Yuba County CA Archives History - Books .....Chapter 5 Yuba County In The Fifties 1924
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Book Title: History Of Yuba And Sutter Counties

CHAPTER V 
YUBA COUNTY IN THE FIFTIES 

    The era of growth and progress had now arrived, and the city, which before
this time had been seen only in dreams, was to become a reality. The possibility
of uninterrupted navigation to its landings gave it superiority 
over the other towns on the lower parts of the river. The distance to the mines
was so small that the cargoes of the steamers and sailing vessels 
could easily be transferred to the camps on the north and east. The mines were
in active operation along the Yuba River and its tributaries, from ten miles
above its mouth to the higher ranges of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The growth
of the town had just commenced, but it started full-fledged. Lots sold rapidly,
for the first object of the merchant on arriving was to purchase or lease a
suitable location for erecting his store. This wonderful increase in the number
of business houses was simply the outgrowth of necessity. The mines were
yielding millions of dollars, and miners must have some place to dispose of
their gold dust and to purchase their food, clothes, and supplies. This was the
only available point, and it became the business center. It is estimated that on
the 1st of January there were about 300 inhabitants in the town. 

    A tabulated statement made at that time, showing the population of
California at the beginning of 1849 and comparing same with the population of
the State on January 1, 1850, showed the following: January 1, 1849,
Californians, 13,000; Americans, 8000; foreigners, 5000; total 26,000. January
1, 1850, Californians, 13,000; Americans, 76,069, increase in one year, 68,069;
foreigners, 18,000, increase in one year, 13,000. 

    Illustrative of the unsettled state of opinion regarding the location of the
principal town of the region, the following may be mentioned. About the 10th of
February, J. H. Jewett and Horace Beach arrived at Yuba City with a train of
pack mules from Sacramento. The important question of settlement then presented
itself to them. Being undecided, they remained in Yuba City about a week, when,
fully convinced that the town across the river was to be the fortunate one, they
crossed in a canoe, swimming their mules. The result showed their opinion and
decision to be correct. During the first part of January, the second steamer on
the river arrived. This was the Lawrence, commanded by E. C. M. Chadwick, and
she was quickly followed by others. There were no warehouses in which to store
the abundant supplies of goods and merchandise that were being landed from the
steamers and sailing vessels, and so they were deposited on the plaza, at the
foot of E Street. The tent stores were filled to their utmost capacity. The only
means of transportation to the mountain camps was by the pack trains. In the
valleys the immense freight-wagons, often referred to as "prairie schooners,"
could be used. 

    On Saturday, January 19, 1850, the following advertisement appeared in the
Placer Times: 

    "Notice: The undersigned take this method of informing the public that the
new town of Marysville, at the mouth of Yuba River, formerly known as 'Nye's
Ranch,' is now undergoing survey, and the lots will be offered for sale as soon
as the map can be prepared. Persons desirous of visiting this place, will find a
road passable at all seasons of the year from Sacramento City, by way of Norris
Johnson's old ranch (now Gillespie's), thence to the town. The steamers Lawrence
and Linda are also making regular trips twice a week. For further information,
inquire of Messrs. Covillaud, Fajard & Company. 

                    "Signed: Charles Covillaud & Co., Proprietors." 

    It was at this juncture that Stephen J. Field, a young man destined to
become a justice of the United States Supreme Court, arrived on the scene and
made known that he was a lawyer from New York. His services at once were
enlisted in drawing up the deeds to the lots. To first quiet title to the whole,
Field had Captain Sutter sent for. Sutter affixed his signature to a deed which
conveyed to Covillaud, Ramirez, Sicard and Sampson all his right and title in
the tract settled upon by Cordua, and described as follows: "Bounded southwardly
by a small stream emptying into Feather River, called Yuba River; westwardly by
Feather River; and northwardly by a line forming the northern boundary of the
property of the party of the first part, which line is in latitude 39 degrees 33
minutes and 45 seconds, and which line commences at Feather River at the
rancheria of Honcut, and extends to the lands of Theodore Cordua's ranch;
eastwardly by a straight line running from the lands of said Cordua's ranch, at
right angles to the above-mentioned northwardly line, to the Yuba River." 

    The tribunal formed by the selection of Stephen J. Field as alcalde, and T.
M. Twitchel, sheriff, caused the turbulent element that had found its way to the
new town to use greater discretion. Gambling, however, was an evil with which
the law was incapable of dealing; it had become a mania, and policy required
that the eyes of justice should be turned away from it. Hotels were established
to accommodate the citizens and travelers. The rates charged were large; yet
these were commensurate with the price at that time paid for provisions and labor. 

