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FROM THE PAGES OF MARIPOSA HISTORY- MURDERS AND KILLINGS IN GOLD RUSH
TOWN
MURDERS/KILLINGS
Mariposa Chronicle, April
21, 1854
GRAY SHOT BY BROWN-
not expected to live MAN SHOT--We are sorry to inform our readers,
that we have only one murder case to present this week.
A man named Gray was shot by a man known as "Long Haired Brown," at
Carsons' and is not expected to recover. The difficulty
originated over a game of cards
(both are gamblers) and Brown struck Gray with his revolver and
then shot him, the ball striking him
in the forehead, and passing
under the skin, came out behind. Brown has fled.
The Union Democrat
Sonora, Tuolumne Co., CA
Saturday, 28 Apr 1855
FATAL AFFRAY -- Two Men Killed -- We learn by a gentleman, who is a resident of Sherlock's Flat, Mariposa county, (about 12 miles from Coultersville), that a dispute occurred at the former place, in reference to a mining claim, on Wednesday morning last -- which resulted in the death of 2 men of the parties, by shooting, and the serious wounding of a 3rd
person. The names of the men who were killed are Elisha TIERCY and J.W. BEAUMONT; and the wounded one was named COLBY. One of the deceased had a family in the States. We did not understand their former places of residence.transcribed by Dee S.
--------------------
Killing At Mariposa, Daily Evening Bulletin, San Francisco,
May 12, 1856
ON Sunday morning, 4th May,
two miners, named JOHNSON and McGLAUGHLIN, had a diffulty at the
crossing of the Choucilla, when the former shot the later dead.
McGlaughlin, however, fired the first shot, but missed his man.
Choiser
Kills Biegler- Bear
Valley, 1857
Friday, 30 Oct. 1857-----------------------
Stockton Daily Argus
MURDER in BEAR VALLEY -- Mariposa 'Gazette'
On Monday morning at about 1 o'clock a [damaged line -- looks like "German, by the name of Joseph BIEGLER"], was shot by Lafayette CHOISER familiarly known as "Punch." The deceased kept a Lager Beer Saloon and CHOISER, in company with another person entered his bar-room and called for liquor.
After drinking, as they were about leaving the house, the proprietor asked them who would pay for the drinks -- CHOISER replied that he would, and at the same time asked if his credit was not good. Some words passed, and CHOISER drew a pistol and struck BIEGLER on the head. BIEGLER was behind the bar and picked up a gun. CHOISER stood by the door with his pistol draw, when someone present told him not to shoot. He replied that he would not, if BIEGLER would put up his gun. BIEGLER immediately set his gun aside, when CHOISER ran in and clenched him, striking him another blow with his pistol, and then shooting him through the breast. He immediately left
the camp, and at last accounts had not been arrested.transcribed by Dee S.
CHOISER FOUND AND CONVICTED...........
Daily Evening Bulletin, (San Francisco, CA)
Saturday, February 20, 1858; Issue 114; col D
MURDERER SENTENCED AT MARIPOSA- Choiser, alias "Punch", charged with the murder, some months ago, of one Biegler, in the notorious Bear Valley, Mariposa county, has been convicted in the District Court, at the town of Mariposa, of the crime, and sentenced by Judge Burke to confinement in the State Prison for twenty years.
Stockton Daily Argus
Stockton Daily Argus/ Monday, 15 June 1857
MARIPOSA
-- The 'Gazette' says that Girard JONES, the
murderer of OGG,
at Quartzburg, has delivered himself up to the authorities and stands
indicted by the Grand Jury for murder. Transcribed by Dee S.
---------------------------------------------
ROSE MURDERS LUCAS
from the Mariposa Gazette, Jan 2, 1857
DEATH---One
of those terrible death tragedies which falls within our province to
record, but too
often in this county, took place
at Whitlock's on Sunday evening.
It appears that two men, one of whom
was a Mr. Rose, the name of the other we do not know, were playing
cards for a small amount at the store
in that place. While so engaged, a Mrs. Lucas approached the
table
and picked up the money belonging to
Mr. Rose, amounting to about three dollars. Mr. Lucas was
intoxicated
and no notice was taken of it.
Later, Mr. Rose demanded the money, and Mr. Lucas refused to give it
up. No
harsh language, however, was used, and
on the repeated refusal of Mr. Lucas to the demand, Rose plunged a
large knife into his breast, cutting
through the heart and killing him instantly. The blade of the
knife used was
about nine inches in length, and was
buried in the body of the unfortunate man to the hilt. Rose is a
large,
powerful man, and Mr. Lucas was much
his inferior in physical ability, and besides, was under the influence
of liquor. Rose was soon
arrested by under-Sheriff Moore, and brought to Mariposa, where he,
waiving an
examination, was fully committed
without bail, to answer for the crime of murder, at the
next term of the
District Court, to be holden in
February next.
We learn that Mr. Lucas was a native
of Kentucky, and came here from Placerville about two weeks since.
No papers were found upon him to
denote his length of residence in California, or whether he has
relatives
here.
