TOWNSHIP HISTORIES 

PETALUMA.

 

 

                   The derivation of the name given to this township and city is still a matter of conjecture. There are those who assert that it came from the Indian words, meaning "duck hills," while others declare it to signify "little hills." In the latter appellation  there would appear to be more reason than in the former, from the number of mounds or hillocks which are still traceable throughout the valley, though now less noticeable than on the first settlement of the district when cultivation was  not so general.

                   Petaluma Creek is an arm of the San Pablo bay, having enough water at high tide to make it easy navigation for schooners, sloops, scows and small steamers of light draft. From about three thousand yards above the city, where the stream is lost, it finds its winding course through a district, principally of marsh or tule-land, until it merges with the salt water after having travelled a distance of sixteen miles. As has been elsewhere shown this was the water-way which Captain Quiros and a party of explorers ascended in September, 1776, in the vain endeavor of finding a connecting stream with the ocean at Bodega Bay. In the year 1850, when the township was first commencing to be settled, the depth of the creek was considerably greater than it is to-day; debris had not yet been cast into its clear waters nor had mud formed in such vast quantities on its banks, it was a clear stream of pure water, and free from all obstructions, save where the fallen timbers may have spanned its width making a natural bridge for the hunters and their prey, who then roamed about the district.

                  The next record of a visit having been paid to the Petaluma valley is that of Father Altimira, in 1823, when on his search for a suitable site whereon to found a mission to the north of the Bay of San Francisco. On this  expedition the Holy Father's party passed the point at or near to where the city now stands, then named by the Spaniards "Punta de los Esteros," but known to the Indians as "Chocuali," and, crossing the creek to its east side, encamped that night, June 25th, on the site of the adobe house built by General Vallejo, at this time known as the "Arroyo Lema." No settlement was however made in the Petaluma valley at this juncture.

                  In 1836 General Vallejo built the first house in the valley on a grant, known as the Petaluma Rancho, which had for its boundaries the Sonoma Creek on the east, the San Pablo Bay on the south, and Petaluma Creek on the west, thus evidencing his proprietory rights over that vast tract wherein is included the portion of the city known as East Petaluma. Two years later the land on the opposite, or west side of the creek was settled on by Juan Miranda, who built a residence about two miles from the city of Petaluma, wherein he established himself with his family. In the year 1844, after an occupation of six years, he made application to the Mexican government that this tract should be granted to him, and, in order to attain this, Jacob F. LEESE, then Alcalde of the district of Sonoma, certified that he was the only occupant; and order directing the issue of the usual title was made by Governor Micheltorena on October 8, 1844, but was never executed by reason of the political disturbances which ensued and resulted in the downfall of the Governor's power.

                  Mr. Robert A. THOMPSON, formerly of the Sonoma Democrat, in a descriptive sketch of Sonoma county tells the rest of the story of this grant in the following words: MIRANDA was the father of many children, and one of his daughters, Francisca, married a Mexican named Antonio ORTEGA, who had no settled habitation, but lived sometimes with his wife's family, at this rancho, sometimes with the priests at the different missions, and for several years in Oregon. On the ground of his occasional visits to his father-in-law he set up a claim to being the real occupant of the rancho and succeeded in obtaining from Governor ALVARADO a decree for the land, purporting to have been made August 10, 1840.

                  Thus there were two conflicting claims to the same tract of land. After the death of Miranda, at San Rafael, in 1850, his title was sold by order of the probate court of Marin County, and was purchased by T. B. VALENTINE of San Francisco. Whether the proceedings at this sale were regular, so as to vest in the purchaser a perfect title, is at least doubtful. The title of ORTEGA was conveyed to Charles WHITE, of San Jose.

                   After the establishment of the Land Commission, both of these claims were presented to that tribunal for adjudication. VALENTINE put in some testimony which was thought to be rather damaging to the success of the Ortega Claim, providing that the testimony should be suppressed, the Miranda claim withdrawn, the Ortega Claim pressed for confirmation and the proceeds of the sale of the lands covered by it divided between the contracting parties.

                   The Miranda title was  thus summarily disposed of by the act of its holder. To clear away the Ortega title by the slow machinery of the law, took several years. It was confirmed by the land commission, was twice before the United States District Court - first confirmed and afterwards rejected; and twice before the United States Supreme Court, where it was finally rejected in 1863.

                  The land embraced within the limits of the rancho thus became public domain of the United States, and government surveys were extended over it. That portion within the boundaries of the incorporated limits of Petaluma was ceded to that city by act of Congress of March 1, 1867, and the occupants of all the remainder obtained patents under the pre-emption law.

                   VALENTINE besieged the doors of Congress for many years to get an act passed allowing him to present his title to the courts for confirmation. Such a measure would have been a great injustice to the occupants of the land, for although the original title was undoubtedly genuine, and would have been confirmed, he prevented a confirmation by his voluntary withdrawal of it. He was finally satisfied by receiving from the government an issue of very valuable land-scrip for the same number of acres embraced within his grant.

                   The first settlers therefore were the General at his adobe, where he kept a large number of Indians under the authority and guardianship of one of his sons, and Juan MIRANDA last mentioned.

                   At the time of which we write, and until the American settlers commenced to arrive, the country was one vast wilderness covered with wild oats interspersed with flowers of every hue, backed by almost impenetrable forests of redwood, black, white and live oak, that fought for existence with the California laurel and other indigenous trees, the line of timber being then within the limits of the city. Through the dense waste of tangled weeds roamed cattle and horses that had never known the soothing hand of man. Did the hunter prove unsuccessful in the chase, he replenished his empty larder by slaying a "beef," perfectly regardless as to whose property it might be; timber was plentiful, so with his trusty ax he felled the stately trees, hewing planks therefrom wherewith to frame himself a shantie, while in later years, partnerships were formed among the trappers, who hunted elk, deer and feathered game, afterwards transporting them by boat to San Francisco, there receiving profitable prices in coin and produce.

