that defendant maliciously & without cause commenced an action in the Superior Court October 7th against plaintiff, for the sum of $3550, & then & there obtained a writ of attachment, which at his request was levied upon all the real property belonging to plaintiff, & notices to that effect appeared in the newspapers. Thereafter defendant attached certain personal property belonging to plaintiff & on the _ day of October. went with the Sheriff to the residence of said parties, & against the protests of the plaintiff, & in the presence of strangers broke open a door & had the Sheriff levy on & carry away a large amount of personal property belonging to plaintiff & to other persons in her charge."
The plaintiff also alleges that the defendant forcibly moved away from their residence all the furniture which he claimed belonged to him.
She states that while confined to her bed the defendant discharged the doctor attending, refusing to be responsible for his fees, & also notified every drug store, the different stores, markets & shops that he would not be responsible for any bills she might contract, besides causing a motion to that effect to be printed in the daily papers. She declares that she was compelled to ask strangers to provide a doctor, medicine & food for her.
In the next specification, Mrs. Langford says that her husband, in the presence of Mr. & Mrs. Wooley, her aunt & uncle, declared that "she killed her first husband, "said that" she was no good," & charged that "she stole the former wife's jewelry," & endeavored to induce Mr. & Mrs. Wooley that they should have nothing to do with her.
The allegation is also made that the defendant told several persons that the plaintiff had robbed him of $5,000; & he refused to pay for furniture purchased for their home, telling the creditors that they must look to her for payment & advising them to levy on the furniture.
The plaintiff says these were for the purpose of humilliating her, & declares she suffered mental anguish, & grevious bodily injury. She declares that the defendant is possessed of property worth $30,000 & that her own separate property is held under attachment in the suit brought against her by her husband.
She asks that the defendant be ordered to pay her $800 to enable her
to prosecute this action.
Thursday, January 26, 1899
Judge Wilson yesterday denied the prayer of the plaintiff for alimony
in the divorce suit of Martha A. Langford vs Thomas Langford. The plaintiff
alleged the defendant to be the possessor of property worth $30,000 with
a monthly income of $400. By counter affidavits produced by the defendant
it was shown that the value of his property is only $8,100 & not remunerative.
Affidavits were introduced which purported to show that the plaintiff possesses
property in Berkeley to the value of between $20,000 & $25,000, hence
the denial of the prayer.
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Monday, June 2, 1890
A smart girl living on G street tried to clean her bird cage by turning
the hose on the cage containing six fine birds. Result --- Five dead canaries.
222
"The Humboldt Daily Times" Eureka, California
Saturday, July 30, 1887
Filth & Garbage
Since Eureka's pioneer scavenger succumbed to the ills that flesh is
heir to, & his cart has no longer creaked its way from house to house,
the reprehensible practice of throwing garbage into the streets has been
generally adopted. Leavings from the table, rubbish of all sorts, filth
of miscellaneous & loudsmelling description, is dumped into alleys
& streets with small regard to the public health, which is seriously
endangered. There is an ordinance against such practices, we believe' or
if not, there ought to be. An if there is a city ordinance against dumping
garbage & refuse in the streets, it should be rigorously enforced.
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Friday, June 7, 1889
The Eureka Salvation Army was arrested Friday night for blocking the
streets.
Friday, September 6, 1889
It is rumored that the Salvation Army proposes to make a visit to Ferndale.
Rust in our grain, bugs in our fruit, butter, etc. & now the Salvation
Army. Surely this is a tough section.
223
"The Humboldt Daily Times" Eureka, California
Tuesday, October 28, 1890
There was a very lively row in a saloon at Fields Landing Sunday afternoon,
during which windows were smashed, one man was shot & another one had
his left shoulder broken. As near as can be learned, Dan Devero while drunk,
smashed in the windows of a saloon there. The proprietor closed the saloon,
placed Martin Gunning in charge & started for Eureka to obtain a warrant
for the arrest of Devero. After his departure, some friends of Devero,
including his brother Maurice, became involved in a quarrel with Gunning
who drew a pistol & shot Maurice Devero in the left hand, breaking
the thumb of that member. In some unaccountable manner "big Chris" Hanson
had his left shoulder blade broken during the melee which ensued. Both
wounded were brought to town Sunday evening, for surgical attendance while
Dan Devero, the cause of the disturbance, was arrested by Constable Holmes
& locked up on a charge of drunkeness & malicious mischief. In
the Police Court yesterday morning he was fined $20.00 which ammount he
paid & was released. His brother has sworn out a warrant for the arrest
of Mr. Gunning for an assault with a deadly weapon & the end is not
yet.
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Friday, January 17, 1890
Mr. Kasch, who lives near Arcata, gave an impudent tramp a good thumping
recently for being too impertinent to Mrs. Kasch.
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Friday, March 21, 1890
George Wont, formerly of Ferndale, who is serving 50 days in the County
Jail for disturbing the Salvation Army, has been putting in his time of
late making a minature gallows out of cigar boxes, which he exhibits to
Bawden, the murderer, on every occasion.
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Friday, January 3, 1890
The two-legged calf, which was brought back from the city (San Francisco)
to Eureka, fell & broke it's neck the other day.
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Friday, January 10, 1890
J. P. Anderson of Angel's Ranch made his father-in-law a Xmas present
of a ranch worth $2,500.00. That's the kind of man we want our daughter
to marry.
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Friday, October 17, 1890
Eureka has almost doubled it's population in 10 years. Which is now given at 4,834.
The census bureau gives Humboldt counties population as 23,424, a gain
of 7,912 in 10 years.
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THE ALEX WATSON CASE
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Saturday, December 3, 1898
A DESPICABLE CHARACTER
Alex Watson, a healthy young specimen of the genus maquereau is locked up in the county jail awaiting trial on a charge of battery. On Thursday night Watson beat & maltreated a woman of the town known as May Winters with whom he had consorted for some time. Watson gave the police a lively hunt & was not caught until an early hour yesterday morning when he was found hiding under a bed in the very house in which he had committed the crime, having doubled back on the officers, trusting to the forgiveness of the woman he had abused to keep his hiding place secret. In this, however, he was mistaken.
