Sonoma County CA Archives History - Books .....Petaluma Township, Part 1 1880
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Book Title: History Of Sonoma County

PETALUMA.

   The derivation of the name given to this Township and City is still a matter
of conjecture. There are those who assert that it came from the Indian words,
meaning "duck hills," while others declare it to signify "little hills." In the
latter apellation there would appear to be more reason than in the former, from
the number of mounds or hillocks which are still traceable throughout the
valley, though now less noticeable than on the first settlement of the district
when cultivation was not so general.

   Petaluma creek is an arm of the San Pablo bay, having enough water at high
tide to make it easy navigation for schooners, sloops, scows and small steamers
of light draft. From about three thousand yards above the city, where the stream
is lost, it finds its winding course through a district, principally of marsh or
tule-land, until it merges with the salt water after having travelled a distance
of sixteen miles. As has been elsewhere shown this was the water-way which
Captain Quiros and a party of explorers ascended in September, 1776, in the vain
endeavor of finding a connecting stream with the ocean at Bodega bay. In the
year 1850, when the township was first commencing to be settled, the depth of
the creek was considerably greater than it is to-day; debris had not yet been
cast into its clear waters nor had mud formed in such vast quantities on its
banks, it was a clear stream of pure water, and free from all obstructions, save
where the fallen timbers may have spanned its width making a natural bridge for
the hunters and their prey, who then roamed about the district.

   The next record of a visit having been paid to the Petaluma valley is that of
Father Altimira, in 1823, when on his search for a suitable site whereon to
found a Mission to the north of the Bay of San Francisco. On this expedition the
Holy Father's party passed the point at or near to where the city now stands,
then named by the Spaniards "Punta de los Esteros," but known to the Indians as
"Chocuali," and, crossing the creek to its east side, encamped that night, June
25th, on the site of the adobe house built by General Vallejo, at this time
known as the "Arroyo Lema." No settlement was however made in the Petaluma
valley at this juncture.

   In 1836 General Vallejo built the first house in the valley on a grant, known
as the Petaluma Rancho, which had for its boundaries the Sonoma creek on the
east, the San Pablo bay on the south, and Petaluma creek on the west, thus
evidencing his proprietory rights over that vast tract wherein is included the
portion of the city known as East Petaluma. Two years later the land on the
opposite, or west side of the creek was settled on by Juan Miranda who built a
residence about two miles from the city of Petaluma, wherein he established
himself with his family. In the year 1844, after an occupation of six years, he
made application to the Mexican government that this tract should be granted to
hint, and, in order to attain this, Jacob P. Leese, then Alcalde of the district
of Sonoma, certified that he was the only occupant; an order directing, the
issue of the usual title was made by Governor Micheltorena on October 8, 1844,
but was never executed by reason of the political disturbances which ensued and
resulted in the downfall of the Governor's power.

   Mr. Robert A. Thompson, formerly of the Sonoma Democrat, in a descriptive
sketch of Sonoma counnty tells the rest of the story of this grant in the
following words: Miranda was the father of many children, and one of his
daughters, Francisca, married a Mexican named Antonio Ortega, who had no settled
habitation, but lived sometimes with his wife's family, at this rancho,
sometimes with the priests at the different Missions, and for several years in
Oregon. On the ground of his occasional visits to his father-in-law he set up a
claim to being the real occupant of the rancho, and succeeded in obtaining from
Governor Alvarado a decree for the land, purporting to have been made August 10,
1840.

   Thus there were two conflicting claims to the same tract of land. After the
death of Miranda, at San Rafael, in 1850, his title was sold by order of the
probate court of Marin county, and was purchased by T. B. Valentine of San
Francisco. Whether the proceedings at this sale were regular, so as to vest in
the purchaser a perfect title, is at least doubtful. The title of Ortega was
conveyed to Charles White, of San Jose.

   After the establishment of the land Commission, both of these claims were
presented to that tribunal for adjudication. Valentine put in some testimony
which was thought to be rather damaging to the success of the Ortega claim,
providing that the testimony should be suppressed, the Miranda claim withdrawn,
the Ortega claim pressed for confirmation and the proceeds of the sale of the
lands covered by it divided between the contracting parties.

   The Miranda title was thus summarily disposed of by the act of its holder. To
clear away the Ortega title by the slow machinery of the law, took several
years. It was confirmed by the land commission, was twice before the United
States District Court—first confirmed and afterwards rejected; and twice before
the United States Supreme Court, where it was finally rejected in 1863.

   The land embraced within the limits of the rancho thus became public domain
of the United States, and government surveys were extended over it. That portion
within the boundaries of the incorporated limits of Petaluma was ceded to that
city by act of Congress of March 1, 1867, and the occupants of all the remainder
obtained patents under the pre-emption law.

   Valentine besieged the doors of Congress for many years to get an act passed
allowing him to present his title to the courts for confirmation. Such a measure
would have been a great injustice to the occupants of the land, for although the
original title was undoubtedly genuine, and would have been confirmed, he
prevented a confirmation. by his voluntary withdrawal of it. He was finally
satisfied by receiving from the government an issue of very valuable land-scrip
for the same number of acres embraced within his grant.

   The first settlers therefore were the General at his adobe, where he kept a
large number of Indians under the authority and guardianship of one of his sons,
and Juan Miranda last mentioned.

   At the time of which we write, and until the American settlers commenced to
arrive, the country was one vast wilderness covered with wild oats interspersed
with flowers of every hue, backed by almost impenetrable forests of redwood,
black, white and live oak, that fought for existence with the California laurel
and other indiginous trees, the line of timber being then within the limits of
the city. Through the dense waste of tangled weeds roamed cattle and horses that
had never known the soothing hand of man. Did the hunter prove unsuccessful in
the chase, he replenished his empty larder by slaying a "beef," perfectly
regardless as to whose property it might be; timber was plentiful, so with his
trusty ax he felled the stately trees, hewing planks therefrom wherewith to
frame himself a shantie, while in later years, partnerships were formed among
the trappers, who hunted elk, deer and feathered game, afterwards transporting
them by boat to San Francisco, there receiving profitable prices in coin and
produce.

   Early in the year 1850, Dr. August F. Heyermann built a log cabin on a piece
of ground afterward owned by A. W. Rogers. In the month of October, 1850, Tom.
Lockwood, who had but recently arrived in the State, left San Francisco, hearing
glowing accounts of the quantity of game obtainable in this region, with a
party, purchased a ship's whale-boat, and pursued their way across the bay until
they gained the mouth of the Petaluma creek, which they ascended cautiously, and
finally halting, camped in a grove of oak trees just above the town, on what is
now the property of the widow Bell. What a life of unvarying change must have
been this of Lockwood and his companions. At the season of the year when they
tarried on the plain, we can imagine the rain pouring down in torrents,
accompanied by driving winds, but rarely varied by a fitful ray of sunshine. How
cold too were the mornings and evenings, as they started to, or returned,
mayhap, empty-handed from the fatigues of the chase, to drop off to sleep on the
damp grass* or perchance lie awake until dawn would bring back the weary
monotonous round. Alone did they pursue this avocation for two long dreary
months, their small craft making periodical trips to San Francisco to dispose of
their spoils and lay in stores. On January 3, 1851, they were joined by Lemarcus
Wiatt and John Linus, who arrived on the scene, not with the specific object of
locating, but rather to repair their health, which had been shattered by a
residence in the mines. Here the new comers found Lockwood, Pendleton, and Levi
Pyburn, and with these three pitched their tent-under the friendly shadow of the
oaks. Not long after, Thomas Baylis and David Flogdell wandered into this
region, who falling in with the others, increased the size of the camp, and
pursued the same occupation. Of these, Lockwood and Wiatt are still residents of
Petaluma; Baylis and Flogdell of whom mention will be again made under their
historical firm name of "Tom and Dave," remained in the city for years, and
after earning comfort and respect were gathered to their fathers, while the
others too have gone, and the site which they were the first to occupy knows
them no more. These were the men who gave Petaluma its first start as a shipping
point. In the Summer of 1851, Wiatt and Linus erected a small trading post on
the bend of the creek, a little above the bridge on Washington street, while in
October their example was followed by Baylis and Flogdell, who had moved from
their position half-a-mile away, and constructed a small store on the bank of
the creek opposite the position now occupied by the Odd Fellows' hall. Keller,
who had pre-empted the land in the previous year, about this time put up an
edifice of a nondescript character, where he kept a ware-house, eating-house,
store, and also a few bunks for sleeping accommodation. There was also
constructed this Summer a ware-house by James M. Hudspeth, then, as now, a
resident of Green valley, Analy township, who had thus early found the
advantages possessed by the site as a place of shipment. This building stood at
the foot of Washington street, on the creek, just below the bridge. That autumn
it was stored to its fullest capacity with potatoes, the proprietor at the same
time cutting and baling upwards of a hundred tons of hay, in close proximity to
the town, all of which he shipped to Sacramento, making the first export of
produce of any magnitude from Sonoma by way of Petaluma. In this Fall there were
then resident in the district the following families: The Singleys, Starkeys,
Terrills, Samuels, Tustins, and Lewises, which were further augmented by the
arrival of the Douglases and Hathaways, who came from Antioch, Contra Costa
county, and having brought the frames of their houses with them, the elder
Douglas erected his, where it stands to-day, a little above the Brooklyn Hotel,
that of the Hathaways being constructed by Robert Douglas, Jr., on or near to
the site of the Washington Hotel. These were the first dwelling houses raised in
the city of Petaluma. Mr. Douglas now resides on a pleasant ranch near
Freestone, in Bodega township.

