THE NEW ERA, ALTURAS, MODOC COUNTY, CAL
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1911
MRS F. M. MARTIN CALLED BY DEATH
On Monday afternoon, October 23, a large concourse of relatives, friends and
neighbors followed the remains of Mrs. Vinnie Neil Martin to her last
resting-place in the Fort Bidwell Cemetery.
Deceased was well known in Surprise Valley and her presence will be missed
at the fireside and at the gathering of friends, where her cheery words
spoke comfort to the sad. She had as obliging and kind personality and no
application of assistance was refused.
The good lady passed away at the family home at the Mineral Hot Springs,
where the family have resided only a little over one year and although the
deceased was almost a helpless invalid when she came to the springs, her
health improved and at the time she was attacked by that dread disease,
pneumonia, was in the pink of health. However, death prevailed and the good
woman whom everybody loved and respected passed peacefully away.
Fannie Belle Garrett was born in Lake City, Calif., September 26th, 1871 and
dies in Fort Bidwell, California, October 22nd, 1911, aged 40 years and 27
days. October 24th, 1894, she united in marriage with F. M. Martin. To this
union, four children were born, three boys and one girl, all of whom are
still living; besides these and a loving companion, she leaves four
brothers, three sisters and many friends to mourn her loss. (1:3)
WEDDED AT QUINCY
DAVIS CREEK’S SUPERVISOR MARRIED TO HIGHLY RESPECTED LADY OF PLUMAS COUNTY
In last weeks’ New Era, we mentioned the fact that Supervisor John H. Dawson
and bride had arrived here from Quincy and extended congratulations to the
happy couple. They remained in Alturas, visiting friends, for a few days,
after which they went on to their home at Davis Creek.
On Wednesday night, they were treated to an old fashioned charivari by a
crowd of young people, who were welcomed cordially by Mr. Dawson, who said
he was glad they came and hoped that some day they would all give him an
opportunity to do the same by them.
The following is a clipping from the Plumas National Bulletin, in regard to
the wedding, which occurred at Quincy: -
John H. Dawson, of Davis Creek, Modoc County and Mrs. Elizabeth Butterfield
of Prattville, arrived here this forenoon direct from Greenville. They were
brought over by Augus McKenzie. Just before noon, the newspaperman got on
the trail of Mr. Dawson and followed him to the Clerk’s office and caught
him in the act of procuring a marriage license of Cupid McBeth.
Introductions followed and soon the elderly gentleman was beguiled into a
frank confession of the nature of the interesting document he had just
purchased. We ventured the question, "Who is the fortunate lady", when
quickly came the response, "I am the fortunate MAN, sir – the name of the
lady whose hand I claim is Mrs. Elizabeth Butterfield". A prouder man our
readers could scarcely imagine. Though seventy summers had passed his
vision, his eye was as bright and keen as if he were a young man of
twenty-one claiming a bride of "sweet sixteen".
Early in the afternoon, the wedding ceremony was performed by Rev. W.
Huston.
Connected with this marriage is a most romantic and interesting courtship,
which began only a few weeks ago, during the return trip of Mr. Dawson from
his attendance upon the State Highway Convention held at Marysville. Three
automobiles carried twelve delegates who had represented Lassen and Modoc
Counties. On their arrival at Prattville in the evening, they found that
they could not be accommodated for the night inquiry at Nevis revealed the
same condition of affairs. The party’s’ were tired, cold and hungry. A
gloomy prospect was before them. Mrs. Butterfield was there on a visit to
her son. Her hotel property a mile away had been sold to the Great Western
Power Company, but the furnishings were yet in place and she had not yet
abandoned housekeeping. Pitying the travelers, she ventured to say to them
that she would furnish them meals and lodging for the night. They gladly
accepted. The supper spread before the crowd was good enough for a king. All
were comfortably housed for the night and next morning, a most appetizing
breakfast was served.
The travelers noticed that one of their number, Mr. Dawson, lingered at the
breakfast table and seemed especially well pleased with the ham and eggs,
the good biscuits, the delicious coffee and the many other good dishes set
before him, but more particularly was he interested in the affable and
cultured lady who had been responsible for them. It was clear to his
companions, during the trip to Susanville, that Mr. Dawson had been deeply
impressed, so much so that they feared henceforth he would desert their
cause and become an advocate of a State Highway through Plumas instead of by
the way of Redding. And the wedding of today showed their fears to have been
well grounded.
