Yuba County, California History Transcribed by Kathy Sedler 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. Chapter XXXVII - Navigation Previous to the year 1849, the navigation of the rivers above Sacramento City was confined to the voyages of canoes, whale boats and small sail boats. These were used by the settlers to facilitate their journeys from one settlement to another, and to transport the supplies from the depots nearer the metropolis. Illustrative of the difficulties attending early navigation and transportation the following may be mentioned. In 1848, a man living in this vicinity, by the aid of an Indian, felled a sycamore tree and with axes fashioned it into the form of a canoe. In this frail and clumsy vessel he made the voyage to San Francisco, taking with him a barrel of corn-beef, a present from Michael Nye to his brother-in-law, William Foster. Cordua started a trading post at his ranch and brought goods from San Francisco in a boat. The following advertisement appeared in the Californian, April 19, 1848: - "NEW MECKLENBURG AND SAN FRANCISCO PACKET. For the transportation of freight and the accommodation of the traveling community, I will run monthly a safe and commodious launch from this place to San Francisco, touching at Nicolaus, Algeier's, the Embarcadero of Bear Creek, Mr. Hardy's, mouth of Feather River, Sutterville, Brazoria, Montezuma and Benicia City; and in connection with the above, a horse wagon will run regularly between this place and Mr. Daniel Silles', in the upper valley of the Sacramento. T. Cordua. New Mecklenburg, Sacramento Valley, April, 1848." The winter of 1848-9 was dry and during the first part of the season the water in the Feather river was extremely low. Vernon, in Sutter county, at the junction of the Sacramento and Feather rivers, was then supposed to be the head of navigation, and it was at this point that most of the supplies for the northern mines were unloaded from the sailing vessels. After the location of the town in April, 1849, it is said that several ships from eastern ports discharged their cargoes of freight at the landing. In the spring of this year, whale boats went up Bear river as far as Johnson's crossing, loaded with miners. They passed over the overflowed lands and not up the stream as the current was too rapid. As yet the steamers had not visited the incipient city on the Yuba, the carrying trade being confined to sailing vessels. About the first of July, 1849, the river was so low that they grounded on "Russian Crossing," a shoal about fifteen miles below Vernon. In the summer of 1849, Nicolaus Allgeier had a launch which he employed in transporting goods from San Francisco to supply his store at Nicolaus. It registered about fifteen tons and was propelled by oars and wind; an old sailor, Jacob Walldorff, commanded, and had a crew of half a dozen Indians. During the last portion of 1849, a large number of whale boats plied between Sacramento and Marysville, carrying goods and provisions. In the fall of this year and the spring of the next, large schooners came around the Horn and went up Feather river as far as Nicolaus. In 1849, a government vessel, with supplies for Camp Far West, came to Nicolaus and the cargo was hauled in wagons to the fort. The winter of 1849-50 was exceedingly wet, the whole country being flooded. The Feather river was high and the river steamers made their advent just in time to ascend the channel as far as Cordua's ranch, or Yubaville as it was called shortly after and before the adoption of Marysville. This change of the terminal point of navigation from Vernon caused its fall, the rise of the upper town proving the destruction of the lower. In the last part of 1849, the Linda Company, in a vessel called the "Linda," arrived after a passage around the Horn and took the ship to Sacramento. They brought with them the machinery for a small stern-wheel steamer which was transferred to a scow at that place, naming the crude and diminutive steamer "Linda." As soon as constructed a cargo of freight was loaded for a man named Ferguson who kept a store at Barton's Bar. In the last part of 1849, about December, the little steamer came up the river and went as far as the location of Rose's Ranch. When the Indians along the river saw this strange object ascending the stream, propelled by an unseen power, and heard it puff, they thought an evil spirit was pursuing them and fled to the woods. After seeing it land at the bank, and perceiving that the whites were not at all afraid, they came out and expressed themselves much pleased with the new and strange kind of boat. During January, 1850, a small side-wheel steamer, the "Lawrence," under command of Captain E.C.M. Chadwick, made her appearance at Marysville. She had been built in the East, and was shipped around the Horn in sections. There seems to be some difference in opinion as to which steamer, the "Linda" or "Lawrence," belongs the credit of being the pioneer, but there appears to be no reasonable doubt that the "Linda" was the first to ascend