    The free and easy morals at that time frequently tended to the commission of
criminal acts, the most common being' the stealing of horses and cattle roaming
on the wide, unfenced tracts. Following is an account of the proceedings to
force the discontinuance of this custom, published in the Placer Times of
Saturday, February 2, 1850: 

    "Criminal Court of Sacramento District 

    "At a term of this court held for the District of Sacramento, at Marysville,
upon the Yuba, this 28th day of January, 1850, present R. A. Wilson, Judge of
the Criminal Court of said district. It having been made to appear to this court
that there was a combination of cattle thieves, with extensive ramifications
through this district; and it further appearing to this court that certain evil
disposed persons have industriously circulated the report that it is lawful to
kill unmarked cattle upon the ranches, as well as upon the public lands, and
that thereby many misguided persons have been led to the commission of felony;
and the Grand Jury of said district having upon their oaths found true bills for
grand larceny against Samuel Hicks, Michael Watson, Nelson Gill, and James
Nicholson for cattle-stealing: It is ordered by the court, that the clerk give
public notice warning all persons that may have been misled by such
misrepresentations, of the consequence of the farther commission of such crime —
that the stealing of beef cattle, whether branded or unbranded, is an infamous
offense, within the meaning of the constitution, and any person convicted of
said offense is deprived of all the rights of citizenship in California, and
liable to a sentence to two years confinement in the chain gang; and that in
conducting the administration of justice, when necessary, the court is
authorized to call upon the Commandant of the United States troops stationed at
Johnson's Ranch. 

        "Signed: Stephen J. Field, Clerk of said Court 
                             and Alcalde of Marysville." 

    In the Placer Times of Saturday, February 16, 1850, appeared a notice by
Nicolaus Allgeier, dated January 17, 1850, appointing Charles Berghoff his
agent. Then a notice appointing Joseph Grant agent to sell lots in Nicolaus,
signed, "Nicolaus Allgeier, by Carl Berghoff, his agent." Then: 

    "The subscriber, having a few lots undisposed of in the new town of
Nicolaus, will offer them to this community for a few days longer, when those
remaining will be offered to the citizens of San Francisco. The terms are easy
and the burden light. Strike while the iron is hot. 

                 "Signed: Joseph Grant, Corner of I and Front 
                                   Streets, over Stevens & Co." 

    In the middle of February, the appearance of Marysville was that of a huge
camp. The United States Hotel was a canvas structure on the east side of D
Street, between First and Second Streets, where a large garage is now located.
In the latter part of this month and the early part of the following, this
canvas structure was replaced by a boarding house. The City Hotel, another
canvas edifice, was located on the northeast corner of First and D Streets,
facing the Plaza. On E Street and south of First Street were four canvas houses,
one of which had a board front. They were all occupied as wholesale and retail
establishments. On the north side of First, between E and F Streets, there were
about four more canvas houses. John C. Fall's establishment was on F Street.
Residence tents were scattered around between Second Street and the river, most
of the people boarding in the two hotels. Old dry-goods or grocery boxes were
sold for two or three dollars. Torn apart and placed on the ground in the tents,
they formed excellent floors. 

    It is estimated that the population at this time was as follows: Number of
permanent inhabitants, 500; floating population, including travelers, teamsters,
packers, etc., 1000; total, 1500. 

    On the 19th of February, Theodore Sicard sold to R. B. Buchanan and Gabriel
N. Swezy, for $12,500, a large number of lots in Marysville, and also the
undivided one-fourth of the land deeded by Captain Sutter, January 18, 1850, to
Covillaud, Ramirez, Sicard, and Sampson, and the same interest in the Cordua
Grant. Two days afterwards, on February 21, Captain Sutter conveyed by deed to
Covillaud, Ramirez, Sampson and Sicard the tract on the south side of the Yuba. 

