Sonoma County

History

Source:  History of Sonoma County....San Francisco, 1880.

THE HOMICIDES OF SONOMA COUNTY

 

The people vs. C. Brunner - Winslow Hall - Thomas Stewart - Jose Sorano - Michael Ryan -

John Sharon - T. B. Berger - W. N. Thompson - Jonathan Davis - R. J. Smither - Bird

Brumfield - C. Sweitzer - Penito - Lodie Brown, John L. Houx, W. E. Andrews - James P.

Renfro - Benj. Edwards - Pedro Soto - J. R. Gibbons - James K. Brownlee - F. A. Heflin -

H. S. Epperle - Osman Fairbanks - Thomas Reed - Jose Maria Flores - J. L. Epperson -

Homicide of Mrs. Charles Aldrich - Hugh M'Laughlin - Deputy Sheriff David Campbell -

Cameron, alias J. M. Scott - Wenton - Mrs. Lee - George Andrado - J. G. Hill.

 
                     
                    Mention has been made in another portion of this volume of the establishment of Prefectures, and a Judge of First Instance; while the judgment decreed in a suit heard in the latter Court at Benicia, as appertaining to the district of Sonoma, has been copied verbatim.
                    With the acquisition of California by the Government of the United States, and the increase of population, better provision was deemed necessary for the carrying out of the law. County Courts were established, and among others, the Seventh Judicial District Court; however, this division was altered afterwards, and Sonoma, with Marin county, formed into one Judicial District.
                    We have been unable to trace any trials which took place anterior to the year 1858; our record, of necessity, therefore, commences with that period.
                    The People vs. Christian Bruner. - This was a case wherein the accused was indicted for the shooting of one Antone Bruner with a pistol. The offense occurred in the town of Sonoma on September 9, 1858, and arose out of a quarrel in respect to the renting of a bar-room by the two men. On the 9th October following, an individual named Peter Peterson was included in the indictment, and a warrant issued for his arrest, but what further proceedings were had, or what decision was arrived at, the records do not show.
                    The People vs. Winslow Hall. - The defendant was arrested and tried for the killing of Frederick Bischoff, by shooting him in the neck, on September 1, 1857. On arraignment, on October 13, 1858, he was decreed "Not Guilty," and discharged.
                    The People vs. Thomas Stewart. - The circumstances connected with this case are briefly these: On November 24, 1860, while L. D. Helms was sitting in front of his house, situated in Salt Point township, in company with two persons, he was suddenly shot dead by some unknown party. Mr. George Curran, one of the party, was with Helms when shot, gave information that the weapon used was a rifle, and that he saw the smoke rise from the bushes, about fifty yards from the house, immediately after the unfortunate man fell. The ball struck the right arm above the elbow and lodged in the breast. Helms exclaimed, "I am shot!" and fell dead. Six parties were arrested, viz: J. Stewart, Sr.; Mrs. Stewart, and Russell Stevens. Thomas Stewart, who is supposed to have perpetrated the deed, was arrested at Point Arenas, and brought back to Salt Point, but while there, during the night, feigned sickness, was granted permission to go out of doors, and taking advantage of this leniency, effected his escape. On December 11th the five parties mentioned above were examined before Justice of the Peace Myers, and two of them, James and Samuel Stewart, were held to answer in the sum of one thousand dollars bail.
                    Killing of Mrs. Charles Aldrich. - The dead body of Mrs. Aldrich was found near the residence of her husband, in the vicinity, of Cloverdale, on May 7, 1860. Charles Aldrich, her husband, left home on the morning of that day, for Cloverdale, and did not return till night. Upon going into his house and finding his wife absent, he searched for her, and finally discovered the body about one hundred and fifty yards from the house, with such marks of violence upon it as plainly to intimate the cause of death. The face and head were bruised and disfigured, while a piece of linen duck was tightly wrapped around the neck, leaving no doubt that she was strangled. Her child, an infant of six months old, was found lying unhurt near the body, though stripped of its clothing. Several parties were arrested as implicated in this case, but we do not find that any one was tried or convicted.
