Sonoma County, California History Transcribed by Sally Kaleta This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written consent of the contributor, OR the legal representative of the submitter. All persons donating to this site retain the rights to their own work. Source: History of Sonoma County....San Francisco, 1880. TOWNSHIP HISTORIES PETALUMA BENEFICIAL ASSOCIATIONS. Beneficial Associations. - The importance of beneficial assurance to society everywhere; the solidity it imparts to all domestic institutions: the protection it affords to the labors and recreations of existence; the comforts it brings to the sacred fireside of home; the relief it pours out so abundantly upon the bereaved and suffering; the countless benefits it scatters along the pathway of life; the blessings it reserves for a future of sorrow - all these are now more truly perceived and more warmly appreciated than ever they were before. People are beginning to understand, and understand in earnest, that their best endeavors are conserved in these wise and benevolent institutions. Great confidence is reposed in, in all these directions. The hopes of parent and child, lover and sweetheart, husband and wife, brother and sister, old and young, the widowed and orphaned - all are gathered up in their keeping. As population, intelligence, and refinement advance, beneficial associations are more efficacious in their operations - as regards the moral and domestic comfort of the people, and in their tendency to diminish taxation by reducing pauperism and the possibility of crime - than the legislation of our wisest statesman, and if universally adopted would be a national blessing. Mutual Relief Association of Petaluma. - The Mutual Relief Association of Petaluma is incorporated under an Act passed April 22, 1850, entitled 'An Act for Incorporating Religious, Social. Beneficial. and Literary Associations,' and reincorporated under the Act passed March 23, 1874, entitled 'An Act Relating to Mutual, Beneficial, and Relief Associations." The latter Act was passed especially for the protection of this and similar societies, and to guard them against the encroachment of the life insurance companies and the life insurance laws. These statutes are very strict in their requirements, especially in regard to the funds. They cannot be applied in any other manner than that set forth in the Act of Incorporation. If they should wrongly be diverted from their proper use, they can be reclaimed at any time within six years, upon the complaint of any member of the association filed in the District Court. The original officers were: Col. J. A. HARDING, W. K. DAVIS, E. NEWBURGH, C. RAILSBACK, F. W. SHATTUCK, Simon CONRAD, Capt. J. SNOW, James HARVEY, Thomas ROCHFORD, J. CAVANAGH, L. F. CARPENTER, G. R. CODDING. This class of mutual associations originated with the Episcopal clergy, for the protection of their families. Other denominations, as also the Masons and Odd Fellows, soon adopted the same plan. It gave such general satisfaction, accomplishing its designs with such a certainty and at such a trifling expense, that it was not long before it was adopted by the large manufacturers and their thousands of operatives, as the cheapest and best plan for protection against the frequent demands of the needy, whose legal protectors had died in their service, and to place their widows and orphans above want. In this manner it has steadily and rapidly grown in favor throughout the Eastern States for more than a quarter of a century. Realizing these facts, the citizens of San Francisco formed an association confining its membership to that city. Some citizens of Petaluma applied to become members, and having been denied, by reason of its restrictions, they determined to organize an association in Petaluma. A meeting was accordingly called by a number of its leading citizens. The result was the incorporating of a society in the spirit of the above, and, notwithstanding it has brought out the strongest opposition of the several life insurance companies, misrepresenting the association in the most subtle manner, through thousands of publications, and with the aid of hundreds of their paid agents, still the Mutual Relief Association has steadily increased in numbers and influence until it is known throughout the land; and it has the satisfaction of having relieved widows and orphans to the amount of over sixty thousand dollars. This it has done with an expense so slight to each member that it was not heeded, as they frequently remark that they are glad of an opportunity to contribute occasionally to the needy and afflicted, especially when they know that the money goes direct into their hands. The association stands a guardian, ever ready to respond in like manner to the future call of its members, which now number over fifteen hundred. The object of the association is to secure pecuniary aid of two thousand dollars to the families or dependents of deceased members. This is accomplished in the most perfect and substantial manner, as has been substantiated within the past few years by this and kindred societies; and that, too, with an expense so light that it has proved not to be a burden upon its members, which not only increases its popularity, but brings it within reach of those most needing its protection and aid. Any person, male of female, may become a member of this association, if in good health, and over eighteen and under fifty years of age. Each member pays, according to age, four to ten dollars annually, and one dollar on the death of any member. On proof of the death of a member of the association, his family or the person he has appointed, receives immediately from the association, two thousand dollars, or a like proportion to the number of members, if not filled. All form a "permanent reserve fund," the interest on which annually reverts to members in the form of a abatement of assessments. In case of death, they send a notice to each member. They have agents in each town to receive the assessments, and save members the trouble of sending direct to the Secretary. The association, as well as its funds, is under the control of a Board of twelve Directors, who are elected annually by the members of the association, and is also incorporated under the Beneficiary Act of the State, which Act does not allow any funds to be used for purposes other than set forth in the rules and regulations, while the Secretary and Treasurer are required to give heavy bonds for the faithful performance of their duties. The officers and directors of association receive no compensation whatever for their services, except the Secretary, who is simply paid for keeping the books of the association. All members will be allowed the same interest on money standing to their credit that the funds of the association draw, and