   As has been before remarked, the town-site had been already located by Mr.
Keller. In the winter of 1851-2 the population of the embryo city increased
considerably; a meeting of the settlers was therefore called, who requested Mr.
Keller to lay out the plat of a town, guaranteeing him there and then the
purchase of every other lot and at the same time promising that all his rights
should be respected. The survey, which commenced at a point on Petaluma creek
between Prospect and Oak streets, running thence west to the westerly line of
Liberty street, near Kent; then southerly along Liberty street to A, then on the
northerly line of A and a continuation of that line north-easterly to Petaluma
creek, the area being in the vicinity of forty acres, was affected by J. A.
Brewster on January 3, 1852. It is said that Major Singley and Tom Lockwood
carried the chain for this survey. Early in 1852 the new city commenced to show
signs of considerable activity, a very fine store was established by W. D. Kent
on the site now occupied by the photographic gallery of George Ross on the east
side of Main street; he shortly after admitted into partnership a man named
Smith, when the firm became Kent & Smith, and F. H. Coe purchasing into the
business at a later date the establishment was known as that of Kent, Smith &
Coe. There was also a grocery store kept by one Samuels on the corner of Main
and Washington streets. In this year "Tom & Dave" had an establishment for the
entertainment of travelers, called the Pioneer Hotel, which may be said to have
been the first hostelry started in Petaluma; it joined their building already
mentioned. It is certain that the Douglas and Hathaway families kept boarders
but no regular building for the accommodation and sole use of transient guests
was extant until late in the year, for in the Fall, Samuel N. Terrill commenced
the Petaluma House on ground now occupied by the Odd Fellows' hall, and Robert
Douglas, the younger, the erection of the American Hotel on the site of the
present building of that name. The Petaluma House was the first in working
order. In January, 1852, William Zartman and John Fritsch, with James F. Reed,
commenced business as blacksmiths, building their forge on the place now
occupied by Gilbert's cheap cash store. Reed afterwards lost his life on a
voyage to the Eastern States on the ill-fated "Atlantic." Major Singley, the
present agent of the San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad in this city, who
located in August, 1851, on the west side of the creek, about half-a-mile above
town, on land afterward occupied by Mr. Kerry, is of opinion that the first
postmaster in Petaluma was a German named H. P. Hentzlemann, who had his office
in a house which stood on the south-east corner of Main and Washington streets;
but the weight of evidence goes to prove that W. D. Kent was the pioneer
postmaster and that he distributed the mails from his own store. Kent was
succeeded by Doctor Brown, who in turn gave place to Samuel N. Terrill.* Mail
matter was transported from Benicia, Solano county, on horse-back, once a week,
by way of Sonoma, Miller & Walker's store, now called Sebastopol, to Petaluma,
thence to San Rafael, Marin county—a rather tortuous way of receiving news when
compared with the swift, certain, and frequent transmission of correspondence
which obtains to-day. The religious and instructive cares of the city had not,
up to this period, received any especial care. Two wandering preachers named
Gurnsey, who combined with the impairing of souls the occupation of a chair
manufacturer, and Bateman, were wont to minister to the wants of the residents
in this particular until the settlement of Mr. Hunter as pastor of the Methodist
church, which stood on the site of the present city prison, his wife, noble
woman, being the first to open a school for the education of the young, of whom
there were now a few; in this laudable undertaking she was succeeded by A. B.
Bowers, who taught in a building then occupying the position of the present
magnificent brick edifice which would be an ornament to any city. The 4th of
July, 1852, the National holiday, was celebrated by a grand ball which took
place in the building wherein was situated the store of Kent, Smith & Coe, when
one hundred and fifty guests from all parts of the country took part in the
merry-making—the tickets on the occasion being ten dollars each. Here we have
the first mention of the gaieties of a city life having taken hold. We can
imagine with what keen excitement was the auspicious occasion looked forward to,
for reunions of any kind in these early days were all but impossible; there were
not the facilities which are found in places of more mature growth; the
distances were too magnificent to permit of frequent intercourse between
neighbors separated by twenty miles of country, entirely innocent of roads or
bridges; men and maidens had little opportunity of meeting or becoming
acquainted, is it therefore any wonder that dances were danced with a mm, the
like of which has never been witnessed, or that songs were sung and stories
told, healths drank and eternal friendships sworn, the like of which could never
occur again—the oldest living residents never forget this evening when

     "Soft love look'd love to eyes, which spake again,
      And all went merry as a marriage bell."

* We have since learned that Garrett W. Keller was the first Postmaster. See
page 131.

   The first Justice of the Peace was M. G. Lewis, while of the lawyers there
were William Churchman, Jackson Temple, and J. B. Southard, who succeeded Judge
E. W. McKinstry on the bench of the Court of the Seventh Judicial District, a
position which he occupied for several years. The first marriage in the district
was that of Dr. August F. Heyermann, but this did not take place within the
city; the first in these limits was that of Robert Douglas, Jr., to Miss Hannah
Hathaway, which took place on the 31st day of December, 1852, before Samuel N.
Terrill, Justice of the Peace- The next wedding was that of Alexander Wood
worth. The first child born in Petaluma was a girl, to Mr. and Mrs. R. Douglas,
who did not survive but twelve days; while the first death was that of a man
named Fraser, who was killed by falling off a wagon and being run over. He was
buried in the square now known as the Plaza. The next to cross the dark river
was also a transient guest; he was putting up at the American Hotel and had
visited the country in quest of health, but consumption, from which he suffered,
carried him off, and he found a stranger's grave on the hill at the top of
Washington street; shortly after these two, was also buried the infant girl
mentioned above. At a late date, the bones of these three were exhumed, and
found a final resting place in the Oak-Hill Cemetery, where a Miss Smith was the
first to be buried. The first doctor was A. F. Heyermann, who practised
occasionally; he was in turn succeeded by doctors McClure and Brown, the latter
of whom had a small laboratory; while the first drug store was opened by S. C.
Haydon. In this year the first livery stable was started hv Charles Robinson,
who ran a stage via Sebastopol, then known, as has been said, by the name of
Miller & Walker's store, to Bodega; while another general store was opened by P.
H. Newbill. At the end of 1852, the population was estimated to have been
somewhere about twelve hundred in all.

   The first stroke against the welfare of the young city was struck by Majors
H. P. Hentzleman and Lewis, in the attempted establishment of a rival town on
the east side of the creek, which was intended to rob Petaluma of all its
present and prospective glories. They named it the city of Petaluma. New Town,
the place was called; the residents being situated within the precincts of the
Vallejo Township—notice of it will be found in the history of that section. But
to proceed: Major Lewis disposed of his interest in this settlement at San
Francisco, to Colonel J. B. Huie, making it a sine qua non, however, that a
steamer of a certain tonnage and draft should proceed thither. The "Red Jacket,"
afterwards rechristened "Kate Hayes," succeeded in this endeavor in November,
1852, under the command of Captain Van Pelt. She continued plying to that point
during the Winter, the projectors of New Town, in the interval, doing their
utmost to proclaim far and near that that was the head of navigation. A triumph
so gained could be but short lived. The Petalumans paid a visit to this pioneer
steam wonder; much bantering was given and taken on the occasion; the most
persuasive eloquence of the visitors was put forth, to the end that their city
was the true head of navigation. To prove the contrary, steam was got up, shriek
after shriek was sent from the whistle in mocking derision. The "Red Jacket"
started, she found plenty of water, arrived off the city of Petaluma without
mishap, and thus the claims of New Town veritably vanished in smoke. When the
stranger in this year of grace 1879, inquires as to its locality, he is answered
by a vague sweep of the head and the words over there. While on the subject of
steamers, we would here mention that the second steamer to make regular trips on
the Petaluma Creek was the "Sioc," which had been brought from the Sacramento
river, where she ran as the "Jack Hayes." Andrew Henry, agent for Wells, Fargo &
Co., was on her when she made her first trip up the creek. She continued on the
route until September, 1853, her captain and. part owner being for a time
ex-Sheriff Latapie. The name of the vessel was changed after to the "Reindeer."
The first steamboat to ply at stated times between Petaluma and San Francisco
was the "E. Corning," the fare being six dollars. She was for a time under the
command of Captain Charles M. Baxter, who afterwards took charge of the
"Petaluma," a craft constructed expressly for this route.

   At the time of Mr. Henry's arrival in the " Sioc," there were then in all
about fifty houses in the city, situated principally between the streets now
known as Washington on the north, B. on the south, with the creek as a frontage
and back to Keller or thereabouts. The American Hotel was then "well up town."
This was in September, 1853. In November, we are told there were two hotels,
besides the three already named, viz: the City Hotel, which stood on the site of
the present building of that name, and the Union Hotel, where it now stands on
Main a little below English street. At this period the American was kept by
Brown & Rexford, the City by Veeder, who had moved it hither from Vallejo,
Solano county, the Petaluma House by Bassett, who was not long after succeeded
by Van Doren & Cooper, and last though not least the Pioneer by "Tom & Dave."

   In the years 1853, '54 and '55 the growth of the town was gradual but sure
from the advantages possessed by her as a port of shipment, the settlers of the
valleys to the north and south of it repaired hither to export their produce and
lay in supplies; it was the only shipping outlet easy of access to the San
Francisco market for the crops of Sonoma and Mendocino counties; as the rapidly
increasing population extended their ventures, the necessity for such a spot
made itself felt; more ground was tilled, fruit trees planted and butter made,
while the country was yet thickly covered with splendid timber, all of which
found its way to Petaluma; as her commerce became greater her capital increased,
as capital increased labor became plentiful until she gained, early in her
existence, the proud position among the thriving cities of California which she
holds to-day.

   the year 1855 the first newspaper was started—The Petaluma Weekly Journal and
Sonoma County Advertiser. The inaugural number was issued on Saturday, August
18, 1855, by Thomas L. Thompson, and is in all a most readable sheet. From its
advertising columns we cull the following names, many of them being to-day "
familiar in our mouths as household words:" Wm. D. Bliss, Wm. A, Cornwall, J.
Chandler, I. G. Wickersham, Attorneys at Law, most of whom would appear to have
been established on Main street. We find that the Petaluma Line of Packets
running between Petaluma, San Francisco, Sacramento and Stockton, consisting of
the schooners "Petaluma," Captain Baylis; "Enterprise," Captain Rutherford;
"Blue-Wing," Captain Cutter, and the sloops " Cleopatra," Captain Sullivan; "
Star of the West," Captain Adams, and "Ned Beale," Captain Kelley, left for
these ports daily, their agents being in this city A. J. Moses & Co., and at San
Francisco Kittrell & Co. We note that Dr. W. D. Trinque was a surgeon dentist on
Main street; that Anthony G. Oakes, proprietor of the American Hotel, which had
been thoroughly renovated was "prepared to extend the comforts of a Home and a
Hearty Welcome to all who may favor him with a visit," while there were the
following attractions: "Table Supplied with all the Delicacies," "Lines of
stages from all parts," as well as "Extensive Livery Stables;" and S. C. Haydon
offered at his drug and book store such commodities as Epsom salts and blank
deeds, Cologne water and McGuffy's readers, hair oils and tooth-brushes,
turpentine and the San Francisco and Atlantic newspapers and magazines.

