BAILEY, P. J.

Suicide—A man named P. J. Bailey committed suicide at Banvard’s Hotel, Alta, on Tuesday morning. He left letters addressed to relatives and one for the Coroner. In this last-named latter, he stated that he had been accused of a heinous crime (not specified), and that he could not bear the unjust stigma thus cast upon him. He was a native of New York, aged 48 years. A verdict of suicide was recorded. The remains were brought to Auburn for interment.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 5-29-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

BAIN, PETER, daughter of

Roseville Items

A distressing accident occurred at the ranch of Peter Bain some four miles from here last Sunday afternoon. His children in some manner set the grass on fire near his house. The fire was soon subdued, but shortly afterwards the dress of his little daughter, aged four years, caught fire from a smoldering clump, and before the flames could be extinguished, the child was fatally burned. This is the second child Mr. Bain has lost through its clothing catching fire.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 7-10-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

BAYNE, GEORGE F.

George F. Bayne, 86, a resident of Colfax for the past 73 years, passed away at Hilltop Manor Convalescent Hospital in Auburn on Saturday, May 18, 1991. A native of Ophir, Mr. Bayne was born at home at the 3 Star Mine on February 1, 1905. Before retiring he was an equipment operator with Placer County for 35 years. He was a member of the PERS Chapter 30 in Auburn, a former member of the Colfax Odd Fellows, and Colfax Volunteer Fire Department. He also attended Placer High School in Auburn at the time when students traveled by train from Colfax to school. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian, in 1989. He is survived by a cousin, Ed Viscia of Colfax, and sister-in-law, Betty Rodgers of Colfax. Funeral services will be held at Lassila’s Sierra Chapel on Wednesday, May 22, 1991, at 10 AM. Private interment will follow in the Colfax District Cemetery.

[Colfax Record, Wednesday, 5-22-1991. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

BAYNE, LILLIAN MARIE nee COLONY RHINER

Funeral services for longtime Colfax resident Lillian Marie Bayne were held Friday at Lassila’s Sierra Chapel in Colfax. Mrs. Bayne died Sept. 6, 1989, at her home. She was 77. A native of Nahma, Michigan, she was born May 8, 1912. She moved to Colfax 39 years ago. Mrs. Bayne once owned the Beauty Shop in Colfax. For most of her life she was a homemaker. Survivors include: her husband, George Bayne of Colfax; brother, Donald Colony of Bishop; sisters, Betty Rodgers of Colfax, Mildred Manecke of Bishop, Dorothy Seney of Reno and Bernice Downard of Lake Isabella; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Robert Rhiner, in 1950. The Rev. Alan McClung officiated at the funeral. Interment is at the Colfax District Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Colfax Ministerial Association, in care of Lassila’s Sierra Chapel.

[Colfax Record, Tuesday, 9-12-1989. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

BOEK, CARL

Carl Boek died suddenly at Dutch Flat last Sunday from rupture of the aorta, or main artery leading from the heart. Deceased was a brother to Herman Boek of the same place and had lived in Dutch Flat for the past eleven years. He was buried on Tuesday from the M. E. Church, and although the weather was very inclement, the remains were followed to their last resting place by a large and sympathetic crowd of mourners. He leaves a wife and three small children.

 [Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 2-14-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

BULLARD, JAMES PRESTON

A Dreadful Mistake – J. P. Bullard Shot and Killed by Deputy Sheriff C. H. Adams – Under the Impression That He Is a Highwayman – Particulars of the Shooting – Conflicting Reports

This town was again thrown into a fever of excitement when on Thursday morning, it became known that a man was killed on the Forest Hill road the evening before by Deputy Sheriff C. H. Adams, whom the latter supposed to be a highwayman but who as is subsequently learned is surely an innocent man. The name of the deceased is J. P. Bullard. He was about 55 years of age, tall and robust, and the father of a large family, most of the children being grown. That a correct understanding of the circumstances may be had by our readers, it will be necessary for us to go back a little. Several audacious robberies have occurred on this and on the Georgetown roads during the present season, the latest occurring on the 22d ult. a short distance this side of the scene of the tragedy, when the Forest Hill stage was stopped and a small amount of money taken from a Chinaman. Shortly afterwards on the same day, Congressman Page and a traveling companion were waylaid by the same robber and about $260 in money and a gold watch was taken from the former. Great indignation was felt by the entire community, especially by that portion of the traveling public whose business took them back and forth over the stage roads, that the officers of the law should be unable to put a check to such marauding, and much harsh and unjust criticism of the sheriff’s office was indulged in by people who do not seem to appreciate the difficulties of the situation. The section of country in which these robberies have been taking place is unusually wild and rugged. Dense thickets and forests have afforded the best possible concealment for these ruffians, who had no difficulty in placing many miles between themselves and their pursuers before word could be sent to either Forest Hill or Auburn, so slow is the traveling on account of steep and winding grades. To post a man here or there in the brush would have been condemned by many as a very poor expedient, and one not in the least degree conducive to success, except possibly by the merest chance, for one time the robbery would be within a mile and a half of town and at another the stoppage would occur six or eight miles farther away. To employ a regular armed guard was but little if any better unless, indeed, he were continued indefinitely, which, however, as a matter of expense neither Wells, Fargo & Co., nor the sheriff, individually, could afford to do. And yet we are assured that Sheriff Boggs has otherwise done all in his power to get on the track of the “road agents” by devices of his own which it would be impolite as it is unnecessary to disclose. The fact is as everybody ought to know that the chances are against the officers in cases of this kind, especially, if as seems probable, the robber or robbers daily move among people who speak of these things and consequently know when and where to operate with greatest chance of success. On Thursday Deputy Sheriff Adams was sent up the road as a passenger in the stage with instructions to keep a sharp look-out for suspicious parties. A supposed highwayman had been seen by a number of teamsters last Tuesday in the brush, and it was thought quite possible that the stage would be halted. There were four other passengers on the stage: Jim Woodburn of Sacramento; Mr. Reed, powder agent; Mr. C. Constable of Constable & Pond, Todd’s Valley; and a carpenter named Secor or Secord who is building a house for Mr. Carlson. Nothing worthy of mention occurred until the stage had arrived at what is called “Liza’s watering trough,” about 3 miles beyond the North Fork Bridge and but a short distance from the top of the hill. Now it is ascertained that a private understanding had been arrived at few days ago between Don Foster, one of the stage drivers, and Mr. Bullard and his son “Gilp.” that the two should act as an escort to the stage up as far as the Grizzly Bear House, we believe. This plan was carried out Wednesday evening at which time Foster was driving. On Thursday, Charley Watkins drove up. Foster had told Watkins of the arrangement. Near the watering-trough above-named, the Bullards were waiting at the side of the road when the stage came up. Mr. Adams’s statement is substantially as follows: “It was a quarter or half-past six when the stage got to this point. It was growing dusk and except for the rattling of the stage, there was no other noise particularly discernable. Mr. Woodburn sat on top outside with the driver. Mr. Secor or Secord (as we understood the name) sat on the front seat inside. Mr. Reed and myself occupied the middle seat, and Mr. Constable sat behind. All of a sudden, I heard Watkins say, ‘There they are now,’ something else being said about guns, which I could not understand. He also exclaimed, ‘Tell Charley (meaning myself, I presume) to look out.’ I looked out, placing my foot on the step outside as I did so and saw two men with guns in their hands, one of whom waved his arm toward the driver. I could not see distinctly whether they were white or black, masked or unmasked, and did not know whether the man waved his hat or his gun. I supposed him to be a robber and fired at him twice, killing him. The stage was going ahead meanwhile, and when the shots were fired, the horses broke into a run, when some of the passengers shouted out, ‘Go ahead, they’re following us.’ I again looked out and saw the second man hurriedly following the stage, and I fired my pistol at him when he came to a halt.” This was Gilp. Bullard, the son. He was frantic with grief and excitement and kept shouting to them to stop and not leave his dead father lying there on the road, beseeching them piteously to place the body on the stage, while at the same time he asked again and again to know who had killed his father. The stage stopped, and Woodburn and some of the others went back with him to get the body, while Adams, learning of his fatal mistake, was urged by Mr. Constable to get out and walk on ahead in order that there might be no more bloodshed, for as already intimated, the son was nearly crazed by the sudden killing of his father and appeared determined to avenge his death then and there. Adams did as advised, and upon further consultation with Mr. Constable, who followed him afoot, the former returned to Auburn the same evening. It was evident that Bullard was killed outright for one charge went through the left breast, while the second carried away the left eye and part of the cheek below it. The body was taken to the Grizzly Bear House where an inquest was held this morning, but we are as yet unaware of the verdict. The burial takes place in Auburn today. The above version of the dreadful blunder that led to the killing is, we understand, disputed by the driver and also by Secor. In justice to both sides, we give the facts as near as we can get them. Watkins, it is reported yesterday, would swear that he had informed Secor (who sat inside nearest to him) of the arrangement regarding the Bullards escorting the stage, and it is further reported that Secor would swear he so informed Adams. This is the way things stand now; what color these diverse explanations will have when the testimony of the Coroner’s jury is given out, we cannot venture to say.