(transcribers note: checked
subsequent issues
of the Gazette, for a month, and could not find any followup to the
story, Steve Miller )
---------------------------------------------------
Howards Ranch-Burns Creek- 1857
Bear Valley has given another proof of its title to
a bad reputation, by the murder of a Mexican, which took place there on
the 13th instant. The weapon used, says the 'Gazette,' being a billet
of wood with a nail in it -- the nail entering the skull near the
temple. The murderer was arrested by some of the citizens, but escaped
soon afterwards.
-Weekly Stockton Democrat- Jan. 31, 1858
-----------------------------------------------
MURDER AT BURNS' CREEK, MARIPOSA 1859
Stockton Daily Argus,Stockton, San Joaquin Co., CA
Friday, 9 Dec 1859
FROM MARIPOSA -- 'Star' -- A Frenchman by the name of De LAUNAY was
killedby his partner in a cabin where they were residing, on Burns'
Creek, about4 miles from Indian Gulch. They had been drinking and got
into a quarrel,when the deceased drew a knife, and CHAILLON, his
partner, picked up a shotgun and shot him through the neck. CHAILLON
left and has not since been heard of. transcribed by Dee S.
--------------------
Weekly Stockton Democrat
Sunday, 31 July 1859
SENTENCED -- George LEE, a Kanaka, was sentenced in Mariposa, on
Saturday last, to 20 years' imprisonment in the State Prison, upon
conviction of murder in the 2nd degree. AH FONG, a Chinaman, was
sentenced to 12 years upon a similar conviction.
DR COWAN-The San Andreas Independent
San Andreas, Calaveras County, CA
Saturday, 10 September 1859
THE SAN JOAQUIN ‘Republican’ says: Dr. Wm. D. COWAN, formerly one of the
physicians of the Insane Asylum, was found a few days since a few miles
from Mariposa, quite dead. He was partially stripped of his clothing. The
alarm was first given in Mariposa by the return of his horse without a
rider to that city. Dr. COWAN leaves a family who are now at the East.
transcribed by Dee S
-----------------------------------------
Stockton Daily Argus
Stockton, San Joaquin Co., CA
Thursday, 19 Apr 1860
A SLUICE ROBBER SHOT -- Mariposa ‘Star’
A man by the name of George STACKHOUSE was shot near Coulterville, on
Saturday last, while robbing sluices. The particulars as related to us
are these: A party of miners working above the town having had reason
to believe that they had lost gold in this manner, have recently kept
guard over their claim for the purpose of detecting the thieves. Near
daybreak on Saturday morning, the man who was on the watch saw 3 men
with a candle searching the sluices. He fired at the light and supposed
that he had only frightened them off. On going to the claim, after
daylight, the party found STACKHOUSE shot through the neck. He died
shortly after. The other 2 have not been heard of since. The deceased
formerly lived at Colorado, and of late has borne a bad
reputation. transcribed by Dee
-----------------------------------------
Stockton Daily Argus---------------------------
December 1860
December 24-31
A MURDERER in TRANSITU -- Deputy Sheriff HOWELL, of Mariposa, arrived in this city yesterday, having in charge a man named William FRAZER, whom he arrested at Long Bar, in Yuba county, upon the charge of aiding in the murder of a man named OGG, in Mariposa county in May, 1857. FRAZER had, since his residence at Long Bar, passed under the name of Bill Scotty,� and stoutly denied any knowledge of the murder or any recognition of the Sheriff HOWELL. He will be taken to Mariposa on the stage that leaves this morning. transcribed by Dee S.
Friday, 8 Nov. 1861-Stockton Daily Independent------------------------------
CONFIRMED -- The Mariposa ‘Gazette’ of Tuesday has the following in reference to the body of Charley WILLIAMS, a notorious highwayman:
A further examination of the body found near Hunter’s Valley leaves no doubt that it is, as at first supposed to be, the body of Charley WILLIAMS, the highwayman. The ball with which he was wounded by Under Sheriff THORN, was found between the shoulder blade and backbone. His hair has also been identified by Doctor GRANDVOINET, who was his attending physician last winter, while his was in jail. The articles of jewelry found upon his person have been clearly
identified by Liebman & Co., from whom they were stolen.-transcribed by Dee S
Stockton Daily Independent
TUESDAY, 22 JULY 1862
SHOT DEAD -- A man named MOORE had a difficulty with a neighbor at Princeton, Mariposa county, on Saturday last, and on Sunday the 2
again meeting, MOORE made an attack upon the other, and was shot through the head, the wound killing him instantly. transcribed by Dee
Stockton Daily Independent
August 8, 1862
CONVICTED -- We learn by the Mariposa ‘Gazette’ of yesterday, that HARRON, indicted for the
homicide of STEDUM, near Millerton, last autumn, was found guilty of murder in the 2nd degree on
Saturday last. SMITH, who killed SHOEMAKER in Mariposa county some 3 months ago, was also found guilty of murder in the 2nd degree. In the latter case, if our memory serves us correctly, SMITH in the most outrageous language provoked SHOEMAKER to an assault, and then, being prepared to kill him, did so. The case looks like a clear one of murder in the 1st degree; and it is hardly possible that SMITH in any other country than this could have escaped hanging.