                   Stabbing of Hugh McLaughlin. - Hugh McLaughlin, keeper of a livery stable at Healdsburg, was fatally stabbed by James B. Boggs, on July 6, 1861. Both of the parties, who are reported to have been under the influence of liquor, met at Foss' Livery stable at about 6:30 P.M., when Boggs remarked upon seeing a horse groomed, that the animal was "not of much account." McLaughlin agreed with him, and rejoined that it came from "Pike, and nothing from there is of any account." Boggs thereupon made the pleasant retort - "Oh Yes, I came from 'Pike', and you know that I am a good fellow." To which McLaughlin replied, calling him a liar at the same time knocking him down. He was at once taken off, but soon knocked Boggs down again. McLaughlin afterwards left the stable and went into a saloon; he was shortly afterwards followed by Boggs; they came together at the door, and backing into the saloon commenced fighting with knives. Both struck each other about the same time, upon which Boggs staggered back about three steps followed by Boggs; they came together at the door, and backing into the saloon commenced fighting with knives. Both struck each other about the same time, upon which Boggs staggered back about three steps followed by the other, both striking again, when McLaughlin fell against Boggs, and was carried away mortally wounded. Boggs at once gave himself up, and was admitted to bail in the sum of ten thousand dollars. There are no records of the proceedings in this case.
                    Shooting of Deputy Sheriff David Campbell. - About January 6, 1862, Deputy Sheriff David Campbell attempted to execute an attachment upon a horse in possession of Isaac Baker, at his ranch at Stony Point, Analy township; but was met by Baker armed with a knife, who declared he should not have the property. Campbell returned to Santa Rosa, and on Friday the 16th, in company with Deputy Sheriff Hood and August Koble, proceeded with a warrant to arrest Baker, as well as to take the property. On their arrival at the house, they experienced difficulty in finding him; he was, however, discovered near some out-houses. An altercation ensued on their meeting, after which Baker started off, stating he was going about his business. He was ordered to halt by Campbell, but not complying, the latter shot him. Baker called to his son William, who was discovered about thirty paces distant with a rifle presented at the Sheriff, to shoot. Campbell observing young Baker about to shoot fired at him, who returned the fire at once, killing Campbell. He was examined before Squire Lee of Analy, and discharged.
                    The People vs. Jose Sorano. In the month of February, 1864, Jose Sorano had been at the corral of Thomas Knight, in Knight's Valley, in company with two or three others. Mr. Knight, hearing the report of several shots, after a while went out near the corral, when he saw the Indian Ibarra lying on his back, dead, and the accused, Sorano, sitting on his horse near by, with his pistol in his hand. Another witness swore that he saw the actual shooting. Afterwards, at the inquest, Sorano said that he killed Ibarra because Ibarra was jealous of him. Sorano was indicted and escaped from jail on the night of November 11th, 1864, and was not captured until November, 1866, when he was taken in San Francisco and brought to Santa Rosa for trial, and found guilty of murder in the first degree. He was sentenced to death, which was afterwards commuted to thirty years in the State prison.
                    The People vs. John Sharon. - The killing of Michael Slattery by John Sharon, at Bloomfield, is reported as follows: Sharon owned a lot of hogs which had been running at large and caused some annoyance to his neighbors, by breaking into their grain fields, etc. Slattery has sustained dome damage by the hogs, and, in consequence, had them shut up in a corral on his place. Sharon missing the hogs, sent his little boy over to Slattery's to see if they were upon his premises. The boy, having ascertained that the hogs were there, was on his return home, when he met his father coming over with his double-barreled shot gun. Sharon and his son then proceeded to Slattery's house, and passed through the yard, saluted Mrs. Slattery, and went on to where the hogs were confined, and started to remove them. Slattery, who had been engaged in nailing some boards about an out-house, came out, and calling to Sharon, told him to leave the hogs alone until he had paid for the damage done by them. Sharon left the hogs, and proceeded to Slattery, who was standing inside an inclosure, near a board gate. Slattery held a hatchet in his hand, with which he had been at work. Sharon pushed the gate open, and in doing so passed the muzzle of the gun beyond Slattery; it was immediately drawn back and discharged by Sharon, the charge taking effect in Slattery's left arm and side. The gun was loaded with buck-shot, some of which penetrated the lungs, and death soon after ensued. The case was brought for trial before District Judge J. B. Southard on December 21, 1865, but the jury failing to agree, were discharged. It was retried on June 19, 1866, but once more the jury failed to convict. A change of venue was afterwards granted and the case sent to San Francisco for trial.
