"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Monday, March 7, 1898
HORSMAN'S HALLUCINATION
Dr. Delamore, of Alton, must have imagined that war had actually broken out when, as he was crossing the Pacific Lumber Company's bridge across the Van Dusen river Saturday night, there rang out on the still air a startling command' "Halt ! Advance & give the countersign 1" At the time the doctor was on his way to visit a patient on the other side of the river & as the martial command greeted his ears, & out of the darkness there loomed the figure of the picket who had issued it, the medical man bethought him that he was a long way behind the ambulance corps & in his hurry to overtake it he forgot to obey the order.
The lone sentinel afterward proved to be Thomas G. Horsman, a lunatic, who said that in the doctor he had recognized the bearing of a West Pointer whom he would have shot on general principles had he been armed with a rifle instead of a club. But this bridge affair was not Horsman's only exploit for after accelerating the movements of the Esculapian, the lunatic went back to Alton & made several attempts to enter the doctor's home where the doctor's wife was alone, but desisted when neighbors were called in. He was not molested that night, but in the morning was arrested by Constable Ensign who brought him in on the train & placed him in the Receiving Hospital for examination by the Commissioners of Insanity.
Horsman is an Englishman, about 40 years of age & last May was arrested
in Eureka on a charge of insanity, but after being detained a week or so
was turned loose. He then went to Scotia & after remaining there awhile
he came to Alton where he has since resided, living in a cabin by himself
& apparently doing no work. On the way in on the train, yesterday morning,
Horsman became so violent that he had to be strapped & in this condition
he is still kept at the hospital as he has a destructive tendency &
seeks to tear his clothes from his body.
Tuesday, March 8, 1898
Thomas G. Horsman, the Alton lunatic, who tried to hold up Dr. Delamere last Saturday night was examined by the Insanity Commissioners this morning & commited to the Napa Asylum. Since his confinement in the insane ward Horsman has become more violent in his actions & incoherent in his talk. Beyond the claim made by himself that he is an Englishman, aged 43 years, & is a college graduate, nothing can be learned of his antecedents. He was taken down on the steamer "Weeott" this morning in charge of Special Deputy Patrick McGarraghan.
Thursday, March 10, 1898
THE WEALTH of a LUNATIC
Horsman, the Alton Crazy Man Has Money
Thomas G. Horsman, the insane man from Alton, who was committed to Napa
last Monday & taken down on the steamer "Homer", appears to be well
suplied with this world's goods & for aught that is known may be an
English lord in disguise. The claim made by the insane man that he is an
Englishman & a college graduate appears to be well founded judging
from the petition of Frank W. Luther of Alton, who is a friend of the unfortunate
fellow, seeks to be appointed his guardian. The petition recites that Thomas
Gowland Horsman is possessed of about $5,000 on deposit in this country
& in England---$3,079.90 in Wells, Fargo & Co's Bank, San Francisco,
& 382 pounds in the hands of Thos. Beacoby, Solicitor of Nottinghamshire,
England. Mr. Luther has been acting as Horsman's confidental agent &
is entrusted with all his legal documents, papers & business interests.
142
"The Arcata Union"
Saturday, August 27, 1887 (Jacinto Letter Column)
In heaven's name what's the matter with the Eureka postoffice? Sometimes
we get the "Union", & sometimes we don't. There have been enough complaints
about the Eureka postoffice since Fred Axe was let out by Cleveland &
reform, to make a petition that would reach from here to Washington.
"Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Saturday, April 8, 1876
Lately at Camp Grant, a man who is just verging on his sixty-third Summer
engaged in conversation with a widow on the subject of marriage. Says he
to her in a winsome & meaning way' "I would ask you to marry me, but
the only objection I have is that you are too old." That is the only reason
why I could not marry you," she replied. Seeing that he had been misunderstood
he awaited for another opportunity & added' "It is the case, but I
think enough of you to join you anyhow. So if you'll only say the word,
the bark flies." The bark didn't fly, but she did.
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Friday, April 7, 1876
A boy named Fowler, a pupil of the public school, according to the statements of several of his schoolmates, pulled a knife out of his pocket while in class & through a disposition to annoy, clipped off a lock of hair of a boy that was standing by his side. At recess the two boys met & engaged in unpleasant words, & were in a fair way to get into a fight, when a third boy interfered & tried to put an injunction on the quarrel. He did not meet with sucess, for when he "put in his lip" he found he had made a mistake. A fight ensued in which young Fowler pulled out the knife & attempted to use it on his antagonists, but others mistrusted his motives & caught his arm before any bodily harm was done. After quite a struggle the knife was taken from his hand. He was then expelled from school.
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Saturday, April 8, 1876
POLICE COURT --- Business in the Police Court has been on a relax for
a number of days, but will likely resume today. We hear that the youth
who was expelled from school the other day will be arraigned for attempting
to use a deadly weapon. There is also a case of forgery, we believe, &
one or two cases of vagrancy. One of these is most deplorable, as the subjects
have become objects of charity through a use of opium & other intoxicants,
& the prosare that they will have to be kept at the county's expense.
143
"The Daily Humboldt Standard' Eureka, California
Wednesday, February 5, 1896
A BIT of FUN
Everybody knows "Mac" Loveland's perennial good nature, & some of his intimate friends, last night, after the wedding party had retired & the long, good-natured postal officer was sound asleep, took a hack & with a new horn whose lugubrious tones would awaken the "seven sleepers" drove out to the residence of the newly-wedded pair, & opened up with a bugle blast. "Mac" was startled. He had taken the precaution to have a policeman stationed in the neighborhood to prevent any hoodlums from making the night hideous with tin pans & catterwauls, & the policeman had Waited until nearly 3 o'clock, & seeing no signs of danger, had gone to his other duties.
