small brother at home. That Olsen was in the house with the children is certain, while it is almost equally certain that he brought the liquor with him, as the broken flask was found on the floor when the mother returned. The death of the child, however, removes the means of obtaining any direct evidence, while the little boy professes to know nothing about the case, so that the authorities are doubtful of a conviction. A medical examination of the child before death failed to show any evidence of bodily abuse, & the charge against Olsen is simply that of furnishing liquor to a minor.
Olsen, who was formerly employed at Vance's mill is now working in Scotia
& an officer left for there with the warrant yesterday.
''The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
Friday, June 12, 1896
HELD FOR MURDER
The preliminary examination of Otto Olsen accused of giving whiskey to & thereby causing the death of eight year old Minnie Carson, was concluded in the Police Court yesterday.
Olsen stated that he did not give the whiskey to the child but that she must have taken the flask from his pocket & drank the contents while he was in drunken sleep in a chair in the house.
According to the testimony of Mrs. Ayers, mother of the child &
Mrs. Henry, a neighbor, the child in a dying state to them insisted that
Olsen had given her the whiskey & moreover, had used force to make
her drink it. She said Olsen had thrown her down, & while holding her
with his knee on her breast had forced her to swallow the whiskey. Soon
afterwards according to the child's story, he attempted to make her drink
again, but she frustrated his intent by dashing the flask from his hand
& it was broken on the floor. The latter part of the girl's story was
corroborated by her nine year old brother, who testified he had witnessed
the scuffle in which the flask was broken.
"The Daily Humboldt Times"
Sunday, March 28, 1897
Otto Olsen, who has been held & twice tried for having caused the
death of the little Carson girl, by giving her whiskey, was discharged
from custody yesterday morning on the recomendation of the District Attorney.
"The Daily Humboldt Times"
August 18, 1898
Otto Olsen, alias Otto Carlson, was arrested by Officer Armstrong yesterday
for drunkenness. Olsen is also said to have used insulting language to
some little girls whom he found playing on First street, & this was
the main cause for his arrest.
August 19, 1898
Otto Olsen has left Eureka for pastures new. He appeared before Judge
Melendy yesterday, & received a sentence which staggered him. Fifty
dollars or fifty days in jail was the judgement pronounced by His Honor.
To escape these conditions, Olsen proposed a compromise, offering to leave
the county forever. Judge Melendy accepted his offer & that but three
hours would be allowed him to begin his journey. As he has not been seen
since, it is likely the county is at last rid of Otto Olsen.
202
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Tuesday, April 18, 1876
TAKING A RIDE --- 0ne day last week at Salmon Creek, a man, who had
partaken freely of the "Oh be joyful," wandered out to the railroad track
& thence down the track to the engine. Here a notion took him that
he must have a ride, & there not being anyone around got aboard, &
after considerable difficulty succeeded in starting a fire. The fire burned
freely & in a short time the guage indicated plenty of steam. Not knowing
anything of the management of an engine, he did not know what to touch
to start the "thing," but after experimenting with everything he could
lay his hands on, he stumbled on the right crank, & turning on the
steam suddenly, the engine started up the track as if it had been struck
by lightning. The suddenness with which it started, & the rapid rate
at which speed was increasing bewildered him, & instead of turning
off the steam, he grasped hold of something & stared wildly ahead,
each separate hair standing up on his head like a fretful porcupine 's.
To jump was instant death, & to remain on the engine until it reached
the terminus of the track, a similar fate awaited him, but he was miraculously
delivered from either by the engineer, who heard the engine coming, &
running to the track by a most fortunate grasp, & at a risk of his
life, caught hold of the tender as it came flying up the track, & threw
his body on the wood. As soon as he recovered from the shock, he sprang
to the side of the frightened man (who looked like a marble statue) &
put an injunction upon all further proceedings. The engineer took the locomotive
back to where the road crosses the track, & then assisted his companion
who had become too weak to move on his own accord to the ground. Two or
three hours after this occured, some travelers came along, & seeing
a livid whiteness in Mr. face, inquired if he was suffering from an ailment.
After he had tremblingly exacted a promise of secrecy from them of the
facts, he came out with the above. But it was too good to keep, & so
they had to let a reporter hear of it.
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Tuesday, January 3, 1899
A dispatch from Fort Brag, Mendocino county, states that the dead body
of Lena Way, otherwise known as "Rosie O'Grady," was found in a cabin there
last Tuesday & that it was supposed that she had committed suicide.
The dead woman was a half-breed, the youngest of several sisters residing
in Eureka, & was rescued from a disreputable house there about two
years ago & sent to the Salvation Army home near Oakland. It would
appear now that after leaving the home she had resumed her former evil
life & had paid the penalty.
203
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Thursday, September 8, 1898
A FAMILY ROW
The neighborhood of Cedar & B streets was a scene of wild commotion shortly before midnight last night & this commotion was transmitted by wire to the telephone central office where there was a wild & continuous ringing for connection with police headquarters. As a result the entire night force, with Officer Edward Conant on his bicycle in the lead & Captain Armstrong on his bipedal making a close second, were soon enroute for-the disturbed neighborhood. As they neared the scene it seemed to them that they had run into a white-cap gathering for at nearly every door & window appeared shivering, night-gowned figures of both sexes, while the cold night air was rent & shattered with armorpiercing screams of murder. However, they could find no evidence of gore or deadly struggle. Only a frenzied woman who had prempted the street & who with her three children as vocal accompanists, was murdering the peace of the neighborhood. The woman was Mrs. John Hipp, residing with her husband & family on Cedar street between B & C streets.
