San Mateo County Gazette News
June 1861
(Transcribed by Chris Havnar)

MURDER OF JAS. A. ROBINSON. As our readers perhaps already know, Jas. A. Robinson, a citizen of this county, was murdered on Thursday evening, 23rd inst., in a house upon his ranch about three miles east of Spanishtown. A report of the fact reached this place on Friday, but in such a disconnected form, that is was deemed unreliable, and consequently no mention of it was made in our last issue.

This was one of the most atrocious and inhuman murders we have ever heard of.  It seems by report that deceased had formerly been at variance with persons in the neighborhood, on account of adverse claims to property, etc., but these difficulties had been nearly all amicably compromised, and of late no differences seemed to exist, least of all any of a character which would point to the taking of life as a resort.  On Thursday evening, about half-past seven, Robinson's two hired men started for the post-office at Spanishtown, the only two dogs upon the place following them.  Robinson was thus left entirely alone, at least one mile from any habitation, and entirely at the mercy of the assassin.  As the men left, Robinson, was proceeding to make some biscuit, for breakfast the following morning, preparatory to an early start for San Francisco, where he was to drive a number of carrel.  The biscuit had been made and placed in the oven of the stove, and as is supposed, Robinson was sitting near the uncurtained window, waiting the process of baking, when the fatal shot was fired.  The assassin's gun must have been within less than three feet of the victim's head when it was discharged.  The charge of the gun appeared to be about twelve or fourteen buckshot or five-shooter balls, a number of which entered the head above and near the left eye.  Death evidently ensued instantly.  There was no indication of any person having entered the house, as nothing was missing or moved, and the money upon the person of deceased remained untouched.  The inference therefore naturally is, that revenge was the cause.

If any spot upon this beautiful country could be considered adapted to the commission of such a heinous crime, the deep valley where the dark deed was perpetrated may be called a most appropriate one.  The house is a small cabin of three rooms, in the largest of which, about nine feet by eight in size, the murder was committed.  It is in a deep dell, stands by itself, and from all points but the approach from Spanishtown, it may be seen at a considerable distance.  So that it might easily be watched from any point on the neighboring hills, until a favorable opportunity offered for the commission of the deed.

Upon the return of the laborers, one of the dogs was suddenly sized with convulsions, and died, exhibiting marked indications of having been poisoned.  It is evident from this that the murderer intended, if the dogs had remained when the men left, to poison them before he attempted the murder.

Mr. Robinson was about forty-two years of age, and leaves a family in San Francisco, to whom his body was conveyed last Saturday.  He came from St. Louis to California.  At the time of his death the value of his property was about $25,000.

It has been often observed by those skilled in the detection of great crimes which had been skillfully covered up, so as to almost defy human investigation, that some little thing, overlooked by superficial minds, have proved of the greatest importance, and have led to the detection and punishment of the criminal.  It is not to be expected that in an instance like the present one, any evidence of a very positive character could be easily procured, but providentially a clue has been obtained, which if it had been followed up might have pointed to the murdered.  We cannot leave this subject without expressing the general feeling of dissatisfaction, if not contempt at the want of energy and promptness in ferreting out the perpetrator of offences against the laws of the country.  To those who superintend the duties of the office of Sheriff of this county, we must say, that with them rests whatever blame may attach because of the non-performance of these important duties.  For these duties, gentlemen, you are paid, and the public expect them of you.  If you cannot perform the duties of your office, resign, and give place to those who can.

We are under obligations to C.N. Fox, District Attorney, who, while in the zealous performance of his duties investigating the facts connected with the murder kindly offered us a seat in his vehicle, which enabled us to personally learn the matters above reported.

MEETING OF SUPERVISORS

An adjourned meeting of the Board of Supervisors took place Saturday last May 25th, Present, R.S. Thornton, J.V. Diller and J.P. Ames.

In the matter of the subscription by the County of San Mateo to $100,000 of the capital stock of the San Francisco and San Jose Railroad Company, it was ordered that, a greater number of votes by the people having been cast in the affirmative upon the proposition to subscribe than were cast in the negative, the subscription be made according to law.

