Life In Churchill And Lyon Counties: A Newspaper Scrapbook 1865-1899

Part 5 (1895-1899)

BRIEF MENTION.- While driving between here and Silver City the first of the week, E. Quilici's horse threw its knee out of joint. Dick Randall shot the animal shortly after to put it out of its misery. (Lyon County Times, January 12, 1895) 

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THOUGHT HE WAS LOST.- Last Saturday one of the Ferretti boys started out for Sunrise District to inform some Italians there that they would be wanted in court here on a certain date. It was the night that it blew so terrifically, and Ferretti was on foot. The men at Sunrise came to Dayton without the information from Ferretti, but they did not see him on the road, and as it snowed considerably in the mountains for two or three days after, it was feared that the man had become lost and perished. A searching party from here went out the first of the week, but could get no further than the summit on account of the deep snow. Ferretti was found Thursday, however, by some other Italians who were looking for him. He had reached H. Kennedy's cabin, about twenty miles from here, where he found something to eat, and was all right. It was lucky he was found before this big storm, or he would have run out of food and probably have died.  (Lyon County Times, January 19, 1895)  

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DAIRY MOVED.- A portion of the Newland's dairy at Fort Churchill, has been moved to Mason Valley for the Winter, and will furnish milk for the Mason Valley Creamery. Only about one hundred cows were transferred, however, and there remain about one hundred and fifty at the Newland's creamery at Fort Churchill yet. The division of the dairy was made to get hay for the dairy, it being short at Churchill and plentiful in the Valley.  (Lyon County Times, January 19, 1895)        

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LEM ALLEN.- Hon. Lem Allen, who has represented Churchill county in the Assembly for about a quarter of a century, is in town and a candidate for speaker.

            On previous occasions Lem has been a candidate, but happened a few votes short. He attributes this to his hayseed and granger-like appearance, and now sports a plug hat and patent-leather shoes. He has not put the shoes on in this weather, but the first good sunny day he will appear in them at the Capitol building and on the concrete walk. Lem is in to stay. (Carson Appeal) (reprinted in Lyon County Times, January 19, 1895)

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COLD WEATHER.- The first five days of this week were about as cold a snap as the oldest inhabitants here can recollect having experienced. The thermometer dropped to zero or below every morning. There is seldom a Winter here that the thermometer does not get down to zero for a day or two, but it is a rare thing to have such extremely bold weather last for a week. It was a great advantage to those putting up ice.  (Lyon County Times, February 2, 1895)          

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A RAISE IN SPUDS.- The Italian ranchers along the Carson river in this vicinity held a meeting last week to adopt a general price for potatoes. It is understood that no rancher will sell a sack of potatoes to private families now for less than a cent and a half a pound. The merchants are to pay one cent a pound. However, you can go to Virginia City and buy Dayton potatoes, hauled there by the same ranchers, for about 90 cents a hundred.  (Lyon County Times, February 16, 1895)

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BRIEF MENTION.- The Italian ranchers have reduced the price of spuds again. Their agreement now is that they will not sell to families for less than a cent and a quarter a pound, and to dealers a cent a pound.  (Lyon County Times, February 23, 1895)

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BRIEF MENTION.- In the case of J.M. Douglass vs. W.S. Bailey, Judge Cheney last Tuesday ordered that plaintiff have judgment for $43,862 and costs of suit, also interest on $40,927 from November 1894 at the rate of 7% per annum.  (Lyon County Times, March 9, 1895)

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BRIEF MENTION.- The Eastern cattle buyers, who have been at Winnemucca, Churchill and Lovelock, are offering better prices for beef than San Francisco sharks. This will have a tendency to create better prices at San Francisco. (Silver State) (reprinted in Lyon County Times, March 9, 1895)

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POTATOES SHIPPED.- During this month twenty-five carloads of potatoes have been shipped from here by Italian ranchers along the Carson river to different points in California. The potatoes are in fine condition, although a trifle smaller than season before last, and the prices received for them have ranged from $10 to $13 a ton. Considering that about 15 tons are raised to the acre, spuds are a money making crop.  (Lyon County Times, March 30, 1895)           

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BROKE HIS ARM.- Nearly two weeks ago Les. Douglass, who rides for W.H. Phillips, of Ft. Churchill, met with an accident while in Virginia City by which he received a broken arm. He was riding a colt, and when on the Divide near Ricard's blacksmith shop, the animal became frightened, and in trying to get away fell, with the rider underneath. It was some time after Les. got up that he knew his arm was broken. When he found it out he immediately had the bone set, and is now able to be around with his arm in a sling. He went down to the ranch Thursday.  (Lyon County Times, April 27, 1895)

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RANCH SOLD.- E.F. Howard and C.E. Freshour have purchased the Howard ranch near Fort Churchill, the sum paid for the same being $8,000. It is a fine property, and we hope to see the boys make money out of it. Warren Howard, the former owner of the ranch, and his wife, will shortly move to California to reside.  (Lyon County Times, May 4, 1895)

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MARRIED.- C.E. Freshour and Miss Katie Ebner were joined in the holy bonds of wedlock last Tuesday morning at the residence of Mrs. Newman, in Dayton, Justice Hawkins officiating. Only a few friends of the young people were present. Both of the young people were well known in this community. Mr. Freshour is the stepson of Warren Howard, who resides on the Carson river below Dayton, and Miss Ebner is the daughter of M. Ebner, formerly of Sutro, now of San Francisco. Mr. and Mrs. Freshour will reside on the ranch near Ft. Churchill. May they enjoy a long and prosperous life.  (Lyon County Times, May 4, 1895)

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THE SHEEP LAW.- County Assessor Littell left here last week Wednesday to visit the sheep men of the county and collect license. There are nearly 30,000 sheep in Lyon county. The law requires that sheep owners must own an acre of land for every two sheep they own, or pay a license of 50 a head. Some of the sheep men own land in this county, and others have bought some recently, while a number of them are going to refuse to pay the license and test the new license law.  (Lyon County Times, May 4, 1895)   

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BRIEF MENTION.- Assessor Littell has failed, so far, to collect any sheep license, as all sheep owners in this county have land. There is a question, though, as to whether leased land will hold in the law.  (Lyon County Times, May 11, 1895)   

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BRIEF MENTION.- Martin Cooney, who formerly lived on the Carson river below Dayton, died in Park City, Utah, Tuesday of this week.  (Lyon County Times, May 18, 1895)

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FISH IN THE CARSON RIVER.- Fishing in the Carson river at this vicinity is now very fair. Catfish, chubs and succors are plentiful, and occasionally a fine trout, weighing from one to three pounds, is caught. While fishing in the Carson river, above the mills, has always been good, below the mills, when running, the fish could not live on account of the water being so strongly impregnated with the chemicals, which came from the mills. Of late years the fish have had a chance because nearly all the mills have been shut down and the water in the river has become moderately clear. It would be the proper thing for the Fish Commissioner now to plant some trout in the river in this vicinity.  (Lyon County Times, May 25, 1895)

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THE STORM.- Last Saturday night and all the next day, Sunday, the wind blew a perfect gale here. It was the heaviest wind storm ever known to have visited this part of the country. Stovepipes, outhouses, fences, tree limbs and other moveable objects filled the air at intervals - short ones too - and it was dangerous for persons to be on the streets. The wind was cold and orchards and gardens suffered greatly. In many orchards all the fruit was blown from the trees, and in others but little is left that is not blighted, while garden truck was mowed down as with a scythe. Monday morning there was about an inch of snow on the ground, but it melted away that day, and that night there was a light frost. Cucumbers, tomatoes, corn, beans and melons which were doing nicely will have to be planted over. There will not be more than half a fruit crop. The weather does not seem to be settled yet and, we are just as liable to have more snow and ice as not.  (Lyon County Times, June 1, 1895)

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SPRING FIGHTS.- About noon last Sunday Charlie Watson and August Depaoli had some words over a bill the former owed the latter, and Watson punched Depaoli in the jaw. Before any other damage was done Deputy Sheriff Mayne separated the belligerents.

