dollars; Hr. Whitney's small dwelling, erected
at a cost of five hundred dollars.

   Tucker street runs parallel to Matheson street, and next to it on the south.
Jesse Seaman purchased one of the old public school buildings, moved it in to a
lot on Tucker street, and converted it into a dwelling house, at a cost of about
five hundred dollars. Hugh Liddle erected a residence on the south side of this
street, one and one-half stories high, at a cost of about sixteen hundred
dollars. Adjoining Mr. Hogle's, on the west, E. H. Gates built a small
residence, costing about four hundred dollars.

   Hayden street runs parallel with Tucker street, next south of it. Charles
Hassett last Fall, built a small dwelling on the north side of this
thoroughfare, east of the Methodist Episcopal church costing about two hundred
dollars.

   North street is the first one north of Matheson and parallel to it. Within
the last vear Mr. Fields has built himself a neat residence, on the north side
of the street, at a cost of about two-thousand dollars. Next to him W. B.
Reynolds is now erecting one of the finest residences in the place; a two-story
frame, hard finish, plate glass windows, and to cost when complete, four
thousand dollars. Still further east, corner of Sheridan, John Marshall has just
completed a large two-story dwelling, with a wing, at a cost of three thousand
five hundred dollars. The next dwelling to the east was erected last Fall by
Joseph Rosenthal at a cost of about eight hundred dollars. Just north of this
street, and away from any street now opened, the Advent Society built a house of
worship last Summer, at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars.

   Piper street is an extension of Dow street, and is located north of the
slough, parallel to North street. On the north side of the street, west of
Sheridan, Matt. Hays built a dwelling house last Fall, one and one-half stories
high, with wing, costing about eight hundred dollars. Just west of this I. N.
Chapman built a neat residence, at a cost of one thousand one hundred dollars;
built a new fence and otherwise improved his grounds. Across the street Messrs.
Canan & Hutton erected a dwelling house at a cost of eight hundred and fifty
dollars. On the north side of Piper street, east of Sheridan, John Rien has
erected two small dwelling houses, valued at four hundred dollars each.

   Grant street is next north of Piper. W. S. Canan rebuilt a small dwelling
house on the south side of this street, west of Sheridan, and made a very cosy
residence, at a cost of eight hundred and fifty dollars. Next west of "this,
Nicholas Ward has just completed a similar building, at a cost of eight hundred
and fifty dollars.

   Lincoln street comes next, north of Grant street. Mezota, an Italian, erected
a dwelling-house during the past Summer, ou [sic] the north side of this street,
at an expense of about one thousand dollars. It is now occupied by Mrs. Pugh. A
little further to the east, on the south side of the street, W. T. Garrison has
rebuilt a small residence costing about six hundred dollars.

   West street is the most westerly one in the town, and is the main business
street. It is a continuation of this street to the north that leads up Russian
river and Dry creek, and a continuation to the south that leads down Russian
river on the west side. At the southern extremity of the business portion of the
street, Messrs. Heald and Guerne, last Summer, built a two-story business house,
using the lower story as a lumber office, and the second story for a residence.
It cost about two thousand dollars. To the rear of the Flog office G. L. Cobb
built a paint shop costing two hundred and fifty dollars; and adjoining the Flag
office, on the north, he has just completed a gun shop, at an expense of one
hundred and seventy-five dollars. On the lot north of this, Andy Skillman built
a blacksmith and wagon shop, at a cost of five hundred dollars. B. C. Wright,
last Fall, enlarged the Sotoyome House by adding a third story and repainting
the whole building, at a cost of four thousand six hundred dollars. Last Summer,
Mrs. Thurgood rebuilt the business house now occupied by Charles Mitchell, at a
cost of two hundred dollars. Last Fall, Luke Barlow rebuilt what is now known as
the " Eagle Saloon," at a cost of three hundred dollars. North of the slough, on
the west side, J. W. Clack has completed a small residence, at a cost of five
hundred dollars. Just north of this, J. H. McCluskey has erected a small
dwelling, at a cost of about two hundred and fifty dollars.

   Eli Walker, last Fall, built a two-story boarding-house on the west side of
the street, at a cost of eighteen hundred dollars, and rebuilt a stable
adjoining, at a cost of two hundred dollars. A little further north, Mrs.
Thistle built a new residence at an expense of about seven hundred dollars.
Turner's Bakery, built by Turner & Son, is also located on the west side of the
street, and cost about one thousand dollars. A little further north, William
Williams erected a small shoe shop, which cost one hundred dollars.

   Center street runs parallel with West street, east of the plaza. One of the
most prominent buildings of the town—the Skating Rink—was erected last Summer by
Ransom Powell and John and Samuel P. McManus, on the west side of Center street,
north of South street, at a cost of seven thousand dollars.

   Johnson street is a continuation of Center street to the north. Bradford Bell
has recently built a small dwelling, at a cost of about four hundred and fifty
dollars, on the east side of the street, and just north of Piper street. On the
south-east corner of Johnson and Lincoln streets, Patrick Ryan has just
commenced a two-story residence, with wing, which will be hard-finished
throughout, and will cost about two thousand dollars when completed. Across the
street to the north, W. I. Robinson has rebuilt a small house, making the
residence worth about four hundred dollars. On the west side of the street, a
little further north, Abraham Chrantz has rebuilt a dwelling-house, making it
worth about one thousand dollars.

   East street runs parallel with Center street, and next to it on the east.
Near the Methodist Church South, on the west side of the street, Dr.
Daingerfield has rebuilt a small dwelling, making a residence now worth about
five hundred dollars. W. S. Canan has recently purchased a dwelling on the east
side of the street, south of North street, and is rebuilding the same. It will
cost not less than twenty-five hundred dollars when completed.

   Fitch street runs parallel with East street, through the original town plat.

  Sheridan street is a continuation of Fitch street to the north, through
Knaack's addition. Opposite the Baptist church, north of the slough, J. W. Terry
is now erecting a neat residence, which will cost, when completed, one thousand
dollars. Just north of this, Mrs. Mansfield built, last Summer, a small
residence, at a cost of about five hundred dollars. On the north-west corner of
this and Piper street, G. J. Wieberts has built a business house, costing six
hundred dollars; and adjoining, on the north, a residence, costing four hundred
dollars. On the same side of Sheridan street, William Maxwell, last Fall, built
a small dwelling-house at an expense of six hundred dollars. A little further
north, Mrs. L. A. Rawson built a small house, costing three hundred dollars.
Nearly opposite, A. H. Ingham built a two-story dwelling-house, with wing,
hard-finished throughout, costing about eighteen hundred dollars.

