Volume 006-4 - October 1952 (2 pages)

W. W. WAGGONER By His Daughter Mrs. Doris Foley, head of publications committee for the Nevada County Historical Society, kindly asked me to write the following account of my late father, W. W. Waggoner, mining and hydraulic engineer, and _ familiarly known as “W. W.” Waldo Wade Waggoner was born June 14 (Flag Day) 1860, on his grandfather’s farm in Selbyville, Illinois, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Fielden Rice Waggoner. He graduated in mining from the University of Illinois, and restless spirit took him to Persia and Cenpat America in his twenties and thirHis father, in later years, also devela yen for travel, brought his famly West, settled for a while in Virginia City, later coming to Nevada County, where he located for a time, but again moved to Sacramento where he quickly built a successful practice in medie, It was during his family’s brief period in Nevada County that my father returned from Central America, liked it here, and decided to remain. He was united in marriage to Miss Mary Sims, daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Josiah J. Sims, the former, pastor of the Congregational church in this city for forty years. (Yes, indeed, Nevada City was lively in those days, and could support a minister for forty years!) Success came immediately. He was appointed State Debris Commissioner successively by three Governors, Haig, Gillet and Pardee. In the late nineties he was County Surveyor for Nevada County, and in 1906 became engineer for W. B. Bourn of Spring Valley, Russ House and Empire Mine fame, in the latter’s wide mining holdings on the San Juan Ridge. The Company was known jointly as the “Eureka Lake and River Canal Company, and the Northern Water and Power Company” which position he held until the Nevada Irrigation District acquired the water from the San Juan Ridge, and rendered Mr. Bourn’s vast mining coverage helpless. He was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, an honor of which he was justly proud, president of the local Chamber of Commerce for several years, head of the Republican Central Committee for a time, a charter member, and Past Exalted Ruler, of Nevada City Lodge No. 518, B.P.O.E., an organization precious to his heart. His hobby was rainfall data and weather conditions, his records extending over 30 years, and were far-reaching. When I was a child, the National Hotel, conducted by Bayliss and John Rector, close friends of my father’s, was a mecca for mining men from far and wide. They would gather before the handsome bar which was backed by a mirror extending from wall to wall, the envy of the State. Mining men, who were anybodies at all, could be found here about four o’clock discussing mining and related enterprises — and politics. But there was another mecca, my father’s office at “Contentment,” our home, on Main Street, built in 1874 (date over the front door) as Congregational parsonage for my grandfather, and named “Contentment” by my mother. His offices were two rooms upstairs, and up the old walnut staircase—21 steps—they would go, mining men from far and wide, to talk things over, Out of the Past they come—colorful figures of yesterday, who helped make this locality what it is today. George W. Starr, Manager of Empire Mine, heavy owner, cousin of Mr. Bourn, good friend of my father’s, under whose supereaion he worked through the years is theory, a thread of gold extending from mine to mine throughout the district; Sam P. Eastman, Mr. Bourn’s business manager; Fred W. Nobs, next in line to Mr. Starr of Empire; Mr. Barney Warnecke, also of Eureka Lake and Northern Water; W. F. Englebright, father of Harry (later Congressman), Bill, and Gene; Charlie Uren and Ed C. Uren (the latter very much alive today), Billy Griffith, who published the first daily paper in Denver, interested in mining here, and my father’s loved crony for 30 years—they died the same day; Dr. A. H. Tickell, busy physician, and best man when my mother and father were married; Dr. Carl P. Jones, who followed in his father’s footsteps and doctored every family in Grass Valley, later combining medicine with mining, owning the celebrated old Champion Group of Mines, West of town; W. L. Williamson, the only man, my father said, who could ever make “The Gaston” pay; Claude Ferguson, mining man and assayer; Henry C. Schroeder, County Assessor for 30 years, who dabbled in mining; Fred Searls Sr. and Lloyd P. Larue, attorneys for Mr. Bourn; C. C. Derby, George Hegarty of