            Monday morning Depaoli had Watson arrested. He pled guilty and paid a fine of $10.  (Lyon County Times, June 15, 1895)

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CHILLS AND FEVER.- For the past few months quite a number of people hereabouts have been afflicted with chills and fever. This is something new in the way of disease in this vicinity, especially of late years. When the country was new along the Carson river, fever and ague used to be a common complaint, but when the bottom lands were put under cultivation and the mills began operation, the malaria seemed to be rapidly driven from this country. This, we believe, was partly due to the cultivation of the land, but mainly to the chemicals that found their way into the river after being used in the mills, and the fumes that pervaded the atmosphere from the manufacture of sulphuric acid and bluestone. At any rate, after the mills began operating there were no more cases of fever and ague, and since they and the acid works suspended operations the cases of "shakes" have become quite numerous.  (Lyon County Times, June 22, 1895)

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BRIEF MENTION.- Quite a number of the Carson Sink boys are haying in Mason Valley, as they get better wages there.  (Lyon County Times, June 29, 1895)   

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BRIEF MENTION.- The agricultural section of Lyon county will produce immense crops this season, but the outlook for a market is anything but cheerful.  (Lyon County Times, September 7, 1895)

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ITALIAN ROW.- E. Quilici and August Depaoli, of this place, had a row in Virginia City Thursday, about some business matters. Quilici battered up Depaoli considerably, and was arrested for assault. He will have his trial next Monday morning. He is now out on bail of $250 which he furnished immediately after his arrest Thursday.  (Lyon County Times, September 21, 1895)

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BRIEF MENTION.- Eugene Quilici was fined $50 in Virginia Monday for committing assault and battery on August Depaoli one day last week.  (Lyon County Times, September 28, 1895)

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BRIEF MENTION.- This has been the dryest season that this section of the country has known for years. But one good rain storm has occurred in six months.  (Lyon County Times, October 5, 1895)

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BRIEF MENTION.- Joe. Douglass has sent 200 head of cattle from his ranch at the Sink of the Carson, to be fed hay at the Snyder ranch in Mason Valley.  (Lyon County Times, October 12, 1895)

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BRIEF MENTION.- Dr. Patterson drove 200 head of cattle from Churchill county into Mason Valley last Wednesday to feed this Winter.  (Lyon County Times, December 7, 1895)

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QUILICI-SCANAVINO.- Last Sunday Angelo Quilici and Miss Marie Scanavino, both of Dayton, were joined in marriage at Virginia City. The ceremony took place at the Court House and was performed by Justice of the Peace Corbett.  (Lyon County Times, December 28, 1895)

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INCENDIARY FIRE.- Last Wednesday morning about 1:30 o'clock, the house, barn and haystack of Pietro Cassinelli, who owns the old Fish ranch across the river, were destroyed by fire. There was no insurance on the property, and the loss is fully $1,000. It is evident that the fire was incendiary, for the house, barn and stack were all burning when the fire was discovered, and they are some distance apart. Cassinelli accused his brother and two cousins of doing the work and had them arrested. They had a hearing before Judge Hawkins yesterday, and all three proved they were not near the ranch, and were discharged. Cassinelli says his brother had threatened to burn him out, and still believes he set the fires. There is hard feeling between the brothers in regard to some former business transactions, and there is a case now before the Supreme Court for adjudication between the men. While a few think Cassinelli's brother had a hand in setting the fire, as many more believe Cassinelli set it himself to create sympathy in the Court, or because he thinks he may lose the ranch by the decision of the Court. E.D. Knight was attorney for Cassinelli and Senator Gigneaux amused himself for an afternoon by acting as attorney for the defendants.  (Lyon County Times, February 8, 1896)   

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BRIEF MENTION.- Vitoria Cassinelli has brought suit in the District Court for $10,000 damages for malicious prosecution against Pietro Cassinelli. This suit is one of the effects of the recent fire on the Cassinelli ranch.  (Lyon County Times, February 15, 1896)

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BRIEF MENTION.- Phillips and Newlands shipped three carloads of cows to Baden from Wadsworth this week Tuesday. They drove the cattle from their ranches in this county to Wadsworth. The price paid was 3 3.4 ¢ at Wadsworth.  (Lyon County Times, February 15, 1896)

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DISTRICT COURT.- In the case of Colombo Raffetto vs. Petro Cassinelli, on motion for judgement by defendant it was ordered that the case be dismissed and defendant have judgement for costs.  (Lyon County Times, February 15, 1896)

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BRIEF MENTION.- Italians have been shipping potatoes to California this week. The price paid is understood to be from $8 to $10 per ton. (Lyon County Times, March 7, 1896)

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SHOT HIS FINGER.- Joe Burali, an Italian working on the Mingo ranch, was fooling with a revolver Wednesday morning, which he supposed was not loaded. Contrary to his expectations one shell was in the cylinder of the revolver, and it exploded, the bullet striking Burali's finger on the left hand, and stripping the flesh from the bone. Burali went to Virginia and had his wound dressed, and may be able to save the finger.  (Lyon County Times, March 7, 1896)       

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BRIEF MENTION.- The wife of C.A. Bailey presented her husband with a son and heir on the 9th inst. All concerned are doing nicely.  (Lyon County Times, March 14, 1896)

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WANT TO FIGHT.- Since the news of the war in Abyssinia with Italian troops and the reported loss of 12,000 men on the Italian side, many of our Italian citizens in this neighborhood are talking of forming a company to go to the assistance of their countrymen. If the company is formed it will probably be commanded by General Scanavino, with Captains Six-a-duce and Louis Donati. We don't know how this country could get along with the loss of so many citizens, and think they had better stay at home. Their zeal is commendable, however.  (Lyon County Times, March 14, 1896)

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BRIEF MENTION.- Fourteen carloads of potatoes were shipped from here this week by Italian ranchers on the river. They were shipped to Sacramento and the price paid is $8 and $9. Twelve tons are shipped to a carload.  (Lyon County Times, March 28, 1896)

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BRIEF MENTION.- W.R. Lee, of St. Clair, Churchill county, has been looking for honey-bees and potatoes in Mason Valley for a week or more past.  (Lyon County Times, March 28, 1896)

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BRIEF MENTION.- Con. Ahern has sued Joe Douglass for $25,000 damages for a cut Douglass inflicted on his leg some two weeks ago. Douglass stabbed Ahern in the thigh with a pocket knife.  (Lyon County Times, April 11, 1896)

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BRIEF MENTION.- The frosts have injured the fruit crop throughout the entire western portion of the State.  (Lyon County Times, April 18, 1896)

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RUNAWAY.- An Italian team owned by Pio Quilici ran away last Monday. At a point near Ash's saloon a wheel came off the wagon, spilled the driver out and frightened the team. Quilici was somewhat bruised. The team was caught at the lower end of Pike street. No damage was done to it.  (Lyon County Times, April 18, 1896)

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BRIEF MENTION.- Italian ranchers are digging up their onions and shipping them to California. The price of onions recently jumped to $50 a ton.  (Lyon County Times, April 25, 1896)

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KICKED TO DEATH.- Emmet Lidel, 80 years of age, was killed by a horse on his ranch in Churchill county last week. The Dispatch learns that Mr. Lidel went into the stable and noticing that the rope by which the horse was tied was between his legs, he stepped into the stall and was knocked down by the animal and kicked to death.  (Lyon County Times, May 2, 1896)

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BRIEF MENTION.- A nice little snow storm on the 7th of May. Nevada climate beats the world.  (Lyon County Times, May 9, 1896)              

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FT. CHURCHILL AND VICINITY.- A correspondent at Fort Churchill sends us the following items; also an account of a pleasant trip to Como and a visit to "Pony", but the latter is too lengthy for our space this week, as the communication did not reach us until late:

            Farmers are busy irrigating and getting ready for the coming harvest. The backward season will delay the commencement of haying until late in July.

            Cattlemen are busy rounding up their stock, getting ready to drive them to the mountain ranges.

            A drove of fine horses passed the Buckland ranch on the 16th bound for the Truckee lumber regions.

            A.H. Stinson sold a lot of extra fine beef to Henry Goetz, the Gold Hill butcher, last week.

            Blackman, the well-known Reno cattle buyer, was in this neighborhood last week, purchasing beeves for the Bay City markets.

            Political clouds are gathering fast. We trust they will have a silver lining.

