Mariposa Gazette
August 23, 1877
A Dastardly Murder
Last Tuesday evening, or night, a most dastardly and cold blooded
murder was committed in the Chowchilla valley, some six or seven miles
east of this place. The murdered man was David Paterson, a
peaceable,-quiet, inoffensive men, a worthy citizen, and an industrious
hard working man. When word was first brought to town that Mr. Paterson
had been murdered-that the hand of the assassin had been lifted against
him-scarcely anyone believed it, for no one supposed so good a man
could have an enemy capable of committing so foul a deed. But alas, too
true! While Paterson was out "salting" his stock, and not expecting
harm from anyone-from the fact that Mr. Paterson was not prepared to
meet an enemy, he being unarmed at the time the assassin's bullet
pierced his back, passed thru his body, and made its exit near the
nipple of the right breast, and David Paterson fell, a dead. man, sent
into the presence of his Maker without a moment's warning-not even we
suppose, knowing who his murderer was. The crime is doubly black when
the fact is known that Mr. Paterson but three or four months ago had
the misfortune to lose, by death, his wife, leaving him the sole
guardian and protector of four small children-the eldest not being more
than six years old-who, by the destroying hand of the cowardly
assassin, are left orphans, and henceforth will- be left to the mercy
and care of strangers, until such time as they will be able to provide
for themselves, although there is no positive proof as to the murderer
of Mr. Paterson, suspicion rests upon Frank S. Clow, a farmer, living
at Chowchilla, and whose ranch joins that of Paterson's. As soon as
Sheriff Clarke received word of the sad affair, he proceeded to the
scene, and after an inquest was held on the body, a warrant was sworn
out against Clow, who was brought to town and lodged in jail. A
preliminary examination was had yesterday before Justice Thomas, but to
late for this issue. Paterson was a native of Scotland, and aged about
43 years, His remains were brought to this place for burial and were
followed to their last resting place by a large number of sorrowing
friends. Rev. Alsanson officiated at the burial service, and read a
short but impressive prayer.
Mariposa Gazette
September 1, 1877
The Paterson
Murder-This shocking murder, of which we gave the details in last
week's Gazette, has been under going a preliminary examination before
Justice Thomas for the past several days, and was concluded on Tuesday
night last. There were a great many witnesses examined, and as natural
to suppose, great interest was taken by our citizens in the examination
of the case. It is said by those present that the Attorneys for the
prosecution and defense labored asiduously in behalf of their
respective clients, which was the defendent Frank Clow, charged with
the crime of-shooting and killing David Paterson upon the other. The
court on Wed. rendered its decision, holding the defendent over to wait
the action of the next Grand Jury. Application for bail was made by the
defendent's counsel, which was refused by the court.
Mariposa Gazette
January 5, 1878
The Patterson Orphans-To
remember the orphan, was during the Christmas holliday's, one of the
sacred injunctions our good people have well remembered. They were
award of the existence in our midst, of four little orphans of-the
Patterson family, who, but the Christmas before, were in the full
happiness and enjoyment of a kind father and a loving mother. Who could
appreciate their little wants and necessities, to make them happy and
comfortable.. But alast! They have by means of the scythe of time, and
the chilly sickle of death, been severed from those four dear little
ones, left behind to represent them that have gone before, in life. At
the instance of W.E. Turner Esqr; attorney, for the prosecution in the
case of People vs Clow; and others, and through the kindness of Mr.
Milton Again, who passed around the hat, a nice little sum of about $40
cash, was kindly and cheerfully donated, besides other presents in
shape of Christmas toys, etc. In behalf of the recipients# and at the
request of their Aunt and present protector Miss Jane Paterson; we are
authorized to express for them in this hour and time of their
affliction, their most heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation of
the "Happy Christmas Gift." which they have received from the kindly
donors at a period of life, when clouded with sadness as it is at this
very moment; only to be realized by those knowing to be the unfortunate
circumstances, which prematurely caused the orphanage of these children.
OTHER MARIPOSA COUNTY HISTORIC EVENTS