 [Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 10-2-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

BURNS, JOHN

A Fatal Accident—Last Monday, as we mention elsewhere, the water was turned on the new hydraulic claim at Yankee Hill near Pino. That same day a bank in the claim caved on two of the employees, John Burns and Frank Laird, killing the former and injuring the latter quite seriously. Mr. Burns had lived in that neighborhood for several years and had earned for himself the reputation of a steady, industrious, and intelligent young man. He had been married only about a week before the fatal accident to an estimable young widow of that locality, daughter of A. Grant, who, rather strange to say, had been deprived of her first husband by an accident on the railroad, we believe, some years ago, within a very few days after her first marriage. If there is such a thing as fatality, it would seem to have set its seal on this young woman. Frank Laird is a son of ex-Supervisor Jas. Laird. Besides some slight external bruises, he is injured internally, though to what extent we are not fully able to state. We are pleased, however, to say that his recovery is considered only a matter of time.

[Placer Herald, Auburn, Saturday, 5-15-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

Fatal Mining Accident—On Monday afternoon, shortly after one o’clock, a fatal accident occurred at Larue & Allen’s mine, Yankee Hill, a few miles from Pino. Two of the men, Frank Laird and a man named Burns, were caved on by a bank about twenty-five feet high and covered up. Although it was but six minutes before they were taken out, yet Burns was quite dead and Laird so badly injured that but slight hopes are entertained of his recovery. Mr. Burns was married only a few weeks ago to a Miss Grant, living near Rocklin. Frank Laird is a son of ex-Supervisor Laird.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 5-15-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

BYBEE, ALONZO

Killed by an Engine—A sad accident occurred in the railroad yard here today while the passenger train was standing before the station, by which a young man named Bybee lost his life. It seems almost to be a sequel to the accident to Engineer Peck at Antelope Station scarcely an hour before. A special engine had just been got out of the round-house to take the injured engineer Peck from the Junction to Sacramento which Bybee had just left. He was walking up one of the tracks in the yard on his return to the round-house when he was overtaken and knocked down by the switch engine which came up behind him, his attention at the time was probably occupied by the overland passenger train which had just stopped and he did not hear the engine behind him until too late to save himself. The engineer in charge of the switch engine could not see the unfortunate man who was on the other side of the engine which was running so slowly as to make but very little noise, but stopped his engine in the space of a few feet after getting a signal. Death was almost instantaneous, the back and sides of the head being badly crushed and bruised from being dragged a distance of forty or fifty feet. Mr. Bybee had lived here but a few months, having come from Missouri, and leaves a wife who is living here but no children. He was employed in the round-house as an engine wiper and extra fireman and was liked and respected by all who knew him. The deceased was a native of Missouri, aged about twenty-eight years, and the remains will be sent east for interment.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 11-20-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik ]

COFFMAN, CARL

Carl Coffman Is Deceased

Carl Coffman of Yankee Jims passed away at his home last Thursday following an illness. He was 72 years of age. A native of Ohio, Coffman had resided in this area since 1932. Prior to that time he was a real estate agent in Hollywood. The deceased was a member of the Warren McKeon Post of the American Legion at Foresthill. He leaves a daughter, Mrs. William Gibson of Grass Valley, and a son, Carl Coffman Jr. of Fortuna. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon in the Vettestad and Sands Auburn Funeral Home with Elder Grant Ursenbach officiating. Burial was in the Auburn Cemetery.

[Auburn Journal, Thursday, 1-3-1957. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

DAVIS, W. H.

Died—At Iowa Hill, Oct. 11, W. H. Davis, a native of Woodstock, Maine, aged 53 years, 9 months, and 12 days, has passed away. Deceased was a miner by occupation and had lived in or about Iowa Hill for the past 25 years. He was a man respected by all, as was evidenced by the large number of friends who attended his remains to their last resting place. His death resulted from pleuro-pneumonia of which he had been ill only two weeks. Again, “Death has come, that ceaseless dun, Who waits on and but waits for none.”

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 10-16-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

DODDS, THOMAS

The death of Supervisor Dodds, announced in another column of the Argus, will be read with feelings of deep regret by a large circle of friends in this county and out of it, for he was not only one of the oldest citizens, but also an upright, honorable man in all of his personal and official relations. Several years ago Mr. Dodds filled the office of District Assessor with credit to himself and satisfaction to the people of the county; and again in 1879 was chosen Supervisor, he having been nominated on the Democratic ticket, to which party Mr. Dodds was a staunch adherent. He had been an invalid for years. It may be said, though, until within the past few months he was able to attend to business. His death resulted, we believe, from cancer.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 12-18-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

ENTWISTLE, T. S.

Fatal Accident—T. S. Entwistle, a well-known and much esteemed resident of Iowa Hill, was killed yesterday afternoon by being washed through the flume and canyon of the Aurora. It was some hours before the body was discovered, and it was mutilated almost beyond recognition. Further particulars next week.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 6-12-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

Iowa Hill Correspondence—Mr. Entwistle, who was killed last week, is the second man who met his death on that treacherous hillside; William Clark, some ten or eleven years ago, being swept off by a land-slide and never a trace of him being found. Mr. Entwistle, however, was not killed by a slide but by a misstep which precipitated him into the flume. This cut has caved in so often that the Aurora Company concluded to use a heavy flume to carry off the debris. Mr. E. was standing near it when some of the men, noticing the premonitory symptoms of a slide, called him. He did not seem to realize any danger and answered that he would watch out. They called again and, seeming to lose all presence of mind, he leaped across the flume against a perpendicular wall and obtaining no foothold fell backward into the flume where a full head of water swept him into the canon, said to be the most precipitous and jagged canon on the divide. As soon as possible, the water was turned off and nearly every man in the vicinity went to search for the body. The afternoon wore away, and they began to think he would share poor Clark’s fate and never be found. But at last they found him on a bank of tailings, without clothing and scarcely a whole bone in his body. Mr. Entwistle was a prominent Odd Fellow and leaves an estimable family—a wife and five daughters, three of them unmarried. He was that noblest work of God—an honest man, beloved and respected by all. His bereaved family has the sympathy of everyone who knew him.

