Knave - early history books, Calaveras Chronicle, Gay Christening, Lake County Native American History, A Matter of Fish, Versatile Dr. Semple, Letter Carriers Outing

Knave - indian villages, etc Sun, Aug 18, 1957 – 65 · Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) · Newspapers.com

AMONG the most prized volumes in Dr. Rockwell D. Hunt's collection of Californiana are two that pertain to San Francisco, both comparatively rare now. "I think they are of special value, speaking historically," he says. "The short title of the first of these is 'The Annals of San Francisco,' published by D. Appleton & Company in 1855. The authors are Frank Soule, John H. Gihon, M.D., and James Nisbet. The wide scope of this volume is indicated by its subtitle, 'Containing a Summary of the History of the First Discovery, Settlement, Progress and Present Condition of California and a Complete History of All the Important Events Connected Therewith, It's Great City, to which are Added Biographical Memoirs of Some Prominent Citizens.' It is illustrated by 150 fine engravings. A very useful Appendix includes the story of the Great Seal of the State, the text of the California Constitution of 1849, the Act of Corporation of the City of San Francisco, and a complete roster of the Society of California Pioneers, with dates of their arrival and their places of residence. In no other single book can so much detailed information pertaining to San Francisco during early American years, chronologically arranged, be found. It may be regarded as indispensable to the researcher. My copy of this valuable book, printed well over a century ago, was acquired in early days by my father, a pioneer of 1850. On its fly-leaf appears still, in his handwriting, in pencil, his name and address: 'D. R. Hunt, Oneida Valley, Sacramento County.' On the same page appears the following, in my uncle's handwriting: 'Presented to P. J. Hunt by D. R. Hunt, Hamilton (New York) March 23, 1866.' This book has been in our family from my early childhood. My brothers and I enjoyed its pictures many a time on the floor of our 'sitting room' in the Freeport home. Bound in beautiful morocco, with full gilt edges, its present-condition, after all its handling, is remarkably good. Naturally, I'm proud to be the owner of this volume. It is of great value to the student and historian, but to me it possessed a sentimental value that cannot be told in terms of dollars.

Shades of San Francisco

"The second book," continues Dr. Hunt, “is as colorful as its title, 'Lights and Shades of San Francisco,' written by B. E. Lloyd and published in 1876. The author was duly impressed by the marked peculiarities of San Francisco. In his words, 'The manners, customs, business and pleasure of the people are opposed to inactivity at all seasons and in all things.' Numerous full-page illustrations add to the book's value. Among the interesting topics treated are the newly constructed Palace and Baldwin Hotels, restaurant life, Sunday in San Francisco, theaters, the early press, the Chinese, Woodward's Gardens, and many others. The graphic description of 'Steamer Day' is one of the most gripping stories in the entire book. 'No calendar for the use of San Franciscans is complete,' declares the author, 'without the special mention of the "Steamer Days” in each month ... It is to the business community here, what, the "First” of the month is in all the Eastern states.' It was on 'Steamer Day' that the mail steamer left port. Businessmen prepared their orders, posted their business and friendly communications, made necessary remittances, etc. The entire population turned out. "The ordinary routine was suspended, and the city was in a commotion. The wharf presented a scene of animation and excitement. But the arrival of the mail steamer in San Francisco showed even greater excitement. Its approach was announced by the signal on Telegraph Hill. 'Everybody expected letters or tidings from far-off homes and friends." Many looked for relatives and friends. It was amusing -often pathetic - to 'witness the long lines of eager humanity that radiated from the sacred precincts behind the post office windows. There they patiently waited, often for hours, for their turn to ask for letters, only too often to hear the grim reply, "No letters for you."' The memories of Steamer Day and the arrival of steamers in San Francisco bring to mind, some of the most picturesque - sometimes most poignant - of all days in the history of the fabulous city by the Golden Gate."