At the first note of the big horn the groom hastily dressed himself & went to the front door when he opened up in a well worded speech, denouncing the mob for invading the sanctity of his rest. The boys in the hack listened attentively to the "effort of his life", & when sufficiently entertained by "Mac's" eloquent appeal for peace & quiet, broke forth in boisterous laughter. He could not mistake the voice of Cohn & his associates, & immediately surrendered. They went in & "took something" with Loveland, & then bade him goodnight, & wished him & his bride long life & happiness. This did not end their spree. They drove around onto G street in front of the residence of the Standard" man, &, ranging themselves on the sidewalk, opened up a salute to the Speegle family which the editor, starting from a sound & peaceful slumber, took for a note from some traveling fog horn or the sound of Gabriel's trumphet & lit in the middle of the room at the first sound.
The clarion note rang out upon the startled air fully eleven minutes
long without a break. Having wakened the household, the party quietly entered
the carriage & drove away. If Harry Cohn ever gets married Speegle
& Loveland will travel a thousand miles to wake him up at 4 o'clock
in the morning, Just to get even.
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Wednesday, March 18, 1896
Rev. T. S. Simmons, a traveling revivalist, who mixes up Phrenology
with his preaching, eloped with Miss Mary McCrosky from Hollister, last
week, She had been an interested listener to his discourses, He was arrested,
but was afterwards released, when the two were married. We wonder ii it
is the same Simmons who formerly held meetings throughout Humboldt county,
who also dabbled in Phrenology. He received an ovation while at Port Kenyon
one evening, consisting principally of farm produce.
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Monday, January 27, 1896
Frank Rief was this morning fined $10 by Judge Holmes for disturbing
the peace last Saturday night. Rief seems to have been wildly enamored
of a young lady with whom James A. Fox was walking home from the Salvation
Army headquarters, & in a fit of Jealousy attempted to punish Fox with
his fists, but Fox proved the better man, & knocked Rief out, when
the couple proceeded to the young lady's home. Rief is unfortunate' besides
getting a sound drubbing for his folly, he paid his fine this morning,
& will probably let the next young man alone who walks home with the
girl he seems to be so much in love with.
144
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Friday, August 12, 1898
A SERIOUS CHARGE
Elmer Gillis, a 19 year old youth of Janes Creek, is locked up in the
County Jail to await examination on what might be called a charge of seduction
although in the Penal Code owing to the age of the complaining witness,
it is given a harsher name. The complaint was sworn to last May by A. L.
Orcutt of Klamath for the wrong done his 15 year old daughter Dora when
she was in service at Janes Creek, but about that time Gillis made himself
scarce & was not apprehended until yesterday morning when Under Sheriff
Ferrill saw him coming into the city on the Freshwater stage. Gillis was
taken before Justice Beers of Arcata who issued the warrant & was held
for examination with bond fixed at $500. Being unable to furnish bond he
was brought back to Eureka yesterday afternoon & locked up.
Monday, August 15, 1898
The case against Elmer Gillis was dismissed.
Friday, September 1898
The marriage certificate of Elmer Gillis of Janes Creek & Dora Orcutt
of Weitchpec was filed for record this morning. The bride & groom being
respectively only 18 & 16 years of age the license was issued upon
the consent of the father of the groom & D. A. Gaynor, guardian of
the bride. The ceremony was performed by J. P. Gist August 20th.
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Thursday, February 10, 1898
POUNDMAN'S PERQUISTES
A Discolored Optic and a Swelled Nose
That Was What Poundmaster Peterson Received For Trying to Arrest a Cow
"A policeman's life is not a happy one" as the bobby in the "Pirates
of Penzance" remarked, but when his official duties include the confiscation
of contraband dogs & cows his existence is positively miserable. The
truth of this is attested by Special Officer Hank Peterson, the city's
poundmaster who, in pugilistic parlance, exhibits a shanty under his left
optic & various other facial contusions as the result of his zeal in
attempting to perform his duty. The builder of the aforesaid shanty was
Captain Christiansen who resides near Myrtle Grove cemetery & who thus
forcibly remonstrated against the impounding of his cow which had been
found trespassing within the pound limits of the city. Christiansen sought
to frustrate the efforts of the officer to lasso the cow & when that
officer attempted to arrest him for interfering with an officer in the
discharge of his duty he smote him in the eye & with his cow made his
escape. Christiansen was arrested this afternoon on a warrant charging
him with obstructing an officer in the discharge of his duty & released
him on his own recognizance to appear for preliminary examination this
evening before Police Judge Melendy. If he is held it will be for trial
before the Superior Court as the code fixes the maximum penalty for the
offense at $5,000 fine or five years imprisonment in the county jail, the
magnitude of which removes the case from the jurisdiction of the Police
Court.
145
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Monday, September 5, 1898
DRUNK & DRIVING
Yesterday was decidedly unlucky for the combination of sailor & horse, particularly for the equine member, the horse killed outright.
The dead animal was a gray horse owned by J. F. Quill of the Bay Stables
& was known as Ethan. He was hired by Second Mate Clifton of the schooner
"Lottie Carson," who with a companion named Jack, started in a buggy about
noon for Walkers Point. The accident occured at the foot of a short, steep
hill on the Arcata road, just beyond William Steven's place near Bayside.
At the foot of the hill, on one side of the road, where it makes an abrupt
turn is a telephone pole & against this pole the horse dashed, striking
his head fairly & squarely & breaking his neck. So great was the
speed of the animal & so sudden the stoppage of his career that when
he dropped, the buggy was turned completely over on top of him. The men,
however, who were shot out onto the bank, which at that point is about
the heighth of a buggy box, were comparatively unhurt. The men claim that
the horse ran away & became unmanageable but people whom they passed
at different places on the road beyond Freshwater say that they observed
the men lashing the horse with the whip. The men appeared sober & the
horse in good condition when they stopped at Freshwater, shortly before
the accident. Liveryman Quill said that the horse was the gentlest in the
stable & for that reason was usuaIly hired to persons whose skill in
driving was a subject of doubt. He was considerable of a pet & was
so throughly reliable that he has been known to come home safely from Arcata,
on a dark night without guidance, bringing two drunken men, both alseep
in the buggy behind him. While the animal was probably not worth that much,
his owner said that he would not have parted with him for $150. It is probable
that the owner will prosecute the men.