 [Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 6-19-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik. ]

FEWELL, MARION EDWARD

Marion Edward Fewell was found dead in his home on the Grass Valley Highway on December 26. He had been under a doctor’s care for a heart ailment. The deceased was 46 years of age, a native of Illinois. He had resided in this area since 1949. He was a veteran of the second world war. Survivors include his mother, Mae E. Meadows of Compton, and a brother, Richard Fewell of Linwood. Funeral services were held Friday morning in the Chapel of the Hills with Richard W. Townsend Post, American Legion, officiating. Burial was in the Auburn Cemetery.

[Auburn Journal, Thursday, 1-3-1957. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

FOX, THOMAS, daughter of

A little three-year-old daughter of Thomas Fox died at Forest Hill last Sunday afternoon, death having been caused by the accidental swallowing of a bean eight days previously, which passed through the trachea and entered the lung. The child was buried on Monday.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 12-11-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

FRANCIS, HIRAM

In reference to the death of Hiram Francis recorded under the proper heading, a correspondent, W. B. O., sends us the following: “In the death of Hiram Francis, Clipper Gap has lost a dear and valued friend, ever kind and ready to teach us or assist as a musician in all our entertainments. We can look back for years and see many who are now good musicians from his skillful and patient training, without recompense. His house was the abode of music. He checked slander often by saying, ‘Oh, he did not mean it, let’s have some music.’ A good composer and arranger of harmony, he wrote many pieces, among them for his pupils, Susie’s Song, Alice’s Quick Step, Nellie’s March, etc., in honor of his first and most accomplished pupil, Nellie Bancroft, the Poetess. The night before he died, they sung and played until 10 o’clock. Saturday morning he dotted off a piece of music which lay upon the organ when he fell dead before the door. We have laid him where the hills have echoed with his melodies, but his memory lives in many loving hearts.”

[Placer Herald, Auburn, Saturday, 1-24-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

GRANT, JOHN

John Grant, whom we mentioned in last week’s paper as being very ill at Borland’s Hotel, died there Sunday morning about six o’clock. He had come over from Virginia City nearly two weeks before, suffering from congestion of the lungs, brought on by too suddenly cooling off one night in the latter part of March after quitting work. He was a native of Canada, aged 23 years.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 6-12-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

HAILE, H. W.

Death of Mrs. Haile—The death was announced in another column of Mrs. Haile, a lady who with her husband came to Auburn from New York State a year ago last December in quest of a suitable climate and restoration to health. Mr. and Mrs. Haile, with their two children, occupied for some months a part of the Benson house on Broad Street. Afterwards they removed to the new premises of Mr. G. C. Lewis. Mrs. Haile found herself improved while in Auburn until the warm weather set in June when she began again to fail. In the latter part of November, she and her children returned to the east. At the time of her departure from this state, many believed she would not survive the trip. Her death resulted from a lung disease. She was a very estimable as well as very prepossessing lady, a native of New York and aged 34 years. Her husband, who is still in Auburn, received the dispatch announcing her death on the day it occurred.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 2-28-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik ]

HALEY, DANIEL

Homicide at Sheridan—Last Saturday morning, a ghastly tragedy was enacted at a place known as Brown’s Ranch about 7½ miles from Sheridan on the edge of the foothills and about a mile and a half from Bear River. From the reading of the testimony, which is filed in the County Clerk’s Office, we learn the facts to be as follows: William K. Fenton, who is a man of middle age, rather large and raw-boned, claims the possessory right to a certain tract of land on the edge of the foothills about seven miles from Sheridan in a direction nearly east from that town. Two brothers named John and Daniel Haley, young men (the latter the victim of the tragedy and aged about 18 and one-half years), dwelt in a cabin upon or near a portion of this disputed ground. Bad feeling seems to have engendered between the parties, and both Fenton and the Haleys appear to have been in the habit of carrying weapons. On the day in question (according to the testimony of Frederick Lutz, a boy in his ninth year, who slept with Daniel Haley the previous night), deceased got up about sunrise and went off to attend to his morning work. The boy, after a reasonable lapse of time, finding Haley did not return, went to look for him but hearing a gun fired and dreading some trouble, ran back home. Soon afterwards, Joseph Norton, a farmer, discovered Haley lying near a tree, face downward, dead, with 14 bullet holes in his breast near his neck, apparently made by buckshot. Some of the gun-wadding was against the breast and more of it lay on the ground near the body. Deceased lay about 20 feet from an oak tree and about 250 yards from the Haleys’ cabin which, however, was not visible from the place of the murder on account of the rolling character of the ground. Witness remained by the body until about two o’clock PM, an hour after the Coroner arrived. Joseph Hambleton, a farmer of Township No. 10, was the next witness. He testified to substantially the same facts as those given by Norton. He further testified that the clothing of deceased was powder-burned, and that deceased was powder-burned and that there was no brush near the spot, although there might be within 100 yards of it. This was all he knew, that could be considered as having a bearing upon the case. G. M. Brown, Constable of Sheridan, testified that Fenton and W. G. Brown came into Sheridan in a buggy. The former gave himself up, together with a shotgun and pistol, the latter weapon, so it was stated, being the property of Haley which Fenton said he had brought in. He also related the version of the killing given him by Fenton. This is about the entire substance of the testimony elicited for the prosecution. William K. Fenton, the defendant, was placed upon the stand and testified that he and his son, Robert, started out about seven o’clock in the morning with a large flock of sheep (about 1800, according to the son’s testimony) to drive them onto the range. He was tired from mowing the day before and sat down by a tree. Haley, he said, approached from the bushes (poison vines) which in his (Fenton’s) opinion was 30 to 40 yards away and used certain insulting and threatening language, at the same time raised his pistol as if to fire when defendant shot him. Robert Fenton, son of the defendant, testified that he left the house about half-past seven in the morning, was at the rear of the flock of sheep about 185 yards away from the scene of the shooting when it took place which he thought was at about half-past eight. The father had estimated the distance at 200 yards, He was the only witness other than defendant, who witnessed the killing. Saw Haley approach his father, heard some talk but could not understand what was said, saw Haley raise his pistol and follow his father, who was moving away from the spot. In answer to a question by the District Attorney, he testified that there were five bells on the sheep. J. D. Richie testified to a conversation he had had with deceased about a week previous to the killing during which Haley said Fenton “packed” a shotgun, but that Fenton was a coward and he would take the shotgun away from him and break it over his head. On the strength of such testimony as this, Justice Briggs released Fenton from custody and from all further judicial restraint.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 5-29-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