The story as told by Mrs. Hipp is to the effect that her husband was
dressing a sore on one of the children' s feet & the child became a
little obstreperous, Mrs. Hipp took the child's part in the quarrel &
this precipitated a general family row, whereupon Mrs. Hipp gave her husband
a shower bath & he returned the compliment by choking her. This 80
frightened the mother & children that they all began to scream &
rushed out of the house calling for help. Aside from frightening the timid
ones of the neighborhood half out of their wits, the quarrel was without
serious results
" The Daily Humboldt Standard"
Saturday, June 10, 1876
PERSONAL --- Yesterday we were favored with a call from Mr. what's his
name, a gentleman from the lower portion of the county. He is a remarkably
intelligent man, so he informed us, & he wished to write an article
for the paper. He looked to us, like an Arkansas horse thief, but he isn't
. He is a real estate man, & carries samples of soil around with him.
He wears a shirt a week, & forty-two inches long, & wipes his nose
on his sleeve. From the odor he left behind we are led to believe he occasionally
takes a smile. He also chews tobacco, &, Judging from observation,
finds it a difficult matter to spit clear of his chin. When in conversation
he has a peculiar desire to rub noses with his victim. In fact he is possessed
of many fine qualities. Unfortunately we were compelled to decline his
services, though he assured us, on taking his leave, he would call again.
"The Daily Humboldt Standard"
Friday, May 6, 1885
There is much need of a street crossing at the corner of 6th & F
streets. The sand is two feet deep & it is feared that small children
will be lost in attempting to cross. An attempt was made recently by two
of our charitable young ladies to place a temporary crossing for their
own use.
204
THE SAD TALE OF LUELLA QUINTON
"The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
Friday, July 11, 1890
Mrs. Quinton will leave for Napa on the steamer tomorrow, accompanied
by her husband. It is a sorrowful mission, & one in which he will have
the sympathy of a large circle of friends.
Friday, July 11, 1890
Mrs. Luella Quinton, wife of Frank Quinton of this city, aged 28 years,
was yesterday examined before Judge Hunter by Drs. S. B. Foster & A.
M. Smith, & committed to the insane asylum. Her insanity is hereditary
& takes the form of melancholia. She imagines that herself & child
are eternally lost. Although not violent, it is feared that she might do
herself or her child injury, & it was thought best to have her placed
in the asylum. She experienced a similar attack about three years ago.
The unfortunate lady will be taken to Napa on the steamer "Corona" tomorrow,
Sunday, July 13, 1890
Frank Quinton left on the "Corona" yesterday with his wife, who will
be taken to Napa for treatment. It is the opinion of the physicians that
Mrs. Quinton will be restored to her family & friends in about two
months, entirely recovered from her affliction.
Thursday, July 24, 1890
The funeral of the late Mrs. Luella Quinton will take place today at 2 o'clock from Christ church. The remains of Mrs. Louella Quinton arrived on the steamer "Silver Lake" yesterday per Wells Fargo Express.
NOTE: Mrs. Louella Quinton committed suicide by hanging herself while
an inmate at the Napa Insane Asylum.
"The Daily Humboldt Times"
Thursday, June 4, 1891
From a letter acknowledeging the arrival of the remains of the late Mrs. C. E. Pearsall at Brockville, Pennsylvania, the undertaker in charge of the remains speaks in the highest terms of the condition of the body after its long journey, & congratulates Mr. Walter Pierce of this city for his success in embalming so effectively. Mr. Pearsall also expresses his satisfaction at the condition of the remains. Mr. Pierce has had considerable experience in preparing bodies for long shipment & has met with remarkable success in every instance.
NOTE: Mrs. Pearsall died April 12, 1891 in Eureka.
205
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Monday, October 23, 1899
SERIOUS CASE
A Drunken Quarrel at Wrangletown May Have a Fatal Ending
As the result of a free-for-all fight which ended a drunken carousel among Finnish woodsmen at Wrangletown Saturday, Louis Dollar, one of the number may have to answer on a charge of manslaughter for causing the death of a woman, the wife of Harry Loquest, another of the crowd.
The Finns began drinking, early in the day, what might have been a very reliable brand of fighting whiskey, for the trouble began equally early & before evening Harry Loquest, who seemed to be the object of the Finnish attack, had been beaten three times. The last time was at his home, whither the crowd had followed him, & it was evidently a Finnish fight in more respects than one, for not only was Loquest knocked out & compelled to seek the aid of the law but his wife & son were also rendered hors de combat, the son having a rifle broken across his back while his mother was thrown across a stove & seriously injured.
Louis Dollar is the man whom Loquest claimed did most of the execution
& on his complaint he was arrested & brought to the city that night
by Deputy Sheriff Dillon, who had him locked up in the county jail on a
charge of battery. Dollar was to have appeared before Justice Baldwin for
trial this afternoon but owing to word having been received this morning
that Mrs. Loquest's injuries were more serious than at first supposed his
case was postponed to await their result. Since her rough treatment at
the hands of the drunken crowd she has been in fearful agony & has
had several fainting spells which alarmed the women who had been attending
her to such an extent that they sent word to District Attorney Cooper this
morning that the woman was dying. As the family had no money County Physician
Sinclair went out this afternoon to investigate the case & do what
he could for the woman.
"The Daily Humboldt Standard"
Tuesday, October 24, 1899
A BAD DOLLAR
Peculiar Sentence Inflicted on the Finnish Fighter From Wrangletown
Louis Dollar, one of the participants in the Finnish freefor-all family fight at Wrangletown, Saturday, who was charged with battery for knocking out the entire Loquest family, including husband, wife & son, & incidently a brother of the husband, pleaded guilty this morning & received a somewhat peculiar although perfectly legal sentence. Dollar's sentence was to pay over to the county 20 of his namesakes & in addition to serve 10 days in the County Jail, or, failing to pay the fine to serve 30 days. The reason for inflicting the imprisonment sentence is to have Dollar handy in case the injuries received by Mrs. Loquest at his hands should terminate fatally.