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Thursday, November 17, 1898
HAS NOT SPOKEN FOR 3 YEARS
Mrs. Sarah F. Denney, of Arcata was examined by the Commission of Insanity
yesterday & this morning was commited & sent down on the steamer
"Pomona" enroute for the Napa Insane Asylum. The unfortunate woman is the
wife of James F. Denney of Arcata. She is 57 years of age & is the
mother of 11 children, 9 of whom are living. Her malady first made its
appearance about 4 years ago, & no cause can be assigned for it, as
even now she is apparently in good bodily health. One of the peculiarities
of her case is the fact that after the first appearance of the symptoms
she gradually ceased to talk & for the last three years she has not
spoken a word or uttered a sound unless it was at night while in the condition
known as nightmare. During all of this time she has had to be restrained
& constantly watched as she developed homicidal & suicidal tendencies.
146
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Tuesday, August 17, 1897
Two women, who both claim to be the wife of Waldron, the actor, who
died suddenly at Eureka a few weeks ago, have bobbed up & want his
$1,000 fortune.
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Friday, September 10, 1897
One day last week a drowned cat was found in a can of milk at the Alton
creamery. Not wishing the milk the manager ordered it back from whence
it came. In lifting the can from the creamery platform into the wagon some
of the milk slopped over onto the horses, which ran away, throwing the
driver vilently to the ground, knocking him insensible, but he fianlly
came around all right. He is employed at the Burnell place, near Alton.
So it seems a dead cat caused a lot of trouble.
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Friday, July 16, 1897
A poor family arrived in Ferndale yesterday, having neither money or
food. They came from Oregon, & have been experienced a great deal of
sickness on their trip. In less than an hour yesterday, Joseph Kerfoot
raised 7 or 8 dollars for them besides a liberal donation of provisions.
NOTE' one child died in Garberville in August.
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Tuesday, August 31, 1897
The wife of Superior Judge Murphy of Del Norte county made a savage
attack upon Father J. B. Ruddy at Crescent City the other evening, breaking
his eye glasses & badly injuring one of his eyes. This occured in the
sanctum of the Priest, who to avoid an altercation with Mrs. Murphy, fled
to the street. She followed, however, & picked up a brick from the
road, menacing him with further violence, but the episode there terminated.
Judge Murphy was with his wife at the time of the disturbance, but the
cause of the attack is not known.
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Tuesday, November 2, 1897
Mr. & Mrs. James Woods of the Harris area recently had a baby girl,
their 20th child & Woods is thinking of going to the Klondyke gold
rush in the spring. I don't blame him, do you?
"The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
Wednesday, April 13, 1898
Leslie Kehoe, who was convicted in Department One of the Superior Court on a charge of seduction under promise of marriage & was sentenced to pay a fine of $1,800 or be imprisoned in the county jail one day for each $5 of such fine.
147
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
May 3, 1876
There is something painfully beautiful in the sight of a red-headed
three hundred pound woman endeavoring to canter across the street when
the sand is about a foot deep, & at the same time, trying to hold a
newspaper over her head to keep the sun off. It resembles very much a sixty
gallon cask of beans in its meanderings.
"The Humboldt Daily Times" Eureka, California
Friday, June 20, 1879
An aged lady who a short time ago since, married a youth of about half
her years, received a brutal beating at the hands of her lord & master.
We regret to say that no arrest has been made. A few months reflection
behind the bars of a prison would do the young brute good. We learn the
young man has left Rohnerville & gone to parts unknown. The climate
of that usually quiet burg was getting more warm than comfortable.
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Saturday, July 18, 1885
The proof reader of the "Enterprise" had not sobered up at the time
of our last issue, hence the many errors in last week's paper.
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Saturday, June 28, 1879
PLACED in a COFFIN
For several days past we have had a specimen of a human being in our
town, who if there can be such a thing as total depravity, is a good example
of it. He has become an anoyance to all, & last Tuesday afternoon in
some way secured whiskey, got drunk & went to a barn to sleep off the
debauch. While in that condition, same young men (of course they were not
of Ferndale) procured a coffin, placed him in it, nailed down the lid,
leaving sufficient room for him to get air, & took him out upon the
streets, & enjoyed themselves at his expense up to a late hour in the
night, when the inebriate awoke from his drunken stupor & discovered
his position. He indicated no surprise or concern, but appeared to be contented
& was willing & anxious to have another spree of the same kind.
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Friday, May 11, 1894
The "Arcata Union" states that the shocking murder which took place
in the house of ill-fame at that city on the night of April 27th, aroused
the people to a high state of excitement, & that they are determined
the house shall be wiped out. The town trustees have been petitioned to
pass an ordinance suppressing such nuisances within the town.
148
"The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
Saturday, December 10, 1898
A THRILLING EXPERIENCE
Two well known young ladies of this city, Miss Grace Quill & Miss Ida Cottrell had a thrilling experience yesterday afternoon, that came near ending in a diaster.
The afternoon being fine the young ladies thought it might be a good plan to breathe some of the abundance of ozone in the districts outside the town, & with the intent of carrying the idea into action, took the Cottrell family equipage & journ- - eyed out towards Elk river.
The afternoon was delightful, & the horse was feeling in fine fettle,
& unlike many fiery untamed steeds when pursuing a direction contrary
to where the barn & a good feed of oats await, covered the ground at
a rapid pace. When opposite Buhne's ranch a herd of swine came running
down the road. The equine, being city bred, was not accustomed to the sight
of such queer looking beasts, & being a trifle aristocratic in his
tastes, showed evident displeasure at their proximity, by backing around
in the road. To emphasize his displeasure he jumped into a convenient ditch,
& the ground being boggy, sunk in the soft ground to the flanks. While
the animal was cutting up its capers, Miss Cottrell jumped down from the
buggy, & took refuge on the top of a near-by fence. Miss Quill, however,
who was driving, still clung to the reins, & tried to force the fractious
beast to capitulate. Luckily some men were ner, & before any damage
was done secured the animal. The vehicle was extricated from the mud, the
horse hitched up & the young ladies proceeded homeward. They say, however,
that to get even they drove the horse as hard as they could over those
portions of the road which have been lately gravelled.