the Feather and Yuba rivers. The "Lawrence" continued to make regular trips between Marysville and Sacramento, proving exceedingly profitable to her owners, and very convenient to the traveling public. The fare to Sacramento was twenty-five dollars, and freight, including the blankets of the passengers, was eight cents a pound. For one dollar and a half a berth could be secured, but the occupant was obliged to furnish his own bedding. The success of this boat and the immense amount of travel, soon brought other steamers on to the route. The third boat to appear was the "Governor Dana," in April, 1850. She was a stern-wheeler, and bout eighty tons register. In the Placer Times of April 24, 1850, we find the following: - "The beautiful steamer Gov. Dana made her first trip from Sacramento up, on Tuesday of last week. Leaving at half-past nine, in two hours and three-quarters we were at Fremont, and a little more than an hour brought us to Nicolaus. Here, at the shortest notice, Mr. Eberhardt served up dinner in that first-rate style, which has already extended far and wide the reputation of his hotel. The Dana made the passage through to Marysville in something less than eight hours, running time, undoubtedly the shortest one on record. She is in all respects, a fast boat - built by Gen. Veazie about a year since, to ply on the Penobscot, in opposition to a monopoly, which had granted them by the Legislature, the exclusive privilege of navigating that river; an injunction was issued, which prevented her running there; she was taken to pieces and put on board the bark Rio Grande, arrived in San Francisco about six weeks since, was put together at New York (of the Pacific), and is now in the full tide of successful experiment." In April, 1850, the fare from Marysville to San Francisco was thirty-five dollars. The steamer "Linda," Captain David Hall, was advertised on May 27, to leave Sacramento on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, at ten o'clock, for Vernon, Fremont, Nicolaus, Plumas, Eliza, Yuba City, Marysville, Linda, Yuba, and Fredonia. This advertisement was only continued until the seventh of June. The fleet of sailing vessels was large, there being one the twenty-seventh of August twenty-four at the landing. During the last part of the year 1850, the water in the river sank so low, that steam navigation was suspended, and the passenger travel passed into the hands of the owners of stages and sail-boats. After a stoppage of three months, the "Governor Dana" made her appearance in November. As her approach to the city was announced by the whistle, the people gathered at the landing and manifested their joy in every conceivable manner. In July, 1851, the steamer "Marysville," which had been on the route for some time, was making the trip to Sacramento, leaving every third day, under command of Captain J.A. Payne. A weekly packet, the "Miner," was running between San Francisco and Marysville. The Union Line, between Sacramento and Marysville, owned and run the steamers "Confidence" and "Wilson G. Hunt." Thursday, July 24, 1851, a new steamer, the "Orient," built in San Francisco specially for the route between Marysville and Sacramento, arrived at the landing, bringing a fair quantity of freight. At this time the Yuba and Feather rivers were very low, but these steamers managed to pass without running on any snags or shoals. About the middle of 1851, it was found that the snags imbedded in the bottom of the river, were likely to cause serious impediments to the navigation, and might stop it altogether, a result that would prove extremely disastrous to Marysville. The business men, as well as other prominent citizens, met and agreed by subscription, to pay for the removal of the obstructions. The contract was let, and the labor commenced. The work was completed before the rainy season set in, but the subscribers to the fund were not all prompt in fulfilling their promises. It was only by great exertions that the amounts could be collected. During the twenty-four hours before August 2, 1851, there arrived at the wharf, in Marysville, with full freights, seven steamers, viz: - "Marysville," "Kennebec," "Yuba," "Maunsel White," "Benicia," "Orient," and "Game Cock." In August, the "Gabriel Winter" was running between Sacramento City and Vernon, connecting at the latter place, with stages for Marysville. August 16, 1851, the steamer "Fawn" was blown up on the river, several miles below Marysville. Thursday, November 10, 1851, the new steamer "Camanche," owned by her commander, Captain J.A. Grant, and Major Reading, arrived at Marysville and continued on the route to Sacramento City. She was built at Pittsburg and shipped to Sacramento. The "Jack Hays," Captain W. Maine, was running at this time. Navigation had now assumed such proportions that all the available space on the river bank was needed for the occupation of the steamers, and sailing craft, accordingly, on the twenty-seventh of November, the Court of Sessions ordered a prosecution of all people who kept boats and