In accordance with the law passed by the late Legislature, providing for a special tax for road purposes in San Mateo county, it was ordered that a levy of 25 cents on each $100 be made and added to the present levy, as provided by the law.

The bill of Searles Lewis for $7.50 was presented and allowed.

The Board then adjourned to meet Monday, June 17th.

VERY PROPER. At the suggestion of many citizens of the Second Township, the name of Mr. John Johnson, of Canada Verde, has been added to the People's Nominating Committee, as given by us last week.  This is a very proper addition to the Committee.

STATE NEWS

The duel between Showalter and Piercy, both of the Assembly in the late Legislature, took place about three miles west of San Rafael, Marin county.  Piercy was killed at the second fire.  The ball entered the left side of the mouth, passing into the back part of the head, where it lodged.  He was buried in San Francisco, Monday.

It is stated that a serious dispute having grown out of the late duel between some of the parties who were present, another hostile meeting is likely to grow out of it.

THREATHENED INDIAN WAR. Mr. B. Roberts, who has just returned to Carson City from the Pony route, expresses fears that there will be trouble with the Shoshones.  They appear to expect the presents that Mr. Davis, the Superintendent of Indian Affairs, promised them during his memorable trip to their country, and which, of course, he has never complied with.  They seem to think the Overland Mail Company should comply with his contracts.  The keepers of the different stations east of Robert's Creek are standing double guard every night.

FOR SALE.  The undersigned having engaged in other business to which after the 1st of July he will devote his attention, will sell the business, Printing Material, etc., of the San Mateo County Gazette Newspaper and Job Printing establishment. Terms, one-half cash, the balance in six months.  For particulars, apply to the undersigned, at Redwood City, or to Frank Eastman, Esq., Washington street, opposite the post-office, San Francisco.

Wm. Godfrey
Editor and Proprietor San Mateo County Gazette

Also for sale, the Printing Material of the late San Mateo Courier, conditioned upon its permanent removal.  Price $300 cash
Wm. Godfrey, Redwood City

IMPROVEMENTS AT BELMONT. We observe that Mr. Maxwell, proprietor of the hotel at Belmont has enlarged and much improved his establishment by an addition to the front portion of the building.  New buildings are also being erected in the neighborhood of the flourishing town.  Mr. Fonda, of San Francisco, has much improved the appearance of his property, adjoining the place, by careful tillage, and tasteful pruning of the trees and shrubbery thereupon.  The bells mont from which the town derives its name, is a lovely elevation, and its groves of evergreen oaks and fragrant shrubbery are an attraction to many visitors.  The view of the Bay and the surrounding country from this point is not excelled.  The mount itself is a most prominent landmark the whole length of the peninsula.

Sheriff's Sale

By Virtue of an execution issued out of the District Court of the Twelfth Judicial District of the State of California, in and for the City and County of San Francisco, in the suit of Peter Donahue against Wm. P. Morrison, by which I am commanded to make the sum of three thousand nine hundred dollars, ($3900) and one hundred and thirty-four dollars and twenty-five cents ($134.25) costs at the date of the judgment, and all accruing costs, I have levied on the following property, to wit: The mill known as the Bear Gulch Mill, situated on the Mountain Home Ranch, in the County of San Mateo, together with all the singular the tenements, heriditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining.

Notice is hereby given that on Friday the 21st day of June A.D. 1861, at 2 o clock P.M. in front of the Court-house doors of San Mateo County at Redwood City, I will sell the above described property at Public Auction for cash in hand to the highest and best bidder, to satisfy said Execution and all costs.

SILVAS HOVIOUS
Sheriff San Mateo County

By John Ames, Under Sheriff
Dated, Redwood City, May 30th, 1861

EXECUTION. On the 4th, in San Francisco, Clarkson, colored, was hung for the murder of Caroline F. Park, a servant of Mr. F.A. Woodworth.  The murder was caused by jealousy.