Calaveras Chronicle

On the surface it would seem there are no pangs involved whatsoever when a newspaper is born. It is all joy. At least, such was the outward appearance in October of 1851 when Hamilton Ayres & Company gave birth to the Calaveras Chronicle at Mokelumne Hill. We are indebted to three persons for this story of the Calaveras Chronicle's first issues. Our initial thanks must go to Bruce L. McKinstry of Berwyn, Ill., whose grandfather mined at Mokelumne Hill during 1851 and 1852 and passed down these copies of this Mother Lode journal. Next our thanks to Judge J. A. Smith, columnist for the Calaveras Prospect of San Andreas to whom McKinstry loaned his precious mementoes, and last but not least, thanks to publisher L. R. Pettithomme of the Calaveras Prospect for permitting us to repeat Judge Smith's report. “At the masthead of Vol. 1, No. 1,” Judge Smith tells us, "appears this announcement: 'The Calaveras Chronicle, Published Every Saturday Morning at Mokelumne Hill by Hamilton Ayres & Co. Subscription for one year $12. For six months, $6, and for three months, $3. Single copies, 25c. Advertising, one square of 10 lines or less, first insertion, $4. Each subsequent insertion, $2. All kinds of job work neatly executed. H. A. DeCourcey, Editor.' 

The following salutatory also appears. The first number of the Calaveras Chronicle is this day presented to the public with a prospect not excelled by any newspaper enterprise ever before taken within the borders of the State of California. It is a matter of no little surprise that a county embracing so extensive an area of territory and boasting so large a population as is conceded to Calaveras should have been so long without a printing press to proclaim to the world its great natural resources, and to assert, advocate and defend the inalienable rights and privileges of her people. Bounded on the south by the Stanislaus River, an immense territory of mining and agricultural land is traversed before the northern limit is reached, far above the North Fork of the Mokelumne, while on the west the fertile and almost illimitable plains furnish their quota to the making up of the variety of country and interests embraced within the boundaries of Calaveras, while being enclosed on the east by the state line, which is an imaginary path, makes its way through everlasting snows beyond the summits of the eternal Sierra.

Calaveras Chronicle, Volume 1, Number 1, 18 October 1851

"Talked About.'

"'Few counties north of Mariposa can boast a greater extent of territory,' continues editor DeCourcey. 'None can claim with justice more natural resources as regards the wealth contained within its borders, nor that can supersede or outstrip the citizens of Calaveras in indomitable perseverance, energy and public-spirited enterprise. We have good and sufficient reasons for making these assertions. Calaveras is known and talked about, both far and near, and its wealth the subject of discussion. Of the generous and liberal spirit of its inhabitants we can speak at length. No more substantial encouragement was seldom given, perhaps in the history of newspaper establishment, than that which has been extended toward the Chronicle. Taken by the hand like brothers when we arrived at this place, every assistance we needed was given us until, thanks to the citizens of Mokelumne Hill, we are enabled to issue our infant sheet, established upon a permanent basis. A disinterested public spirit is the natural characteristic of a printer. The very nature of his profession has a tendency to make him waive his own inclinations when the community may be benefited by his pursuing a course that may not be positively consonant with his own views; although if he be conscientiously disposed and upright and honest in disposition, nought but truthful arguments and plain matters of fact statements will be published from his press. As such will be our earnest endeavor to meet the views of the community upon every subject affecting the public weal. When praise is merited, we shall in our columns award it irrespective of political distinction. And when abuses, come within our observation, it will be our aim to expose them uncontrolled by personal friendship or dislike, and if possible, point, out the means by which they may be corrected.'”