HANLON, LARRY

Suicide—Larry Hanlon, a section hand employed by the C.P.R.R. Co., was found dead in the basement of Borland’s Hotel at Auburn Station this morning under circumstances which indicate that he committed suicide. Deceased had been on a prolonged spree and was put into the basement where a cot was placed at his disposal some four or five days ago. It is believed that he has suffered from an attack of delirious tremens, as the lodgers over that part of the basement heard groanings and other noises indicating this to be the condition of the unfortunate man; in consequence of which Mr. Borland did his best to prevent the man’s getting whiskey but without avail, for he went outside and got it. This morning, Hanlon was found dead and cold, lying on his stomach with his chin placed on the end of a bench. It was found that he had cut his throat and bled to death. The upturned face and glassy staring eyes made a sickening sight from which people turned away in horror. Deceased was a native of Ireland, about 45 years of age, and unmarried. He has lived for many years at Dutch Flat. The Coroner was notified.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 11-20-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

HOLER, ANDREW

Placer Weekly Argus, Saturday, 2-21-1880

Death of Andrew Holer—Andrew Holer, late Steward of the County Hospital, died at the residence of George Keehner in this town at three o’clock on the morning of Saturday, Feb. 14. Mr. Holer was an old resident of Placer County, having first landed in August, Sept. 8, 1852. Like most of our pioneers, he was for many years engaged in mining—at Yankee Jims, Forest Hill, and on the American River. During Mr. Dunnam’s term of office as sheriff, Mr. Holer was his jailer. Some six years ago he was appointed by the Board of Supervisors to the position of Hospital Steward, which place he filed faithfully up to the time of his late sickness. His health began to fail him about four or five months ago, though he managed to attend to his duties until within a month of his death. Death is supposed to have resulted from a derangement of the functions of the kidneys which super-induced blood poisoning. He was entirely conscious up to a short time before his death which was impending for some days. Mr. and Mrs. Keehner cared for him during his last illness as tenderly as though he were a relative. Deceased was a single man, without relatives on this coast or in this country. His mother and two sisters live in Switzerland, of which country Mr. Holer was a native. He was a member of Auburn Lodge No. 7, IOOF, and highly respected by all who knew him. The funeral took place from Music Hall which was selected for the purpose in preference to the church because of the unusually large crowd of people who were expected to be, and were, present. Rev. Thomas Smith of San Francisco conducted the religious exercises and delivered a very feeling as well as appropriate discourse in which he took occasion to eulogize highly and deservedly the character of the deceased. The turn-out of Odd Fellows was quite respectably large, sixty or seventy members wearing the lodge regalia. Among the audience in the crowded hall were many of the inmates of the County Hospital, come to pay their last heartfelt tribute of respect to one who was always kind and attentive to the wants of suffering humanity, not merely because it was in the line of his paid duty, but because he was a kind-hearted and charitable man. The remains were deposited in the Odd Fellows’ new cemetery. [Placer Weekly Argus, Saturday, 2-21-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

Obituary—Andrew Holer departed this life on last Saturday morning, the 14^th of February, 1880. For some time he had been ailing, though not until within a few weeks prior to his death did he feel it his duty to cease his labors and endeavor to recuperate. For this purpose, at the advice of his physicians he went to Sacramento. Finding himself growing worse there, he soon returned to Auburn and took up his abode with his particular friends, George Keehner and family. His system, however, seemed generally broken down and in spite of the close attention of physicians and the best of nursing, he continued to grow worse until last Saturday morning when death relieved him of his suffering. Andrew had no family, and so far as we know, no relations in this country. He was composed of that stern stuff of which the very best men are made. He was more than ordinarily intelligent, particularly industrious, scrupulously honest, always affable, good-natured even under adversity, and withal possessed of a kind and generous heart. Though positive in his convictions, his generous nature never allowed him to become angry with those of like character who differed with him. It would not be supposed that such a man would have many enemies, and so are as we know, Andrew Holer had none. On the other hand, all who knew him admired him for his many manly qualities, and his acquaintance was by no means limited. Andrew was a native of Basel, Switzerland, where he was born in 1828. He left his native country and emigrated to America in 1846 at the age of 18 years. He spent several years in what were then the western states, engaged mostly in river navigation, and in 1852 started from Wisconsin for California where he arrived in September the same year. Like most early comers he took to the mines, his first operations being in El Dorado and Placer counties. About 1856 he was found running a boarding house at Forest Hill in which position, however, he remained but a short time. He continued at various vocations, mostly mining, until about 1865 or ’66 when he got the appointment of Steward of the Placer County Hospital. His kindness, his industry, his experience, coupled with his peculiar tact of managing others without apparent effort, soon demonstrated that in this position he was the right man in the right place. He was, however, removed on political grounds alone, we believe, about 1870—J. W. Smith, now of Lincoln, being appointed in his place. In 1874 the administration again changed, and in the fall of that year, at the earnest request of the supervisors, Andrew, who in the meantime had filled with marked satisfaction the position of jailer under Sheriff Dunnam, consented to again assume charge of the hospital. His tact and industry soon became apparent again in the management of that institution. From that day to this, under his supervision, ably backed by philanthropic supervisors, the place has steadily improved, until today it is one of the finest homes of the kind in interior California. From a shaky building on a barren knoll, it has been transformed into a commodious and airy mansion, surrounded by flowers, shrubs, fruit trees, vegetable gardens, walks, drives, etc., and all the appurtenances calculated to make the place comfortable and attractive and economize the cost of its maintenance. It is now a credit to the county and to Andrew Holer’s unceasing efforts and wise management, very much of that “credit is due.” Though there have been political changes in the administration since his last appointment, we have had no board of supervisors who were inclined, or if inclined, who dared in the face of overwhelming public approval of his conduct to remove Andrew Holer from the Stewardship of the hospital. The position was his at his death, and in this connection we will say, while there is always someone fit to fill every place made vacant, it will be hard to find a man for Hospital Steward just as good as Andrew Holer. He was a prominent and zealous Odd Fellow, and his funeral, which took place at 1 o’clock last Sunday, was conducted under the auspices of that order. As may be supposed, it was very largely attended. Besides the throngs of friends who gathered in from near and far, there were representatives of the order of Odd Fellows from Lincoln, Forest Hill, Dutch Flat, and, indeed, most every town in the county. The religious services were conducted at Music Hall by the Rev. Thomas Smith (Episcopal). The words of the minister and the singing of the choir on the occasion were strikingly appropriate and very impressive. The procession to the grave in Odd Fellows’ Cemetery, which was uncommonly large, was headed by the Auburn brass band. At the grave, the beautiful burial services of the Odd Fellows were impressively performed. Though without a relative in the country, the sympathy and sorrow at his demise was universal. His life and usefulness here below had been one that met the approval of man. It remains but to hope that his acts have likewise found favor in the eyes of the all-seeing Father, and that he is now safely at rest with Him in that eternal abode not made with hands.