STATE NEWS

The body of Wm. Meek, of the house of Dupuy, Foulkes & Co., noticed by us a few weeks since as having been missing since 7th May, was found on Sunday last, near Martinez.  He is supposed to have died in a fit.

Ex Senator Gwin arrived on the 3d on the Golden Age.

The San Francisco Daily Times has changed hands, and will hereafter be published by an association.  It is edited by F.F. Fargo, late editor of the Alameda (Illegible)

Gen. McDougal started for the east on the steamer Orizaba, Saturday last.

GRIZZLIES IN THE MOUNTAINS. Mr. P. McMahon informs us that a number of cattle have lately been destroyed by grizzly bears in the vicinity of his place, on the mountains, near Halfmoon Bay.  The fellows would afford fine sport for the amateur hunters from San Francisco, who infest the fields in this county, in quest of game.

MAIL CONTRACTOR AND MAIL AGENT KILLED BY APACHES. A private letter, received in San Francisco from Mr. W.B. Hooper, written at Fort Yuma, under date of the 26th ult., says; Lloyd and Kerr arrived to-day, and reported that Mr. Giddings, the mail contractor, while on his way from El Paso to Tucson, was killed by the Apaches, near Stein's Peak together with Mr. McNeese, the Overland Mail agent.

TOBACCO CULTURE. The Stockton Republican says: W. McPridgeon and J. Frape have commenced the culture of tobacco, on the San Joaquin rive, about eight miles from this city.  They have several thousand plants of the Havana, Connecticut and Virginia varieties, and will thoroughly test the practicability of cultivating it in this locality the coming season.

DROWNED IN FEATHER RIVER. A corpse lately found in the Feather river, has been identified from the description given as the body of an Englishman named Charles Townsend, a miner, and resident of Carpenter's Flat.  It is believed he was not murdered and thrown in the river as was supposed at the time, but that he committed suicide.  The wounds found on his head were caused by his accidentally falling into a shaft a few days before he was missed. Butte Record

THE HIGHLAND COUNTRY. All who pass through San Mateo County, along the highway traveled by the stages, and many too who do much business among our people, are of the opinion that all the arable land adapted to farming and gardening purposes, lied before them in the valley, and that only so far as their vision extends is the land worth the having.  This is a very natural error.  From the high road mentioned, the view to the westward is bounded by the mountains, and but few are accustomed to look upon high land as being susceptible of cultivation, and it is generally regarded as but fit for grazing cattle in fact, an unproductive if not a waste country.  So we thought until lately, having an opportunity to pass through a portion of it, which we found to be covered by some of as good farms as were to be seen in the valleys.  Here exists as peculiarity in our soil and climate.  High upon the ridges of the mountains, where one would expect to see nothing but a bleak waste, unwatered and untellable, stretch out, far as the eye can see, innumerable fields of luxuriant, waving grain and verdant meadows, with running streams and here and there a lake, hundreds of feet above the vallies skirting the Bay to the east and the ocean on the west.

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BLACKSMITH
And
Wagon-Makers Shop,
San Mateo

C.H. Remington proprietor of this establishment, takes pleasure in informing his friends and the public, that having added a Wagon-Making and Repairing department to his Blacksmith-Shop, he is now prepared to do that description of work in connection with Blacksmithing.

--> Ploughs sharpened and all work guaranteed, both as to material and workmanship.

San Mateo, May 25, 1861

Dressed Lumber, Flooring, etc.
Charles Hansen will supply dressed lumber of every description and in large or small quantities, at less than San Francisco prices.
Apply at Hanson's Wharf, Redwood City.

STATE ITEMS

Horace Smith to bail on the 10th inst., at Auburn by E.H. Vandecar, Judge of the Court of Sessions, in the sum of $40,000.

On Thursday morning last, A. Messec, and Joseph McKinney got into a difficulty at the mouth of Canon Creek, Trinity county, growing out of a game of cards.  Messec hurled a rock at the head of McKinney, producing instant death.

