San Mateo County Gazette Redwood City, San Mateo County, California Saturday Morning, April 9, 1859, Vol. 1 No. 1. TO THE PUBLIC In making our bow, as the pioneer paper of a county, to her citizens, we are fully aware of the arduous and responsible position which we have assumed. We know that the starting and maintaining of a paper in a new county like this, is a Herculean task, from which one well might shrink, but we have fully weighed the matter, and have determined to make the effort, confident that if we prove worthy of it, the citizens of San Mateo _________________ essential to any enterprise of the kind. And the more readily will they do this, when they realize, as every one who gives the matter a moment's reflection must, that a local paper of the kind we propose to publish, is an institution calculated more than any other one thing to advance the interests of the whole county. A local newspaper, properly conducted, becomes the center of the entire system of a county - the fulcrum around which revolves all other interests - the medium through which her own citizens derive their intelligence of what is transpiring in their own locality and in other lands - from which non-residents who are looking thitherward with a view of investment or of settlement, seek to learn the character of the soil and of the people, the amount and the nature of the general business, and the extent to which business, of the kind they seek, may be pressed. Every local paper is peculiarly the emigrant agency, so to speak, of the county wherein it is located. Again, it is the medium through which her business men make known to each other and the world their business and their wants - through which her local government publish to their constituents the situation of her affairs, and keep them advised in reference to all those minutiae in which every tax-payer and well-wisher of the county feel a peculiar interest. Such a paper it is our object, and shall ever be our aim to furnish, and while we make it peculiarly local in its character, giving especial attention to the publication of whatever of interest may transpire in our own community, and to the advancement of our new, beautiful, and growing county, we will furnish, in each number, a condensed summary of the general news of the State, the nation and the world. We know that with reference to the latter part of this undertaking we must necessarily be hind-hand with a few of our readers, and were the furnishing the general news of the day our only object, we would at once abandon the self-imposed task; for we are so near the great commercial metropolis of the West, that we cannot for a moment presume to compete with her vigilant dailies in supplying the people with intelligence from other shores. But we can compete with them and even do more than they attempt, in the publication of home news; and when we add to this choice selections of narrative, anecdote, poetry, articles on agriculture, mechanics, and science, in short, a variety of all those things which go to make up a home and family paper, we shall expect the support and encouragement of our fellow citizens. We do not furnish our readers with a "blanket sheet," nor can it be expected, in a small county like ours, that we would, but like the little child, we hope, as we increase in years, to increase in strength, and stature, and shall endeavor to increase in usefulness. Many will doubtless inquire at once after out political faith. While we confess that as an individual, like other men we are possessed of political principles, partaking more or less of a party character, yet as a public journalist, we shall hold ourself independent of all parties. Nor do we intend to interfere in any manner with political affairs, farther than to record such movements, without reference to party, as may be of interest to out readers. While our columns will be ever open to the proper discussion of any measure which may be before the people, they will invariably be closed to all assaults upon individuals, or upon any party as such. In no case will we be made the organ of any party, or the tool of any clique. In short, it shall be ever our aim to furnish a paper which shall be the advocate of out county - the guardian of her interests - and which shall give satisfaction to her people. MARRIED At Woodside, San Mateo county, by Rev. Joseph Emery, Capt. John LAWRENCE to Mrs. Ida VINTON MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS April 4, 1859 Members all present. Report of Road Viewers for road from Crystal Springs to Buchanan House presented, and the road ordered opened as viewed. The road leading from point of Redwoods, on