   University street constitutes the greater portion of the eastern boundary of
the corporation. George Cook built a small dwelling on the east side of
University street, north of Matheson, costing about three hundred dollars.

   Public Improvements.—The only public building erected within the corporation
during the year is the Public School House, on the north side of Tucker street,
between East and Fitch streets, which cost about seven thousand dollars. The
county, last Fall, built a wagon bridge across Russian river at this point, of
the Howe Truss pattern, which cost twenty thousand dollars. Smaller bridges have
been repaired, but none built.

   Railroad Improvements.—During the past year the San Francisco and North
Pacific Railroad has been built past the town, and a railroad bridge of the Howe
Truss pattern built across Russian river, just above the wagon bridge, which
cost twenty-three thousand dollars. A depot building was erected by the company,
at a cost of about seven thousand dollars, which is one of the finest on this
line of road.

   Miscellaneous.—Canan, Hutton & Smith are now engaged in erecting their bank
building, on the north side of the Plaza, which will be fire-proof, and will
cost, when completed, about forty-five hundred dollars. Walter Fields, last
season, built a residence on Dudley Avenue, north of Piper street, which cost
about nine hundred dollars, and a small house near it costing one hundred more.
In the grove, north-west of town and just out of the corporation, Aaron Hassett
has built a very fine two-story residence, at a cost of three thousand dollars,
and is surrounding it with the comforts of a home. His barn has cost about a
thousand dollars. In the eastern edge of the grove, just across the railroad,
Henry Boyle has built a one-story residence which cost about seven hundred
dollars. These last two buildings are located in what might be termed a Western
extension of Grant street. In the northern part of the grove, James Mitchell
built a residence costing about three hundred dollars; William Ball built
another which cost about two hundred and fifty, and Robert Ball built one which
also cost two hundred and fifty dollars. Just east of the railroad, near the
north end of the grove, Charles Stewart built a small house costing two hundred
and fifty dollars. North of the grove, Matt. Hale has completed a fine residence
costing about two thousand dollars, and a barn, at an expense of seven hundred.
Mrs. Currier has erected a small dwelling on First street, south of Matheson,
which cost about three hundred dollars. Dr. Priest has built a handsome
residence, on the street leading to the brick-yard, at a cost of about two
thousand dollars. Dr. M. G. Kellogg has erected a residence east of Sheridan
street, north of Piper, at a cost of six hundred dollars.

   Thus it will be seen that during the year 1871 the total number of buildings
constructed or in course of construction was seventy-nine, at an aggregate cost
of about ninety-six thousand and fifty dollars; the price defrayed for the
building of bridges being forty-three thousand dollars. Few towns in the State
can show greater proportionate improvement than this.

   We now take up the official doings of the civil authorities of Healdsburg. On
January 2, 1872, the following resolution was passed. " Resolved, That from and
after this date we will prosecute or cause to be presecuted all violations in
this town of the law against gambling—that is to say—the law against faro,
monte, rouge-et-noir, lansquenet, rondo, or other banking games at cards or
dice." It was also ordered that the town Attorney draft a charter for the city
to be submitted to the Legislature for enactment; while, Commissioners were at
the same time appointed to lay out Piper street and assess damages that should
accrue upon straightening said street, and that the property-holders claiming
such be apprised of their meeting. West street was declared established, on
February 5th, from the quarter-section line, in a straight line, or as near as
may be, into the extension of said street, as traveled, north of said
quarter-section line, and D. F. Spur was directed to make the necessary survey.
The following resolution was also adopted: "Resolved That the Attorney be
instructed to draft and send to our Representative or Senator, a bill for an Act
exempting town Elections from the force and effect of the Registry Law."
February 19th, the Maxim Gas Company of California presented a petition to the
Board of Trustees which was followed by one on the succeeding day from the
Premium Gas Company of California, both of which were placed on file. After the
merits of the two companies had been personally presented by their
representatives, on motion of Trustee Peterson, it was unanimously ordered that
a contract be entered into with the Maxim Gas Company to supply the town with
gas. Messrs. Peterson, Wright and Melton being nominated a committee to draft
such contract, an Ordinance granting right of way and franchise to the Gas
Company being at the time read and adopted by sections. On March 11th, Josiah
Brown was. appointed Street Superintendent vice J. E. Stewart resigned; and on
May 6th, the following elections took place: L. A. Norton, R. H. Gilman, N. W.
Bostwick, William Gilmore, Isaac Gum, President, Board of Trustees; A. M.
Church, Recorder; S. P. McManus, Assessor and Collector; T. P. Maxwell, Marshal;
C. K. Jenner, Clerk; H. K. Brown, Treasurer; on the 27th, Trustee Gum, however,
resigned the chair, R. H. Gilman being elected to that position. An ordinance
was passed July 1st, directing all sidewalks to be made uniform with, where the
street is sixty feet wide, and where less, to be eight feet, and on 5th of
August the vote of the corporation tax was fixed at thirty cents on each hundred
dollars.

   In this year as heretofore the history of Healdsburg had been that of
prosperity; we have neither time nor space to continue a yearly report of its
general chronicles; sufficient will it be therefore to record the doings of the
city Fathers as they have been annually filed.