can deposit such amounts as they may desire as advance payments. The association is designed to save money, not spend it. None will feel poorer for belonging to it, while many will bless the day that their father, mother, husband or brother joined it. The annual payments are: For those under thirty years, when they join the association, four dollars; over thirty and under thirty-five, five dollars; over thirty-five and under forty, six dollars; over forty and under forty-five, eight dollars; over forty-five and under fifty, ten dollars. These payments are not raised above the first payment made when joining. If a member prefers, he may make the following full payments in advance, and not be required to make any further annual payments: For those under thirty years at time of joining, thirty dollars; over thirty and under thirty-five, thirty-five dollars; over thirty-five and under forty, forty dollars; over forty and under forty-five, forty-five dollars; over forty-five and under fifty, fifty dollars. The ninth annual meeting of the Mutual Relief Association of Petaluma was held at the office of the association on the evening of the 8th of July, 1879, at 8 o'clock, pursuant to a notice published in the Standard. After receiving the reports of the Secretary and Treasurer, the meeting took action upon proposed changes in the by-laws presented to them by the Directors. Each section proposed to be amended was acted upon separately, and was passed as amended by the Board, with nearly a unanimous vote. The meeting, after disposing of the by-laws proceeded to the election of Directors to serve for the ensuing year, which resulted in the choice of L. F. CARPENTER, Ed NEWBURGH, E. S. LIPPITT, F. W. SHATTUCK, John CAVANAGH, Isaac BERNHARD, D. W. C. PUTNAM, and F. E. MCNEAR, of the old Board, and A. H. DREES, Kelly TIGHE, W. L. VAN DOREN, and Wm. CAMM, new members. G. R. CODDING, Secretary. After which the meeting adjourned, with a unanimous feeling among themselves that the association is not only the largest as to the members, but the strongest financially of any one in the State. Sonoma and Marin Mutual Beneficial Association. - The subject of life insurance is one of the great problems that the nineteenth century has attempted to solve. It is a pleasing idea this preparing in life for the welfare of the loved ones who must be left behind after our death, and it is for this avowed purpose that men have joined themselves to associations, formed in different ways and under different laws, each agreeing to pay certain sums in life so that after death certain sums may be paid to surviving heirs. But one great fault with old style life insurance companies, was that the expenses ate up the income derived from the insured. High-priced officials must be employed, palatial offices must be furnished, all at the expense of the insured. At last the crash came. In the last few years it is safe to say that hundreds of the so-called life insurance companies have been obliged to close their doors, and the country been filled with thousands who have been swindled out of money they could ill afford to lose. It was at this juncture that mutual protective and beneficial associations came into notice, and the different secret societies, express and railroad employees, and even members of churches, formed themselves into associations, agreeing to pay a certain sum upon the death of each and every member. These associations gave such general satisfaction, accomplishing its designs with such a certainty and at such trifling expense, that it was not long before it was adopted by the large manufacturers and their operatives, as the cheapest and best plan for protection against the frequent demands of the needy, and to place their widows and orphans above want. Realizing these facts, the citizens of San Francisco formed an association, confining its membership to this city. Some citizens of Petaluma applied to become members, and having been denied, by reason of its restrictions, they determined to organize an association in Petaluma. The result was the incorporation of a society in the spirit of the above, on October 1, 1868, under the name of the Sonoma and Marin Mutual Beneficial Association, and it has steadily increased in numbers and influence until it is known throughout the land, and it has the satisfaction of knowing that it has relieved widows and orphans to the amount of over two hundred and sixty thousand dollars. This it has done with an expense so slight to each member that it was not heeded. The association stands as guardian, ever ready to respond in like manner to the future call of its members, which now number nearly two thousand. The assets of Sonoma and Marin Mutual Beneficial Association were on the 1st of October, 1878, fifty-eight thousand, five hundred and fifty-one dollars and forty-six cents. The dividends paid up to that time amounted to twenty-eight thousand, six hundred and ninety-one dollars and ninety-seven cents, and the benefits paid, to two hundred and ninety-four thousand eight hundred and seventy-one dollars. This is a remarkably good showing, and reveals the fact that the affairs of the company have been most excellently managed, and the interests of the members most carefully guarded. The Directors of the association are H. T. FAIRBANKS, Dr. J. S. SHEPHERD, Wm. H. DALTON, Conrad POEHLMAN, L. G. NAY, N. M. HEDGES, C. P. HATCH, J. A. WISWELL, Dr. J. H. CRANE, William ZARTMAN, Daniel BROWN, C. BLACKBURN. The office of this company is located in the building, and any information regarding the Association may be obtained by addressing the Secretary, M. H. FALKNER, Petaluma. Library Association. - The public library in Petaluma, containing about two thousand well-selected volumes, was organized under the auspices of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Petaluma, in January, 1867, the first officers being: T. F. BAYLIS, President; L. ELLSWORTH, Vice President; Dr. J. H. CRANE, Secretary; William ZARTMAN, Treasurer. In October, 1878, the institution was turned over to the city and organized as a public library. The rooms of the association are well managed and furnished, and are conveniently situated on Main Street, near the corner of English Street. The present officers are: Lee ELLSWORTH, President; M. E. C. MUNDAY, Vice President; John P. RODGERS, Secretary; Mrs. LACKIE, Librarian. Petaluma Temperance Reform Club. - On Wednesday evening, February 19, 1879, Doctor D. Banks MCKENZIE, of Boston, Massachusetts, addressed the citizens of Petaluma and vicinity on the subject of temperance. At the close of this address the audience extended him an invitation to remain a week, at least, and speak every evening in the theater. Dr. MCKENZIE having accepted, the meetings were held; total abstinence pledges were prepared, and there were received