                   Early in the year 1850, Dr. August F. Heyermann built a log cabin on a piece of ground afterward owned by A. W. Rogers. In the month of October, 1850, Tom LOCKWOOD, who had but recently arrived in the State, left San Francisco, hearing glowing accounts of the quantity of game obtainable in this region, with a party, purchased a ship's whale-boat, and pursued their way across the bay until they gained the mouth of the Petaluma Creek, which they ascended cautiously, and finally halting, camped in a grove of oak trees just above the town, on what is now the property of the widow BELL. What a life of unvarying change must have been this of LOCKWOOD and his companions. At the season of the year when they tarried on the plain, we can imagine the rain pouring down in torrents, accompanied by driving winds, but rarely varied by a fitful ray of sunshine. How cold too were the mornings and evenings, as they started to, or returned, mayhap, empty-handed from the fatigues of the chase, to drop off to sleep on the damp grass or perchance lie awake until dawn would bring back the weary monotonous round. Alone did they pursue this avocation for two long dreary months, their small craft making periodical trips to San Francisco to dispose of their spoils and lay in stores. On January 3, 1851, they were joined by Lemarcus WIATT and John LINUS, who arrived on the scene, not with the specific object of locating, but rather to repair their health, which had been shattered by a residence in the mines. Here the new comers found LOCKWOOD, PENDLETON, and Levi PYBURN, and with these three pitched their tent under the friendly shadow of the oaks. Not long after, Thomas BAYLIS and David FLOGDELL wandered into this region, who falling in with the others, increased the size of the camp, and pursued the same occupation. Of these, LOCKWOOD and WIATT, are still residents of Petaluma; BAYLIS and FLOGDELL, of whom mention will be again made under their historical firm name of "Tom and Dave," remained in the city for years, and after earning comfort and respect were gathered to their fathers while the others, too have gone, and the site which they were the first to occupy knows them no more. These were the men who gave Petaluma its first start as a shipping point. In the summer of 1851, WIATT and LINUS erected a small trading post on the bend of the creek, a little above the bridge in Washington Street, while in October their example was followed by BAYLIS and FLOGDELL, who had moved from their position half-a-mile away, and constructed a small store on the bank of the creek, opposite the position now occupied by the Odd Fellows' hall. Keller, who had pre-empted the land in the previous year, about this time put up an edifice of a nondescript character, where he kept a ware-house, eating-house, store, and also a few bunks for sleeping accommodation. There was also constructed this summer a warehouse by James M. HUDSPETH, then, as now, a resident of Green valley, Analy township, who had thus early found the advantages possessed by the site as a place of shipment. This building stood at the foot of Washington Street, on the creek, just below the bridge. That autumn it was stored to its fullest capacity with potatoes, the proprietor at the same time cutting and baling upwards of a hundred tons of hay, in close proximity to the town, all of which he shipped to Sacramento, making the first export of produce of any magnitude from Sonoma by way of Petaluma. In this fall there were then resident in the district the following families: The SINGLEYS, STARKEYS, TERRILLS, SAMUELS, TUSTINS, and LEWISES, which were further augmented by the arrival of the DOUGLASES and HATHAWAYS, who came from Antioch, Contra Costa County, and having brought the frames of their houses with them, the elder Douglas erected his, where it stands to-day, a little above the Brooklyn Hotel, that of the HATHAWAYS being constructed by Robert DOUGLAS, Jr., on or near to the site of the Washington Hotel. These were the first dwelling houses raised in the city of Petaluma. Mr. DOUGLAS now resides on a pleasant ranch near Freestone, in Bodega Township.

                  As has been before remarked, the town-site had been already located by MR. KELLER. In the winter of 1851-2 the population of the embryo city increased considerably; a meeting of the settlers was therefore called, who requested Mr. KELLER to lay out the plat of a town, guaranteeing him there and then the purchase of every other lot and at the same time promising that all his rights should be respected. The survey, which commenced at a point on Petaluma Creek, between Prospect and Oak streets, running thence west to the westerly line of Liberty Street to A, then on the northerly line of A and a continuation pf the line-north-easterly to Petaluma Creek, the area being in the vicinity of forty acres, was effected by J. A. BREWSTER on January 3, 1852. It is said that Major SINGLEY and Tom LOCKWOOD carried the chain for this survey. Early in 1852 the new city commenced to show signs of considerable activity, a very fine store was established by W. D. KENT on the site now occupied by the photographic gallery of George ROSS on the east side of Main Street; he shortly after admitted into partnership a man named SMITH, when the firm became KENT & SMITH, and F. H. COE purchasing into the business at a later date the establishment was known as that of KENT, SMITH & COE. There was also a grocery store kept by one SAMUELS on the corner of Main and Washington Streets. In this year "Tom & Dave" had an establishment for the entertainment of travelers, called the Pioneer Hotel, which may be said to have been the first hostelry started in Petaluma; it joined  their building already mentioned. It is certain that the DOUGLAS and HATHAWAY families kept borders but no regular building for the accommodation and sole use of transient guests was extant until late in the year, for in the fall, Samuel N. TERRILL commenced the Petaluma House on ground now occupied by the Odd Fellows' hall and Robert DOUGLAS, the younger, the erection of the American Hotel on the site of the present building of that name. The Petaluma House was the first in working order. In January, 1852, William ZARTMAN and John FRITSCH, with James F. REED, commenced business as blacksmiths, building their forge on the place now occupied by GILBERT'S cheap cash store. REED afterwards lost his life on a voyage to the eastern states on the illfated "Atlantic." Major SINGLEY, the present agent of the San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad in this city, who located in August 1851, on the west side of the creek, about half-a-mile above town, on land afterward occupied by Mr. KERRY, is of opinion that the first postmaster in Petaluma was a German named H. P. HENTZLEMANN, who had his office in a house which stood on the south-east corner of Main and Washington Streets; but the weight of evidence goes to prove that W. D. Kent was the pioneer postmaster and that he distributed the mails from his own store. Kent was succeeded by Doctor BROWN, who in turn gave place to Samuel N. TERRILL.* Mail matter was transported from Benicia, Solano County, on horse-back, once a week, by way of Sonoma, MILLER & WALKER'S store, now called Sebastopol, to Petaluma, thence to San Rafael, Marin County - a rather tortuous way of receiving news when compared with the swift, certain, and frequent transmission of correspondence which obtains to-day. The religious and instructive cares of the city had not, up to this period, received any special care. Two wandering preachers named GURNSEY, who combined with the repairing of

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     *We have since learned that Garrett W. KELLER was the first postmaster. See page 131.