The fires of love kindled, they soon enveloped the venerable Modocker’s
heart and soul he willingly became Cupid’s proud victim. Pressing his suit,
it resulted in the happy event today.
Mr. Dawson is a well – to – do rancher, whose home is at Davis Creek. He is
now serving his third term as Supervisor and is highly respected by all who
know him.
The bride has long been a resident of Big Meadows, where she reared a
family. She is widely known, her hospitality and geniality winning for her a
host of friends in Plumas and Butte counties all of whom will join the
National Bulletin in wishing her a future laden with a generous store of
happiness. Tomorrow, Mr. and Mrs. Dawson will depart for their home at Davis
Creek.
MRS A. V. BLAIR PASSES AWAY AT HOME OF DAUGHTER
Last Saturday, Mrs. Emma Stepp, who resides near Likely, had the great
misfortune to lose her mother, Mrs. A. V. Blair, whom death claimed as a
victim, after a brief attack of pneumonia. Mrs. Blair lives near
Porterville, Cal., and had come to Modoc only a short time ago on a visit to
her daughter and shortly after her arrive was taken sick.
The remains were embalmed for shipment to Mrs. Blair’s home and a son and
two daughters, who came up here on account of their mother’s illness,
accompanied the body on its last sad journey home.
Mrs. Stepp has many friends in Modoc who feel the deepest sympathy for her
in her bitter bereavement.
Mrs. Stepp’s daughter, Mrs. Graham is now also quite ill with pneumonia at
the home of her mother. Dr. Gibson is attending her. (1:5)
LOCAL AND PERSONAL
Bohemian Jim was accidentally shot last Friday, by a pistol carelessly
handled by another Bohemian, the accident entered at the depot. The bullet
entered Jim’s leg, near the thigh and ranged upward, but fortunately did not
inflect a dangerous wound.
A contest over the homestead entry of John Patterson, near Eagleville, the
contestee being Arthur W. Stiner, was heard before county clerk L. S. Smith
last Tuesday at the court house. There were present Dr. W. H. Patterson, Dr.
M. R. Kennedy, John Patterson, Arthur W. Stiner, henry Stiner, Mr. Rosendel,
as witnesses; also James Wylie of Cedarville, who is attorney for Mr.
Patterson and A. K. Wylie of Alturas, the attorney for Mr. Stiner.
Mr. and Mrs. George H. Stephens of Quincy, who have been visiting Mr. and
Mrs. T. D. Robertson of Boles Springs, returned home last week. Mrs.
Stephens and Mrs. Robertson are sisters.
DAVIS CREEK ITEMS
George Davis has just finished digging seventy-two sacks of potatoes from
three-fourths of an acre that was sagebrush last April. He planted two sacks
and harvested seventy-two, besides what he ate out of the patch, since they
were large enough to use.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1911
MAN BURNS TO DEATH IN HOTEL
DISASTROUS FIRE CONSUMES LARGE TWO STORY LODGING HOUSE KNOWN AS RIVERSIDE
HOTEL AND JOE SILVA PERISHES IN THE FLAMES
Last Saturday morning about eleven o’clock, a very disastrous fire occurred
in Alturas, the two story riverside Lodging House being totally destroyed
and a man named Joe Silva, who was asleep in one of the bedrooms on the
second floor, was burned to death.
When the fire was first discovered, the entire roof seemed to be on fire and
smoke was pouring forth in great volumes.
Within a very few minutes a large crowd had gathered to assist in fighting
the fire and as it was impossible to save the riverside building, all
directed their efforts towards protecting the adjoining buildings.
Grand work was done by many of the men and boys of our town in battling with
the fire fiend, but so many were conspicuous in their brave and daring work
that we cannot attempt to make personal mention of any, though many deserve
a place in the roll of honor for their fearless bravery.
At times, it seemed as if the fire would cross the river, which would mean
the destruction of several dwellings, while at first it seemed utterly
impossible to save the harness shop of J. C. Rachford immediately west. The
contents were all removed from this place and at one time the east wall of
the building, was blazing but persistent efforts saved the building. The
loss to Mr. Rachford’s stock and the building is estimated at $500.00, which
was covered by insurance.
The value of the lodging house, which was the property of the Laird family,
is estimated at $5000, with about $2500 insurance. Mr. and Mrs. Sargent had
the place leased and lost a great deal of furniture and personal effects.