the Snow Point; Errol MacBoyle, young and good looking in those days; Arthur Hoge Sr.,, the Dorseys of the old Maryland of Idaho-Maryland, H. P. Davis, Mining Engineer, author and historian. But it wasn’t only mining they talked about. My father, stand pat Republican, had decided ideas upon the subject, and “Billy” Martin, products from whose Miners Foundry circled the globe, and S. Lee Leiter, of Lace House note, both of whom were dyed in the wool Democrats, were his strong ad-versaries in political discussion. “Charlie” Clinch and “Johnny” Glasson, two side-kicks of my father’s, were on his side, however. _Mr. Bourn’s survey. parties were active, my father’s “Survey boys” were Bill and Harry Englebright, Henry Searls, now a goiter specialist of San Francisco, the late Volney Rogers; Joe O’Connor, now Road Commissioner for Nevada County. My father, inclined to be fiery, liked to make his up country trips mule back, big leather saddle bags strapped to the mule. He would get his mules from “Old Henry” Lane’s stables, which reeked to the skies, and were next to Legg and Shaw’s (later Alpha). And in the cement sidewalk at “Contentment” today, there is an old hitching post, admired by antique collectors, souvenir of the days when “Papa’s mule” was tied in front of the old magnolia tree. Those were the when people could borrow whenever they felt like it. One day, a mining man of the group my father called the “Passing . parade” wanted to borrow the transit. “It isn’t here,” said my father, “the boys have it somewhere.” The mining man spoke to a mutual friend, “I didn’t know Waggoner had sons, I thought there was only a girl.” “He hasn't,” replied the friend, “he meant the Englebright boys.” (Harry and Bill). Time marches on! When he—and Billy Griffith—died, May 18, 1939, he left me an office piled high with everything conceivable in the way of mining and weather reports. have sold many things, and today, the “office” is a quiet place, but it has its memories of busy yesterdays! The rooms are lined with technical books, field notes, weather records, the old drafting table is there, there are five yard square, yard high cartons of old maps, covering. this little Tin Soldiers, standing strongly, waiting for the day when foolish world conditions, and the gold standard are adjusted, and the gold mines open again. It is said that localities where gold is present have a vitalizing radiation, which may account for some of the County’s charm; the truth remains that it’s gold mines are its “Divine” sustenance, and there will never be anything to quite take their place—Dorothy Waggoner. The Wedding of W. W. Waggoner and Miss Mary sims Nevada Transcript, April 19, 1894 The wedding of Miss Mary Sims and Mr. W. W. Waggoner took place this morning. The father of the bride, Rev. J. Sims, was the officiating clergyman. The bride was attired in a costume of changeable silk, the hues of which were blue and gold, with ornaments of diamonds and pearls, and her appearance was of charming effect as she stood by the side of her manly affiance under a lever’s knot of pure white roses. Miss Pearl Waggoner acted as bridesmaid and Dr. Alfred Tickell as groomsman, Miss Emma Sims as maid of honor and Mr. R. H. Waggoner in the capacity of best man. The parsonage was beautifully decorated with a rich profusion of flowers which had been forwarded by friends in Marysville and Sacramento. A few acquaintances only, in addition to the relatives of the contracting parties, were present, After congratulations and breakfast, the bride and bridegroom were driven to the depot, accompanied by a large number of the wedding guests. Rice and cordial wishes were rained upon them and the happy pair left for their wedding tour, which, of course, will neice the taking in of the Midwinter . ‘air. : The bride is one of the most beloved and highly accomplished young ladies of our city. Respected by all because of her intellectual excellencies and moral purity. Mr. Waggoner is a young man of superior education and scientific attainments, by profession a civil engineer and has an ever brightening future before him. He has gained the confidence and respect of all with whom he is associated. Mr. Waggoner is the son of Dr. F. R. Waggoner, formerly of this city, but who is now practicing in the city of Sacramento. Their presents were many, from various sources and of a rich and costly character. The Transcript joins heartily with all classes in our city in wishing them an unclouded honeymoon, followed by a glowing future.