 

souls the occupation of a chair manufacturer, and BATEMAN, were wont to minister to the wants of the residents in this particular until the settlement of Mr. HUNTER as pastor of the Methodist church, which stood on the site of the present city prison, his wife, noble woman, being the first to open a school for the education of the young, of whom there were now a few; in this laudable undertaking she was succeeded by A. B. BOWERS, who taught in a building then occupying the position of the present magnificent brick edifice which would be an ornament to any city. The Fourth of July, 1852, the National holiday, was celebrated by a grand ball which took place in the building wherein was situated the store of KENT, SMITH & COE, when one-hundred and fifty guests from all parts of the country took part in the merry-making - the tickets on the occasion being ten dollars each. Here we have the first mention of the gaieties of a city life having taken hold. We can imagine that with what keen excitement was the auspicious occasion looked forward to, for reunions of any kind in these early days were all impossible; there were not the facilities which are found in places of more mature growth; the distances were too magnificent to permit of frequent intercourse between neighbors separated by twenty miles of country, entirely innocent of roads or  bridges; men and maidens had little opportunity of meeting or becoming acquainted, it is therefore any wonder that dances were danced with a vim, the like of which has never been witnessed, or that songs were sung and stories told, healths drank and eternal friendships sworn, the like of which could never occur again - the oldest living residents never forget this evening when

 

                                "Soft love look'd love to eyes, which spake again,

                               And all went merry as a marriage bell."

 

                  The first Justice of the Peace was M. G. LEWIS, while of the lawyers there were William CHURCHMAN, Jackson TEMPLE, and J. B. SOUTHARD, who succeeded Judge E. W. McKINSTRY on the bench of the Court of the Seventh Judicial District, a position which he occupied for several years. The first marriage in the district was that of Dr. August F. HEYERMANN, but this did not take place within the city; the first in these limits was that of Robert DOUGLAS Jr., to Miss Hannah HATHAWAY, which took place on the 31st day of December, 1852, before Samuel N. TERRILL, Justice of the Peace. The next wedding was that of Alexander WOODWORTH. The first child born in Petaluma was a girl, to Mr. and Mrs. R. DOUGLAS, who did not survive but twelve days; while the first death was that of a man named FRASER, who was killed by falling off a wagon and being run over. He was buried in the square now known as the Plaza. The next to cross the dark river was also a transient guest; he was putting up at the American Hotel and had visited the country in quest of health, but consumption, from which he suffered, carried him off, and he found a stranger's grave on the hill at the top of Washington Street; shortly after these two were also buried the infant girl mentioned above. At a late date, the bones of these three were exhumed, and found a final resting place in the Oak-Hill Cemetery, where a Miss SMITH was the first to be buried. The first doctor was A. F. HEYERMANN, who practiced occasionally; he was in turn succeeded by doctors McCLURE and BROWN, the latter of whom had a small laboratory; while the first drug store was opened by S. C. HAYDON. In this year the first livery stable was started by Charles ROBINSON, who ran a stage via Sebastopol, then known, as has been said, by the name of MILLER & WALKER'S store, to Bodega; while another general store was opened by P. H. NEWBILL. At the end of 1852, the population was estimated to have been somewhere about twelve hundred in all.

                  The first stroke against the welfare of the young city was struck by Majors H. P. HENTZLEMAN and LEWIS, in the attempted establishment of a rival town on the east side of the creek, which was intended to rob Petaluma of all its present and prospective glories. They named it the city of Petaluma. New Town, the place was called; the residents being situated within the precincts of the Vallejo Township - notice of it will be found in the history of that section. But to proceed: Major LEWIS disposed of his interest in this settlement at San Francisco, to Colonel J. B. HUIE, making it a sine qua non, however, that a steamer of a certain tonnage and draft should proceed thither. The "Red Jacket", afterwards rechristened "Kate Hayes," succeeded in this endeavor in November, 1852, under the command of Captain Van PELT. She continued plying to that point during the Winter, the projectors of New Town, in the interval, doing their utmost to proclaim far and near that that was the head of navigation. A triumph so gained could be but short lived. The Petalumans paid a visit to this pioneer steam wonder; much bantering was given and taken on the occasion; the most persuasive eloquence of the visitors was put forth, to the end that their city was the true head of navigation. To prove the contrary, steam was got up, shriek after shriek was sent from the whistle in mocking derision. The "Red Jacket"started, she found plenty of water, arrived off the city of Petaluma without mishap, and thus the claims of New Town veritably vanished in smoke. When the stranger in this year of grace 1879, inquires as to its locality, he is answered by a vague sweep of the head and the words over there. While on the subject of steamers, we would here mention that  the second steamer to make regular trips on the Petaluma Creek was the "Sioc," which had been brought from the Sacramento River, where she ran as the "Jack Hayes." Andrew HENRY, agent for Wells, Fargo & Co., was on her when she made her first trip up the creek. She continued on the route until September, 1853, her captain and part owner being for a time ex-Sheriff LATAPIE. The name of the vessel was changed after to the "Reindeer." The first steamboat to ply at slated times between Petaluma and San Francisco was the "E. Corning," the fare being six dollars. She went for a time under the command of Captain Charles M. BAXTER, who afterwards took charge of the "Petaluma," a craft constructed expressly for this route.

                  At the time of Mr. HENRY'S arrival in the "Sioc," there were then in all about fifty houses in the city, situated principally between the streets now known as Washington on the north, B on the south, with the creek as a frontage and back to KEILER or thereabouts. The American Hotel was then "well up town." This was in September, 1853. In November, we are told there were two hotels, besides the three already named, viz: the City Hotel, which stood on the site of the present building of that name, and the Union Hotel, where it now stands on Main, a little below English Street. At this period the American was kept by BROWN & REXFORD, the city by VEEDER, who had moved it hither from Vallejo, Solano County, the Petaluma House by BASSETT, who was not long after succeeded by VAN DOREN & COOPER, and last though not least the Pioneer by "TOM & DAVE."