When he was brought before Police Judge Melendy yesterday afternoon he had the brazen effrontery to demand a jury trial evidently with the intention of putting the city to all the trouble & expense possible & with no hope of escape for he is an old offender & upon his last appearance in the Police Court the Judge promised him 100 days the next time he came up. The last time he was in court was about a month ago when he was sent up for 30 days & previous to that had served 20 days both times for beating the same woman. Each time the unfortunate woman was scarred & bruised all over from his treatment but this time he added to his brutality by kicking her in the face, rendering her countenance almost unrecognizable as that of a human being. The police have exhausted every endeavor to discover some offense committed by him which would consign him to San Quentin but they have only succeeded in demonstrating that he is too cowardly & indolent to steal.
Watson is only about 22 years of age & came here on a schooner from
San Pedro from which town he was driven out by the authorities for his
vagrant character & woman beating proclivities. The trial has been
set for Wednesday morning.
"The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
Thursday, December 8, 1898
Alex Watson, the fellow who was arrested a few evenings since for beating May Winters, was accomodated yesterday afternoon with a jury trial before Judge Melendy. He had no defense except that he said someone else did the beating & that he was her protector. The testimony of the police dispelled that theory, & the jury brought in a verdict of guilty. Evidently the jury wanted to convict both the prosecuting witness & defendant by bringing in such an odd vercict.
"We, the jury in the above entitled case, find the defendant guilty
as charged, but while there are no charges against the complaining witness,
we think her equally guilty, & from the testimony produced on the stand
we are led to believe that the said May Winters who conducts a house that
causes the police to visit very often to stop trouble & to find offenders,
we would recomend that the proper officials take measures to close the
house & punish the offender."
225
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Thursday, December 8, 1898
GOT A CENTURY
Woman Whipper Watson appeared before Police Judge Melendy this morning
to receive his sentence & when asked if he had an reason to offer why
sentence should not be passed he showed that he was quite a lawyer himself.
At least he had acquired considerable knowledge of their principal tactics
in criminal cases for he immediately proceeded to spring a few technicalities
on the court. Among these was the claim that he had not been represented
by counsel at the trial & therefore his conviction was illegal. On
this point, however, he was promptly overruled & while he was entering
a mental objection to the ruling His Honor put on his black cap & pronounced
a sentence of $100 or 100 days. It was expected that the sentence would
be more severe, but in explaining his apparent leniency the judge said
that it was not to be considered as mercy to the defendant but mercy to
the tax payers who must support him in idleness & comfort in the county
institution.
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Friday, December 9, 1898
WHY NOT A CHAIN GANG ?
The spectacle of our Police Judge showing leniency to an old offender, not out of sympathy for the culprit, but in order that the tax payers may not have to pay for his maintenance, prompts this communication. Watson, than whom a more despicable character has not been seen about Eureka for some days, must be fattened at the public expense for the next three months because there is no other way of handling such cases. I am not familiar with the law, but from a common-sense standpoint ask the question, why cannot Eureka have a chain gang? In the county jail may be found almost any time men, or animals built like men, too shifless to work, too depraved to die & who succeed in getting where there are comfortable beds & good food by the perpetration of some petty crime or misdemeaner. Is there no way of abating this evil? Our streets could stand a few days' work with pick & shovel without being spoiled & I, for one, could stand the sight of a few such worthies as Watson manipulating the tools with grim satisfaction beautiful to comtemplate. What's the matter with providing an officer to take charge of the able-bodied guests who frequent the altogether too popular hostlery of Sheriff Brown & vest him with authority to put them to work where their efforts will do the most good & at the same time have a tendency to dampen their ambition to return when once they are out.
If there is no legal obstacle in the way of a chain gang, by all means let us have one, & then our Police Judge may deal out justice with a lavish hand & not feel that he is doing an injustice to the honest tax payers even if he gives a few of the old offenders the limit of the law.
Signed: A. CITIZEN
....continued....
226
"The Daily Humboldt Standard. Eureka, California
Friday, September 15, 1899
TACKLED THE WRONG WOMAN
WOMAN WHIPPER WATSON WOUNDED
An Innocent Passerby Also Wounded By a Woman's Wild Marksmanship
About 9 o'clock this morning the matutinal stillness of Eureka's tenderloin was rudely broken by the sharp pop of the pistol & the denizens of that precinct were thrown into a wild state of excitement & eventually some of them were thrown into Jail. The more serious result of the fusillade, however, was the wounding of two men, one of them an innocent passer-by, but this was to be expected as the pistol was in the hands of a woman, who is now in the hands of the police.
Hammett is the woman's name & her pistol practice was indulged in to prevent injuries to her person at the hands of the notorious woman beater, Alex Watson, an habitue of the lower levels From the Hammett women 's story it appears that there had been ill feeling between her & a former partner, named Ella Wood, & this morning the Wood woman, accompanied by a friend known as Alice Wheeler & with Watson the woman beater, as a body guard, visited 53 D street, near the corner of Third, where the Hammett woman lives alone. The object of the visit was to take personal revenge on the Hammitt woman & Watson, whose abilities in this line were recognized, was taken along to do the work. The Hammitt woman, however, was averse to taking punishment & as soon as the avengers had entered her home & Watson had commenced operations by slapping her she drew a pistol from the folds of her skirt & chased the trip into the street.
Watson, who makes his boast of not fearing any woman that lives, thought to uphold his reputation about this time & started to return to strike the woman, but was stopped by a bullet from her pistol. Again he sought to advance & another bullet sped from the smoking pistol toward him but went past without striking him.
The first shot struck Watson in the front of the right thigh but the second unfortunately found another target & this was in the thigh of Arthur Carter, who happened to be passing the house at the time & as the woman stood in the hallway while shooting he did not apprehend the danger. Carter is the well known sign painter whose shop is located on Third street, Just around the corner from the scene of the shooting, & he was on his way there when he stopped the bullet.