A
homicide, one of those but too frequent in this State,
occurred in
Coulterville, Friday morning, 29th, at an early hour, Mr. Nathan
CHANDLER,
shooting with a double-barreled shot gun, one Connor, killing him
almost
instantly. The causes which led to this lamentable act, appears to
be that
CONNOR had persistently abused CHANDLER for some years, threatening
his
life, insulting him grossly in every way he could think of, besides
offering
indignities of the worst character to his wife. The matter became
unendurable and was ended as before stated by the killing of CONNOR.
The particulars of shooting need not be related, as they were as usual
in such
cases--a quick and decisive vengeance upon him offending.
CHANDLER
gave himself up immediately, and was on Monday
examined before
Justice COUNTS of Coulterville, who committed him to jail in Mariposa
on the
charge of murder in the first degree. He was accordingly so committed
by
Constable MOORE last Thursday--A writ of habeas corpus was issued and
allowed Saturday, by Judge BURKE, fixing bail at $10,000, which can
readily obtained in Coulterville--the sympathies of the people of
which
being,
with hardly an exception, with CHANDLER, believing that he has done
right.
His trial will probably take place at the August Term of the District
Court.
.submitted by Harriet Sturk- Jan 2003
A report is current that one of our oldest and most esteemed
citizens
was
murdered a few weeks ago, near the Meadows, on the trail to the Yo
Semite by
"Colorado Jack". We refrain from giving the name at present,
until the party who have gone in
search of him, returns.
"Colorado Jack", who has been playing smash, murdering men, was
killed
Saturday last near the old Barley Field, this side of Colorado. A party
of men from
the later place heard that he was concealed in an old tunnel, and upon
arriving at the place
a dog was sent in. Jack, who dreaded a dog more than he did a
rifle or six shooter,
immediately came out and opened upon the party with a double barreled
shot-gun. The fire
was returned, and about 16 bullets put into him, killing him instantly.
A Yaqui
Indian, known to have murdered his partner some years ago, was also
arrested in the
neighborhood, on suspicion of being engaged in the murder of Dates,
brought to town and
lodged in jail.
Tuesday last he was handed over to the authorities at
Coulterville.
submitted by Harriet Sturk
WEDNESDAY, 17 DEC 1862
Stockton Daily Independent
FATAL RECONTRE at MARIPOSA -- On Saturday night 2 men named Thos. HOWELL and Thos. CONDON, entered Mr. BACHMAN's saloon at Mariposa, while B. was engaged quietly in playing a game of billiards with Mr. Alex. DEERING. They at once began to severely abuse Mr. BACHMAN, applying to him the most opprobrious epithets; and at length, failing to excite his anger by words, they broke his glasses and one of them threw a billiard ball at his head. BACHMAN, after expostulating with them, went into another room, and the 2 rioters went off. In a short time they returned and repeated the abuse offered, aggravating their wretched conduct by presenting cocked pistols and calling on B., who was still in the other room, to come out, as they were prepared to receive him -- HOWELL, meantime standing guard and watching, pistol in hand, at the open door, for BACHMAN's appearance. At length Mr. B. made his appearance, a double-barreled shot-gun in hand. As he saw himself covered by the pistols of the 2 men, he naturally addressed himself to HOWELL, who was nearest him, and fired the contents of 1 of the barrels into his body, causing death in 15 minutes. The other barrel was fired at CONDON, who ran, but it missed him. It is reported that CONDON fired 1 shot, but not stated whether it was before or after Mr. B. shot HOWELL. We are informed that the circumstances of this joint assault were most aggravated and unjustifiable, and that it was a repetition of conduct of like nature by the same parties on many different occasions. HOWELL was once a
deputy-Sheriff of Mariposa county. Mr. BACHMAN is postmaster, and a person of very quiet, forbearing and reputable character. transcribed by Dee S
==============================
DATES MURDER
FRIDAY, 23 JAN 1863
Stockton Daily Independent
The same paper(Mariposa Gazette) gives the following particulars of the murder of the man named DATES, who resided at Gentry’s Gulch; DATES was seen in his house Sunday evening, Dec. 21st, and from that time to Jan. 8th it remained closed and no evidence of any one occupying the premises. Several friends of the deceased, who were passing by, concluded to examine the house, and upon pushing the window curtain aside, discovered the body lying on the floor. The party returned to town immediately and gave the alarm. Justice N.R. HUBBLE, with several citizens of Coulterville, went to the place of murder, and upon examination into circumstances, came to the conclusion that the murderer was in the room along with Mr. DATES at the time the murder was committed. Deceased was shot in the head, the ball entering the back part and coming out through the left eye, while was setting at table eating. The murderer then struck him with the sharp edge of an ax, cutting the neck bone clean and clear, and leaving but a small portion of flesh to hold them together. The house was
then rifled, trunk broken open, blood upon the axe partly wiped off, door closed and remained so until the dead body was found. Suspicion was immediately fixed upon an Indian who was seen, the day the murder was committed, going towards the house with a carbine, with which he undoubtedly was shot, as is evidenced from the size of the ball. Constable McKENZIE of Coulterville, and other officers, are scouring the county in search of him.