[Placer Herald, Auburn, Saturday, 2-21-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

HOLLE, EDWARD FREDERICK

Death of an Esteemed Citizen

In another column the formal announcement of the death of Mr. E. F. Holle is made. Deceased was one of our best and most popular citizens, esteemed by all who knew him, whose loss will be mourned by both friends and relatives. Mr. Holle was a native of the Kingdom of Saxony, Germany, and came to America when he was a young man in 1848. In 1854 he came to California, and four years later he settled in Auburn where he has since resided, carrying on the bakery business. Until within a few days previous to his death, he would have been accounted a healthy and perhaps even a long-lived man, for he was quite well preserved, and the fact that he had a fondness for outdoor sports, hunting and glass-ball shooting, gave warrant to these impressions. But in an evil or a careless hour, Mr. Holle took a severe cold about eight or nine days before he died while out hunting, and this turned into pneumonia, which a few days later carried him off. He was a member of both the Odd Fellows and the Masonic orders, and the fact that he had filled all the high and responsible positions in both orders may be accepted as conclusive proof of his worth and popularity. In the Masonic order, he had been four years Master of the Lodge and three years King of the Chapter. He was also a member of Lodge of Perfection, No. 6, San Francisco, and had obtained all the degrees of the Scottish rite, up to the thirty-second. The funeral, which took place Tuesday under the auspices of Eureka Lodge, No. 16, was very largely attended. Delegations of Masons were present from most of the neighboring towns, and the impressive Masonic burial service of the Masons was read by Mr. Hollenback.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 11-27-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

HOLSCLAW, JACOB HARRISON

Jacob H. Holsclaw Summoned—Jacob Harrison Holsclaw, well-known resident of Auburn for many years, passed away suddenly at his home in Edgerwood last Sunday morning. He was 78 years of age, a native of Indiana. Holsclaw was engaged in business here for 32 years. He was the founder of the Holsclaw Feed and Fuel Store. Since his retirement in 1951, he had made his home in the Edgewood district. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church and was engaged in Boy Scout work for many years. He leaves his wife, Violet Holsclaw of Auburn; three sons, Harold Holsclaw of Oroville; Everett Holsclaw of Auburn; Francis Holsclaw of Loomis; two daughters, Edith Snow and Myrtle Herrington of Auburn; 19 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon in the Vettestad and Sands Auburn Funeral Home. Rev. W. A. Warner, formerly of Auburn and now of Pomona, officiated. Honorary pall bearers were J. L. Elder, Guy Brundage, Herb Clegg, and W. G. Collier. Active pall bearers were Noel Amlin, E. C. Fisher, Walter Barnes, Fred Gebhart, Pete Hawkins, and Bob Amlin. Burial was in the Auburn Cemetery.

[Auburn Journal, Thursday, 1-3-1957. Submitted by Kathie Marynik ]

HORIE, PETER

Peter Horie, a German, aged about 55 years, was found dead in his cabin at Dutch Ravine near Auburn, yesterday morning. He was a single man and had lived in this vicinity for about twenty-five years.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 6-5-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

JAMES, PETER

Fatal Mining Accident—On Tuesday afternoon the 20^th, as we learn from a correspondent, Iowa Hill was thrown into a state of excitement by the rumor that Peter James, foreman of the Morning Star Mine, was killed. Contrary to all hope, it proved true. About 3:30 o’clock Mr. James relieved an employee by taking the pipe in his own hands. He had not been at his post more than ten minutes when the casting of one of the giants broke, which caused the discharge pipe to swing around and strike him on the thigh, thereby shattering the thigh bone into fragments and pitching him head-first into a cut twenty feet deep in which some twelve hundred inches of water was running with great velocity. His body was swept through the flume and into Indian Canon. A number of miners witnessed the breakage and made all haste to overtake the unfortunate superintendent. His son, William, was the first to reach him. He pulled him out of the water and from under the tailings which were fast overwhelming him. The father gasped once or twice and expired in his arms. There were two large gashes in his forehead, and the frontal bone was fractured. It is thought that these injuries were caused by the jutting bedrock where he was precipitated into the cut and were in themselves sufficient to cause death. It is certain that the loss of consciousness was immediate, and his death, so painful to relate, almost painless to himself. Mr. James leaves a wife and two sons, aged respectively eighteen and sixteen, and four other children, the youngest of whom is under eight years of age. Deceased was a member of the IOOF at Grass Valley and once expressed a desire to be buried in that town; accordingly the mournful cortege departed on Thursday morning en route for that place to perform the last sad rites. In the death of Mr. James his family mourns an affectionate husband and father, and Iowa Hill deplores the loss of one of her most popular and exemplary citizens.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 5-1-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

JEWETT, Millicent R.

A Good Woman Gone—Mrs. M. R. Jewett, wife of F. H. Jewett, a farmer near Lincoln, died of pneumonia last Saturday, the 13^th inst. at the age of 64 years and 10 months. Deceased was an uncommonly good, kind, Christian-hearted woman, devoted to her family and household duties, and tireless in her efforts to make all around her happy. Her demise is a severe blow to the bereaved family, and in their affliction our heart goes out to them in sympathy. The funeral took place at the family residence and was very largely attended, the schools of Mt. Pleasant, Daneville, and Manzanita Grove closing on that day out of respect to the memory of deceased. The services were conducted by Rev. Dr. Trott, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Sacramento, and were very impressive. Deceased has been a member of the Baptist Church for 48 years. The remains were interred at Manzanita Grove. Mrs. Jewett was a native of New Hampshire and was married at the age of 26 to the now bereaved husband at Woburn, Mass. She was the mother of three children, two daughters and a son, all of whom are living. The daughters are both married, one residing in Hanford, Tulare County, and the other at Sacramento. The son is single and has lived with the parents. Deceased has three brothers, one sister, and many other relatives at Woburn, Mass., to whom the news of her death will be sad and unexpected. [Placer Herald, Auburn, Saturday, 3-20-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

LEVANWAY, W. A.

Colfax Items—The death of Dr. Levanway, which was announced in the columns last week, was something of a shock to this community for the doctor, though a comparative stranger to most of our townspeople, was an extremely pleasant and prepossessing gentleman and but few were aware of the criticalness of his condition. He came here from Oakland a few short months ago for his health, and up to within a very short period before his fatal sickness, appeared to be improving satisfactorily. His remains were deposited in the Odd Fellows’ Cemetery.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 9-11-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

LILLIEBRIDGE, JANE

Mrs. Lilliebridge, whose death is recorded in today’s Argus, was the wife of C. H. Lilliebridge, photographer of Auburn. The deceased lady had been a resident of Auburn off and on for about nine years past, during which time she enjoyed apparent good health. Latterly, for about eighteen months, she had lived in San Francisco where she was engaged in art work. She was in her usual health and spirits to all appearances Saturday last until towards evening when she was taken ill. She then became unconscious and remained so until her death which occurred about three o’clock Monday morning. A post-mortem examination revealed the cause of her death to be an internal ulcer. Her remains were buried at the Odd Fellows’ Cemetery in Auburn, Wednesday forenoon.

 [Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 5-22-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

LOHSE, HERMAN

Death of a Prominent Citizen—Elsewhere will be found a notice of the death of Herman Lohse of Lincoln. Deceased was a resident of this county for many years and for several years past ranked among the most prominent merchants of the county, respected and esteemed by all who knew him as was strikingly evidenced by the unusually large funeral procession of friends from Placer, Sutter, and Yuba counties that followed his remains to their last resting place, Manzanita Grove Cemetery. He leaves a wife and nine children to mourn the loss of a devoted husband and kind father.