A peculiarity of the result of the woman's target practice is that both men were struck in almost the same place, each having been hit in the front of the right thigh. Their wounds, however, are not necessarily serious, although Carter's appears to be more painful & he had to be taken to his home in an express wagon. Watson, however, walked into a saloon adjoining & when found by the Standard reporter & Policeman Barnum was indulging in a few nerve bracing cocktails in company with the Wood & Wheeler women.
Watson, the true target of the Hammett woman's weapon, a 32 calibre
short Smith & Wesson pistol, is well known in the police annals of
the city. For severa1 years he has been a regular habitue of the lower
levels of the city & has served several terms in Jail for brutally
beating a woman known as May Winters with whom he consorted. Later he was
charged with a crime against nature but the charge which could have been
proven was not pressed on condition that he leave town for he had already
served nine terms
227
in the county jail. Accordingly Watson went to Scotia & had remained there until the Fair attracted him back to the city. Both here & at Scotia he affected to pose as an all-round "bad man" & it was only recently that he was one of the principals in a cutting affray there in which he officiated as the cutter. The general expression of those who know him here, even among his companions of the lower levels, is that the Hammett woman should be prosecuted for her poor marksmanship in his case. The woman, however, & she is borne out by Watson himself, says that she had no intention of shooting the man but simply wanted to frighten him away, & for that reason she aimed low.
As a result of the fracas the Hammett woman has been arrested on a charge of assault to murder & Watson & the other women have had charges of disturbing the peace entered against them upon complaint of the Hammett woman. The women were arrested but Watson was taken to the County Hospital for treatment.
Watson, with a bullet in his leg, seems to be out of luck for neither
the County Hospital nor the Marine Hospital will receive him & he has
no money to employ a physcian for himself. At the county institution he
was refused admission on the ground that being a sailor he was properly
a charge at the U. S. Marine Hospital, while at the latter institution
he was rejected for the reason that as he had not been to sea for ten months
he had lost his standing in the marine service. Just what will be done
with the unfortunate could not be learned at the time of going to press.
"The Daily Humboldt Standard"
Saturday, September 16, 1899
THE SHOOTING AFFRAY
With the exception of Watson, one of the wounded men, the participants in the shooting affray of yesterday morning in Eureka's tenderloin, were haled before Police Judge Melendy yesterday afternoon.
Maggie Hammett, the shootress, under the name of Pearl Moreland, was held for preliminary examination in the Police Court next Saturday morning on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon & her bonds were fixed at $500. She was unable to furnish sureties for this amount yesterday & spent the night in the County Jail, but was released this morning upon furnishing the required bond. The Woods & Wheeler women who were charged with disturbing the peace, deposited bail in the sum of $15 each & were released from custody, but failing to appear this morning the bail money was forfeited & the incident may be said to be closed as far as they are concerned. Watson, the aggressor, who was wounded in the affray by Pearl's pistol, is also charged with disturbing the peace, but has not yet been arrested as he is now a patient in the County Hospital to which institution he was finally admitted & where the bullet was extracted from his leg. He is not seriously hurt & will live to answer to the charge of misdemeanor.
Arthur Carter, the sign painter, who was the innocent victim of Pearl's
other shot, is under treatment at his home & unless some complication
should arise will be able to resume his vocation in a few weeks.
"The Daily Humboldt Times"
Friday, March 20, 1891
Our colony of tramps will soon be increased to six, as word reaches
us that one of the fraternity known as "Slippery Heels" is on his way here
from Crescent City.
228
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Tuesday, December 20, 1898
ARCATA SHOOTING SCRAPE ---- J. A. Ryden, the well known Arcata tailor,
is just now bewailing the loss of a quarter section of one of his fingers
as a result of his laudable efforts to prevent a threatened depopulation
of that burg Friday. It appears that Mose Wentworth, an old time Trinidad
mill sawyer & Thomas, son of N. Heffron, the Arcata Bottom farmers,
were having a little dispute over money matters on Greenwald's corner,
when in the course of the argument Wentworth drew a pistol. Whether or
not Wentworth intended to use his gun is not known, but just at the time
he was significantly toying with it in his open palm Mr. Ryden happened
along & grasping the situation at a glance endeavored to grasp the
gun at a grab. Unfortunately the weapon was cocked & just as it went
off the bullet took off his little finger & the hammer nipped &
cutting the palm of his hand. Wentworth was arrested for disturbing the
peace. On this charge he immediately gave bail & was released, but
later he was rearrested on a more serious charge of assault with a deadly
weapon & being unable to furnish bonds in the sum of $500 he was taken
to Eureka to wait examination. The trouble was not over a game of cards
but grew out of a dispute over wages alleged to be due from Heffron to
Wentworth's son.
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Friday, October 21, 1898
Millionaire William Waldford Astor won his $25,000 wager made two years
ago with General Williams, an English gentleman, that he would seat 27
guests around a table made from a single cross section of a great California
redwood tree. The dinner was partaken of, as stipulated by Mr. Astor, at
Cliveden, his beautiful country place on the Thames, October 15th., the
twenty-six guests of high English origin (including General Williams) being
seated around the polished slab of redwood which was not obscured by the
presence of a spread. General Williams paid the wager, which would about
cover the expense of getting the gigantic slab to its destination. The
"Standard" furnishes the following initial history of the wonderful table:
"The section of redwood tree referred to was obtained by Mr Astor's agent
in New York, through an order placed with a lumber firm in San Francisco,
which in turn placed the order with the John Vance Mill & Lumber Company
of Eureka, in whose woods on Lindsay creek, the tree was cut which furnished
a clear section 15 feet 6 inches in diameter & three feet thick. Special
appliances had to be provided for getting the huge piece of timber out
of the woods & down to the water where it was loaded on the steamer
"National City" which took it to San Francisco, arriving there in May 1897.
From the steamer it was transferred directly to the hold of the German
ship "Maria Hackfield then loading in the stream at San Francisco with
redwood lumber for London & on that vessel it left San Francisco for
its voyage around Cape Horn, May 18, & arrived in London October 16,
1897.