during the week over four hundred signatures of men, besides about three hundred ladies and children. Many of the ladies had already become members of the Woman's Temperance Union. During the meetings the interest strongly and steadily increased, while at those held later the audiences filled the theatre to its utmost capacity, even to a standing room. A collection was taken up on each evening, and after paying expenses of the meetings, a balance of twenty-three dollars and seventy cents remaining was donated to the Home for the Care of Inebriates at Needham, Massachusetts, of which the Doctor is superintendent. On the evening of February 26th, a special collection was made for the Home, realizing the sum of ninety-one dollars and thirty cents, making a total for that purpose of one hundred and fifteen dollars, which sum was placed at Doctor MCKENZIE'S disposal for the purpose named. On Tuesday evening, February 25th, a Temperance Reform Club was formed with one hundred and sixty-three men enrolled; on the following day the membership was increased to two hundred and two, and on March 1st the Club numbered two hundred and thirty. The meeting of the 25th February being opened with prayer by the Rev. R. F. ALLEN, the following officers were named and elected to serve for the first quarter, viz: President, Frank W. SHATTUCK; First Vice-President, James DAVIDSON; Second, Aleck CONLEY; Third, E. G. HOPKINS; Fourth, Andrew SPOTSWOOD; Fifth, Charles HUMPHRIES; Treasurer, John S. VAN DOZEN; Secretary, O. T. BALDWIN; Assistant Secretary, Charles E. SINGLEY; Financial Secretary, L. D. GALE; Marshal, William M. BROWN. After the foregoing officers had been chosen, there followed remarks from Dr. D. Banks MCKENZIE, Rev. G. B. ALLEN, and others, while the executive committee consisting of the officers of the club were instructed to consider the feasibility and propriety of a torch-light procession on the evening of the 27th, in lieu of which a ratification meeting was held. On February 26th, the subjoined committees were appointed, viz: Committee of Vigilance, Messrs. William M. BROWN, Chairman; Albert AVERIL, Frank ADEL, J. J. BARNES, George W. BRUSH, John LAWLOR, James EDWARDS, Walter FROST, Orris ELMORE, G. P. HALL, John NORSWORTHY. Hall Committee, Messrs. George P. MCNEAR, J. L. WINANS, W. D. MCLAREN; Mesdames John S. VAN DOREN, A. P. WHITNEY, G. R. CODDING. Finance Committee, Messrs. L. D. GALE, B. HASKELL, J. W. HARRIS, Samuel MARTIN. Committee on Entertainment, A. J. SHOW, Scott BOWLES, C. O. PERKINS, P. H. LAWLOR, C. S. FARQUAR; Mesdames John A. MCNEAR, H. P. BRAINARD; Misses, A. R. CONGDON, A. HASBROUCK, Clara WRIGHT. Visiting Committee, A. F. KILLAM, Thomas R. JACOBS, John JOHNSON; Mesdames, MILLER, LACKIE, and A. A. PEARY. At the ratification held on the 27th of the same month, addresses were delivered by W. B. HASKELL, E. G. HOPKINS, John ROSS, H. M. WEBBER, R. H. DUNCAN, E. S. LIPPITT and the Rev. W. S. SCOTT, who opened the meeting with prayer, while before separating Mr. HASKELL, on behalf of the members, presented Doctor MCKENZIE with a valuable and elegant California Saddle of Petaluma manufacture, which was received by him with feeling and timely remarks. In connection with the institution are a well stocked reading-room and a Free Labor Bureau, while social comforts are to be had with extreme facility at reasonable rates. Lectures are frequently given in connection therewith, while addresses bearing on the vice of intemperance and other topics are of frequent occurrence. The present officers are: President, Frank W. SHATTUCK; Vice-Presidents, B. HASKELL, John ROSS, R. H. DUNCAN, P. LAWLOR, John J. BARNES; Treasurer, John S. VAN DOREN; Secretary, O. T. BALDWIN; Financial Secretary, L. D. GALE; Assistant Secretary, E. R. HEALEY; Marshal, W. M. BROWN. The regular meetings of the club are held every Saturday evening, while the regular business meetings are held on each Wednesday. Washington Hall Association. - This company was incorporated February 22, 1870, the first officers being: Lee ELLSWORTH, President; Phillip COWEN, Secretary; C. P. HATCH, Treasurer. It consists of a theatre, stage, side and end galleries, auditorium and basement of the following dimensions: Stage, twenty-four feet; two dressing rooms under the stage, and one on each side of the first entrance, fourteen by twenty feet; the whole is lighted by one hundred and forty burners, the gas being generated by a pneumatic gas machine. The building, which was opened on September 7, 1879, includes an auditorium fifty-six by sixty-six feet while its entire dimensions are sixty by one hundred feet, erected at a cost of twenty-five thousand dollars. The present officers are L. ELLSWORTH, President; L. BAUER, Secretary; and C. P. HATCH, Treasurer. Cyprus Hill Cemetery. - To the northward of the city of Petaluma, on an eminence commanding a beautiful prospect of the fertile valleys and bold mountains, is situated this handsome cemetery. Just outside the limits of the busy mart of trade, just beyond the sounds if its hum and whirr, almost beside the workers of to-day in the city of the living, lie the workers of yesterday, gone forever to rest in the quiet, sacred, silent city. How beautiful the site which has been chosen for this silent city! If man must die, if "of dust thou art and to dust thou shalt return" is the fiat of the Almighty, how pleasant it is to know that our ashes will pass to the mother earth in such a lovely spot as this! This cemetery is the result of the private enterprise of one of Petaluma's most prominent citizens, John A. MCNEAR. Previous to 1866, there had not been any very suitable place for a cemetery provided for by the citizens of Petaluma, but in that year Mr. MCNEAR put into execution a project for providing for that pressing necessity. Accordingly the present site of Cypress Hill was chosen and burial lots laid out. Thousands of trees were planted and miles of road made, and other work done of great expense, to make it as attractive and well adapted as possible for a cemetery. It was not long before the enterprise began to be appreciated, and soon family lots were taken and handsome walls placed around them, and other improvements made. Finally elegant marble and granite shafts began to rear their heads in honor of the departed dead. One visiting it to-day finds a stately avenue leading up to it, begirt with evergreen trees. Passing through the gate he finds the lots arranged in regular order, with avenues passing through them. Tributes to the dearly loved are reared on every side, extending from the costly monument to the modest headstone. Beneath them all are on a level, no matter what their earthly station. Prominent among the most beautiful of the monuments, stands the one erected sacred to the memory of the wife and children of Mr. MCNEAR. It stands