the mountains to Wilsey's to be included in the Second Road District and subject to the control of the Overseer of said District. Petition for a private road by J.P. Ames and others, considered and read. Granted as petitioned for, provided the necessary fences are made by the parties petitioning. In the matter of the forfeited bonds in the case of People vs Richard Kelly, the District Attorney is authorized to compromise without suit with S.M. Mezes, one of the sureties, provided it is not done for a less sum than two hundred and fifty dollars. Petition for a road from Belmont to Condon's presented, and notice ordered that it would be considered on the first Monday in May next. The bills of A.T. McClure, D. Lambert, George A. Van Bokkelen and Alta California, amounting, in all, to $80.50 allowed. Adjourned till next regular meeting. B.G. LATHROP, Clerk TWELFTH DISTRICT COURT - This court convenes in Redwood City on Monday, 18th inst. There are ten cases on docket. The business of the term will probably be disposed of in one day, as there will be but one jury trial. The following is a list of the jurors drawn for the term: O. McMAHON Wm. JOHNSON J. LOCKWOOD C. HUFFAKER H.S. LOVELAND Thos. FLEMING W.H. LYON J.E. KING J.S. BOLLINGER R.S. JENKINS Jas. McGEOUGH C. LIVINGSTON Charles CLARK Geo. W. LELAND Hugh HAMILTON Geo. LOPEZ John LAWRENCE A. CHAMBERLIN S.H. BOWMAN Geo. BOYD TERMS OF COURTS, SAN MATEO COUNTY Twelfth District Court - Third Mondays in April, August and December County Court - First Mondays in March, July and November Probate Court, Tuesdays following fist Mondays in March, July and November Court of Sessions - Wednesdays following first Mondays in March, July and November Supervisor's Meetings - First Mondays in May, August, November and February. COUNTY OFFICERS Office Name Residence District Judge E. NORTON San Francisco County Judge B.F. FOX San Mateo District Attorney C.N. FOX Redwood City County Clerk and Recorder B.G. LATHROP Redwood City Sheriff John W. ACKERSON Redwood City Treasurer Curtis BAIRD Redwood City Coroner A.T. McCLURE Redwood City Public Administrator R.O. TRIPP Woodside Surveyor A. GARBI Belmont Supervisors - 3d Township, J.V. DILLER (Chairman of the Board); 1st Township R.S. THORNTON; 2d Township M. WOLFE COURT PROCEEDINGS County Court - An Adjourned term of this court was held on Monday last, Judge Fox presiding. The only business before the court was as follows: McCABE vs. BAXTER - motion for new trial - denied. WATERMAN vs HOLDER, motion to dismiss appeal - denied. The Court then adjourned for the term. Probate Court - This Court was also in session on Monday last, Judge Fox presiding. In the matter of the estate of Henry C. CLEMENS, deceased, all the claims heretofore presented to the Public Administrator were presented to and passed upon by the Court, and an order entered that they be paid in full or pro rata, to the extent of the assets. In the matter of the petition of Mary Jane HILL, for the appointment of guardian, a somewhat lengthy examination was had, when the petition was dismissed. CEMETERY MEETING - Union Cemetery Association, held and adjourned meeting on Monday evening last. Very little business was before the meeting, but from the Secretary's report we learn that the ground chosen for a cemetery has been paid for, _____ and filed for record, and that there is a balance of cash on hand or subscribed of $105, ready to be appropriated for fencing as soon as the amount shall have been sufficiently increased to justify it. In a future number we will a brief history of the organization and object of this association. The officers of the association are J.V. DILLER, President; C. N. FOX, Secretary and Treasurer; J.W. TURNER, Superintendent. SONS OF TEMPERANCE - We had the pleasure of attending the public installation of the officers of Mountain Dell Division, No. 74, SD. Of T., at Woodside, on Saturday evening last. This Division is in a flourishing condition, having upwards of fifty members. The officers installed were: John GREER, W.P.; J.D. ROSE, W.A.; J.S. BOLLINGER, R.S.; W. WHITLOCK, A.S.; John LAWRENCE, F.S.; L. WILLIAMS, T.; D.W. SAMSON, C.; F.GILBERT, A.C.; Jos. GIBBS, I.S.; Wm LAZWELL, O.S. After the installation the meeting was addressed by C.N. FOX, esq., of this place, upon "the evils of intemperance as entailed upon individuals." SCHOOL MEETINGS - At the annual school meeting of Redwood City precinct, District No. 3, held pursuant to law, on Saturday last, C.N. FOX was elected Trustee for the ensuing year. We have not learned the result of elections at the other precincts in the District. The election in District No. 1, at San Mateo, resulted