   Let us lightly glance at the resources of Petaluma at that date. The Journal
in an early article tells us, that the growth of Petaluma has been rapid, but
yet of a substantial character; and not withstanding the several successive
failures of the crops of the adjacent country, the ruinous prices of
agricultural productions, and the late monetary depression in this State, the
prosperity of the town has been greatly enhanced, and its permanency fully
secured within the past six months, by valuable improvements and judicious
investment of capital. Petaluma is the depot and outlet for the whole farming
and grazing interest of the immense tract of surrounding country; and
particularly for that lying away to the north, including the rich lands of
Russian river and its tributaries, and even extending to the fertile borders of
Clear Lake.

   In addition to the trade carried on by the extensive operations of the
dairies; the shipment of live stock of all the various kinds, and the
productions of fruits, vegetables, and cereals, there has been a great quantity
of cord-wood cut in the vicinity of the town, which has formed an important
source of wealth. Butter, cheese, eggs, potatoes, barley, wheat, and wood, make
up the substantial and unfailing currency of Sonoma county, and Petaluma has
been built up as the most accessible depot from whence the necessary shipments
of these valuable articles of trade can be easily made, by steam or sailing
vessels, to the different markets of the State.

   The population of this town and immediate neighborhood, have all the elements
of future prosperity—a people moral, industrious and frugal, a delightful and
healthy climate, invigorating to the laborer—a fertile soil which yields rich
returns both to the grazier, by its voluntary crops of grasses, and to the
agriculturist by fully rewarding him for the labor bestowed upon its
cultivation. The wealth of the town depends on the prosperity of the farmers. It
is the center of a large and rich agricultural district.

   Within a few months past a number of fireproof, brick and stone buildings,
have been erected here. There are about twenty stores, and several commodious
hotels on Main street; which street lies nearest to the creek. Churches and
school-houses have been erected sufficient to meet the wants of the increasing
population. Different charitable associations have been fully organized here,
and appear to be in a flourishing condition. The hall recently finished for the
Odd-Fellows, is a beautiful structure, built of brick with an imposing front of
cut stone.

   On November 24,1855, one of those heart-rending calamities, for which
California had then become noted, occurred at Petaluma. At about five minutes
past ten in the morning, while the steamer "Georgina" was tying at her wharf,
shipping freight and passengers, her boiler exploded, with a terrific crack,
doing a fearful work of death and destruction. The force of the explosion was
such as to completely demolish the top work of the boat and to carry the
boiler—which was shot directly through the cabin and out astern—a distance of
about three hundred feet, striking considerably beyond the landing used by the
"Kate Hayes," which had, by the merest luck, hauled farther up the creek, to
take on freight. Of the wounded only one belonged to Sonoma county, viz: George
Funk, proprietor of the Oak Grove House, about four miles from the city, on the
Bodega road. November 28th was noted for the establishment of the Petaluma
Library Association, and its inauguration with a lecture, by the Rev. A. A.
Baker, on the subject of "The Lyceum, and its relation to Education and to
Practical Life," this being followed by a course of three lectures, delivered by
Doctor Galland, "On Boreal Observations and Phenomena." As a criterion of what
the increase of population was in this year, we note that the vote of the city
was four hundred and eighty-one, while the number of children in the township,
between the ages of four and eighteen years of age, was two hundred and
eighty-four. Of this number there were attending school in the Liberty district
thirty-three; Iowa district, sixty-one; Walker district, forty-three, and
Petaluma district one hundred and forty-seven. The number of boys was one
hundred and fifty-two, distributed as follows: Liberty district, sixteen; Iowa
districtt, [sic] thirty-two; Walker district, twenty-four; Petaluma district,
eighty; while the number of girls was one hundred and thirty-two, apportioned
thus: Liberty district, seventeen; Iowa district, twenty-nine; Walker district,
nineteen, and Petaluma district, sixty-seven. This prosperous year was brought
to a close with a most severe spell of cold weather, there being ice to the
extent of half an inch in thickness in the early morning, while in some portions
of the State, notably in Sacramento, snow fell to a considerable depth.

   On the second day of the new year the dread visitant, fire, which had
hitherto steered clear of our fair city, consumed the residence of James Hosmer,
situated on Washington street. As is almost always the case, it requires some
dire calamity to make apparent existing danger. Consequent on this
conflagration, energetic measures were at once taken to form a Fire Company, a
want which had been long felt and urged. The public spirit thus early evinced,
has developed into a department amply able to cope with any duties which it may
be called upon to perform, while as one of the sinews of the city it is a credit
to the corporation and citizens. At this period was also permanently organized a
military company, under the name of the "Petaluma Guards," having for its
officers the following named gentlemen: Captain, P. B. Hewlett; First
Lieutenant, J. H. Siddons; Second Lieutenant, Francis Bray; Brevet Lieutenant,
Thomas F. Baylis; First Sergeant, F. J. Benjamin; Second, W. H. Jose; Third, G.
B. Mathers; Fourth, Warren G. Gibbs; First Corporal, O. T. Baldwin; Second, J.
K. Cramer; Third, B. F. Cooper; Fourth, Samuel Brown. The company mustered some
forty or fifty, rank and file, and in addition to their military duties proposed
to serve as firemen, when provided with the necessary paraphernalia.

   A change had now come to the growing place whose history we record. She
became ambitious to be invested with civic honors. To this end, correspondents
mooted the question in the public prints, while leaders appeared in the columns
of the newspapers advocating the incorporation of Petaluma as a city, or, at
least, a town. It was advocated that she was already one of some importance,
without a doubt of its continued increase. In order to make it a desirable place
of residence the streets should be graded to a uniform width, sidewalks put in
order, the town cleared of nuisances, and property protected from accidents by
fire, arising from carelessness in the fixtures connected with stove pipes and
fire-places. A town hall was felt to be much needed, in which to hold elections
and lectures, as well as for the use of the the [sic] military, and various
other purposes. It was argued by some that a corporation is too expensive a
luxury, while others urged that, by having a charter, with proper restrictions
and constructions, the government of the town and its general appearance would
be much enhanced. How the boon was finally obtained will appear in the progress
of this record. On April 26, 1856, the interest of Mr. Thompson ceased in the
Petaluma Journal, Henry L. Weston becoming its editor and proprietor, who made
his bow to the public in the following well-chosen sentences: "In making our
appearance before the readers of the Journal and the public in the capacity of a
public journalist we deeply feel our need of their sympathy as well as
patronage. To us it is, in a measure, a new position, and we feel that should it
be our good fortune to merit and receive the commendation of the public, that we
are rather of that class upon whom honors are thrust, than otherwise. At its
commencement the Journal was started as an independent paper, rather than as a
political organ, and up to this time it has maintained its neutrality. Such we
propose it shall ever remain, if such a course be possible in a community like
ours. With politics we have little to do; and with its tricks and turns,
nothing; neither do we intend to, unless forced into the arena by stern
necessity. It is our aim and purpose, on the contrary, to make the Journal
emphatically a family paper—one that shall ever prove a welcome visitor to the
family circle of each and every settler in this and adjoining counties. While,
therefore, our aim will ever be to avoid a public preference for either of the
political parties of the day, our neutrality shall never prevent a free and
fearless expression of our views upon whatever acts may be perpetrated or
measures proposed by them which may trespass upon the rights and interests of
the people. That it may never be our duty to take more than a casual glance at
any of their acts is our earnest desire. If, however, occasion should occur, let
not the opposite party hope to find in us an ally, unless theirs be a right
against wrong—liberalism against bigotry and fanaticism. And while we claim for
ourself this privilege, we freely accord equal latitude to all, and to this end
will ever open our columns to the discussion of all matters and questions of
interest which may from time to time present themselves, provided the writers do
not wish to occupy too much space, and the subject treated be calmly discussed,
otherwise their articles will not find a place in the Journal."

   We have now to record a rather unusual accident in the affairs of cities. On
the morning of August 4th of this same year, at about three o'clock, the
citizens were aroused from their slumbers by a crushing sound, and the cry of
"fire!" The cause of the alarm proved to be the falling of a two-story,
fire-proof building on Main street, owned by Gowan & McKay, and occupied on the
first floor by L. Chapman as a furniture store, and on the second by the Odd
Fellows and Free Masons. The front of the building fell into the street, the
north side upon the adjoining building (a wooden structure owned and occupied by
S. C. Hay don as a drug store and express office of Wells, Fargo & Co.),
completely demolishing it, and destroying the stock of goods. The building had
been erected the previous year at an expense of five thousand dollars. The loss
on the occasion was considerable; that of the proprietors could not have been
much less than the original cost of the structure; while that of Mr. Haydon—who
nearly lost his life while in his chamber by the falling beams—was about twelve
hundred dollars; Mr. Chapman, one thousand; and the Masonic and Odd Fellows'
societies being considerable also, for they had but recently fitted up the Hall
at an expense of fifteen hundred dollars.