"The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
Wednesday, December 7, 1898
Is A "Jack the Kisser" Abroad.
A young lady residing on H street had an experience Sunday night which she will not soon forget. As she was going home from chuch about half past eight o'clock Sunday night she was overtaken by a man at the alley between Fifteenth & Sixteenth streets. He grabbed her by the back of the neck with one hand, while with the other he tried to keep her from screaming by placing it over her mouth. It did not work, however. She did scream with a vengeance & turning on him, struck him with an umbrella. He took to his heels & fled down the alley. She said she was not frightened in the least but was very angry at such impudence. The man was described as being about five feet ten inches in height, had light hair, light trousers & wore a light hat.
Two other young ladies report that they were chased by a man the same
evening near the old armory on H street.
149
"The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
Thursday, December 1, 1898
AN UNFORTUNATE BOY
Bert Forbes of Elk River, the Victim of Many Accidents.
Albert Forbes, the 12 year old son of Alex. Forbes of Elk river, can consider himself lucky to be alive. He has had a series of accidents ever since he was old enough to play outdoors, & Tuesday he found himself in the surgeon's office again, this time with a broken right arm, the result of a fall from the loft of his father's barn.
The lad was playing with some other youngsters, testing the derrick which hoists the hay up to the loft & carried it to differnt stations in the barn by means of a track attached to the ceiling. "Bert" evidently was playing he was a bale of hay but got dizzy, for it was not long before he dropped "all into a heap." He was immediately brought to Eureka & a surgeon consulted. It was supposed his left arm was broken as he had it in a sling.
On examination by Dr. Falk it was discovered that nothing was wrong with that member. The doctor noticed at a glance that the right arm was affected & by examination found that both bones in that wrist were broken.
"Bert" evidently was not born to be killed. At seven years of age he
was kicked by a cow & had his leg broken; at nine he got too near a
horse's heels & suffered a broken jaw, & Tuesday's broken arm.
In a few weeks he will again be ready for anything that comes.
"The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
Friday, December 2, 1898
KILLED THIS THIEF
City Clerk Wunderlich is mourning the loss of some fancy bred chickens. They were stolen Wednesday night. Four shots were fired at the thief, but he escaped for the time being. He came back yesterday, however, & was quickly disposed of by the aim of the city clerk. He hit him in the neck.
About 1 o'clock Thursday morning Mr. Wunderlich heard a racket in the
hen house & sallied forth to capture the burglar. When he reached the
hen house it was discovered that the thief had four legs. Mr. Wunderlich
had no firearms, so he called to his next door neighbor, H. L. Ricks, to
come to his assistance. It being the dead hour of the night, Mr. Rick's
aim was very poor, & outside of waking up the entire neighborhood,
both might just as well have stayed in bed. The dog came back yesterday
afternoon & our worthy clerk then called in the services of Undertaker
Peterson. The city also suffered the loss of a dollar for a dog tag next
year.
150
"The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
November 1898
DO TWO WOMEN CALL HIM HUSBAND?
An Alaskan Romance Which Seems to Have a Humboldt End.
Has George Hamner Two Wives?
A Report That He Has Wedded in the Klondike, Though a Ferndale Woman Claims Him.
The "San Francisco Chronicle" of November 19th had an account of a wedding which took place in Alaska, "the famous pilot of the White Horse rapids becoming a benedict, & to make it more romantic, as befitted his career of perils & adventures, the ceremony was performed while the boat was shooting the rapids." The telegraph reads'
Dawson City, Oct 6--George Hamner, the famous pilot of the White Horse rapids, recently became a benedict, &, as befitted his career of perils & adventure, the marriage ceremony was performed in a boat that was shooting the rapids. When the minister said "I pronounce you man & wife," he had to raise his voice & almost shout, & even then could hardly make himself heard in the roar of the wild waters.
Hamner first met the lady now his wife in San Francisco three years ago. She was born in Chicago, is highly educated & has traveled extensively in the old world. A few years ago she visited the Transvaal & interviewed President Kruger for the New York Tribune. Hamner & his bride will go to Seattle on the "Ore" for a honeymoon trip & will return on the ice sometime this winter.
The dispatch was passed unnoticed by many. His wife, however, residing
in Ferndale, is particularly interested in the marriage. It was learned
yesterday from a reliable source that the George Hamner referred to above
is a former Humboldter who was attracted to the Klondike during the excitement
last year. He is known throughout Eel river, his father being a resident
of the Ferndale section for the past thirty years. He was married to a
young lady of Ferndale, but marriage was a failure with them & they
soon agreed to disagree, & an action for divorce was commenced by Hamner
about eighteen months on the grounds of adultry. Mrs., Hamner brought a
counter charge, charging him with cruel & inhuman treatment. The matter
remained in status quo until about a year ago, or just before he started
for the Klondike, when it was dismissed by mutual consent. If Hamner has
been divorced in the far north the mail must have been miscarried or been
lost, for neither Mrs. Hamner or her lawyer, J. D. H. Chamberlain, have
been apprised of that fact. Mrs. Hamner has been living with her parents
in Ferndale ever since the separation, but will now seeing a divorce through
our Superior Court, & her lawyer says if she so desired she could bring
a very serious charge against her truant spouse, & make it very warm
for him-- a marked contrast to the Klondike.
151
"The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
Saturday, December 12, 1891
STARTLING TRAGEDY
Charles Kemp Killed at the Grand Hotel by a Wronged Husband
Behind Prison Bars
James A. Clay Voluntarily Surrenders Himself to Sheriff Brown
Thursday morning about 10 o'clock, Mrs. Emma Clay arrived in Eureka from Elk river & registered at the Grand Hotel, asking to be given a room in which she could have a fire. She remained in Eureka quietly, to all appearances, & after having a fire kindled in her room in the evening, so far as any of the clerks were aware, retired alone.