Stockton Daily Independetn- Feb 6, 1863
INDIAN DESPERADO KILLED -- The Mariposa ‘Gazette’ says a Yaqui Indian desperado, named Colorado Jack, was killed on the 25th of January, near the town of Colorado, Mariposa county, in the following manner: “A party of men from the latter place heard that he was concealed in an old tunnel and on arriving at the place a dog was sent in. Jack, who dreaded a dog more than he did a rifle or 6-shooter, immediately came out and opened upon the party with a double barreled shot gun. The fire was returned and about 16 bullets put into him, killing him instantly. A Yaqui Indian, known to have murdered his partner some time ago, was also arrested in the neighborhood, on suspicion of being engaged in the murder of DATES, brought to town and lodged in jail. Tuesday he was handed over to the authorities at Coulterville. transcribed by Dee
Stockton Daily Independent- Feb 17, 1863
IGNORED -- A friend writes us from Mariposa that the Grand Jury of that county have ignored the bill of indictment against B.F. BACHMAN, for the killing of HOWELL, some weeks since. The killing was in self defense.
------------------
TUESDAY, 27 JAN 1863
Stockton Daily Independent
MARIPOSA ITEMS -- We clip the following items from the Mariposa 'Gazette' of Saturday last:-A very sad and unfortunate affair took place at Princeton last Wednesday night, resulting in the serious, if not mortal, wounding of Mr. N.B. DICKINSON. As near as we have been able to ascertain the facts, Mr. DICKINSON, with Mr. John A. SMITH and J.Y. JOHNSON went into a saloon at Princeton, between 9 & 10 o'clock in the evening. They were drinking considerable. After a few moments some words passed between SMITH and the proprietor of the saloon -- a Frenchman -- and a fight took place and in the fight SMITH drew a pistol. The parties were separated, DICKINSON taking the part of SMITH. Afterwards, as SMITH was putting his pistol up, it went off, inflicting a serious wound in DICKINSON's right breast. The ball entered new the collar bone and ranged down. The case is a critical one. We hope this may prove a lesson to persons who are in the habit
of carelessly using deadly weapons.-One of the murderers of DATES is now well known to be an Indian named "Jack," a desperate fellow and besides an accomplished thief. He it was who shot old man WINDSOR a year or 2 ago, in the mountains.
The manner in which the body of DATES was mutilated after he was killed, would lead a person to believe that the same individual was engaged in the murder of Mr. GIBBS and his partner last fall. The officers should see that he is arrested and brought to justice.
Stockton Daily Independent- April 6, 1864
The Mariposa 'Gazette' of the 2d instant has the following items from the court proceedings:
-The case of BORNEO, indicted for murdering Juan BARBAGALETTA, near Hornitos last August, was tried in the District Court last week, and resulted in a verdict of acquittal.
Stockton Daily Independent- Aug. 2, 1864HUGHES GUILTY OF MURDER OF LOWE
FOUND AFTER 2 YEARS – The skeleton of a named GOULD, who was supposed to have been murdered near Yo Semite in the Spring of 1862, while on his way home from Aurora to Mariposa, has just been found and identified by the hair and other marks. transcribed by Dee S.
M.C. HUGHES was on Tuesday last tried in the District Court for manslaughter, for killing James LOWE in Mariposa last November. He was found guilty.
transcribed by Dee S
Stockton Daily Independent- April 6, 1864
REBELLION at SAN QUENTIN – Fifty-seven convicts made an attempt to escape from the State Prison last Saturday. The guard brought the artillery to bear upon them and checked the adventure. Four were killed on the spot, viz.:
Jesus ALVAREZ, from Calaveras county, sentenced for 5 years for grand larceny
Anastacio HERRERA, from Solano, sentenced for 8 years, for grand larceny
Reuben SMITH of Mariposa, sentenced for 14 years, for murder in the 2nd degree
Augustine TRUHIO, from Amador, sentenced for life, for murder in the 2nd degree.