..... continued
206
As announced yesterday, these injuries, which were caused by her being thrown across a hot stove by Dollar, were reported of such a serious nature that District Attorney Cooper & County Physcian Sinclair went to the woman's home & made an investigation. The physician's examination developed the fact that the woman had one of her ribs fractured besides having both hands burned where they came in contact with the hot stove in trying to save herself from falling. Whether or not she is internally injured cannot yet be told.
Dollar, who thinks there is no "cents" in his sentence, paid over the
pecuniary part of it & Sheriff Brown now has a bad Dollar on his hands.
" The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
Tuesday, May 1, 1894
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
"Two souls with but one single thought," & that thought marriage, were by the services of the "Kansas Cyclone" Sunday afternoon made into "two hearts that beat as one."
William G. Perham, a rancher of Three Cabins, has long bewailed his lonesome lot & has often thought how his dreary life in the hills could be brightened by the presence of one in whom he could confide his sorrows & his joys. His friends knew of his longings & sought to aid him secretly in the attainment of his hopes in finding him a life partner. In this they were sucessful & Saturday when Mr. Perham came to the city on business they surprised him with the information that they had secured a candidate for a better half in the person of Mrs. Louisa M. Cook, a widow, who was not averse to again entering the state of matrimony. Mr. Perham had not changed his mind yet, & accordingly that evening he was introduced to the lady.
What was said or how the swift courtship was carried on is known only to themselves, but that each found favor in the other's eyes, & that the spark of love was kindled & immediately burst into a conflagration, is evidenced by subsequent events.
Like Caesar, the lone bachelor could exclaim, "Veni, Vidi, Vici," for
soon after he had left his charmer the intercession of Cupid Stern, that
friend to all afflicted with the tender passion, was involved. The smiling
Cupid always obliging, listened to the tale of love & soon the expectant
bridegroom marched prouldly away, bearing the sanction of the State for
the marriage of William George Perham, aged 31 years, & Louisa M. Cook,
aged 42 years. This was duly presented to Evangelist B. J. Dillon, &
at 2 p.m. Sunday, at the McDonald residence on I street, the couple who
had known each other scarcely twenty-four hours were made one.
"The Telephone" Eureka, California
September 7, 1882
Smithey, the tramp, who is camping at Sheriff Brown's hotel, we understand,
has made up his mind that Eureka is not a paradise for cases of his kind.
When his 30 days has expired, he says he will leave the place in disgust.
We sincerely hope he will not change his mind, for when he is gone we can
all rest easier at night.
207
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Thursday, June 1, 1893
MARRIED AT SEA
A Eureka Couple Elope & are Married on the North Fork
A San Francisco dispatch of last night says that the attention of the man on watch at Point Reyes signal, at 11 o'clock yesterday, was attracted by sharp toots of the whistle & the violent ringing of the steamer North Fork's bell & he saw that pandemonium reigned on the vessel. The whistle continued to blow & the bell forward rang loudly. The lookout's first thought was that there was mutiny aboard the steamer & a signal of inquiry was hoisted & then a telegram sent to the Merchants" Exchange in San Francisco that there was trouble of some sort aboard the North Fork. When the steamer came aside the police boat & exchange reporter's boats were on hand to give the craft a reception. It was learned, however, that the demonstrations which alarmed the lookout were made in honor of a nuptial ceremony which had just taken place on board. The contracting parties were F. S. Kennedy & Miss Edna Palmer of Eureka. It has since been learned that the young people who called upon the captain of the North Fork to marry them at sea, had eloped from Eureka. It is understood that the couple had been engaged for some time past, but the bride's parents, who are residents of Eureka, opposed the match & so the runaway bridal tour was decided upon. The young man mentioned in the foregoing has been employed at Lincoln mill as night watch, & is generally called Frank. He is a steady & hardworking young man. The young woman is a daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Palmer who live at the corner of Third & S streets. She has been working away from home two months past. Recently her father told her that she had to return home. She complained of the treatment she received from her parents at home & rather than go back & become the recipient of further mistreatment she left the city Tuesday in company with young Kennedy, with whom she had been keeping company for many months. They went to Fields Landing & took passage on the North Fork for San Francisco, with the intention of getting married at sea, the girl being only about 15 years of age.
A Standard reporter saw the parents of the girl last night. Mr. Palmer
did not have much to say, except that the two had his best wishes. Mrs.
Palmer cried & said she hoped her husband would never let the couple
come into their house again. She blamed her husband for the elopement &
the husband blamed his wife, & then both of them laid it onto a son-in-law,
who lives across the bay.
"the Arcata Union" Arcata, California
Saturday, January 9, 1892
John Beasley, a Sonoma county rancher while in San Francisco last week,
swallowed his false teeth & the "Petaluma Argus" in commenting on the
same says: "John can now get another set & what with one set in his
mouth & another in his stomach, he ought to be able to chew & digest
a Sonoma county beefsteak without a complaint of dyspepsia.
208
FROM, "The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
June 11, 1905
IS LOOKING FOR A WIFE
Edwin Tower, whose wife had him incarcerated in the county jail because he is alleged to have threatened her life with razor & pistol, is once again at liberty, with his fighting blood considerably cooled down. He says he will in the future keep away from his spouse & will commence divorce proceedings so that he will be in a position to take upon himself another helpmate.
During the celebration period, while in jail, Tower wrote a book of
poems, & although he kindly offered to donate all of his literay efforts
to the "Times" his genorosity had to be turned down, as space will permit
the publication of only one of his gem.
It is as follows:
1
I am a jolly poet
And work the yier long
My rimes they will shoet
If you will reed my song
I am a single man
And looking for a wife
I'll do the best I can
To comfort her through life
2.
Now tell you ladys
That live far a way
I don't care if they have babys
As they will stay
I give them a home
And the comforts of life
But I want them my one
And no other mans wife.
3.