                   In the years 1853, '54, and '55, the growth of the town was gradual but sure from the advantages possessed by her as a port of shipment, the settlers of the valleys to the north and south of it repaired hither to export their produce and lay in supplies; it was the only shopping outlet easy of access to the San Francisco market for the crops of Sonoma and Mendocino Counties; as the rapidly increasing population extended their ventures, the necessity for such a spot made itself felt; more ground was tilled, fruit trees planted and butter made, while the country was yet thickly cover with splendid timber, all of which found its way to Petaluma; as her commerce became greater her capital increased, as capital increased labor became plentiful until she gained, early in her existence, the proud position among the thriving cities of California which she holds to-day.

                  In the year 1855 the first newspaper was started - The Petaluma Weekly Journal and Sonoma County Advertiser. The inaugural number was issued on Saturday, August 18, 1855, by Thomas L. Thompson, and is in all a most readable sheet. From its advertising columns we cull the following names, many of them to-day being "familiar in our mouths as household words:" Wm. D. BLISS, Wm. A. CORNWALL, J. CHANDLER, I. G. WICKERSHAM, Attorneys at Law, most of whom would appear to have been established on Main street. We find that the Petaluma Line of Packets running between Petaluma, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Stockton, consisting of the schooners "Petaluma," Captain Baylis; "Enterprise," Captain Rutherford; "Blue-Wing," Captain Cutter, and the sloops "Cleopatra," Captain Sullivan; "Star of the West," Captain Adams, and "Ned Beale," Captain Kelley, left for these ports daily, their agents being in this city A. J. MOSES & Co., and at San Francisco KITTRELL & CO. We note that Dr. W. D. TRINQUE was a surgeon dentist on Main Street; that Anthony G. OAKES, proprietor of the American Hotel, which had been thoroughly renovated was "prepared to extend the comforts of a home and a hearty Welcome to all who may favor him with a visit," while there were the following attractions: "Table Supplied with all the Delicacies," "Lines of stages from all parts," as well as "Extensive Livery Stables;" and S. C. HAYDON offered at his drug and book store such commodities as Epsom salts and blank deeds, Cologne water and McCuffy's readers, hair oils and tooth-brushes, turpentine and the San Francisco and Atlantic newspapers and magazines.

                   Let us lightly glance at the resources of Petaluma at that date. The Journal in an early article tells us, that the growth of Petaluma has been rapid, but yet of a substantial character; and not withstanding the several successive failures of the crops of the adjacent country, the ruinous prices of agricultural productions, and the late monetary depression in this State, the prosperity of the town has been greatly enhanced , and its permanency fully secured within the past six months, by valuable improvements and judicious investment of capital. Petaluma is the depot and outlet for the whole farming and grazing interest of the immense tract of surrounding country; and particularly for that lying away to the north, including the rich lands of Russian River and its tributaries, and even extending to the fertile borders of Clear Lake.

                  In addition to the trade carried on by the extensive operations of the dairies; the shipment of live stock of all the various kinds, and the productions of fruits, vegetables, and cereals, there has been a great quantity of cord-wood cut in the vicinity of the town, which has formed an important source of wealth. Butter, cheese, eggs, potatoes, barley, wheat, and wood, make up the substantial and unfailing currency of Sonoma County, and Petaluma has been built up as the most accessible depot from whence the necessary shipments of these valuable articles of trade can be easily made, by steam or sailing vessels, to the different markets of the State.

                  The population of this town and immediate neighborhood, have all the elements of future prosperity - a people moral, industrious and frugal, a delightful and healthy climate, invigorating to the laborer - a fertile soil which yields rich returns both to the grazier, by its  voluntary crops of grasses, and to the agriculturalist by fully rewarding him for the labor bestowed upon its cultivation. The wealth of the town depends on the prosperity of the farmers. It is the center of a large and rich agricultural district.

                  Within a few months past a number of fireproof, brick and stone buildings, have been erected here. There are about twenty stores, and several commodious hotels on Main street; which street lies nearest to the creek. Churches and school-houses have been erected sufficient to meet the wants of the increasing population. Different charitable associations have been fully organized here, and appear to be in a flourishing condition. The hall recently finished for the Odd-Fellows, is a beautiful structure, built of brick with an imposing front of cut stone.

                  On November 24, 1855, one of those heart-rending calamities, for which California had then become noted, occurred at Petaluma. At about five minutes past ten in the morning, while the steamer, "Georgina," was lying at her wharf, shipping freight and passengers, her boiler exploded, with a terrific crack, doing a fearful work of death and destruction. The force of the explosion was such as to completely demolish the top work of the boat and to carry the boiler - which was shot directly through the cabin and out astern - a distance of about three hundred feet, striking considerably beyond the landing used by the "Kate Hayes," which had, by the merest luck, hauled farther up the creek, to take on freight. Of the wounded only one belonged to Sonoma County, viz: George FUNK, proprietor of the Oak Grove House, about four miles from the city, on the Bodega Road. November 28th was noted for the establishment of the Petaluma Library Association, and its inauguration with a lecture, by the Rev. A. A. BAKER, on the subject of "The Lyceum, and its relation to Education and to Practical Life," this being followed by a course of three lectures, delivered by Doctor GALLAND, "On Boreal Observations and Phenomenons." As a criterion of what the increase of population was in this year, we note that the vote of the city was four hundred and eighty-one, while the number of children in the township, between the ages of four and eighteen years of age, was two hundred and eighty-four. Of this number there were attending school in the Liberty district thirty-three; Iowa District, sixty-one; Walker district, forty-three; and Petaluma district, one-hundred and forty-seven. The number of boys was one-hundred and fifty-two, distributed as follows: Liberty district, sixteen; Iowa district, thirty-two; Walker district, twenty-four; Petaluma district, eighty; while the number of girls was one-hundred thirty-two, apportioned thus: Liberty district, seventeen; Iowa district, twenty-nine; Walker district, nineteen; and Petaluma district, sixty-seven. This prosperous year was brought to a close with a most severe spell of cold weather, there being ice to the extent of half an inch in thickness in the early morning, while in some portions of the State, notably in Sacramento, snow fell to a considerable depth.