[Placer Herald, Auburn, Saturday, 5-1-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

MADSEN, MURIEL E. nee BUISH FISHEL

Memorial service for former Colfax resident Muriel E. Madsen will be 10 AM Sept. 16, 1989, at the Colfax District Cemetery. She will be interred beside her late husband, Arthur Madsen. She was born on Nov. 12, 1898, in New York City as Muriel Buish. She lived in Colfax for many years after moving here from San Francisco. Most recently she moved to Texas but loved her California home and wished it to be her final resting place. She enjoyed trips to Reno and often took busloads of friends with her. She was a member of Eastern Star for 35 years and was very active and served as Grand Matron. She was active in the organization and helped with many events. Muriel loved her home in Colfax and was particularly happy in her final years with Arthur Madsen. Art predeceased her in 1987. She then moved to Garland, Texas, to be close to her only son and her grandchildren. Her son, Clark Wendell Fishel, died on Feb. 5, 1989. Muriel remained independent, living alone in an apartment. A fall sent her to the hospital where she developed pneumonia and passed away.

[Colfax Record, Tuesday, 9-12-1989. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

MANUEL, SAMUEL

Samuel Manuel, a young man of 18, was fatally injured near Storms’ Ranch last Monday while uncoupling cars on the narrow gauge train. His right leg was badly crushed, and he sustained a compound fracture of the other leg at the ankle. It is thought he cannot recover. About three months ago, the unfortunate young man was knocked off a box car, at which time he received serious injuries, having laid unconscious for some time after the accident. He had but lately recovered from the effects of this accident. His parents live in C____. Since the above was written, the unfortunate young man died. The sad event occurred at Grass Valley on the 9^th immediately after the leg had been amputated. He bore up with wonderful fortitude through his sufferings. He was buried at Colfax on Wednesday. His afflicted parents have the sympathy of the entire community.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 11-13-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

MARTIN, WILLIAM

Local Matters—William Martin, fireman on engine No. 87, train No. 11, was killed at Penryn station Thursday afternoon. He fell between the engine and a flat car while attempting to pass from one to the other, and nine cars ran over him, mangling him up fearfully.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 10-16-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

McGAHEY, SAMUEL A.

Newcastle & Ophir Items—The death of Mr. McGahey of Newcastle, Monday morning, threw a deep gloom over the community because he was a young man highly respected by all. He had been sick of malarial fever for about a week previously but was apparently recovering, and on Sunday he was up and around. On Sunday night he did not feel so well, and about midnight a messenger was dispatched to Auburn for a physician. Before the doctor arrived, however, Mr. McGahey was dead. He seemed merely to have fallen asleep. The funeral services took place at the Good Templars Hall Tuesday morning and were conducted by the Rev. N. R. Peck of Ophir. At the grave, the burial rites of the Red Men and of the A.O.U.W. were performed. Only about six weeks ago, a brother and sister, the former aged seventeen, the latter fifteen, came from Australia to live with him, deceased having sent for them with the view to providing for their education and support. They are his only surviving relatives, and this circumstance renders his death all the more melancholy. One singular circumstance is that the lips of the deceased maintained their normal color, scarlet, after death.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 8-7-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik ]

McLEAN, JAMES T.

Fatal Accident—James T. McLean, superintendent of the Rock Creek mines, situated about three miles north of Auburn, was instantly killed by the fall of an iron mortar which was being hoisted into place at the mine on the 23d. This mortar weighed 3700 lbs. and was about being placed on four large blocks beneath when McLean reached in under to brush away some dirt or gravel that was on the blocks. Just at this moment, the rope that held the mortar snapped short, and the unfortunate man was caught as if in a trap, his head and shoulders being crushed into an unrecognizable mass. The deceased was a native of Nova Scotia, aged 50 years. He leaves a wife but no family, we understand. Deceased had worked here but two or three months. He was universally esteemed for his good qualities of both head and heart. The body was taken to San Francisco for interment.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 10-30-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

MEAD, JULIA C.

Local Matters—Mrs. J. C. Mead, whose death is announced in another column, was one of those ladies whose loss will be felt not alone by her bereaved life partner and her other sorrowing relatives, but also by the better element of the community in which she dwelt, for she was not only a model woman in her domestic and social relations, but she was what is better, an exemplary Christian woman. Her untimely death was caused by a cancerous tumor from which she suffered greatly for five or six weeks past. The funeral was held at the M. E. Church, Ophir, on Wednesday, and her remains were buried in the Red Men’s Cemetery below Newcastle.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 9-25-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

MESRISCH, FRANK

Frank Mesrisch, who died at the County Hospital yesterday of dropsy, was an old resident of Michigan Bluff, having lived there or in that vicinity for over twenty years. He was brought to the hospital May 23rd.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 6-5-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

MUNDONSIA, JOHN SYLVIA

Death—On the morning of the 29^th inst., John Sylvia Mundonsia, a Portuguese, died at the residence of Mr. Ford, Bath. Deceased was about 35 years old, had been sick about two years, and at the time of his death had every preparation made to start for his old home—would have left Bath the very morning upon which his death occurred. His disease is said to have been consumption. His funeral took place on the 30^th and was very largely attended.

[Placer Herald, Auburn, Saturday, 4-3-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

MURRAY, MARGARET ELIZABETH nee HUGHES

Mrs. Margaret Elizabeth Murray of Newcastle passed away in an Auburn hospital last Friday at the age of 68 years. Mrs. Murray was a native of Arkansas. She had resided here for six years. She is survived by her sons Harrison Murray of Newcastle, Roy Murray of Auburn, Lonnie Murray of Oklahoma, and a daughter, Ruth Smith of Oregon. Funeral services were held Wednesday morning in the Chapel of the Hills with Rev. E. C. James officiating. Burial was in the Newcastle Cemetery.

[Auburn Journal, Thursday, 1-3-1957. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

PARKER, S. E.

Colfax Items—The sudden death of the estimable S. E. Parker of Iowa Hill was an occasion of deep sorrow. So great was the sympathy of the people with the widowed mother and her three children, and in so great esteem was the husband and father held, that all the stores and saloons were closed and all the citizens attended the ceremonies, which took place at the Masonic Hall and cemetery here, at which was gathered the largest concourse of people ever convened in this town for a like purpose. The Masons, in full regalia, formed a grand and imposing procession from the hall to the cemetery. Mr. Preston of Nevada was Acting Master, and the funeral services which he delivered with eloquence have rarely been equaled, all being deeply affected. The whole proceeding was a credit to the order of which deceased was a member in unquestionable standing, an honor to the bereft, and a testimonial of the community to the worthiness of the deceased. Iowa Hill was represented en masse.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 10-30-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

PECK, MARY

Died—At Modesto, October 2d, Mrs. Mary Peck, wife of Rev. N. R. Peck of Ophir, a native of Moneton, Vermont, aged 66 years, 1 month and 23 days, has passed away. Rev. Mr. Peck and wife have been residents of California for 25 years past. Most of this time Mr. Peck has been engaged as an efficient and zealous minister of the M. E. Church, four years of which time he spent in Auburn. Mrs. Peck, by her constant Christian labor, her sympathy, solicitude, and sacrifices for the well being of all, especially for the church, has rendered her memory sacred. She has gone to reap the reward of a devout life and a triumphant death.

 [Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 10-9-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

PERRY, HENRY J.