on the very apex of the knoll, and is surrounded by a beautiful lot of goodly proportions. But nobler far than shaft of marble or granite, and far more enduring is the monument Mr. MCNEAR has erected for himself in thus preparing at his own expense such a fitting and beautiful resting place for the beloved dead of Petaluma. The Sonoma and Marin District Agricultural Society. - The first organization of the society was made under the name of the Sonoma Agricultural and Mechanics' Society, on April 12, 1859. Pursuant to a call made by publication a large number of subscribers to the Sonoma County Fair met at the Masonic Hall, Healdsburg, on Thursday evening, March 24, 1859, to devise the necessary ways and means of carrying out the enterprise. A temporary organization being deemed advisable, Hon. W. P. EWING was called to the chair, and stated the object of the meeting. James B. BOGGS appointed Secretary. A committee of two from each township was appointed to solicit further subscriptions. A committee of five was appointed to report permanent organization and rules and regulations, to report at a future meeting. Meeting then adjourned to April 12, 1859, at which time the society was duly organized, with the following officers: President, Washington P. EWING, and nine Vice-Presidents; Secretary, J. B. BOGGS;Corresponding Secretary, G. W. GRANNISS; Treasurer, Lindsay CARSON; and a Board of Nine Directors. consisting of Col. A. HARASZTHY, Major J. SINGLEY, C. J. ROBINSON, Josiah MORIN, G. P. BRUNIFIELD, J. N. BAILHACHE, Julio CARILLO, J. W. WILBUR, and D. D. Phillips. The first fair was held at Healdsburg. At the election of officers for the next year, J. Q. SHIRLY was elected President, and I. G. WICKERSHAM, Secretary. At a meeting of the society held March 3, 1860, on motion of Mr. Weston, a committee of five was appointed to confer with agricultural societies of the counties of Marin, Mendocino, Napa, and Solano, and in case no society exist in those counties, then with some of the prominent agriculturists and stock-raisers therein, upon the subject of establishing a District Agricultural Society, to be known as the Sonoma and Napa District Society. H. L. WESTON, I. G. WICKERSHAM, Joseph O'FARRELL, J. S. ROBBERSON, and Rod MATHESON were appointed said committee. The second fair was held at Petaluma, on the grounds of Uriah EDWARDS, and for it premium lists were prepared under the direction of Mr. WICKERSHAM. Col. HARASZTHY made the opening address. Petaluma Band gave the music for the occasion, at the price of four hundred dollars. The records of the society for that year are very full and complete, made by the Secretary, S. D. TOWNS, who had been elected to fill the place of Mr. BOGGS. E. LATAPIE was the Marshal of the week. The bar was let for thirty-five dollars. Among the other exhibitions of the week was a trial of fire engines. The premiums consisted of cash and silver plate. Races were held one day at the old race track. At the election held at the close of the fair, Dr. John HENDLEY was elected President; Wingfield WRIGHT, Vice-President; W. H. CROWELL, Secretary, and J. H. HOLMES, Treasurer, and it was resolved to hold the next fair at Santa Rosa. Thereafter the fair was held at different points, until 1867, when the society was reorganized, with J. R. ROSE, President, and Phillip COWEN, Secretary. That year the north portion of the present grounds were purchased from GATES, and the pavilion was erected, and a large part of the cattle stalls and horse stalls constructed, and the society, under its present management, held its first fair; J. P. CLARK was Marshal; N. C. STAFFORD, superintendent of the pavilion, and M. DOYLE, superintendent of the stock grounds. To make the purchase of permanent grounds about two hundred and fifty life memberships were sold at the price of twenty-five dollars per share, with privilege of free admission to all subsequent fairs and right to exhibit. The old race track, about two miles from the city, was still used for all races. The second annual election of the present society was held on the second Saturday of May, 1868. The counties of Sonoma, Marin, Mendocino, and Lake constituted the district at this time. J. R. ROSE was re-elected President; Andrew MILLS, Vice-President, and Phil. COWEN, Secretary, with nine Directors. The fair for 1863 was held at the new grounds, September 21st to 25th inclusive. George PEARCE made the opening address, and E. S. LIPPITT the annual address. J. P. CLARK acted as Marshal, and F. W. LOUGEE and M. DOYLE as superintendents of pavilion and stock grounds. This year, for the first time, the society conferred diplomas for meritorious exhibits. The society showed by its exhibition this year a steady growth. The interest was greater than ever, the exhibits larger and more creditable. At the annual election, in May, 1869, J. R. ROSE was unanimously elected President; A. MILLS, Vice-President; P. CONIN, Secretary; I. G. WICKERSHAM, Tresurer; with the same number of Directors. The fair this year was held September 27th to October 1st. N. L. ALLEN acted as Marshal, D. W. C. PUTNAM was Superintendent of Pavilion, and _____________ ROCHFORD, Superintendent of stock grounds. The fair was very creditable, and the society felt the need of more room. A committee was appointed to secure more ample grounds for the Fair and race-track. On the 8th of January, 1870, they reported that they could buy the Liberty race ground, on the Bloomfield Road, at six thousand dollars; land of Mr. LONG for eighty-five dollars per acre, and at GILL'S place for forty dollars per acre. On the 15th of January. I. G. WICKERSHAM presented a petition to send to the legislature to solicit State aid, and a meeting of life members was called to meet April 2, 1870, to select new grounds for the fair. The result of the action of the meeting was to buy grounds adjacent to the old fair grounds, and upon them construct a half-mile race track, grand stand, and other conveniences for a permanent fair ground. The new board of officers were elected in December, 1870, and consisted of E. DENMAN, President; Lee ELLSWORTH, and H. MECHAM, Vice-Presidents; J. GROVER, Secretary; and Wm. HILL, Treasurer. Society during this year duly incorporated, and J. R. ROSE, to whom the several parcels of land of the fair ground had been deeded, as trustee for the society, deeded them to the society. A committee, of E. DENMAN and C. TEMPEL, was also appointed to make arrangements to pay the large indebtedness of the society. The Fair for 1871 was held September 25th to 30th, and was well attended. The third stage of the society's existence had now commenced. The receipts were largely in excess of former years, amounting to three thousand three hundred and seventy dollars. The annual meeting for 1871 was adjourned until January 6, 1872, when an