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Tuesday, June 28, 1898
Mrs. Susan Calahan, who has lived at Eureka for 30 years, is now over
102 years of age, & still strong in both mind & body. She is the
mother of 19 children, among whom are Bat & Tim C. Calahan of Eureka.
229
"The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
Friday, June 2, 1899
CHINA FLAT ITEMS
Twenty eight years ago pioneer A. N. Foote pulled a handful of little
redwood trees on the ranch of David Powers near Blue Lake. The latter laughed
when the former said " I intend to take these to the Trinity, plant them
& live until they grow large enough to make lumber for my coffin."
Four of these trees are growing here now & some are nearly three feet
in diameter four feet from the ground. Mr. Foote says "I will make my word
good. I will have one of the trees cut down, whipsawed into lumber, &
have it on hand when the final day comes." He is now 67 years of age. Thus
we know that redwood trees will grow out of the fog belt in places where
there is sufficient moisture.
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Friday, January 20, 1899
POLICE COURT
A drunk was gathered in on Front street early in the evening. At the
time of his arrest he was attempting some rather rough riding for he was
endeavering to ride his horse into the saloon of the Scandia hotel &
as the animal's head came in the doorway he gave his order for beer for
his horse & whiskey for himself. But neither was served & instead
he & his horse were removed by the police while insisting on getting
into the saloon. This morning the rough rider told the Judge how rough
it would be if he had to give up his last cent for a fine & as the
Prisoner's landlord not only had that money, but also had a lien on it
for board. His Honor was touched & allowed the erring fellow to go
under promise that he would leave town on the steamer Pomona.
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Thursday, July 6, 1899
THE HORSELESS WAGON
It is stated with good authority that San Francisco will soon have the auto-mobile or horseless wagon in active use as a competitor of the street railways. Those who seem to know whereof they speak say that these vehicles can be profitably employed to carry passengers at a 3 cent fare & if this be the case, we may expect to see the auto-mobile in general use for such purposes within a very few years.
Would it not be a good investment for some enterprising capitalist to
get several of these machines & start a streetcar service in Eureka?
We shall have the Eureka Fair in operation & it would be a novelty
if an auto-mobile or two could be put to work on our streets during fair
time. It may be a little early to secure them, but it will do no harm to
investigate the matter.
230
"The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
Tuesday, March 13, 1894
ALLEGED LODI ELOPERS
Arrive on the Humboldt and Claim to be Married.
Did They Elope?
Eureka seems to be a haven for runaway wives & their paramours from other parts of the state, even ii she does return the compliment once in awhile. The celebrated Ingram-Maillard case is yet fresh in the memory of Humboldters & now comes another couple who arrived on the Humboldt Sunday.
The woman was Mrs. Peter Jacobson, the wife of a farmer of Taylor Island, a reclaimed tule tract near Lodi, & Ed E. Randall, a blacksmith & horseman of Lodi. The story of the elopement according to the dispatch dated March 9th, is as follows' "Jacobson's wife left his home in the tules two months ago at his request & went to Lodi to let the two younger boys go to school. The oldest boy, 16 years old, remained with his father, but went to Lodi occasionally to visit his mother & little brothers. The wife suggested that she would like to have someone in the house, & it was agreed that she should take a roomer, so that she would not be afraid at nights.
An advertisement was inserted & Randall answered it. Besides rooming in the house himself he kept his racehorse Supreme in the stable in the rear. Randall began to stay very close to the house at night soon after he went to room at Mrs. Jacobson's, but the neighbors did not get to talking for several weeks. Finally the woman & Randall were seen several times on the street together & the tongues of gossip began to wag most earnestly & have been wagging ever since.
The scandal did not come to the ears of the husband on his ranch in the reclaimed country, & it was not until he home unexpectedly last Wednesday night, that he discovered that there wee some reason to believe that it might have been better if he had postponed the schooling of his boys a little longer. That night Randall in great excitement, walked up to the town constable, W. J. Bailey, & wanted him to interfere to prevent bloodshed. He said that Jacobson had a revolver & was going to shoot him.
There was some very angry talk in the presence of the constable, & the wife let it become known that she had learned to love the blacksmith. it was then that the husband declared that she might go if she wished, & that ii she did he would give her half of the furniture. He did not really think that she would go, but scarcely had he started for Taylor Island again when the erring couple moved half the furniture to the depot & shipped it to San Francisco.
In the afternoon, Thursday, they left Lodi together, & steps were taken to stop Randall in Stockton, as it was thought that he would go there with the woman to take the boat. It was not because he had eloped that the Lodi people were after him. Indeed the huaband showed no disposition to follow when he learned of their departure. What the Lodi people Wanted was to collect some money due from Randall. He owed a restaurant man & a shoe dealer. It was thought best to attach the horse which it was learned he had brought to Stockton with him, so Friday the Constable went there for that purpose, only to find that Randall had headed him off by selling the horse to George Crabtree, the Lodi livery stable man. Randall & the woman were in Stockton at a late hour Friday.
Mrs. Jacobson, who is probably 40 years of age, is rather buxom, of dark complexion & over the medium height. She has dark hair & eyes & is passably food looking for one of her years. She is said to be of Scandanavian descent.
Randall looks considerably younger than the woman, & is probably
not more than 35 years of age. He has followed the racing circuit for some
231
years & is an expert horseshoer. Randall or Randle, is said to be a Humboldt boy & to have learned his trade in Arcata with a brother-inlaw named Fitzgerald, afterwards a well known saloonkeeper & sporting man of Eureka.
The couple did not bring the furniture with them, nor any baggage, save a valise or two, & upon arriving registered at the Revere house as E. E. Randle & wife, Lodi.
Randall denies the statement in the San Francisco papers & claims
that he is married to the woman, who he says was divorced from Jacobson
two years ago. He also denies that he left Lodi under a cloud.