                   On the second day of the new year the dread visitant, fire, which had hitherto steered clear of our fair city, consumed the residence of James Hosmer, situated on Washington Street. As is almost always the case, it requires some dire calamity to make apparent existing danger. Consequent on this conflagration, energetic measures were at once taken to form a Fire Company, a want which had been long felt and urged. The public spirit thus early evinced, has developed into a department amply able to cope with any duties which it may be called upon to inform, while as one of the sinews of the city it is a credit to the corporation and citizens. At this period was also permanently organized a military company, under the name of the "Petaluma Guards," having for its officers the following named gentlemen: Captain, P. B. HEWLETT; First Lieutenant, J. H. SIDDONS; Second Lieutenant, Francis BRAY; Brevet Lieutenant, Thomas F. BAYLIS; First Sergeant, F. J. BENJAMIN; Second, W. H. JOSE; Third, G. B. MATHERS; Fourth, Warren G. GIBBS; First Corporal, O. T. BALDWIN; Second, J. K. CRAMER; Third, B. F. COOPER; Fourth, Samuel BROWN. The company mustered some forty or fifty, rank and file, and in addition to their military duties proposed to serve as firemen, when provided with the necessary paraphenalia.

                  A change had now come to the growing place whose history we record. She became ambitious to be invested with civic honors. To this end, correspondents mooted the question in the public prints, while leaders appeared in the columns of the newspapers advocating the incorporation of Petaluma as a city, or, at least a town. It was advocated that she was already one of some importance, without a doubt of its continued increase. In order to make it a desirable place of residence the streets should be graded to a uniform width, sidewalks put in order, the town cleared of nuisances, and property protected from accidents by fire, arising from carelessness in the fixtures connected with stove pipes and fire-places. A town hall was felt to be much needed, in which to hold elections and lectures, as well as for the use of the military, and various other purposes. It was argued by some that a corporation is too expensive a luxury, while others urged that, by having a charter, with proper restrictions and constructions, the government of the town and its general appearance would be much enhanced. How the boon was finally obtained will appear in the progress of this record. On April 26, 1856, the interest of Mr. Thompson ceased in the Petaluma Journal, Henry L. WESTON becoming its editor and proprietor, who made his bow to the public in the following well-chosen sentences: "In making our appearance before the readers of the Journal and the public in the capacity of a public journalist we deeply feel our need of their sympathy as well as patronage. To us it is, in a measure, a new position, and we feel that should it be our good fortune to merit and receive the commendation of the public, that we are rather of that class upon whom honors are thrust, than otherwise. At its commencement the Journal was started as an independent paper, rather than as a political organ, and up to this time it has maintained its neutrality. Such we propose it shall ever remain, if such a course be possible in a community like ours. With politics we have little to do; and with its tricks and turns, nothing; neither do we intend to, unless forced into the arena by stern necessity. It is our aim and purpose, on the contrary, to make the Journal, emphatically a family paper - one that shall ever prove a welcome visitor to the family circle of each and every settler in this and adjoining counties. While, theretofore, our aim will ever be to avoid a public preference for either of the political parties of the day, our neutrality shall never prevent a free and fearless expression of our views upon whatever acts may be perpetrated or measures proposed by them which may trespass upon the rights and interests of the people. That it may never be our duty to take more than a casual glance at any of their acts is our earnest desire. If, however, occasion should occur, let not the opposite party hope to find in us an ally, unless theirs be a right against wrong  - liberalism against bigotry and fanaticism. And while we claim for ourself this privilege, we freely accord equal latitude to all, and to this end will ever open our columns to the discussion of all matters and questions of interest which may from time to time present themselves, provided the writers do not wish to occupy too much space, and the subject treated be calmly discussed, otherwise their articles will not find a place in the Journal.

                    In the month of March, 1861, a petition numerously signed was put into circulation, having as its intention the asking the Legislature to pass an act allowing the citizens of Sonoma County the privilege of voting on the removal of the county-seat from Santa Rosa to Petaluma. To this end, on the 4th of April, a bill was introduced in the Senate by Senator EDGERTON of Napa entitled "An Act to re-locate the county-seat of Sonoma County by the qualified votes of Sonoma County;" but from the fact of Santa Rosa being still the capital, nothing would appear to have come of the movement. Up to this period several ineffectual attempts had been made to secure telegraphic communication with San Francisco and other portions of the State. Mr. J. E. SKIDMORE, acting as the deputy of the Benicia and Napa Telegraphic Company, visited this city for the purpose of entering into a contract with its citizens for the extension of the line from Napa, by way of Sonoma, to Petaluma, agreeing on his part to perform the work for the sum of two thousand five hundred dollars. Shares to be placed at fifty dollars each and the Superintendent of the above company to take ten shares, he promising at the same time to have the line in working order in six weeks; a project which was ultimately successful. Another improvement then effected was the opening up of a new street along the bank of the creek, forty feet in width, from Washington Street to "Tom's Stable." The original intention had been to open ot from Washington to English Street, but the project was partially defeated by the proprietors of the Franklin Hotel who claimed damages to a large amount. The only other party asking damages was Mr. HILL, corner of Washington and Main Street, whose property would have been seriously affected by the new street, and who claimed the sum of twelve hundred dollars. The amount was speedily raised by the property holders along the contemplated thoroughfare and work immediately proceeded with. The railroad scheme had no sooner taken tangible shape than the necessity for its extension to Healdsburg was immediately felt; how it succeeded will be shown hereafter. At the end of 1861, the school census for the year placed the number of scholars in the city, between the ages of four and eighteen years of age, at five hundred and fourteen; between eighteen and twenty-one, forty-seven; total number of scholars in the district, five hundred and sixty-one; of which number two hundred and fifty-nine were males and two hundred and fifty-five females. Number of children born in California, four hundred and twenty-five. Number in the district under four years of age, two hundred and seventy-two, thus making a total of eight hundred and thirty-three inhabitants under twenty-one years of age.

                    In concluding the record of this year, a most momentous one in history, for to the entire American nation it had been fraught with deep pain, we must not omit to mention, in terms most laudatory, the right feeling which sustained the inhabitants of this city in the hour of trial. We would here quote Bayard TAYLOR'S stirring ode to the American people, as best portraying the feelings of the time: -

 

                                  That late, in half-despair, I said:

                                  "The nation's ancient life is dead;

                                  Her arm is weak, her blood is cold;

                                  She hugs the peace that gives her gold, -

                                  The shameful peace, that sees expire

                                  Each beacon-light of patriot fire,

                                  And makes her court a traitor's den," -

                                  Forgive me this, my countrymen!

