BLACK SAND MINING IN EARLY DAYS.
We built tbe first milion tbe lower tation Old Uncle Tommy Lowe and
Coquille river and practically the myself started in our skifl’ to attend
first merchant sawmill in tbe Coquille tbe celebration aud got as far as Cnu-
valley. Hamblock and myself run ningham lauding, m>w Coquille City,
thia mill about a year and although and encamped fur tbe night where
we received $35 per M, feet delivered now stands the city wharf. Here we
at tbe rniuea, we came out a little be tuet tbe then wmbryo
(We take the following from Orvil north of Whisky Run during the de- hind, owing to (be poor way in which
Binger Hermann, wearing a little
Dodge s Pioneer History of Coos and
cade grid a half following 1853.
tbeold sash sawmill was constructed. round jacket and waiting foraebance
Curry counties.)
Mr. Edward Fiby, Sr., gives bis John Hamblock. W. D. L. F. Smith to gel up the river. We had plenty
One of those who first penetrated
aud myself took tbe contract of saw of provisions, and making a hearty
the wilds ot Coos County was A. H. reminiscences of the early days on
ing white cedar for exportation and weal, prepared to camp for the
this coast in the following:
Thrift. Mr. Thrift, when a mere
before
finishing tbe said cargo tbe night. Uncle Tommy told stories of
*‘I arrived at Port Orford on the
boy, only sixteen years of age, accom
two former partners withdrew and I Mississippi keel boating and steam
panied the Marple and Harris Co. steamship Peytoua in the spring of
shipped tbe cargo on my own account. boating, Master Binger sang “Nellie
down the Middle Coquille and cast 1854. The captain having a number
This lumber was shipped on the Flor Gray" aud other ditties and 1
his lot with these heroric adventurers, of passengers for Port Orford aod as
ence E. Walton, Capt. Kane, during cracked a few jokes. Next morning,
known as the Coos Bay Co, and eveu the sea was running very high he was
tbe month of April, 1861. This ves July 3, we pulled up aa far as the
followed the Florence excitement in compelled to chouse between taking
sel was the second one built at tbe ford above Myrtle Port aud camped
1862, at which place he aud Joseph them to Portland or landing them at
North Beud ship yard. McDonald, w ith David Holland. The next morn
Ferry helped at the obsequies of Per the immineut risk of their lives, He
a Canadian, was tbe architect, aud it ing we wended our way to tbe picuic
ry B. Marple, who Jed the pilgrims chose the latter alternative aud or
wbb built for Walton & Scudder, San- grounds where an oration was deliv
iuto the wilds of Coos Bay. In 1866, dered the second mate to take the
Francisco. This was tbe first cargo of ered by F. G. Lockhart aud abort
while living at Port Orford, he start passengers ashore 1 stood near the
lumber shipped from tbe Coquille addresses by one or two others.
ed to Empire City to procure some mate at the time aod heard him grit
river. Walton and Scudder were the Presently John Hill announced din'
flour, but Btopped at Randolph aud his teeth and in a tone not beard by
first to establish a salmon fishery at ner and, after doing ample justice to
sent Joe Gurley on for the supplies the Capt. replied that he would take
Rogue river.
John's barbecue, all adjourned to tbe
John Dame and A. H. Hincb, who them ashore or take them to bell.
During the winter of 1858 Christo dance ball and kept it up right merri
were also at Randolph, accompanied Now in as much as I left the State of
pber Long and myself bought the ly until 7 o'clock next morning.
Coquille ferry, now Bandon, and I This was tbe first celebration of lu
raised the finest crop of spuds in dependence Day in Southern Coos
what is now tbe main street, that has County.
ever been raised in Coos County.
During tbe fall of 1861 or '62.
They were especially tine in the vi have forgotten exactly which, John
cinity of where now stands the post- Flanagan started the first salmou
office and barber shop
fishery on tbe Coquille river.
His
During tbe fall of this year Dr. camp was situated about half a mile
Hermann cam« here by way of Ros«- from where now statute Prosper
burg where he met old John Yocum,
During the summer of 1862, I pur
wbo prevailed on him o come down chased the machinery of the circular
here, where he bought the pre-emp sawmill of Mr. Schroeder, which lie
tion right of H. H. Baldwin, the old brought from Baltimore, and in 1866
est living pioneer of Coos County. built the mill which I still own. The
After making arrangements for im following year Pohl aud Grub built
proving tbe place, John Hill brought the Myrtle Grove mill and the y Aar
tbe doctor down to have a look at tbe after that Capt. Parker built the Par
Proprietors.
mouth of tbe river. After satisfying kersburg mill.
MANUFACTURING DISTRICT. BANDON
himself of tbe future of the river,
In 1866, Hincb discovered tbe cele
EL DORADO BLOCK.
they both returned to John Ham brated black sand mine which he sub
M. Thrift on a bunting expedition. New York on account of the terrible
block’s residence where they were seqnently sold to John Persbbaker.