For I wance had a wife
And another man took her away
And it hares teen the cur of my life
since that unlucky day
But now I will take churage
And try to get another
Send me an old made
Or a child with its mother
4.
I am a yankie man
And was raised in Boston
I do the best I can
And were the latest coston
I want a good wife
And I want you to wait
I have led a good life
And my reckords will show it
5
I will send you my picture
Along with my rime
I know you will be waiting
So I send it in time
It is not much of a speaker
For a Humboldter to relate
My post office is Eureka
Humble Calafarina state,
FROM: "The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
Wednesday, March 20, 1918
"POET. TOWER DIES BY OWN HAND IN LONELY ROOM
Man Who Sang Himself Out of Police Court Finds Solace in Death
Edwin Clarence Tower, known about town as the "poet," commited suicide yesterday in his rooms at 835 Second street, by using gas, the death apparntly being premeditated, according to police.
........continued
209
Tower was according to the police, who took charge of the situation shortly after the finding of the body, last seen returning to his rooms about 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon after going off duty at Abe's Chop House where he has been employed several years. Late last evening Miss Janet E. Sunter, who resides at 825 Second street with her mother, smelled gas & knocking she received no answer. She then forced an entrance by a side window & finding the room filled with gas went for assistance.
Tower had secured an empty chest of sufficient size to contain his body, & had run a hose from the gas lighting fixture through the keyhole of the chest to the interior & had carefully plugged the hole with cotton. When found he was lying doubled up inside the chest with hands clasped, cold in death. Before lying down inside, Tower had placed blankets over the top to conserve the gas supply.
Dr. Charles C. Falk was called, but Tower had been dead for some time.
It was stated last night that Tower leaves a family residing in this
city. The body was brought to the Cooper-Connick undertaking parlors &
an inquest will be held today.
Thursday, March 21, 1918
TOWER SUICIDE PREMEDITATED
The cororner's jury in the case of Edwin Clarence Tower, returned a verdict of premeditated suicide. The inquest was conducted by Cororner Henry A. Hansen, yesterday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.
It developed at the inquest that Tower had no near relatives residing
here, but that he had many relatives living in the east. These were notified
yesterday & funeral arrangements are pending word from them.
Monday, March 25, 1918
EDWIN TOWER TO BE BURIED TODAY
The funeral of Edwin Clarence Tower, who died her last week will be
held this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. The service will be held under the
auspices of the Cooks & Waiters Union, of which he was an active member.
Interment will be at Ocean View cemetery.
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Friday, December 6, 1895
Collector Wellborn has received instructions from Internal Revenue Commissioner
Miller to be on the lookout for bogus butter made from petroleum &
various oils & tallow. The department had information that many frauds
are being practiced by manufacturers of the spurious product. The law prohibiting
the placing of pictures of cows, dairy farms or any other device on the
lolls of imitation butter, that purchasers may be deceived as to its character
will be rigidly enforced.
210
"The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
Friday, November 24, 1893
POLICE WOMEN
Governor Lewalling of Kansas has appointed a woman to the police force of Topeka. usurpation of no masculine occupation --- from that of drum major to chimney sweep --- by women causes surprise now, but all the same, when the world is a little older & wiser, it may cause surprise. Most reforms once started go with a rush that caries them beyond the point of common sense, & it is not until there have been sucessive reactions & advances that they quiet down, like an oscillating compass needle, to point in the right direction.
A policeman's duties are very promiscuous, & apt at times to be
exceedingly disagreeable & to require brute strength & a cold heart.
Since there are plenty of men to do this sort of work the world is not
richer, but poorer, if women can do it too. Did the women go in for scholarship,
for all that is highest & noblest & most refined in women, but
let them not change their work at all rather than change to something less
refined, less Christian, less womanly --- in the new & broad sense
of the term. Let them indeed direct the policemen if they can do so wisely,
since policemen are necessary, but let men execute the orders.
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Friday, December 29, 1893
It costs Eureka $2005 per month for the salaries of her teachers in
the public schools. During the past term 690 boys & 703 girls were
enrolled, totaling 1303 in all.
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Friday, September 8, 1893
Our young friend Guy Bugbee, who occasionaly drives N. P. Hansen's milk
wagon to John Hansen s creamery near Ferndale took a header into a skim-milk
vat Wednesday morning, & disappeared all but his boots. He was fished
out after some difficulty, & upon being landed on the floor of the
creamery presented much the appearance of one who had been whitewashed.
The time was when Guy could never get too much milk to drink, but the time
wasn't on this occasion.
"The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
Saturday, August 24, 1895
HIGH SCHOOL OR NO HIGH SCHOOL
The election today will determine whether Eureka shall be classed with
the backwoods communities in educational matters or shall provide her children
with the facilities for higher education & place herself on an equal
footing with her lesser neighbor. Arcata which has already established
a high school
211
"The Arcata Union" Arcata, California
Saturday, November 1897
A Curiosity.
A "real, live truly Chinaman as tile children would say, teas been sojourning
in Arcata this week but left Friday morning on the Pomona en route for
China. Sam is his name and he is well remembered by residents in Arcata.
Sam worked in and around Arcata more than 15 years ago and was employed
in the family of A. W. Ericsson at the time of the ejection of the Celestials
from the bounty. Upon 8am's arrival in town this week be immediately repaired
to the Ericson residence, opened the kitchen door. walked in and put down
his pack and proceeded without further ceremony to build afire end make
himself thoroughly at home.. In the mean time Master William Ericson,,
whose memory did not extend back to the time of Sam's departure, secured
the help of some able bodied neighbors and much to the almond eyed i gentleman's
surprise invited him to vacate his "yob" which he did. Upon Mr. Ericson's
arrival home the matter was explained, >, and he know at once who his guest
had been. Sam was hunted up and put back on his old job by way of pass
time and mutual explanations made. Sam was quite nervous while in Arcata
and did not get very far away from his friends at any time. He has been
engaged in mining on the Trinity for some years past and now living accumulated
a little wealth, is going back to China to edd his days. Bon voyage, Sam.