 

                                  O, in your long forbearance grand,

                                  Slow to suspect the treason planned.

                                  Enduring wrong, yet hoping good

                                  For sake of olden brotherhood,

                                  How grander, how sublimer far

                                  At the roused eagle's call ye are,

                                  Leaping from slumber to the fight

                                  For Freedom and for Chartered Right!

 

                                  Throughout the land there goes a cry;

                                  A sudden splendor fills the sky:

                                  From every hill the banners burst,

                                  Like buds by April breezes nurst;

                                  In every hamlet, home and mart,

                                  The fire-beat of a single heart

                                  Keeps time to strains whose pulses mix

                                  Our blood with that of Seventy-six!

 

                                  The shot whereby the old flag fell

                                  From Sumter's battered citadel

                                  Struck down the lines of party creed

                                  And made ye One in soul and deed, -

                                  One mighty People, stern and strong

                                  To crush the consummated wrong;

                                  Indignant with the wrath whose rod

                                  Smites as the awful sword of God!

 

                                  The cup is full! They thought ye blind:

                                  The props of State they undermined;

                                  Abused your trust, your strength defied,

                                  And stained the Nation's name of pride.

                                  Now lift to Heaven your loyal brows,

                                  Swear once again your fathers' vows,

                                  And cut through traitor hearts a track.

                                  To nobler fame and freedom back!

 

                                  Draw forth your million blades as one;

                                  Complete the battle then begun!

                                  God fights with ye, and overhead

                                  Floats the dear banner of your dead.

                                  They, and the glories of the Past,

                                  The Future, dawning dim and vast,

                                  And all the holiest hopes of Man,

                                  Are beaming triumph in your van!

 

                                  Slow to resolve, be swift to do!

                                  Teach ye the false how fight the true!

                                  How bucklered perfidy shall feel

                                  In her black heart the patriot's steel;

                                  How sure the bolt that justice wings;

                                  How weak the arm a traitor brings;

                                  How mighty they, who steadfast stand

                                  For Freedom's Flag and Freedom's Land!

 

                   At this epoch what a wail went throughout the nation! Brave men fell in battle on American soil. Fathers lost sons, sons fathers, brothers brothers, and the land was loud with the lamentations of the widow and orphan. In the midst of this woe, how pleasant it is to record that the ranks of the volunteer regiments of California were almost daily receiving accessions to their strength, and still more pleasing is it to remember that Petaluma did its share on the side of Freedom by sending Company D, Captain William E. HULL, into the regular service.

                   We will now continue our resume of the transactions of the Board of Trustees. On January 20, 1862, a committee was appointed to draft amendments to the city charter, as also one to define rules for the government of the Board, while on the 25th the following ordinances were adopted: Those relating to licenses, fire department; meetings of the Board; disorderly conduct; street commissioner; grades on Main and Washington Streets; nuisances; swine and goats; well in East Petaluma; water rights to John CAVANAGH et al; repeal of certain ordinances; and a set of rules for the guidance of the municipality in their counsels was introduced and passed. On April 21st, the annual election was held with the following result: B. F. TUTTLE, E. ELLIOTT, I. D. CROSS, Samuel BROWN, W. D. BLISS, President, Board of Trustees; Recorder, Josiah CHANDLER; Treasurer, F. T. MAYNARD; Marshal, John CAVANAGH; Assessor, T. S. LINDSEY; Street Commissioner, J. M. LIGHTNER; Clerk, F. D. COLTON, who on the 28th July Was appointed City Attorney in addition to his other duties. On August 19th, the plaza was directed to be enclosed by a fence, and on September 26th, a meeting of citizens was directed to be convened for the purpose of considering the propriety of raising a patriotic fund for the relief of sick and wounded soldiers of the war.

                   Early in the year, the much vexed question of creek navigation was taken up, and a steam dredge set to work to deepen the channel; this was not the work of the corporation, however, but that of Mr. MINTURN of the steamboat company. He purposed making the creek navigable only as far as the point known as the Italian Garden, where he would place the steamer landing, the balance he left with the citizens. At this period the question of the horse railroad from that point was again mooted, and a committee composed of Messrs. LAMBERTON, OVERTON, BAYLIS, LOUGEE, BARNES, ORDWAY and SAWYER, were appointed to draft a bill to be submitted at a meeting to be subsequently convened. On the 4th March such meeting was duly held and the approval of the bill was unanimously signified by the assembly. Its provisions were that H. J. MAY, Charles M. BAXTER, William KOHL, and those whom they may associate with them, shall lay  out a railroad, on which horses and mules shall be used, from the Italian Garden to any point in Petaluma, provided that the road shall not extend north of Washington Street. It further provided that the corporation shall collect passage and freight on said road, the rate to be fixed by the Trustees of the city of Petaluma, which shall not be less than eighteen per cent a year on the amount of capital invested, unless by consent of the company, giving them the right to so collect for twenty years. It also provided that the work on the road shall be commenced within six months, and completed within twenty-two months. In this enterprise the city had not been asked to render any assistance; individual enterprise alone appeared in the work which should apparently have been taken hold of by the community; how it prospered will, in the course of our labors, be shown. In the month of March a bill to amend the charter of Petaluma was laid before the Legislature. In reporting the movement the Alta of the 11th of that month says: "Mr. REED moved to suspend the rules, consider engrossed, on part or final passage. Mr. DUDLEY, of Placer, asked for the reading of the bill, and after it was read, he characterized it as a most extraordinary bill. It proposed to allow the city to exact licenses from billiard tables, dram-shops, etc., and he thought it would interfere with the general revenue law. He moved to recommit it to the delegation from Sonoma for revision. Mr. REED said it was in no respect an extraordinary bill, and did not conflict with the revenue law at all. It simply asked the same privilege for Petaluma that was enjoyed by San Francisco, Sacramento, and all other cities. The motion to suspend the rules was sustained, and the bill passed." We reproduce from the Journal of May 30, 1862, an article which goes far to show the attitude of public feeling, on the subject of the city charter a decade after the settlement of the town was commenced. "Since discussions of many important enterprises had, of late among our citizens have invariably closed in the expression that nothing at present can be done, while at the same time all have admitted the necessity of the measures we have made bold to express, wherein lays the cause of nonaction; and as a result almost always find that the assistance and co-operation of Petaluma as an incorporated people, is needed; but that, being restricted by its charter in its action, is powerless for good, and thus in its shackled condition, all large enterprises needing its endorsement, fall palsied, still-born, to the ground. A glance at the charter and we are convinced that powerless indeed is Petaluma, as an incorporated city, for the accomplishment of any great result. Like a child has she been bound; no tool of cunning placed in its hands but its effective edge is first carefully rounded off, lest, forsooth, it cuts its fingers, and there be a doctor's bill to pay.