                    The People vs. Thomas E. Berger. - On Saturday, April 8, 1865, Dr. Pelig was shot and killed by a neighbor named Thomas B. Berger, at Mark Westcreek, under the following circumstances: A feud had existed between them for a long time in regard to their lands, and a day or two before the unfortunate occurrence about to be related, another difficulty had arisen concerning school matters in their district. A fight with fists had taken place between them a day or two previous to the killing, and on Saturday Dr. Kidd visited Santa Rosa in company with J. M. Laughlin, for the purpose of having Berger bound over to keep the peace. Berger's friends state that on the morning of Saturday (the day of the killing), Dr. Kidd shot at Berger, while on the contrary, the friends of the deceased, assert that Berger fired at Kidd. - From some cause or other Dr. Kidd did not swear out a warrant for Berger, as intended while in Santa Rosa, and on his way home, on Saturday evening, in company with Mr. Laughlin, in a buggy, when passing a grocery, near the Mark West bridge, they were hailed by Berger, who was standing in front of the grocery door. Berger called to Laughlin and asked him to stop. This request having been complied with, Berger then requested Dr. Kidd to get out of the buggy and settle the matter. Kidd declined doing so and requested Laughlin to drive on, remarking that he did not wish to have anything to do with him (Berger). Laughlin then drove on - and when they had proceeded a few steps, Berger stepped out into the road and drawing his Colt's revolver, fired at Kidd, who was looking back. The ball entered Kidd's forehead, just over the right eye, and he expired in a few moments. Berger then mounted his horse and proceeding to Windsor, surrendered himself to Justice of the Peace L. C. Burns. On trial accused was adjudged not guilty.
                    The People vs. William N. Thompson. - The accused was tried for the murder of Joseph Martin in February, 1866, in the Dovey redwoods near Russian River. The facts were proved that the defendant took his rifle and went to the house of Martin, who had jumped his claim, and told him to leave. Martin was engaged in cutting brush near his cabin; he would not leave, and came at Thompson with an ax when he, Thompson, shot him. The deceased lived two days. The jury found a verdict of murder in the second degree, and Thompson was sentenced to twenty years in the State prison.
                    The People vs. Jonathan Davis. - Defendant was tried for beating and kicking Hannah Davis on August 6, 1867, from the effects of which she died on the same date. He was duly tried, acquitted and judgment rendered in accordance with the finding on October 18, 1867.
                    The People vs. Bird Brumfield. - Accused was indicted for the stabbing of John Strong on June 20, 1867, and was brought to trial October 23 and by the jury adjudged not guilty.
                     Shooting of Cameron, alias James Munro Scott. - A man who had been known by the name of Cameron, but whose real name was James Munro Scott, a Canadian, was shot dead in the streets of Freestone, Bodega Township, on June 16, 1867. Deceased had been in partnership with a man named Nicholson, who was killed about eighteen months before in connection with a squatter dispute. Scott was a notorious desperado. On the following day, (17th), a man called John Jones was discovered on the road one and a half miles from Freestone, badly wounded in the groin by the accidental discharge of a rifle. A bad feeling had been known to have existed between Jones and Scott, which had been recently intensified by a gambling transaction about a horse - there was, however, nothing but mere suspicion to connect Jones with the affair.
                    The People vs. C. Sweitzer. - The facts of this case are briefly these: A race was about to come off, instigated by the Sweitzer boys from Suisun valley, Solano county, on the one side; and a man named White, of Sacramento county, and Morgan, of Geyersville, on the other. A dispute and fist-fight, in a saloon, was succeeded by Nick Sweitzer drawing his pistol and firing at White - the first shot grazing the upper lip and right side of the face, and the second passing through the right arm, neither of them inflicting serious injury. Sweitzer then rushed out of the room and became involved in an altercation with White's friend and partner, whom he immediately shot dead. He and his brother ran off. Nick soon came up with a man on horseback, whom he commanded to dismount, and taking possession of his steed, made