During the fire it was remembered that Mr. Silva was in his room and as the
fire had spread so that no one could get up the stairs, all that could be
done was to break in his window, in hopes that he would be awakened and save
himself by jumping. Accordingly, large blocks of wood were thrown at his
window, which shattered the glass, but the unfortunate man was evidently so
overcome by the dense smoke that he was unable to make his escape.
That afternoon, a search among the ruins of the burnt building resulted in
finding a human body, burned beyond recognition. Coroner Thomas Frawley was
at once summoned and an inquest held over the charred remains, which
according to the testimony of physicians, were undoubtedly those of Mr.
Silva.
The unfortunate man who lost his life in the fire, which destroyed the
riverside Hotel last Saturday, has an uncle in Milpeters, who is a large
potato grower. Mr. Joe Silva, the deceased was known to have over eighty
watches in his room at the time of the fire, as he was an expert jeweler and
quite a trader of all kinds of watches. He also had upon his person at the
time of his death some $1200.00, which he had been saving. He recently
showed this amount to a friend here in town and stated that he was planning
to soon visit his uncle in Milpeters. Everything about him was destroyed and
a portion of his body was found where the back stairs were, as though were
making an effort to escape. This point was one of the hottest of the fire
and only a portion of his body was recovered and partially identified by the
remnants of a few watches.
Mr. Silva was raised in Chili and has traveled all over the world. He
formerly did a large business in London as a broker. He lost everything in
London by misfortune and began to wander again over the earth and finally
drifted into Alturas, where he has been off and on for over a year,
endeavoring to recuperate his finances and has been doing well. He had
planned to make a visit to his uncle in the near future. Last year he had a
narrow escape from being burnt up in the Alturas Hotel when it was
destroyed. (1:1)
CEDARVILLE COUPLE MARRIED IN ALTURAS
Last Saturday evening, November 4th, 1911, Mr. Oscar Roy Hobbs, of
Cedarville and Miss Frankie Hays of Lake City were united in marriage at the
Congregational Parsonage, by Rev. Isaac Clark Crook.
They were accompanied by Mrs. Nannie Hays, the brides’ mother and Miss
Carrie Hobbs, sister of the groom. Both of the young people are well known
and popular and will receive the hearty congratulations of a host of
friends.
MURDER TRIAL
PETE FOLLETT OF NEW PINE CREEK BEING TRIED FOR KILLING MEXICAN
LOCAL AND PERSONAL
Mrs. A. Gibson left here last week for the State of Washington and will join
her daughter, Pearl who has been visiting relatives there for sometime.
Mrs. Edmund Wall, the young lady who was seriously injured near her home at
Pine Creek by being thrown from a horse, is now getting along nicely.
Born – At Reno, Nevada, to the wife of Merville Lamb, a daughter, on
November 6th, 1911. Mr. and Mrs. Lamb formerly resided at Cedarville and
have many friends here.
John Cook, who has been holding the position of bookkeeper for E. Lauer &
Sons, has been seriously ill with pneumonia for the past week and for a time
it was feared he could not recover. We are pleased to say that he is
somewhat improved.
Dr. R. C. West returned home last night from Reno, where he went several
weeks ago to be operated on for appendicitis. He is looking fine, but says
he has not yet fully recovered his strength.
Last Wednesday, news was received here that a brother of A. J. Paulsen, of
Davis Creek had become insane at Madeline and his brother was summoned to
take charge of the unfortunate man. These brothers have been engaged in the
real estate business in Modoc County and at Madeline for the past three
years and have some valuable property interests at both places.
Fred Huffman and wife are here this week from their home at Bowles Meadows,
to visit Mrs. Huffman’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Jamison.
William West, whose home is in Oakland at present, but who is one of Modoc’s
pioneers, is spending a few days with us, visiting friends and looking after
his large horse ranch in West Valley.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1911
NEW PINE CREEK ITEMS
Born – Sunday morning, to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Bray, an 8-pound boy.
A SAD DEATH
(From the Oakland Enquirer)
Many sorrowing friends attended the funeral of beautiful little Wilma
Ernestine Hudspeth, daughter of C. E. Hudspeth, principal of the Washington
Grammar School, which took place at the family residence Friday afternoon.
Rev. Thomas A. Boyer of the Christian Church read the service, after which
there was special music.