Honest Sentiments

"'Politically the Chronicle will speak its honest sentiments upon any subject no matter by what party advanced, and adopt the views of neither unless they coincide with our own, or as they may tend to influence for good or ill the interests of the common country. As a journal of general intelligence,' said editor DeCourcey, 'the Chronicle will carry in its columns correct statements of the markets at the different mining posts of the county, in such form as will make them acceptable to merchants and other businessmen. In point of mining intelligence no exertion will be spared to render our sheet essentially acceptable to the miners as a medium of obtaining information relative to "diggings" (of which they may not be aware), whether in this county or in other sections of the state or elsewhere; while full summaries of  news from the Atlantic Board, Europe and other parts of the world will be given at every new arrival. Thus making our satisfactory bow to the public, we respectfully solicit its countenance and favor for the future numbers of the Chronicle. Little more than two years have elapsed since we first trod California soil, and in that time there has been scarcely a spot within its limits that has not felt the imprint of our footsteps; and yet, in all that period, we have visited no place that gave greater evidence of greater or more permanent prosperity than the hill-built City of Mokelumne Hill. Two years ago Mokelumne Hill and its adjacent placers were known and spoken of as extremely rich, but of small extent; and friends ridiculed each other when they spoke of going to placers where "all the claims worth anything were worked out or permanently taken up.” Frequently, however, new and large strikes were made and those who before thought lightly of those placers began to avince an interest in them secondary to no other consideration. The result has been the discovery of diggings unparalleled in richness or extent - earth paying the miner well for his labor, even in the surface soil of the hillsides, while others bodily sinking shafts over 100 feet in depth into the bowels of the earth, have astonished the world - not more than themselves at the vast success which attended their arduous and preserving labors.

Gay Christening 

“'Differing from the coyote diggings of any other section of the mining district of California, here at Mokelumne Hill, if one's hole will pay at all, he can always secure "lumps" sufficient to defray daily expenses while the earth in which the finer gold is contained is laid up in piles to await the rains. Diggins such as these are numerous and almost inexhaustible in the vicinity of Mokelumne Hill. These are stubborn and uncontrovertible facts and with them standing baldly forth our lively and bustling town cannot fail to become one of the most progressive and successful mining points in California, as long as mining will be made the principal branch of the business of mining. For the development of all these resources which surround us so abundantly the Calaveras Chronicle will be found standing boldly forth, not as an advocate of sectional opinions, but as its name indicates, identified with the interests of the whole county. It will be an exponent of its advantages and a zealous defender of its rights and privileges. The Chronicle, the first number of our paper is now before the public. We can make no apology, kind readers, if it does not meet your expectations. It is always a vexatious and difficult task to open any business and a commencement cannot really be looked on as true "specimens" of what is to follow. As we progress we shall endeavor to improve, borrowing encouragement from your approval.' Also from this first issue was the following: 'Large numbers of our friends learning that the work upon the first number of our paper was so advanced as to enable us to issue it this morning made our office up to 12 o'clock last night the scene of a drawing room level. Wines of every description flowed in generous abundance and complimentary words and responses broke forth in eager tones of fondly impulse. To our friend, Newall & Co., and J. F. Brush, Esq., we were indebted for sundry bottles of champagne of the "Nightingale's" own brand, and for a sumptuous collation with the regular amount of Heidsick accompanying it, owe our thanks to our worthy friend LaForge. One circumstance among the reminiscences of the evening is worthy of record, that is to say the first copy ever struck off of the Calaveras Chronicle was put up at auction and sold for $3.75.' 

Under the caption, 'Married,' the Chronicle reported: 'In this town by Judge S. D. Ball on the evening of the 16th of October, 1851, Aragalus A. French to Jane Gambol. This is the first marriage that has been legally solemnized in this place. May they long live to enjoy the blessings of hymnal felicity.'...” More next Sunday.

Calaveras Chronicle Fri, Oct 30, 1936 – 4 · The Arroyo Grande Valley Herald Recorder (Arroyo Grande, California) · Newspapers.com
"The paper was founded by H. A. deCourcey, Henry Hamilton, and Col. James M Ayers in 1851, when they picked up an old press, some type and other necessary equipment at a bargain in San Francisco. It was transported to Mokelumne Hill on the backs of mules and set up in an improvised shack of sheetiron scraps. ... The Calaveras Chronicle lived to serve its readers longer than any other newspaper in the state at the time. It died only when Mokelumne Hill became a ghost town."