   1873.—A. M. Church resigned his position on the 7th January, and Henry
Sargent was appointed in his stead: on the 8th, the bid of Proctor & Hogle for
building a fence round the plaza was accepted and the work commenced; while on
May 5th the following gentlemen were elected to the government of the Town: T.
W. Hudson, President; George Miller, C. E. Hutton. R. Powell, I. N. Chapman,
Board of Trustees; H. Sargent. Recorder; S. P. McManus, Assessor and Collector;
H. R. Brown, Treasurer; J. W. Clack, Marshal. August 4th, Trustee Chapman
filed—notice of a motion for the amendment of Ordinance No. six, so that one per
cent should be the maximum rate of taxation for Town purposes, instead of one
half of one per cent, as the law demands. On the 18th, the minority report, viz:
the allowance of five hundred dollars to H. Dudley and eighty three to I. N.
Chapman, for damages—of the Commissioners to view and assess damages on Piper
street was adopted; which street, on motion of Trustee Powell, was ordered to be
sixty feet in width; the street Commissioner being instructed to proceed to open
said thoroughfare through the premises of I. N. Chapman and H Bildley, upon
receiving notice from the Clerk of the Board of Trustees that the amount of
damages awarded to each has been tendered to them. On September 1st, Trustee
Chapman objected to the approval and passing of the minutes of the meeting held
by the Board on August 18th (that noted above) on the ground that Trustee R.
Powell had vacated his office by neglecting to qualify for more than ten days
after election. Upon this action R. Powell presented himself and refused to
serve as a Trustee until the question raised by I. N. Chapman had been decided.
How the matter was arranged the Records do not state; but in future meetings we
find Messrs. Powell and Chapman voting side by side. John Mulligan, John W.
Clack, and W. S. Canan were appointed a Committee to investigate and report upon
the advisability, practicability, and probable cost of draining the slough; it
being at the same time ordered that the Plaza should be laid out with walks and
shrubberies under the superintendence of Trustee Miller. On this same date H.
Dudley was allowed two hundred dollars additional on account of damages, etc.,
on moving buildings for the opening of Piper street.

   On July 24, 1873, J. W. Clack was shot by Ham Briggs, when on official duty.
Briggs was arrested, tried and sentenced to pay a fine of two thousand dollars
or be imprisoned for one thousand days. Of Briggs we learn that he was
afterwards slain by a man named Chambers in Mendocino city in 1875 or '76. Mr.
Clack is now the genial and popular landlord of the Sotoyome House in Healdsburg.

   1874.—January 5th the President was instructed to appoint a Committee of
three to draft a new charter for the Town of Healdsburg, to be submitted to the
Board; these were Messrs. L. A. Norton, Charles K. Jenner and W. S. Canan; Mr.
Jenner reported on the 2nd February that a majority of the Committee were
adverse to framing such an Instrument at the present time; they were therefore
discharged, and their report accepted. On motion, C. K. Jenner and Isaac Gum
were formed into a new Committee for the same purpose; a draft being submitted
on the 17th, it was read section by section and adopted as a whole by the Board.
   On this date a petition signed by L. R. Giles and others for the opening of
Center street on its former line was read and placed on file, as were also the
claims of William Milton for five hundred and H. Dudley for three hundred
dollars, damages accruing from the above, when it was moved by Trustee Chapman
that three Commissioners be appointed to investigate. The motion was lost. The
Deed of certain land from H. Dudley to be used in the extension of East street,
was accepted on March 16th and, on April 18th the undermentioned Municipal
officers were elected: T. W. Hudson, President;George Miller, G. J. Turner, W.
S. Canan, H. R. Brown, Board of Trustees; George Mulligan, Treasurer; S. P.
McManus, Assessor and Collector; Henry Sargent, Recorder; Thomas Stevenson,
Street Commissioner; C. K. Jenner, City Clerk; E. L. Whipple, City Attorney; S.
B. Martin, Marshal. On August 3d A. Blackington was elected to fill the
unexpired term of Assessor and Collector vice S. P. McManus failing to qualify,
and on the 7th of September Josiah Brown was appointed Street Commissioner in
place of Thomas Stevenson; while on November 16th the Ordinance instituting a
system of drainage in the city of Healdsburg was adopted.

   1875.—An Ordinance, supplementary to No. 2, to prevent, minors, under the age
of seventeen years, from being on the streets after certain hours, was read,
and, on motion, passed, on the 2d February; while, on March 15th, the
resignation of S. B. Martin, City Marshal, was accepted, he being succeeded by
J. W. Rose. April 12th, C. Muller appeared before the Board and remonstrated
against the adoption of the report of the Committee on the extension of Grant
street; it was therefore resolved that the report be reconsidered and the matter
referred back to the Commissioners for further investigation; on the 19th, they
filed their amended report, awarding one hundred and sixty-two dollars as
damages to C. Muller, on the opening of said street, and assessing benefits to
the amount of one hundred and eight dollars. It was then, on motion, ordered
that a warrant in favor of John D. Hassett, for fifty-four dollars, as a tender
to C. Muller, for the one-third due him under the charter, from the city of
Healdsburg, upon the opening of said street which was ordered to take place
within twenty days from date, be drawn. On May 10th the following officers were
elected to serve on the Corporation: T. W. Hudson, H. K. Brown, President, G. J.
Turner, H. Fried, T. C. Carutheis, Board of Trustees; C. K. Jenner, Clerk;
George Mulligan, Treasurer; H. Sargent, Recorder; A. Blackington, Assessor and
Collector; J. W. Rose, Marshal; E. L.Whipple, City Attorney; the following
committees being then appointed: Finance, Trustees Turner, Fried and Carru.hers;
Plaza and Streets, T. C. Caruthers. June 7th, the Commissioners on the proposed
extension of Mason street, filed their report, together with a plat of the same,
recommending that H. Hutchins be required to open a thoroughfare through his
property without compensation, which, on being received was placed on file and
the report adopted. This resolution was afterwards rescinded, and damage
allowed, to the extent of twenty-five dollars. On the 21st, Charles K. Jenner
was appointed City Attorney; and, on the 18th of August, the clerk was
instructed to notify the Marshal to have the sidewalks on West street, from
North street to the north side of the Plaza, widened, as well as upon the north
side of the Plaza, from West to Center street. The clerk reported to. the Board,
on September 24th, the decision of Judge Temple, in regard to the assessment of
mortgages upon property outside of the corporate limits; in pursuance of said
decision the trustees proceeded to assess the mortgages held within the
corporation, upon property situated without its limits. On the 27th, John N.
Bailhache appeared before the corporate body, sitting as a Board of
Equalization, and presented a petition, adopted at amass meeting of the citizens
of Healdsburg, asking for.a reconsideration of the action of the Board in
raising the assessments, so as to leave them as near as possible the same as
that returned by the City Assessor. On motion, said petition was received and
placed on file. It was thereupon moved by Trustee Turner that the prayer of the
petition be adopted. There being a tie vote the President exercised his
prerogative and cast in favor of the motion. Trustee Turner, after some
discussion, stated that he had voted in favor of the motion under a
misapprehension, he therefore moved to reconsider said motion, which, having
received a seconder, was duly reconsidered, and, on a vote to adopt the prayer
being taken, it was declared lost. On the 28th, the assessment for the city of
Healdsburg was fixed as follows, to wit: All parties not raised by the Board of
Equalization was fixed as shown by the books of the City Assessor; all parties
raised by the Board who do not appear, to have their assessments fixed as
raised; all parties who were raised and did appear, to have their assessments
fixed according to their statements of the two-thirds value of their property.
On motion, the rate of taxation for the fiscal year ending May 1, 1876, was
fixed at fifty cents on each one hundred dollars. The City Attorney, on October
18th, was instructed to draft an ordinance licensing hawkers, peddlers, and
itinerant venders of goods, etc., and auctioneers and auction houses, which was
presented and adopted on the 20th. November 6th, W. W. Moreland was appointed
City Clerk; on the 15th, the Healdsburg Gas Company was granted the privilege to
lay mains, etc, through the streets of the town, provided they leave no holes,
nor excavations exposed or uncovered, without a signal or light thereat. A
Committee, consisting of Trustees Fried and Turner, were also appointed to
procure a plat and survey of a proposed change in West street, power being given
to the same committee to employ a surveyor.