Banks of the rarest blossoms of the season testified to the loving and
affectionate regard, in which the child was held by her schoolmates and the
many friends of the parents. The tiny casket was covered with a pall of
lilies of the Valley, the offering of friends and every available space was
filled with flowers brought by the attendants of the Washington School as
they filed through the room.
Mr. and Mrs. Hudspeth are prostrated over the death of their little
daughter, who would have celebrated her eighth birthday the latter part of
this month. The death of the little one was quite unexpected following an
attack of whooping cough. (1:4)
LOCAL AND PERSONAL
Born – In Alturas, Cal., November 13th, 1911, to the wife of Mark Smith, a
son.
Born – At Adin, Cal., October 31, 1911, to the wife of John Vogt, a son.
Born – In Alturas, Cal., November 4th, 1911, to the wife of Jack Selby, a
son.
Mrs. James Tierney and son, Ray, of Seattle, arrived here on Mondays’ train.
Mrs. Tierney is the mother of our townsman, William H. Tierney.
Mrs. Lucy P. Spencer, of Susanville, was here last week, visiting her
daughter, Mrs. John E. Raker. She was accompanied by two young grand
daughters, the daughters of Judge Burroughs and wife of Susanville.
A new town site has been located on the V. L. Snelling ranch near the head
of Goose Lake, to be named Wendell. It is expected that this will some day
by the trading post for all the ranchers on the West Side of Goose Lake.
A. L. Smith, while at Adin visiting his daughter, Mrs. M. Blaske, had an
attack of pneumonia. After it was deemed safe, his son, Alva went after him
and they returned Saturday. Mr. Smith is not seriously ill, but needs the
caution, which such an ill in this climate necessitates.
Mr. and Mrs. Grover Hughes of Medford, Oregon are visiting their many
friends and relatives in Modoc. Mr. Hughes is a brother of Mr. Jessie Hughes
of Likely and Mrs. Hughes was Miss Georgia Baty. Mr. Hughes has a two week
vacation from his position with the S. P. Railroad. They are spending this
week over in Surprise Valley with members of the family, who are admiring
the splendid little girl in their possession.
TIMBER BUYER DIES
W. H. Titus, well known timber buyer and resident of Beckwith, who bought
the Ballard and Bonner timber on Ash Creek, died at Downieville, Cal., on
October 31st, of quick pneumonia.
Mr. Titus was very well and favorably known throughout the mountain counties
of California and his death will be sorely felt. (4:3)
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1911
LOCAL AND PERSONAL
Marx Lauer, who has been at San Francisco and Reno for the past several
weeks, being treated in a hospital, returned home last Wednesday and is now
enjoying perfect health. His many friends here are glad to see him looking
so well again.
Mrs. Leslie Dyke, of Fitzhugh Creek, returned home last Friday from below,
where she had been operated on for appendicitis several weeks ago.
E. J. Beebe and Frank Beebe, two Cedarville ranchers were registered at the
Niles last Friday.
Ed Smith, who opened up a tamale stand and restaurant in the Blondin hotel
building a short time ago, fell into one of the ditches last Thursday night
and broke some of the bones of his foot. The lack of electric lights during
the past week has made travel at night dangerous on account of the many
ditches which were du for the pipes of the town water systems. However the
lights are again on so we will have no further trouble on that ground.
The trial of Pete Follett, the constable of New Pine Creek, who was tried by
a jury at Lakeview last week for the killing of a Mexican, resulted in an
acquittal.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1911
SUPERVISOR GONE
JOHN H. DAWSON DIES SUDDENLY AT HIS HOME AT DAVIS CREEK LAST SUNDAY
Last Sunday the many warm friends and admirers of Supervisor John H. Dawson
were deeply shocked and surprised to learn the sad news that he had passed
away from this life, while apparently in the best of health.
Although feeling extremely well and cheerful when he retired to bed on
Saturday evening, he expired to his sleep about three o’clock Sunday
morning.
On account of his sudden death and as a mere formality required by the law,
Coroner Thomas Frawley was summoned and held an inquest over the body early
Monday morning. The coroner’s jury returned a verdict that death was due
from natural caused, probably from heart failure.
The funeral was held at Davis Creek and the remains were followed to the
last resting place in the Davis Creek cemetery by a large concourse of
sorrowing relatives and friends. Funeral services took place at 10 o’clock
yesterday morning and quite a number of the county officers and prominent
business men of Alturas were in attendance to pay their last respects to our
departed Supervisor.