    As yet, religious services had not been held in the town. No missionaries
had visited this portion of the county. The American River was the line beyond
which they had not dared to extend their operations. The foreigners in the north
were mostly Americans, and the Indians were of a more savage and independent
nature. They wanted no missionaries. In the spring, however, the Reverend
Washburn inaugurated the religious movement by assembling a meeting on a
flatboat near the Plaza. He went from Maine to New Bedford, and came to this
coast on the Mayflower, one of the three vessels starting at about the same time
from that port, the other two being the American and the Obed Mitchell. Soon
after his arrival in Marysville, he opened a store, adjoining which was a saloon
kept by his son. The old gentleman was very much opposed to the business carried
on by his offspring. From this circumstance has been heralded the statement that
the pioneer minister in Marysville was a saloon-keeper, a charge evidently
without foundation. There was a person, however, who had served in the ministry
in the Eastern States, and who, upon arriving here in the mixed state of morals,
entered into business in the capacity of a monte-dealer. When called to account
by his friends from the East, he replied that he had "struck a better thing";
and, in truth, he was quite lucky at gaming. 

    The scene in the little town was one of unusual activity; every person was
busy building tents, selling goods, unloading freight, or engaging in one of the
hundred other occupations incident to pioneer life. No regard was paid to the
Sabbath, as a day either of rest or of devotion. The following is illustrative
of the lack of respect shown to the day: One Sunday a ferry-boat was being
constructed near the river bank and the men were busily calking the seams. A
steamer lay at the wharf near by, the deck hands industriously transferring the
freight to the landing. It was a scene of bustle and noise; yet in the midst of
all this confusion, a chaplain connected with one of the mining companies,
desiring to preach, selected the ferry-boat as his stand and pulpit. A few men
quit their occupations, and with the idle persons gathered around the minister.
The remainder continued their pursuits. Amid all this noise and confusion, and
with frequent interruptions from a drunken sailor, the minister delivered his
discourse. 

    By March, over 350 lots had been sold and most of them had been located
upon. Lumber was selling at from $225. to $300 per thousand feet, a price too
high for the ordinary purchaser. Among the principal business houses were: John
C. Fall & Company; Babb & Eaton; Cook, Baker & Company; A. T. Farish; Ford &
Goodwin; Eaton & Green; S. Sartwell; Packard & Woodruff; Lowe & Brothers;
Charles Lambert; J. H. Adams; Treadwell & Company; John H. Jewett; M. Cheeseman;
William B. Thornburg; George H. Beach; and Harrington & Hazeltine. 

    Several settlements were growing in the days when Yuba County and Marysville
were passing through their infancy, but none attained large proportions. The
pioneers recall the town of Eliza, which at one time made overtures for the
county seat. In the early part of 1850, a movement was made to establish this
town, which was located south of Marysville on the Feather River, and flourished
only a short time. The Kennebec Company had purchased of John A. Sutter the
Memal Ranch occupied by Jack Smith, extending a mile along the river and three
miles back, west of Rose's Ranch. In March, 1850, the company removed to
Downieville, took up thirteen river claims, dammed and turned the stream out of
its channel, and mined until the 1st of November, when they disorganized. This
dissolution was not caused by any trouble, but was thought to be an expedient
measure. The property was sold at auction, the members being the purchasers.
When it was found that the parties were to locate on land in the vicinity of
Marysville, the owners of the town offered one-fourth of their lots, if the
company would settle there and aid in building up the city. Before departing on
the Downieville trip, Dr. McCullough was appointed their attorney to conclude
the bargain. Before consummating it the doctor, becoming alarmed, went to Eliza
and purchased an interest there. The advantages claimed for this place were that
boats could always reach it. The supposed obstructions in the channel below
Marysville, and the grounding of several boats in that portion of the river,
caused quite an alarm. However, the town of Eliza never realized the hopes and
intentions of its locators. Judge Phil W. Keyser, who later became superior
judge of Yuba and Sutter Counties, was chosen alcalde, and a few buildings were
erected; but in June the place collapsed and sank out of existence, the
residents removing to other parts. 

    The town of Linda, after which a Yuba County judicial township was named,
was also short-lived. It was started in the spring of 1850. After the arrival of
the party in the little steamer Linda at Rose's Ranch, the members of the
company persuaded Mr. Rose to lay out a town. Land was surveyed and a number of
lots were sold. After the survey, the steamer Linda went up to the location with
a large party of excursionists to inaugurate the new town. The party enjoyed
themselves greatly, partaking freely of the refreshments provided. Charles
Lupton built a house there; and a few shanties and a small store were also
erected. These, with the two old cabins of Smith and Nye, comprised the
settlement. Rose kept a ferry at that point, and at a later date a bridge was
built. In about two years the town was abandoned. Its site now lies about thirty
feet below the surface of the tailings, where once grew the finest grain raised
in Yuba County. 

