CASHASTA-L Archives

From: "Billie C. & Anita 'Jean' Reynolds" <>
Subject: BVG June 1904
Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2005 15:59:16 -0800

BIG VALLEY GAZETTE – BIEBER, LASSEN COUNTY, CAL.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1904

Mr. Maxwell, father of Mrs. S. D. Sheppard, arrived here from Oregon last
week on a visit to his daughter.

While turning off the grade west of town last Saturday afternoon to let
teams pass him, W. L. Calavan was tipped out of his wagon and it is feared
that two of his ribs are broken.

NARROW ESCAPE

Just as the sun was lowering itself for the nights’ rest last Monday
evening, three young men of this town came within a few seconds of going to
the bottom of Pitt River.

Messrs. Jesse E. House and Alvin L. Florin, electrician and bookkeeper
respectfully, during Monday afternoon decided to go swimming, as the day was
warm and the water suitable.

Both Pitt and Fall Rivers are unusually high, owing to the great amount of
rain and snow during the past season.

The young men went to the usual swimming place, near where Fall River
empties and makes itself part of Pitt River and the current was of
sufficient force to carry the swimmers from the within the limits.

Amasa Dollarhide, wife and mother, were fishing at a near point and when the
swimmers had been carried down within the dashing waves and their efforts to
escape became useless, they called for assistance. Mr. Dollarhide being an
expert swimmer saw at once the situation.

Alvin Florin had a rope attached to his body, which was held by those on
shore, and by this rope, he was pulled from within the waves, while Jesse
House relied on his strength and ability to return.

With part of his clothes still about him, Amasa lost no time in taking a
rope to Jesse, who had almost give out. Jesse was pulled ashore, while Amasa
swam to the opposite shore and says had he to stay in the water three
seconds longer, he would have been the victim of the treacherous stream.

The young men owe their lives to Mr. Dollarhide and they realize the fact
better than can be told in type. This should serve as a warning to those who
have heretofore made this point a place of pleasure. – Fall River Tidings

Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Mayfield and children accompanied by Fred Herrick, left
for Washington yesterday.

Dr. A. F. Bradshaw has disposed of his prescription drugs to Dr. Tinsman of
Adin and the latter will practice here; Dr. Bradshaw having concluded to
wind up his business here and move to the city where he has other interests
that demand his attention.

Frank Leventons’ mother and sister arrived here this week from Amador County
on a visit.

The little child of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Paulk is very sick and no hopes are
entertained for its recovery.

Claude Bassett met with an accident last Friday, which will incapacitate him
for work for sometime. He fell in front of a grain roller, but fortunately,
the roller was brought to a standstill before it passed entirely over him
and only his left leg was bruised and the foot wrenched.

Mrs. Phillip Miller of Clover Swale started below this week. She has been in
very poor health for some months and it is hoped a change of climate may
result beneficially. She will go to Chico first but if a change is not at
once apparent will then visit the southern part of the State. She was
accompanied by her son and daughter and Miss Ricketts, a trained nurse,
Frank Caldwell accompanied the party as far as the railroad. We certainly
hope the esteemed lady will return completely restored to health. – Alturas
Plaindealer

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1904

Peter Bell, a carpenter from Siskiyou County, is located here with his
family.

Henry Wendt, a first class barber, arrived here Saturday and has opened up a
shop in Whiting & Mitchell’s saloon.

A. J. Packwood, father of our Supervisor W. D. Packwood, arrived from his
home in Sonoma County last Saturday evening on an extended visit.

R. M. CANNON DEAD

Richard M. Cannon, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mahlon Cannon of near Lookout, died
at the home of his parents last Tuesday morning. Thus is ended a life, which
for the past few years has been one of suffering. The young man was the
victim of an internal disorder for which he has submitted to several
surgical operations with the hope of being cured, but which only effected
temporary relief. Everything possible was done for him, but nothing availed
to stay the ravages of disease. During his long illness, his courage had
been sustained at seasons by hope of improvement. He was buried at Lookout
yesterday. (1:4)

Walter E. Herzinger, an attorney of Redding, was here yesterday to take the
deposition of Dr. A. F. Bradshaw in the suit of Short vs. Frink, which comes
up for trial in Redding June 15th. Damages for $30,000 are asked by Short
for malpractice when he had his leg broken.

A. L. Putney left last Thursday with his family for his home at Iron
Mountain.

Dr. Tinsman, who is attending the little child of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Paulk,
reports the baby slowly improving.