Yesterday morning a few minutes after the train on the Elk River & Eel River Railroad arrived, a man walked into the hotel in an ordinary, cool manner, & pointing to the name of Mrs. Clay on the register, asked if she was in her room. On being informed that he would find her either there or in the parlor, he turned & want up the stairs. A few minutes later the guests were alarmed by pistol shots being fired.
The clerk rushed up the stairs, & in the hall on the second floor, about nine feet from the door of room 20, he saw a man lying in a pool of blood apparently stone dead. The door of number 20 (which is a double room) leading from the hall had been broken open, the inside door leading from the sitting room to the bedroom was pierced by two powder burnt bullet holes about four feet from the floor, & blood was everywhere, giving evidence that a dreadful deed had been performed.
City Marshal Lindsay was communicated with by telephone, & was soon on hand, but saw nothing of the person who had done the deed of blood. While he was looking about the room examining the dead man's clothing, & questioning Mrs. Clay, who was found in the bedroom in a nervous, excited state, & could give no account of the shooting further than that the dead man's name was Charles Kemp. Sheriff Brown arrived & said that a man by the name of James Clay had a short time before given himself up at the Sheriff's office, saying that he had just killed a man.
Cororner Hanna was sent for as soon as the affair was known, & was soon on the scene, with a hastily summoned jury, & after they had viewed the body as it was found, the remains were conveyed to the undertakers, where the jury made a further examination, & adjourned to meet at the Cororner's office at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon.
When examined at the undertakers, the dead man was recognized to be Charles Kemp, a man who formerly had been employed at Elk river, but had recently been at work at Bendixsen's shipyard. Very little was known of him, but it was learned that he had two brothers belonging to Humboldt county, & a sister married to a man named Bauman who recently arrived in the city, Kemp was a native of Switzerland & about thirty five years of age.
Mrs. Clay is a tall, slight, thin-faced woman, about forty years of age, not by any means attractive in appearance, but not such a looking woman as one would expect to find mixed up in a crime.
..... continued
152
She has been married to Clay a number of years & has three children aged 13, 12 & 6 years respectively.
Mr. Clay is a medium sized man, about fifty-five years old, slightly gray, with a thin face, wearing a set determined expression. He is a native of Maine, a millwright by trade, & well spoken of as an honest, industrious man. He left his home at Elk river last Sunday & was at work at Scotia, from which place he arrived yesterday morning. And on going to his wife's room found Kemp occupying the room with her, & both only partly dressed. It was then he fired the fatal shots. He must have received intelligence some way of his wife's whereabouts & suspected her of having a paramour, else he would not have been prepared to do the deed. Kemp was not registered & no one connected with the hotel knew of his being in the building. It is rumored that he had been intimate with Mrs. Clay for some time, & that Mr. Clay has had some trouble with his wife on this account, but it is only a rumor.
When Sheriff Brown returning to his office, after seeing the remains, James Clay gave him the weapon with which he did the shooting, a Smith & Wesson 38-calibre revolver, & remarked as he turned the weapon in his hand that he had emptied it.
At the inquest in the afternoon when the jury had taken their seats, Dr, McKinnon testified that he had examined the dead body at the undertaker"s & found seven bullet wounds --- one in the chest, three in the left side & three in the left arm. The ball that had entered the chest passed through the arch of the aorta & would cause death; the other wounds were not necessarily fatal unless one in the left side which may have passed through the kidney. It was possible for five shots to cause the seven wouunds, that in the wrist passing through & leaving the holes caused by the same ball. One ball had pierced the left side, & passed through the body, leaving two holes, but neither of them would cause death; nor would the wound in the forearm near the elbow. Death then probably resulted from the wound in the chest.
Willard Christie testified in substance that a few minutes after Clay went upstairs Frank Roberts came down & told him they were shooting up there. He went up & found the body lying on the floor. He then went out & sent a message to Marshal Lindssay. Returning to the room he found blood stains on the floor & walls, & a vest, coat, overcoat & hat, which later were found to be part of the dead man's apparel, He knew nothing of the affair beyond this. Did not know either of the men, & had no knowledge of Kemp's presence in the house during the night.
George Lindsay testified to the fact of finding the body on the floor on his arrival. He unfastened the shirt collar; Kemp had no necktie on, nothing but his shirt, pants & boots.
Sheriff Brown testified to his finding the watch & necktie, supposed to belong to Kemp, in the bedroom where Mrs. Clay slept. She was still in the room when he was there but did not seem inclined to talk. He said Clay came to him & gave himself up, stating that he had killed a man whom he had found in his wife's bedroom with her, a few minutes before. They were both dressing when he first looked into the room.
Mrs. Clay stated in substance as follows: She came to Eureka Thursday
& did not meet Charles Kemp until after 9 o'clock that night, when
he went with her to her room & remained there. He was dressing when
a noise was heard, & immediately after, two shots were fired. Kemp
then opened the door & rushed out. She did not see the party who did
the shooting, heard no words spoken & knew nothing of it beyond this.
The necktie found in the room belonged to Kemp, as did
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the other clothes. She had known Kemp for three or four years. Her husband-was working at Scotia.
The jury then retired & brought in the follow verdict'
We the jury empaneled to enquire into the cause of the death of a person found dead at the Grand hotel in the city of Eureka, Humboldt county, State of California, after hearing the evidence adduced, do find the deceased was named Charles Kemp, a native of Switzerland & aged about thirty five years, & that he came to his death from pistol shots fired from the hands of one James Clay, on the morning of Friday, December 11, 1891.
James Clay was commited to jail without bond to await trial before the Superior Court.
Much sympathy was expressed to Clay & it is said that Kemp has not had a very good reputation & has been mixed up in some scrapes before.
Mrs. Clay after giving her evidence to the Cororner's inquest went at
once to her home at Elk river.