W. W. WAGGONER By His Daughter Mrs. Doris Foley, head of publications committee for the Nevada County Historical Society, kindly asked me to write the following account of my late father, W. W. Waggoner, mining and hydraulic engineer, and _ familiarly known as “W. W.” Waldo Wade Waggoner was born June 14 (Flag Day) 1860, on his grandfather’s farm in Selbyville, Illinois, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Fielden Rice Waggoner. He graduated in mining from the University of Illinois, and restless spirit took him to Persia and Cenpat America in his twenties and thirHis father, in later years, also devela yen for travel, brought his famly West, settled for a while in Virginia City, later coming to Nevada County, where he located for a time, but again moved to Sacramento where he quickly built a successful practice in medie, It was during his family’s brief period in Nevada County that my father returned from Central America, liked it here, and decided to remain. He was united in marriage to Miss Mary Sims, daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Josiah J. Sims, the former, pastor of the Congregational church in this city for forty years. (Yes, indeed, Nevada City was lively in those days, and could support a minister for forty years!) Success came immediately. He was appointed State Debris Commissioner successively by three Governors, Haig, Gillet and Pardee. In the late nineties he was County Surveyor for Nevada County, and in 1906 became engineer for W. B. Bourn of Spring Valley, Russ House and Empire Mine fame, in the latter’s wide mining holdings on the San Juan Ridge. The Company was known jointly as the “Eureka Lake and River Canal Company, and the Northern Water and Power Company” which position he held until the Nevada Irrigation District acquired the water from the San Juan Ridge, and rendered Mr. Bourn’s vast mining coverage helpless. He was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, an honor of which he was justly proud, president of the local Chamber of Commerce for several years, head of the Republican Central Committee for a time, a charter member, and Past Exalted Ruler, of Nevada City Lodge No. 518, B.P.O.E., an organization precious to his heart. His hobby was rainfall data and weather conditions, his records extending over 30 years, and were far-reaching. When I was a child, the National Hotel, conducted by Bayliss and John Rector, close friends of my father’s, was a mecca for mining men from far and wide. They would gather before the handsome bar which was backed by a mirror extending from wall to wall, the envy of the State. Mining men, who were anybodies at all, could be found here about four o’clock discussing mining and related enterprises — and politics. But there was another mecca, my father’s office at “Contentment,” our home, on Main Street, built in 1874 (date over the front door) as Congregational parsonage for my grandfather, and named “Contentment” by my mother. His offices were two rooms upstairs, and up the old walnut staircase—21 steps—they would go, mining men from far and wide, to talk things over, Out of the Past they come—colorful figures of yesterday, who helped make this locality what it is today. George W. Starr, Manager of Empire Mine, heavy owner, cousin of Mr. Bourn, good friend of my father’s, under whose supereaion he worked through the years is theory, a thread of gold extending from mine to mine throughout the district; Sam P. Eastman, Mr. Bourn’s business manager; Fred W. Nobs, next in line to Mr. Starr of Empire; Mr. Barney Warnecke, also of Eureka Lake and Northern Water; W. F. Englebright, father of Harry (later Congressman), Bill, and Gene; Charlie Uren and Ed C. Uren (the latter very much alive today), Billy Griffith, who published the first daily paper in Denver, interested in mining here, and my father’s loved crony for 30 years—they died the same day; Dr. A. H. Tickell, busy physician, and best man when my mother and father were married; Dr. Carl P. Jones, who followed in his father’s footsteps and doctored every family in Grass Valley, later combining medicine with mining, owning the celebrated old Champion Group of Mines, West of town; W. L. Williamson, the only man, my father said, who could ever make “The Gaston” pay; Claude Ferguson, mining man and assayer; Henry C. Schroeder, County Assessor for 30 years, who dabbled in mining; Fred Searls Sr. and Lloyd P. Larue, attorneys for Mr. Bourn; C. C. Derby, George Hegarty of the Snow Point; Errol MacBoyle, young and good looking in those days; Arthur Hoge Sr.,, the Dorseys of the old Maryland of Idaho-Maryland, H. P. Davis, Mining Engineer, author and historian. But it wasn’t only mining they talked about. My father, stand pat Republican, had decided ideas upon the subject, and “Billy” Martin, products from