Mrs. Mildred Mecum of San Francisco is visiting her aunts, Mrs. George King
and Mrs. Frank Moss this week.

BORN

PAULK – Near Bieber, Cal., June 3rd, 1904, to the wife of W. H. Paulk, a
daughter

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1904

C. H. Merrill moved his family up from Bella Vista last Wednesday.

W. H. Roney was able to come to town Monday, though he is still very feeble.

MURDER AND SUICIDE

Last Saturday night a tragedy was enacted in Alturas, the horrors of which,
caused strong men to shudder and women turn pale. At about the hour of 10 o’clock,
Lee Johnson went to the home of his divorced wife taking some presents with
him for his two children. The woman was alone, with the exception of a
little daughter of Thomas Frawley, who stayed with her as company during
nights. After talking with his wife for some minutes, Johnson asked her to
step outside as he wished to talk with her. Soon the little girl heard a
smothered scream and with rare presence of mind for a child, ran to the home
of Sheriff Street on an adjoining block. Mr. Street was in his bath, but
partially dressed himself and ran to the house. In the meantime, Mrs. Carlos
Payne, a near neighbor, heard the noise and ran towards the house,
screaming. Johnson supposing he had accomplished his diabolical work of
murder, disappeared in the darkness of the night. The struggle had taken
place in the rear of the house, and as Sheriff Street ran around one way,
Mrs. Johnson came around the other and passing out of the gate fled to the
residence of Dr. Gibson. On the way, she met Billy Mickle and Alfred
Morrison. She ran up to them, but startled in the darkness of the night by
the awful appearance of the woman got out of the way. She then ran to Dr.
Gibson’s gate and endeavored to enter, but falling, ran out under the
electric light and motioned to Morrison and Mickle. Meantime, Mr. Pinkney
appeared and the three men ran to her. She threw back her hair that covered
her face and disclosed an awful gash in her throat and another on her cheek.
Two of her desperate struggle for life with the murderous wretch. She was
taken to her home, by which time Drs. Gibson and Risdon had arrived.
Thinking she was dying, she told who her murderer was.

By this time, the town was thoroughly aroused and a crowd of thirty-five or
forty men joined Mr. Street in the search for the murderer. It appears that
Johnson went first to Mr. Largents and asked for a gun. From there he went
to the home of J. M. Thompson and then to L. S. Smith’s. Failing to obtain
firearms, he struck out into the country and went to the ranch of H. S.
Warner, about a mile from town. Here his request was repeated, telling Mr.
Warner that he had killed a man down town and was going to kill himself.
Being refused, he said he would go to the barn and kill himself with a
knife. Warner told him that that was about the best thing he could do. He
next appeared at the ranch of C. P. Dunn. Here he was careful and concocted
a plausible story. He said he had been gambling with the Indians, had won
their money and that they were trying to hold him up and he wanted something
to protect himself until he got to town and would leave the gun at Lauer’s
store. Mr. Dunn told him he did not know where the gun was. Mrs. Dunn,
however, spoke up and said the gun was at the granary, where the little boys
were sleeping. He was then given a couple of cartridges, went to the granary
and was given the gun, a single barrel fowling piece. He then told the
little boys he was going to kill himself. The little fellows endeavored to
dissuade him from his purpose. He, however, took off his coat, vest, collar
and cuffs and stepping off, placed the gun to his head; but taking it away
remarked: "D—n it I don’t want to die with my shoes on." Removing his shoes,
he several times placed the muzzle of the gun to his forehead and stooping
with his finger to the trigger, but apparently lost heart. Finally hearing
the dogs bark and imagining he was pursued, stooped with the gun to his head
and pulled the trigger, thereby performing the one meritorious act of w a
wasted, ill spent life. The charge entered his head above the eyes and tore
the entire top of the head off. Sunday morning the body was brought to town
and an inquest held by Justice Henderson, acting Coroner. The evidence
developed the above facts.