    In the month of April, 1850, the proprietors of Marysville yielded to the
popular passion for city-making, and laid out the town of Featherton, at the
mouth of the Honcut. The following advertisement in the issue of May 3, 1850, of
the Sacramento Placer Times, explains their intentions: 

    "The undersigned proprietors of Marysville would inform the public that they
have located and laid out a city, to be called Featherton, at the loot of the
Willow Rapids and the head of low-water navigation on Feather River, and being
at the junction of the Honcut with Feather River, and between fifteen and twenty
miles above Marysville, the shares of which they now offer to sell. From the
advantageous situation of said city; its elevation above high water; located in
a dense and lovely grove of evergreen oak; the head of navigation on Feather
River, except in times of unusual freshets; lying along the great trail to the
Feather River and Upper Trinity mines, and within ten miles of the newly
discovered mines on the Honcut, the undersigned feel free to recommend the new
city for beauty of scenery and location, business advantages and permanent
security of capital invested, equal to any up-river city in California. 

    "Any person desirous of procuring shares in said city, can do so by applying
to E. Gillespie, Sacramento City, in brick building, corner Second and J
Streets; to Barton Lee, of same place, third door on Second Street from J; or to
the proprietors, at their old office in Marysville, where the terms and
conditions may be known. It is the desire of the undersigned that all who feel
inclined to become interested in the said city would go upon the ground and see
the same for themselves, and the undersigned would gladly offer any aid to
persons wishing to visit Featherton, if they will call at their ranch building
in Marysville. The drawing will take place on the 15th day of May next, at
Featherton, when the unsold shares will be purchased. A steamer will leave
Marysville on the morning of the said 15th day of May for Featherton, passage,
etc., free. The map of said city, and one of the proprietors, may be seen on
Thursday and Friday, the second and third of May next, at said Gillespie's
office, or at the Sutter House. 
Signed, C. Covillaud & Company." 

    The new town met with such faint encouragement that the project was shortly
abandoned by the promoters. 

    More enduring were such places as McCourtney's Crossing, McDonald's Mill,
Parks Bar and Rose Bar — mining camps, only scant relics of which, however,
remain at the present time. 

    In the middle of March, Charles Vero was born. His mother, whose maiden name
was Mary Luther, came across the plains, arriving here in September, 1847, and
was married in June or July, to Joseph Vero. It is claimed that this was the
first white child born in the county; and there is no doubt but that he was the
first white child born of parents married within the present limits of the county. 

    The first legislature named the first Monday in April for the election of
county officers; and as the day approached, political matters became lively. The
canvass developed a horde of candidates, and a lively contest ensued. The
election resulted in the selection of the following: County judge, Henry P.
Haun; county attorney, Samuel B. Mulford; county clerk, Edward D. Wheeler;
sheriff, Robert B. Buchanan; county recorder, Alfred Lawton; county surveyor, J.
B. dishing; county treasurer, L. W. Taylor; county assessor, S. C. Tompkins;
coroner, S. T. Brewster. It is stated that about 800 votes were cast at the
election, 700 of these being cast in Marysville. 

    The district court of the eighth judicial district, presided over by Judge
William R. Turner, held its first session in Marysville on the 3rd of June. H.
P. Watkins was appointed district attorney by the court. The next day the first
grand jury was drawn. 

    In August the "Squatter" movement, which was progressing in the lower
cities, gained a foothold in Marysville. A Squatters' meeting took place in the
courthouse, and the subject of land titles and occupation was discussed. The
attendance adopted a series of resolutions, deprecating any unlawful acts, and
among other things resolving that it was wrong to settle upon city property, as
it conflicted seriously with the rights of third persons who purchased for a
valuable consideration. 

    The town had now become of such a size, and the surrounding county so far
developed, that the success of a newspaper seemed assured. Accordingly, Col.
Robert H. Taylor, on the 6th of August, issued the first number of the
Marysville Herald, the first newspaper north of Sacramento. The possession of a
journal for the dissemination of news gave new dignity to the town and county.
It served to herald their condition and resources through different parts of the
territory and the Eastern States. 

    The news of the death of President Zachary Taylor at Washington, July 9,
1850, reached Marysville in September, and funeral obsequies were appropriately
observed, S. M. Miles (who afterward became the first mayor) acting as grand
marshal. 

