The Stockton Daily Independent, Stockton, CA, Thursday, May 29, 1862

DEATHS

The wife of Charles FISHER, Esq., editor of the Red Bluff 'Beacon, died on the 22d.

Sacramento Daily Union, Sacramento, Sacramento Co., CA, December 12, 1870

CITY INTELLIGENCE.

HOMICIDE. - About quarter past 9 o'clock last night Charles E. Fisher, business manager of the Reporter, was shot and almost instantly killed at his residence on Ninth street, near J., over Miller's stable, by Charles Dell, a step-son of L. B. Harris, and at one time a student with Dr. Thomas. It appears that Dell and a daughter of Fisher were quite fond of each other, but her father did not for some reason deem him a suitable companion for her. However this may be, Fisher on sundry occasions forbid Dell his house, and probably intimated that he would cane him if he neglected the warning, for Dell is reported to have said that if Fisher "fooled with him he would shoot him." Last evening Fenwick Fisher, brother of Charles, took Mrs. Fisher and his sister over to the Fair at Turner Hall, leaving Miss Fisher at home. Coming down directly afterward he met his brother, who presently walked home. On his arrival there he found the parlor occupied by his daughter, Dell, and a young man named Potter. It would seem that he ordered Dell to leave, and on his refusing or neglecting to do so, commenced striking him with his cane, which was one unusually heavy. Dell drew a pistol after being struck and fired three shots, one of which struck Fisher in the right breast, about two inches above and to the left of the nipple, probably severing an artery; another bullet grazed his side, breaking the flesh, and the third passed through the window. After the firing of the shots, Dell and Fisher had a slight scuffle, during which they fell over the stove, and then the former broke away, ran down the stairs and disappeared. The report of firearms soon called to the scene a number of persons, and as soon as it became evident that Fisher was mortally wounded, his wife and brother were sent for. Their grief may be imagined. Special officer Jackson, who was the first officer on the spot, obtained possession of the pistol with which the shooting was done, and soon afterwards started out to obtain assistance to find Dell. Officers Rider and Swift in due time answered his whistle, and after viewing the premises, the trio visited the residence of Harris, at Seventh and H streets, and found Dell there. He had come home bleeding profusely from wounds on his head, and also suffering from bruises on his arm, and was in a fainting condition. Restoratives were administered. A physician who was sent for speedily arrived and found that he had three or four severe cuts on the head, and that he was in such a critical condition that it would be impossible to move him, and the officers therefore decided that they could do nothing in the premises. Our reported, who visited Dell in company with the officers, was informed by him in a faint whisper that he called to see Miss Fisher that it was his last call, and that he had only come to try and explain away the misunderstanding existing. Fisher would not listen to him, but struck him four times on the head and arm with his cane, although he tried to avoid the blows. Feeling the blood running down into his eyes, he drew his pistol and told Fisher not to strike again or he would shoot him. Fisher said, "Don't you shoot," and struck again, and he then (Dell) fired and afterwards closed upon him, and they fell over the stove. Dell was certainly badly hurt by Fisher, whether before or after the shooting; it would naturally seem to have been before. The wall along the stairway by which he descended from the parlor in which the shots were fired bears marks of blood, and toward the foot of the stairs it would seem as if Dell had staggered to the door. Coroner Counts will hold an inquest upon the body at 10 o'clock this morning.

Sacramento Daily Union, Sacramento, Sacramento Co., CA, December 30 or 31, 1870

CITY INTELLIGENCE.

