Radine... MOTHER LODE The Story of Californias Gold Rush by Louis J. Stellman written 1934. Ben Coon This is in reference to Samuel Clemens..."he did not get that story (The Jumping Frog) from Jim Gillis. It was told to a crowd of which he was one in the old Tryon Tavern, which later became the Angel's Camp Hotel. The narrator was a talkative bartender who had once been a pilot on the Illinois River and therefore took an especial "shine" to Sam. Clemens was almost the only one with patience enough to listen to Ben (or Ross) Coons' pointless yarns and jokes. Even he could not always follow them. Incidentally, his penchant for listening to Coons' stories is said to have cost him a share in a $20,000 gold discovery. George W. Cox "Even hangings were social events in San Andreas. In the Chamber of Commerce one may see one of the invitations sent out by Sheriff Ben K. Thorne-neat and inconspicuous, with a conventional black border. They request "the honor of your presence" at the hanging of George W. Cox. San Andreas had its county gallows then, just outside of the old red-brick courthouse where Black Bart was tried. Sometimes a band played at hangings. Joe Cuneo "Mayor Angelo Rossi of San Francisco was born in Volcano and received his grammar-school education there. His father was one of the early settlers and kept a store. Joseph Cuneo kept another store and saloon in Volcano. He came as a poor man and built up a considerable fortune. Every one liked and respected him. When he died his widow and eight children went to San Francisco. There Daughter Clara met a charming and ambitious young man whom she married, and who helped Widow Cuneo administer her late husband's considerable estate. So well did he succeed that his wife and mother-in-law encouraged him to try banking. This he did, and out of his genius the Bank of Italy was born. For he was A.P. Giannini, head of the great Bank of America".Jackie in California [email protected] A