   In May, 1857, water was for the first time introduced into Petaluma by
William Henley. The spring from which it was procured was distant from Main
street about one hundred and fifty rods, and, at the time, ran seven to eight
hundred gallons per hour, which cuuld be increased if necessary. This was not
the only improvement, however, in course of construction or even contemplated.
What does the Journal say in this regard? "Nothwithstanding the almost fabulous
rapidity with which residences and store's have sprung into existence in
Petaluma, during the past fifteen months, the demand continues to exceed the
supply. In fact, for some months past, the only certain method for a new-comer
to procure a dwelling, has been to either build himself, or enter into a
contract previous to the erection of a building. Everything capable of being
used, either as a store or residence, is constantly occupied. As a consequence,
rents have become somewhat high, for a place of this size. Residences which
could have been secured at fifteen dollars a month, one year ago, are now
readily sought for at twenty and twenty-five per month. But this increased
demand for buildings is not confined to residences alone; stores of all kinds,
and more especially those which are supposed to be fireproof, are in equal
demand, and at a greater premium. We are told that a gentleman from the interior
wishing to engage in trade in Petaluma, a few days since authorized a friend of
his to offer a premium of five hundred dollars for a lease of one of the stores
in Phoenix Block. If our town is springing thus rapidly into a great and
populous village, notwithstanding the almost overwhelming obstacle which it has
to encounter in consequence of the uncertainty of land titles, what will it not
do, and what may it not become, when her citizens and the people of the county
generally, know in whom the titles are vested. When this great desideratum is
attained, business, in Petaluma and Sonoma county at large, will receive an
impetus which it never has, and never can otherwise experience. The future is
big with promise for our town and our county." Hand in hand with these signs of
the times, we find that the Eagle Brewery had already been started by Thomas
Edwards; S. G. McCollough had cleared a lot on Main street and commenced the
erection of a fire-proof stable which was contemplated to be two stories high
with dimensions of thirty by one hundred feet; the front being of dressed
granite; and a new Flouring mill was in the course of construction by Messrs. G.
W. Veatch and W. A. Hutchinson of San Francisco on a site opposite the Revere
House on Main street.

   East Petaluma is that portion of the town which lies on the east bank of the
creek, being part of the incorporated city. The tract on which it stands was
originally purchased from General Vallejo by Tom Hopper, but on August 27, 1857,
he conveyed the two hundred and seventy acres to W. D. Bliss, John Kaulkfman,
and Stephen C. Haydon, divided into shares of one-fourth each. Hitherto it had
formed no connection with that portion situated on the west side; indeed, there
were no means of crossing the creek, save by a not over-steady bridge, above the
city. The Corporation at once constructed a draw-bridge at the foot of
Washington street, and surveyed, and subdivided the land into lots; soon after
buildings commenced to rise on the newly chosen ate and to-day it is no
inconsiderable portion of Petaluma city.

   Petaluma, at this epoch in her career, had made such commendable progress,
and so firmly established herself as a thriving and rising center of commerce,
that she was granted a charter, in accordance with an Act of the Legislature of
the State of California, approved April 12, 1858, entitled " An Act to
incorporate the Town of Petaluma." Consequent on the passage of this law an
election of municipal officers was held on the nineteenth of the said month,
when the following gentlemen were chosen as the first Board of Trustees of the
city; William Elder, W. L. Anderson, E. B. Cooper, Samuel Tustin, William
Ordway. On the twenty-sixth, at a full meeting of the Board, Mr. Elder was
chosen President of the Corporation, and 0. T. Baldwin, Clerk; while
certificates of election were issued to the following named: Recorder, William
Hayden: Treasurer, Lewis Lamberton; Assessor, Moses Arms, Marshal, James H.
Siddons; D. D. Carder being sworn as a Justice of the Peace. Committees were
appointed to procure suitable accommodation for the sessions of the Board, as
also to draft By-laws for its government; these being adopted, with a few
recommendations, on April 28, 1858. On May 3d, John Brown was appointed
Municipal Policeman; on a salary of sixty dollars a month; a memorial signed by
the citizens being upon the same date, laid on the table, praying that a street
be opened on the bank of the Petaluma creek, to be called Front street,
commencing; at a point at the foot of B. street and terminating at Hatch &
Pickett's lumber yard. Motions were at the same time made for the health and
government of the city, as well as for matters of general good, a stand being
made against the permitting of hogs, goats, and other animals to roam at large
about the public highways within the corporate limits. Three Fire-Wardens, in
the persons of W. L. Van Doren, William Zartman; and William F. Lyon, were
appointed on the 17th by the President. The Board, in meeting assembled, on this
occasion considered the opening of the proposed Front street; on discussion,
however, the motion proposing its adoption was lost, by a vote of three againt
the opening to two for it. The subject was again brought up for reconsideration
on the 19th when its adoption was deferred till the next day, the ordinance "To
define Front street," being then adopted by sections, and directions given for
its publication in the Sonoma County Herald. In due time bids for the building
of a City prison were opened, and decrees concerning disorderly conduct, the
suppression of houses of ill-fame, the storage of wood and gunpowder, and the
prevention of public nuisances adopted. The completion of the prison was
reported June 21st. On July 19th, English street, from the creek to Upham
street, was declared open, and on the 26th the survey of the corporate limits
was announced to be completed. August 19th a tax of one per cent was ordered to
be levied upon the assessed property of the city, which was objected to by T. F.
Baylis, who thought an injustice was done him by such a levy on vessels owned by
him. The matter was referred to Messrs. Anderson and Cooper, as a committee, to
investigate the law in reference to the tax on craft running on Petaluma creek.
On September 23d, a committee, composed of H. Gowan, J. McCune, A. B. Derby,
John S. Robberson and J. L. Pickett, citizens of Petaluma, was appointed to
establish a grade on Main street, beginning at the crossing at Jackson and
Lusk's building, and extending to Stanley hill. A survey was ordered to be made
of the square bounded by Main, Washington, Liberty and English streets, on the
29th; while at this time a full and correct statement of all business transacted
in the different offices of the municipality, and all monies received and paid
from the time of their entering upon their duties up to the first Monday in
October, was directed to be prepared for presentation to the Board of Trustees,
who in turn should make a report of the financial condition of the city, which
was done, and finally approved and ordered printed October 6th; November 9th,
the Board determined their willingness to receive bids for the construction of
two brick fire-cisterns, of the capacity of twenty thousand gallons each; on
December 8th, a committee, appointed to carry out the scheme, reported that a
contract had been entered into with J. B. Kean, for seven hundred and
ninety-nine dollars, for the construction of the same, one to be situated at the
intersection of English and Kentucky streets, and the other at the crossing of
the latter street with Washington. So much for the doings of the Board of
Trustees during the year 1858; we will now revert to other matters of more
general interest.

   In the Fall of the year 1858 the subject of providing a suitable school house
was taken up with a strong will by the residents, and a well attended meeting to
consider the means to be adopted was held on the evening of Friday, September
3rd, when it was conceded on every hand that such an institution was
imperatively needed. A resolution was accordingly passed requesting the School
Trustees to issue a call for an election to vote an assessment of five thousand
dollars for this object. About this period another school, kept by Mrs. Varney
and named the Hill Seminary, would appear to have had an existence, while it is
recorded that a large bell of a thousand pounds weight was placed in the steeple
of the newly completed Baptist church. In this regard Petaluma had certainly
made considerable advance; three years before she possessed but one church, the
Methodist, and that of the most meagre dimensions; with the completion of the
Baptist she boasted four large and commodious places of worship, to wit: a
Methodist, a Congregational, a Catholic, and that already named, besides which
the Episcopalians had a building in course of construction. Mr. Barnes, the
School Marshal for the city reports the number of children, for the past year,
between four and eighteen years of age to be four hundred and four; under four
years, one hundred and eighty-seven, showing a total of five hundred and
ninety-one. Of this number two hundred and eighty-nine are boys and three
hundred and two girls; of these one hundred and ninety-six are California born,
while thirty-four are orphans. The year 1858 also saw many business
improvements, among them being the erection of a brick building for a machine
shop, also the building of a tannery in East Petaluma, while the streets which
the previous winter were a "slough of despond" promised soon to rival the works
of that "colosus of roads" McAdam. Several new buildings were being put up and
arrangements made for the construction of others— everything was prosperous, as
may be gleaned from the following words of a local writer: "The growth of
Petaluma, unlike many California towns, is like the oaks upon the hills—every
inch gained in size is firmly and securely put together and bound to stick."
With all this, yet she wanted more. She desired a postal route hence, to
Humboldt bay via Bloomfield, Tomales, Bodega, Fort Boss, and other points along
the coast; a railroad by way of Santa Rosa to Healdsburg was another; and the
straightening of the creek between the city and Rudesill's Landing, and proper
locks put up so as to make navigation easy. Taking it all in all, the year 1858
developed new elements of wealth, an increase of population and a spirit of
content among the people of the city which it will be our duty to show has never
decreased to the present time.

   The year 1859 was ushered in, as has been shown, by a promise of lasting
plenty. On the 3d of January the Petaluma Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, and
Petaluma Engine Company No. 1, were recognized by the Board of Trustees as
independent companies, while for the better protection of property from fire, an
ordinance requiring house-holders to keep a certain supply of water on their
premises was ordered to be drafted. In this month a petition to the Legislature
was put in circulation asking the repeal of the act incorporating the city; but
it did not receive much encouragement from the tax-paying portion of the
community, nor the press. The Journal of January 21st, on this question remarks:
"That there are objections to be urged against the charter itself, we are well
aware, but against municipal government they are very few. The defects which
have manifested themselves in the charter should be reduced. Thus far, imperfect
as it may be, it has worked advantageously, and that, too, at but trifling cost
to our citizens. With some alterations we believe it will work to the
satisfaction of all. "At the meeting held on February 17th, an ordinance
creating a Fire Department was passed and instructions given for its official
publication, while other regulations were adopted in regard to the better
protection against fire. The office of Fire-Wardens was abolished, the Foremen
of the companies being required to fulfil the duties of these offices. J. E.
Congleton was on this date appointed Constable in place of J. K. Brown,
dismissed. March 7th, the resignation of E. B. Cooper from the Board was
accepted, the following resolution being adopted on his retirement: "Resolved,
That in accepting the resignation of E. B. Cooper, we take this occasion to bear
testimony to his uniform courtesy, fidelity and efficiency as a member of this
Board." On this secession from office Frank W. Shattuck was appointed in his
stead, while on the same date George Walker and Frank Bray were elected Chief
and Assistant engineers of the Fire Department. Thus was the first year of
office closed with what record the long list of business transacted, only
partially quoted by us, will speak for itself.