The Columbia Courier, in speaking of Showalter, who recently killed Charles W. Piercy in a duel says: This notorious individual was around at the primary meeting of the Anti-Coercion party in Sonora, on the 6th inst.  He seemed as unconcerned as if he had done against the laws, and was well received by the friends of secession.

LAKE COUNTY. The new county of Lake has been organized by the election of a full set of officers.  The county seat is located at Lakeport, now called Forbestown.

FIRE IN COLUMBIA. The dry goods store of Isaac Levy, in Columbia, caught fire on the morning of the 6th inst., and nearly all the contents were either burnt or damaged before it was extinguished.  It is supposed to be the work of an incendiary.  Loss estimated at $10,000.

Summons

State of California In the Justices Court, Third Township, in and for the County of San Mateo.

The People of the State of California, send greeting to GEORGE MILLER:

You are hereby summoned to appear before me, at my office, in the Third Township in the County of San Mateo, on the twenty-ninth day of July, A.D. 1861, at one o clock P.M., to answer unto the complaint of CATHERINE UNDERWOOD, who brings this action to recover of you the sum of fifty-seven dollars and twenty-five cents, claimed to be due on a Promissory Note dated the 28th day of March A.D. 1860, and payable to Mrs. C. Underwood on the first day of August 1860, at two per cent, per month interest; when judgment will be taken against you for the said amount, together with costs and damages, if you fail to appear and answer.

Given under my hand, this 8th day of June, A.D. 1861

J.W. TURNER

Justice of the Peace of said Township

Summons

State of California In the Justices Court, Third Township, in and for the County of San Mateo.

The people of the State of California, send greeting to JOHN RADER.

You are hereby summoned to appear before me, at my office in the 3d Township at Searsville in the County of San Mateo on the 29th day of June A.D. 1861 at 2 P.M. o clock, to answer unto the complaint of William Lisherness in an action to recover the sum of one hundred and ten dollars upon a note dated January 16th A.D. 1861 and payable to William Lisherness with interest at 1 ½ per cent a month, when judgment will be taken against you for the amount, together with costs and damages, if you fail to appear and answer.

Given under my hand, this 31st day of May A.D. 1861.

C.PARSHALL
Justice of the Peace in and for said Township

Sheriff's Sale.

By virtue of an order of sale issued out of the District Court of the Twelfth Judicial District of the State of California, in and for the County of San Mateo, under a Judgment of Foreclosure of Mortgage, to me duly directed and delivered wherein Thomas Day is plaintiff and J.P. and J. Ames are defendants, by which I am commanded to make the sum of thirty-seven hundred and seventy-two dollars ($3772) and costs of suit; amounting to $38,25, together with 2 ½ per cent interest from the date of said Judgment, and all accruing coasts, I have levied on the following described property, to wit:

A certain lot of land situated in the Second Township of the County of San Mateo, now, or at the time of the commencement of said action, in possession of the party of the first part named in said mortgage, that is to say, in possession of said defendant, J.P. Ames, consisting of a possessory claim of one hundred and sixty acres of land, about forty of which is under fence, together with all the improvements thereon, house, stables and out-houses of all description.

Notice is hereby given, that on Wednesday, the 10th day of July, A.D. 1861, at two o clock, P.M. in front of the Court House doors of San Mateo County, at Redwood City, I will sell all the right, title and interest of said defendants or either of them, in and to said above described parcel of land at Public Auction for cash in hand to the highest and best bidder, to satisfy said judgment and all costs.

SILAS HOVIOUS
Sheriff San Mateo County

By John Ames, Under Sheriff
Dated, Redwood City, June 15th, 1861

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Hancock's
Livery Stable
Main Street, Redwood City

E. Hancock respectfully invites the attention of the public to the fact that having purchased the large and commodious Livery Stable near the corner of Main and Bridge streets, lately owned by Heller & Co., he will hereafter give his personal attention to the business with the view of rendering the best satisfaction to all who may favor him with their patronage.