Coming to a small stream Hincb heat, I had no desire to embark with
hospitally entertained, and after a Charlie Persbbaker and Joe Ferry
stooped down to drink aud saw gold the mate with the prospects of land
day’s rest I saddled my horses and They subsequently sold to S. B.
miugled with the sand. Thrift pur ing in a warmer latitude so I waited
took him to Empire City where he Lane, who operated it for a number
chased Dame’s interest in the find for the whaleboat from shore and
crossed the bay and went to the Ump of years.
and be and Hiuch went to work and when we touched terra firma I was
qua, from whence he took shipping
Tbe first vessel to come to this nv
staked off claims and commenced pre requested to band over eight dollars,
for San Francisco.
er was a sloop from Crescent City in
paring for operating the mine, As which I did, and having just ten
Tbe following spring, May, 1859, 1859, commanded by a little Irishman
noon as their sluices were down Hincb cents left I geueronsly handed that
tbe doctor and bis party from Balti named Jimmie.
The next was a
was arrested for an alleged crime, but over also stating at tbe same time
more arrived at Port Orford, and schooner sent here by John \\ . Hut
PENSION AGENCY AND LOCAL LAND OFFICE.
Thrift continued the work, keeping on that he had just sized my pile.
from there by ox wagon to tbe Co ton of Port Orford with goods to es
C.
T.
BLUMENROTHER,
A. D. MORSE,
the lead. Hincb was acquitted aud Such was my introduction into Coos
quille. After camping out all night tablish a branch of hie house aud eon U. S. Commissioner and Notary Public.
Notary Public.
returned to work. They took out$66 Co., Or., and, financially, I have just
near the mouth of Two Mile creek signed to Henry Myers of Myersville,
per day with only one man shoveling, about held my own ever since.
35 acres,
mile river front nd
2 lots in Cartright add. to Bandon. I 400
they reached the ferry early next now Myrtle Point, and another branch
joining Bandon, and II lots
2,500
Having just come from tbe east I
and using but one tom. These mines
360
7 lots in Woolen Mill addition
morning. Upon their arrival I eu of his house uuder the management
2
lots
with
house,
in
Bandon
800
were finally sold to John Persbbaker. was not aware that every man was
•J lots in one block Woodland ad
280
acres
woodland
and
grazing
quired for Mrs. Hermaun and on in- j of John Hamblock al Randolph. Tb<
35—50
dition
Thrift received $11,00(1 and Hincb supposed to carry hie bed along with
land, bouse and barn, 5 miles
troducing myself invited herself and next was Capt. Rackleff with tb<
:IO acres near Fair Grounds. good
from Bandon, a snap
1,000
some more than that. John Persh him wherever be went, consequently
000
bouse and well, 100,000 ft timber
8
lots
in
Woodland
Addition
1,000
baker later Hold out to Simon Lane when I got to Ticbenors’ mill I found
320 acres, good house, barn and
159 acres tine valley land all in
other outbuildings, part cash
Thus my downy couch to consist of a
for $28,(MIO coin paid down.
grass, with buildings, 24 head of
2:ioo
and part time, price
sheep. 3 cows and 6 other cattle
2/100
we have the early history of tbe cele puncheon floor and when I awoke
UM) acre dairy ranch ill Curry Co.
32
Timber
claims.
Cedar
and
Fir
brated Lane Black Sand mine locat next morning I shivered like a dog in
with 126 bearing fruit tree«
and Tan Bark timber, each 800 to 1,000
5.50
18
lo‘s Portland addition, each
a
wet
blanket
.
ed inland from Whisky Run and SIX
2 one acre t racts outside of town
11.00
111 lots Portland addition, each
The proprietors of the above mill.
miles northof the mouth of the Co-
limits of Bandon
300
Kk) acres farm, grazing and tim
1
Lot.
with
two
story
business
quille river. Mr. Thrift invested tbe Neefus, and H B. Tichenor, were
ItillO
ber land
building on 1st St
1,500
proceeds of bis mine in one of the good paymasters and paid very gen
750
1511 acres with immense outrange
I New dwelling house and lot in
400 acres farm and timber land,
Bandon
1.200
best dairy and stock farms on Floras erous wages, from $65 to $150
Some Pioneer History of the Lower Coquille
Country.
The
Eldorado
WINES.
LIQUORS
:o:
Rasmussen Bros.
BATTDOIST
Property For Sale by the
BANDON REAL ESTATE AND LOAN CO.
over .UNI acres bottom land
261 acres bench, timber and hot-
tom land nesr Bandon, a fine
dairy ranch
1 Io’ 50x80, house, barn and other
buildings, Port Orford
176 acres ooal land.
mile liver
front, 141 j acres tide land
3 lots with boose fenced. Bamloo
2 lots with house and barn. Wood
land addition
1 large business building, best
location in town
I
month
Times passed pleasantly until
Indian war of 1856. About the
of February, 1856, John Hambkxk
and myself made a flying trip to the
mouth of tbe Coquille river, and on
our
return we found abundant evi-
..- _______ ________ __ _____
Mr Thrift was at Raudolpb during , dence of tbe hostilities intended by
' tbe Indians, and sure enough, on the
its heyday of prosperity.