After untold agonies – cut, hacked, bruised and lacerated by cruel blows –
Mrs. Johnson lingered until 4 o’clock Wednesday morning when her tired
spirit took its flight to the great beyond. The physicians at first thought
that her life could be saved, barring complications. But complications rose
in the form of pneumonia and all hope was abandoned. The lungs were choked
with blood from the awful gashes in her throat and being unable to clear
them, the end came rapidly. She could swallow neither medicine nor food. –
Alturas Plaindealer - (1:4 & 5:2)

Mrs. Millie Ledford, sister of J. T. Gibbins of this place, died at her home
in Cloverdale, Sonoma County on the 6th of this month. (5:1)

BORN

HOLCOMB – In Bieber, Cal., June 9th, 1904, to the wife of Oscar Holcomb, a
son

MISS McCARTHY GETS $10,000

Miss Birdie McCarthy, the Michigan school teacher, was awarded the sum of
$10,000 damages against James D. Heryford, the Lake County cattle king, by a
jury in the United States Circuit Court at Portland Friday evening. This was
the second trial of the famous breach of promise case brought by Miss
McCarthy against Heryford. The first trial resulted in a verdict of $22,
000, and was set aside by Judge Bellinger on the ground that the amount was
excessive. In charging the jury, Friday, the court said that the plaintiff
was entitled to something. Upon the defendant’s request, the court
instructed the jury that Heryford’s subsequent offer of marriage might be
considered as a mitigating circumstance. The verdict is regarded as
satisfactory by Miss McCarthy and her attorneys, and in view of the court’s
instructions it is not likely that the verdict will be set aside again. Miss
McCarthy will probably leave for her home in Michigan in a few days.

Heryford has announced that he will appeal the case.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1904

A. B. Franklin, of Goose Lake Valley, brother of Clark Franklin of this
place, was here on a visit last week.

John Howell of Lookout came down yesterday and had Dr. Tinsman remove a
portion of the first finger of his left hand that had some way got caught in
machinery.

We regret to chronicle the serious illness of A. C. Herrick, who resides
about 3 miles northeast of town. He was taken sick early last week but it
was not thought to be very serious. His condition, however, is gradually
growing worse and fears are now entertained for his recovery. We hope to be
able to chronicle an improvement in his condition in our next issue.

DIES AFTER FAST OF TWO YEARS

W. C. Arnett of Sisson, died Thursday afternoon and his funeral took place
Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Arnett was 64 years of age and was well known
in Siskiyou County and in Oakland, at which latter place he spent
considerable time.

Two years ago, Arnett conceived the idea that he could live without eating.
He believed a slight indisposition of which he suffered was brought about by
partaking of food and decided to fast.

He began to go without his usual meals and strange to say, he succeeded to
such an extent that his friends were in constant fear that he would starve
to death.

A year ago, Arnett was in Redding on his way to Oakland. He said while here
that he would beat the record of Dr. Tanner and did so. For forty whole days
in Oakland, he went without eating and at the end of that time began the
diet of a vegetarian, only he was an extremist. He ate sparingly of fruits
and vegetables and drank water.

The fasting did not seem to affect him in the least and he really felt
better.

A few weeks ago, he was taken with heart troubles and his death Thursday was
caused by water around the heart. – Redding Free Press (1:4)

HARRIS – SIMPSON WEDDING

Today at 12 o’clock, a quiet wedding was solemnized at the home of Mr. and
Mrs. L. W. Simpson in Bieber. The contracting parties were Bertie Weller
Harris of Adin and Miss Mabel Simpson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. W.
Simpson. The bride was tastefully attired in white Japanese silk and the
groom wore the conventional black. They were attended by Mr. and Mrs. Elmer
Paulk. Rev. Harry Perks of Adin was the officiating clergyman. The young
couple have a wide circle of friends in this valley, who wish them happiness
and prosperity. After partaking of an elegant dinner, the newly wedded
couple left for Adin.

Max Wagner, a native of Pennsylvania and a resident of Chico, and Miss
Fannie M. Perkiss, a native of California and a resident of Chico, were
married Thursday morning at the Golden Eagle Hotel by Rev. Baldwin. They
will remain in town a few days and then go to the Afterthought Mine to make
their future home. – Redding Free Press

MARRIED

HARRIS – SIMPSON – In Bieber, Cal., June 22, 1904, by Rev. Harry Perks, B.
W. Harris to Miss Mabel Simpson.

SHORT VS. FRINK

The trial of the case in which B. J. Short seeks $30,000 from Dr. George K.
Frink for malpractice is still in progress in the Superior Court at Redding
with every likelihood of occupying the remainder of the week, says the
Searchlight.