   1876.—February 7th, an ordinance granting to E. M. Morgan et al., the
privilege of laying water pipes in the city of Healdsburg was read and passed;
and on the 21st a petition was received from forty-six property holders on West
street asking for its straightening in accordance with the survey recently made
by C. K. Jenner; on motion, C. E. Hutton, Jirah Luce and Anson Goodspeed were
appointed a Committee to appraise damages and benefits to said owners. March
20th—On motion, F. T. Maynard, John Fritsch and Mr. Bowman were granted the
privilege of laying iron water mains and pipes throughout all the streets of
Healdsburg, they agreeing to furnish to the city, free of charge, water for the
extinction of fires; the said boon to be granted for the term of fifty years.
The City Attorney was, on this date, authorized to draw up amendments to the
charter in reference to the jurisdiction of the Police Court and forward the
same to the Member of Assembly from Sonoma county to be passed upon by the
Legislature; while on the 22nd the auctioneers' license was fixed by the Board
at live dollars per quarter. The following city officers were elected on May
8th: George Lawrence, H. Fried, President, T. C. Caruthers, R. Powell, C. E.
Hutton, Board of Trustees; George Mulligan, Treasurer; John W. Clack, Assessor
and Collector; H. Sargent, Recorder; J. W. Rose, Marshall. July 17th, a
remonstrance of property holders on West street against the proposed
straightening of the game was received and filed. It appearing from the said
document that some of the remonstrants had signed the petition for opening the
street through a misrepresentation of facts, the Clerk was directed to summon
said parties to appear before the Board to testify in regard to such, which
resulted, on the 19th, in the passage of the following resolution:—

   Resolved, That all acts of this Board in reference to the straightening of
West street be, and the same are, hereby rescinded and annulled. On September
4th, tees were ordered to be placed in the pipes of the Water Company at the
following places: on Tucker street, at or near the residence of A. Blackington;
corner of South and Fitch streets; corner of South and Centre streets; corner of
South and West streets; corner of West and Powell streets; corner of North and
East streets, and two on West street, in North Healdsburg, while on the 18th,
hydrants were directed to be placed in position. On November 20th a contract was
entered into with the Water Company as under: the Board agreeing to pay said
company forty cents per foot for four-inch iron pipe, from Matheson to Tucker
street, also sixty dollars for one hydrant at the corner of Fitch and Tucker
streets. On this date Anson Goodspeed was appointed Street Commissioner, in
place of Josiah Brown.

   1877.—January 3rd, Trustee Fried was authorized to proceed to San Francisco
to purchase six hundred feet of carbolized hose and couplings, as well as a pipe
and hose carriage, for the use of the fire department; on the 24th,
precautionary measures against small pox were ordered to be taken by Doctors Ely
and Foreman; while on the 14th May the election of civic officers took place
with the following result: H. Fried, R. Powell, C. E. Hutton, J. S.Bell, T. W.
Hudson, President, Board of Trustees; W. W. Moreland, Clerk; George Mulligan,
Treasurer; Henry Sargent, Recorder, A. Blackington, Assessor and Collector; J.
W. Rose, Marshall. On the 18th June, Trustee Hutton tendered his resignation,
which was accepted and A. H. Ingham appointed in his stead. Ordinances
prohibiting the hitching of horses to shade trees, and the playing of base ball
in certain portions of the city, were adopted on July 16th; on August 6th,
Messrs. Gum, Howard, and West were appointed a committee to ascertain the
feasibility of draining the slough, and on September 17th, the contract for
performing that work was accorded to G. W. Burrus.

   1878.—A. H. Ingham resigned his position as Trustee on February 18th, and was
succeeded by N. A. Young. On April 6th, John Turner was nominated to the
position of Street Commissioner; and on the 13th May were appointed the
following city officials: D. Thompson, J. S. Bell, T. W. Hudson, John Moffet,
Peter Greist, Board of Trustees, T. W. Hudson being President; W. W. Moreland,
Clerk; J. M. Patrick, Marshall; J. G. McManus Assessor and Collector; Henry
Sargent. Recorder; George Mulligan, Treasurer. On August 5th, Trustees Thompson
and Moffet were appointed a committee to purchase a town lot for the use of the
city; on the 21st October an ordinance for the better protection of the fire
department was adopted &s also one for the prohibition of houses of ill fame,
and punishment of persons visiting them. November 18th, W. S. Kerr was appointed
City Marshal, vice J. M. Patrick; and, on December 17th, Trustee Thompson,
having been appointed a committee to confer with the Fire Department, reported
that a tower had been erected, wherein to hang the bell.