                   "We have no disposition to rebuke those individuals who first conceived the idea of restricting the city in its action; but we are free to say that such a course was a decided protest to the great principles of republican government, "that the people are able to govern themselves." It has always been a principle of law that when power is given to individuals and bodies to do certain acts, that all minor powers necessary to perform these acts, go with the gift. In Petaluma's case, however, the rule has been changed; she has been made a city in name, privileges vested in her to do certain things, but the means for doing, no matter what the wishes of the people, are carefully and wisely (?) taken from her. How like the child is she, whose father sends her to school to be educated, but fails to provide the necessary books to learn from; or the mechanic that is expected to execute a fine piece of work, but has neither the tools nor material to do it with.

                   "Such is the condition of Petaluma, her hands tied to the performance of every great work. Better by far would it be that she had no pretensions at all, rather than a vain sounding title, without the means to adorn it and make it useful. Her means must be frittered away in half finished foundations, whilst the superstructure never is raised. The objection has been offered that the city might be run in debt if her people, through their Trustees, were permitted to do such things as her wants really demand. If such is the fear, and if that is a good reason for the restriction, why have a city at all? Why not remain as a township, with the County Supervisors to judge and provide for our wants as they deem necessary. As a conclusion, we may remark that there are many enterprises which, if they had a few years since been carried through, would by this time have paid for themselves by taxation on the increased value of property, besides the largely increased one of population and business. No more appropriate occasion than the present has ever presented itself in which to make a movement for the abandonment of the narrow-minded policy which has so long governed us. The disputed land claim upon which our city rests, about to be settled, the individual enterprise of some of our citizens invite the people to step forth and declare, that to govern themselves they need not be restricted by others."

                   Let us now continue out note of events: On the night of the 10th April, a fiendish attempt to destroy the city prison by fire was made by an intoxicated person named Crane. Fortunately for him the flames were discovered in sufficient time to check their progress, else he would have perished on a pyre of his own raising. Again, on Thursday July 3d, the first conflagration of any magnitude which the city had experienced broke out in a building occupied by Mr. PIERSON. Although the fire company labored manfully, yet, spite of all efforts, the property belonging to Mr. PIERSON, that of William AYRES, occupied by R. LANDSON as a livery stable, and the Artesian Water Works of Mr. ARMSTRONG were burned to the ground, considerable damage being also done to the premises of the Sonoma County Journal and others. The losses on the occasion were not far short of three thousand dollars.

                   Among all the prospects for the future in which the mind of man is engrossed, unlooked for death occasionally steals in to prove that we are but mortal. On the 30th of January, 1862, Doctor S. W. BROWN, one of the earliest of the city's residents, was struck down in the full strength and vigor of a useful life, esteemed, respected, and sorrowed for by all. He was a native of Hartford, Connecticut, and at the time of his death was about sixty years of age. He emigrated to California in 1849, and located in Sacramento, where he continued to reside until the spring of 1852, at which time he removed to Petaluma, where he had since resided. He was a man of much literary attainment, and a warm friend of education, and had been untiring in his efforts for its advancement in this city. In 1860 he was a candidate on the Republican ticket for State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

 

                                   "So live, that when thy summons comes to join

                                   The innumerable caravan that moves

                                   To the pale realms of shade, where each shall take

                                   His chamber in the silent halls of death,

                                   Thou go not, like the quarry slave, at night

                                   Scourged to his dungeon; but sustained and soothed

                                   By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave

                                   Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch

                                   About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams."

 

                   At this period of her existence Petaluma entered into a career of prosperity unequalled by any portion of her past history. The first real estate sales of any moment which had taken place in two years indicated flattering prospects for the future; while wood shanties made way for more substantial fabrics, notable among these being the removal of the American Hotel back a distance of sixty feet, and the contemplated substitution of a three-storied brick edifice. This building was finished and ready for the occupation of guests early in 1863. In addition to these signs of prosperity we should not omit to mention that in this year (1862) the city was well stocked with mechanical establishments; of these enterprises there being, the blacksmithing and wheelwright shops of William ORDWAY, the tannery of Mr. BAILEY, the carriage and blacksmith emporium of FRITSCH, ZARTMAN & Co., the foundry and machine shop of HATCH & COBB; and in East Petaluma, the match factory under charge of Mr. HUTCHINGS. Another indication of prosperity which made itself apparent at this time was the fact of their being so few unoccupied houses, while all through the town signs of increase in building accommodation was to be seen. Once more the incendiary's blackened hand had been to work! On the 7th of November, the Petaluma Steam Flouring Mills, situated at the north end of Main Street, were totally destroyed by fire, notwithstanding every effort was made to save them by the Fire Department. The building was erected by VEATCH & HUTCHINSON, in 1857, at a cost of upwards of twenty thousand dollars.