whose Miners Foundry circled the globe, and S. Lee Leiter, of Lace House note, both of whom were dyed in the wool Democrats, were his strong ad-versaries in political discussion. “Charlie” Clinch and “Johnny” Glasson, two side-kicks of my father’s, were on his side, however. _Mr. Bourn’s survey. parties were active, my father’s “Survey boys” were Bill and Harry Englebright, Henry Searls, now a goiter specialist of San Francisco, the late Volney Rogers; Joe O’Connor, now Road Commissioner for Nevada County. My father, inclined to be fiery, liked to make his up country trips mule back, big leather saddle bags strapped to the mule. He would get his mules from “Old Henry” Lane’s stables, which reeked to the skies, and were next to Legg and Shaw’s (later Alpha). And in the cement sidewalk at “Contentment” today, there is an old hitching post, admired by antique collectors, souvenir of the days when “Papa’s mule” was tied in front of the old magnolia tree. Those were the when people could borrow whenever they felt like it. One day, a mining man of the group my father called the “Passing . parade” wanted to borrow the transit. “It isn’t here,” said my father, “the boys have it somewhere.” The mining man spoke to a mutual friend, “I didn’t know Waggoner had sons, I thought there was only a girl.” “He hasn't,” replied the friend, “he meant the Englebright boys.” (Harry and Bill). Time marches on! When he—and Billy Griffith—died, May 18, 1939, he left me an office piled high with everything conceivable in the way of mining and weather reports. have sold many things, and today, the “office” is a quiet place, but it has its memories of busy yesterdays! The rooms are lined with technical books, field notes, weather records, the old drafting table is there, there are five yard square, yard high cartons of old maps, covering. this little Tin Soldiers, standing strongly, waiting for the day when foolish world conditions, and the gold standard are adjusted, and the gold mines open again. It is said that localities where gold is present have a vitalizing radiation, which may account for some of the County’s charm; the truth remains that it’s gold mines are its “Divine” sustenance, and there will never be anything to quite take their place—Dorothy Waggoner. The Wedding of W. W. Waggoner and Miss Mary sims Nevada Transcript, April 19, 1894 The wedding of Miss Mary Sims and Mr. W. W. Waggoner took place this morning. The father of the bride, Rev. J. Sims, was the officiating clergyman. The bride was attired in a costume of changeable silk, the hues of which were blue and gold, with ornaments of diamonds and pearls, and her appearance was of charming effect as she stood by the side of her manly affiance under a lever’s knot of pure white roses. Miss Pearl Waggoner acted as bridesmaid and Dr. Alfred Tickell as groomsman, Miss Emma Sims as maid of honor and Mr. R. H. Waggoner in the capacity of best man. The parsonage was beautifully decorated with a rich profusion of flowers which had been forwarded by friends in Marysville and Sacramento. A few acquaintances only, in addition to the relatives of the contracting parties, were present, After congratulations and breakfast, the bride and bridegroom were driven to the depot, accompanied by a large number of the wedding guests. Rice and cordial wishes were rained upon them and the happy pair left for their wedding tour, which, of course, will neice the taking in of the Midwinter . ‘air. : The bride is one of the most beloved and highly accomplished young ladies of our city. Respected by all because of her intellectual excellencies and moral purity. Mr. Waggoner is a young man of superior education and scientific attainments, by profession a civil engineer and has an ever brightening future before him. He has gained the confidence and respect of all with whom he is associated. Mr. Waggoner is the son of Dr. F. R. Waggoner, formerly of this city, but who is now practicing in the city of Sacramento. Their presents were many, from various sources and of a rich and costly character. The Transcript joins heartily with all classes in our city in wishing them an unclouded honeymoon, followed by a glowing future.