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Tuesday, October 6, 1896
Quite a tramp--- A friend informs us that one day last week Mrs. H.
C. Strube, Mrs. Barry Harbers, Mrs. C. H. Strube & Miss Annie Blohm,
sister to Dr. Blohm, took a tramp that is worthy of mention. They desired
to spend a day visiting friends in the Wild Cat section, so struck out
on foot to make the round, total distance of between 10 & 15 miles,
Mrs. C. H. Strube carrying her little baby. They walked over the hills
& at the end of their journey showed but little signs of fatigue. We
hear a great deal about the endurance of men but how little is said about
the endurance of the gentler sex. Our informant expressed the opinion that
a day's work splitting rails would have been easier that following the
ladies on the pilgrimage mentioned.
212
"The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
Thursday, December 29, 1892
AN ANGRY HUSBAND SHOOTS
Harvey Inman is the Target, But Not Hit Corn Medicine vs Peanuts Yesterday morning about 10 o'clock people in the vacinity of 4th & F streets were startled by the sound of a pistol shot which came from the second floor of the building occupied by Bacon's Grocery store. Immediately after the shot was fired, Harvey Inman, formerly a peanut merchant of 4th street, came flying out of the hallway leading from the second floor to the street & went up F street at a pace that would put some of the equine flyers on their metal to equal. Before he had gone far, however, one of the windows in the upper story, was raised & T. Arnold, vender of corn salve & other medicines, who was clad in garments of pure & spotless white, leaned forward & took a shot from a revolver at the flying figure of Inman, causing an increased movement of the peanut merchant's preambulators, & he was out of sight before another could be fired by the figure in white. The cause of the shooting was a woman. There are 3 versions of the story--- one from Inman, one from the "Doctor" as he is called, & one from his wife. Inman's story agrees with the woman's with a few exceptions.
Everyone who has visited the postoffice during the past few months knows Arnold. He is a slightly built man of medium height, wears his hair rather long, giving him the appearance of a frontier scout as described in a dime novel, & generally wears a very broad-brimmed hat, which adds materially to his "scoutish" appearance. He has been ill for about 3 weeks, most of the time being confined to his bed. During his illness he employed Inman to help him. Which as a matter of course, made it necessary for Inman to visit him in his apartments. Yesterday morning while the doctor was lying in bed, Inman called, going into the kitchen where Mrs. Arnold was. Soon after this the doctor arose for some reason or other, & opening the door leading from the bedroom into the kitchen saw his wife sitting on Inman's lap. The doctor immediately grabbed 2 revolvers & pointed them at Inman, but the woman threw herself in front of Inman & would not let the doctor shoot. At the same time she opened a door leading into the hallway & lost no time in getting out of the room. The doctor took a shot at Inman as he was going, & running to the front window took another when he got into the street, neither taking effect. This is the doctor's version of the affair.----
The woman's version of the affair is somewhat different. She says that her husband has for some time past been a victim of the morphine habit, but that of late he has been trying to break off from the use of the drug, that he had been out of his head during the past few days--- in fact, was crazy. Yesterday morning, she says, Inman came into the kitchen, & sat down & they soon became engaged in conversation, talking so as not to disturb the doctor. They had not been engaged in conversation long when the door opened, & the doctor appeared with a revolver in each hand, & said he proposed to kill Inman. She imediately Jumped in front of Inman, & he mad his escape as above stated, She stated that the doctor was of a Jealous disposition, & this fact, in connection with his being a little crazy, caused him to attempt to kill Inman. She also stated that he was under the care of one of Eureka's physicians, but the gentleman mentioned by her denied to a "Times" reporter that he had ever attended Mr. Arnold, Inman's version of the affair is substantially the same as given by the woman.
Mr, Arnold was seen by a "Times" reporter yesterday & he did not
act or talk like a man who was crazy. He talked in a rational manner, but
seemed rather grieved over the actions of his wife. The couple came to
this city from Sutter county, which place the doctor left on account of
his health. He has been here for about 8 months & has been in business
in a small way, selling patent medicine, eyeglasses, books, etc. No arrests
have been made as yet.
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"The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
Thursday, October 4, 1894
BACK TO HER FIRST LOVE
Mrs. Sam McCurdy of Arcata Elopes With Her Divorced Husband.
Our neighboring town, Aracta, that has furnished so many sensational elopements, is again to the front with an event of extra sensation. This time it is a married woman who has eloped & unlike the usual run of Arcata elopements, the elopers did not stop in Eureka to have the knot tied & then go back for forgiveness. Instead they took the steamer Humboldt at ten o'clock ~ yesterday morning & are now probably safe in San Francisco. What makes the elopement perculiarly sensational is the fact that the woman has eloped with her divorced husband & that it is the second elopement in which they have figured. The woman is Mrs. Samuel McCurdy, Jr., & her paramour is her first husband, Samuel Douglass.
Mrs. McCurdy before her first marriage was Miss Elizabeth Violett, daughter of John J. Violett, a fruit grower of Mad river. In the early part of 1890, when about 16 years of age she became infatuated with a young man named Samuel Douglass, who had come to Arcata shortly before as a book agent & adventurer. Douglass had no means & the girl being young the parents objected to his attentions, which objection resulted in the couple running away. They came to Eureka & took passage on the steamer Pomona, which sailed from here for San Francisco March 15, 1890. On board the Pomona that trip there happened to be a number of Congregational - ministers returning from the convention that had investigated the charges against the late lamented Rev. Sanbourne. To the reverend gentlemen the situation of the young lovers was made known & that night, at the midway between San Francisco & Eureka, Samuel Douglass & Elizabeth Violett, were made man & wife by Rev. Mr. Pond, a regular ordained clergyman.