   1879.—Elijah Vaughan was appointed City Attorney on the 3rd February, in
place of W. W. Moreland, resigned; on the same date Trustee Thompson was deputed
to take charge of the Plaza and superintend the same, keeping it in repair and
good order. May 12th, the following gentlemen were elected to fill the several
corporation offices: John Moffet, T. W. Hudson, Thomas Riley, W. P. Miller, D.
Thompson, President, Board of Trustees; N. W. Bostwick, City Marshall; W. W.
Moreland, City Clerk; H. K. Brown, Treasurer; J. P. Emerson, Assessor and
Collector; Jirah Luce, Recorder; Elijah Vaughan, City Attorney. An ordinance
authorizing the taxation of dogs, was adopted on June 2nd; and July 21st, the
resignation of Trustee Greist was accepted, and Charles York appointed in his
stead. September 23rd, the Trustees sitting as a Board of Equalization, adopted
a resolution to reconsider their action in reference to the "raising" of
property, and agreed to adopt the assessment of the Assessor, and that a tax of
one-half of one per cent, be levied in the city of Healdsburg.

   The source from which Healdsburg derives its prosperity are the rich
agricultural lands, of unsurpassed fertility, of which it is the center, divided
as they are into small farms of from twenty to a hundred acres each. The climate
is all that can be desired, neither too hot nor too cold, the hills which
environ the city protecting it from the blustering winds which are so rudely
felt at places situated near to the coast. She is well supplied with beautiful
water brought from the Fitch mountain, from whose bosom flows a limpid, gurgling
stream, whose waters find their way into the city, where it is used for domestic
and other purposes. All in all, Healdsburg is a lovely locality, almost
compassing the poet's fancy of,

   "Cataract brooks to the ocean run,
    Fairily-delicate palaces shine
    Mixt with myrtle and clad with vine,
    And over stream'd and silver-streak'd
    With many a rivulet high against the Sun,
    The facet of the glorious mountain flash
    Above the valleys of palm and pine."

   The First Baptist Church.—This church was first organized at a school house
about four miles below Healdsburg in the Summer of 1854, with a membership of
ten persons, under the pastoral care of Rev. S. S. Riley. Subsequently a house
of worship was erected in Healdsburg, where the congregation held their
meetings. The building was located about two blocks south of the Plaza, near
West street. In 1868, a new church edifice was constructed, and dedicated on
July 31, 1869, by Rev. J. B. Saxon, now of Gradisland, Colusa county, who
labored in Healdsburg for six years or thereabouts. The new building, which is
the one now occupied, is thirty-four by fifty-five feet, and has a seating
capacity of three hundred. The church owns abroad lot, is situated between
Powell and Piper, on Sheridan street, and having passed through many trials, is
now out of debt. Throughout its existence the membership has reached as high as
one hundred, and as low as twenty-eight, while the number at present is
fifty-six, who are enjoying a reasonable degree of peace and prosperity under
the pastoral care of Rev. W. E. Adams. In connection with the church there is a
Sabbath-school having an average attendance of about sixty scholars, who are
under the supervision of Deacon A. L. Warner. Since its inauguration this church
has enjoyed the services and pastoral care of Revs. S. S. Riley, J. D. Bonner,
J. A.Barnes of Petaluma, C. King of Kentucky, Luke of Tennessee, Bailey of
Georgia, J. B. Saxon, R. F. Parshall, ------Parks, T. W. Spanswick and W. E.
Adams, the present incumbent.

   The First Presbyterian Church of Healdsburg.—The history of this church
begins with the early history of the place—being among the first of the churches
established. It was organized, on the 10th of October, 1858, by the Rev. James
Woods. The following named persons formed the church: Mrs. Elizabeth Bledsoe,
Mrs. Jane Drum, Mrs. M. M. Bonham, Mrs. E. A. Woods, Cyrus Alexander, A. P.
Wilson, Charles Shult, A. B. Bonham, H. M. Willson. Cyrus Alexander was chosen
Ruling Elder, and having previously been ordained in the Presbyterian Church of
Santa Rosa, was immediately installed in office. The church had no building of
its own, and for two or three years, worshipped in the old building of the
Methodist Church South, which was situated on the same lot as the present new
building.

   The property of M. E. church situated on the south side of the Plaza, being
for sale, it was proposed by Cyrus Alexander—that if the church would raise one
thousand dollars, he would give eight hundred and secure the property. By a fair
and festival the church raised four hundred and fifty dollars; a lot worth four
hundred and fifty dollars was donated by the New School church, four hundred and
fifty dollars was raised in the city, and thus ample means were secured to
purchase and repair the building for services. During the existence of the
church the following have been the ministers who served the congregation: Rev.
James Woods, Rev. Benjamin E. S. Ely, Rev. James Smith, Rev. R. McCullough, Rev.
Hugh McLeod and the present pastor Rev. J. S. Todd. The following have been its
Ruling Elders: Cyrus Alexander, George Shaffer, Josiah Brown, E. H. Gates and
John Flack. Its Deacons, H. M. Willson and R. Hertel. The church has increased
steadily since its organization, with the increase of population of the town,
and now has on its church roll sixty members.

   The Church of Christ.—This, usually designated as the Christian Church, was
organized in Healdsburg, on December 5, 1857, by Elder F. M. Marion, upon the
Bible, and the Bible alone as its foundation. The building is situated in North
Healdsburg, on West street. Originally the membership was few, only ten; William
H. Tombs was elected Bishop and Nathan Morehouse, Deacon. There have been added
three hundred and twenty-two to the original ten, making in all three hundred
and thirty-two names on the book; out of this number, owing to death and other
causes, there is now only a membership of one hundred and sixteen. The present
clerk is W. W. Fergusson.

   Advent Church, Healdsburg.—The Seventh-Day Adventists of this place have a
comfortable house of worship, free from debt, built in A. r>. 1871, with a
seating capacity of two hundred. The organization was effected by Elder J. N.
Loughborough, November 5, 1869. Their present membership is thirty-two. They
hold regular meetings each seventh day (Saturday), and maintain an interesting
Sabbath-school. They held their annual camp-meeting at this place from September
17th to September 23d, 1879, of which the Russian River Flag, September 25,
1879, speaks as follows:—

   " The Seventh-Day Adventists, who have been holding their yearly camp-meeting
in our midst, have left quite a good impression upon this community. The order
and system of their arrangements have been excellent. The grounds are those
owned by Mr. Hassett. There were one hundred and eleven tents upon the ground,
including the large preaching tent, which is sixty by one hundred and twenty
feet; and one fifty feet in diameter, from which were dispensed their religious
publications, together with a choice assortment of English Bibles.