    In the first part of September, 1850, there came on three days of the
hardest rain that had yet fallen. It raised the rivers and drove the miners out.
Supposing that another wet season had set in, the men in the mountains laid in a
heavy stock of supplies for the winter at enormous prices. The weather became
pleasant again, however, and there was no further rain of any account until the
following March. As a consequence, during the winter these extra quantities of
food and supplies were sent back to Marysville, and disposed of at great
sacrifice, the merchants being undersold one-half. 

    The State election was held in October, and Judge Stephen J. Field was
elected to represent Yuba County in the Assembly, receiving a large majority of
the votes cast. It was at this election that Jesse O. Goodwin was chosen
district attorney. 

    The epidemic of cholera broke out in California at about this time, and
swept over many parts of the State. Marysville was singularly free from this
scourge, as only one case was reported within its limits. Yuba City had also
only one person afflicted. 

    During the summer of this year, the water in the Feather River became so low
that it was impossbile for steamers to ascend to Marysville. This interruption
nearly suspended business transactions, and threatened to seriously affect the
progress of the town; but in November the Governor Dana appeared, and as she
steamed up the river the enthusiasm of the people was almost boundless. It was
an occasion to be celebrated with festivities. 

    A feeling had long been gaining ground relative to the probability of
Marysville becoming the principal of the "up-river" towns. As the population
became larger, the citizens decided to avail themselves of the benefits and
privileges gained by incorporating. Accordingly, on December 3, a mass-meeting
was held in the United States Hotel on D Street, of which Gabriel N. Swezy was
chosen chairman. A discussion followed as to the practicability of petitioning
the legislature to pass the necessary act to incorporate the town. This meeting
adjourned to meet on the 5th, after appointing a committee to prepare a set of
resolutions. The next meeting, held on the appointed evening, received the
report of the committee and instructed them to pursue their labors further, and
make a draft for a special act for the city charter. The next meeting was held
on the 14th, but was so slimly attended that action was delayed until the 17th,
when a large gathering assembled. The draft of the city charter was adopted and
forwarded to the legislative representative. Hon. Stephen J. Field, who finally
secured the passage of the act in the following February. 

    In 1850 Ramirez settled the Quintay Ranch, just east of Marysville, and put
a man named Quintay upon the tract to take care of it. 

    The first crop of corn to be grown in Yuba County was planted as early as
1850 by John Morriet, who, in the previous year, had bought from the
grant-owners two miles of land along the river, and engaged in cattle-raising,
using the Indians as assistants. In the fall of 1851 he sold to M. C. Nye and
removed from the county. Nye settled on the place and soon after sold to Charles
Covillaud and J. G. Cornell. The place was known for a long time as the Morriet
tract. For years it was occupied by Cornell. In 1852 Nye and Cornell raised a
crop of barley, the first in the history of the county, so far as is known. They
purchased seed in San Francisco at seven cents per pound and paid $100 for a
plow. They paid a man named LaMalfa, of Marysville, twelve and one-half cents a
bushel for threshing it with a small machine which he owned, and also paid seven
and one-half cents for cleaning. The grain sold for from four to five cents per
pound. Hay-cutting along the river was a great industry at that time, many
parties engaging in it who made no permanent settlement. 

    R. F. Piatt, H. F. Sadorus, and George Matsler settled on the south Honcut
in 1850 on Section 24, Township 17 north, Range 4 east, and engaged in
stock-raising. Piatt built a house in that year. James Bryden, whose descendants
still own most of this land, soon afterward settled along the Honcut. Early in
1850 Bryden and Piatt sowed about ten acres of land in barley. A fine crop was
the result, but most of it was seized by the Indians. 

    In 1851 Richard Pegrim and Dr. E. T. Wilkins settled on the river. Dr.
Wilkins had a fine library, which was scattered all over the surrounding country
by the flood of 1851. This was the first "circulating library" in the county of
Yuba. Dr. Wilkins, who practiced many years in Marysville, and owned a drug
store there, later became superintendent of the State Hospital at Napa. Richard
Pegrim had a narrow escape during the flood of 1851. He was carried down the
stream while on horseback, but succeeded in clinging to the branches of a tree
as he passed. He remained in the tree several hours, until assistance came. 

    The early comers were all greatly troubled with scurvy and other disorders,
many dying from the effects of the disease, which was caused by a lack of
vegetables and acid foods. To supply this want, in 1850 and 1851 vast quantities
of lime juice were imported in barrels; and in every saloon the traveler and
miner could be found imbibing the healthful drink. 