Arriving at San Francisco the couple soon came to the end of their resources & as Douglass proved to be a poor provider, the young wife returned to her parents in Arcata.
As to Douglass's doings after his wife left him little is known until two years later when he was arrested in San Joaquin county under the name of Charles J. Clifford in company with one Charles Rewere, for having on June 3, 1892, stolen a horse, cart & harness valued at about $65. Under the name of Clifford he was tried & found guilty of the crime of grand larceny, & on June 17th, as Convict No. 14,991, commenced serving a sentence of 2 1/2 years at San Quentin prison.
In the meantime his wife, to whom a girl baby had been born, remained
with her parents. She still seemed infatuated with her absent husband,
however, & corresponded with him regularly, but after his conviction
was prevailed upon to secure a divorce from him & marry her present
husband, a well to do farmer of Arcata bottom. The divorce was granted
in our Superior Court on the grounds of conviction of crime, March 14,
1893, & seven days later Mrs. Douglass became Mrs. Sam McCurdy, Jr.
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As for Douglass, during this time he was serving his sentence, but from recent developments it is probable that as soon as he was released he resumed correspondence with his wife again with the result that when he came for her she consented to fly with him. Just when he arrived here is not known but their flight from Arcata was soon discovered was evident from the fact that the husband made an effort to stop them by telegraphing to the police here yesterday morning, while he came around the bay with a fast team with the necessary papers. His team was not fast enough, however, & although Marshal Lindsay tried to detain the runaway couple, he was powerless to act without a warrant & Douglass, who evidently knew a thing or two, refused to be bluffed into remaining. Accordingly when the Humboldt sailed at 10 o'clock yesterday morning she carried among her passengers the reunited ax-husband & ex-wife & their three year old child, registered as S. Douglass, wife & child.
Douglass is a young man of not very prepossessing appearance. Little is known of him here, but the general opinion seems to be that he is a hard case. From letters written to him by his wife previous to his conviction, & introduced in the divorce trial, he intimated that he was implicated in a plot to rob-a train, & in another letter written after his arrest, he stated that his trouble was caused by the railroad company, who "put up a job" as he expressed it, to get him out of the way. He is also accused of having converted to his own use money belonging to his wife's brother before their first elopement from Arcata.
As to the woman, little surprise is expressed as to the step she has
taken by those who knew the circumstances. Her infatuation for Douglass
has never waned. Even when the divorce was secured & the wedding announced,
it was predicted that should opportunity offer she would go back to Douglass.
Her married life with her last husband was quiet, but while he indulged
her every wish, & they apparently got along happily together, the absence
of love on her part was noticeable.
"The Arcata Union" Arcata, California
Saturday, October 6, 1894
ANOTHER ELOPEMENT
For a few years past Arcata & vicinity has been the field of more
sensational elopements & contract marriages than most places have been
cursed with. The latest case took place on Tuesday evening when the wife
of Sam McCurdy eloped with a man named Douglass, to whom she was formerly
married, & by whom she has a bright little five year old girl. Mrs
McCurdy was married to Douglass about 8 years ago, that, also, being a
runaway wedding. Returning to this place the girl's father, a respectable
Mad river farmer, took the couple to his home, gave them a piece of land
& established them in housekeeping. But Douglass proved to be a worthless
fellow & finally deserted his wife & child. The next heard of him
he was sent to the penitentary from one of the southern counties for stage
robbery. Mrs. Douglass then obtained a divorce & less than two years
ago was married to Samuel McCurdy, one of the most prosperous farmers on
Arcata bottom, a man of good habits & financial standing, &
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in every way worthy of a good wife. The young woman's friends, & she had many of them, were highly pleased at her second marriage, but there were many misgivings that Douglass would return when the doors of the State's prison were opened to him, & make trouble.
Sure enough about two weeks ago he showed up in Arcata & called to see his former wife. He was cordially received at the house, Mr. McCurdy being ignorant of the object of his visits & not at all suspicions of his intentions. On Tuesday evening Mr. McCurdy came into town to attend the Geary meeting, & about nine o'clock Douglass appeared at the McCurdy residence with a double team, & took Mrs. McCurdy & the little girl away with him. They went to Eureka & sailed on the steamer on Wednesday.
Douglass told a prominent man in this town a cock & bull story about having lost $320 in the Union hotel, but said he had $8000 in San Francisco. He said also, that he intended to take his former wife away with him, & probably filled her with the same taffy about his money. The gentleman to whom Douglass made known his intentions took an early opportunity to inform Mr. McCurdy of the matter, but Sam did not seem to think there was anything in it.
It is useless to say that this community was shocked at the news. Mrs.
McCurdy stood well here. A comfortable new house had been built for her
at her home, she had a horse & buggy at her command, & was surrounded
by comforts not enjoyed by all farmer's wives. She was congratulated on
all sides in escaping from the coils of a worthless husband, & finding
a home & companion worthy of any woman. And here begins the third chapter
in the domestic affairs of this unfortunate woman. It opens by - publicly
forfeiting the love & esteem of a devoted father & a loving &
highly respected young sister, besides a large circle of friends &
acquaintances. Casting aside all self respect, disregarding the love of
all that should be dear to any woman, she unblushingly leaves behind her
the comforts & purity of a desireable & virturous home & becomes
the wanton mistress of a consumate villain, with the felon's roll call
still ringing in his ear. The excuse cannot be made for her that she is
young & giddy, as was the case when she first fell victim to the wiles
of this treacherous scoundrel. Then tere was some palliation, now there
is none. Douglass will desert her in a few short moons, & she will
either drift back here a disgraced & friendless outcast, or seek her
level in the depths of degradation until the grave closes over a life of
sin & shame which hath its own reward in this world & the one to
come.