in the choice of Messrs. Nathaniel ROSE, Joseph BUTLER and David McCLENNAN. District No. 2 we have not heard from. RESTORED - The Governor has restored to citizenship Wm. BROWN, who was sent to the State prison from this county, for one year, for attempt to commit arson. He has completed his term, and has been out several months, and this restoration is made on account of his good behavior, both in prison and since his release. APPOINTMENT - C.N. FOX, Esq., has been commissioned by the Governor as a notary public for this county, for two years. SUICIDE - Coroner McCLURE held an inquest Wednesday last, on the body of a man found on a hill about half a mile west of Belmont, in this county. Upon examination it was ascertained that deceased had killed himself by blowing out his brains with a shot-gun, which was found lying by his side and which he had discharged with his foot, a string having been carefully attached to the triggers for the purpose. A receipt for rent from George MOODY, San Francisco, and a memorandum of gold dust deposited with Haraathy, Uznay & Co. for assay together with a number of other papers, several articles of clothing, $40.85 in money, and a silver watch, were found in a valise and upon the body. By the paper his name is suppose to have been Jacob WOLFF, a native of Baden, Germany. There is no clue to the cause of the rash act. The body was very much decayed, having lain, as estimated by Coroner McCLURE, about three months. A verdict was rendered in accordance with the facts as above stated. The gun with which WOLFF killed himself is double-barreled, one barrel only of which has been discharged. On drawing the load from the remaining barrel, it was found to consist of a large charge of powder and seven heavy six-penny nails. TERRIBLE EXPLOSION - SIX LIVES LOST - The steamer Contra Costa, plying between San Francisco and Oakland, was blown up on Sunday last, killing six persons and wounding some eighteen others. From the reports in the San Francisco papers we learn that the boat and the Oakland were racing, the Oakland being in the rear - which accounts for so few lives having been lost, as the passengers were, at the moment, all in the stern of the boat, watching her competitor. The starboard boiler was blown completely out of the boat, and was afterwards discovered half buried in sand in the shoal water, on the Oakland Bar. The following named persons were killed or so severely injured as to die within a few minutes: David W. CADY, street contractor; Michael G. SMITH, barkeeper of the boat; Henry L. OSTRANDER, one of the crew; Colbert WEISISHIP, fireman; George McDOWELL, chief fireman, and one other, name unknown. Eighteen others were severely injured, one of whom, Joseph HOLSTERER, died of his wounds Monday morning. The Oakland was immediately brought to and rendered every assistance possible. The captain and engineer of the Contra Costa were arrested to await the result of an inquest. OUR COUNTY Most of our readers may think they know all about San Mateo county, and that any thing we may say in reference to it, is superfluous; but a record of a few things connected therewith may be found convenient for future reference, and not a few may find therein something before them unknown. San Mateo county is bounded on the east by the middle of the Bay of San Francisco, on the west by the Pacific ocean, on the north by the line of the United States survey separating townships Two and Three , South (Mount Diablo meridian,) being a line running east and west from the bay to the ocean, and crossing the San Francisco road a little north of the "Abbey Hotel"; on the south by the middle of San Franciquito Creek, following the south branch thereof to its source in the Santa Cruz mountains, and by a line from thence due west to the Pacific ocean. These boundaries include the following Mexican grants; a part of the Merced and Visitacion, or San Bruno; the whole of the Buri Buri, San Pedro, Corral de Tierra, Feliz, San Mateo, Pulgas, Ramundo or Coppinger, Purissima, and a part of the San Gregoria and Corte de Madera. These grants are now claimed to cover the entire county, but there is little doubt that when their titles are settled and boundaries determined, there will be a number of good farms yet left in the hands of the Government. The county contains, according to the assessment of 1858, 155,981 acres. This of course, is exclusive of the swamp and overflowed along the line of the Bay, very little, if any, which had then been entered. A very great proportion of all this area is of the very best quality, either for agricultural or grazing purposes. It is estimated that already there