good his escape. The other brothers returned to town, satisfied the man for the loss of his horse, and then had the race withdrawn for fear of further difficulty. Other parties were engaged in shooting, and an accidental shot, almost spent, hit a man called Van Evrie, of Sonoma, at a distance of one hundred and eighty yards - the ball passing along the side of his mouth and being afterwards spit out. During the occurrence, men were to be seen firing off their pistols in every direction, then scaling fences and seeking refuge in the neighboring hills. For the shooting of White, Sweitzer was afterwards tried and acquitted before the County, and was held before the District Court, to answer for the murder of Morgan, the other person shot.
                      The People vs. Michael Ryan. - On February 7, 1865, Mrs. Ryan was brutally murdered by her husband, Michael Ryan, by striking her on the head with a pick. They had been but a short time residents of Santa Rosa, and lived unhappily together, the husband being addicted to dissipated habits. On June 29th, he was arraigned before Judge Sawyer and sentenced to death, this being the second conviction of murder in the first degree which had taken place in the county since its organization. The murderer was decreed to pay the extreme penalty of the law on the 17th of August, but in the meantime a stay of proceedings was granted upon motion for a new trial. He was hanged on March 23, 1866, within the jail yard of Santa Rosa - the only execution which, up to the present time, 1879, has occurred in Sonoma County.
                      The People vs. Penito. - The defendant, an Indian, was charged with the murder of one Santa Argo, by stabbing, on August 4, 1869. On trial he was adjudged not guilty.
                      The People vs. Lodie Brown, John L. Houx, and William E. Andrews. - These men were accused of the murder of H. P. Benton, on August 16, 1871, and on arraignment were convicted of murder in the second degree, and sentenced to imprisonment for thirty years.
                     The People vs. James F. Renfro. - As we can find no record of this case we reproduce some remarks concerning it from the Sonoma Democrat: "Friday, the 21st April (1871), was set apart for the execution in Santa Rosa of James F. Renfro, who was convicted of murder more than a year ago. The case was one of purely circumstantial evidence, and for this reason parties have interested themselves in an endeavor to secure Executive Clemency, by asking the Governor to commute his sentence to imprisonment for life. Renfro's  case is peculiar in many respects. The killing of Wilson, by whoever committed, was a cowardly, cold-blooded assassination, and the perpetrator richly deserves to die the death of a felon. While quietly riding through the woods, and unsuspecting danger, Wilson was shot with a rifle through the back by an unseen foe, producing instant death. The spot where the murderer stood was easily recognized. He had selected it carefully, and prepared the brush so as to get a rest for his rifle and be out of sight himself, while covering the victim as he passed a bend in the road. The deadly purpose was fully carried out, and a good man, husband and father hurried into eternity without a moment's warning.
                    "Renfro, who lived with the family of the deceased, was at once suspected of the crime by his own neighbors. On the trial it was proved that he wanted Wilson's step-daughter to marry him, and had declared that he would put any man out of the way who interfered to prevent it; that the girl, in response to his questions, admitted that her step-father objected to the match; that Renfro, on the day of the murder, urged Wilson to go down on Russian River to get some corn while he (Renfro) went to feed the hogs in another direction; that he acted very strangely before any crime was known to have been committed, repeatedly calling the attention of a neighbor to the fact that he had been at his house at a particular time that day; that tracks were found, beginning at the place where the assassin stood, corresponding to those made by Renfro's boots, one of which had a piece of leather of a saddle fastened on the heel, making a peculiar mark. From these and other circumstances the jury found a verdict of murder in the first degree against James F. Renfro, more than a year ago. He was sentenced to death; a motion was made for a new trial, which was denied, the case taken before the Supreme Court, the Court below finally sustained, and the defendant sentenced again to be executed on 21st April. On April 18th Governor Haight postponed the carrying out of the sentence until May 12th, and finally commuted the judgment of the Court to imprisonment for life.