Saddle and Carriage Horses,
To hire, and for sale.
Buggies and Carriages
To hire, with, or without Horses
Horses Fed
And kept at Livery, by the day, week or month, at low prices

County Court and Court of Sessions The July term of these Courts will commence week after next.  The following are lists of the names of grand and trial jurors drawn for the term:

Grand Jurors. W.J. Bunn, H.B. Kennison, Benj. F. Fox Sr., Geo. Andrews, J.N. Brown, W.W. Hull, Robt. Greer, C. Huffaker, C. Clark, J.W. Bell, G.K. Avery, John Elliott, H. Hamilton, J.E. Butler, J.P. Beck, S.H. Bowman.

Trial Jurors Robt. Patten; H.C. Bidwell; L. Allen Key; W.C. Ryder; T.B. Higgins; Geo. Lopez; Thos. Moylan; J.H. Richardson; Geo. W. Moore; Jno. Lynch; W.P. Morrison; John Purcell; M.H. Colby; W. Maxfield; John Regan; J.R. Wilson; A.S. Langley; Wm. Durham; N.C. Lane; D. McLellan; Edw. Ring; S.L. Knight; C. Bolinger, I.G. Knowles, F. Quail, J.P. King.

SUPERVISORS MEETING. The Board of Supervisors convened Monday last.  Present, a full Board.

The following bills were examined and allowed: M.B. Angle, $66; Bidwell & McCabe $37; San Francisco Hospital $185; J.S. Keith $38; J.G. Moore $40; Geo. Wentworth $64; J.V. Diller $118.12; A.S. Easton $118.50.

MEETING OF THE PEOPLE'S NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Pursuant to call, the persons selected as a People's Nominating Committee for San Mateo county, convened at the Court-room in Redwood City on Tuesday, June 18th, when J.V. Diller was chosen President and Burns John Secretary.

The names of the Committee being called, the following gentleman responded: A.I. Easton and A.W. Rice of the First Township, Hugh Hamilton, Burns John, John Pursell and W. Buzzell, of Second Township, Joshua Leavitt, J.V. Diller, C. Livingston, A. Dexter, R.W. Tallant, J.O. Shaw, Geo. Harrington, R.O. Tripp, and J.P. Edinger, of the Third Township.

ACCIDENT. Mr. Robert Bar, driver of the Overland stage plying between Redwood City and San Francisco, met with a severe injury on Tuesday evening last, by a fall from the stage, while at Belmont.  He is recovering.

JUDGES OF WASHINGTON TERRITORY. The Judges of Washington Territory are: C.C. Hewitt, Chief Justice; James E. Wyche and E.H. Oliphant, Associate Justices.

Sheriff's Sale

By Virtue of an execution issued out of the District Court of the 12th Judicial District of the State of California, in and for the City and County of San Francisco, in the suit of R. DE ZALDO vs. JOHN GREER, by which I am commanded to make the sum of twenty-three hundred and eighty-eight dollars and twenty-five cents. ($2388.25) with interest from the date of the judgment May 26th, 1857, at the rate of ten per cent per annum, and accruing costs at the date of the judgment, amounting to $25.50.  I have levied on the following property to wit: That tract of land or Rancho known as the Rancho Canada de Raymundo, situate, lying and being in the County of San Mateo, State of California, bounded and described as follows: bordering to the west on the Sierra Morena; to the east on the Rancho de las Pulgas,: to the south on the rancho of Maximo Martinez, and the north on the Great Lagoon; containing 12,545 acres and 1-100th of an acre.  For a more definite description of said rancho, reference is hereby made to book called Record of Patents, page 27, and following records of San Mateo county.

Notice is hereby given that on Saturday, the 13th of July A.D. 1861, at 2 o clock, P.M. I will sell all the right, title and interest of the above-named defendant in and to said tract of land, at Public Auction, in front of the court-house doors of San Mateo county, at Redwood City, to the highest and best bidder, to satisfy said execution and all costs.