vessels permanently at the Marysville landing. In December, the "American Eagle," Captain William M. Lubbock, of the Merchants' line, commenced to run between San Francisco and Marysville. During the first of the year 1852, the new steamer "Urilda," Captain Frisbie, commenced trips to San Francisco, leaving Marysville, Thursday and Sunday mornings, at eight o'clock. Tuesday, January 13, 1852, the "J. Bragdon," Captain Thomas W. Lyles, arrived with a party of excursionists, including a number of ladies. A collation was served on board, several citizens of Marysville being invited guests. Thereafter, the "Bragdon" made regular trips on the river, between the city and San Francisco. The "Fashion," Captain W.H. Taylor, of the Mail line to Sacramento, also claimed patronage at that time. During January and February, 1852, the steamers "Wilson G. Hunt," "Confidence," and "New World" were laid up for repairs. In April, 1852, a strong opposition sprang up between the steamers on the river from Marysville to Sacramento. The usual fare was five dollars, but on some of the trips they carried the passengers free, while on others the fare was two dollars and fifty cents and one dollar. In May, a combination was made to raise the freight rates between San Francisco and Marysville. Formerly freight was carried at fifteen dollars per ton weight, while the new rate was fifteen dollars per ton measure. In the winter of 1852-53, a stern-wheel steamer went up Bear river, to the old Barham place. It is said that at one time this stream was thought to be navigable as far as Johnson's crossing. In February, 1853, the "Daniel Moor" and "Thomas Hunt," were making trips between Sacramento and Marysville. The steamer "R.K. Page," while racing with the "Governor Dana," burst a boiler near Nicolaus, March 22, 1853. A number of passengers and most of the officers were killed or fatally wounded. The only man connected with the boat who was saved, was the bar-keeper. The steamer was totally wrecked. She was re-built and named the "Nevada," and again put on the route between Sacramento and Marysville. The "Plumas," seventy tons, owned by E.G. Davis and General Alfred Redington, made her first appearance, August 5, 1853. She had been built at Happy Valley, California. The new steamer "Gem," was placed on the route from Marysville to Sacramento in the same month. She ran with the "Gazelle," connecting at Sacramento with the "Camanche," "Urilda," and "Bragdon," for San Francisco. July 11, 1854, the "Plumas" was sunk by a snag, in the Sacramento river, and proved a total loss. The "Pike," built in San Francisco, and the largest boat yet on the line, made her appearance in October, 1853. This was a stern-wheel steamer and connected at Sacramento with the "Bragdon." At this time the regular Marysville and Sacramento boats were the "Pike," "Plumas," and "Governor Dana." The large boats came clear through in high water, but in the summer had to connect at Sacramento with those of lighter draught. The small steamer, "Marysville," was also on the line, in 1853. The "Tompkins," a large screw boat, made one trip during the year. At times during the year the "Camanche," Captain George Barckley, the "Bragdon," Captain Lyle, and the "Urilda," Captain Hope, were on the route between Marysville and San Francisco. Moor & Co.'s line, between Marysville and Sacramento, comprised the following steamers: - "Nevada," Captain Henry Gilman; "Marysville," Captain E.T. Taylor; "Daniel Moor," Captain W.H. Taylor; and "Kennebec." The "Gazelle," Captain John Farrish, was also running. January 12, 1854, the "Belle" made her first appearance, and plied between Marysville and San Francisco. She was sunk a few days later, and was subsequently raised and repaired. The "Cornelia," from San Francisco, arrived January 19, 1854. At this time boat building was attempted in this region. A sloop of sixty tons was built on Feather river, just above Yuba city bridge, by Baldwin & Erskine, in March. CALIFORNIA STEAM NAVIGATION COMPANY On the first of March, 1854, a joint stock company was formed of the owners of steam boats running on the interior bays and rivers. It included the Union and Peoples' lines, and the steamers "Antelope," "Bragdon," "Camanche," "Belle," "Urilda," "Cleopatra," "Gem," "Fashion," "Plumas," and "Shasta." The rates established between San Francisco and Marysville were: - Cabin, twelve dollars; deck, ten dollars; freight, fifteen dollars per ton weight, and twelve dollars by measurement. The merchants of Marysville, and all the larger cities and towns on the rivers and bays, regarded this combination as opposed to their interests, as it shut out for a short period all competition and made prices to suit itself. A new eighty-ton steamer, the "Pearl," arrived, March 24, and ran independently. The people of Marysville called public meetings and discussed the state of affairs. This feeling against monopoly soon led to the formation of an opposition line called the CITIZENS' STEAM NAVIGATION COMPANY This organization was effected March 27, 1854, with