            The Howard Bros. have sold all their hay at a good round figure.  (Lyon County Times, May 23, 1896)

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THE CASSINELLI CASE.- The case of Victoria Cassinelli vs. Pietro Cassinelli for damages was decided in the District Court last Saturday in favor of the plaintiff, for $305 damages. Some months ago the house and barn on the ranch of P. Cassinelli were burned, and the owner had his brother and cousin arrested for starting the fire, and they were thrown into jail. It was not proved that they set the buildings on fire, and the cousin sued P. Cassinelli for $10,000 damages for false imprisonment. From $10,000 to $300 is a considerable drop in the estimation of the value of a man's reputation by different people.  (Lyon County Times, May 30, 1896)  

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BRIEF MENTION.- The river has fallen quite rapidly this week in spite of the hot weather. This means that the snow has gone from the mountains, and water will be scarce in a short time.  (Lyon County Times, June 27, 1896)           

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BRIEF MENTION.- The suit of Con. Ahern against Joe Douglass, for $15,000 damages for being stabbed in the groin, was settled out of court Wednesday. The suit was settled for about $2,000.  (Lyon County Times, June 27, 1896)

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DUCK RANCH.- Jas. Leete was in town from Ragtown, in Churchill county this week. He purchased the old Ragtown property about two years ago, and has started a duck ranch. He started in with eight ducks and now has about 500 of the birds. He is selling them here and in Silver and Virginia for 50¢ a piece, and they weigh about 5 pounds a piece. He is making money on his investment, and will soon have a nice place made out of the old, deserted overland station.  (Lyon County Times, July 4, 1896)

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BRIEF MENTION.- This section was visited by a heavy thunder shower last Sunday evening. The rainfall was so heavy that it lodged a good deal of grain and alfalfa on the ranches along the river.  (Lyon County Times, July 11, 1896)

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BRIEF MENTION.- Born, to the wife of Mike Quilici, in Silver City, on August 11th, a daughter.  (Lyon County Times, August 15, 1896)        

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MARCHETTI-ROSINI.- J. Marchetti and Miss Amelia Rosini will be married at the residence of E. Pierini this forenoon. Mr. Marchetti is a rancher on the Carson river and the bride-to-be is a well known Comstock girl who has made Dayton her residence for a year or more. The young people will take up their residence on the old Ghiglieri ranch and settle down to house-keeping at once.  (Lyon County Times, August 15, 1896)

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BRIEF MENTION.- The second crop of hay is being harvested throughout the county. Rain did some damage to hay here last Wednesday.  (Lyon County Times, August 22, 1896)

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BRIEF MENTION.- Died, the 15th of August in Dayton, the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Bailey, aged 5 months and 6 days. Cholera infantum caused the death.  (Lyon County Times, August 22, 1896)

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BRIEF MENTION.- Born, to the wife of W.H. Phillips on the Buckland ranch at Ft. Churchill, August 30th, a son: weight 8 pounds. Mother and son are well, and W.H. is as happy as a clam.  (Lyon County Times, September 5, 1896) 

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BRIEF MENTION.- Born, in Dayton, Sept 24th, to the wife of Angelo Quilici, a son. All concerned in the transaction are doing well.  (Lyon County Times, September 26, 1896)           

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BRIEF MENTION.- The boys on the Howard ranch have purchased a new sulky plow, and are tearing up the earth in great shape.  (Lyon County Times, December 5, 1896)

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BRIEF MENTION.- Catfish are plentiful at Horseshoe Lake. The lake is frozen over and the fish can plainly be seen swimming under the ice. By making a hole in the ice you can stick your hand down under the water and catch all the fish you want. They are good eating now.  (Lyon County Times, December 5, 1896)     

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BRIEF MENTION.- Bill Cooper was up from the Carson Sink this week. The liquid refreshments of this place were too stout for him, and to prevent him from killing all the men in town the deputy Sheriff put him to bed in the county jail. Bill left for the Sink early the next morning.  (Lyon County Times, December 5, 1896)

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BRIEF MENTION.- Les. Douglass has purchased the bunch of beef cattle owned by the Tailleurs, and taken them to the Howard ranch, down the river. He paid $15 a head for them.  (Lyon County Times, December 5, 1896)          

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CUTTING SCRAPE.- Last Sunday night two Italians had a row on Louis Donati's ranch, on the Carson river, about 15 miles below Dayton, and one of the men, named Burali, who formerly worked for Pio Quilici, was severely cut on the right arm. The man who did the cutting is named Doretti, and is a recent arrival from the old country. He used a butcher knife, and severed the cords and tendons of Burali's right arm at the wrist, so it is doubtful if he will ever have much use of that arm hereafter. The wounded man was taken to Virginia City for treatment, and the Sheriff is now looking for the man who did the cutting.  (Lyon County Times, December 12, 1896)     

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BUCKLAND RANCH LEASED.- We are informed that L. Donati has about completed negotiations for the lease of the old Buckland ranch, near Ft. Churchill, in this county. Mr. Stinson, the owner of the property, went to California last week after spending some time at the ranch, and is expected back soon, if he has not already returned, to consummate the bargain. It is understood that Donati is to pay $5,000 rent for the first five years and $10,000 for the next five years. The ranch will be turned into a vast potato field. Mr. Phillips, who had charge of the ranch for several years, will move to Cal.  (Lyon County Times, February 13, 1897)

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BRIEF MENTION.- Pete Quilici and Miss Matilda Scanavino were married in Virginia City last Sunday by Father Tubman. After the ceremony there was a big eat and dance.  (Lyon County Times, February 27, 1897)  

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BRIEF MENTION.- Italian ranchers are still shipping spuds from this point, and six carloads left for Sacramento this week. They are getting from $14 to $16 per ton for them. This is a better price than they have received for potatoes for some seasons past.  (Lyon County Times, March 6, 1897)

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BRIEF MENTION.- According to the Wadsworth "Dispatch" W.H.A. Pike was operated on sixty-seven times for appendicitis.  (Lyon County Times, April 3, 1897)

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BRIEF MENTION.- Mike Frugoli, of Sutro, shipped two carloads of potatoes this week. So far this season about 1500 tons of spuds have been shipped from here, and the price has been better than for years past.  (Lyon County Times, May 15, 1897)        

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FRUIT KILLED.- On Friday night of last week there was a severe frost, and fruit in the small orchards hereabouts suffered considerably. Apricot trees, on which the fruit was as large as hickory nuts, were ruined. Plums, peaches, pears and apples suffered also, and there will not be over half a crop of these fruits, if there is that much. The weather still threatens to be frosty.  (Lyon County Times, May 15, 1897)

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A PULLING MATCH.- Last Tuesday morning a pulling match between two teams owned by Italian ranchers here was arranged, and a wager of $50 made that the 4-horse team of Frank Baroni would pull as heavy a load from here to Virginia as the 6-horse team of M. Quilici. The start was made about 8 o' clock in the morning and both teams got to Virginia at about 2:30 in the afternoon. When the loads were weighed up there it was found that Quilici had hauled 11,000 pounds and Baroni only 10,000 pounds and the money was paid to the former. The 4-horse team had the best of the trip, however, and could have pulled 500 or 600 pounds more, while the 6-horse team had hard work to get up through Gold Hill.  (Lyon County Times, May 29, 1897)

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BRIEF MENTION.- The river is still quite high at this point, and it is reported higher at the Sink than for years past.  (Lyon County Times, June 5, 1897)

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BRIEF MENTION.- Jim Newlands was a passenger for the ranch this week to hunt mosquitoes.  (Lyon County Times, June 12, 1897)

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BRIEF MENTION.- The first crop of alfalfa is being harvested on the Carson river ranches.  (Lyon County Times, June 19, 1897)  

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BRIEF MENTION.- Dove hunters are numerous around the Sutro Flat.  (Lyon County Times, June 26, 1897)

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BRIEF MENTION.- There was a light frost last Monday night, which nipped the potato vines on some of the river ranches.  (Lyon County Times, June 26, 1897)

BRIEF MENTION.- Men are quitting work on the Carson river ranches on account of the mosquitoes.  (Lyon County Times, July 3, 1897)  

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BRIEF MENTION.- Haying is in full blast in Churchill county, and the first crop is now in the stack.  (Lyon County Times, July 10, 1897) 