In another column we record the death of one of Placer’s old and highly respected citizens, Mr. Henry J. Perry. Mr. Perry has been unwell for some time and at last, on the 6^th inst., succumbed to fate and went the path marked out for all. Mr. Perry led a life that won for him the esteem of all, and his funeral on Wednesday was attended by nearly everybody in Michigan Bluff and the country round about.

[Placer Herald, Auburn, Saturday, 1-10-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

Michigan Bluff Jottings—On the 6^th of this month, Mr. Henry Perry, who has had a long, tedious illness of seven months, passed away from all earthly cares and, I hope, to a better land. He was a most patient sufferer, never murmuring or complaining. In the loss of him the bereaved family has lost a good, kind, and indulgent husband and a fond father, the community a good friend who was always willing and ready to do an act of kindness. His remains were followed to the Good Templars’ Cemetery by a large concourse of friends.

[Placer Herald, Auburn, Saturday, 1-17-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

PUTNAM, EUNICE MERIAH

Local Matters—The death of Mrs. Samuel Putnam announced elsewhere in these columns was not unexpected for she had been an invalid for nearly ten years, though able most of the time to help herself and attend to her own wants. For over three months past, she has been confined to her room and bed. Mrs. Putnam came to Auburn about four years ago, and during her residence here had succeeded in endearing herself to all with whom she had become acquainted, for she was generally regarded as a superior kind of a woman in all womanly respects. Her death resulted from cancer and tumor, and death was a blessed relief to her. Her remains were buried in the Odd Fellows’ Cemetery yesterday forenoon.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 9-11-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

RINKEY, HERMAN

Death From Old Age—Herman Rinkey, an old man living with Ferdinand Bock near Pino, died rather suddenly last Sunday. Coronor Redfern was sent for, who repaired to the scene and, summoning a jury, held an inquest over the remains. After examining into the case, the jury found that death was caused from old age and that deceased was a native of Michlenburg. His age was estimated at 73 years.

[Placer Herald, Auburn, Saturday, 3-20-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

SCHWEITZER, MICHIEL W.

Local Matters—M. W. Schweitzer, Constable at Forest Hill, met with an accident on Wednesday evening, resulting in his death. He was engaged in firing a salute for the Page meeting, using giant powder cartridges. He was lighting the fuse with a coal and thinking that one was not lighted, applied the coal again, when it exploded, mangling him terribly and killing him instantly. Deceased was a native of Canada, aged about forty-four and had lived in the vicinity of Forest Hill for a number of years.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 9-25-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

SHELLHORN, CHARLES

A man was killed at Blue Canon on Monday morning about half-past two while endeavoring, as it is supposed, to jump onto the passenger train as it was about leaving. The body was fearfully mangled, and the head was found about 200 yards from the trunk. Coroner Redfern held an inquest on the remains. The deceased was about 35 years of age, and it is believed his name was Charles Schellhorn.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 1-17-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik ]

SHERIFF, HIRAM

Tired of Life—Hiram Sheriff, a miner living in a cabin near Bald Hill about two and a half miles north of Auburn, committed suicide last Saturday by shooting himself through the head with a pistol. The cause of his death is believed to have been the result of despondency and ill health. In his trunk was found a note to the Coroner, directing that information of his death be sent to his relatives in Ohio, of which state deceased was a native. Mr. Sheriff was a quiet and rather prepossessing man, and the announcement of his untimely end caused deep regret among his friends in Auburn, any of whom would have been glad, had they only been apprised of his destitute condition, to have lent him all necessary aid. He was about forty years of age and unmarried. [Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 11-13-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

SMITH, L. C.

A Good Man Gone—Our community has received a severe blow in the death last evening of our esteemed fellow-citizen, Mr. L. C. Smith, who died at his residence last night about ten o’clock from the effects of bursting a blood vessel Wednesday afternoon while at work about the building he used for the post office and store. Mr. Smith was one of the early settlers of Placer County and has held the office of postmaster at Pine Grove (known then as Smithville) and Rocklin for a good many years. A fond indulgent parent, an honest upright citizen, his loss will be deeply felt both at home and abroad. Deceased was a member of the Masonic fraternity here and was also an earnest worker in the cause of temperance. Mr. Smith leaves three children, the eldest married. The remains will be buried tomorrow (Friday) at two o’clock PM, according to the Masonic rites.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 11-27-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

Another Pioneer Gone—L. C. Smith, an old and highly esteemed resident of this county, died at Rocklin, Nov. 24, aged 54 years. With his death, another pioneer has completed the rough and rugged journey of life—crossed the deep rolling river to that place from whence no traveler returns. The deceased was a native of the state of Ohio. He crossed the plains to California in 1849 in company with Mr. J. T. Kinkade of Auburn and has been a resident of Placer County since the 14^th day of February 1850. In 1849-50, deceased engaged in mining; in the fall of 1850 he, with Messrs. Kinkade and Harned built the Indian Valley House on Secret Ravine; in 1852 he engaged in merchandising at Smithville near Pino Station, and for the last ten years he has been a resident of Rocklin where he was engaged in merchandising. He was also for many years postmaster and Wells, Fargo & Co.’s agent at the latter place. Deceased was twice married. Two daughters only survive him, Mrs. Ramsey and Miss Belle Smith, both of Rocklin. He was a member of the Masonic Order and Good Templars, and highly respected for his many moral and social virtues. His funeral took place yesterday under the auspices of Granite Lodge, No. 222, F&AM of Rocklin.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 11-27-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

SPEAR, JACOB

In the death of Mr. Jacob Spear, which occurred at Dutch Flat on the 1^st, Placer County loses one of her oldest and best citizens. Deceased, who was a native of Vermont, came to this country over twenty years ago and for many years resided at Dutch Flat. Subsequently he removed to Lincoln where he had charge of a ranch belonging to Towle Bros. of Dutch Flat. For the last two or three years, during which time he has been gradually failing, he has resided chiefly in Auburn. He was unmarried and, so far as we know, has no relatives on this coast. His death was caused by cancer.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 7-10-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

STRONG, LEANDER

Death of a Pioneer—Leander Strong, a native of New York, aged about 53 years, died rather suddenly at the Orleans Hotel in this town last Saturday evening, the third inst. Mr. Strong, according to our information, came to this state from Michigan in 1849. Though like most early Californians, he mined some when he first came to the country. He soon got a position as stage driver and handled the whip and lines for years. His experience in this line was mostly in the northern part of the state. Much of the time he drove out of Marysville and latterly on the line between Maryville and Auburn. On leaving off staging, he entered the livery stable business with M. Predom in Auburn. On the destruction of Predom’s stable by fire in 1872, he was soon employed at the Empire Stables, also in Auburn, and while there have been changes in the proprietorship of the stable, Mr. Strong remained an attaché of the establishment until his death. Though he was unwell for a long time, he attended to his regular duties until two days before his death. When taken down, few thought his case so serious, and hence the announcement of his death on Sunday morning took the community by surprise. Mr. Crosby, for whom he had been working, arranged every detail for the funeral in good shape, and a very large concourse of friends turned out and followed the remains to their last resting place in Odd Fellows’ Cemetery. Mr. Strong has brothers and sister though had heard from none of them in a long time. He had no relatives in this state, so far as known.