"The Daily Humboldt Times"
Sunday, December 13, 1891
FUNERAL of KEMP
Further Reports Relating to Fridays Tragedy
There were no developments of importance yesterday in the tragedy enacted in this city Friday morning. Of course the street rumors are plentiful, & much sympathy is expressed for James Clay, whose family has been broken up in such an unnatural manner. It is said that the deceased Kemp had been in the habit of mixing himself up in other family affairs, & was accustomed to boast of his doings in that line. It is further said that he entered a saloon in Eureka Thursday & stated that he had just received a letter from a certain party --- a married woman --- with whom he intended to pass the night.
Thursday evening Kemp passed some hours with his siter & her husband, & left them about nine o'clock (after borrowing a watch from his brother-in-law) as they supposed, for his own room. He had stated to them his intention of going across the bay early the following mornig & desired to have the watch that he might not oversleep himself. Later developments show that he went to Mrs. Clay's room & must have forgotten all about crossing the bay, for he was only dressing himself at the time the shooting took place. The watch which was found in the bloody room was identified as the watch he had borrowed from Mr. Bauman, his brother-inlaw the evening before he met his doom. It is sad indeed for the relatives of the murdered man, when they contemplate the unhappy circumstances which led to his death. His immediate family relatives here, & a number of his countrymen attended his funeral yesterday afternoon, which took place from Engle's Undertaing Parlors. He was buried in the Bucksport cemetery.
Mrs. Clay, who, after giving her testimony, went to her home at Elk river, where of course she would meet the children she has brought to sorrow. It is also reported that she has been on far too friendly terms with Kemp for some time past & had been warned by her husband of the consequences of his meeting her in Kemp's company. They have been married for twentyfive years.
....Continued
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"The Daily Humboldt Times"
Wednesday, December 18, 1891
James A, Clay, who was released from the custody of the Sheriff Wednesday,
received a letter yesterday telling him his position at Scotia was still
vacant & he could resume work at once. He went out to work yesterday.
"The Arcata Union" Arcata, California
Saturday, February 27, 1892
James A. Clay was acquitted by a jury in our Superior Court, on Wednesday,
for the killing of Charles Kemp. Clay is a hard working, honest man &
always provided well for his family. His wife came to town from Elk river,
where she lived, met Kemp at the Grand hotel & allowed him to occupy
a room with her during the night. Next morning, before the couple were
dressed, Clay broke into the room, pumped Clay full of lead & caused
a funeral the next day. The brazen faced testimony of the woman left no
doubt as to the guilt of Kemp & herself, & the jury was not long
in deciding that Clay served Kemp right.--- Next -
"The Arcata Union" Arcata, California
Saturday, February 16, 1895
Mrs. Sarah Cripe, of this place, made a hasty trip around the bay Wednesday
morning to restrain her axhusband, John Cripe, from leaving for San Francisco
with her two sons, aged 5 & 9 years respectively. She was granted a
divorce some time ago, together with the community property & was given
the custody of the youngest son. Cripe was arrested on the deck of the
steamer, & claimed to know nothing of the children, but upon searching
they were found secreted under the blankets of a steerage bunk. Cripe was
taken before Judge Hunter for contempt of court, & upon agreeing to
let the mother have both children was released. He blubbered in his usual
childish manner, & gained the contempt of all who heard him. The reason
that the boys would rather stay with their father is that they can fun
the streets, stay out of school & do pretty much as they please. Mrs.
Cripe is an industrious hard working woman, & is anxious to get possession
of the children in order to clothe them properly & put them in school.
Although Cripe has possession of the eldest boy, he must properly care
for him, or the Judge can give into the custody of the mother, upon proper
evidence being shown of Cripe's utter inability to care for him. This has
already been pretty clearly demonstrated & we hope steps will be taken
to give the mother both children.
"The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
January 1891
In the Superior Court yesterday, Julius Pullen commenced suit against
Ora C. Pullen, asking for a divorce on the grounds of adultry. The contestants
are parents of four sons & three daughters.
155
"The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
Tuesday, July 30, 1895
DRUNK, DRIVING & DETERMINED
Raoul Russ of Glendale, was arrested in this city Sunday on complaint of Dr. Backenstose, & yesterday morning was fined $25 by Police judge Holmes. The charge was only "drunk & disorderly" but it might have been more serious had the doctor pressed the matter.
While driving in from Arcata, accompanied by a lady Sunday afternoon, the doctor was met near Bayside by Russ, who was riding in a road cart. Russ was completely under the influence of liquor & apparently asleep in the cart, while the horse, with the lines trailing at his heels was traveling at a three minute gait. A collision was imminent & was only avoided by the doctor causing Russ' horse to swerve. This brought the cart in contact with the bank alongside the road, which stopped the animal.
During all this time Russ was "dead to the world" & only awakened when he heard the doctor advise a couple of passerby to tie the horse up until the driver should get sober. This piece of common sense advice evidently offended the drunken man & breaking away from the men who tried to detain him he whipped up his horse & started in pursuit of the doctor who had driven on. Not suspecting anything wrong the doctor allowed him to come up with him when Russ commenced slashing at him with his whip & applying vile epithets to him. As a result the doctor's companion fainted, & between a fainting woman, a spirited horse & a drunken pursuer the doctor had his hands full.
Russ kept up the pursuit to Freshwater, where he stopped to repair a broken bridle & get some more courage. The doctor kept on, however, & thought that he had rid himself of his determined pursuer but he had not traveled far before Russ hove in sight again, whipping his horse into a lather. As he could not pass or get alongside the doctor's buggy he contented himself with following slowly behind, cursing & swearing & trying to make his horse rear & leap into the back of the buggy & again the lady fainted.
This was kept up all the way into the city, but at Fifth street Russ passed the doctor & went to the stable to await his coming. Whether it was his anger or the effect of Eureka whiskey that overcame him is not known, but when the doctor arrived Russ was found asleep in a stall & was rudely awakened to finish his nap in the lockup.
Yesterday morning after paying his fine to Judge Holmes Russ made the
stereotyped promise of "never taking another drink, etc" but it was scarcely
an hour after his release when the police found him "loaded" again &
had to threaten him with arrest unless he left the city. He left.