are 20,000 acres under cultivation, and this is but the beginning of what may be done. Much more is occupied for pasturage, and yet there are thousands of acres lying idle for the want of occupants. All kinds of grain, and nearly every kind of vegetable once put into the ground, produce an abundant harvest upon our soil, and all our valleys are well adapted to the production of every kind of fruit known to this climate. Nor are we wholly without minerals; coal of the best quality is found here; springs from sulpher and iron, possessing superior medicinal properties are found on the Purissima; gold has been found at different times and in divers places throughout the entire length of our county, and many believe that it will yet be discovered in sufficient quantities to warrant the working for it. Throughout most of the county the landscape is relieved with beautiful groves of white and live oaks, and on out southern border redwood timber is abundant. Already millions of dollars have been reaped from the manufacture of these giant forests into lumber, and still "the work goes bravely on." Ten saw-mills, we believe are in active operation, but of their aggregate annual production we are unable to give an estimate, and we request of the manufacturers of lumber, posts and shingles, that they furnish us with estimates, as nearly correct as possible, of the annual production of each, together with such other information in regard to their line of business as may be of interest. And here we may be permitted to ask the same favor of the farmers, the fruit growers and the stock raisers. These are all matters upon which we can as yet be but imperfectly informed, and we desire to make a faithful record of all the resources of the county. From the tax-book of 1858 we learn that the assessed valuation of the real estate in the county for that year was $619,332; of improvements, $242,345; of personal property, $570,489.50; total $1,432,161.50. Upon this assessment was levied a tax amounting in the aggregate to $21,462.43, divided as follows; State tax $8,592.97; county $7,160.81 court house $3,580.40; school $1,482.16; road $716.08; delinquent , $160.01 We have no reliable means of determining the aggregate amount of agricultural products or the number of live stock in the county, and shall have to wait the action of our farmers and stock-raisers in furnishing the facts upon these points. From the "State Register" of 1858, which probably nearly correct upon these points, we find that there were growing in the county in 1857, 7200 apple trees, 24,200 peach, 232 pear, 318 plum, and 1980 cherry, a small number each of other varieties of fruit trees, and 40,000 grape vines. The county is divided into three townships, the first being all that part lying north and east of a line running from the Embarcadero at Belmont, west to a point where the road crosses the top of the mountain just north of WILSEY's house; thence north along the top of the mountains to a point a little north of east of the residence of James DENNISAN; thence west to the ocean. The second township is all that part of the county south of the last mentioned line and west of the top of the coast range of mountains. The third township is composed of all that part east of the top of the mountains and south of the first mentioned line. The county forms a part of the Fifth Senatorial District, which has four Senators, one of whom, Hon. T.G. PHELPS, is from this county. It is at present represented in the Assembly by Hon. D.W. CONNELLY, of Half Moon Bay. It also forms a part of the Twelfth Judicial District, Hon. Edward NORTON, District Judge, the terms of whose court, as also those of the other courts held in the county, together will a list of county officers, will be found in another column. The number of votes polled at the last election was five hundred and thirteen, which will probably be increased to about six hundred at the next election. We did intend to notice, in this connection, some of the most central points in the county, with the business, but on account of the length of this article, they will have to be made the subject of a future notice. ADVERTIZEMENTS Charles N. FOX - Attorney at Law and Notary Public (OFFICE IN THE COURT HOUSE) Redwood City, Cal. WM. T. GOUGH ATTORNEY AT LAW Redwood City, San Mateo County (Residence, Belmont) A. GARBI Surveyor and Civil Engineer Belmont, San Mateo County A.T. CASTOR's Store Belmont, San Mateo County The Proprietor would respectfully announce to the citizens of San Mateo county that he is now prepared to supply them with any article in demand, to be found in any country store in California. His goods