    Yuba County had now fairly entered upon its career of advancement. As set
off by the first legislature, February 18, 1850, the territory was described as
follows: "Beginning at the mouth of Honcut Creek, and running up the middle of
the same to its source; thence following the dividing ridge between Feather and
Yuba Rivers to the summit of the Sierra Nevadas; thence east to the boundary of
the State; thence south following said boundary to the northeast corner of El
Dorado County; thence in a westerly direction, following the northern boundary
of said county, to the junction of the north and middle forks of the American
River; thence in a northwestern direction, following the boundary of Sutter
County to the mouth of Bear Creek; thence running up the middle of Feather River
to the mouth of Honcut Creek, which was the place of beginning." The seat of
justice was located at Marysville. 

    On August 24, 1850, the first division of the county into townships was made
by the court of sessions. Fifteen large subdivisions were established.
Marysville Township No. 1, Long Bar No. 2, Rose No. 3, Foster No. 4, and
Townships 11 and 12 were within the present limits of Yuba County; the first
four were north of the Yuba River, the last two south of that stream. 

    On February 5, 1851, the legislature passed a bill incorporating the City of
Marysville, dividing it into four wards and fixing the first Monday of the
following March as the day for the election of the city officers — a mayor and
eight alderman. The election resulted in the choice of the following: S. M.
Miles, mayor; and L. W. Ransom, S. C. Stambaugh, F. Schaeffer, B. Tallman, J. G.
Smith, D. W. C. Rice, S. C. Tompkins, and Charles Covillaud, aldermen. On the
10th the board met and organized. R. H. Taylor was made clerk; Lewis Cunningham,
treasurer; R. S. Olds, assessor; F. J. McCann, city attorney; Albert Miller,
city marshal. 

    The boundaries of the City of Marysville, as laid down in the original
charter, were as follows': "Commencing at high-water mark on the southern bank
of Yuba River, at a point one mile east of the public plaza, and running thence
north two miles; thence west to Feather River; thence south, following Feather
River to high-water mark on the southern bank of Yuba River; thence east along
the southern bank of Yuba River to the place of beginning." The common council
was authorized to establish a recorder's court, but this power was taken away by
the act passed April 10, 1852, when the recorder's court was abolished as well
as the office of recorder, city attorney and city assessor. 

    The original Yuba County had embraced the territory now included in Sierra
and Nevada Counties; but as the legal and county business increased, it was
found that the distances from the county seat were too great to accommodate the
inhabitants. On April 25, 1851, an act entitled, "An Act dividing the State into
counties and establishing the seats of justice therein," was passed, which made
the new county of Nevada, taking away a portion of the territory of Yuba County. 

    The winter of 1850-1851 was extremely dull. Money was scarce, and business
was greatly depressed. 

    With the coming of spring, business again assumed its former proportions,
and building commenced with renewed activity. In July, 1851, Captain Sutter had
200 acres under cultivation on Hock Farm. He was pursuing the business of
farming systematically and vigorously. In 1865 he left the Coast; and thereafter
he resided in Pennsylvania until his death. 

    On Monday, August 4, 1851, prospectors began work on the bar of the Yuba
River between the upper and lower landings of Marysville. A panful of earth from
the surface yielded seventy-five cents; and a notice of claim was immediately
put up by the following gentlemen: T. Lowe, C. Lowe. F. Lowe, S. R. Tribble, M.
C. Nelson, J. J. Mechling, W. R. Taylor, J. J. McLeary, L. B. Farish, L. S.
Priddy, W. Meyers, T. Hispanger, and J. J. Wellinton. Thinking that the
operations on a mining location so near the city would seriously affect the
interests of the citizens, the following order was issued by Mayor Miles: 

    "Proclamation, Mayor's office, August 11, 1851: It having been represented
to me that sundry persons have laid out and staked off claims on the bar in
front of the landing for mining purposes; Now, therefore, I, S. M. Miles, Mayor
of the City of Marysville, do hereby caution all persons against trespassing on
or injuring the public grounds within the limits of the City of Marysville, in
any manner whatever. S. M. Miles, Mayor." 

    On August 9, 1851, the court of sessions divided the county into eleven
townships, the first six of which were within the present boundaries of Yuba
County, and the remaining five in what is now Sierra County. 