[Placer Herald, Auburn, Saturday, 4-10-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

TURNER, CHARLES JOSEPH “Charley”

Death of C. J. Turner—C. J. Turner died at his home near Pino last Tuesday morning after a lingering illness, aged 29 years, 7 months and 13 days. Charley, as he was familiarly called, was a young man, yet an old resident of this county, having come to California and to Placer County 27 years ago this month. For quite a number of years he was engaged on the railroad, but last summer he failed so fast that he came home and calmly awaited his fate. He was a member of Owasso Tribe, Imp. O.R.M. of Sacramento. His funeral was conducted by Delaware Tribe of Newcastle on Wednesday and was very largely attended. Rev. N. R. Peck officiated at the Hall, and at the grave the beautiful and impressive ceremony of the Red Men was gone through with. He leaves an aged father and mother, one sister, three brothers, two sisters-in-law, a nephew and niece, an uncle (J. T. Kinkade of Auburn), and three cousins to mourn his loss. He also has relatives living in Oakland and in the eastern states. His death was the first affliction in his family for about 35 years. The best of medical skill was unavailing to heal his malady (consumption) and restore his health. A high type of womanly excellence and devotion existed in his home, and their blessed administrations, often more potent than the physician’s remedies, were constantly and with cheerful fidelity exerted to the last, but they had no shield against the stroke of death. His mind was pure, his manners refined, his bearing simple and wholly free from ostentation. He was a true type of the gentleman, an affectionate brother and a faithful son; in fact his whole life was so measured and filled up with moral and social virtues that his death will be deeply regretted by the community in which he lived. His life here has ended, but not we trust its influence upon those who survive him. To him, death was but the portal to immortality, the white throne of omnipotence. His spirit has crossed the valley of the shadow to the echoless shore, and when the cold clods rattled down upon the coffin’s lid, shutting out from view all that remained mortal of him, many heads were bowed in sorrow and many eyes were dimmed with tears. Peace to his ashes and may the sweet flowers of his loved mountain home bloom perennially over his grave! [Placer Herald, Auburn, Saturday, 1-17-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

WALKER, WILLIAM

Railroad Collision—By a collision of trains on the Union Pacific Railroad on the 18^th inst., two persons were killed and nine wounded. One of the two killed was a boy named William Walker, adopted son of William and Sarah Boyd, a native of Canada, aged 14 years and 7 months. He, with his foster mother and another member of the family, were coming to California on the immigrant train to join the father and two sons when the melancholy accident occurred some distance east of Ogden. The immediate cause of the disaster was the backing up of a freight train which drove the caboose into one of the immigrant cars. Deceased was buried at Colfax on the 18^th with due religious ceremony.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 11-27-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

WEBBER, GEORGE

Michigan Bluff Gossip—George Webber was taken sick and had been ailing for several days before it was found out, and as soon as discovered he was removed to M. Williams’ hotel and a physician summoned, who pronounced it that dread disease, pneumonia. He lingered on for several days, but Thursday night he grew gradually worse and Friday morning at half-past 10 o’clock, he gave up his spirit to Him who gave it and passed away—I hope to a fairer and brighter land. Deceased was a good citizen and one whom everyone respected; he also was a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and a Good Templar; aged about 47 years. Although Saturday was a very bad day for anyone to get out, a number came from Forest Hill and vicinity, and he was followed to his last resting place by a large concourse of people. Thus, one by one, we pass away, and time makes great changes for us all.

[Placer Herald, Auburn, Saturday, 4-17-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

WELLS, BEZALEEL R.

Death of an Old Resident—B. R. Wells, who died at Sacramento on the morning of the 23^rd, was an old resident of Placer County, very highly respected by all who knew him. He lived in Auburn for many years where he was engaged in various kinds of business. Mr. Wells had been in failing health for some time previous to his death and went to a water-cure establishment in Sacramento some weeks ago to find relief, if possible. It seems that he was also subject to fits for he was taken with one at the old depot in that city the evening before his death. It is probable, indeed, that his death was directly due to this cause for he was picked up insensible and carried to his lodgings where he shortly afterwards expired. Mr. Wells was on the street Monday, apparently as well as he had been for some time past, and his death occurred Tuesday. Thus we have once more been startlingly reminded of the force of the saying that “in the midst of life we are in death.” Deceased was a native of Ohio, aged about 66 years. He was a member of Auburn Lodge, No. 7, IOOF, and of Delaware Tribe, Red Men of Newcastle. Delegations from both lodges attended the funeral which took place on Wednesday from the Odd Fellows’ Hall, Auburn. The remains were deposited in the Odd Fellows’ Cemetery at this place.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 3-27-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

Death of B. R. Wells—Bezaleel R. Wells, an old Californian and an old resident of Placer County, formerly of Auburn but of late years a merchant at Penryn, died suddenly in Sacramento where he had gone a few days before for medical treatment last Tuesday morning. Mr. Wells was a native of Ohio and at the time of his death 66 years and 1 month old. He had no relatives in this state, so far as we know. In his habits Mr. Wells was quiet and unassuming; as a businessman he was noted for his strict integrity. Though of a pleasant and obliging nature, he never mingled much in society. His remains were brought to Auburn Tuesday night on the lightning train and buried in Odd Fellows’ Cemetery at 2 o’clock PM the next day under the auspices and according to the rites and ceremonies of the Odd Fellows and the Red Men, of which orders respectively he was an honored member. Regarding the ultimate cause of his death, Wednesday evening’s Bee says he fell in a fit on K Street Monday evening. He was at once taken to the Ebner House where he had been stopping. He had been ailing from some affection of the heart, and his condition after being taken to the hotel was such that he died the next morning.

[Placer Herald, Auburn, Saturday, 3-27-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

WHALIN, EDWARD JAMES

Edward James Whalin of Colfax died Tuesday, May 7, 1991, in Grass Valley, He was 84. Mr. Whalin was born Feb. 9, 1907, in Oakland. He moved to Colfax when he retired in 1976. He had been a general building contractor for 50 years in the Oakland-East Bay area. He was a member of the Colfax Seventh Day Adventist Church, Colfax Friends of the Library, AARP, and the Sierra Mountain Railroad Club. Mr. Whalin is survived by his wife, Louise; son and daughter-in-law, Melvyn and Sarah Whalin; step-daughter, Karen Brooks; twin sister, Emma Drake; sister, Edith; brothers, Donald and Herbert; grandsons, David and Gregory Whalin; granddaughters, Coleen Filipps, Kathleen Roberts, Maureen Keene and Gina Doll; one great-grandson and four great-granddaughters. Funeral services were conducted Friday, May 10, 1991, in the Colfax Adventist Church with interment in the Colfax District Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Morrison Funeral Chapel of St. Helena and Sierra Chapel of Colfax.

[Colfax Record, Wednesday, 5-22-1991. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]

WILLS, JAMES

Letter from Michigan Bluff—The sad news has reached us tonight that one of Michigan Bluff’s oldest and most respected citizens, Mr. Wills, has passed over the river of death. If the sympathy of a community in whose midst he has lived and who cherish the many sterling points which have made him a kind and affectionate husband and father, besides an honored and useful citizen, can lend a solace to the anguish of his grief-stricken family, it is theirs, for the intelligence has cast a shadow of gloom throughout the whole community.

[Placer Weekly Argus, Auburn, Saturday, 9-18-1880. Submitted by Kathie Marynik]