   " A restaurant and provision stand was upon the ground, which was extensively
patronized. As they hold their State Conference in connection with their
camp-meeting, there were delegates and representative members present from many
parts of the State. There were nearly six hundred encamped upon the ground,
while the outside attendance was very good, especially upon Sunday, when about
two thousand five hundred people were present.

   "The peculiar views advocated by this people are: The soon coming of Christ,
their belief in the Seventh day as the Sabbath of the Lord, and their disbelief
in the immortality of the soul. They hold that future life depends upon the
resurrection. They have their missionary work systematized admirably, the State
being divided into districts with their local officers. These work in harmony
with the officers of the State and General Missionary Societies. The President
of the General Missionary Society, Elder S. N. Haskell, being present,
considerable interest was manifested in the work. Their missions extend to
Africa, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, France, Denmark, Norway and England.

   "They are zealous in-the cause of temperance, and organized a State
Temperance Association at this meeting. A monthly, entitled "Good Health," is
published in Michigan, which is their organ on health and temperance. Tobacco is
banished from the denomination.

   "Resolutions were passed, thanking the owner of the grove and the railroad
for the favors shown. It was stated that they had never received equal favors
from any railroad in the State. It is expected that they will hold their next
camp-meeting upon the same ground. They represent themselves as being much
pleased with the treatment they received from the citizens, and as far as the
writer heard, the citizens expressed equal pleasure with the able preaching they
heard and the unusual order and quiet in the meeting. Twenty were baptized in
Russian river. The meeting closed yesterday morning, and all seemed well pleased
with their week's sojourn in the groves of Healdsburg."

   In another issue of the same paper we find the following in respect to the
rules of order preserved on their camp-ground:—

   "Their rules of order are quite different from those of most camp-meetings.
They rise at five o'clock in the morning, and have a social meeting in a large
tent at half-past five. Breakfast at seven; family worship in small tents at
eight; another social business meeting at nine; preaching at half-past ten. In
the afternoon, preaching at two; business at five, and preaching at seven. At
nine P. M., a bell rings for resting, and at half-past nine all lights are put
out, and perfect silence reigns till the bell rings at five A. M. for rising.
This feature of a still night, when all may get quiet rest, seems to be peculiar
to this people. The consequence is, that all excitement is avoided, and the
worshippers return to their homes refreshed, and no danger of reaction from an
overtaxed system."

   Protestant Episcopal Church.—The Episcopal Parish at Healdsburg waa first
founded as a Mission early in the year 1878, with the Rev. T. W. Broth-erton, M.
D., as missionary; F. C. S. Bagge, Senior Warden; John N. Bailhache, Junior
Warden, and R. H. Warfield, Treasurer and Secretary. Services were held in the
Methodist Episcopal Church South. One year afterwards it was changed to a
parish, with Rev. Dr. T. W. Brotherton as Rector; F. C. S. Bagge, Secretary, and
B. G. Lathrop, Dr. J. M. Willey, R. H. War-field, R. D. Moore, and W. G. Swan,
Vestrymen. The services are held sometimes at Grange Hall and sometimes at the
South Methodist Church. The congregation as yet is small, not exceeding some
fifty people, but the progress made by the parish, under the guidance of the
learned and worthy rector, has been great, and his parishioners confidently
expect to be able before long to build a church.

   Healdsburg Schools.—We regret to say that the few notes we have been enabled
to glean on this subject are anything but as full as they might have been, owing
to the records being badly mutilated. The first school was taught in 1855 by a
man named Fitzgerald, while for three months of the same year R. J. Yancy was
preceptor; and G. T. Espey held school in another part of the district. In 1856
two schools were taught by N. Eaton and E. L. Taner, and in 1857 one was opened
by R. A. Johnson. In this year the first in the town of Healdsburg was commenced
by Baxter Bonham; he was succeeded in 1858 by E. A. Scott, who, in turn, was
followed by D. V. Graham. During the years 1859-1860 Rev. E. P. Henderson was
employed; in 1861 the teachers were E. S. Stockwell and Charles Hutton. 1862, E.
S. Stockwell and G. M. Green; 1863, J. O. Darrow; 1864, T. J. B. Cramer; 1865,
W. A. C. Smith and wife; 1866, E. F. Baker; 1867, W. A C. Smith—(here some
leaves are missing); 1870-71, D. J. Van Slyke; 1871, J. P. Ashby; 1872, C. W.
Otis; 1873, T. H. Rose: 1873-74, J. McClymonds; 1874-75, Lucy P. Mathews (now
Mrs. Hutton); 1875-76, Fanny McGaughey; 1877, O. S. Ingham; 1877-79, C. S.
Smyth. The school houses now occupied were built in 1871 and 1877; are
constructed to accommodate four hundred pupils, and consist of nine rooms. The
grounds, situated near the center of the town of Healdsburg, are high, dry and
well shaded.

   Sotoyome Lodge, No. 123, F. & A. M. The first meeting of this Lodge, was held
under Dispensation on January 23, 1858, the charter being subsequently granted
under date, May 13th of that year, the members making application being John N.
Bailhache, Worshipful Master; E. Sondheimer, Senior Warden and Ransom Powell,
Junior Warden. The first meeting under the charter was had on May 30, 1858; the
officers at the time being, John N. Bailhache, Worshipful Master; E. Sondheimer,
Senior Warden; R Powell, Junior Warden; J. G. McManus, Treasurer; A. B. Aull,
Secretary. Joseph Albertson, Senior Deacon; Johnston Ireland, Junior Deacon;
William Thornton, Tyler. The present membership of the Lodge is seventy-two,
while financially it is in a flourishing condition; it meets on the Saturday
next preceding the full moon. The present officers are: W. M., J. N. Bailhache;
S. W., John Young; J. W., Martin Y. Hooten; Treasurer, George Miller; Secretary,
James E.Fenno; S. D., Jonas Bloom; J. D., Josiah G. Best; Marshal, D. D.
Philips; Stewards, Matthias Raabe, F. Z. Cunningham; Tyler, John Call.