   On April 18, 1859, the second election for municipal offices was held with
the following result: Board of Trustees, William Ordway, Thomas F. Baylis, James
N. McCune, J. Q. Shirley and William L. Anderson, President; Recorder, S. Abell;
Marshal, J. D. Cross; Treasurer, Lewis Lamberton; Assessor, F. Post; Clerk, O.
T. Baldwin; Constable, William Blower. The books and papers having been handed
over to the appointees, the requisite committees on ways and means were
nominated forthwith. On May 5th, an ordinance regulating: the duties of the
municipal police was passed, followed on the 26th by another regulating the
width of sidewalks to be eight feet, excepting on English, Potato, Mary and
Martha streets, which should he six feet wide. Placing obstructions on the
trottoirs was at the same time made a punishable offence. A lengthy dissertation
hereafter followed on the nature of the pavement to be used which was finally
left in the hands of a committee, while another was appointed to devise means
for the improvement of the creek. An ordinance was passed on August 8th
authorizing the arrest of intoxicated persons, and directing their trial, when
sober, by the Recorder; on the same day a tax of two dollars to establish a
school fund was authorized. December 19th, a petition was received from the
resident physicians of the city of Petaluma praying that the Board of Trustees
confer with the Supervisors of Sonoma county in regard to the establishment of a
fund to be devoted to the care of the indigent sick, a motion which was referred
to a committee. The last act of the year was the resignation on December 30th of
Treasurer Lamberton and the appointment of Smith D. Towne in his stead.

   During the year 1859, the city would appear to have still kept up its onward
march; real estate had increased in value, the brick building on Main street,
opposite the American Hotel, erected by Captain P. B. Hewlett, having been
disposed of for six thousand six hundred dollars to L. Lewis, while E. R. Moffet
had purchased the lot adjoining on the south from the same gentleman for four
thousand four hundred. On the east side of the creek building had proceeded
briskly, and as a matter of consequence the value of lots in that part of the
city had materially advanced, as high as five hundred dollars having been
refused for a lot measuring eighty by one hundred feet. Roads, too, were being
located with all speed; among others, the Supervisors had directed the
commencement of one from Petaluma, and one from Lakeville, to Sonoma; one from
Petaluma to the Marin county line, to intersect the San Rafael road; one from
Petaluma, via Two-Rock valley, to the Marin county line; and one from Petaluma
to Bodega.

   In June, 1859, a movement was started by several of the prominent citizens of
Petaluma to raise the sum of ten thousand dollars for the purpose of erecting a
first-class institution of learning. The plan of operation intended was the
formation of a joint-stock company, the shares to be placed at five hundred
dollars each, the building to be constructed of brick or stone, and to be
arranged after the most approved style of modern boarding schools, so as to
offer every accommodation to pupils from a distance as well as to those in the
district. As a first step, the old house was sold on July 9th, when it brought
ninety-nine dollars and eighty-five cents, which was after augmented to an even
sum by a contribution of fifteen cents from some generous-hearted citizen. No
time was lost in the commencement of the new building or the letting of
contracts, and on August 6th the corner-stone was laid with much ceremony, and
the finest school building in the State was looked for at no distant date. The
lot on which the structure stands is centrally located, it being one hundred and
fifty by three hundred and ninety feet in area, while the building itself covers
forty-eight by ninety-four feet, ground measure. The rooms are arranged for
three several departments—primary, intermediate and grammar. The room for the
primary department is on the first floor, and is twenty-eight by forty-two feet.
That for the intermediate, also on the first floor, and having an independent
entrance, is forty-two feet square, with recitation room fourteen by sixteen
feet. The grammar, or classical department, occupies the upper floor. The main
room is forty-five by fifty-four feet, connected with which are two recitation
rooms, each fourteen by twenty-two feet, and a library room, fourteen by
fourteen feet. The entire cost of the building is estimated at eleven thousand
three hundred and forty-one dollars and ten cents. While on the subject of this
noble effort on the part of the city of Petaluma it may be well to mention that
the school-house was dedicated on Monday, February 20, 1860, under the most
auspicious circumstances.

   On Tuesday, August 30, 1859, an interesting ceremony took place in the
presentation to the Petaluma Guards of a stand of colors, by Miss Louise
Perkins, who, on behalf of the "matrons and maidens of Petaluma," made a neat
and felicitous speech on the occasion. Among other events in this year, worthy
of being recorded, several dastardly attempts to fire the city should not be
omitted. It would appear that no less than three efforts had been made, the
first being on the night of the 6th October, in the lumber or store-house
connected with the carriage factory of William Ordway, located at the lower end
of the business part of the town; a second attempt was made in the rear of the
Franklin Hotel, on the night of October 8th; the third took place on the evening
of the 10th, while yet another, and perhaps the boldest attempt at arson yet
made, was discovered on the evening of November 20th, on the premises of Porter
Brothers, on Keokuk street. Fortunately the work of the villainous incendiaries
was on each occasion discovered ere any harm could be done. The newspapers of
the day report a mysterious murder to have occurred about this time. On the last
named date the dead body of a man named James Neary was discovered lying on a
pile of wood, near the Occidental Mills, on the east side of the creek, with a
wound in the left breast, which, upon examination, proved to have been inflicted
by a large knife. The blow was one of great force, literally splitting the fifth
rib and passing through the heart. A most rigid and thorough investigation of
all the evidence in the case was had, but without eliciting positive proof of
who committed the deed. Deceased had for some time previously been living at
Bodega, but more recently had been employed at Two-Rock Valley, which place he
left and came to the city on the Saturday. Se was last seen at two o'clock on
Sunday morning, in company with one Haley, who was accordingly arrested,
circumstances pointing strongly to him as the author; he was therefore held for
trial, and committed to the county prison.

   In casting a retrospective glance upon the city for the year 1859, we find
prosperity still on the increase, and Petaluma, from an unimportant country
town, rapidly becoming a city of opulence, refinement and culture. Its redwood
shake stores and ware-houses had long ago given place to elegant and capacious
brick and freestone edifices, its uneven, irregular and muddy thoroughfares to
well graded and paved streets; its rough and unpainted shanties, unblessed by
the light of woman's smile, to neat and inviting cottages and comfortable homes,
around whose hearthstones clustered groups of prattling children; its places of
worship had increased four-fold, and its population in a like ratio. The open
waste of meadow land was being fast inclosed; cultivated fields appeared on
every hand, and the hills covered with flocks and herds. A number of families,
not only from the Eastern States, and from the mining regions of the State, but
from the surrounding towns of Sonoma and Marin counties had moved into Petaluma,
with the determination of making it their permanent home, while the promise for
the future was as hopeful as ever.

   With the above described state of prosperity the city commenced the year
1860. Early in February the citizens presented a petition to the Board of
Trustees, praying for an official survey of Petaluma, and on March 26th it was
ordered that W. A. Eliason be employed to make such survey, he being paid
therefor at the rate of two hundred dollars per month, the corporation
furnishing him with two assistants. On April 16th, the election of municipal
officers took place; however, before giving the names of these gentlemen we
would here quote from the Journal what were the issues of the day to be
considered in connection with the election: "Let none other than such persons as
will pledge themselves to use their best efforts to have the navigation of
Petaluma creek improved, receive your votes. Let this be the test, for with the
Board of Trustees to be elected on that day depends the fate of the charter for
improving the navigation of Petaluma creek.

   "One year has passed since the Legislature of this State granted us a charter
for the improving of the creek, and conceding to the corporation each and every
point asked, and yet the city authorities have failed to avail themselves of its
advantages. The provisions of the bill are of a most liberal character, so much
so, indeed, that it is a well-known fact that like privileges could not have
been obtained by any private body of citizens. By its provisions it became the
duty of the city to commence the work within one year from the passage of the
act, and to have the work completed within two years. Enough money has probably
been expended on the creek to prevent a forfeiture. To secure to our city the
full benefit of the improvements, a provision was inserted that the Board of
Trustees "shall have power to sell, transfer and convey, all or any part of the
right, privileges, franchises and immunities," to such parties as may agree to
make the required improvements "on the most favorable terms, and giving a good
and satisfactory bond for the faithful performance of the contract."    For
improving the creek the city is granted the right to collect a "toll of seven
cents per ton for all vessels passing through the lock or locks, either way for
the past ten years, and five cents per ton for ten additional years." The choice
of the people fell on Frank W. Lougee, William Ordway, William L. Anderson,
President; Edward Barnes and D. D. Carder as a Board of Trustees, with the
following officers: Clerk, O. T. Baldwin; Recorder, L. C. Reyburn; Assessor,
Smith D. Towne; Marshal, George L. Bradley; Street Commissioner, J. B. Hinkle.
On April 17th, a contract was entered into with W. A. Eliason for surveying the
city and defining the blocks and streets; and, on the 23rd the Clerk was
authorized to procure a Corporation seal for the Board. It was made a
misdemeanor, on June 19th, for the owner or driver of any animal or team to
permit it to stand in the street in front of an engine house, under a penalty of
not more than ten or less than two dollars; while on July 16th privilege was
granted to John Cavanagh, George L. Bradley and John Robbins, to convey fresh
water from their springs in pipes along the several streets in the city, and to
supply the same to such citizens as may desire to purchase it. The above
mentioned gentlemen, having incorporated themselves into the Petaluma Mountain
Water Company, had surveyed a route between the city and the Adobe creek and
proposed the introduction of water from that stream, the distance being
estimated at four and a half miles. Such was the want of this commodity that on
December 17th the Board of Trustees unhesitatingly passed the following
resolution: "That the Petaluma Mountain Water Company have the right to
introduce water from the Adobe creek through any lands, streets, alleys or
public places over which the city has control, provided the city have the free
use of the water so introduced for fire purposes and for public schools." July
30th, an ordinance prohibiting disorderly conduct within the city limits was
passed, it being at the same time resolved "that hereafter this Board will
refuse to audit any bills against the city for the trial of any person or
persons for misdemeanor wherein Justices of the Peace have concurrent
jurisdiction with Recorder's Court," the following commendable rule being also
made, that the Clerk of the Board be required to draw warrants upon the
Treasurer according to priority of numbers. The resignation of Street
Commissioner Hinkle was received and accepted on October 1st; on the 26th the
name of the street hitherto distinguished by the appellation of Potato, was
changed to the more euphonious one of Prospect, while on November 9th, the map
drawn by W. A. Eliason, after such alterations as were ordered had been made,
was accepted and adopted as the official map of the city of Petaluma.