transcribed by Dee S
Stockton Daily Independent
July 6, 1864
KILLED by MEXICANS – The Mariposa 'Gazette' of the 2d instant says: After the Mexican celebration of St. John's Day at Princeton, a grand ball was given at night. At a late hour some Americans went to the house – got considerably intoxicated – had a row outside with some Mexicans. Next morning the body of one of them, Willis HERVAL, was found in the street near Justice Gillner's office. He had been shot through the body and died immediately. The Princeton people seem to think he deserved what he got for going where he had no business and getting into a quarrel. He was evidently shot by a Mexican, and there is said to be some proof against the guilty party. transcribed by Dee S
Stockton Daily Independent- Tuesday, Aug 16, 1864
FATAL AFFRAY – Angeny COULTER, son of [newspaper cut – line or lines missing]… county, was shot and killed with a shot gun on Saturday a week, by one S.A. SCOTT. The 'Free Press' thus relates the circumstances of the killing: "The particulars as we have them are, that for some time past an ill feeling had existed between the parties, and that on Saturday, COULTER publicly threatened that he would kill S.A. SCOTT. Shortly after making this threat he was taken in charge by an officer – though not formally arrested – to whom he gave up his pistol, and accompanied to the hotel. While going through the hall of the house in the custody of the officer, SCOTT (S.A.) entered with a double-barreled shot gun and thrusting the muzzle between the officer and COULTER, fired; the charge entering COULTER's right side, producing a frightful wound. He staggered against a post and was again shot; this time with a 6-shooter and in the back. COLTER stated before his death that the last shot was fired by Thos. SCOTT. The difficulty occurred about 5 o'clock in the evening and Mr. COULTER died at 10 o'clock the next morning." transcribed by Dee S
STATISTICS
OF
CALIFORNIA -
1866
THE STATE
William W. AKE found dead near Princeton, Mariposa
county, with a load of buckshot in his body. Aug. 15-James M. HALEY
shot and killed by George W. HANNA, at Princeton,
Mariposa county. transcribed by Betty Loose
Stockton Daily
Independent
MONDAY, 4 NOV 1867
ON BAIL - A private letter from Mariposa states that Mrs. SEALES, one
of the parties charged with poisoning James W. SEALES, has been
released on bail. Mr. SWANEY still remains in confinement. transcribed
by Dee S
Sacramento Daily Union
Friday Morning, January 1, 1869
STATISTICS OF CALIFORNIA - 1868 TATE RECORD
Noticeable Events During the Year
May 6th, 1868
The second trial of A.M. SWANEY for the murder of J.W. SEALE in Mariposa, commenced in the Fifth District Court at Stockton, a change of venue having been granted. The trial lasted twenty days, and resulted in a disagreement of the jury. Subsequently (on the 6th of August) a nolie prosequi was entered, on motion of the District Attorney, and the case dismissed. transcribed by Betty Loose
May 31st., 1868
A stabbing affray occurred at Hornitos, Mariposa county, in which Daniel HUNT was killed by Ned REVERDY.
Stockton Daily Independent, MONDAY, 19 APR 1869
MARIPOSA -- From the 'Mail' of April 15th -- The man found dead a short time
since about a mile from Hildreth's ranch, San Joaquin river, with his throat
cut, was named James HARRIS, an employee of J.R. JONES, at Converse's Ferry.
transcribed by Dee S
C.W.SMITH---killed Joseph SHUMATE
Transcribed from the Mariposa Free Pree, March 10, 1871
(submitted by Steve Miller)
Sentenced.--C. W. Smith was sentenced by Judge Bradford yesterday
to be imprisoned in the state Prison for the term of six years.
He was
found guilty of manslaughter at the last term of the District Court,
and
a motion made for a new trial by his counsel R. H. Daly, who made an
able argument when the case was called up. The motion was
overruled
and sentence passed, as above stated.
( This was a result of C. W. Smith stabbing and killing Joseph Shumate
in front of the Schlageter's Hotel in October 1870. C. W. Smith,
also known
as "Artesian" Smith was characterized as "being generally worthless,
intemperate
and a dreadful bore")
------------------
DAVID PATTERSON- KILLED BY FRANK
CLOW-1877
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.
----------------------------------------
BRANSON/SIMMONS TRAGEDY-
HORNITOS, 1882
-----------------
Mariposa
Gazette, June 6, 1885
A
homicide occurred on May 31st, near Coulterville, Louis CASTAGNETTO killing
Stephen LONGO a brother in law. The particulars will probably be
brought
out in trial, when they will be given to the public. transcribed
by Bill
Disbro
------------------------
DAILY EVENING POST, SAN
PATRICIDE
IN MARIPOSA
WILLIAM HART SHOTS FATHER DAVID HART
Wednesday afternoon, at Parks Saloon, in the
town of
J. B. LAMBERT- BUGOLOGIST
Transcribed form the SCHELLENS COLLECTION
Walter Castor
Pg. 329 Yosemite Mariposa Co. 1896
SF Chronicle Apr. 26, 1896:
"Merced, April 25. J. B. LAMBERT, the bugologist of Yosemite Valley who was found dead in his cabin last Sunday, was undoubtedly murdered. A large bullet hole was found in his head over the right temple, and from the condition of
the body the wound must have been inflicted at least two weeks before the body was found. The deceased had no money and no known enemies. His cabin was found locked from the outside with a padlock. The impression of his neighbors is
that the killing was the work of Indians, the result of a quarrel over a squaw. LAMBERT had been a resident of the Yosemite Valley reservation for years, and gained a livelihood as an entomologist, in which profession he was an expert.
He aided John MUIR in his glacier investigations of the Yosemite in the seventies." ------------------------------
Halloran killed by Shehady- 1909 (off site article)
----------------------------------------------
Mariposa Gazette, November 14, 1908
TOM BAXTER KILLED.
A Quarrel Between Baxter and Trabucco Ends Fatally
Tuesday morning last, Mariposa people were all excited by the news from
Mt. Bullion, by telephone, that Frank Trabucco, Jr. had killed Tom
Baxter at that place.