"The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
Thursday, April 28, 1887
Sheriff Brown is receiving by every mail applications for invitations
to attend the execution of John Rodgers on the 6th of May, but the enclosure
erected for the purpose is small & the provisions of the law regulating
such matters, it is impossible for him to accede to the many requests.
Nearly all the invitations to the execution have already been issued.
216
THE DEAN FAMILY STORY
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Friday, August 9, 1895
An instrument of a rather unusual character was filed with the recorder
Friday. This was an agreement of separation by H. Murphy Dean & his
wife Hester Ann Dean. The parties were married in this county March 23rd,
1879, & have four children, two girls aged 15 & 10 years &
two boys, 12 & 8 years respectively. The agreement of separation is
drawn up in legal form & recites that "whereas disputes have arisen
& disagreements have occured between the parties hereto, they have
agreed to an amicable separation," & they "hereby agree to an immediate
separation & agree to live separate & apart from each other from
this time henceforth." By the terms of the instrument which is dated August
1st, the husband agrees to pay the wife the sum of $625 in coin & execute
a promissory note to her, due August 1st, 1896, for a further sum of $460,
the receipt of both of which are acknowledged by the wife. The father agrees
to support the children, & in consideration of each party releasing
the other & the property now owned by each or to be hereafter acquired
"from any & all claims, for support maintaenance or assistance by virtue
of their relationship, heirship or otherwise," the wife relinguishes all
claim upon or control over the children to their father, reserving the
privilege of visiting the children at reasonable times.
"The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
Tuesday, August 13, 1895
THE DEAN & LOWE AFFRAY
Sunday evening just before dark & at a time when the streets of Fortuna were full of people, H. M. Dean & H. B. Lowe met in front of the Imperial Hotel, & after having had a few words exchanged, four shots were fired at each other.
As far as can be learned the difficulty was brought about by Mr. Dean getting hold of a letter addressed to his fifteenyear old daughter written by Lowe & meeting the young man Sunday invited him to throw up his hands so that he (Dean) could, without fear of harm, reprimand & tell him what he must do in the future to insure his personal safety, but Lowe's hands dropped quick enough to shove the pistol to one side, when Dean pulled the trigger, the ball passing through Lowe's thumb.
A bullet from one of the pistols struck in the street near Greig's Livery Stable, glanced & went through a window at Lowe's Hotel. The sidewalk in that particular place was lined with people, who were attracted by the Salvation Army, & it is a wonder that some one was not hurt.
Dean had his preliminary examination before Justice Doyle in Fortuna Saturday, who gets his decision yesterday, holding Dean to answer before the Superior Court on a charge of assault to murder, with bonds fixed at $1000, which were furnished.
Dean has been having considerable trouble lately with his family & public sympathy is with him. He & his wife recently separated, & by the terms of the agreement, a synophis of which was published in the "Times" when it was filed for record. Dean retained the custody of the children, two girls & two boys.
.....continued
217
"The Daily Humboldt Times"
Saturday, August 24, 1895
Henry B. Lowe, whose left thumb was shot off in Fortuna, August 4th
by H. M. Dean, an irate father, who objected to Lowe's attentions to his
fifteen year old daughter, has commenced suit against Dean for $1500 damages
& $25 expenses.
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Friday, November 8, 1895
In the suit of Henry S. Lowe vs H. M. Dean for $1525 damages for the loss of his thumb in a shooting scrape between them at Fortuna, August 4th last, Judge Wilson, Saturday, ordered a considerable portion of the answer stricken out. The trouble grew out of plaintiff's attentions to defendant's fifteen year old daughter, & incidently, as alleged in the answer, the attentions of a partner of plaintiff, one William Lafler, alias "Sailor Boy," to defendant's wife. The portions of the answer stricken out were alleged as a justification of the shooting but were stricken out on the ground that the occurences were too remote to constitute a provocation.
These allegations in substance are to the effect that plaintiff &
Lafler had repeatedly enticed defendant's wife & daughter from home
to go boat riding on Eel river, which boat rides were extended far into
the night that in consequence of this the wife neglected her duties at
home & her affections were estranged from defendant.
"The Daily Humboldt Times"
Sunday, February 16, 1896
Lowe gets nothing for his thumb. Jury returns verdict for the defendant
in five minutes.
"The Daily Humboldt Times"
Saturday, April 11, 1896
DEAN WANTS A DIVORCE
H. Murphy Dean, the Eel river valley farmer whose marital troubles have been prominently before the public of late, yesterday commenced suit for divorce from Hester Ann Dean, alleging adultry with one Charles Lafley, on board the steamer "Pomona," enroute for San Francisco, last August.
The suit is a sequel to a couple of sensational incidents which terminated the marital felicity of the couple after a married life of over a quarter of a century. The parties were married in this county, March 23, 1879,& have a family of four children, the eldest being a girl of sixteen years. For over twenty-six years they have resided in this county, but of late years have not lived happily together, & on August 1st the husband & wife mutually agreed to live separately.
The immediate causes of the separation were the attentions paid the
wife & a daughter respectedly by Lafley & H. S. Lowe, two Eel river
fishermen. It was alleged by the husband that the mother & daughter
displayed a decided preference for the society of the fishermen & through
this several wordy encounters took place between the husband & the
despoilers of his unhapiness.
218
"The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
Tuesday, August 16, 1887
Sullivan, the obstreperous individual who was so hardly persuaded to
a night's lodging in the city prison Saturday, was put on board the Eel
river train Sunday, & gladly shook the dust of this city from his feet.
The authorities thought it was cheaper to get rid of him than to board
him.
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Tuesday, July 6, 1697
We are informed that Landlord Hawks of the Table Bluff Hotel, has a
very intemperate cow. Every morning when Mr. Hawks opens the hotel bar
room door, the animal goes in, walks up to the bar & she will not leave
until the landlord gives her a drink of beer. Then she is satisfied &
goes out the back door, where she is fed & milked.