SILAS HOVIOUS
Sheriff San Mateo county

By John Ames, Under Sheriff
Dated, Redwood City, June 20th, 1861

Sheriff's Sale

By Virtue of an execution issued out of the District Court of the Twelfth Judicial District of the State of California, in and for the City and County of San Francisco, in the suit of Peter Donahue against Wm. P. Morrison, by which I am commanded to make the sum of three thousand nine hundred dollars, ($3900) and one hundred and thirty-four dollars and twenty-five cents ($134.25) costs at the date of the judgment, and all accruing costs, I have levied on the following property, to wit: The mill known as the Bear Gulch Mill, situated on the Mountain Home Ranch, in the County of San Mateo, together with all the singular the tenements, heriditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining.

Notice is hereby given that on Friday the 21st day of June A.D. 1861, at 2 o clock P.M. in front of the Court-house doors of San Mateo County at Redwood City, I will sell the above described property at Public Auction for cash in hand to the highest and best bidder, to satisfy said Execution and all costs.

SILAS HOVIOUS
Sheriff San Mateo County

By John Ames, Under Sheriff
Dated, Redwood City, May 30th, 1861

The above sale is hereby postponed until Friday, June 28, 1861, by order of plaintiff's attorney.

SILAS HOVIOUS
Sheriff San Mateo County

By John Ames, Under Sherriff.

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REDWOODS
STEAM FLOUR MILLS !
One mile north of Searsville, San Mateo County

The Undersigned, having leased the Mill and premises known as Martin's Old Grist Mill, near Searsville, would respectfully inform the citizens of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, that the Mill has been improved and remodeled throughout.

The Proprietors will commence operations and be prepared to receive grain for milling, the 20th inst.

The strictest attention will be paid to the business of the Mill.  All descriptions of Milling, from the finest quality of flour to the coarsest chopped grain for horse and cattle-feed, will always be found on hand, for sale.  A first-class Miller is employed, and the mill will also be superintended by the Proprietors.

J.P. BECK
T. BULLEN

June 11, 1860

MARRIED

In San Francisco, on the 25th inst., by Rev. J.H. Warren, D.W. ALDRICH, of Redwood City, to BELLA H. POLLOCK, of Philadelphia.

PERSONAL. We welcome back to his old home among our people, Maj. D.W. Connelly, who has been absent for the past eight months, upon a trip to Europe.  The Major's many warm friends will joining with us in hoping that his residence may henceforth be permanent in the county.

SALE OF LAND. A survey was made last week of a tract of land near Crystal Spring, lately sold by Col. Haraszthy to Mr. Sherwood, of the firm of Barrett & Sherwood, jewelers, San Francisco.  The tract consists of sixty acres of that beautiful wooded land, thickly covered with groves of trees, situated near the commencement of the new road from Crystal Spring to Halfmoon Bay.  The price paid was sixty dollars per acre.

DIVISION OF THE HOWARD TRACT. Dr. Poett, who is owner, as we are informed, of one-third of the farm known as the Howard property, has applied to the Probate Court of San Francisco for a partition of the land.  After separation, it is his intention to divide his portion into farms of suitable size for farmers of moderate means.  This will not only prove profitable to the Doctor, who displays his sagacity in thus disposing of his land, but it will afford opportunities for poor mean, heretofore unobtainable, and the result, will be so plainly beneficial to the neighborhood where they settle that many holding large tracts will soon be led to follow the example and divide them into small farms.

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE. A fire occurred at Cottonwood, Siskiyou county, on Thursday last, which destroyed property to the amount of from $20,000 to $40,000.  The principle losers were Mr. Davis, saloon keeper; H. Aaron, merchant; the Union Hotel, and A. Heserick, merchant.

SCHOOL FUND APPORTIONMENT. From the published list of the semi-annual apportionment of the State School Fund, we extract the following: San Mateo, No. 1, 79 children; Purissima, 200; Redwood City, 282; North San Mateo, 63 624 children, at 56 cents each, $349.44.

FROM THE COLORADO. Mr. Bennett, who arrived last week at Los Angeles from the Colorado, reports the discovery of mineral districts near Salinas, or the Salt Fork of the Gila.