Sheriff Prouty, District Attorney Adair, Coroner Johnson and others
went to the scene of the killing at once and on their arrival found
that the report was too true.
The trouble was over family affairs in which the public is not
concerned.
Baxter and Trabucco were cousins by marriage and bad blood had existed
between them for some time.
Tuesday morning Trabucco, who resides with his grand-mother at Bear
Valley where he is engaged in the cattle business, came to Mt. Bullion
on business and met Baxter, who was a resident of the place, engaged in
blacksmithing there. A quarrel was the result of the
meeting, but mutual friends interfered and trouble was averted for the
time being, but not for long as the two met soon after in front of the
hotel. Hot words passed and it is claimed Baxter struck Trabucco
and a shot was fired, the bullet passing through Trabucco's left hand
and entered Baxter's body just below the heart, killing him instantly.
The wound in Trabucco's hand is a painful one though not dangerous. It
was dressed by Dr. Gallison and Trabucco was taken in charge by Sheriff
Prouty and in the afternoon lodged in the Mariposa jail, where he will
remain until after the preliminary examination.
Tom Baxter, the dead man, was a native of Ireland and had been a
resident of Mt. Bullion for a number of years, where he conducted a
blacksmith shop and was well liked. About two years ago the deceased
was married to Miss Ellen Trabucco, daughter of John B. Trabucco of Mt.
Bullion, and a cousin of the prisoner.
Coroner Johnson and a jury held an inquest Wednesday, the verdict
being, "Death caused by a gunshot wound inflected by the hands of Frank
Trabucco, Jr."
The funeral of Baxter took place from the home of his father-in-law,
John B. Trabucco, Thursday, and the remains were buried in the cemetery
at Bear Valley. The funeral was largely attended and the floral
offerings were profuse.
NOTE: More can be found on the Baxter shooting in the Gazette of
November 28th ,1908.
The article is:
TRABUCCO DISCHARGED Evidence Insufficient to Warrant Being
Held.
--------------------------------------------
BAXTER, Thomas
Merced Express, November 14, 1908
HOMICIDE AT MT. BULLION.
Tuesday morning of this week Frank Trabucco shot and killed his cousin,
Thomas Baxter. The tragedy was the result of family altercations. The
two men were cousins by marriage. Baxter about two years ago married
Miss Ellen Trabucco, daughter of John Trabucco, and a cousin of the man
who did the shooting, and it was owing to quarrels between the families
that the trouble ensued that ended in the tragedy.
The two men met in front of the Mt. Bullion hotel and clinched and
Trabucco fired a shot form his pistol, which, after penetrating his own
left hand, crushed into the body of his cousin, who after reeling a
moment, fell dead.
Frank Trabucco is about 32 years old and is a son of Frank Trabucco the
Mt Bullion merchant. He made his home with his grandmother in Bear
Valley, where he followed the cattle business. Tom Baxter, the dead
man, was 38 years old and a blacksmith by trade. He conducted a
blacksmith shop in Mt. Bullion, which is owned by his father-in-law,
John Trabucco.
Contributed by Tom Hilk
-------------------------------------------------
SENSATIONAL
SHOOTING IN MARIPOSA
There
was a sensational shooting in Mariposa
last week, in which Miss Elsie Franke, a professional nurse of
-----------------------------------------
MINDEZ, Tiburcio July 10, 1918 Mariposa Gazette
ONE MAN KILLED IN SHOOTING SCRAPE
Gene WHITENER, head logger for the
Madera
Sugar Pine Company, is in the Mariposa county jail charged with murder,
one Mexican is dead and two other men are believed to be fatally
wounded,
is the result of a shooting affray that took place Sunday night about
eleven
o'clock near Wawona, at a resort known as "Tipperary."
Two shots were fired by WHITENER from
a 38-special Smith and Wesson revolver. The first shot passed through
the
body of a Mexican called Joe and struck another man named Louis in the
breast, the bullet ranging downward. A second shot hit another Mexican,
Tiburcio MINDEZ, killing him instantly.
It is reported that jealousy over the
women inmates was the cause that led to the shooting. That a hard fight
took place is evidenced by the reported condition of the house. The
place
was strewn with broken bottles, rocks, etc., and everything about the
house
was wrecked. It is said that all were intoxicated at the time.
The wounded men were taken to the Sugar
Pine hospital. Both are reported to be in a critical condition.
Coroner JOHNSON held an inquest on the
remains of MINDEZ, the verdict being that he came to his death "from a
gunshot wound inflicted by Gene WHITENER."
This notorious resort, "Tipperary,"
has been allowed to remain open in defiance of all law for several
years
and has been the scene of much trouble in the past. The officers have
paid
but little, if any, attention to this state of affairs and the life of
one man, with possibly two more, is the result of the failure of these
officers to perform a sworn duty.
What action will be taken by these
officers
in enforcing the law affecting other resorts in that locality, equally
notorious as "Tipperary," will be watched with interest.
The preliminary examination of WHITENER
was held yesterday before Justice STOUT at Oakvale, the result not
known
as we go to press.