"The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
Sunday, April 1, 1894
As intimidated yesterday by a clipping from a San Francisco paper, Mrs. Jacobson who eloped from Lodi with Ed Randall & came to Eureka recently, was becoming tired of her bargain. That "tired feeling" has gradually grown on her, until yesterday it reached a crisis.
The erring matron, who was old enough to know better, had not long been on the shores of Humboldt Bay, ere "that tired feeling" came over her. Things were not what they seemed. Grass was short, & naturally her thoughts turned to the comfortable home & the children she had left. Her infatuation for Randall was not proof against this & with feeling particularly "tired" one day she made overtures to friends in Stockton to negotiate a reconciliation.
Evidently she was sucessful in her understanding, for the friends, through Sheriff Cunningham of San Joaquin county, sent Sheriff Brown of this county sufficient money to defray her expenses to Stockton. The money arrived on the steamer Pomona Thursday & yesterday morning the sorry woman "shook" Randall & sailed away to rejoin her forsaken offspring & seek forgiveness of the wronged father.
The woman's friends evidently feared that Randall would want to accompany
her, for in their instructions to Sheriff Brown they asked that they be
informed if he took passage on the same steamer. For this purpose officer
McIsaac was at the dock when the steamer sailed to ascertain whether Randall
was aboard. He did not put in an appearance, however, & the woman left
alone, to all appearances, penitent & anxious to get home. It is understood
that her husband will meet her on her arrival in San Franscisco. "All's
well that ends well.
"The Arcata Union" Arcata, California
Saturday, January 3, 1891
An energetic tramp beat three good-hearted men in Eureka out of a two
cent postage stamp each, & then he proceeded to invest the government
currency in a sohooner of beer.
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"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Thursday, May 12, 1898
THE COOK ABSCONDED
Harry Price & Jack Murray have been charged with looting the cash
register at Abe's restaurant, corner of Second & D streets. Price,
who also gave the name of Moore, had been employed about the restaurant
for some time & last night was working as a substitute for the night
cook who had gone to the Forester's dance. Abe Abrahamson, the proprietor,
also has a penchant for tripping the light fantastic & early in the
evening took a run up to Forester's Hall to have just one dance, leaving
Price in charge of the restaurant. But, alas, he missed his promised enjoyment
& several other things, for he had barely entered the ball room when
he was informed that his cook had absconded & his restaurant was deserted.
But this was not all, for upon returning to his place of business he found
that not only had his cook disappeared but with him had gone the contents
of the cash register amounting to about $41 & also a cheap bulldog
pistol, It was also learned that just previous to Price's disapperance,
Jack Murray, his "chum" had been seen in the restaurant with him &
a search was immediately commenced for the two by the police. Price was
soon located in one of the houses on the lower levels & when arrested
the stolen pistol & $28 in coin were found in his possession. Murray
was found later & although he denies that he was implicated in the
looting of the clam chowder parlors, Price, who practically admits his
own guilt, implicates Murray by saying that Murray grabbed some of the
money from him. The cases against the men are being considered by the District
Attorney.
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Thursday, May 12, 1898
Frithiof Johnson, alias "Snaggletooth," was arrested yesterday afternoon
upon complaint of his wife who charges him with disturbing the peace. Johnson,
who resides in Pine's Addition, is a longshoreman & spends most of
his earnings for drink which compels his wife to take in washing to support
herself & family. Usually, as was the case yesterday, when he has dissipated
his money he returns home & abuses his wife because there is nothing
in the house to eat & for this treatment his wife has caused his arrest
several times already, his last offense securing him 30 days in the county
jail. After his arrest yesterday his brasher, Oscar Johnson, alias "Fighting
Oscar," who is sometimes an unwelcome guest at the house, put in an appearance
& also commenced to abuse his sister-in-law & this morning she
secured a warrant for his arrest which was served on him at her house where
he was sleeping off his debauch of the day before. This afternoon the husband
was sent up for 25 days & his brother for 6 days, in default of $25
& $6 fine, respectively.
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
May 6, 1898, Friday
Ferndale can hold her head as high if not a little higher than Eureka
in the matter of having citizens who are now related to warriers now engaged
in active service against Spain. G. W. Dewey of the firm of Brown &
Dewey, is a full fledged nephew to Read Admiral Dewey who has just covered
himself with glory at the Phillipine islands. This beats being a cousin
to the man who fired the first shot.
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"The Humboldt Daily Times" Eureka, California
Tuesday, May 6, 1890
The number of drunken men on our streets Sunday would indicate that
Eureka is recovering from her recent financial depression. While standing
on one of our principal throughfares, over 20 men in various stages of
exhilaration were counted. It takes money to buy whiskey.
"The Humboldt Daily Times" Eureka, California
Wednesday, September 3, 1890
A crowd of youths, none over the age of 14, secured a room in the upper
part of the Buhne building recently--Their presence about the building
attracted the attention of observer Connell, who upon inquiring of the
janitor, was told that they had secured the room for the purpose of organizing
a bible class. The boys, during their class meetings in the evenings, made
so much noise over their study of the sacred book, that Mr. Connell was
inclined to think a dis enter had sprung up among them. Being solicitous
of the moral welfare of these young seekers after truth, he determined
to investigate & if possible set their doubts at rest & place their
feet in the proper pathway. Thinking that perhaps they had not secured
an orthodox edition of the good book, he obtained a passkey & entered
the "class-room" to inspect their bible. The first thing that met his inquiring
gaze, as he opened the door, was the "bible" they had been studying. It
stood in one corner with a brass faucet protruding from one end & the
covers were branded P.B. It was a capacious volume, holding at least 5
gallons, liquid measure. Around about, were scattered numerous smaller
editions of the "work" in glass, bearing the names of "Wetland", "Pilsenor",
"Budweiser", & other authors. So eager had the members of the "bible
class" in their thirst for knowledge, they had imbibed the entire contents
of the numerous works they had been studying & nothing remained for
their wouldbe counselor but the smell of the now musty volumes. It is needless
to say that the next meeting of the "bible class" has been postponed indefinately
& any anxious parents who have noticed their offspring coming home
lately, tired out & full of religion can receive the particulars from
Mr. Connell.