   In this year we have the first mention of a railroad having taken anything
like a definite shape. It would appear that A. P. Overton had asked the
Legislature for the right to construct a rail track between Petaluma and a point
on the creek known as the Italian garden. By some the project was loudly berated
as an outrageous attempt to despoil, rob, and even to remove Petaluma to
Saucelito! By others it was advocated, with considerable warmth. Another
railroad scheme mooted about this time would appear to have found greater favor
in the eyes of the public, for no less than two surveys are reported to have
been made for a railroad down the creek from Petaluma, the first being for a
track from May's landing, four miles in length, cutting off about twelve miles
of meandering creek navigation, at a cost of forty-five thousand five hundred
and twenty-eight dollars; and the second, on the opposite or eastern side of the
creek, commencing at Lakeville, the distance being six miles from Petaluma, and
costing forty-nine thousand five hundred and thirty-five dollars. The last route
was adopted on account of readier facilities for the earlier completion of the
undertaking, and the cutting off of some difficult navigation. We must now
record the opening up of stage communication with Tomales bay, as also the
occurrence of two fires on the 8th and 10th of May, when a stable belonging to
J. A. Gaston, and the carpenter's shop of Eli Mullen were totally destroyed.
Mention should also be made of a pronounced desire on the part of residents in
Marin to petition the Legislature that their county line should be extended
eastward, so as to include all that portion of Sonoma lying between the then
county line of Marin and Sonoma, and the Napa line, and as far north as may be
necessary to embrace Two-Rock valley, Big valley, etc., thence on to the mouth*
of the Estero Americano, and that Petaluma should become the county seat of
Marin; all of which found some advocates, but not in sufficient numbers to carry
the plan into effect. In this year of grace, too, was opened the public road
between Sonoma and this city, though it was not completed without considerable
opposition from many whose lands it ran through. In the month of November a
contract was awarded to Rudesill & Parsons for carrying a semi-weekly mail
between Petaluma and Sacramento, while on December 14th the Petaluma Savings and
Loan Society was established, rules and regulations adopted, and the following
officers elected: President, F. W. Lougee; Vice-President, William Ordway;
Secretary, I. S. Church; Trustees—P. W. Lougee, James N. McCune, William Ordway,
S. H. Wagener, B. F. Tuttle and I. D. Cross.

   In 1861, the city records show that on January 15th the Clerk of the Board of
Trustees was instructed to set forth to the representative in the Legislature
the desire of the Board to have the city map as made out by W. A. Eliason,
legalized. We also find that an election was called for March 4th to select
officers for the Fire Department, but no record is extant as to who were chosen
on the occasion, neither is the result of an election ordered to take place on
the 25th of March in accordance with an act of the Legislature providing for an
election on the question of the repeal of the charter, recorded. From the
periodicals of the day we glean that the city of Petaluma was divided on the
question of the repeal of the charter; there were those who opposed it solely on
the grounds of its alleged defects, but who were honest in their purpose to
destroy it in order to secure a new one that would in their judgment better
promote the interests of the city, while the opposite party took the ground that
though the charter was not without its defects, still, it had accomplished much
good for the city, and, as it could neither tax citizens nor involve them in
debt, it would be certainly more prudent to retain it in its original form until
something better should be found to take its place. We here produce the
following terse and apposite remarks on the subject from the columns of the
Sonoma County Journal of March 22, 1861. "As citizens of this young and growing
city we have interests which are peculiarly our own, and we are threatened by
dangers and animated by hopes that do not directly affect our fellow citizens of
the surrounding country. The Legislature has conferred upon us the privilege of
fostering, protecting, and building up these interests, by the adoption of
anywise and prudent means that our judgment may approve, or our circumstances
allow. We are also clothed with the power of self protection against all the
evils and dangers that threaten us, whether it be the safety, the peace, the
order, or the morality of the city that is violated. Under such circumstances,
by a union of effort, directed by a prudent regard fur our own interest,
Petaluma may continue to increase in wealth, prosperity and commercial
importance, until our highest hopes are realized. But if we say to the
Legislature, take back the privilege you have conferred upon us, we have no
interests to foster, no evils to eradicate, no dangers to avert, no hopes to
realize through such a union of energy and enterprise as these charter
privileges were designed to promote—then we publish to the world the indubitable
evidence of our want of enterprise and public spirit, and deliberately abandon
the only means that wisdom and experience have been able to devise to meet the
wants and interests, and secure prosperity of communities such as ours. If we
allow selfishness, jealousy, folly or caprice to hoodwink us into the
perpetration of an act that will so completely cripple our progress and
prostrate our interests, we can look to the future with no joyous anticipations,
and henceforth will have everything to fear and nothing to hope." The annual
election of municipal officers was held on April 15th, with the following
result: E. Barnes, President, Samuel C. Brown, I. D. Cross, E. Elliot, B. F.
Tuttle, Board of Trustees; Marshal, D. F. Strother; Recorder, J. Chandler;
Treasurer, S. D. Towne; Assessor, W. L. Anderson; Street Commissioner, L. N.
Harmon; Clerk, O. T. Baldwin. On 23d April, Surveyor Eliason was instructed to
set five monuments within the limits of his survey of the city, commencing at
the intersection of English and Main streets, while on October 7th the
resignation of O. T. Baldwin was accepted, and F. D. Colton appointed Clerk to
the Board in his stead.

   In the month of March, 1861, a petition numerously signed was put into
circulation, having as its intention the asking the Legislature to pass an act
allowing the citizens of Sonoma county the privilege of voting on the removal of
the county-seat from Santa Rosa to Petaluma. To this end, on the 4th of April, a
bill was introduced in the Senate by Senator Edgerton of Napa entitled "An Act
to re-locate the county-seat of Sonoma county by the qualified votes of Sonoma
county;" but from the fact of Santa Rosa being still the capital, nothing would
appear to have come of the movement. Up to this period several ineffectual
attempts had been made to secure telegraphic communication with San Francisco
and other portions of the State. Mr. J. E. Skidmore, acting as the deputy of the
Benicia and Napa Telegraphic Company, visited this city for the purpose of
entering into a contract with its citizens for the extension of the line from
Napa, by way of Sonoma, to Petaluma, agreeing on his part to perform the work
for the sum of two thousand five hundred dollars. Shares to be placed at fifty
dollars each and the Superintendent of the above company to take ten shares, he
promising at the same time to have the line in working order in six weeks; a
project which was ultimately successful. Another improvement then effected was
the opening up of a new street along the bank of the creek, forty feet in width,
from Washington street to "Tom's Stable." The original intention had been to
open it from Washington to English street, but the project was partially
defeated by the proprietors of the Franklin Hotel who claimed damages to a large
amount. The only other party asking damages was Mr. Hill, corner of Washington
and Main street, whose property would have been seriously affected by the new
street, and who claimed the sum of twelve hundred dollars. The amount was
speedily raised by the property holders along the contemplated thoroughfare and
work immediately proceeded with. The railroad scheme had no sooner taken
tangible shape than the necessity for its extension to Healdsburg was
immediately felt; how it succeeded will be shown hereafter. At the end of 1861,
the school census for the year placed the number of scholars in the city,
between the ages of four and eighteen years of age, at five hundred and
fourteen; between eighteen and twenty-one, forty-seven; total number of scholars
in the district, five hundred and sixty-one; of which number two hundred and
fifty-nine were males and two hundred and fifty-five females. Number of children
born in California, four hundred and twenty-five. Number in the district under
four years of age, two hundred and seventy-two, thus making a total of eight
hundred and thirty-three inhabitants under twenty-one years of age.

   In concluding the record of this year, a most momentous one in history, for
to the entire American nation it had been fraught with deep pain, we must not
omit to mention, in terms most laudatory, the right feeling which sustained the
inhabitants of this city in the hour of trial. We would here quote Bayard
Taylor's stirring ode to the American people, as best portraying the feelings of
the time:—

   That late, in half-despair, I said: 
  "The nation's ancient life is dead; 
   Her arm is weak, her blood is cold; 
   She hugs the peace that gives her gold,— 
   The shameful peace, that sees expire
   Each beacon-light of patriot fire,
   And makes her court a traitor's den,"—
   Forgive me this, my countrymen!

   0, in your long forbearance grand,
   Slow to suspect the treason planned,
   Enduring wrong, yet hoping good
   For sake of olden brotherhood,
   How grander, how sublimer far
   At the roused eagle's call ye are,
   Leaping from slumber to the fight
   For Freedom and for Chartered Right!

   Throughout the land there goes a cry;
   A sudden splendor fills the sky:
   From every hill the banners burst,
   Like buds by April breezes nurst;
   In every hamlet, home, and mart,
   The fire-beat of a single heart
   Keeps time to strains whose pulses mix
   Our blood with that of Seventy-six!

   The shot whereby the old flag fell
   From Sumter's battered citadel
   Struck down the lines of party creed
   And made ye One in soul and deed,—

   One mighty People, stern and strong
   To crush the consummated wrong;
   Indignant with the wrath whose rod
   Smites as the awful sword of God!
  The cup is full!

   They thought ye blind:
   The props of State they undermined;
   Abused your trust, your strength defied,
   And stained the Nation's name of pride.
   Now lift to Heaven your loyal brows,
   Swear once again your fathers' vows,
   And cut through traitor hearts a track.
   To nobler fame and freedom back!

  Draw forth your million blades as one;
   Complete the battle then begun!
   God fights with ye, and overhead
   Floats the dear banner of your dead.
   They, and the glories of the Past,
   The Future, dawning dim and vast,
   And all the holiest hopes of Man,
   Are beaming triumph in your van!

   Slow to resolve, be swift to do!
   Teach ye the false how fight the true!
   How bucklered perfidy shall feel
   In her black heart the patriot's steel;
   How sure the bolt that justice wings;
   How weak the arm a traitor brings;
   How mighty they, who steadfast stand
   For Freedom's Flag and Freedom's Land!