"The Telephone" Eureka, California
January 4, 1882
IN LUCK ... Captain D. A. DeMerritt, for some years, a resident of this
county, who left with his family this week, has had a pension awarded to
him, that puts him in possession of $4,088.40 in coin & gives him $20
per month for the balance of his life.
156
"The Arcata Union" Arcata, California
Saturday, August 15, 1896
CHANGED HIS MIND
Dr. Howard, a prominent dentist of Astoria, Oregon, had a little disagreement with his wife one day last week & as a result, announced his intention of committing suicide by drowning himself. Suiting the action to the word, the dentist separated from his better half on one of the principal streets & hastened in the direction of the waterfront. A dispatch tells of the "result" as follows'
His wife smillingly followed, the husband waving a goodbye to her at frequent intervals until he reached the dock. Walking down a slip until the water reached his knees he looked around & once more bid goodbye to his wife, who was on the dock above, smiling broadly & confident that her husband's threat was only a bluff.
The farewell had just been uttered when the dentist's feet slipped from
under him & he found himself in thirty feet of water. He struggled
with all his might to keep afloat, crying lustily for help & attracting
a large crowd of people. He was hauled out throughly soaked, but completely
cured of the idea of seeking a watery grave.
"The Arcata Union" Arcata, California
Saturday, August 8, 1896
A. W. Ericson has returned from a trip to the lower Klamath where he
went to procure photos of Indians & scenic views. A dance was in progress
when he arrived there --- the dance known as the red-headed woodpecker
dance, in which the Indians adorn their heads with crowns of the woodpecker
scalp. Next to the white deer skin the woodpecker scalp is the most highly
prized of Indian values. The Indians, generally have a holy horror of being
photed, & when they sit at all for pictures, the privilege is based
altogether on a cash consideration. Photographers are regarded as their
natural enemy, & the approach of a "picture man" to one of their camps,
particularly if a dance happens to be in progress, is generaly an occasion
for threatened hostilities against the pale face. Ericson was warned by
a "friend," an Indian, not to approach the dance camp. But he was onto
the scheme. The "friend" was an Indian boss, & could pacify the Indians
for $3. Ericson struck a bargain with him, & procured two fine pictures
of the Indians in costume. He also got some fine views of the lower Klamath,
& of the lagoons between there & Trinidad.
"The Arcata Union"
Saturday, November 7, 1896
Will Simmons had raised a pet deer. The animal was of male persuasion
& had reached the age of three years without having seen more of his
native heath than was contained in the Simmons backyard. The deer started
out on a tour of inspection, one day this week, entering the adjoining
yard of Mrs. Yocom, attacking the little girl of Freedom Leonard &
was doing the child up, when Nate Yocom came to the rescue of the little
one with a club, & made venison of the Simmon's pet. Nate has not been
arrested for killing deer out of season.
157
"The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
Sunday, April 28, 1889
THE CAMERON CASE
Reuben Cameron had a preliminary examination before Justice Tyrell at Rohnerville Wednesday on a charge of assault with intent to commit murder upon his wife. The case was taken under advisement by the Justice at the conclusion of the testimony & arguments & yesterday morning an order was made discharging him. The principal facts as they appeared in testimony were about as follows:
Mr. Cameron & his wife have not been living together since last December, & until recently a suit for separate maintenance brought by Mrs. Cameron in the Superior Court has been pending trial.
The Saturday before the assault on Monday the parties through their attorneys arranged for a compromise of the suits pending by the terms of which for a certain sum of money Mrs. Cameron agreed to vacate the Cameron house near Springville & give up all claims on Mr. Cameron's property. Early Monday morning Mr. Cameron went to Mr. East, who has his ranch rented, & requested him to go with him to see Mrs. Cameron to ascertain how soon she would move. Mr. East consented to go, on the condition that there should be no trouble, & Mr. Cameron promised there would be no difficulty at all over the matter. Cameron & East went over to Mrs. Cameron's house & were shown into the parlor while the family finished their breakfast. Mrs. Cameron, her son & her daughters Lizzie & May & Mrs. Jarvis, a married daughter, then came into the parlor & sat down & Mr. Cameron asked Mrs. Cameron how soon she would move. Mrs. Cameron replied that she would move as soon as she could; that she was doing her washing that day & getting ready to go & would certainly move out by the last of the week. Mr. Cameron replied that she must go at once, & if she was not out by Wednesday morning he would have the officers put her out. Mrs. Cameron then told Mr. Cameron that he was low & mean, the meanest man she had ever seen, to want to turn her out in a rain storm, it being very rainy at the time. Mr. Cameron then said that he had told some other party he was as mean as a Digger Indian, but if he was mean he had never obtained money under false pretense. The parties by this time were standing up & both rushed towards each other meeting near the sitting room door, both striking at each other. Mr. Cameron hit Mrs. Cameron once or twice about the face, & Mrs. Cameron doing her best to strike him in return. Mr. Cameron then backed into the sitting room, either pulling Mrs. Cameron after him or else she followed of her own accord, but at any rate as soon as Mr. Cameron was out of the parlor he pulled a pistol with his left hand & while holding Mrs. Cameron with the right attempted, as Mrs. Cameron's children testified, to pull the weapon off, but it being a double action five shooter, for some reason it would not work. Mrs. Cameron's daughter, May, then called to her mother to get her pistol, quick, & Mrs. Cameron rushed into her bedroom after the weapon. While she was gone Mr. Cameron backed out on the porch & then walked rapidly out of the gate & ran up the road towards Springville. Mrs. Cameron got her pistol & ran out after him & was stopped near the gate by her children & Mr. East. Outside of a bruise under one eye, no injury was done.
.... continued ....