a capital of two hundred thousand dollars, of which sixty thousand dollars was immediately subscribed, its object being to break the combination. In 1855, the officers were: - John H. Jewett, President; Wm. Hawley, Vice President; H. Richardson, Secretary; John H. Jewett, Wm. Hawley, M. Cheeseman, M. Brumagim, Peter Decker, C.B. Macy, J.M. Ramirez, J.T. O'Farrell, and J.E. Galloway, Trustees. The first boat of this line was the "Enterprise," one hundred and twenty tons, which arrived July 26, 1854. At this time the freight rate from San Francisco was twenty-five dollars per ton, but the rivalry caused the old company to lower the rate to one dollar per ton, while the new line was supported by its adherents at twelve dollars per ton. A large number of merchants, of course, availed themselves of the cheaper rates, which had a tendency to drive off the Citizens' Line. The old combination carried passengers from San Francisco to Marysville for twenty-five cents, and the new line for one dollar. In the sharp rivalry and opposition frequently races were resorted to, and consequently, collisions were by no means rare. In the meantime the "Queen City" had been placed on the Citizens' Line, and was running in company with the "Enterprise." January 13, 1855, the city, by a vote of eleven hundred and ninety nine to thirteen, authorized the council to subscribe one hundred thousand dollars to the stock of the Citizens' Navigation Company. The steamer "Pearl" exploded January 27, 1855, near the mouth of the American river, the forward part of the boat being a complete wreck. Besides the officers and crew there were one hundred passengers on board. Sixty-seven were killed and a great many were wounded. At that time this steamer belonged to the old line. In February, 1855, finding that too sharp opposition was injuring both, a compromise was effected whereby uniform rates were established, as follows: - Freight, twelve dollars per ton; passage, eleven dollars from San Francisco to Marysville. The California Steam Navigation Company put on their line the new steamer "Governor Dana," the third of that name; the first was brought from Maine in 1850. Besides this boat, which was under the command of Captain J.S. Johnson, there were the "Cleopatra," Captain W.H. Taylor, and the "Sam Soule," Captain Henry Gilman. In the summer of 1858 the "James Blair," Captain W.S. Summers, and the "Governor Dana," Captain M. Littleton, were on the route to Sacramento. In the winter their places were taken by the "Cleopatra" and "Young America," with the same commanders. In 1861, the opposition steamer "Defiance," Captain J. C. Gibson was on the route to Sacramento, connecting at that point with the "J.T. Wright," for San Francisco. The small steamer "Swallow" was also running during this year. Between that year and 1870 the following were some of the boats on the river at various times: - "Young America," 1862; "Banner," 1864; "Flora," and "Yuba City Belle." In 1870, the California Steam Navigation Company were running only one steamer, the "Governor Dana," connecting at Sacramento with the "Capital" and "Chrysopolis" for San Francisco. In 1874, a new line of steamers were started by Messrs. D.E. Knight, W.T. Ellis and J.R. Rideout. The steamer "C.M. Small" was purchased and placed on the route to San Francisco. In 1875, the company built the "D.E. Knight," at Marysville. These two steamers still run by these gentlemen. The "C.M. Small" was built in this State, and is of one hundred and twenty tons register. She is a stern-wheel, low-water boat. The "Knight" is one hundred and sixty tons register, and also a stern-wheel, low-water boat. Both are freight boats, carrying grain and produce to San Francisco, and returning loaded with merchandise. The regular days of departure are, from Marysville on Tuesdays, and from San Francisco on Fridays. In seasons of low water the "Knight" runs from Marysville to Sacramento, and connects there with the "Small" for San Francisco. The "Knight," being of lighter draft, is placed on the shallow river. In winter one of them runs through San Francisco, and the other is laid up unless there is freight enough for both. In addition to these, the gentlemen own four barges, which are towed by the steamers. They are the following: - "Hope," three hundred and fifty tons; "Marysville," three hundred and fifty tons; "Sutter," two hundred and fifty tons; "Paradise," one hundred tons. Owing to the effects of the mining debris, and the filling up of the Yuba river, during the dry portion of the year it is impossible for the steamers or barges to ascend the river and make a landing at Marysville. During this period all merchandise destined to that city is either landed at Yuba City or on the opposite bank of the Feather river, where a small freight-shed has been erected. From here the goods are taken into the city with teams. During the winter and season of high water the boats are able to go up as far as D street bridge and land at the levee, a great accommodation and saving to the merchants of the city.