The defense of the physician, who lived at Fall River at the time he
attended Short, but who has since removed to San Francisco, will be that
Short, through idle curiosity and contrary to all orders from the physician,
continually removed the bandages from the broken leg, which resulted in a
state of affairs, wherein it was impossible for the fracture to join
properly. It will be shown by the defense, also, that Short smoked
cigarettes, while on the sick bed, contrary to the attending physician’s
orders and that he failed to comply with the instructions of Dr. Frink in
other matters.

The proceedings in the trial yesterday consisted in the introduction of the
depositions of Dr. A. F. Bradshaw and Robert J. Alford and the partial
examination of Dr. M. D. Pratt, who saw the Short case after Dr. Frink got
through attending to it. The depositions mentioned were read to the jury and
placed in evidence.

DEATH OF MRS. MILLER

Mrs. Emily P. Miller, an old and respected resident of Stone Coal Valley,
died at Chico, June 10th, 1904, of heart disease. Mrs. Miller has been a
sufferer of that disease for a number of years and after doing all was
possible here, her family had her taken to the lower country some months
ago, where they hoped she might improve, but all in vain.

She was one of the pioneer ladies of this county, an affectionate wife, kind
and loving mother and a true friend and her death will be a sad blow to the
entire county.

The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Winthrow at the Clover Swale
schoolhouse yesterday at 1 o’clock p. m. and a large number of sorrowing
friends and relatives met to pay their last respects to their departed
neighbor.

Mrs. Miller leaves a husband and large family, besides a very large circle
of friends to mourn her loss. – New Era (5:2)

T. W. Osborn, an old and esteemed resident of the Lookout section, died at
Red Bluff on the 8th of this month, at the ripe age of 72 years. (5:2)

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1904

Mrs. M. A. Jones and son, Elmer, arrived here from Portland, Oregon, Sunday
evening. They will remain two or three months before returning to Portland.

W. H. RONEY PASSES AWAY

William h. Roney, died at his home near Hillside Monday at 2 o’clock. While
this was not altogether unexpected, it nevertheless came as a surprise, for
Mr. Roney was in town the day before chatting with his friends. The remains
were buried in Hillside cemetery today, in the presence of a host of
neighbors and friends; Rev. Harry Perks conducted the services.

Deceased was born in Canada, sixty years ago and was one of the pioneer
settlers of this valley. He was a man of fine education; taught school for a
number of years and occupied several offices of trust in the township and
county. A few years ago, he was married to Mrs. Mattie Morrison and his wife
and three children remain to mourn his loss. Our sympathy goes forth to them
in their hour of trial and sorrow. (1:4)

DEATH OF ANNA PRATT

The news reached us that Miss Anna Pratt of Adin died in Susanville today.
The young lady slipped on the ice last winter and broke her leg. The limb
was set, but for some reason never properly united and it was deemed
necessary to operate on it again. This was done last Sunday, but the shock
proved too much for her. Miss Pratt was highly educated and of sterling
worth and her host of friends will be shocked to hear the news of her death.
(1:4)

JURY AWARDS $8,000 DAMAGES

After being out less than one hour, the jury at Redding, in the case in
which B. J. Short of Fall River Valley sought $30,000 damages, from Dr.
George K. Frink of San Francisco for malpractice in the improper setting of
a broken leg, brought in a verdict in favor of Short for damages in the sum
of $8,000, says the Searchlight.

After listening to able arguments by the counsel on either side throughout
the day, the jurors were retired at 5:30 o’clock Tuesday evening, after
being instructed and told that three-fourths of their number were sufficient
to constitute a verdict. It is understood that on the first ballot the
jurors were unanimous in the belief that Short was entitled to damages. Then
they set about to determine the amount. In a very short while that was fixed
at $8,000. Court was called and the verdict returned at 6:30 o’clock.

The jury was polled at the request of the counsel for the physician and each
one of the twelve men said that that was his verdict. No proceedings toward
a stay of execution or a motion for a new trial were had.

Mrs. W. C. Arnett, sister of A. C. Herrick, arrived here from Sisson last
Friday on a visit.

A. C. Herrick, who in our last issue we stated was in a critical condition,
is now getting along as well as could be expected and will soon be out and
around.

DIED

RONEY – Near Bieber, Cal., June 27, 1904, William H. Roney, a native of
Canada, aged 60 years.



~~~~~~
Billie C. & Anita 'Jean' Reynolds
Modoc County, California
"The Last Frontier"
www.rh2o.com/modoc
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• BVG June 1904 by "Billie C. & Anita 'Jean' Reynolds" <>