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DISTRICT COURT.- Judge Mack held Court here Monday and Tuesday of this week, during which time the case of Bailey vs. Littell, Douglass et al. was tried before a jury. Tuesday the jury rendered a verdict in favor of Bailey. The suit grew out of the attachment and sale of some cattle owned by Mrs. Bailey, which were being wintered in Mason Valley. Some time ago Joe Douglass foreclosed a mortgage on the Bailey ranch at the Sink of the Carson. The residence and a plot of surrounding land was held as a homestead. This Mrs. Bailey finally sold to Douglass for $7,500. The proceeds of this sale she invested in beef cattle. These cattle Douglass attached and had sold last Winter. The decision was that the property was her own individual property and was exempt from attachment. The case will probably be appealed.  (Lyon County Times, July 17, 1897)

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BRIEF MENTION.- The river has fallen quite rapidly this week, and there is very little water at the present time.  (Lyon County Times, July 24, 1897)

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ACCIDENTALLY SHOT.- W.J. Douglass, of this place, received a telegram Thursday night that his cousin, Ben Douglass, had accidentally shot himself at the Bailey ranch, in Churchill county. He left about two o'clock yesterday morning for the ranch. Dr. Harris and Gilbert Douglass, of Virginia, also left for the scene of the accident yesterday morning. It is understood that Douglass is wounded in the stomach and cannot live.  (Lyon County Times, August 7, 1897)          

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BRIEF MENTION.- Wm. Harmon, of Churchill county, was operated on for appendicitus this week, and it was found that a pinenut was what had caused all his suffering.  (Lyon County Times, August 21, 1897)           

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BRIEF MENTION.- A threshing outfit from Carson arrived here Thursday to thresh grain on the Carson river. When they got here they found they had a leaky boiler, and returned to Carson to have it repaired.  (Lyon County Times, August 21, 1897)  

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GETTING WELL.- W.J. Douglass returned from Churchill county the first of this week and reports Ben. Douglass rapidly recovering from the wounds he recently received in a shooting scrape. Ben. is now at the home of Lem Allen, in Churchill county, where he is receiving the best of treatment.

The row he had was caused by the accusation that he had stolen a steer and sold it. Douglass denied the accusation and struck the man who made it, but he was not handy enough in getting his pistol, and therefore got the worst of the rumpus. The man who did the shooting was discharged after having a hearing.  (Lyon County Times, August 21, 1897)  

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MEANS WAR.- It is claimed that the locusts, after an absence of 13 years, have returned in some of the eastern and central states with a "W" on their wings. The superstitious farmers declare that this means war, the locusts having appeared prior to all other great wars.  (Lyon County Times, September 11, 1897)          

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BRIEF MENTION.- L. Donati, of Ft. Churchill, will begin harvesting his potato crop next week and storing it for Winter market. He has a big crop of fine spuds.  (Lyon County Times, September 18, 1897)   

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BRIEF MENTION.- W.H. Phillips will probably finish stacking his second crop of hay to-day.  He will have 500 tons in stack from his Ft. Churchill ranch, and lots of good pasture left.  (Lyon County Times, September 18, 1897)     

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BRIEF MENTION.- Haying is over on the Carson river and the tramps like the wild geese are beginning to fly for California, hunting for a warmer climate, and only stopping occasionally to eat.  (Lyon County Times, September 18, 1897)

* * *

WATERMELON PARTY.- Last Friday night some of the boys and young married folks of this place laid plans to make a raid on the watermelon grove of an honest Italian rancher not over a dozen miles from here. There were others who knew of the plot to kidnap the luscious melons, and they proposed to have a little sport of their own, so they followed the kidnapping party, and about the time several sacks of fruit had been landed in a safe place by the other boys and girls the spotters turned a half dozen six-shooters loose, and with a round or two of choice Italian expletives charged the foraging party. There was a scattering in all directions.  One of the girls fell into a ditch, another got hung up on a wire fence, and the youngest and most inexperienced of the crowd fainted away.  When stillness again prevailed the raiders stole back to see how the land lay and get the sack of melons they had cached, but not a melon was to be found, the spotters had cabbaged them, and they were too frightened to make another raid, so they returned home after arranging to keep mum about the entire matter. And they did keep mum. (Lyon County Times, September 18, 1897)      

* * *

SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED.- On Thursday of last week, W.H. Phillips, of Ft. Churchill, and one of his men, while hunting cattle about a quarter of a mile above the old Buckland dam, where the county road comes close to the Carson river, found, underneath a large tree and close to the river bank, some quilts and a blanket. The blanket was folded as though it had been used under a saddle, and was sweat marked on one side. The rest of the blankets were spread out as though someone had recently slept there. A pair of boots, somewhat worn, an old hat, a coat, and a bottle half full of glycerine were in the center of the bed. Mr. Phillips thought nothing of the find at the time, but passing the place Saturday last he found the things still there, but no signs of having been disturbed. Sunday Mrs. Phillips and Miss Loman and her brother were returning from the Howard ranch and the things were still there, in the same place. Mr. Loman gathered them up and took them to the Phillips ranch. In the pocket of the coat was found a small book, in which was the following writing: "Mrs. Eddy, Quartz Mountain, Calaveras county, Cal., 29th,, tobacco, 30 c., 31st, 1 shirt, $1.00, tobacco, 50c., socks, 25c, total, $2.05. L.H. Scanden, Susanville. Horace Lewis, Loyalton, Sierra Co., Cal." This was all of any note. The book indicates that the owner worked for Webster, of Mason Valley, from April 13 to April 31, and had a small bill of goods charged to his account. The book also contained a sheet of paper with the following printed heading: "Susan River Irrigation System, Edward T. Purser, Manager, Susanville, Lassen Co., el." upon which was written, "Wm. Mozher, commenced work for E.T. Purser Mar. 17, 1897, at $20 per month." The paper also contained a small verse of poetry. On Monday of last week two men on horseback passed the Howard ranch, driving two pack animals, and the day after one man driving the animals, passed the Phillips ranch lower down on the river. It is apparent that one man disappeared between the Howard and Phillips ranches, and it is probable that the articles found belong to the man who disappeared. At the point where the things were found the river is deep at all times of the year, and it is possible that the man who left the things on the river bank may have committed suicide; or he may have met with foul play.  (Lyon County Times, September 18, 1897)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- Capt. Davis, Ruel Lothrop and Arthur Herivel left for the Sink of the Carson the first of the week to hunt ducks, tailings deposits etc.  (Lyon County Times, September 25, 1897)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- Farmers on the river are having their grain threshed.  (Lyon County Times, October 2, 1897)      

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- The bed of the Carson river from Dayton to Churchill is covered with a dense growth of young cotton-woods, which sprung from the seed. (Lyon County Times, October 2, 1897)

* * *

A NEW INDUSTRY.- Les Douglass and C. Freshour went into the pinenut business quite extensively this season. They gathered, this week, about 1,500 pounds of nuts, and are going to ship 1,000 pounds to San Francisco. They get 20¢ a pound for prime nuts, and as the expenses of gathering them, shipping, freight, etc. will not be over $25, they will make clear $175 for about four days' work. Les says that if he had got onto this racket sooner, before the nuts were all gathered or fallen out of the burrs, he could have made more money harvesting the nut crop than he could make harvesting all the hay and grain on the Carson river.  (Lyon County Times, October 9, 1897)

* * *

CUTTING SCRAPE.- E. Rosi, who is traveling for a San Francisco clothing house, had trouble with Mike Fognarelli, one of the partners in the old Depaoli ranch on the Carson river below Dayton, yesterday afternoon. The trouble was all over a dollar which Rosi said Fognarelli's nephew owed him, and which Fognarelli claimed had been paid. There was a short war of words when Fognarelli drew a knife and shoved it into the right side of Rosi's back. The cut is not a bad one, as a vest buckle kept the knife from going in very deep. The deputy Sheriff went down to the ranch as soon as he heard of the trouble, to arrest Fognarelli, but up to the time we went to press had not succeeded in finding him.  (Lyon County Times, October 23, 1897)      

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- Ben Douglass was up from the Sink of the Carson this week, and seems to be none the worse off for having his hide punctured with bullets a few weeks ago.  (Lyon County Times, November 13, 1897)     

* * *

FALL FIGHTS.- Bert Cassinelli and A. Scanavino had a row last Thursday evening. Scanavino got hit on the head with a chair but afterwards got Cassinelli down and was putting a fine finish on him when he was interrupted by outside parties. No arrests.  (Lyon County Times, November 13, 1897)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- Joe Quilici has purchased the ranch on the Carson river above Dayton, known as the Depaoli ranch. The purchase was made from the Newlands estate.  (Lyon County Times, November 20, 1897)