election of officers was had, with the following result: President, Lee ELLSWORTH; E. DENMAN and J. R. ROSE, Vice-Presidents; Frank LOUGEE, Treasurer; and J. GROVER, Secretary. The great expense of the new purchase and grand stand, and construction of race track, had been met by the generous action of the public-spirited citizens of the city of Petaluma and county, who assumed the liabilities by their joint note, amounting to about twelve thousand dollars. About forty signed the note. This amount was afterward paid by them, as the note became due, except five thousand dollars, which was paid by the city of Petaluma. The payment of this debt by these men relieved the society from a great burden. The Society's fair for 1872 was held September 9th to 14th, inclusive. B. HASKEL was superintendent of pavilion. The receipts of the Society this year were larger than any preceding year, amounting to five thousand eight hundred and forty-one dollars, besides the sum of two thousand dollars appropriated by the State. At the annual election held December 7, 1872, the retiring President, L. ELLSWORTH, made a report to the society of their progress, from its reorganization in 1867 to date, by which it appeared that the total receipts of the society had amounted to twenty-nine thousand six hundred and thirty-three dollars, and that the society had expended, for grounds, pavilion, grand stand and premiums, the sum of forty thousand seven hundred and fifty-one dollars, leaving an indebtedness of eleven thousand one hundred and eighteen dollars, secured as heretofore stated. The following officers were elected for ensuing year: President, E. DENMAN; Vice-Presidents, L. ELLSWORTH, Wm. ZARTMAN; Secretary, E. S. LIPPITT; Treasurer, Robert SEAVEY. The fair for 1873, was held October 6th to 11th, inclusive, Capt. WATSON acting as Marshal. Rev. G. B. Taylor delivered the annual address. The receipts for the year were six thousand two hundred dollars, besides two thousand dollars received from the State, most of which was expended in enlarging the accommodations for stock and enlargement of the grand stand. The annual meeting for 1873 was held on December 7th, and the following officers were elected to serve for the ensuing year: President, J. R. ROSE; Vice-Presidents, Lee ELLSWORTH and H. MECHAM; Secretary, E. S. LIPPITT; Treasurer, A. J. PIERCE; Directors, A. MORSE and Robert SEAVEY. The fair for the year 1874 was held September 14th to 19th, inclusive. D. W. C. PUTNAM was elected superintendent of pavilion, and Judge SHAFTER delivered the annual address. The fair was largely attended. At the annual meeting in 1874 the following officers were elected to serve for the ensuing year: President, J. R. ROSE; Vice-Presidents, H. MECHAM, G. D. GREEN; Secretary, E. S. LIPPITT; Treasurer, A. MORSE; Directors, P. J. SHAFTER and Robert CRANE. The district was enlarged now by taking in Napa and Solano Counties, and exhibitors restricted to the district. At the fair held in 1875, Prof. FITZGERALD, State Superintendent of Public Schools, delivered the annual address. This year the pavilion was enlarged by the addition of agricultural and horticultural halls. The receipts amounted to five thousand six hundred and fourteen dollars. At the annual election in 1875, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President L. ELLSWORTH; Vice-Presidents, A. P. WHITNEY and P. J. SHAFTER; Secretary, E. S. LIPPITT; Treasurer, A. MORSE; Directors: Robert CRANE and H. MECHAM. Mr. ELLSWORTH having resigned, H. MECHAM was afterward elected by the Board of Directors to fill his place. The fair for 1876 was held from October 9th to 14th, and was in extent and quality greatly in excess of any heretofore held. The display of stock was the finest exhibited at any of the fairs of the State, and the departments of agriculture and horticulture were greatly in advance of former fairs. Major ARMSTRONG acted as Marshal. Judge SHAFTER delivered the annual address. At the annual meeting held December 2, 1876, the following officers were elected: President, H. MECHAM; Vice-Presidents, A. P. WHITNEY, P. J. SHAFTER; Secretary, E. S. LIPPITT; Treasurer, A. MORSE; Directors, O. D. GREEN, Robert CRANE. By action of the society the District was enlarged to take in the counties West of the Sacramento and north of the Bay, including Humboldt and Yolo. The fair of 1877 was held September 24-29. M. D. BORUCK delivered the annual address, James ARMSTRONG acting as Marshal. The receipts were the largest ever had by the Society, amounting to seven thousand five hundred and seventy-seven dollars. The Pavilion was enlarged by extending the west wing forty feet. A large number of stalls for horses and stock were built and the whole grounds thoroughly overhauled and repaired, which not only absorbed the large receipts but entailed a debt of one thousand three hundred and eighty-five dollars. At the annual election this year, 1877, the old Board of officers were re-elected and the time of fair fixed for September 21st to 28th inclusive. During this year the grounds had been greatly adorned by the planting of trees. An art gallery was built twenty-five feet wide by eighty feet long and other permanent improvements of the grounds and buildings. The fair held in 1878 was the largest and most interesting of the whole series. The receipts amounted to seven thousand six hundred and sixty-five dollars. The expenditures, eight thousand four hundred and thirty-six dollars. Leaving a small debt subsisting against the society. The Legislature at the session of 1877-8 enacted a new law in regard to agricultural societies making the President and two directors to be chosen each year and the Treasurer and Secretary to be other members of the Board. At the last election held December, 1878, the following Board of Directors was elected; President, A. P. WHITNEY; E. DENMAN and R. CRANE, Directors for one year; J. MCM. SHAFTER and H. MECHAM, for two years; A. MORSE and R. SEAVEY, for three years. F. W. LOUGEE was by the Board elected Treasurer and W. E. COX, Secretary. During the last year the same enterprising spirit has been exhibited by the Board - new gates to the Park have been built and a new ticket office and Treasurer's office. The grand stand was enlarged one half its former dimensions. New trees planted and new stalls erected. The last fair was equal to any that preceded it. J. P. CLARK was Marshal of the week; D. W. C. Putnam, Superintendent of the Pavilion. E. S. LIPPETT delivered the annual address. It will thus be seen that the old friends of the Society are still its earnest supporters. One of the most attractive features of the fair for the last three years has been the award of premiums offered by Judge J. MCM. SHAFTER to young ladies for best bread, cakes, salads, baked beans and soups. These prizes of beautiful silver