Jos. BARCROFT of Madera has been
retained
as attorney for WHITENER.
submitted by Harriet Sturk
-----------------------------------------
WILSON, Billy and Lena---------------------------------
Mariposa Gazette, May 16, 1930
El Portal Indian and Wife Meet With Tragic Deaths
Billy Wilson and his wife, Mrs. Lena Wilson, two well known Indians of El Portal and Yosemite Valley, were found dead near their parked car at the old Hennessey apple orchard on the Yosemite all-year highway early
last Wednesday morning. Wilson was shot through the head and Mrs. Wilson died from a blow or blows on the head. Joe Rube, a brother of the dead woman, was taken into custody by Sheriff J. J. Castagnetto and Undersheriff J. H. Ellingham, who rushed to the scene of the killing. Rube is being held in the county jail.
Wilson's own gun, a .25 automatic, was found near his body. The woman's wrists were bruised and on one of the wrists was a piece of wire which appeared to have been used to bind her hands and drag her.
The three Indians left Mariposa about midnight last Tuesday and it is stated they carried a gallon jug of liquor in the car. Rube admits having quarreled and fought with Wilson and his sister, but says he left them about three o'clock Wednesday morning at the Hennessey orchard and that both were then alive.
The theories of murder, accident and suicide have all been mentioned as causes of the death of the two.
Rube claims that he went to El Portal to secure food and was returning when intercepted by the officers. His clothing was smeared with blood and he was bruised and cut. The bodies of the two were brought to Mariposa by Coroner D. E. Bertken
who held an inquest at the scene of the killing on Wednesday afternoon. At the morgue here a post-mortem examination of the bodies was made by Dr. A. M. Gregory. The woman's stomach was removed on suspicion of containing poison liquor.
The officers are working on the case and it is hoped tha some light may be thrown on the mysterious killing.
submitted by Tom Hilk
Nevada State Journal, Reno Nevada -Tuesday Aug. 17, 1926
BARAN RIDDLES BODIES OF VICTIMS IN BATTLE
Merced, Cal- Aug. 16- Two men were found dead and another was found
dying, his body riddled with bullets, in the sparsely settled and rough
country, after Paul Baran, 51, a miner, had surrendered to the sheriff
here today, saying that he had killed three men in a quarrel over a
mining claim.
The miner claimed that the trio threatened to kill him if he did not
leave and give them the mining property. He shot it out with them he
said, as they approached his cabin this morning.
The victims of his rifle were Victor Shinoniass, T. Shastin and H
Clark, all of Oakland, Cal. The later was still alive when found
by a party of searchers from Briceburg, but it was stated that he has
virtually no chance for recovery. The bodies of the other two men
were taken tonight to Mariposa.
Baran also mentioned a longstanding quarrel with Louis Milburn,
district attorney of mariposa county, but connected it only vaguely
with the triple slaying. Although the shootings occurred in
Mariposa county, the miner walked to Merced to surrender, saying that
he could not get a square deal in Mariposa. He will be returned
to the latter county to face charges tomorrow.
The three men had been working for Baran on his claim for a little more
than a month. Until today it was not known that any trouble had existed
on the claim. transcribed by cferoben
John CATLETT, 55, Is Killed by Bullet Fired From Revolver of Tom
STEINBERG
SLAYER SURRENDERS< CLAIMS SELF-DEFENSE
Aqua Fria, Scene of Tragedy, Once was County Seat For Third of State
AGUA FRIA- Mariposa Co- April 25, A miner's revolver spat
death to-day, ending in true forty-niner fashion a gold panners'
quarrel in this historic settlement, once the county seat of a county
which included one-third of the area of the present state of California.
Miners, who left their gold pans on hearing the shot, arrived to find
John Catlett, 55, dying, a bullet through his head just above one eye.
Tom Steinberg, 45, a neighbor of Catlett in the little community of
miners; cabins that has sprung up here as a result of the revival of
placer activities, walked to the dwelling of C H Grollier, near his
own, and asked Grollier to take him by automobile to Mount
Bullion.
Surrenders To Sheriff
There Steinberg telephoned Sheriff J J Castagnetto he had killed
Catlett and would await the arrival of officers. He was taken to
the county jail at Mariposa.
Steinberg told the officials he and Catlett had been at odds for some
time over a deal in which Catlett had purchased a cabin.
Steinberg said both men went to the same part of Agua Fria Creek early
to-day to pan for gold and became engaged in a dispute over their
findings.\
"He came at me with pick." the prisoner told the officials. "I
shot to protect myself.."
The .38 caliber bullet dropped Catlett beside the creek, a stone's
throw from the site where the Agua Fria Courthouse stood in 1850.
Miners Try First Aid
Miners who attempted to render first aid said Catlett died within an
hour of the shooting.
His body still lay beside the creek when Coroner W D McNally of
Mariposa County arrived to take charge.
Catlett had been a resident of Mariposa County intermittently for many
years. With his brother Charles Catlett, a part-time employee of
a Merced newspaper, he had been engaged in mining operations here.