* * *

CATTLE MOVING.- Several hundred head of cattle were driven through here last Monday on their way to the Newlands ranch. They were stock cattle that have been picked up in small lots in Carson Valley and elsewhere, and will be kept during the Winter on the ranch, which is below old Fort Churchill, in this county. The cattle seemed to be in fair condition.  (Lyon County Times, November 20, 1897)    

* * *

FATAL ACCIDENT.- Nick Zentmeyer, better known as "Dutch Nick", was hauling wood Monday near Senator Kaiser's residence, in Churchill county, when the team ran away. At the bridge Zentmeyer was thrown from his seat, and the wagon ran over him, killing him instantly. (Dispatch)  (reprinted in Lyon County Times, November 20, 1897)   

* * *

PROBABLE LAND DEAL.- A.H. Stinson, of Stinson Bros., owners of the old Buckland ranch on the Carson river below Dayton, has been in town this week on business connected with the ranch. It is rumored that a deal is on foot for the purchase of lease of the land by a company of Italians, of which Mike Quilici is one of the main men. The ranch is a valuable piece of property, contains several thousand acres of land, is in a fair state of cultivation, and is well-stocked. If Messrs. Cohn and Hofer are thinking of starting any more colonies the Stinson ranch would be an ideal piece of property for them to take hold of. There is a water right that will cover the whole ranch, and altogether it is a much better piece of property for a colonization scheme than the Wymore tract in Smith Valley.

            Since the above was put in type it has been learned that the property has been leased to Quilici and others for a period of ten years. It is also stated that the price of rental is $800 per year.  (Lyon County Times, November 20, 1897)           

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- Several loads of lumber have passed through town this week for the old Buckland ranch, on the Carson river.  (Lyon County Times, December 18, 1897)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- Cooper, of blacksmith fame, rustled up a two horse load of jackrabbit hunters this week and started touring the Carson river. The hunters returned yesterday, and it is reported that the Italian ranchers will pay handsomely for hunters ridding them of the rabbit pest.  (Lyon County Times, December 18, 1897)

* * *

JUDGEMENT AFFIRMED.- The Supreme Court on the 17th of Dec. affirmed the decision of the District Court in the case of Cassinelli vs. Cassinelli. This case grew out of the fire on the Cassinelli ranch a couple of years ago. Pete Cassinelli had Victor Cassinelli arrested on a charge of arson. It was not proved that he started the fire, and he afterwards sued Cassinelli for damages for imprisonment, false representations, etc. The District Court found for Victor and the Supreme Court does likewise.  (Lyon County Times, January 1, 1898)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- Several more carloads of potatoes were shipped from this place to California this week. They went to Oakland and the price paid for them is $11 a ton.  (Lyon County Times, January 8, 1898)        

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- Quite a number of beef and stock cattle are being wintered on the Newlands ranch.  (Lyon County Times, January 22, 1898)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.-    Quilici & Co., who have the Stinson ranch leased, are tearing up the ground in great shape, and from all indications intend to make the property pay. They have lots of good ground and a good water right.  (Lyon County Times, January 22, 1898)

* * *

COLD WEATHER.- The past six weeks have been the coldest that have been known in this section. For that length of time the thermometer at this place has registered from 8 degrees to 2 degrees above zero every morning. Colder weather has been experienced here, but it has never lasted so long. Everything in the shape of water, outside of the wells, is frozen up, and ice is from 14 to 16 inches thick on portions of the river. The Douglass ditch is frozen to the bottom and there is no water for fire or other purposes.  (Lyon County Times, January 29, 1898)

* * *

FROZEN TO DEATH.- C.S. Kellog, an old resident of Churchill county, and about 76 years old, was found frozen to death Tuesday, a short distance from his cabin, in the Silver Hill range of mountains, in Churchill county.

            The old gentleman had been doing prospecting work on a claim and started home, but was overtaken by a snow storm and presumably lost his way and he was, when found, frozen stiff.

           Mr. Kellog built the first quartz mill ever put up in Gold Canyon, where Silver City now stands, and could have been living in a brownstone front today if he had sold out years ago. He had been offered large sums for his prospects several times.  (Lyon County Times, February 5, 1898)

* * *

BUYING POTATOES.- Several Sacramento potato buyers have visited this section during the past two weeks, and they have contracted for about thirty carloads of spuds with the different Italian ranchers on the Carson river. The price ranges from $12 to $13 per ton, and several carloads have already been shipped.  (Lyon County Times, February 12, 1898)

* * *

RANCH PURCHASED.- E. Pierini, Joe Quilici and Peter Dominici purchased this week, of the Union Mill & Mining Co., the land on the Carson river just above Dayton, known as the old Depaoli ranch, with water right. The tract contains 44 1/2 acres of land, and the purchase price was $850. The land used as a wood-yard by the C & C railroad company is not included in the sale.  (Lyon County Times, March 5, 1898)  

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- W.H. Phillips and family passed through town Thursday in a four-horse wagon. They are moving from the old Buckland ranch to California.  (Lyon County Times, March 26, 1898)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- Potatoes have been shipped from this point at a lively rate this week. The price paid is $13 and $13.50 per ton, and one or two choice lots have brought $14.  (Lyon County Times, April 2, 1898)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- Nearly all the potatoes in this section, have been sold and shipped. There are probably not two carloads left en the different ranches on the river now, and they have been contracted for.  (Lyon County Times, April 16, 1898)

* * *  

BRIEF MENTION.- There is less water in the Carson river for this time of the year than there has been since 1889.  (Lyon County Times, April 23, 1898)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.-- Besides the potatoes shipped from Dayton this season five hundred tons or more were also shipped from the Lyon switch, about 15 miles below Dayton. These spuds were also raised on the Carson river in Lyon county.  (Lyon County Times, April 23, 1898)

* * *

LOTS OF SPUDS.- During this season there have been shipped from Dayton so far 76 carloads of potatoes, or nearly 1030 tons. These potatoes were all raised on the Carson river ranches within a few miles of this place, and California was the market. The spuds averaged the growers about $13 per ton, making the total amount received by them nearly $13,500. There possibly may be enough more spuds shipped to make an even 80 carloads for the season.  (Lyon County Times, April 23, 1898)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- Alfalfa on the New Jerusalem ranches is a month ahead of last year.  (Lyon County Times, May 7, 1898)  

* * *

LAND JUMPED.- Eugene Howard and Les Douglass have jumped the land and water rights in the Como range of mountains formerly owned by Stinson Bros. This land will be used by them as range land for their cattle, probably.  (Lyon County Times, May 28, 1898)

* * *

TAKE WARNING.- Notice is hereby given that from this date no more shooting will be allowed on my ranch at New Jerusalem. Hunters will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law if caught trespassing. Take Warning. D.P. Randall (Lyon County Times, May 28, 1898)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- Born- to the wife of Mike Quilici, in Silver City, on May 17th, a son; weight 8 pounds.  (Lyon County Times, June 4, 1898)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- A severe frost visited this place last Sunday night and the vegetables and fruit on the river ranches were considerably damaged. Potatoes, cabbage, tomatoes and alfalfa were pretty badly nipped.  (Lyon County Times, June 4, 1898)          

* * *

FRESH CLAMS.- Daytonites are now indulging in the luxury of clam soup, clam chowder, and baked clams. Not long ago it was discovered that the low holes in the Carson river were full of fresh water clams. How they got there, or when, is a mystery, but they are there by the thousands, and are of good size and fine flavor, being superior, we think, to the fresh water clams in the streams of the east. At several points on the river near this place the clams are very numerous, while it is said they can be shoveled out by the cartload at a point near the Mexican dam.  (Lyon County Times, June 11, 1898)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- Carp and succors are plentiful in the Carson river near the Sutro bridge. Polly Roberts caught a 4 1/2 pound carp there this week.  (Lyon County Times, July 2, 1898)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- There is very little water in the Carson river at this place. New Jerusalem ranchers will probably not get but one crop of alfalfa this year.  (Lyon County Times, July 9, 1898)