ware and the finest Sevres ware, amounting to several hundreds of dollars, have called forth a lively competition and in connection with the annual address to the young ladies by the honored giver has proved one of the pleasantest and most attractive features of the annual fair. His generosity does not diminish; "may his shadow never be less." We have thus given the history of the society down to the present time. The successful reorganization of the Society was largely due to the untiring efforts of its first president, J. R. ROSE, Esq. The gross receipts for the last twelve years has been about ninety thousand dollars, of which sum about forty thousand dollars has been expended in premiums. The balance has been expended in purchase of grounds, erection of buildings and the current expenses of annual fairs. The Society has been the means of creating a greater interest in farming and farm products and has made the District unsurpassed by any in the State in the number and quality of its thoroughbred cattle and horses. Under its present management, the Society now free from debt enters upon a continued and wider sphere of usefulness. The election of the following officers December 6, 1879: A. P. WHITNEY, President; Robert CRANE, and E. DENMAN, Directors, argues well for its increasing usefulness and success. Petaluma Fire Department.- The first fire company in Petaluma was organized Wednesday, June 10, 1857, with the following officers: President, H. L. WESTON; Secretary, E. B. COOPER; Treasurer, William HILL; Foreman, William Van HOUTEN; First Assistant, M. WOODS; Trustees: W. L. ANDERSON, George ANDREWS, M. WEIL. The engine and hose-cart was purchased of Knickerbocker Company, No. Five, of San Francisco, and was quite a feature in the Fourth of July procession, twenty-two years ago. It is a Smith machine, and at present is housed in the house of Company No. One. Following is a list of the forty-five charter members: H. L. WESTON M. WOODS J. B. SOUTHARD V. D. LAMBERT Frank BRAY George MOWER C. I. ROBINSON H. D. LEY J. WARSHAWSKI John F. MURPHY M. WEIL M. LEHMAN John S. Van DOREN W. W. CHURCHILL S. WILEY Edmund BUCKLEY William Van HOUTEN E. B. COOPER James H. KNOWLES Charles FANN George W. ANDREWS J. R. ROBINSON T. F. BAYLIS William L. ANDERSON J. S. FIELDS J. LETSON J. GREAVER Thomas WILLIAMS F. A. PARKER George ROSS J. S. EGAN C. A. HUNNEWELL J. W. HEMEMWAY J. H. SIDDONS D. W. KELLY William ZARTMAN John STEDMAN C. G. IVES James SAMUELS William M. LYON William HILL Israel COOK George PEARCE J. D. CROSS John DELEHANTY Lee ELLSWORTH George STANLEY James DALY Daniel BROWN M. MCCARTY J. P. HUTCHINSON S. C. HAYDON Robert P. GILL George WALKER W. W. MAIN B. F. CORNELL J. W. HARRIS J. K. BROWN J. PALMER S. FIELDHEIM E. SWIFT P. E. WEEKS Charles P. LOVEGROVE James M. MERRILL Charles PLUMMER James VAN DOREN F. W. LOUGEE Charles E. POWERS Edmund COLLINS Alexander VANDER NOOT Robert F. BROOKS E. B. THOMPSON William P. TIERNAY E. R. PLILEY M. J. CAVENO C. E. COLBURN John O. MALLEY Charles HOPKINS Thomas ROACH William THOMAS C. H. STEEL J. B. HINKLE George H. HACKETT Henry HOLMES J. E. LOCKWOOD S. S. KINGERY S. H. SMITH Almon JOHNSON Peter MCKENNA S. P. DERBY Owen NELIS Thomas M. CROWLEY William JENNINGS Edward EDWARDS M. DONAHUE A. MORRIS Theodore F. ROHTE E. ROWLSON John U. NEWTON J. C. PEAVY George A. HART Richard LAMBERT Jess JACKSON George CAMPBELL Jacob ROSENTHAL John E. GWINN Lee BORELAND William H. VAN DOREN James P. HUME O. RANDOLPH Philip COWEN A. BOND D. W. SROUFE John C. SCOTT Robert BROOKS E. P. BUTLER H. PIMM G. R. CODDING A. B. DERBY Thomas EDWARDS B. NEWMAN Samuel CASSIDAY Frederick FRASIER J. PRICE Jr. H. JACOBSON N. O. MITCHELL John SROUFE W. H. DOUGLASS Charles H. BAILEY S. C. SMITH P. HARRISON John TUSTIN R. C. PEARSON William M. BROWN B. P. BROWER William DAVIS James TANN John L. WATERS James B. BAILEY J. W. STEWART Thomas CLARK. The company at present has a membership of about sixty active members and the following officers: President, G. W. ZARTMAN; Foreman, H. PIMM; First Assistant, F. C. JORDAN; Second Assistant, J. E. JOHNSON; Secretary, F. C. JORDAN; Treasurer, J. E. JOHNSON. First National Gold Bank of Petaluma (successors to I. G. WICKERSHAM and Co.). - The first bank in Sonoma County was established by I. G. WICKERSHAM on the first day of February, eighteen hundred and sixty-five, under the name of I. G. WICKERSHAM & Co., who, in 1868, erected the first bank-building in the county. The first cashier was Eli SPRAGUE, who held the position until April 1, 1866, and was succeeded by H. H. ATWATER, who was cashier until the bank was reorganized under the National Bank Act. On the twenty-third day of September, eighteen hundred and seventy-four, the First National Gold Bank of Petaluma was organized with a paid-up capital of two hundred thousand dollars gold, with authority to increase the same to five hundred thousand, and on January 1, 1875, commenced business as a National Bank, succeeding I. G. WICKERSHAM & Co. At the first annual meeting of the stockholders, in January, 1875, I. G. WICKERSHAM, H. H. ATWATER, Jesse C. WICKERSHAM. Daniel BROWN, Henry STEITZ, James H. KNOWLES, and John E. GWINN were elected directors. For the year 1876 the directors were I. G. WICKERSHAM, H. H. ATWATER, Jesse C. WICKERSHAM, Henry STEITZ, James H. KNOWLES, L. G. NAY, and L. ELLSWORTH. For the years 1877 and 1878 the directors were I. G. WICKERSHAM, H. H. ATWATER, Jesse C. WICKERSHAM, Daniel BROWN, Henry STEITZ, L. G. NAY, J. H. KNOWLES. The present directors (December 1, 1879), are I. G. WICKERSHAM, H. H. ATWATER, Jesse C. WICKERSHAM, J. H. KNOWLES, L. G. NAY, L. ELLSWORTH, and Charles D. ALLEN. The present officers are I. G. WICKERSHAM, President, and H. H. ATWATER, cashier, who have held their positions since the organization of the bank. The present stock-holders, thirty-five in number, are Martin ARMSTRONG, Charles D. ALLEN, H. H. ATWATER, H. P. BRAINARD, Daniel BROWN, Sylvester BROOKS, Julia E. BROOKS, L. ELLSWORTH, J. E. GWINN, GWINN & BRAINARD, P. B. HEWLETT, C. P. HATCH, J. W. HARRIS, C. J. HUTCHINS, Richard HUTCHINSON, T. J. HASKINS, Fred HEWLETT, James H. KNOWLES, John KROW, J. D. LODGE, E. H. LONG, Anton MEYER, H. MATHIES, L. G. NAY, W. H. PEPPER, J. S. SHEPHERD, Joseph G. SMITH, Mary E. SULLIVAN, Mrs. L. J. WALKER, Darius WOODWORTH, Jesse C. WICKERSHAM. I. G. WICKERSHAM, Mrs. L. C. WICKERSHAM, Mrs. C. H. WESTON, and L. C. WOODWORTH. The Bank of Sonoma County. - This institution was incorporated under the General Incorporation Laws of the State of California on May 10, 1866, with a capital stock of one hundred thousand dollars, in one thousand shares of one hundred dollars each, its incorporators being: J. A. MCNEAR & Bro., William HILL, W. DUTTON, E. DENMAN, J. B. ROSE, Andrew MILLS, G. W. CASE, A. B. CASE, H. MECHAM, C. RAILSBUCK, G. R. CODDING, Henry