Lake County History

"The waters of Kelsey Creek pour into Clear Lake less than 1-1/2 miles northwest of the settlement of Soda Bay," Henry Mauldin of Lakeport reports. Mauldin has been compiling the history of Lake County for some years now and welcomes data on all phases of early-day life in that region. . "The last quarter mile of Kelsey Creek's course lies within the present Clear Lake State Park," he continues. "Exactly half a mile up from its mouth a smaller stream, Cole Creek, loses its identity by flowing into the larger Kelsey Creek. This blending of the two creeks is a comparatively recent occurrence. It is thought that the first white men to arrive in our country came about 1810, and just before that date it was Cole Creek alone that flowed through this common channel. Kelsey Creek then came out of the mountains and followed its regular course to the present Eutenier place two miles downstream from Kelseyville. From there it ran in a northwesterly direction through the present Cookson, Timonthy, Pardee, Fultz, Morrison and Blower ranches to McGaugh's Slough and on to Clear Lake. The reason for Kelsey Creek changing its course is told by local Indians who insist that the following incident took place. The Kulanapo tribe of Indians were around Lakeport and in Big Valley up to Adobe Creek. The Habenapo tribe took in that territory from Adobe Creek to and through Kelsey Creek and to a point between the latter stream and Cole Creek. Both these tribes were members of the Pomo stock, whose territory included most all the drainage area of the Clear Lake basin. For some unknown reason the Lileek tribe, a branch of Napa and Sonoma Counties lived at Soda Bay and on Cole Creek, from Clear Lake to and including that part of that stream lying west-of Mount Konocti, and in consequence was entirely surrounded by Pomos.

A Matter of Fish

"The choicest fish of all were the hitc, or hitch, which ran up Kelsey Creek," continues Mauldin. "The Indians called Kelsey Creek Hitc-bidame, or Hitch Creek. A less desirable fish but of about the same size called the tcai, or chy, ran up Cole Creek, and the natives called this stream Tcaibidame. Neither fish would go in the other stream. There was an old storm overflow channel from Kelsey Creek which ran from the turn in the stream at the Eutenier place and followed down where the present bed of the stream is, to its junction with Cole Creek. The Li'leeks proposed to the Habenapos that a part of the water of Kelsey Creek be diverted at the Eutenier place, and by dam or other method be made to run down the storm channel, so that at spawning time the hitc would run both ways and thus give the Li'leeks a supply of the better quality fish. The Habenapo refused. Up to this time the only way the Li'leeks could get a supply of hitc was by permission or trade. This was not to the liking of the Cole Creek Indians, and on refusal of the Kelsey Creek natives to allow the engineering project, words waxed warm between the tribes. No activity regarding the diversion took place until a big storm came up and Kelsey Creek was more than bank full. At this stage the Li'leek, without knowledge of the Habenapo, took their digging sticks and loosened the earth at the desired point. The flood waters soon took advantage of the loosened ground and tore a great hole in the bank, which opened up the old flood channel more than was ever dreamed of. The entire stream flowed into Cole Creek.

Gaining Their Point

“Soon spawning time came and the hitc as well as the tcai came up the smaller streams. As all of the Kelsey Creek flow was now going into Clear Lake by way of Cole Creek the supply of hitc for the Kelsey Creek Indians came that way. To add insult to injury, the Li'leek put a dam or weir across Kelsey Creek just above its junction with Cole Creek, thus shutting off the supply of hitc to the Habenapos, War was declared! The Kulanapo from Lakeport came to the assistance of the Habenapo, and the tribe from Kamdot (Anderson Island) came to help the Li'leek. A battle line was drawn up along Kelsey Creek and fighting went on for some time. Estimates for the battle vary from six hours to three days. Our Clear Lake Indians were not noted for their blood thirstiness nor warlike tendencies. To take great toll of life from the opposing tribe did not seem to be their aim. According to custom, the war was conducted with much yelling and noisemaking, and rests would be taken during which small boys were sent into the battlefield to retrieve arrows, each to be returned to its own tribe. Casualties amounted to only two or three men. The Li'leeks were driven back to Cole Creek. The Habenapos did not push their gain and the battle ended. No further trouble developed between these tribes and each lived in peace within its own territory. Although the Li'leeks lost the war they gained their point, for Kelsey Creek ever since has kept to its new channel. The old channel of Kelsey Creek remained closed and now can hardly be traced as civilization has cleared, leveled and cultivated it beyond recognition. As monuments to this war and as a reminder of the Indian civilization that lived along the unused creek channel are the remains of Indian villages. Although farmed fields, orchards and modern dwellings have leveled off the old village mounds and houses or dance hole pits, there still remains the familiar darkened earth that is a part of Indian village sites."