   At this epoch what a wail went throughout the nation! Brave men fell in
battle on American soil. Fathers lost sons, sons fathers, brothers brothers* and
the land was loud with the lamentations of the widow and orphan. In the midst of
this woe, how pleasant it is to record that the ranks of the volunteer regiments
of California were almost daily receiving accessions to their strength, and
still more pleasing is it to remember that Petaluma did its share on the side of
Freedom by sending Company D, Captain William E. Hull, into the regular service.

   We will now continue our resume of the transactions of the Board of Trustees.
On January 20, 1862, a committee was appointed to draft amendments to the city
charter, as also one to define rules for the government of the Board, while on
the 25th the following ordinances were adopted: Those relating to licenses; fire
department; meetings of Board; disorderly conduct; street commissioner; grades
on Main and Washington streets; nuisances; swine and goats; well in East
Petaluma; water rights to John Cavanagh et al.; repeal of certain ordinances;
and a set of rules for the guidance of the municipality in their counsels was
introduced and passed. On April 21st, the annual election was held with the
following result: B. F. Tuttle, E. Elliott, I. D. Cross, Samuel Brown, W. D.
Bliss, President, Board of Trustees-Recorder, Josiah Chandler; Treasurer, F. T.
Maynard; Marshal, John Cavanagh; Assessor, T. S. Lindsey; Street Commissioner,
J. M. Lightner; Clerk, F. D. Colton, who on the 28th July was appointed City
Attorney in addition to his other duties. On August 19th, the plaza was directed
to be enclosed by a fence, and on September 26th, a meeting of citizens was
directed to he convened for the purpose of considering the propriety of raising
a patriotic fund for the relief of sick and wounded soldiers of the war.

   Early in the year, the much vexed question of creek navigation was taken up,
and a steam dredge set to work to deepen the channel; this was not the work of
the corporation, however, but that of Mr. Minturn of the steamboat company. He
purposed making the creek navigable only as far as the point known as the
Italian garden, where he would place the steamer landing, the balance he left
with the citizens. At this period the question of the horse railroad from that
point was again mooted, and a committee composed of Messrs. Lamberton, Overton,
Baylis, Lougee, Barnes, Ordway, and Sawyer, were appointed to draft a bill to be
submitted at a meeting to be subsequently convened. On the 4th March such
meeting was duly held and the approval of the bill was unanimously signified by
the assembly. Its provisions were that H. J. May, Charles M. Baxter, William
Kohl, and those whom they may associate with them, shall lay out a railroad, on
which horses and mules shall be used, from the Italian garden to any point in
Petaluma, provided that the road shall not extend north of Washington street. It
further provided that the corporation shall collect passage and freight on said
road, the rate to be fixed by the Trustees of the city of Petaluma, which shall
not be less than eighteen per cent, a year on the amount of capital invested,
unless by consent of the company, giving them the right to so collect for twenty
years. It also provided that the work, on the road shall be commenced within six
months, and completed within twenty-two months. In this enterprise the city had
not been asked to render any assistance; individual enterprise alone appeared in
the work which should apparently have been taken hold of by the community; how
it prospered will, in the course of our labors, be shown. In the month of March
a bill to amend the charter of Petaluma was laid before the Legislature. In
reporting the movement the Alta of the 11th of that month says: "Mr. Reed moved
to suspend the rules, consider engrossed, on part or final passage. Mr. Dudley,
of Placer, asked for the reading of the bill, and after it was read, he
characterized it as a most extraordinary bill. It proposed to allow the city to
exact licenses from billiard tables, dram-shops, etc., and he thought it would
interfere with the general revenue law. He moved to recommit it to the
delegation from Sonoma for revision. Mr. Reed said it was in no respect an
extraordinary bill, and did not conflict with the revenue law at all. It simply
asked the same privilege for Petaluma that was enjoyed by San Francisco,
Sacramento, and all the other cities. The motion to suspend the rules was
sustained, and the bill passed," We reproduce from the Journal of May 30, 1862,
an article which goes far to show the attitude of public feeling, on the subject
of the city charter a decade after the settlement of the town was commenced.
"Since discussions of many important enterprises had, of late among our citizens
have invariably closed in the expression that nothing at present can be done,
while at the same time all have admitted the necessity of the measures we have
made bold to express, wherein lays the cause of nonaction; and as a result
almost always find that the assistance and co-operation of Petaluma as an
incorporated people, is needed; but that, being restricted by its charter in its
action, is powerless for good, and thus in its shackled condition, all large
enterprises needing its endorsement, fall palsied, still-born, to the ground. A
glance at the charter and we are convinced that powerless indeed is Petaluma, as
an incorporated city, for the accomplishment of any great result. Like a child
has she been bound; no tool of cunning placed in its hands but its effective
edge is first carefully rounded off, lest, forsooth, it cuts its fingers, and
there be a doctor's bill to pay.

   "We have no disposition to rebuke those individuals who first conceived the
idea of restricting the city in its action; but we are free to say that such a
course was a decided protest to the great principles of republican government,
"that the people are able to govern themselves." It has always been a principle
of law that when power is given to individuals and bodies to do certain acts,
that all minor powers necessary to perform these acts, go with the gift. In
Petaluma's case, however, the rule has been changed; she has been made a city in
name, privileges vested in her to do certain things, but the means for doing, no
matter what the wishes of the people, are carefully and wisely (?) taken from
her. How like the child is she, whose father sends her to school to be educated,
but fails to provide the necessary books to learn from; or the mechanic that is
expected to execute a fine piece of work, but has neither the tools nor material
to do it with.

   "Such is the condition of Petaluma, her hands tied to the performance of
every great work. Better by far would it be that she had no pretensions at all,
rather than a vain sounding title, without the means to adorn it and make it
useful. Her means must be frittered away in half finished foundations, whilst
the superstructure never is raised. The objection has been offered that the city
might be run in debt if her people, through their Trustees, were permitted to do
such things as her wants really demand. If such is the fear, and if that is a
good reason for the restriction, why have a city at all? Why not remain as a
township, with the County Supervisors to judge and provide for our wants as they
deem necessary. *   *   * As a conclusion, we may remark that there are many
enterprises which, if they had a few years since been carried through, would by
this time have paid for themselves by taxation on the increased value of
property, besides the largely increased one of population and business. No more
appropriate occasion than the present has ever presented itself in which to make
a movement for the abandonment of the narrow-minded policy which has so long
governed us. The disputed land claim upon which our city rests, about to be
settled, the individual enterprise of some of our citizens invite the the [sic]
people to step forth and declare, that to govern themselves they need not be
restricted by others."

   Let us now continue our note of events: On the night of the 10th April, a
fiendish attempt to destroy the city prison by fire was made by an intoxicated
person named Crane. Fortunately for him the flames were discovered in sufficient
time to check their progress, else he would have perished on a pyre of his own
raising. Again, on Thursday July 3d, the first conflagration of any magnitude
which the city had experienced broke out in a building occupied by Mr. Pierson.
Although the fire company labored manfully, yet, spite of all efforts, the
property belonging to Mr. Pierson, that of William Ayres, occupied by R. Lansdon
as a livery stable, and the Artesian Water Works of Mr. Armstrong were burned to
the ground, considerable damage being also done to the premises of the Sonoma
County Journal and others. The losses on the occasion were not far short of
three thousand dollars.

   Among all the prospects for the future in which the mind of man is engrossed,
unlooked for death occasionally steals in to prove that we are but mortal. On
the 30th of January, 1862, Doctor S. W. Brown, one of the earliest of the city's
residents, was struck down in the full strength and vigor of a useful life,
esteemed, respected, and sorrowed for by all. He was a native of Hartford,
Connecticut, and at the time of his death was about sixty years of age. He
emigrated to California in 1849, and located in Sacramento, where he continued
to reside until the Spring of 1852, at which time he removed to Petaluma, where
he had since resided. He was a man of much literary attainment, and a warm
friend of education, and had been untiring in his efforts for its advancement in
this city. In 1860 he was a candidate on the Republican ticket for State
Superintendent of Public Instruction.

   "So live, that when thy summons comes to join
    The innumerable caravan that moves
    To the pale realms of shade, where each shall take
    His chamber in the silent halls of death,
    Thou go not, like the quarry slave, at night
    Scourged to his dungeon; but sustained and soothed
    By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave
    Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch
    About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams."

   At this period of her existence Petaluma entered into a career of prosperity
unequalled by any portion of her past history. The first real estate sales of
any moment which had taken place in two years indicated flattering prospects for
the future; while wood shanties made way for more substantial fabrics, notable
among these being the removal of the American Hotel back a distance of sixty
feet, and the contemplated substitution of a three-storied brick edifice. This
building was finished and ready for the occupation of guests early in 1863. In
addition to these signs of prosperity we should not omit to mention that in this
year (1862) the city was well stocked with mechanical establishments; of these
enterprises there being, the blacksmithing and wheelwright shops of William
Ordway, the tannery of Mr. Bailey, the carriage and blacksmith emporium of
Fritsch, Zartman & Co., the foundry and machine shop of Hatch & Cobb; and in
East Petaluma, the match factory under charge of Mr. Hutchings. Another
indication of prosperity which made itself apparent at this time was the fact of
their being so few unoccupied houses, while all through the town signs of
increase in building accommodation was to be seen. Once more the incendiary's
blackened hand had been to work! On the 7th November, the Petaluma Steam
Flouring Mills, situated at the north end of Main street, were totally destroyed
by fire, notwithstanding every effort was made to save them by the Fire
Department. The building was erected by Veatch & Hutchinson, in 1857, at a cost
of upwards of twenty thousand dollars.