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Wednesday, July 24, 1895
A BAD STREET
Editor Standard: Please insert this communication in your paper. It may be the means of calling attention to the bad condition of Myrtle avenue from Fifth street to the city limits.
The adjective "bad" is hardly strong enough to express the true condition of that throughfare.
The gravel placed upon that street consisted partly of large stones, many of them larger than cobble stones. These large stones were covered up with finer gravel. That fine gravel has worn away, leaving huge projecting stones irregularly distributed over the entire length of that road. They are not sufficiently close together to serve for a cobble paved street, but just far enough apart that the wheels of the wagons & carriages in Jumping over them continually gouge out the streets, deepen the ruts & aggravate the already abominable condition of that road.
Why are not those stones removed or broken up?
They are a menace to horse & carriage. Myrtle avenue is one of the principal thoroughfares of the county. It is the only street extending from Eureka to the north or east. It is traveled more than any other street & is in the worst condition.
The amount lost by the extra wear & tear of carriages & horses would more than keep it repaired.
Just beyond the city limits where the jurisdiction of the county begins, the road to Arcata is in excellent condition.
This complaint is not made by me alone but by everybody who has occasion to go that way.
Respectfully, A.
Eureka, July 24th, 1895
"The Ferndale Enterprise"
Friday, May 17, 1895
Jotham Howland of Napa, father of Mrs. Leacock, wife of Rev. William
Leacock of Christ church, Eureka has fallen-heir to about fifteen mill
dollars.
219
"The Daily Humboldt Standard"Eureka, California
Wednesday, November 2, 1898
Probably the oldest new citizen at present in Humboldt county is Mrs.
Mary Mason, who was admitted to citizenship by Judge Hunter yesterday.
After Mrs. Mason, who is a native of England, is a resident of the southern
part of the county where she took up a homestead some years ago, declaring
her intention to become a citizen in 1885. She is 86 years of age &
a remarkably well preserved woman. She is bright & active & her
name on the Certificate of Naturalization, although written without the
aid of glasses, shows that her nerves are still steady for it appears without
a tremor & in a plain legible hand.
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Monday, October 24, 1898
A warrant is out for the arrest of May Winters, a woman of lower Third
street, who has become quite notorious in police annals of Eureka. The
frail May is accused by "Big Chris" Hanson, a longshoreman, of having relieved
him of "$5 U. S. Gold Coin" when visiting her house last Saturday evening.
"The Daily Humboldt Standard" Eureka, California
Monday, September 5, 1898
A HOBO COUPLE A woman between 50 & 60 years of age & her consort,
a man apparently about 30 years old, were arrested Saturday after noon
for begging & are now confined in the lockup on charges of vagrancy.
This ill-assorted couple claim to have walked up from San Francisco &
appeared greatly surprised at being arrested for begging. They arrived
here last week & spent their first night in a room in the Grand Hotel
where their fighting & quarrelling waked up the entire neighborhood.
They are most persistent beggers & literally force their way into houses
& demand money or old clothes. Most of the money & the proceeds
of the sale of the clothes is spent for liquor & they are therefore
not deserving of any consideration from the public. The woman was drunk
when arrested with her consort Saturday evening.
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THE LANGFORD FAMILY STORY
"The Ferndale Enterprise" Ferndale, California
Tuesday, August 30, 1898
Thomas Langford, of the Eureka Boiler Works, has returned from an extended
visit to San Francisco. Mr. Langford left a single man but returned-with
a wife & family. His bride was formerly Mrs. McShane of Berkeley, a
sister of Mrs. George Langford of Eureka.
"The Daily Humboldt Times" Eureka, California
Thursday, December 1, 1898
Mrs. LANGFORD ASKS FOR A DIVORCE
Many Charges Contained in Her Voluminous Complaint
Alleges Acts of Cruelty
According to Her Statement the Short Married Life of the Couple Was Marked by Much Unhappiness
An action has been commenced in the Superior Court to disolve the bonds of matrimony existing between Martha A. Langford, plaintiff, & Thomas Langford, defendant.
The parties were married in San Francisco, August 5, 1898, & shortly afterward came to Eureka where they have since resided. The action is brought on the ground of cruelty, & is set forth in nineteen allegations.
Said plaintiff alleges "That during the existence of said marriage said defendant has habitually & without cause or provocation on her part, treated plaintiff in a cruel, unkind & inhuman manner, & by his conduct, speech & actions inflicted upon her grievous mental suffering, shame & disgrace. That at their residence in Berkeley on or about the 12th day of August, the defendant became angry & exclaimed to plaintiff" that he didn't know what kind of dose he had gotten" (meaning her). that he was not going to be made a monkey of." & that the property would have to be changed into the name of Langford before they (meaning plaintiff & defendant) would leave for Eureka" (meaning that unless plaintiff deeded to defendant what real estate she possessed he would not move to Eureka.) That at their residence in Eureka about August 30, 1898, defendant became angry & abused plaintiff, by sneering at her in the presence of strangers & saying, "That she did not know anything about cooking & was no house-deeper." That at said residence, on or about the 15th day of September, 1898, plaintiff became sick, & for several weeks thereafter was confined to her bed in a critical condition, that during said time defendant demanded plaintiff to assign a certain check to him which belonged to her. That plaintiff refused to assign said check, whereupon the defendant became angry & charged plaintiff with "robbing & swindling him.. At about the same time defendant demanded her to transfer her real property (situate in Berkeley, California,) to him' that she refused to do so, whereupon he became angry & told her' "You are robbing me. " That during said sickness of plaintiff the defendant left the room & went away for the night, leaving plaintiff & her children & the housekeeper alone without the keys to lock the doors against intruders' that defendant maliciously wrote letters to Mr. & Mrs. Wooley (the aunt & uncle of plaintiff,) who reside in Berkeley, in which he accused plaintiff of deceiving him & being dishonest;