are all fresh and of the best description. Among his excellent stock may be found Dry Goods, Clothing, Groceries, Provisions, Hardware, Cutlery, Glassware, Crockery, Queensware, Wines and Liquors, Segars and Tobacco, Boots and Shoes, Nails, Wooden Ware, Farming Implements, of a quality inferior to none in this County. Hay and Grain also Lumber, Posts, Shingles, and Charcoal, For sale at moderate prices. Purchasers can SAVE MONEY by ascertaining the quality and prices of my goods before purchasing elsewhere. A.T. CASTOR, Belmont, April 8, 1859 WOODSIDE STORE Woodside, San Mateo County Tripp & Parkhurst, Proprietors At the Woodside Store, Consumers can be sure of finding all the goods usually to be obtained at a country store, suitable for Farmers and others. AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS Dry Good, Clothing, Groceries, Provision, Hardware, Cutlery, Staple and Fancy Goods of all kinds, Wines, Liquors, Cigars, Tobacco, etc., etc, can be purchased at the most reasonable prices. The Post Office is in this Store. SEARSVILLE HOTEL Searsville, San Mateo County DAVIS & MAXFIELD, Proprietors The Proprietors of the Searsville Hotel would call the attention of the public and especially persons visiting the Redwoods, to their excellent facilities for their accommodation. Their larder is always supplied with the best to be found in the market and their Bar continually furnish with good Liquors, Wins and Segars Boarding, by the Day or Week On very moderate terms Good Stabling for Horses Always to be obtained and attentive hostlers A.W. CHEW JAMES HILTON CHEW & HILTON Blacksmiths and Wagon Makers Main Street Redwood City All descriptions of Blacksmithing done in the most substantial and workmanlike manner at moderate prices, and at the shortest notice. All work entrusted to them will be guaranteed to give entire satisfaction. Horse-shoeing and Wagon-Ironing Promptly Attended to Wagons and Carriages Made to order or repaired PIONEER BAKERY Main Street Redwood City CHARLES AYRES, Proprietor The proprietor has constantly for sale, and is continually manufacturing a choice assortment of Confections, Pies, Cakes, Tarts And All Kinds of Bread and Pastry Private Boarding By the Day or Week in Restaurant style. Meals served up at any hour Wedding Cake Got up to order in the most elegant and tasteful styles and in the most prompt manner Pastries for Private and Public Parties furnished to order at the lowest rate R.HALL & Co., Druggists 143 and 145 Clay Street Six doors below Montgomery st., San Francisco A Card J.V. DILLER's STORE Redwood City This store is always provided with a large and complete assortment of Goods suitable for this market. Consumers are requested to call and examine the stock of READY-MADE CLOTHING Dry Goods, Groceries, Provisions, Hardware, Crockery, Glassware, Cutlery, Stationery, Boots, Shoes, Tobacco, Cigars WINES, LIQUORS, ETC. Fresh supplies of which are being constantly received from San Francisco and will be sold at the lowest market rates. Also Agricultural Implements of all kinds Farming and Grazing LAND FOR SALE AND LEASE ON THE PULGAS RANCHO Tracts will be sold in quantities to suit from sixty acres upwards; either for cash, or if desired by the purchaser, two thirds of the money can remain on mortgage for one and two years, at one per cent interest, payable monthly. Leases will be given for a portion of the crop to experienced and well-known farmers Also for Sale, Building Lots in Redwood City (Fifty by one Hundred Feet Each) And VILLA LOTS near it, and also at Belmont, containing from one to five acres Apply to S.M. MEZES, Near Belmont HELLER & CO's Livery Stable Next the American Hotel Main Street, Redwood City At this establishment may always be obtained, at the lowest rates, a number of excellent SADDLE AND CARRIAGE HORSES Which the proprietors guarantee to give satisfaction Buggies and Carriages To hire, with or without Horses Horses Fed By the meal, day, week or month at low prices The proprietors will always give their prompt personal attention to the wishes of their patrons. The Old Bowling Saloon Main Street, Redwood City J.P. FESSENDEN, Proprietor At this favorite place of resort may always be found, as heretofore, the finest quality of Wines, Liquors and Cigars The Proprietor will always esteem it a pleasure to cater to the wants of a discriminating public In this Saloon is an excellent BILLARD TABLE For the amusement of the patrons of the establishment CRYSTAL SPRING Canada San Andres E. Wehler, Proprietor The proprietor takes pleasure in informing his friends and the public generally that he is now prepared to receive visitors at his place for the