Charles Catlett was one of the group that fathered around his brother
after hearing the fatal shot.
Two other brothers, G. T. Catlett of Los Angeles and U S Catlett of San
Francisco also survive, as do two sisters, Mrs. M. Green of San Mateo
and Mrs. Bessie Cates of Grub Gulch, Madera County.
Catlett was a native of Tennessee.
Steinberg has resided in Mariposa County five or six years, coming here
from the Palo Verde Valley. Although he has been known by no
other name during his residence here, he volunteered to officers the
information that his real name is B. D. Garvin.
Steinberg is well known in the Mariposa District as a collector
of curiosities. Acquaintances say his conservation
indicates he has traveled widely in all parts of the world.
SLAYER OF MINER GETS PRISON TERM
Modesto Bee, May 7, 1935 Mariposa - May 6- B. D. Garvin,
confessed slayer of John F CATLETT during a prospectors quarrel
April
25th, was sentenced to one to ten years in San Quentin by Superior
Judge J. J. Trabucco today. Garvin pleaded guilty and the charge was
reduced to manslaughter.
Catlett, pioneer Mariposa County miner, became involved in a dispute
with Garvin over prospecting rights in Agua Fria Creek. Garvin
said he shot Catlett after the latter threatened him with a pick.
transcribed by c feroben
The Times, San Mateo, California, Tuesday , Dec. 04,
1941-page 8
SHARPSHOOTER SLAYS 2 MINERS
HORNITOS, Feb. 4- Authorities searched the mother lode gold
country of Mariposa county today for the marksman who killed two
aged
miners in their cabin near Hornitos.
The bodies of Joseph Enos, 72 and Jacob A Young, 68, were found
yesterday in Young's cabin on a claim the two men had been working. The
murders were discovered late yesterday after the Hornitos postmistress,
Jennie Gagliardo, reported that the men had not made their weekly call
for mail from the cabin on Cotton creek seven miles away.
Both men had been shot in the head, Sheriff John J. Castagnetto said.
The sheriff said trampled grass on the bank of a ravine below the cabin
indicated the slayer had waited there until both men sat down on a
bench near a window of the cabin.
Castagnetto said the men had been dead at least tow or three
days. The bodies were guarded by miner's dog, Spot.
The sheriff said the only apparent motive for the slaying was robbery
since billfolds carried by the men were empty and the door was locked
from the outside. Enos and Young had engaged in trapping and hunting in
recent years, in addition to their mining activities. transcribed by
cferoben
Fresno Bee Republican- Feb. 11, 1945, page 11
Sheriff Returns 1921 Slayer to Mariposa Jail
Mariposa (Mariposa Co) Feb. 10- James J Beck, 71, who last
week in
Oroville, Butte County, confessed the slaying 24 years ago of Frank Garrett
at Bagby in Mariposa County, has been
returned to the county
jail here by Sheriff O S Whitley, to face whatever charge District
Attorney Louis Milburn chooses to lodge against him.
Beck confessed the killing to Sheriff W H Forward of Butte County,
declaring that on the night of February 21, 1921 Garrett attacked him
with an ax at his ranch near Bagby during a quarrel over a neighbor's
daughter. He said he hid for several days after the killing and
then went to Merced and later to Sacramento.
He lived in the vicinity of Oroville for the last 12 years,
working as a prospector and doing odd jobs. When he approached
the
Butte County sheriff he said he "didn't care what they do to me."
Sheriff Whitley said local county records showed a search had been
undertaken for Beck some time after Garrett's body was recovered.
Whitley said today Beck appears to be a tired old man who wants to
clear his conscience.
Milburn is in San Francisco and is expected to return to Mariposa this
weekend. It is expected he will be given his preliminary hearing
before Justice of the Peace Tom Reese in Coulterville and that, if he
is held for trial, he will be tried in the historic courthouse before
Superior Judge Andrew R Schottky.
------------
AGED MARIPOSAN FACES CHARGE OF MURDERING SON
Fresno Bee, Friday, Jan 9, 1942
Mariposa (Mariposa Co) Jan 9-District Attorney Louis T. Milburn of
Mariposa County announced today Thomas CONLEY, 69, a Mount Bullion
prospector, will be tried in the superior cout here for the alleged
murder of his forty year old son, James Conley, last Christmas Eve.
Conley was arraigned before Justice of the Peace J T Norman at Cathey
Valley on the murder complaint, which was signed by Sheriff J J
Castagnetto of Mariposa County.
The aged prospector allegedly stabbed his son with a butcher knife in
their Mount Bullion cabin Christmas Eve, two deeP wounds on the left
side of the chest proving fatal ten day later in a Merced Hospital.
Milburn said Conley claimed he stabbed his son in self defense.
He told the district attorney that during a scuffle in the kitchen his
son hit him on the head with a piece of wood. The two men went
outside, the district attorney said, and shortly afterwards the father
returned to the house. James entered a few moments later and lay down
on a couch. Another son, Joseph, noticed his brother was bleeding
on his left side and immediately called Mariposa for aid. The
prospector is in the Mariposa County Jail.