* * *

AMONG THE SAVED.- Eugene Burali and Johnny Puccetti, two Italian ranchers on the Carson river below this place, and who left here a week ago to-day for Italy, were on the ill-fated steamer La Burgogne which was sunk with nearly 600 people on board after leaving New York, in the Atlantic Ocean, Tuesday. Burali and Puccetti were among the saved, and their Italian friends here were around yesterday "setting 'em up" pretty lively.  (Lyon County Times, July 9, 1898)

* * *

WATER DISPENSER.- Italian ranchers on the Carson river are having a hard time to get water. For a time this week it looked as though trouble would arise, as many of the ranchers were carrying shotguns and guarding their ditches. Jim Millsap has now been appointed water dispenser by W.E. Sharon, and deals out water from the Rock Point dam to the ranchers below. (Lyon County Times, July 23, 1898)

* * *

WATER SUIT.- O. Cordelli & Co., Italian ranchers on the Carson river, have brought suit against H. Pfeifer, of Sixmile Canyon for the water flowing down the canyon. Cordelli has been using the water for irrigation on his ranch on the river and Pfeifer has used it for his ranch at the mouth of the canyon. This season the water is scarce and there is trouble. Cordelli located the water right some ten years ago, and Pfeifer will stand suit on his rights to do it on the Riparian law, as it flows through his property. It looks as though this suit would bring the Riparian vs. priority question fairly before the courts.  (Lyon County Times, July 23, 1898)

* * *

WATER SUIT SETTLED.- On the 20th of July M. Frugoli, of this place, filed a complaint and an injunction against Pietro Cassinelli restraining him from using certain water claimed by Plaintiff taken out of the Carson river. Cassinelli refused to obey the order of the Court and a citation was issued to show cause why he should not be punished for contempt. Upon the hearing of said matter last Tuesday, Judge Mack found Cassinelli guilty of contempt and ordered him to be confined in the county jail until order of Court was obeyed and costs of the proceeding were paid. On Thursday the parties interested in this case settled their difficulties out of Court and the case was dismissed.  (Lyon County Times, August 6, 1898)    

* * *

CORDELLI WINS.- District Court was in session here this week to try the case of Cordelli vs. Pfeifer. A jury was secured on Tuesday and the trial lasted until Thursday evening, when the jury rendered a unanimous verdict for the plaintiff. This suit was brought by Cordelli to prevent Pfeifer from using any of the water coming down Sixmile Canyon, and to recover $1,500 damages. The jury decided in favor of Cordelli so far as the right to the water was concerned, but only gave him $1 damages. A stay of execution, for ten days, was granted, but it is not likely that the case will be appealed.  (Lyon County Times, August 6, 1898)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- The wheat crop on the Carson river ranches near here is quite heavy this year. Dick Randall had several acres of wheat that will probably produce 50 bushels to the acre.  (Lyon County Times, August 13, 1898)        

* * *

BAD WATER.- Since the water in the river has become so scarce it is not fit to drink, especially after it gets below the Eureka cyanide plant. At this point the water becomes impregnated with cyanide to such an extent that fish in the river are killed. A physician has stated that persons take their lives in their hands when they now drink Carson river water without first boiling it.  (Lyon County Times, August 13, 1898)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- The ranchers along the Carson river will begin threshing their grain next week.  (Lyon County Times, August 20, 1898)

* * *

DEADLY CYANIDE.- The cyanide which escapes into the Carson river from the plant at the Eureka mill has been fatal to a number of animals about Dayton. Many chickens have died from drinking the water; several dogs and cats have keeled over after quenching their thirst with river water, and several horses have been made quite sick by drinking from the river. Again THE TIMES would caution the residents of this place to drink none but well water during the low stage of water in the river.  (Lyon County Times, August 27, 1898)

* * *

THRESHING.- Chas, Miller's threshing outfit arrived here this week and has been engaged in threshing grain on the Carson river ranches in the vicinity of Dayton. The grain crops will be above the average this season, both in quantity and quality.  (Lyon County Times, September 3, 1898)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- Angelo Quilici is the proud possessor of another daughter who arrived at his home on Sept. 25th. Mother and child are well.  (Lyon County Times, October 8, 1898)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- Some few potatoes have been shipped from Dayton already this season. They bring from $13 to $14 per ton.  (Lyon County Times, October 15, 1898)

* * *

RANCH SOLD.- Mrs. E. Newman, of this place, has sold her ranch on the Carson river below here to L. Donati & Co. The purchase price is said to be $7,500. The ranch contains several hundred acres of good land, and has the advantage of having water the year round. The thrifty Italians now have all but two or three ranches on the river, and will likely own those in a few years.  (Lyon County Times, December 10, 1898)

* * *

SHIPPING SPUDS.- Several carloads of potatoes have been shipped from this point and the Newman ranch to California during the past two weeks. The spuds raised on the Italian ranches on the river this year seem to be of extra fine quality, and a great many have already been purchased by California buyers at good prices. The potatoes are held here to be shipped in quantities as ordered by the purchasers.  (Lyon County Times, December 10, 1898)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- Les Douglass and bride returned from Carson last Monday and continued on down to the ranch.  (Lyon County Times, January 7, 1899)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- Miss Florence Cooper is visiting her sister Mrs. Douglass at the ranch near Ft. Churchill.  (Lyon County Times, January 7, 1899)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- L. Donati made final arrangements for the purchase of the Newman ranch last Saturday, and paid a large portion of the purchase price.  (Lyon County Times, January 21, 1899)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- Gene Howard and Les Douglass have bought the one-third interest of C.E. Freshour in the Howard ranch near old Fort Churchill, on the Carson river. Mr. Freshour will move to California to live about the 1st of March.  (Lyon County Times, February 4, 1899)          

* * *

MARRIED IN SAN FRANCISCO.- Eugene F. Howard and Miss Susie Secard were married in Oakland last Sunday. Gene Howard is well-known by all Daytonites as the popular young rancher of the Carson river, while the bride is the daughter of Pete Secard, a pioneer resident of Sixmile Canyon.  (Lyon County Times, February 11, 1899)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- Onions are now commanding a fancy price as well as potatoes:- $30 per ton.  (Lyon County Times, March 4, 1899)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- A.J. Newman and family will shortly move to the Newlands ranch to superintend that property.  (Lyon County Times, March 4, 1899)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- The water in the Carson river is lower than ever for this season of the year and the ranchers are not over confident about having water enough for their crops this Summer.  (Lyon County Times, March 4, 1899)  

* * *

SPUDS UP.- The price of spuds is higher now than it has been for years. Some months ago potato buyers bought up nearly all the spuds on the Carson river ranches for about $16 per ton. These spuds have nearly all been shipped to California. The price of potatoes has now raised to $22 per ton, but only two or three ranchers hereabouts have any to sell. Those who have them are now holding out for $25 a ton.  (Lyon County Times, March 4, 1899)  

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- Nevada potatoes are now held at $46 a ton. The Italian ranchers hereabouts who sold out for $16 or $18 per ton are having all kinds of fits.  (Lyon County Times, April 1, 1899)     

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- The river raised considerably at this paint during the recent storm, and enough water has gone to waste in the past week to have kept the ranchers well-supplied during the entire dry period, if it had been stored.  (Lyon County Times, April 1, 1899).

* * *

WATER SUIT.- Last Saturday John Gotelli et al instituted suit against Orlando and Tancredo Cordelli for running waste water and debris into the ditch of the plaintiffs. Plaintiffs claim $600 damages, and granting of an injunction against defendants from further filling up or damaging the ditch of said plaintiffs. All parties are Italian ranchers on the Carson river a few miles below Dayton.  (Lyon County Times, April 1, 1899) 

* * *

THOSE NEVADA CAMELS.- The Sacramento "Bee" of last Monday prints a letter from one L.J.C. Bonsall, of Sandiego, California, concerning certain camels brought to this State from Arizona, several years ago, and which were used in packing salt from Sand Springs, in Churchill county, to the quartz mills in Lyon and Storey counties. The aforesaid camels first made their appearance in Nevada in the year 1870, having been brought directly from Arizona to Nevada as an experiment in the transportation of freight, and were used in carrying salt, as before stated, from Sand Springs to Virginia City, and the quartz mills on the Carson river, up to the year 1877, when by an act of the Legislature, camels were prohibited from being driven over or herded near the public highways of the State, during the day time. That law put an end to their use in Nevada, and they were turned loose to shift for themselves. A horse has a fixed and unrelenting animosity against a camel, and refuses at all times to make his near acquaintance. So it was that when the camels were sent adrift they were soon killed or driven away by teamsters and others. From the foregoing it will be seen that as a historian, Bonsall is a failure. Nevadans, as a rule, do not object to an error of a year or so as to the date of any particular event, but a lie of seven years is too much of a good thing, and we repudiate Bonsall.