158
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Friday, September 20, 1895
Reuben Cameron, aged 73 years, & Annie Felber, aged 53 years, have
been joined in wedlock. In connection with the marriage certificate there
was also filed an agreement between the parties to the effect that the
parties having mutually agreed to marry each other, & the prospective
husband having paid off a mortgage of $563 on the farm of his intended
near Rohnerville, the parties "desire to have their mutual arrangements
settled prior to being married." Therefore in consideration of the premises
they agree to get married within six months of the date of the instrument.
The husband agrees to loan the wife the amount paid on the mortgage, for
life, without interest the amount to be paid him at the death of the wife
from the proceeds of the place, the wife agreeing to execute a will to
that effect after marriage. The husband also agrees to support the adopted
daughter of his wife, during the lifetime of the wife, providing the daughter
remains single & at home. A provision also is made to the effect that
if the parties shall separate or become divorced, by reason of the fault
of the wife, then she shall repay the $563 or give a mortgage therefor
on the Felber place, payable two years after date, with reasonable interest,
but this provision shall in no way invalidate any legal rights as to alimony
or counsel fees in case of divorce proceedings. The marriage certificate
states that each of the parties has been married twice before, both former
wives & husbands being dead, so that this is the third matrimonial
venture of each.
"The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
Thursday, February 1, 1883
Our county jail contains five prisoners at this time. They are a mixed
crowd, & some of them give Sheriff Brown considerable trouble to look
after. The jail is an old inconvient structure that has almost outlived
its usefulness. A new jail is what this county needs.
"The Daily Humboldt Times"
March 28, 1883
The hole on the Second street side of our courthouse where Stillwell
pushed a board off when he left the county jail, is still open as a warning
to evil doers who might be likely to get into jail. A still pair of boots,
a jack knife & a piece of wire are all the tools a prisoner needs to
walk out of our old rat-trap called a county jail.
"The Daily Humboldt Times"
Friday, April 22, 1887
Joseph Craig, arrested in Rio Dell for cutting John Brown, recently
made his escape from Deputy Sheriff Carlton in Hydesville Sunday night
while the latter & someone else were engaged in conversation in Sweasey's
Hotel. Craig slipped out of the room, mounted a mule hitched near, &
has not since been heard from.
159
This is the tale of Mary B. Ricks, Thomas Fouts
Ricks & the Reverend George M. Sanborne
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Friday, January 10, 1890
Rev. Sanborne of Eureka, will hold services in Brett's Hall until his new church edifice is completed.
The Rev. George M. Sanborne, of Eureka, was the recipient of a handsome
diamond stud & scarf pin as New Year gifts from his bible class.
"The Daily Standard" Eureka, California
Friday, January 17, 1890
At the monthly business meeting of the First Congregational church held
last night, which in anticipation of important business had an unusualy
large attendance, it was unanimously voted that Mr. Sanborne, who had preciously
been engaged for 1 year, which time expires April 1st, should be called
as permanent pastor of the church. The warm expression of Confidence, affection
& respect given by the church to Mr. Sanborne, must greatly strengthen
& encourage him in his useful work here.
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Friday, January 31, 1890
Rev. George M. Sanborne is preaching to multitudes in Baird's Opera
House, Eureka, every Sunday evening. Those who never attend church go to
hear him regularly.
"The Daily Times" Eureka, California
Thursday, February 6, 1890
We learned last evening that Rev. Mr. Sanborne of the First Congregational
church is suffering from an acute case of Bronchitis.
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Friday, March 7, 1890
The Rev. George M. Sanborne was elected as a member of the Horticultral
Society.
"The Humboldt Daily Times
Saturday, March 29, 1890
When Rev. George M. Sanborne was called to the second year of his pastorale
of the First Congregational church of this city, he asked for & obtained
permission to take 2 months leave of absence. He is now about to avail
himself of the opportunity to make a trip to the Sandwich Islands. He will
take his departure next week for San Francisco, there to take passage with
Captain Walter Tibbetts, of the bark "Quickstep", for the islands. One
of the trustees of the church will accompany Mr. Sanbourne to San Francisco,
where they will select the furniture & fittings for the new church
office. Mr. Sanborne did think of improving his vacation by taking a trip
to New Hampshire, but finally determined to take a complete rest by getting
to sea, where his vacation will be something more than a change of labor.
Mr. Sanborne's many friends will hope that he may return at the end of
the two month's furlough refreshed for his duties.
160
From: "The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Friday, February 14, 1890
An Eloquent Divine.-- While in Eureka a week ago last Sunday evening
we availed ourself of the opportunity of attending the services at the
First Congregational I Church of that city, Rev. M. Sanborne pastor, and
with great pleasure listened to the evening 's discourse delivered by that
gentleman. He is indeed an eloquent Divine, and since hearing him we little
wonder ;,at the immense congregations that greet him at every service.
I that he is doing a great deal of good at the county-seat cannot truthfully
be gainsayed He is untiring in his efforts to further the gospel, working
early and late, after his regular Sunday evening service ice preaching
, to a multitude of sinners at Band's Opera House men--who never thought
kit of attending church before his arrival rival in that city. Notwithstanding
the efforts of some, whom he had every reasonI son to expect would support
him in his | work of spreading the gospel, to lessen his influence by insinuating
in pubic print and in private that he is not what he should be,, he continues
with his work, unheedful of the obstacles they endeavor to place in his
way.. }He is building up an immense congregation and many of! the best
people of Eureka are his staunchest supporters.
From: "The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Friday, May 4, 1890
Rev. Geo.. M. Sanborne made a stale. ment to his congregation at the services last Sunday evening, showing the amount of work done in the first year of his pastorate, from which we gleaned the following interesting statistics: Mr. Sanborne has made at least 1,050 parish calls, preached 127 sermons, ret received 40 new members, performed 29 baptisms, , pronounced 26 marriage services, conducted 21 funerals, and delivered 18 lectures and addresses. Mr. Sanborne has delivered one or more addresses in every considerable town in the county, except Bridgeville and Blocksburg. A year's service of such a nature. would certainly entitle one to a period of rest and relaxation It is to be hoped that the voyage to the Sandwich Islands may prove profitable in gaining rest end renewing vigor. --Times.