Second Biennial Report
Nevada Historical Society
1909-1910
pg. 84
Dewey
Dewey is a station located in the valley of the Virginia
Range, near Pyramid Lake, at what was the Hepperly place.
The postoffice was established about the time of the
Spanish-American War when the name Dewey was given it in
honor of Admiral Dewey. This postoffice has since been
discontinued, but there is now one at Big Canyon instead.
Franktown
There are several different theories as to the way in
which Franktown, the oldest settlement in Washoe County,
and second to the oldest in the State, received its name.
the most plausible offered is by Mr. Robert Lewers, who
says that Richard Sides, the aged Indian, told him that
when Franktown was settled there was some debate as to
what to call it. A man by the name of Frank Poirier was
present at one of these discussions and said, "Oh, name
it Franktown after me." And Franktown it was named and has
been thus know ever since.
Poeville
Poeville, sometimes denominated Peavine, Poe City, or
Podunk, was a mining camp situated in the Peavine Mountains
in the Peavine Mining District, nine miles from Reno. For
a time the mines were nearly deser because they were
unprofitable when worked by the ordinary process. In 1863
work was resumed by John Poe, the discoverer of a rich
mining claim there, and by others; and the place became
known as Poe City or Poeville.
Roop
Roop, which is also known as Smoke Creek, is situated
in the central portion of Washoe County on its western
boundary line, one hundred and twenty-five miles from
Reno. Ropop was settled about 1860, and took its name
from Roop County, which was formerly the northern division
of what is now Washoe County. Roop County in turn, took
its name from Isaac Roop, who was elected Governor under
the Provisional Territorial government by the people of
Wester Utah in 1859.
(footnote: Miss M. A. Taylor of Reno says that Mr. Roop
had two daugters, Jane and Susan for whom Janesville and
Susanville, in California were named).