    Besides the regular business houses in Marysville in 1851, a profitable
trade was carried on by a large number of outdoor coffee stands. These were
located on the sidewalks along First Street, from the Plaza to C Street, many of
the proprietors paying as high as $150 per month for their locations. Another
illustration of the high rents paid during that early period, and of the profits
realized, is the following: In November, 1851, a gentleman was paying $250 per
month for an office five feet in width and twelve feet in depth, and still made
money notwithstanding. The commercial importance of Marysville was now
recognized by the outside world, for in 1851 Dr. J. B. Pigne-Dupuytren was
located there as vice-consul of France. 

    On Sunday afternoon, March 1, 1852, Eliza Sutter, the daughter of the
Captain, was married to George Engler of Marysville. The ceremony took place at
Hock Farm, and was performed by Judge Cushing of Marysville. Visitors were
present from nearly all parts of the State, and enjoyed fully the celebrated
hospitalities of Hock Farm. 

    In January, 1852, a movement was inaugurated to repeal the city charter. The
petition was drawn up and placed before the citizens for signatures; and a
remonstrance w r as also prepared. On Thursday, February 12, Hon. John A. Paxton
presented the first petition to the Assembly. The opposing petition was offered
by Hon. J. H. Gardner. Great exertions were put forth on each side, but the act
was finally passed on April 10. It was entitled, "An Act supplementary to An Act
incorporating the City of Marysville." On March 7, 1876, an act to reincorporate
the City of Marysville was approved. The boundaries as laid down in this charter
were as follows: "Commencing on the south bank of Yuba River, opposite D Street
in said city; thence down the south bank ef said river to the center of Feather
River; thence up the center of Feather River to a point opposite Sixteenth
Street in said city; thence easterly along the north line of said Sixteenth
Street to E Street in said city; thence northerly along the west line of E
Street to the northwest corner of suburban Lot 5, Range D; thence easterly to
the outer side of the levee as now located by said city; thence along the outer
side of said levee until it intersects the Browns Valley road or grade; thence
along the extreme southeasterly side of said Browns Valley road or grade to a
point where said Browns Valley grade or road intersects Swezy Street; thence due
south to the south bank of Yuba River; thence along the south bank of Yuba River
to the place of beginning." 

    In 1852, a census of the inhabitants in the county showed the population to
be 22*005. The eighth United States census, in 1860, credits the county with a
population of 13,668. The ninth census, in 1870, fixed the population at 10,851,
the county ranking twelfth in the State, while the estimated population in 1877
was 11,000. It has varied little since. 

    After 1852 the Township of Marysville, which was bounded on the north by
Honcut Creek, was settled up rapidly and became well developed agriculturally.
At present it is for the most part located within a reclamation district known
as District No. 10, rich in orchards, vineyards and grain fields. The first
schoolhouse was built on the Nelson place near the Honcut. The school was
attended by all the children in this part of the township. The first bridge
across the Honcut was built in 1855 by Jesse Mayhew. The Honcut Hotel was built
near the south end of the bridge. The Eight-mile House, the Prairie House and a
few other places were opened for the accommodation of travelers. 

    Marysville's first private hospital was known as Gray's City Hospital, and
was conducted by Dr. J. B. Gray, who advertised that he had leased for hospital
purposes the "large new house of Dr. Warfield on the corner of Third and A
Streets." 

    S. M. Miles, Marysville's first mayor, had a notary-public office at the
mayor's office. Among the practicing attorneys at that time were Jesse O.
Goodwin, S. B. Mulford, E. D. Wheeler, Charles H. Bryan, R. S. Messick, and
McCarty & Swezy. 

    Between 1850 and 1860 Yuba County had its full share of newspapers, as
follows: Marysville Herald, 1850 to 1858; Marysville Daily News, short-lived;
Daily National Democrat, 1858 to 1860; and the California Express, 1850 to 1863.
These are more fully described in the chapter on The City of Marysville. 

    Cunningham & Brumagim were among Marysville's first bankers, occupying a
fireproof building on D Street, three doors south of the United States Hotel,
which was then at the southeast corner of Third and D Streets. 

    Ira A. Eaton, L. H. Babb and William Hawley are among the early-day
merchants of Marysville whose memories lived long after them. Eaton, in 1852 at
the head of the mercantile firm of Eaton, Babb, & Hawley, became a prominent
grower and stock-raiser of Yuba County; Babb became prominently connected with
the Marysville Water Company; and Hawley continued in the grocery and hardware
business until his death. Others at that time prominent in the mercantile life
of Marysville were: John C. Fall & Company; Cook, Baker & Company; A. T. Farish;
Ford & Goodwin; Eaton & Green; S. Sartwell; Packard & Woodruff; Lowe & Brothers;
Charles Lambert; J. H. Adams; Treadwell & Company; John H. Jewett; M. Cheeseman;
William B. Thornburg; George H. Beach; Harrington & Hazeltine; Bryant & Company;
Shaffer & Addison; and Hochstadter & Brother. 