HALL, W. S. M. WRIGHT, Robert BAILEY, W. R. ROBERTS, W. P. HINSHAW, G. WOODWARD, representing fifty shares each, and T. BERNHARD, E. NEWBURGH, S. Cushing HOAG, James E. FOWLER, John SROUFE, Almira SWEETLAND, twenty-five shares each. On April 14, 1866, a Board of Directors was elected for three months composed of Wm. HILL, J. A. MCNEAR, E. DENMAN, Warren DUTTON, and Andrew MILLS, Mr. HILL being elected President. F. W. LOUGEE was chosen Secretary, and E. SPRAGUE, Cashier. Two committees were also appointed; the first, composed of Messrs. J. A. MCNEAR, William HILL, and F. W. LOUGEE, to draft by-laws and rules of order; and Messrs. MCNEAR and Warren DUTTON, to procure a safe. The committee intrusted with the last-mentioned duty lost no time, and quickly procured a Lillie Bank Safe of the largest style manufactured; with that the Bank of Sonoma commenced business on May 10, 1866, in a small office, partitioned off in the building on the south-east corner of Main and Washington Streets, their first act being a call of twenty-five per cent of their subscribed capital. Their correspondents were the Bank of California in San Francisco, and Lees and Walker in New York. The second assessment of twenty-five per cent on the subscribed capital was made on May 19th, payable on July 15, 1866. The first annual meeting of the stockholders was held on August 7th of the same year, and the original Directors, Messrs. HILL, MCNEAR, MILLS, DUTTON, and DENMAN, re-elected for the ensuing year, the same President and Cashier being again appointed. The third call, of ten per cent, was levied on September 11th, and payable on November 1, 1866. On April 22d, the first dividend of ten per cent on the capital stock was declared, payable on the same date. On June 3, 1867, the fifth and final assessment of thirty per cent was ordered, payable on September 1st of that year. The second regular annual meeting of stockholders was convened on August 6, 1867, and William HILL, W. DUTTON, E. DENMAN, Andrew MILLS, and J. BERNHARD elected Directors, the President and Cashier being continued in their offices. At this meeting the subject of increasing the capital stock to two hundred thousand dollars was considered, and a committee appointed to purchase a lot on which to erect a bank building. This culminated, on November 9, 1867, in the acquiring from MCCUNE Brothers, for the sum of nine thousand dollars, of the edifice then occupied by G. F. ALLEN and P. COWEN, on the south side of Main Street, a few doors south of Washington, to which building the offices were moved about January, 1868, the bank occupying the room used by P. COWEN, G. F. ALLEN remaining as a tenant in the north room. Owing to the severe and continued illness of the cashier, E. SPRAGUE, he tendered his resignation in March, 1868; in the following April, J. S. VAN DOREN was elected Cashier. On the 28th of the same month he became assistant in the bank, and, on June 1st, assumed the duties of that office. Mr. SPRAGUE lingered until the following September, when, at the age of ___________ years he was relieved from his sufferings by death, and was the first to be laid in the Cypress Hill Cemetery. He was an able, efficient and faithful officer, while to his ability as an organizer and financier, is in a great measure to be attributed the great success which the corporation has since attained. The third annual meeting of the stockholders was held August 4, 1868, when new by-laws were adopted, and W. HILL, A. MILLS, W. DUTTON, Henry HALL, and E. NEWBURGH appointed Directors. The fourth annual meeting of the stockholders met August 3, 1869, and the Board as above re-elected. On December 16th a vacancy in the Board occurred, consequent on the retirement of Andrew MILLS; E. DENMAN was elected for the unexpired term. The fifth annual meeting of the stockholders was had August 2, 1870, when W. HILL, E. DENMAN, Henry HALL, and E. NEWBURGH were elected Directors for the year. The sixth annual meeting was held August 3, 1871, at which the same Board of Directors was elected. On March 16, 1872, a disastrous fire laid low the lot on the northwest corner of Main and Washington Streets; on April 23d, however, the Directors contracted with MCNEAR & Bro. for that lot, measuring eighteen feet on main and fifty-three on Washington Streets, whereon to erect their present magnificent building, paying therefor the property at that time occupied by the bank, and ten thousand dollars in cash. The edifice, with its perfect vault and specie safe, was completed and business commenced therein November 7, 1872. The seventh annual meeting was held August 6, 1872, when the following Directors were elected: William HILL, E. DENMAN, W. DUTTON, E. NEWBURGH, and W. S. M. WRIGHT. The eighth annual meeting of stockholders was convened August 5, 1873, and the former Board of Directors re-elected. The ninth annual meeting assembled August 4, 1874, William HILL, E. DENMAN, W. DUTTON, W. S. M. WRIGHT, and G. W. MCNEAR being elected Directors. At the tenth annual meeting of Stockholders, held August 3, 1875, the same Board were re-elected, save in the substitution of E. NEWBURGH for W. S. M. WRIGHT. At this meeting, E. DENMAN was elected Vice President by the Board, which office he has since continuously held. The eleventh regular annual meeting was had August 3, 1876, when the following were elected the Board of Directors: W. HILL, W. DUTTON, E. DENMAN, E. NEWBURGH, James E. FOWLER. At this meeting Mr. HILL was granted two months' leave of absence from his presidential duties, during which time he visited the Centennial Exhibition and the New England States. In January 1877, a Yale Time Lock was attached to the vault door of the bank. On February 1st of the same year, in pursuance of the certificate of the Secretary of State, authorizing the increase of the capital stock, and amended by-laws, the bank thereupon increased the capital stock from one hundred thousand dollars to three thousand dollars, by capitalizing its already accrued surplus of two hundred thousand dollars. In March following, F. E. MCNEAR was elected Assistant Cashier, since which time his connection with the bank has continued. On May 1st, the paying of dividends was resumed, dividend Number Eight, the first under the new capital stock of one per cent per month, being then made, and dividends continued quarterly. The twelfth regular annual meeting of the stockholders was held August 7, 1877, and the former Board of Directors re-elected. The thirteenth annual meeting was held August 6, 1878, and the same Directorate continued. The fourteenth regular annual meeting of the stockholders was held August 6, 1879, and no change made in the Directory or officers. Since the organization of the Bank if Sonoma County it has paid one hundred and twenty-six thousand and sixty-two dollars