John H. Dawson was aged 70 years, 3 months, 20 days at his death, his life
is a long history of usefulness, his great aim and purpose being to advance
the general interests of his community in particular and the county in
general. He always held a prominent place in political circles, where he had
considerable influence. His nature was kindly and genial and he made friends
among all who knew him.
His death eaves a vacancy in the Board of Supervisors, which will not be
easy to fill with a man so energetic and tireless in the fulfillment of
official duties.
To the bereaved relatives and friends The New Era extends sincere sympathy.
John Dawson was born in Durhams County, England in August 6th, 1841.
He was married to Elizabeth Kickup, five children were born to them of which
three survive him. Mrs. John E. Bishop and Mrs. William Perryman of Oakland,
Cal., and John G. Dawson of Alturas, Cal.
On April 11th, 1908, his wife died.
He has been twice elected supervisor from his district.
On November 22nd, 1911, he married Mrs. Butterfield, of Prattville, Cal.,
and after only a month of happiness was taken to his final rest at Davis
Creek, on November 26th, 1911, after only a few hours of suffering from
heart disease. (1:1)
ACCIDENTLY KILLED
FORMER RESIDENT OF MODOC COUNTY IS THROWN FROM A HORSE IN IDAHO
J. D. Flournoy of Likely informed us last Thursday that a telegram had been
received announcing the sad news that Harness Trumbo, the eldest brother of
W. S. Trumbo of this place, had been instantly killed in Idaho, by a fall
from a horse. It seems that he was riding in the mountains and his body was
not found for several days after his death.
The deceased was well known here, having spent the early part of his life
here before locating in Idaho. He has many friends in Modoc, who will be
deeply grieved to learn of his death.
His sister left last Friday with the remains for Alturas, for interment.
(1:5)
LOCAL AND PERSONAL
Born – At Alturas, Cal., November 27, 1911 to the wife of Edmund L.
Williams, a son.
Born – Lookout, Cal., November 20, 1911, to the wife of Manley R. Conley, a
son.
Born – At Alturas, Modoc County, Cal., November 27, 1911 to the wife of W.
C. Nave, a son.
Born – At Alturas, Modoc County, Cal., November 21, 1911, to the wife of T.
H. Ballard, a daughter. Mother and baby are doing nicely.
_______ C. Howard, a brother of Mrs. M. _____ and formerly a resident of
_____ County, died at his home in _______ last week from blood poisoning
caused by a slight scratch from a board while doing carpenter work. ______
aged 52 years and was a ______ of Iowa. (4:1) (Very bad print, unable to
read)
Miss Rose Heard, of Lake City is giving painting lessons at Cedarville and
has quite a large class.
County Treasurer S. W. Pepperdine, who has been under a physician’s care at
Hot Springs, Ark., for sometime, being treated for rheumatism, is rapidly
improving and may be able to return home to Alturas soon, which his many
friends here are glad to learn.
Ras Beebe, aged 98 years and said to be the oldest man in the County, died
at his home near Cedarville last Friday and was interred at the Cedarville
cemetery on Saturday. He led a long and eventful life and leaves several
children and grandchildren to mourn his loss. Dwight Roys conducted the
funeral ceremony. (4:2)
Shirl E. Wilson, of Lake City, is in town today and informs us that Mr. and
Mrs. Al Hotchkiss have recently been blessed by the arrival of a son. Mother
and babe are doing well and the father is slowly recovering, but Grandpa
Hotchkiss is so overcome that there is no hope for him.
Mrs. J. R. Myers, formerly landlady of the Hotel at Lookout and well known
in Alturas died a few days ago in Idaho, where she was last spring in the
hopes that the change of climate would benefit her health. The remains were
shipped to her old home at Lookout for burial. The funeral taking place
there last Wednesday. She leaves many friends in this part of the county who
are deeply grieved to learn of her death. (4:2)
DAVIS CREEK LOCALS
Charles Leonard was badly hurt a few days ago. His team got frightened near
the depot and ran away throwing the driver out and breaking his collar bone
and two ribs. He was taken to the home of A. Leonard where Dr. Coppedge of
Alturas dressed his wounds, when he was taken to Alturas Monday where he
could have medical treatment.
NEW PINE CREEK ITEMS
A baby girl came the 15th of November to gladden the home of Mr. and Mrs.
Deiter.
~~~~~~
Billie C. & Anita 'Jean' Reynolds
Family Researcher of "The Last Frontier"
Modoc County, California
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