A new article has been added at Newspaper Abstracts > United States > California > San Mateo http://www.newspaperabstracts.com/index.php?action=displaycat&catid=595 Direct link to article: http://www.newspaperabstracts.com/link.php?id=30942 Submitted by: Chris Havnar Article Title: San Mateo County Gazette Article Date: June 1 1861 Article Description: General Transcription Article Text: San Mateo County Gazette Redwood City, San Mateo County, California Saturday Morning, June 1, 1861, Vol. 3 No. 9 DIED – Miss Francisca R. Vasquez, daughter of Don. T. Vanquez, one of the oldest residents of Spanishtown, in this county, died Friday evening last, 24th inst., aged twenty-one years. This young lady was much loved and respected by a large circle of acquaintances. She exhibited in her conduct, we are informed, a marked superiority over the native Californians generally. 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, Ro! binson 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. F! or 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. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ NewspaperAbstracts.com - Finding our ancestors in the news! TM http://www.NewspaperAbstracts.com