            Had Bonsall lived in Nevada in 1863, he would have known that several hundred soldiers, principally cavalry, were stationed at Fort Churchill at that time, and that no camels would have been permitted there.

            We have been a resident of Nevada 38 years and are decidedly opposed to Bonsall or anyone else writing fiction of his quality and calling it history of this State.  (Lyon County Times, April 8, 1899)         

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- Frank Baroni left last Monday night for Italy. His intention is to bring back a helpmate from sunny Italy.  (Lyon County Times, April 15, 1899)     

* * *

BIG YIELDS OF SPUDS.- On the Hill ranch, in Lovelock Valley, Humboldt county, 200 tons of potatoes have been raised to the acre. At the present price of $60 per ton, the product of an acre would be $1,200.

            The above item is probably incorrect, unless it means that 200 tons of spuds were all that were ever raised to the acre for several years of cultivation. No ground in the world will produce 200 tons of potatoes to the acre in one season. Great stories have been told about potato yields in this State, and there is no doubt that Nevada can beat the world in producing potatoes. As for the section of the State which produces the most spuds to the acre and the best quality there is some dispute. At the New Orleans Exposition Commissioner Havenor of this State made a display of several sacks of Nevada potatoes gathered from the ranches in the vicinity of Dayton, and there was not a potato in the lot that weighed less than four pounds. Every tuber was solid, mealy and delicious to eat, one making a meal for a small family. Some time in 1887 or 1888 a suit was brought by some Italians on the Carson river against the late Gov. Stevenson, who then owned the Rock Point mill, for damages in constructing a new dam and backing the water up over their potato patches. The damages asked were thought to be excessive, but a jury visited the patch and found that 32 tons of spuds were raised to the acre on it. These facts are of record, so it will be well to remember, when reading articles about spud culture, that the Carson river ranchers are in this business with both feet and up to their necks.  (Lyon County Times, April 15, 1899)

* * *

MORE LAND TAKEN UP.- D. Ceresola, one of the prosperous Italian ranchers on the Carson river, near Sutro, has taken up twenty acres of new ground owned by the Comstock Tunnel Co. and will cultivate it for the first time this season. The water for irrigating purposes will be obtained from the flow coming from the Sutro Tunnel since pumping began. If the pump ceases operating after Ceresola gets a good crop of spuds or grain started he will be in hard luck.  (Lyon County Times, April 15, 1899)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- Potatoes still command a healthy price. They sell for 2 1/2 cents per pound in 100 or 200 pound lots.  (Lyon County Times, April 22, 1899)  

* * *

MARRIED MONDAY.- Louis Donati and Miss Clementia Ciucci, a recent arrival from Italy, were united in wedlock at St. Mary's Church in Virginia City Monday afternoon by Rev. Father Tubman. The bride and groom will live on the old Newman ranch about 22 miles below Dayton.  (Lyon County Times, April 29, 1899)   

* * *

NICE WEATHER.- Winter weather has been experienced here for an entire week, and indications are that it may continue a week or so longer. Flurries of snow have occurred during the past two or three days. Tuesday night was severely cold and apricots as large as walnuts were frozen to the pit. Thursday night ice formed to the thickness of w of an inch and the balance of the fruit crop was probably killed. Alfalfa and early potatoes and other vegetables are considerably damaged. This is the greatest country in the world for fruit -- we don't think.  (Lyon County Times, April 29, 1899)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- A few doves have made their appearance, but there are about two hunters to one bird.  (Lyon County Times, May 6, 1899)   

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- The snow storm and freeze of last Sunday night finished up what few bunches of fruit were left by previous cold snaps.  (Lyon County Times, May 6, 1899)

* * *

THAT SPUD YARN.- A Carson attorney with an unspeakable sobriquet writes to the Genoa "Courier" that our "yarn" about 32 tons of potatoes being raised on an acre of ground on the Carson river bottom near Dayton is all bosh. He claims to have reported the case we referred to where it was shown that 32 tons of spuds were raised to the acre. Maybe he did. If so, he knows that J.E. Gignoux surveyed the acre of ground we referred to and that a hill of potatoes was taken up here and there in the rows running across the land, and from this an average was made which showed that 32 tons were actually produced on the one acre. His "notes" may not show this as the testimony was not presented to the Court for the reason that it was thought it would appear too high a figure and injure, rather than benefit, the Italian's case. His story about twenty tons being raised to the acre is all right, and may be more readily believed by the public, but we are telling the public that 32 tons of potatoes were raised on this acre of ground, whether anybody believes it or not. Furthermore THE TIMES was the first paper in this State to publish this news. If there is anything Chartz won't claim credit for we would like to know what it is. We expect to see him awake on resurrection morn and claim to be the first man on the ground, if not the only one.  (Lyon County Times, May 6, 1899)  

* * *

MARRIED.- Pasquale Isola and Miss Maria C. Donegan, a niece of James Lyden, were married at Mr. Lyden's residence at American Flat last Sunday by the Justice of the Peace of Dayton township. After the ceremony the bride and groom drove to their ranch at New Jerusalem where a large red wine dinner was spread for invited guests. In the evening a dance was given at the Baroni saloon which was the warmest number of the season.  (Lyon County Times, May 6, 1899)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- The weather during the week has been cold and disagreeable with heavy frosts nearly every night. Roses are in bloom here and eight miles away, in Como, there was a heavy snow storm Wednesday and Thursday.  (Lyon County Times, May 20, 1899)

* * *

BRIEF MENTION.- The weather for this week has been, generally, windy, cold and disagreeable, with frosts nearly every night. If Daytonites raise any vegetables this year they will be in luck.  (Lyon County Times, May 27, 1899)

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BRIEF MENTION.- John Gotelli, August Deluchi and others, have commenced contempt proceedings in the District Court against Orlando and Tancredo Cordelli, because of the latters refusal to comply with the restraining order of the Court in relation to a water ditch belonging to Gotelli & Co.  (Lyon County Times, July 1, 1899)

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BRIEF MENTION.- The water in the river still continues to grow beautifully less, and at present there is not sufficient for a small boy to swim in and get wet all over.  (Lyon County Times, July 22, 1899)

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BRIEF MENTION.- Nearly all the Carson river ranchers have their first crop of alfalfa harvested, and grain is now being cut. The supply of water for grain will be sufficient, but the second crop of hay is liable to suffer for want of water.  (Lyon County Times, July 22, 1899)

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BRIEF MENTION.- Grain is being harvested on all the Carson river ranches now.  (Lyon County Times, July 29, 1899)

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BRIEF MENTION.- The Italian ranchers in this vicinity and further down the river anticipate large potato crops this year.  (Lyon County Times, July 29, 1899)    

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BRIEF MENTION.- The "Report" of Thursday night contains a fish story about Louis Legris being nearly drowned in the Carson river. There is not water enough in the river to drown a chicken. Somebody has evidently been working the "Report" for some free advertising.  (Lyon County Times, July 29, 1899)

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EXCELLENT CROSSES.- A farmer tells an exchange that he has made a discovery that will be of vast importance to the farmers during a dry season. He has found by planting onions and potatoes in the same field in alternate rows, the onions become so strong that they bring tears to the eyes of the potatoes in such vast volumes that the roots of the vine are kept moist and a big crop raised in spite of a drought. The same farmer has a scheme for raising custard pies by crossing the egg plant with the milk weed.  (Lyon County Times, July 29, 1899)

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BUSINESS CHANGE.- L.E. Douglass, on the 1st of this month, purchased from W.C. Gruber the Union Meat Market, and will hereafter conduct the business. Mr. Douglass will continue to run wagons to Silver City and Sutro, and it will be his aim to furnish the freshest and most tender meats he can procure to his patrons.  (Lyon County Times, August 5, 1899)

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WATER COMES HIGH.- Joe Quilici is constructing a flume across the river, just opposite the Douglass mill, to take water from his ditch on this side of the river to a piece of ground he owns across the river. He could get water for this small patch across the river for $60 a wetting - a pretty stiff figure, but is going to the expense of $200 or more to build the flume. It is evident that he believes spuds will be high this year.  (Lyon County Times, August 5, 1899)       