                    The Killing of Wenton. - On March 14, 1871, a horrible murder was committed in Salt Point township, near Fort Ross. The victim was a man named Wenton, who had always been known as a quiet and peaceable individual. It is said that an old grudge existed between the parties. A man named Blake and Wenton went to the cabin of another, called Duval, and all the parties became somewhat intoxicated; a fight ensued. Duval seized an ax and cut Wenton in a frightful manner. It was thought that Blake planned the affair and got Duval to do the killing.
                    The People vs. Benjamin Edwards. - The accused in this case was indicted for the murder of L. Levy, on November 5, 1871. On trial he was found guilty of murder in the second degree, and sentenced to twenty years imprisonment.
                     The People vs. Pedro Soto. - Defendant in this case was arraigned for the murder, on November 12, 1871, of Susannah Frias, by beating her with a bludgeon. He was duly tried, found guilty of murder in the second degree, and sentenced to fifteen years in the State prison.
                    The People vs. Joseph R. Gibbons. - In this case, accused was tried for the murder of Joseph W. Rawles, committed on December 12, 1871. A verdict of murder in the second degree was rendered June 22, 1872, and prisoner sentenced to fifteen years imprisonment.
                    Murder of Mrs. Lee. - On October 28, 1874, a man named Lee murdered his wife in Santa Rosa township under circumstances of peculiar brutality and afterwards effected his escape.
                    Killing of George Andrado. - On April 14, 1875, a Mexican named Mathias Salmon killed another Mexican called George Andrado, at Pine Flat, by shooting him in the temple. The shooting took place in a house of ill-fame, where the parties were engaged in dice throwing, the murdered man being the barkeeper of the establishment. After the killing Salmon robbed the till and levanted.
                   The People vs. James K. Brownlee. - The prisoner in this case was convicted of the murder of Charles E. Gerl, on July 29, 1875, and was sentenced October 26, to imprisonment for life.
                   The People vs. T. A. Heflin. - The defendant was indicted for the stabbing of Charles Stevens, and on trial was acquitted. The circumstances attending this occurrence will be found in our history of Santa Rosa.
                    The People vs. H. S. Epperle. - Accused was tried for murder in the second degree, but was acquitted by the jury.
                     The People vs. Osman Fairbanks. - On September 23, 1876, Michael Martin, formerly proprietor of the Freestone Hotel, was killed. The supposed perpetrators were Osman Fairbanks and Isaac Stockton, both of that village. The cause of the fatal affray was supposed to be a feud that had for some time been existing among the parties, caused by the ejectment some time previously of Stockton and Fairbanks from a bar-room by Martin. In the evening Martin approached the entrance of Stein's hotel in an intoxicated condition and used abusive language to Fairbanks and Stockton, whom he met. It was said that he was beaten on the head by the two, death being the result. Fairbanks was arrested, tried for manslaughter and the case dismissed.
                     The People vs. Thomas Reed. - Defendant was indicted for the murder of R. Alexander, on March 25, 1877. He was tried, and found guilty, on September 11th, of manslaughter, and sentenced to ten years imprisonment.
                     The People vs. Jose Maria Floris. - An old man by the name of Nicholas Hortes, a native Californian, we believe, was murdered on the 4th instant in the mountains between Sonoma and Petaluma, in the south-eastern portion of this county, by an Indian whose name is Jose Maria Floris. The old man lived in a cabin all alone and raised chicken and eggs for market. The Indian was frequently about his premises, though he did not live there. The Indian was frequently about his premises, though he did not live there. After the 4th of June the old man was missing and for some days nothing was thought of his absence, but after several days had expired the suspicions of the neighbors began to be aroused that something had gone wrong with him, and they commenced making inquiry into the matter. The Indian was questioned closely as to his knowledge of him, and supposing that he was suspected he confessed that he had killed him. He then went to a gulch near the old man's cabin and showed where he had killed and buried him, and his body was recovered. His skull had been crushed with a stone and then a large knife run deeply into his body in several places. The stone and knife were both found covered with blood. The Indian stated that he and the old man had a dispute and that he picked up the stone, crushed in his skull and then stabbed him to make sure work of it. He was taken before Justice Akers of Sonoma, waived an examination and committed to jail Monday to await the action of the Grand Jury. On the case being brought to trial, the prisoner was adjudged guilty and sentenced to imprisonment for twenty years.