"The Humboldt Daily Times" Eureka, California
Sunday, August 10, 1890
The man Hanson, convicted of stealing chickens yesterday was quite business-like
in his methods. Before starting on his raid he bargained with a down town
restaurant for the sale e of them & promised to bring 6, which was
the exact number stolen, when arrested he offered the chickens to Officer
Bulkeley as a bribe for his release, but failing in this, quietly submitted
to being locked up, saying that this country owed him a living & he
would steal more chickens when he got out of Jail. He was given 30 days
in jail.
"The Humboldt Daily Times" Eureka, Caliornia
Friday, July 11, 1890
Postmaster Shinn, of Freshwater, was in town yesterday. He reports a
decided improvement in the morals of that flourishing little town since
the building of the branch jail there.
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"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Monday, January 28, 1895
GREENLAW MAKES A FOOL OF HIMSELF
The "San Francisco Examiner" of Friday contains an interesting tale that will interest Humboldters. The story is in reference to the love that James Greenlaw (who it is believed is Jesse C. Greenlaw) bore to Miss Alma Chase. It appears that Greenlaw, who is a resident of Eureka, fell in love with Miss Chase at San Francisco a year ago. He advanced money, jewelry & other valuables to the young lady, who made him believe that her affections were centered upon him, but he finally tumbled upon the fact that she cared considerably for the old fellow's money, but she cared a great deal more for the love of a certain younger man. Greenlaw has very foolishly had the girl arrested & has begun suit to recover all gifts made by him to the fair damsel.
So much in love with Miss Chase was Greenlaw that he purchased for her a lodging house at 535 O' Farrell street. Instead of letting the rooms to profitable lodgers, she filled them with her relatives, who never paid any rent. But the rent of the house had to be paid for as well as Miss Chase's living expenses, & so she called on Mr. Greenlaw, whose infatuation at that time made him very blind & very willing.
Then she ran short of money. Instead of applying to Mr. Greenlaw she mortgaged the furniture for $250. When it came time for her to repay the loan or lose her house she was forced to tell Mr. Greenlaw. He read her a lecture, but paid off the mortgage.
During the time of his acquaintance with her Greenlaw had been making her various presents besides money. He gave her a number of diamonds of considerable value, besides other articles of jewelry. As long as his gifts were forthcoming Miss Chase pretended to love Mr. Greenlaw very much indeed.
He visited her frequently, & nearly every evening that he was in the city he entertained her at dinner & took her to the theatre. Not very long ago Greenlaw's ardor began to cool. He had given by that time to Hiss Chase something like $3,000 in money, besides the lodging house & jewelry.
He charged her with having another lover. She denied it, but made no great effort to prove that his accusations were untrue. After a while he became sure that his suspicions were well founded & again he upbraided her.
Presents & money had been coming in very slowly for quite a while before this time, & believing that she would receive no more, Miss Chase told Greenlaw that he was an old fool, & that she had never cared a bit for him. She confessed that she was fonder of a younger man, even if he did not have much money.
Indignantly Greenlaw demanded that she give him back his diamonds & money & everything else he had given her. She laughed at him & to get them back if he could. They were hers & she meant to keep them. Greenlaw saw a lawyer & on Monday he went to court & charged Miss Chase with feloniously embezzling from him a large quantity of jewelry, money, etc. The warrant was served immediately, & in a few days Mr. Greenlaw will have an opportunity to tell the story of his unfortunate suit in court.
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"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Wednesday, July 24, 1895
J. C. Greenlaw returned today from San Francisco where he has been looking
after his interests.
"The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
Tuesday, January 12, 1897
Died: Jesse C. Greenlaw, January 11, 1897 in Eureka. Age 65 years, 3
months 27 days. Born in New Brunswick, Canada.
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Monday, January 11, 1897
DEATH of JESSE C. GREENLAW
Jesse C. Greenlaw, one of our best known citizens, died at his home,
corner of 8th & C streets in this city, this afternoon just before
we went to press, after an illness of several days. Deceased was a native
of New Brunswick & was born September 15, 1831. He came to Humboldt
in the early days & succeeded in amassing a comfortable fortune. His
death is due to nervous prostration. Deceased leaves a wife & three
children, 2 sons & one daughter.
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Wednesday, October 6, 1897
AN ARCATA WAIF
Found on a Doorstep Last Saturday Evening
Mr. & Mrs. H. H. Smith, of Arcata, were considerably surprised last
Saturday evening, when in response to a ring at their door bell they opened
the door & found a tiny little baby that had been left on their doorstep.
The little stranger was snuggly wrapped in clothing of a poor quality &
proved to be a girl baby, perhaps six weeks old. There was nothing about
the little one or its wrappings that could throw any light upon its identity
or that of the person who left it on the doorstep. From the condition of
its clothing, however, it is believed to have been brought from a considerable
distance. Every effort is being made to ascertain who could have left the
foundling & also whence it came, & in the meantime the little waif
is being cared for by Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Tuesday, October 19, 1897
Mrs. Mary Eveline Wilson became the bride of Charles B. Seidell aboard
the steamer Weeott" yesterday by the captain while at sea. The reason for
calling upon Neptune to assist Cupid in making the marital knot a nautical
knot was to evade the new state law which prohibits divorcees from re-marrying
within a year after the granting of the divorce. Mrs. Wilson was only released
from her marital ties about one month ago, having been divorced in the
Superior Court here September 11, 1897 from John Wilson, on the grounds
of desertion.
236
"The Ferndale, Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Tuesday, March 24, 1896
A recent issue of the "San Francisco Examiner" contained a picture and an article of Lizzie Forbes:
Up in Humboldt county there is the smallest woman in the United States.
She is Miss Lizzie Forbes, better known as "Little Dot." She is 23 years
of age & is just 39 inches in height, & weighs only 55 pounds.