   On March 7, 1863, the records of the city announce the election of T. F.
Baylis and A. P. Mallory as Chief and Assistant Engineers of the Fire
Department, and on April 20th, the annual election of city officers was held,
when the following body corporate was chosen: Board of Trustees, O. Sweetland,
President; Lee Ellsworth, John Shroufe, William Ordway, and H. L. Weston;
Recorder, Josiah Chandler; Marshal, John Cavanagh; Treasurer, F. T. Maynard;
Assessor, T. K. Wilson; Street Commissioner, J. M. Lightner; Clerk, F. D.
Colton. At the session succeeding the election the thanks of the meeting were
tendered to W. D. Bliss, the retiring President, for the dignity and
impartiality with which lie had presided over their deliberations during his
term of office. A report of the Committee appointed to investigate the working
of the ordinance relative to the Fire Department was accepted on May 25th, while
on the day following a law was passed granting to C. M. Baxter and others the
right to erect gas works and lay pipes through the streets of the city. On
November 9th, a petition was presented by certain citizens to be allowed to
erect a bridge over the ravine at the junction of Fifth and Sixth streets; a
Committee was appointed to investigate the necessity of such, and reported
adversely, but recommended the substitution of a few planks to be placed across
the chasm at that point; however, on December 14th, the bridge was finally
ordered to be constructed, the city furnishing the material, notwithstanding the
willingness of the residents in that section to defray the cost thereof.

   About half-past four o'clock on. the morning of February 18,-1863, the bell
again rang out its clarion tones to arouse the slumbering firemen. The Petaluma
House was the scene of the alarm—the kitchen, or ell, of which was discovered to
be in flames. This building, as also those immediately adjoining on either side,
being wooden and of the most combustible character the flames spread rapidly,
and soon cleared a space of about one hundred and twenty-five feet on Main
street, notwithstanding the noble efforts put forth by the firemen to stay its
course. That the fire was the work of an incendiary admits of not a doubt The
hotel in which it originated had not been occupied for several weeks. The
sufferers were Charles Hunt, of Petaluma, and H. H. Parkell, of San Francisco,
owners of the hotel; B. Newman, owner of the building adjoining it on the south;
Fritsch, Zartman & Co., owners of that adjoining it on the north, and the
Pohelman Brothers, butchers, occupants of the same.

   About the time that the firemen were congratulating themselves that the
danger of a general conflagration had passed, and there being scarcely a breath
of air stirring, notwithstanding the magnitude of the fire, they were appalled
by the startling intelligence that the rear of the brick building on the east
side of the street, owned by Doctor J. L. Bond, and occupied by Thomas Hagans,
as a stable (the building that stopped the fire of July 3d, from sweeping that
side of the street) was in flames! Upon turning their attention to this quarter,
it was found that the hay, in the shed adjoining the building and standing
immediately upon the bank of the creek, had been fired, and that the flames had
already extended through the back door to the stables and roof of the brick
building. All efforts to save it proved unavailing, and the roof soon fell in
with a loud crash. The horses, carriages, and portion of the harness were
removed. The loss of property— building, hay, grain, harness, etc.—is estimated
at from twelve to fifteen hundred dollars. The walls of the building having been
of great thickness and durability they escaped with little or no damage,

   Once more we have to record the arrival of the dread messenger. On March 2d,
Samuel Tustin, one of the oldest and most esteemed citizens of Petaluma, was
called to cross the dark river, at the advanced age of seventy-three years. Mr.
Tustin and his family were among the pioneers of this coast and State, having
emigrated from Illinois to Oregon in 1847, from which point they came to
California in 1849, settling at Sacramento, where he remained until 1851, when
he moved to Petaluma, then an open plain, but from the bosom of which he lived
to see spring into existence a numerous, happy and prosperous community. Having
always taken an active part in all matters of a local character, upon the
prerogative of a city government, he was chosen a member of the first Board of
Trustees. The evening of the 19th of December was the city for the first time
lit by gas, while a month earlier, the Central Flouring Mills commenced work,
under the direction of A. P. Mallory, making the third flour mill erected in the
city. Among the other occurrences of the year was that of a prize-fight, which
took place on the bank of the creek, about one mile below Lakeville, between
Johnny Lazarus and Pete Daley.

   The school census for Petaluma District during the year was as follows:
Males, over four and under eighteen years of age, two hundred and seventy;
females over four and under eighteen, two hundred and fifty-one; total males and
females, five hundred and twenty-one. Under four years of age, two hundred and
sixteen; between eighteen and twenty-one years, thirty > under twenty-one, born
in California, four hundred and seventy; between four and six years, ninety-one;
between these ages attending public school, sixty-eight; total attending public
school, ninety-three; total attending private school, eighty-two; not attending
any school, one hundred and forty-three; Indian children, ten; negro, five; deaf
and dumb, three.

   The first record of any interest to be found in the proceedings of the Board
of Trustees for the year 1864 is the election of the Corporation, on April 18th,
these being: Board of Trustees—Lee Ellsworth, William Ordway, John Sroufe, O.
Sweetland, President, and A. P. Whitney; Recorder, G. W. Reed; Assessor, T. K.
Wilson; Marshal, John Cavanagh; Treasurer, F. T. Maynard; Street Commissioner,
Almon Johnson; Clerk, F. B. Colton. On the 25th, the question of a salary to the
Recorder was mooted, a committee was, therefore, appointed to investigate the
amount of emolument received in former years by that officer, so that the rate
which should be voted, might be determined. In this regard the committee
reported on May 3d that the average of salaries for the past three years had not
exceeded one hundred and fifty dollars, while the sums received showed a yearly
decrease; it was, therefore, on motion, ordered that the salary of the Recorder
of the city of Petaluma be fixed and established at one hundred and twenty-five
dollars per annum.

   Although the subject of railroads had been for long occupying the attention
of the City Fathers, the first mention of one in their minute-book is found on
May 23d, which appears in these words: "A petition was received from C. Minturn
to set aside the plaza, near the Union Hotel, for a railroad depot for
twenty-five years, which was laid over under the rules of procedure." On June
13th, it was taken up and read, as was also a remonstrance against the granting
of the prayer of the petition, signed by T. F. Baylis & Co., and others. On
motion, it was ordered that the said petition and remonstrance, and the
consideration thereof be indefinitely postponed. July 25th, it was voted that
the President be authorized to take the steps in his judgment proper to
ascertain the amount, and what public lands the city authorities can pre-empt,
and to make application for a pre-emption of the same; to this end inquiries
were instituted, and a report, made on August 8th, that the law enabling the
Board of Trustees to pre-empt land had lately been repealed. We find, on October
4th, the report of the City Recorder was referred back to him that he should
make a more definite report, specifying each case tried with amount of fees of
different officers in each, amount of fines in each and sums collected in each.

   On February 19, 1864, the Sonoma County Journal issued its valedictory
address, the plant and good will having been purchased by the Argus, a paper
which had been previously established. In this place we will add our slight
tribute of praise to the very excellent manner in which this, the father of
journalistic effort in Petaluma, was conducted; we must not forget to say how
thankful we are for the host of valuable information in connection with this
work which we have been enabled to glean from its columns, information which it
would have been impossible to arrive at save from a newspaper. In the early part
of the year 1864, complaints were rife in regard to the high prices which
obtained for grain, flour, hay—indeed, every article of consumption frr man and
beast—a circumstance then causing the most gloomy forebodings. Let us not dwell,
however, on these dark pictures; it is sufficient for our work to record their
existence; more pleasurable is it to turn to the brighter and more progressive
spots in Petaluma's history. At the epoch of which we write her many churches
were all in a flourishing condition, new fire companies were organized as the
necessity for them arose, while the public, as well as the private schools,
showed commendable prosperity and increase in attendance. The following remarks
will illustrate the roll of scholars of the public schools for the year under
consideration: Number of boys between four and eighteen years of age, three
hundred and fifty; number of girls between the same ages, three hundred and
thirty-nine; total number of white children between these ages, six hundred and
eighty-nine. Number of white children under four years, three hundred and
thirteen; number between eighteen and twenty-one years, twenty-six. Number of
white children under twenty-one years born in California, six hundred and
fifty-five; number between four and six, one hundred and forty-seven; number of
white children between four and six attending school, twenty-five. Number of
Indian children between four and eighteen, fifteen; number of Negro children of
same age, nine. In the month of May we find the residents of the city much
concerned in the matter of a bell, the story of which shall be told in as few
words as possible: Several years before this period of which we write, the
citizens were afflicted with a bell mania. The inhabitants of the lower portion
of the city having, by contribution, purchased a bell for the Congregational
church, those of the upper portion of the town at once determined to obtain
another that would weigh more and sound louder than the one destined to call the
residents of Lower Petaluma to their devotions. The result of this determination
was the contributing, by divers and sundry persons, of a sum amounting to six or
seven hundred dollars> which was entrusted to M. Doyle, who with it purchased
the old Vigilance Committee bell at San Francisco, the solemn cadence of which
had warned Casey, Cora, and others that the time had come for them to shuffle
off this mortal coil. By common consent the bell was hung in the belfrey of the
First Baptist church in this city, with the conditions that it was to be used,
not only as a church bell, but by the city, on all occasions when bells are
usually in requisition; and in accordance with this arrangement, the city had
kept a man employed to ring the bell at morning, noon and night. In consequence
of the revolution which then shook the country from center to circumference, a
revolution on a small scale was inaugurated in the Baptist congregation, and the
result was the enacting of a set of loyal resolutions very unpalatable to the
secession element of the community. On this certain parties felt themselves
aggrieved, foremost among whom was Mr. Doyle, and the y determined that the bell
should not give forth its brazen notes over a "d—d Abolition congregation;" and
as he (Doyle) had invested the sum of one hundred and five dollars in the
aforesaid bell, he proceeded with a posse of men, and by means of a block and
tackle, hoisted the bell from the belfry, placed it on a dray, and stored it in
a convenient warehouse, much to the detriment of sleepy citizens who were wont
to be released from the embrace of the drowsy god by its familiar peals. The
excitement consequent upon this defiant disregard of the feelings and rights of
the community was for a time intense, but it subsided when it became manifest
that Doyle, with his bell, occupied as unenviable a position as did the man who
drew the elephant in the lottery. At a future date public opinion demanded the
rehanging of the bell, it was subsequently cracked, and to-day rings out in
discordant notes, in lively contrast with the other chimes which gladden the
sounds of the early Sabbath morn. We will close our remarks on the year 1864 by
stating that once more the fire-fiend was agog—on September 9th the steamboat
warehouse having been burnt to the ground, causing a loss of fully ten thousand
dollars, a Bloomfield firm who were shipping a new stock of goods being the
heaviest losers.


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.

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ca/sonoma/history/1880/historyo/petaluma396nms.txt

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