                    The People vs. Jackson L. Epperson. - Jack Epperson shot and instantly killed Henry Thomas at the Veranda Hotel, Geyersville, on Thursday evening. We are informed that Epperson had been drinking, and becoming boisterous was put out of the hotel by Thomas, and as they were standing in front of the building, Epperson raised a Winchester rifle that he had been flourishing during the evening, and shot Thomas, the ball entering the right side of the abdomen, passing entirely through the body and coming out near the left hip, breaking the hip-bone. Epperson then attempted to make his escape, but was closely pursued by Constable Charles Rummel, who followed him to Mr. Yeager's ranch, and knocked at the door, which was opened by Mrs. Yeager, who is a sister of Epperson. As soon as Epperson saw the Constable he raised his rifle and fired at him, but Yeager struck the weapon up and diverted the aim. The ball passed close to Rummel's ear, just grazing his head. The Constable, who was also armed with a Winchester rifle, took position about a hundred yards from the house, near a smoke-house, and shortly afterward Epperson made his appearance and seemed to be making for the hills. When he discovered Rummel he fired three shots at him, without effect, and Rummel returning the fire, broke Epperson's leg, and arrested his flight. Sheriff Dinwiddie was telegraphed to, and, with his becoming promptness, procured a team, and accompanied by Jailor Connolly, went to the scene. Mr. Connolly returned with Epperson, and conveyed him to the County Hospital, where he died on January 30, 1879.
                    Killing of J. G. Hill. - On Saturday evening, Nov. 8, 1879, the Blue Ribbon Club of Forrestville met, as usual, in the hall of a building owned by the Santa Rosa Savings Bank, and occupied by Robert Weir and family. There were between sixty and seventy persons - men, women and children - present, among whom were Miss Georgia Travis and her brother, Wirt Travis. A short time before the regular exercises of the Club had commenced Mr. Hill and Samuel Keys came in together, and immediately thereafter Miss Travis rose and approached Wirt, who was sitting a short distance from her, and the two went out together. In about ten minutes Wirt returned, passed near where Hill was sitting, and resumed his original seat, which was in front of Hill, and about eight feet from him. Wirt had not more than comfortably seated himself when his brother John entered the room, and went to near where Hill was sitting, taking about the same course his brother had done before, and appeared to be about to take a seat, but instead of this he struck Hill in the face, reaching over the head of a Mr. Morris to get at Hill. Hill immediately sprang to his feet, and a slight scuffle occurred, in which Hill faced John Travis, with his back to Wirt, and wile in this position he was shot, the ball striking him in the back of the head, passing through the skull, ranging the entire length of the head, and is supposed to have lodged somewhere in the bones of the face. In its course it severed the parotid artery, which produced sufficient hemorrhage to cause his death. After this three other shots were fired, but the testimony is confused; some say there were three, and others two. It is altogether probable that there were three fired, as one statement is to the effect that at the time Wirt Travis fired, Hill had a pistol presented at John Travis, and that when Wirt fired, Hill fell, and his pistol exploding, the ball ranged upward and struck the wall in front of him, about four inches below the ceiling. Opinions differ on this point, however, and but little evidence was presented to the Coroner's Jury that would substantiate this. John then fired, the ball passing harmlessly over the heads of those present, striking a chimney in the north-east corner of the room, and glancing, struck the partition and passed out of the room. Not a word was said by the parties during the entire melee. By this time a number of those present had rushed from the apartment, and were thronging the corridor and stairway. Wirt strode to the door, and, turning as he reached the threshold, fired another shot, which, it is supposed, is the one that struck Hamilton Litton, and then sprang over the bannister, and, with his brother John, passed along unmolested toward their home, which is about three-quarters of a mile east of Forrestville.

Transcribed by Sally Kaleta

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