                   On March 7, 1863, the records of the city announce the election of T. F. BAYLIS and A. P. MALLORY as Chief and Assistant Engineers of the Fire Department, and on April 20th, the annual election of city officers was held, when the following body corporate was chosen: Board of Trustees, O. SWEETLAND, President; Lee ELLSWORTH, John SHROUFE, William ORDWAY, and H. L. WESTON; Recorder, Josiah CHANDLER; Marshal, John CAVANAGH; Treasurer, F. T. MAYNARD; Assessor, T. K. WILSON; Street Commissioner, J. M. LIGHTNER; Clerk, F. D. COLTON. At the session succeeding the election the thanks of the meeting were tendered to W. D. BLISS, the retiring President, for the dignity and impartiality with which he had presided over their deliberations during his term of office. A report of the Committee appointed to investigate the working of the ordinance relative to the Fire Department was accepted on May 25th, while on the day following a law was passed granting to C. M. BAXTER and others the right  to erect gas works and lay pipes through the streets of the city. On November 9th, a petition was presented by certain citizens to be allowed to erect a bridge over the ravine at the junction of Fifth and Sixth Streets; a Committee was appointed to investigate the necessity of such, and reported adversely, but recommended the substitution of a few planks to be placed across the chasm at that point; however, on December 14th, the bridge was finally ordered to be constructed, the city furnishing the material, notwithstanding the willingness of the residents in that section to defray the cost thereof.

                   About half-past four o'clock on the morning of February 18, 1863, the bell again rang out its clarion tones to arouse the slumbering firemen. The Petaluma House was the scene of the alarm - the kitchen, or ell, of which was discovered to be in flames. This building, as also those immediately adjoining on either side, being wooden and of the most combustible character, the flames spread rapidly, and soon cleared a space of about one hundred and twenty-five feet on Main street, notwithstanding the noble efforts put forth by the firemen to stay its course. That the fire was the work of an incendiary admits of not a doubt. The hotel in which it originated had not been occupied for several weeks. The sufferers were Charles HUNT, of Petaluma, and H. H. PARKELL, of San Francisco, owners of the hotel; B. NEWMAN, owner of the building adjoining it on the south; FRITSCH, ZARTMAN, & Co., owners of that adjoining it on the north, and the POHELMAN BROTHERS, butchers, occupants of the same.

                   About the time that the firemen were congratulating themselves that the danger of a general conflagration had passed, and there being scarcely a breath of air stirring, notwithstanding the magnitude of the fire, they were appalled by the startling intelligence that the rear of the brick building on the east side of the street, owned by Doctor J. L. BOND, and occupied by Thomas HAGANS, as a stable (the building that stopped the fire of July 3d, from sweeping that side of the street) was in flames! Upon turning their attention to this quarter, it was found that the hay, in the shed adjoining the building and standing immediately upon the bank of the creek, had been fired, and that the flames had already extended through the back door to the stables and roof of the brick building. All efforts to save it proved unavailing, and the roof soon fell in with a loud crash. The horses, carriages, and portion of the harness were removed. The loss of property - building, hay, grain, harness, etc., is estimated at from twelve to fifteen hundred dollars. The walls of the building having been of great thickness and durability they escaped with little or no damage.

                   Once more we have to record the arrival of the dread messenger. On March 2d, Samuel TUSTIN, one of the oldest and most esteemed citizens of Petaluma, was called to cross the dark river, at the advanced age of seventy-three years. Mr. Tustin and his family were among the pioneers of this coast and State, having emigrated from Illinois to Oregon in 1847, from which point they came to California in 1849, settling at Sacramento, where he remained until 1851, when he moved to Petaluma, then an open plain, but from the bosom if which he lived to see spring into existence a numerous, happy and prosperous community. Having always taken an active part in all matters of a local character, upon the prerogative of a city government, he was chosen a member of the first Board of Trustees. The evening of the 19th of December was the city for the first time lit by gas, while a month earlier, the Central Flouring mills commenced work, under the direction of A. P. MALLORY, making the third flour mill erected in the city. Among the other occurrences of the year was that of a prize-fight, which took place on the bank of the creek, about one mile below Lakeville, between Johnny LAZARUS and Pete DALEY.

                   The school census for Petaluma District during the year was as follows: Males, over four and under eighteen years of age, two hundred and seventy; females over four and under eighteen, two hundred and fifty-one; total males and females, five hundred and twenty-one. Under four years of age, two hundred and sixteen; between eighteen and twenty-one years, thirty; under twenty-one, born in California, four hundred and seventy; between four and six years, ninety-one; between these ages attending public school, sixty-eight; total attending public school, ninety-three; total attending private school, eighty-two; not attending any school, one hundred and forty-three; Indian children, ten; negro, five; deaf and dumb, three.

                   The first record of any interest to be found in the proceedings of the Board of Trustees for the year 1864 is the election of the Corporation, on April 18th, these being: Board of Trustees - Lee ELLSWORTH, William ORDWAY, John SROUFE, O. SWEETLAND, President, and A. P. WHITNEY; Recorder, G. W. REED; Assessor, T. K. WILSON; Marshal, John CAVANAGH; Treasurer, F. T. MAYNARD; Street Commissioner, Almon JOHNSON; Clerk, F. B. COLTON. On the 25th, the question of salary to the Recorder was mooted, a committee was, therefore, appointed to investigate the amount of emolument received in former years by that officer, so that the rate which should be voted, might be determined. In this regard the committee reported on May 3d that the average of salaries for the past three years had not exceeded one hundred and fifty dollars, while the sums received showed a yearly decrease; it was, therefore, on motion, ordered that the salary of the Recorder of the city of Petaluma be fixed and established at one hundred and twenty-five dollars per annum.

                   Although the subject of railroads had been for long occupying the attention of the City Fathers the first mention of one in their minute-book is found on May 23d, which appears in these words: "A petition was received from C. MINTURN to set aside the plaza, near the Union Hotel, for a railroad depot for twenty-five years, which was laid over under the rules of procedure." On June 13th, it was taken up and read, as was also a remonstrance against the granting of the prayer of the petition, signed by T. F. BAYLIS & Co., and others. On motion, it was ordered that the said position and remonstrance, and the consideration thereof be indefinitely postponed. July 25th, it was voted that the President be authorized to take the steps in his judgment proper to ascertain the amount, and what public lands the city authorities can pre-empt, and to make application for a pre-emption of the same; to this end inquiries were instituted, and a report made on August 8th, that the law enabling the Board of Trustees to pre-empt land had lately been repealed. We find, on October 4th, the report of the City Recorder was referred back to him that he should make a more definite report, specifying each case tried with amount of fees of different officers in each, amount of fines in each and sums collected in each.