Versatile Dr. Semple

The Knave: Recently I visited Benicia and crossed the Carquinez Straits by ferry to Martinez. Both the town and ferry reminded me of their founder, Dr. Robert Semple, perhaps the most versatile and eccentric of California pioneers. He reached California with the Hasting's Party in 1845 and began farming with Johnson and Keyser on Johnson's Ranch on Bear River. Dr. Semple was six feet, eight inches tall, while Johnson was a bantam. Captain Sutter, seeing them walking together, wrote in his diary that the sight was amusing. He insisted that Johnson, by stooping slightly, could walk between Dr. Semple's legs. When the Bear Flag Revolt occurred in the spring of 1846 Dr. Semple joined the group and at Sonoma was placed on the committee to interview General Vallejo and secure his surrender. Among the hot-heads, the tall doctor was a sobering force. Later he enrolled in Colonel Fremont's California Battalion and was prominent in California's liberation. Dr. Semple was a dentist, typesetter, farmer, editor, presiding officer, city and ferry organizer; in fact, seemed handy at any employment. With Walter Colton he started the first California newspaper, setting the type and editing the pages. When the State Constitutional Convention was held in Monterey in the fall of 1849, Dr. Semple, who had been elected one of the convention members, was made the presiding officer, and he was an efficient one. With General Vallejo and Thomas Larkin he planned and organized the City of Benicia. It was his dream that his new town would become the chief port and metropolis of the West Coast. And it could have happened, if the doctor had been a little more judicious. When the City of San Francisco burned again in 1851 its business men became discouraged and interviewed Dr. Semple with a plan to move to Benicia. But Dr. Semple was adamant in his demands which were unreasonable, and the plan was abandoned. A Solano County historian wrote that Dr. Semple built a house in Benicia with an inverted roof. The sides were high while the low eve ran down the middle of the building. The historian did not explain, if he knew, why Dr. Semple tried this unusual style of roof. The doctor also built a steamboat while living in Benicia which was to be driven by two equal power engines. Since he was unable to get two such engines, he bought one large engine and one much smaller. Presumably the boat was a sidewheeler, as the doctor geared the engines together, but found that when he started his boat the big engine overpowered the small one and made it run backwards. Thus the ship moved in circles. Somehow he managed to reach Colusa with it where he discarded the engines and converted the boat into a barge. He had other grand plans for developing the country around Colusa, but he died there suddenly in 1854 at the age of 48. Thus his unique but eccentric life came to an untimely close. - John W. Winkley.

Dr. Robert Baylor Semple

Down Memory Lane

"Years ago," Arthur R. McPhail tells us, "the letter carriers held a national convention out here in California, and a group of young Oakland carriers formed a drill team. We practiced formations and drills around Lincoln Park after 6 p.m. when traffic problems were light, if not entirely erased for the day. An excursion was given over the old Ocean Shore Railroad. Its terminal in San Francisco was at 11th and Mission Sts., and we young carriers gaily went to strut our stuff. As I remember, the roadbed went through the Mission District of San Francisco on out through the artichoke country and down the isolated shore of the ocean by Montara, Pidgeon Point, etc. There we proudly did our drilling in an open space. Tables were set up with picnic food, and a responsive, crowd applauded our efforts. The Ocean Shore Railroad has been gone many years now, but the memory is left of a wonderful day and a ride through what was then just open countryside."

-THE KNAVE