She is the daughter of Alexander Forbes of Elk River. Her mother is now
Mrs. Eliza Halverson of Eureka, having been divorced some years ago &
married again. Miss Forbes was born at Elk River, a few miles from Eureka,
on October 6, 1872. Her father is an ordinary sized man, but her mother
is larger than the average woman. She has several brothers living, all
of whom are average-sized men. Most of Miss Forbe's life has been spent
in Eureka & vicinity. When she was 17 years old she travled through
the United States with an exhibition attracting much attention by her minute
stature. She is in excellent health, & is as well-formed as ordinary
individuals. She has a bright mind & a good average education. She
lives alternately with her father on Elk River, & her mother in Eureka,
at each of which place she has a large circle of friends.
"The Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Tuesday, August 17, 1886
POLICE PICKINGS
This morning Adam J. Blair, a former temporary employee of the "Watchman" newspaper office, was arraigned before Justice Howard upon the charge of unlawfully obstructing the streets & sidewalks being in a state of intoxication at the time. He was fined $5.50 for his little spree, & was taken to the "Watchman. office by the police officer, where he intended to procure the money to pay his fine. Having arrived at their destination, the officer remained at the foot of the stairs while the prisoner went up to get the funds. Blair was gone a long time, in fact it was of such duration that the minion of the law at the foot of the stairs became wonderfully uneasy & trotted up to the stairs. The object of the officer's search in conformance with the law of self-preservation, had in the mean time tried himself by another exit in the building, to the open air & betook himself to places where "policemen dare not enter & the weary are at rest.- The discomfited officer & other wearers of the "star" are at the time of writing, in search of the missing man.
Henry Frazier, a sailor, plead guilty to a charge of disturbing the
peace & the captain of his ship having paid the fine of $5.50, he skipped
out into the sunlight with a sort of a you'll-never-nab-me-again air.
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Friday, August 20, 1886
A. J. Blair, who escaped from the guardianship of the officers on Tuesday
last, turned up at Ferndale the same evening. The "Standard," containing
the news of his escape, arrived about the same time, & the unfortunate
yet weary typo was easily induced to move to a more congenial climate than
Humboldt county possesses for persons of his ilk.
237
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Friday, August 30, 1895
FUTILE ATTEMPT W. B. Clifton Still In The Land Of The Living
He took a big dose.
W. B. Clifton, the jeweler on Second street, made an attempt to take
his life by the use of laudanum last night. For some time past it has been
rumored that Clifton & his wife did not live happily together, &
some of those who claimed to be on the inside of the affair said that Clifton
had been known to beat his wife shamefully. This was not generally known
however, & even those who heard it were loath to believe that such
was the case. A week ago however Mrs. Clifton took her child & went
to the home of her cousin, Mrs. Thomas F. Ricks. She told a pitiful story
of brutal treatment at the hands of Clifton & said that she would not
go back to him under any consideration. Those who saw her at that time
say that she had a discolored eye, a cut on her arm & several bruises
on other parts of her body. These, she claimed, were the effect of a beating
at the hands of W. B. Clifton, her husband. She has been at the Ricks residence
ever since the alleged trouble. Clifton called several times & begged
her to return home with him, saying that he would treat her more kindly
in the future. She refused, however, & on the day following her arrival
at Mr. Ricks' home she filed a suit for divorce, alleging cruelty as the
cause of action. Yesterday the judge made an order directing Clifton to
pay his wife $75 counsel fees, $25 witness fees & $25 per month alimony.
The order of the court was served on Clifton yesterday afternoon. About
6 o'clock Clifton sent his apprentice, George F. Flynn, with a note to
his wife & gave express orders that the boy should deliver the note
to Mrs. Clifton in person. This the boy did. Mrs. Clifton read the missive,
which said that Clifton intended killing himself. He authorized her to
take charge of his property. Immediately upon reading the note Mrs. Clifton
sent the boy for a doctor to go to Clifton. Dr. T. L, Loofbourrow was called
& immediately hastened to Clifton's rooms on Second street, where he
found him in an unconscious condition suffering from the effects of a dose
of laudanum. He had taken too much of the drug, however, & after considerable
work on the part of the physician was brought back to conscousness. He
will doubtless recover from the effects of the poison.
"The Dally Humboldt Standard"
Wednesday, September 4, 1895
A DIVORCE GRANTED
The suit of Mollie B. Clifton vs W. B. Clifton was tried & submitted
in Department 2 yesterday & a decree of divorce was granted this morning.
Clifton not appearing, he was declared in default & Mrs. Clifton was
granted a divorce, the possession of her child & $25 per month alimony.
The grounds were extreme cruelty, & the evidence brought out in the
suit showed that the husband had beaten her on frequent occasions, &
abused her by applying vile epithets. For such things as leaving a pin
stuck in the wall or making a small mistake she would be severely beaten,
& only after being struck in the eye & knocked down did she leave
him. On this occasion the chastisement was so severe that her face was
badly disfigured &
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blood was caused to flow. The evidence also showed that the young child
received uncalled for beatings, & if the husband's anger was not yet
appeased he would go out in the yard & wind up his tantrum by clubbing
his pet dog. He also was suspicious & jealous & allowed his wife
no liberty whatever.
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Friday, October 25, 1895
Mr. & Mrs. W. B. Clifton, who were lately divorced in Eureka, have
been remarried in San Francisco. Mrs. Clifton secured a divorce from her
husband on the grounds of extreme cruelty.
"The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
Sunday, March 3, 1889
A LEAP IN THE DARK
At about 11 o'clock Friday night a couple of pistol shots & angry voices, preceeded by the crashing of glass, were heard on F street, between Fifth & Sixth streets. Yesterday morning an investigation of the premises occupied by Mrs. A. Frazier as a residence & dress-making establishment disclosed the fact that a window in the second story had been broken out & lay in the yard.