Tbe first beach mining was done in ; night of the 22d of February hostili-
Rogue river.
such a crude way that but little of I ties commenced at
the precious metal was saved. Rough The people at Port Orford erected a
boards aud blankets were the only block bouse for tbe protection of
means adopted until finally qnicksil their families and here all the people
ver and tbe tom were introduced by of tbe town gathered at night for bet
a man wbo became very wealthy ter protection, not knowing when tbe
At tbe
One man purchased tbe blowings, as place would be attacked.
tbe sand dump was called, aud using mill we also built a block fort around
quicksilver in working it over, ac tbe boarding house and stood ready
quired a large fortune. McNamara to defend the property of our em
ami MeKey took oiil$80,(M)0 from 120 ployer and stayed bv it until tbe
feel of beach about 2(M) yards south close of hostilities.
After three and a half years service
of Whisky Run. McNamara would
fill a pound powder can with gold at Port Orford mill. John Hamblock
dust and put a good supply iuto bis and myself moved to Randolph,
pockets, go to Port Orford, imbibe where we have continued to resille
freely, lay around with thousands of ever since.
Aa a sample of the cost of living in
dollars in bis pockets. but was never
J
those
early pioneer <teys flour, includ
robbed. Mr. Thrift thinks that at
creek, where he and bis family enjoy
all the comforts of life. In 1889. Mr.
Thrift laid off a town nt the foot of
the mountain that pushes its base out
to a beautiful glen of timber on bis
farm, aud gave it the name of Dairy-
least one million dollars in gold dust ing the cost of packing from Port Or
was taken out at U hi-ky Wtin and ford, cost ns from 10 to 14 cents per
ponad, sugar from 14 to 16 cents and
not Itr« than ten million along tbe
bacon hams from »4 V’
centf^ per
beavb from GvU Beach to font miles
3500
1 tract with good 1000 feet river
frontage, good new house wharf
and fish bouse and other build
ings
1,800
4000
And many other tracts too numerous to
♦kMi mention.
----- ooo-----
2650
We boy and sell all kinds of prop
erties We negotiate loans on ap
1200 proved security no short notice.
OOO-----
4500
All kinds of land business attended
I house. 2 lots, tine water and creek
700
to promptly and at living rates.
8> acres, half bottom, house and
----- OOO------
1400
small barn
All kinds of pension claims prose
317 acres. I pt acres in grass, bouse
cuted at reasonable rates.
2500
ORFORD HEADS AND
friends to the hospitalities of the
beet that bachelor's hall could afford.
As the morning advanced, boats
were gotten ready and the whole par
ty taken to Hamblock s resilience
where they were most hospitally en
tertained. On the way up the river,
Mr. Schroeder a son, U ill ■*» fell over-
board aud though Binger Hermann,
tlieu a youth, plnuged into the river
to rescue him, the boy was drowned.
The body was subsequently recotired.
During the following month, July,
th- new settlers sent word to the
coaet that a celebration and barbecue
would be held at the residence of
I John Hill,
lu response to this in vi-
WHARF.
schooner Twin Sisters, in 1859 I b>-
lieve. The next was the schooner
Florence E. Walton, already mei
tinned All subsequent one« such i s
Capt. Generous, Capt. Brown of tl e
old Mose etc., are all more or le-s
familiar.
—oco----
The raising of cranberries is au in
duatry fhst in tbe near future will Ti
the sconree of considerable revent e
for Cooa county. The berries raie< I
are of good quality and there is a
splendid market. The industry is hi
its infancy but there is much land in
the county »notable for their culttv i-
1500
barn and outbuildings
|f>0 acres 3 milts from Bandon,
good house, barn and other
buildings, fine garden and lots
of matchwood
262 acres good bill ranch, farm
and grazing land, house, near
Langlois
!)60 acres. 200 a bottom land, 7
room house, hay sheds and barn,
cuts 100 tons of bay, large sawmill
frame up, 20 cows, right on
count}- road on Elk river, five
miles from Port Orford
IrSMMl
1 lot in South Bandon
50.00 it with ns and we will sell it for yoo.
160 acres. 40 acres of timber,
about 1,000,000 ft. cedar atid fir,
Bandon, grazing land
900 acres tine grazing and farm
land, partly improved and most-
ly all in grass, a bargain $6.50
per acre
1463 acres of fine timber and graz
ing land
31*-, acres of dvked. 21 acre« river
bottom land balance timber,
land No. I
—ooo—
Homestead and Timber entry filings
done at this office.
1000
Contests in land cases filed and
attended to.
3200
-
OOO-----
Information given free of charge aw
to vacant government lands. Land
plats up to date always on hand.
If yon have any land for sale list
If yon want to buy lands come and
550 see ns for we have the largest list of
laud for sale in Coos county.
os aud see.
5340
Callon
Office in Telephone Bldg.
19.025
5,178
BANDON, - - OREGON.
•
.
*