   Healdsburg Encampment, No. 56, I. O. O. F.—This Encampment was instituted
March 7,1876, the charter members being: J. H. Curtis, J. F. Seaman, J. L.
Bates, George J. Turner, William B. Tucker, George Allison, and John R. Paul.
The first officers were: John R. Paul, C. P.; George J. Turner, H. P.; George
Allison, S. W.; William B. Tucker, J. W.; John L. Bates, S.; Jesse F. Seaman,
T.; J. H. Curtis, Sentinel. The Lodge, which consists of thirty members, is in a
flourishing condition, and meets on the first and third Thursday of each month.
The present office bearers are: C. B. Proctor. C. P.; Levi Appley, H. P.; E. W.
Biddle, S. W.; J. H. Curtis, J. W.; N. A. Young, S.; L. J. Hall, T. The
Lodge-room is situated in a handsome brick building, on the south-west corner of
the Plaza.

   Healdsburg Lodge, No. 64, I. O. O. F.—This Lodge was originally started* in
Analy township, the meetings being for the most part at the town of Bloomfield.
Its number then was the same as that borne by it now, but in the year 1863 it
was moved from that place to Healdsburg and its name changed from Analy Lodge,
by the Grand Lodge, to that which it now bears. The following officers served
from their election in November, 1863, when the Lodge was moved, and were
re-elected on January 1, 1864, their names also appearing on the charter granted
by the Grand Lodge: H. M. Willson, N. G.; John Young, V. G.; D. Lamphier,
Secretary; Ransom Powell, J. J. Piper and G. Allison. The Lodge is in a
flourishing condition, has a large membership and meets every Tuesday evening.
The present officers are: J. F. Seaman, N. G.; John Young, V. G.; Levi Appley,
Recording Secretary; W. B. Whitney, Permanent Secretary; H. K. Brown, Treasurer;
J. H. Curtis, Warden; John Turner, Conductor; H. M. Willson, R. S. N. G.; John
Marshall, L. S. N. G.; W. F. Hail, R. S. Y. G.; J. F. Nicholls, L. S. N. G.;
William McCormick, I. G.; C. B. Proctor, O. G.

   Star of Hope Lodge, No. 32, I. O. G. T.—This Lodge was instituted May 12,
1861, by D. S. Cutter, of San Francisco, the following being the charter
members: Mary Jane Downing, Mary E. Fenno, E. Antoinette Bagley, Livonia M.
Lombard, Vesta L. Macey, John D. Hassett, Henry D. Ley, J. H. Colwell, T. O.
Thompson, W. A. Maxwell, Henry Sargent, Edwin Collins, S. E. Hassett, Thomas R.
Ley, John W. Bayley. The present membership is forty-five and the officers: C.
B. Proctor, W. C. T.; Mrs. M. E. Fenno, W. B. H. S.; Mrs. C. Carter, W. L. H.
S.; Miss L. Porter, W. V. T.; G. W. Dow, W. S.; S. A. Inglehart, W. F. S.; Miss
Amanda Smith, W. T.; S. S. Smith, W. M.; Miss Bertie Burton, W. D. M.; Rev. W.
E. Adams, W. C; Miss Annie Porter, W. I. G.; A. A. York, P. W. C. T.

   Healdsburg Fire Department.—This Department had its incipience in the year
1858 in the shape of a Hook and Ladder Company, which was established, with
Henry D. Lee as Foreman, by a subscription raised among the members. It took
part and did good service in two large fires that occurred in 1859, when most of
their gear was destroyed, causing the company to disband. Several ineffectual
attempts were made to reconstruct the corps, it was not, however, until water
was introduced into the city that anything like a fire organization was
attempted. At this time a Hose Company was started with the following officers:
T. C. Caruthers, Foreman; N. W. Bostwick, First Assistant Engineer; Henry
Sargent, Treasurer; the complement was then twenty. The department now musters
twenty-two active and thirty honorary members under the following officers:
President, L. A. Norton; Foreman, P. Lannan; First Assistant Engineer, Thomas
Riley; Second Assistant Engineer, Thomas Ward; Secretary, James E. Fenno;
Treasurer, Henry Sargent. Their head-quarters are on the principal business
thoroughfare of the city, opposite the Sotoyome House.

   The Bank of Healdsburg.—This institution was organized on June 3, 1874, with
a capital of one hundred thousand dollars, paid up, in United States gold coin.
Its original management was under W. S. Canan, President, and Charles E. Hutton,
Cashier; the Directors being W. S. Canan, J. B. Smith, John D. Hassett, H. M.
Willson, and J. N. Bailhache. The officers at present are: Jonas Bloom,
President; J. N. Bailhache, Cashier, and L. Kugler, Secretary; the Directors
being John D. Hassett, H. M. Willson, J. N. Bailhache, William Mulligan, and
Jonas Bloom. The bank building occupies a prominent position on the north-west
corner of the Plaza, where a general banking and exchange business is
transacted. It issues letters of credit available in all parts of the United
States and Europe, while its correspondents in San Francisco and New York are
Lazard Freres, and Lazard Bros. & Co. in London.

   Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank of Healdsburg.—This bank was organized on
September 1, 1877, with an authorized capital of two hundred thousand dollars,
under the management of E. Harrison Barnes, President, and P. H. Wartield,
Cashier, the Directors being E. Harrison Barnes, A. B. Nally, L. A. Norton, A.
Hassett, A. C. Bledsoe, R. Powell, and G. H. Jacobs. The present management is
under E. Harrison Barnes, President, and R. H. Warfield, Cashier; the
directorate being E. H. Barnes, A. B. Nally, L. A. Norton, A. Hassett, R.
Powell, G. H. Jacobs, and John Moffet. The Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank
transacts its affairs in a commodious building on the Plaza, near the Grangers'
handsome building, where they carry on a general banking business. Their
correspondents are, in San Francisco, the London and San Francisco Bank
(Limited), and in New York, Drexel, Morgan & Co.

   Healdsburg Flouring Mills.—These extensive mills were established by Hassett
Brothers in the year 1858. In 1872 they sold out to Caruthers and Co., who in
1877 disposed of them to Risden and Tucker and they transferred an interest, on
January 1, 1878, to W. N. Gladden who. purchasing the remaining shares in
November of that year, became the present proprietor. The premises are situated
on West street, in convenient proximity to the depot of the San Francisco and
North Pacific Railroad and occupy an area of seventy-two by fifty six feet. The
works are driven by a steam engine of forty horse power, using two run of
stones, one for flour and the other for coarser work. The capacity of out-turn
is forty barrels in twelve hours for wheat, and for barley, corn-meal, etc.,
twelve tons in the same period. The premises comprise the mill building, barn,
woodshed, and pig pens. There is a storage capacity of one hundred tons, while
the. business carried on is both merchant and custom. These mills were the first
erected and are still the only ones in the town.