The facts that explain the above are that Mr. Frazier, who works in
the woods for James Brown on Elk river, had received information that James
Hannigan, who keeps the "Maple Leaf" saloon on E street, was a frequent
visitor to his home & came in from the woods & kept watch Friday
night, & about 11 o'clock saw Hannigan enter the kitchen door. Frazier
immediately went up to the door & finding it locked he burst it in
& found Hannigan in comfortable occupancy of the premises. Frazier
pulled his pistol & fired a shot when Hanngan ran upstairs & when
he found out he was followed by Frazier he burst out the window & fell
with it to the ground, a distance of about fifteen feet. The fall stunned
him somewhat & he became entangled in the clothes line so that Frazier
got down & out to where he lay before he could get away. Frazier fired
two more shots at him in the dark, & they then grappled, & Hannigan
suceeded in getting the empty pistol away from Frazier, who then drew a
knife & struck a couple of times at Hannigan, who by that time had
cleared himself & ran. Hannigan came out of the racket with a couple
of cuts on his face, which he does not know whether occasioned by the knife
or window glass. One of the pistol shots struck Hannigan under the arm
& ranged around his side about eight inches, & came out, making
only a slight flesh wound. The woman protected Hannigan all she could,
& afterwards hunted him up to ascertain the extent of his injuries.
Frazier is a steady, hard-working man, & the couple have two small
children. District Attorney Monroe saw Hannigan yesterday, & as his
injuries are slight, & he does not wish to prosecute, no arrests will
be made, as it would be next to impossible to secure a conviction under
the circumstances.
239
"The Daily Times" Eureka, California
Sunday, October 20, 1889
Joseph Callihan, who was arrested in this city last week & taken
to San Francisco, settled his difficulty by marrying the girl.
"The Daily Standard" Eureka, California
Monday, January 7, 1889
It is rumored that a man in this city, while offering spiritual consolation
to a woman, took advantage of his position to satisfy his lusts, &
that the woman betrayed him to her husband. The person refered to does
not belong to the Clergy. To their credit be it said.
"The Daily Times" Eureka, California
Saturday, October 19, 1889
The hoodlums in our midst, when rolling home in the "Wee small hours"
to stop on the corners & indulge in loud & unseeming talk. Such
a puissance as this occured in front of a certain residence in town, that
a gentleman rooming in the house, last Thursday night, aroused from his
couch & remonstrated with some parties who were making the night hideous
on the sidewalk, but his efforts to have the noise stopped were received
with such derision that he imediately covered the "Hoods" with a small-sized
Gatling gun, whereupon they subsided & moved on. We think it would
be well for those parties to think twice ere they stop in front of that
house again, or a cororner's inquest will be the result.
"The Daily Standard" Eureka, California
Monday, February 4, 1889
Yesterday, after a man partialy intoxicated, had a set-to with the Salvation
Army, at the corner of 1st & E streets, after being rolled over in
the mud by one of that fraternity, he suddenly quieted down, & allowed
the Army to proceed.
"The Daily Times" Eureka, California
Saturday, June 29, 1889
The Salvation Army turned out in full force last evening, having received
recruits by the steamer. They stopped at the corner of F & 3rd streets,
& declining to move on when ordered to do so by an officer, they were
escorted to jail & locked up. Later they were bailed out.
"The Daily Standard" Eureka, California
Saturday, January 26, 1889
Miss Emma Wilson, a native of Sweden, filed her Declaration of Intention
to become a citizen of the United States today. We believe this is tile
first Declaration of Intention ever filed by a lady in this county. When
the lady first appeared before Deputy Clerk Deming, that gentleman was
somewhat nonplussed, never having heard of a lady becoming a citizen before,
but he was not long in forming the "conclusion" if men have the right to
become citizens, ladies ought to share the same privilege also.
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"The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
Friday, May 26, 1899
A SUSPICIOUS CASE
Simon Anderson Arrested For Fraudently Procuring a Check for $2000 From Thomas Kehoe
Simon Anderson, lessee of the Grand Hotel was arrested yesterday upon a charge of obtaining property under false pretenses.
The complaint was issued upon the request of Thomas F. Kehoe through attorneys L. F. Puter & George Rolley, a well known character along the waterfront where he has pursued his occupation of ships-calker for some years.
The property which Anderson is charged with fraudently obtaining is a check for $2000 drawn on the Home Savings Bank of this city. There is no question but what Kehoe's signature is genuine Not alone is that plain but to make the matter beyond all doubt the names of Samuel Sharp & Simon Anderson, in whose favor the check is drawn appear as witnesses.
The story which lies back of the action is an interesting one but not a pleasant one. It surely will afford the acute student of human nature profitable employment in searching out the motives which underlie the actions of the principal parties of the story.
Kehoe was not alone industrious, but also frugal. He was this to such a degree that he had amassed the snug fortune of over $6,000, which is in cash in the banks of the city. With him there could never arise the dread possibility of a penniless old age to be dragged out as a burden upon his friends or as a dependent upon public charity.
Kehoe's failing --- his besetting sin is strong drink. What has overcome others had no respect for him. He was seemingly under its power. Strive as he might, the time would come when all restraints were broken & Kehoe would indulge in a long spree.
Recently he was upon such a debauch that it appeared as though it would be his last. His attorneys learning of his precarious condition sought him out & had him taken to the Grand Hotel about a week ago. Under Dr. Ottmer's care he rapidly became convalescent & ultimate recovery was certain provided liquor could be kept from him.
That all was not well was never suspected until Wednesday evening when Attorney George Rolley was hastily summoned to draw up Kehoe's will.
The attorneys declare that the man was in a shocking condition.
A large number of empty flasks in the room indicated that large quantities of liquor had been given Kehoe, this too in the face of the fact that abstinence from the liquor was the one condition of his restoration to health. He was at once removed to the Humboldt General Hospital, cleansed & placed under a proper regime of treatment.
The climax came yesterday morning resulting in the arrest of Anderson. Kehoe's attorneys were notified early in the day that a check for $2000 drawn by Kehoe in favor of Anderson had been presented for payment by Anderson but that the bank had refused to cash the check. Last Monday Anderson had presented a check for $90 signed by Kehoe. The bank paid this knowing that Anderson was in charge of Kehoe.
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