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NEVADA POTATOES.- Agents are in Nevada buying potatoes for the California market. They only offer $25 per ton, however, and most ranchers refuse to sell at that price. They are confident that spuds will reach the $50 notch next winter and will hold them for a higher market. Nevada potatoes lead in quality all over Uncle Sam's dominions.  (Lyon County Times, August 12, 1899)         

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BRIEF MENTION.- Water is getting scarcer every minute hereabouts, and there are liable to be fights or lawsuits, or both, at arty time now.  (Lyon County Times, August 12, 1899)

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BRIEF MENTION.- Gene Howard is having a large barn in Sixmile Canyon torn down and moved to his ranch, near Fort Churchill.  (Lyon County Times, September 2, 1899)   

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ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT.- Last Sunday night Sheriff Randall took Guilio Doretti and Michael Tognorelli into custody on a charge of assault with intent to kill. The complaint charges that these two men shot at a man named Saroni on the big Italian ranch last Sunday with the intention of killing him. Saroni was not hit, but was pretty badly scared. The men were placed under $1,000 bonds - which they gave - to appear in the Justice Court for hearing this morning. (Lyon County Times, September 9, 1899)

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A TRAVESTY ON JUSTICE.- Last Saturday the case of Saroni vs. Doretti and Tognorelli on a charge of assault with intent to kill was dismissed in the Justice Court of this place, and the costs assessed on the plaintiff. This action was taken in the case on account of the plaintiff refusing to prosecute, the case probably having been fixed between him and the defendants. Some day there will come a case in this Court when the witnesses will not all be of one nationality, and those who monkey with the law to aid their business interests and "square" grudges and personal animosities will get a dose that is not to their liking.  (Lyon County Times, September 16, 1899)

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BRIEF MENTION.- Ducks are reported scarce all along the line of the Carson river, there being no water in the sloughs and very little in the river.  (Lyon County Times, September 23, 1899)

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FINE VEGETABLES.- Barney Moran, of Sutro, is quite an agriculturist. He sent to the editor this week a sample of onions and cabbage he raised in his garden this season. The onions weigh about four pounds each and the cabbage is half as large as a bushel basket. Barney also has a couple of mammoth squash in his garden, one of which will weigh over 100 pounds.  (Lyon County Times, September 30, 1899)     

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FATAL ACCIDENT.- A runaway accident occurred on the Buckland ranch, near Ft. Churchill, Wednesday evening of this week, which caused the death of a man named John Beeman. Beeman was in the employ of the Lee threshing outfit which was threshing grain on the Buckland ranch. At quitting time Wednesday night he unhitched his team from the strawbuck and started for the house, about a mile and a half distant. On the way the horse he was riding ran away and Beeman was thrown off and dragged a distance of about 100 yards. He was found in a dazed condition by some of the other men shortly after the accident occurred and taken to the house. He was somewhat bruised about the head, but said he thought he would be all right in a short time. About 12 o'clock Wednesday night he was taken with spasms and became unconscious. At 5 o'clock Thursday morning R.E. Lee and Henry Cirac started to bring Beeman to Dayton in a spring wagon to secure medical aid, but while on the read to this place the injured man died. He evidently had received severe internal injuries, and a Coroner's jury rendered a verdict in accordance with the above facts. Beeman was a stranger in this section of the country having arrived on the Carson Sink a few weeks ago from Wadsworth. He was on his way to Bishop Creek, but secured employment with the Lee threshing outfit and postponed his journey for the time being. He was 53 years of age, but it is not known of what State he was a native. His funeral took place here yesterday.  (Lyon County Times, September 30, 1899)           

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WORKING PIUTES.- A new scheme in labor circles has evolved itself in this section. Piutes have for years past gone to California to pick hops during the season, and for years past they have been employed by Italian ranchers on the Carson river to sprout potatoes in the Spring. This season, however, the ranchers are employing the Piutes, bucks and squaws, both young and old, to dig, sort and sack spuds. The young mahalas about town who have been employed to wash dishes in private families have all joined the potato-pickers brigade, and as a consequence there is consternation among the housewives of the community. But 50¢ a day to the squaws is good wages, and they cannot be expected to work for $1 a week as house servants when such alluring inducements are offered them by the Italians.  (Lyon County Times, October 7, 1899)  

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BRIEF MENTION.- The Wightman threshing outfit has been threshing some grain on the Carson river, and will be working on Randall's ranch next week.  (Lyon County Times, October 7, 1899)

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THRESHING IN A SNOW STORM.- The Wightman threshing outfit arrived here this week and is now operating at Randall's New Jerusalem ranch. So far the storm has not materially hindered operations, but it is not often that one witnesses the threshing of grain in a snow storm.  (Lyon County Times, October 14, 1899)  

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ANOTHER WATER SUIT.- John Gotelli, August Delucchi and others have brought suit against Orlando and Tancredo Cordelli, to enjoin defendants from interfering with a dam and water, the property of plaintiffs on the Carson river, about six miles below this place. The suit is also for $1,500 damages to crops, alleged to have been sustained by plaintiffs during the past two years.  (Lyon County Times, October 14, 1899)

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BRIEF MENTION.- L.E. Douglass purchased in Churchill county last week 55 head of fine beef cattle to put on the block at the Union Market at this place.  (Lyon County Times, October 21, 1899)

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SPUDS SHIPPED.- Several carloads of potatoes have been shipped from here during the past to weeks to California markets. The best price so far paid is $19 a ton. The crop is somewhat short here this season, and a higher price may be expected later on. The potatoes are of good quality this season.   (Lyon County Times, November 18, 1899)

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THE SPUD CROP.- While the early frosts and a scarcity of water did slight damage to the potato crop on some of the Carson river ranches this season there will be a great many spuds shipped from this point and Churchill during the next four months. It is estimated that the Donati ranch and the Quilici ranch near Fort Churchill will ship about 30 carloads each, or about 720 tons of potatoes. The other ranches have grown an average crop, nearly, and it is estimated that the entire crop of all the Carson river ranches will be about 240 carloads, or nearly 3,000 tons. The potatoes are of good quality this year. The season was cool and this is conducive to the raising of large, sound and healthy potatoes.  (Lyon County Times, November 25, 1899)        

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BRIEF MENTION.- There was born to the wife of Eugene F. Howard, of Ft. Churchill, in Virginia City Wednesday evening, a daughter. The little one lived only a short time, and its burial took place in Virginia Thursday.  (Lyon County Times, December 2, 1899)

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BRIEF MENTION.- Churchill County ranchers are discussing a means of securing more water. Some advocate storing water in a reservoir to be built within the confines of Churchill County, and others are advocating building a canal from the Truckee River, a distance of 35 miles, or more.  (Lyon County Times, December 2, 1899)       

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ALLEGED CATTLE STEALING.- George W. Webb, of Churchill County appeared in this town last Wednesday and swore to a complaint charging David and Harry Miller of stealing beef cattle belonging to Webb from the Newlands ranch in this county and selling them in Virginia City to Steffin, the butcher. A warrant was issued for the arrest of the Miller boys and Sheriff Randall had no trouble in finding them at Reno. The boys stoutly proclaim their innocence of any illegal transactions, and claim that a mistake has certainly been made.  (Lyon County Times, December 2, 1899)

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ANOTHER WATER SUIT.- Joe Douglass has sued Orlando Cordelli and others to end an option Cordelli held for right of way across some of Douglass' land for a ditch commencing below the Rock Point dam and running to the Cordelli ranch, about eight miles below this place; also for 384.15, balance due for rental, at $20 per year, for land through which the ditch passed.  (Lyon County Times, December 9, 1899)

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THE CORPSE DISAPPEARED.- Thursday morning Butch Baglin found what he supposed was a corpse in the stable back of the butcher shop. A pair of feet were sticking out from between two piles of baled hay and Butch could not arouse the individual they belonged to. He therefore summoned the Coroner, Sheriff and a crowd to go to the stable, but upon arrival there the corpse was gone. It was discovered afterwards that Bert Cassinelli had only been taking a morning snooze.  (Lyon County Times, December 16, 1899)    

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Part 1 (1865-1879); Part 2 (1880-1884); Part 3 (1887-1889); Part 4 (1890-1893)