and twenty-five cents in dividends, besides capitalizing two hundred thousand dollars of its surplus, and is now paying ten per cent annum quarterly on its capital. Its present officers are: William HILL, President; E. DENMAN, Vice-President; J. S. Van DOREN, Cashier; F. E. MCNEAR, Assistant Cashier. The Directors are: William HILL and W. DUTTON, representing three hundred and thirty shares each; E. DENMAN, E. NEWBURGH, and James E. FOWLER, with three hundred, one hundred, and eighty-four shares, respectively. Petaluma Savings Bank. - This institution was incorporated by H. T. FAIRBANKS, J. M. BOWLES, A. P. WHITNEY, B. F. TUTTLE, A. P. OVERTON, Doctor CRANE, F. J. MAYNARD, William ZARTMAN, and L. F. CARPENTER, on August 30, 1870. The first president being J. M. BOWLES, who filled the office until January, 1871; he was then succeeded by H. T. FAIRBANKS, who now holds the position. The first Cashier was O. V. WALKER, who remained with the bank until 1874. W. B. HASKELL next followed, and in January, 1878, D. B. FAIRBANKS was chosen to fill the appointment. The present Board consists of H. T. FAIRBANKS, President; J. M. BOWLES, Vice-President; D. B. FAIRBANKS, Cashier. The paid up capital is one hundred thousand dollars, with a surplus fund of twenty-five thousand dollars. They transact a general banking business. Correspondents are: Anglo-Californian Bank of San Francisco, and J. and W. SELIGMAN of New York. NEWSPAPERS. - The Petaluma Weekly Argus is a representative journal of Sonoma County, having not only a good home circulation, but a liberal patronage in surrounding counties. As it is the outgrowth of a combination of journals, its history very fitly illustrates the mutations and changes attending journalism on this coast. In chronological order the Sonoma County Journal is entitled to precedence, its publication commencing on the eighteenth of August, 1855, with Thomas L. THOMPSON as editor and proprietor. It was strictly neutral in politics, and soon won for itself high standing as a news and family journal. In 1856 Mr. THOMPSON sold the journal establishment to H. L. WESTON, who continued its publication as an independent journal, enlarging it from time to time as the growth of the population of the county seemed to require. It held Petaluma as its exclusive field until the fall of 1859, when the Petaluma Argus, under the proprietorship of J. J. PENNYPACKER, as a Republican Journal, made its appearance, to share the field with the Journal. The latter, under the continued and exclusive proprietorship of Mr. WESTON, pursued the even tenor of its way without change or variableness until February of 1864. During these years the Argus passed through many changes. PENNYPACKER having become involved, the Argus material was sold under execution in May of 1860. Mr. Samuel CASSIDAY getting possession of the material, in June following started the Petaluma Republican, six issues of which appeared, when PENNYPACKER recovered back the material, and on the 25th of August of the same year resuscitated the Petaluma Argus. In December of the same year, PENNYPACKER sold the Argus to A. DROUILLARD, who on the 4th of January, 1861, formed a partnership with J. H. MCNABB. DROUILLARD & MCNABB continued the publication of the Argus until July, when DROUILLARD retired from the paper, and Samuel CASSIDAY became Mr. MCNABB'S partner in the proprietorship and editorial management of that journal. From this time until February of 1864, the Argus and Journal divided a field between them which it required but little practical business sagacity to see was not more than equal to the support of one good paper. As a consequence, at that time the two journals were united under the name of the Petaluma Journal and Argus, Mr. WESTON retiring from the management, but retaining a third interest in the paper. From this time until June of 1866, MCNABB & CASSIDAY published the Journal and Argus, when the former retired, and CASSIDAY remained as sole editor and publisher until February of 1869, when he sold the establishment to H. L. WESTON. For a year Mr. WESTON remained sole proprietor and publisher, when in February of 1870, he took in as partner J. E. GUILD, who filled the office of business manager. This partnership was terminated in May of 1871, by Mr. GUILD selling out to James H. MCNABB and N. W. SCUDDER, who became equal partners with WESTON in the Journal and Argus establishment. Under the firm name of WESTON, SCUDDER & Co., the paper for a brief period was under the management of these three gentlemen, when Mr. MCNABB receiving the appointment of Deputy Collector of the Port of San Francisco, retired from the management, leaving WESTON and SCUDDER sole publishers and editors of the Journal and Argus. During 1872-3, Messrs. WESTON & SCUDDER published a daily paper in connection with their weekly. At the commencement of their new volume of date, February 7, 1873, the name Journal was discontinued from the title of the paper, and from thence forward its title has been The Petaluma Weekly Argus. Under the proprietorship of WESTON & SCUDDER the Argus was enlarged to its present size, and its office furnished with all the appointments of a first class country journal. In April of 1879, Mr. SCUDDER sold his interest in the Argus, and retired, giving place to Samuel CASSIDAY, who, after a rest of ten years resumed his connection with that journal. At the present time, Messrs. WESTON & CASSIDAY are sole proprietors in the publication and editorial management of the Argus; Mr. MCNABB owning a third interest in the material of the establishment. As this paper, and very properly too, dates its existence from the first issue of the Sonoma County Journal, its files are already the repository of nearly a quarter of a century of the history of Sonoma County. The Petaluma Weekly Courier, was started by Wm. F. SHATTUCK, the present proprietor, October 5, 1876. From a small patent outside sheet it has grown to be a pretentious eight-column paper, and is now an established institution, being considered one of the reliable Democratic journals of the State. The first year of its existence the Courier was edited by Professor E. S. LIPPITT, a gentleman well known throughout the coast. His vigorous, well-written editorials brought the paper into notice, and gave it considerable influence. Mr. LIPPITT was succeeded by F. W. SHATTUCK, in the editorial management , a prominent attorney of Sonoma County. By an independent style altogether original, Mr. SHATTUCK worked the paper up to a position which it fills to the satisfaction of all, and numerous quotations from it in the old established journals of the coast testify to the reliable tone of the Courier. At this date the paper wields a powerful influence for good throughout its section, and is rapidly gaining ground in the surrounding counties.