   Geyser Flouring Mill.—Was established at the mouth of Sausal Canon Alexander
valley, eight miles east of Healdsburg, in the year 1856, by Joshua Jordan, of
Bangor, Maine, but more recently of La Porte, Indiana, a resident of California
since 1853. The mill was run by a thirty-foot over-shot water-wheel and had two
run of burrs. Burned by incendiaries some time after 1860; no insurance. Rebuilt
and sold under mortgage to Laufer and H. Alexander. Afterwards insured by them
for their benefit and burned, incendiarily. The decease of Joshua Jordan threw
the mill-site into the hands of A. D., Leslie A., and Frank T. Jordan, after by
Leslie A. Jordan, succeeded by Wm. Mulligan, present owner of the site.

   Healdsburg Water Works.—Healdsburg has first-class water works, constructed
in 1876, and owned by John Fritsch and F. T. Maynard of Petaluma. The water is
obtained from unfailing springs, which gush from the base of "Fitch mountain,"
two miles from the town. It is conveyed and distributed through seven miles of
iron pipes, with thirty water gates; nine four-inch hydrants are set at the most
important points for putting out fires. The reservoir is one hundred and seventy
feet above the town level, affording sufficient pressure to throw a stream over
the highest buildings. The water is always clear, soft and abundant.

   Healdsburg Gas Company.—The city of Healdsburg was first illuminated by
Joseph Rosenthal with the substance produced from gasolyne, an article which was
formerly procured from rosin and fish oils, but now is the first running from
petroleum. The premises wherein was manufactured this article were situated on
West, between North and Fitch streets. The gas, not fulfilling the requirements
of a large and increasing population, its diffusion was discontinued, and the
works disused after the completion of the present premises. These are situated
at the foot of South street, and are the property of the Healdsburg Gas Company.
They comprise the necessary buildings, occupying an area of one acre, and has a
gasometer capable of making four thousand feet per diem. The gas is produced
entirely from Sydney coal, specially imported; it is disseminated through nearly
one mile of mains and pipes, while John N. Bailhache is the sole proprietor, and
Peter Dirvin the Superintendent.

   Healdsburg Brewery.—This institution was established in the year 1866 by Carl
Muller and Henry Fried in North Healdsburg, but in 1876 it was transferred to
its present location on the corner of North and West streets. In 1874, Mr.
Muller bought out the interest of his partner, and has since continued the
business.    The dimensions of the buildings are thirty-six by seventy feet, a
saloon and dwelling-house contiguous to it occupying twenty-five by seventy
feet. The establishment is well supplied with the necessary brewing-houses and
appliances, and is the only one of the kind in the city In 1878 about two
hundred barrels of beer was manufactured, most of which is retailed by the
proprietor on the premises.

   Russian River Flag.—This newspaper, Republican in its politics, was
established at Healdsburg, November 19, 1868, by John G. Howell, who was joined
by S. S. Howell on July- 22, 1869. Howell Brothers were succeeded by Leslie A.
Jordan, July 12, 1865, since which date A. D. Jordan, S. P. Mead, J. W.
Fergusson and Oscar Weil have been connected with it either as partners or
assistant editors. The present associate editor is Frederick C. S. Bagge. The
size of the paper is twenty-five by thirty-eight, of thirty-two columns. The
appearance of the paper is a credit to the typographical energy of its
proprietor. The office is situated in the Granger's Block, on the Plaza, at
Healdsburg.

   Healdsburg Enterprise.—The Enterprise was established in Healdsburg, in May,
1876, by John F. and Felix B. E. Mulgrew, and Sam A. Englehart. Politically, the
paper is Democratic, of the conservative order. In July, 1876, the wide-awake
publishers commenced the publication of a semi-weekly, and although the original
size of the paper, twenty-four by thirty-six, was retained, the subscription
price and advertising rates were not increased. The semi-weekly was continued
during the Presidential campaign of that year, and then, as per intention, the
paper was made a weekly, and improved by the addition of new and interesting
features. Subsequently the interest of Mr. Englehart was absorbed by the Messrs.
Mulgrew, who are at present sole proprietors. The editorial management of the
Enterprise is in the hands of the Junior member of the firm, Felix B. Mulgrew,
while the business and mechanical departments are under the supervision of John
F. Mulgrew. From the date of the paper's existence it has gone onward and
upward. The proprietors being young men, grown up with the community, and
characterized by their industry, enterprise and special fitness, the success of
the Enterprise has been a natural result, and the large circulation the paper
has achieved places it in the van of all others in northern Sonoma county.
Connected with the office are complete and first class facilities for job
printing, making the establishment by far the best in Healdsburg. The aim of the
publishers has been to make theirs the representative paper of northern Sonoma
county, and in this they have certainly succeeded.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from:

HISTORY
—OF-

SONOMA COUNTY,
-INCLUDING ITS—
Geology, Topooraphy, Mountains, Valleys and Streams;
—TOGETHER WITH—
A Full and Particular Record of the Spanish Grants; Its Early History and
Settlement, Compiled from the Most Authentic Sources; the Names of Original
Spanish and American Pioneers; a full Political History, Comprising the Tabular
Statements of Elections and Office-holders since the Formation of the County;
Separate Histories of each Township, Showing the Advancement of Grape and Grain
 Growing Interests, and Pisciculture;
ALSO, INCIDENTS OF PIONEER LIFE; THE RAISING OF THE BEAR FLAG; AND BIOGRAPHICAL
SKETCHES OF EARLY AND PROMINENT SETTLERS AND REPRESENTATIVE MEN;
—AND OF ITS—
Cities, Towns, Churches, Schools, Secret Societies, Etc., Etc.
ILLUSTRATED.
SAN FRANCISCO:
ALLEY, BOWEN & CO., PUBLISHERS.
1880.



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1879, by ALLEY, BOWEN & Co.,
in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C.

PACIFIC PRESS,
Oakland, Cal. Printers., Stereotypers and Binders.


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