    The early-day merchants often were compelled to play hosts to their patrons,
as witness the following from a directory published in 1856 with historical
sketches: 

    "During the summer and fall of 1850, the Marysville merchants, by their
energy, liberality, and fair dealing, secured the trade which has made the city
what it now is. They omitted no exertions. Their customers were, in a great
measure, their guests while in town, eating and lodging in their stores. The
sick were cared for; the wants of all were judiciously anticipated; and
Marysville grew beyond precedent, because it was, as was said, 'lively as a
cricket,' and because its business men were glad to see every new visitor.
Steamboats plied regularly to and from Sacramento, bringing heavy freights, and
giving our levee a brisk and busy appearance. The stores were nearly all on the
Plaza, within a stone's throw of the landing, and the goods were generally
carried to the doors by Indians. A brick building was built during the summer by
G. N. Swezy, Esq., on the south side of Second Street, between D and High Streets. 

    "Rapid as was the progress, much capital was diverted from Marysville by the
mania for new towns, which raged extensively at that time. In our immediate
neighborhood, elegant cities without number, among which were Plumas, Eliza,
Veazie City, Hamilton, Linda, Featherton and Yateston, were laid out upon paper,
with public squares, halls, theaters, colleges, gardens, parks, etc. They were
divided generally into forty to fifty shares, which were readily disposed of at
$1000 per share, half cash, and the balance at most any time. Nearly every man
who had means bought a share in some town which he could not have found with the
aid of all the civil engineers in the State. Without a single exception, the
towns above mentioned became exploded humbugs." 

    The favorite material for the construction of permanent buildings and
dwellings in the early fifties was brick; as early as 1852 several kilns were in
active operation. This led for a time to Marysville being known as "the city of
bricks." Brick is still the favorite material where permanency is sought. 

    The literary and musical talent of these early days was shown in
contributions to newspapers and periodicals, and the frequent private musical
entertainments. In July, 1851, a song entitled "The Love-Knot," composed by
Stephen C. Massett, with words by Hon. Mrs. Norton, was published in New York.
Massett, after disposing of his interest in the Herald, and before departing on
his Eastern trip, in December, 1851, gave an excellent entertainment, bringing
out the local talent in recitation and music, both vocal and instrumental. About
the middle of February, 1852, a work was issued upon whose title page appeared
the following: "Entewa, the Mountain Bird, a Romance Founded on Facts, by J. R.
Poynter, M. D., Marysville, California, 1852." This was claimed to be the first
California novel. The scene was laid in this State and opened in the summer of
1849. The newspapers frequently contained able contributions in prose and poetry
from local writers. 

    The bank failures in San Francisco, in 1855, affected business in Marysville
quite seriously, but it quickly recovered. In November, 1852, the county
surveyor, B. D. Scott, in his report to the State surveyor general, stated that
the total yield of gold in Yuba County, during the preceding year, was
$16,000,000. The total amount of gold shipped to San Francisco in 1857 by Lowe
Brothers & Company, Reynolds Brothers, and Mark Brumagim & Company was
$10,175,000; and from January 1 to June 30, 1858, it was $4,350,000, making the
total shipment in a year and a half, $14,525,000. 

    The wonderful prosperity of Yuba County was seriously affected in 1858, when
the Fraser River excitement occurred and took out about 20,000 people from
California. In 1860 and 1861 about the same number crossed the Sierras to the
Washoe diggings in Nevada State. These excitements tended to depopulate the
county and retard its progress. Buildings which before were renting for $600
would not sell for that amount after the exodus; but soon matters became more
tranquil and equalized, and the county began to grow and prosper again. 

    In 1858, the State Fair was held for five days in Marysville, commencing on
August 23. 


Additional Comments:

Extracted from:

HISTORY OF YUBA and SUTTER COUNTIES 
CALIFORNIA 
WITH 
Biographical Sketches OF 
The Leading Men and Women of the Counties Who Have Been Identified with Their
Growth and Development from the Early Days to the Present 

HISTORY BY 
PETER J. DELAY 

ILLUSTRATED 
COMPLETE IN ONE VOLUME 

HISTORIC RECORD COMPANY 
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
1924


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