season. A large FLOWER GARDEN and an Extensive Park, together with all kinds of amusement have been provided for the entertainment of visitors, none of whom can leave dissatisfied. The Hotel is provide with every convenience and luxury, in all its departments, and a table is spread daily which is unsurpassed south of San Francisco. No one who can properly appreciate the beauties of Nature, should neglect to visit this favored spot, for it is inferior to none in natural beauties. The Thorough-Bred Stallion PEACOCK Will Stand the ensuing season at Woodside Dairy, four miles south of Redwood City, on the San Jose Road. PEACOCK was foaled in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1847. He was sired by the celebrated Kentucky by Gray Eagle; dam by Priam. He is of a dark chestnut color, is fifteen hands high and weighs one thousand and five pounds. In compactness and beauty of form, in courage and docility, he is not surpassed by any Stallion in California. A large number of his colts, from six weeks to three years old, are on exhibition at the rancho, and all who are interested in horse-breeding are respectfully invitied to call and examine them. Mares left at the rancho are, in all cases, at the owner's risk. Terms …..$25 the Season (from April 1st to September 1st. C. LIVINGSTON, Bridge Street, Redwood City Is constantly supplied with an extensive assortment of all kinds of Goods in demand among the community generally and which he offers for sale at the lowest ruling prices. The Goods consist in part of Groceries, Provisions, Hardware, Cutlery, Wines, Liquors, Clothing, Rope, Agricultural Implements, etc., etc. Hay and Grain for Sale. American Hotel Main Street, Redwood City J.Q.A. Thurber, Proprietor The public are informed that this well-known and popular hotel will continue as formerly, to be kept in a manner calculated to render entire satisfaction to its numerous friends and patrons. The Table will be plentifully supplied with the best products to be obtained in the county market. The Bar will also at all times contain the choicest, Wines, Liquors and Segars. A BILLIARD TABLE is at the disposal of those who are fond of the game of Billiards The Post Office and the office of FREEMAN & Co.'s EXPRESS are at this Hotel. REDWOOD CITY MARKET Main street, Redwood City BAIRD & CO, Proprietors The Market is always abundantly supplied with the best quality of Meats of all kinds consisting of Fresh Beef, Port, Mutton and Veal, also Salt and Corned Beef and Pork Constantly on hand, and put up to order at San Francisco Prices Fat Cattle for Sale At the lowest cash prices New Store ! at Belmont Attached to and connected with the Well Known Belmont Hotel I would beg leave to inform my friends, neighbors, and the citizens generally, that I have opened a large and well assorted stock of Groceries, Dry Goods, Clothing, Farming Implements, Hardware, Boots and Shoes, Liquors, Wooden Ware, Saddlery, Havana Segars, Fancy Goods, Choice Wines, Queen's Ware, Medicines, and indeed, almost every article in use, together with many not usually kept in country stores. To the Ladies, I would especially say, your wants in articles of Taste and Beauty can be supplied at the New Belmont Store, as I have now on hand, Shawls, Muslin de Laines, Shawls, Laces and Embroideries, Sheetings, Table Linen, Hosiery, Merinos, Silks, Blankets, Towels, Gloves, Calicoes, Shirtings, Flannels, etc., etc. Together with every article used in a First Class Dry Goods Store. An apartment of the Store is devoted exclusively to articles for Ladies' use, which is superintended by Mrs. ELLET, whose please it will be to please her lady patrons. The Prices at the above Store will be found always quite as low as at San Francisco retail stores, and generally much lower. Produce will be taken in exchange for Goods, at fair prices JOHN I. ELLET REDWOOD CITY LIVERY AND SALE STABLES Main Street, Redwood City The proprietor of this well-known Stable would inform his friends and the public generally that he is always prepared to accommodate them with Horses, Buggies, Wagons, Harness, Horse-Feed, etc., etc. Of the best kind, whenever required, at prices to suit the times. Horses kept by the day, week or month, or supplied with single meals. HAY and GRAIN for sale MATRESSES ! Of every description and of the best quality, manufactured and Mattresses Repaired, At San Francisco prices, on the shortest notice Spring Mattresses Made To Order J.W. TURNER A street north of the Courthouse ==================================================== Websites: http://www.seeley-society.net http://www.newspaperabstracts.com ====================================================