EXAMINATION OF CHARLES DELL. - The examination of Charles Dell, charged with the killing of Charles E. Fisher, took place in the Sixth District Court yesterday afternoon before A. Henley, Police Judge. The interest of the public in this case was manifested by the fact that the Court-room was crowded all the afternoon. District Attorney Alexander and Deputy District Attorney Brown conducted the prosecution, and N. Greene Curtis and S. L. Denson the defense. The first witness introduced by the prosecution was Miss Sallie Fisher, daughter of the deceased, whose evidence was essentially the same as given before the Coroner's jury. J. W. Byington, John Morgan, Fred. Patton, and Oscar Marshall were introduced in an endeavor to prove that Dell had on occasions prior to the shootings threatened Fisher; they testified, however, that they had never heard him make any threats against the deceased, though the first mentioned witness had heard him use harsh language against Fenwick Fisher, brother of Chas. E. Dr. Montgomery testified as to the nature of the wounds received by the deceased, as did also James McKibben. F. R. Dray, special officer Jackson and Coroner Counts, gave evidence as to the finding of the pistol and other minor matters. At the conclusion of the Coroner's testimony, the prosecution rested. The defense first introduced E. W. Potter, who was in the room with Dell and Miss Fisher, when the shooting occurred. His statements, though somewhat more in detail, were in all important respects the same as before the Coroner, though he was somewhat closely cross-examined, Dr Thomas was next put upon the stand to testify as to the injuries which Dell received during the conflict. He stated that when he reached his house to attend him he found his vest and coat dripping with blood, and his pulse indicating that he had lost nearly if not quite all of the blood he could bear. On examining his head he found a ragged cut, about three inches long, on the left side of the crown of the head, which evidently had been made with a blunt instrument. From this wound the blood was jetting. He took instant measures to stop the flow of blood, which was proceeding from an artery. Subsequently he found that his patient had received a heavy blow on the back of the head, a little on one side, causing a lump half the size of an English walnut to form; another blow on the left forearm, which had fractured the bone but without causing displacement; also a heavy bruise and swelling on the shoulder. From the effects of the blow which severed the artery Dell would have bled to death in a very few minutes if he had not received surgical attendance. The weapon with which the blow was inflicted glanced, or else it would without doubt have fractured the skull. The defendant was put on the stand to testify in his own behalf. He appeared quite weak, had bandages about his head, and carried his left arm in a sling. His account of the matter was similar to that of Miss Fisher and Potter, and in consonance with that which he gave our reporter on the night of the shooting. It was to the effect that he and the other two occupants of the room were sitting talking, when he heard the folding doors open, and looking up saw Fisher standing between them. The latter entered, closed the doors after him, and advanced toward the defendant, inquiring "What are you doing here, sir?" He replied, "Mr. Fisher, I came here to have an interview with your daughter, so that we may have no more trouble;" Fisher, refusing to hear any explanations, raised his cane and struck Dell, who, as the blow descended, was in the act off rising from his chair; he followed up the first blow with three or four others; Dell put up his left arm to save his head, and received a hit which rendered the arm powerless; he turned and used his right arm to ward off the cane, and Fisher struck and missed; Dell felt the blood running down from his head and began to grow weak; told Fisher if he did not stop he would shoot; Fisher said, "Don't you draw a pistol on me," and struck again; Dell tried to get to the folding doors, but Fisher headed him off; fired a shot thinking he would shoot over him and intimidate him into getting out of the way; Fisher continued to strike, still being between Dell and the doors, and the second shot was fired; after the second shot Fisher struck twice; by this time they were near the stove; Fisher raised his cane in both hands, and Dell fired for the third time, and, being faint, fell, just as Fisher also went down; Dell got up and left the house as best he could; scarcely knew how he got home. On the cross-examination stated that he was positive Fisher had never ordered him not to enter his house; they had had a misunderstanding; did not send Potter up into the house to see if Fisher was there; had not a preconcerted plan of action with Potter; it was his general habit to whistle while walking; had been in the habit of carrying a pistol almost every night for two or three years. During the cross-examination, the defense expressed a willingness  to narrate a conversation which Fisher and Dell had had concerning the latter's visiting the former's premises, but the prosecution did not desire to have it brought out. It was intimated, however, that Fisher's remarks had been to the effect that he did not want Dell around his house. Two or three other witnesses were examined, on the part of the defense to prove minor points, and when the defense rested Fenwick Fisher was introduced in rebuttal. The case was argued briefly and submitted. Judge Henley, after a brief review of the facts, stated that he would dismiss the defendant.

The Rockland County Journal, Nyack, Rockland Co., NY, Saturday, December 31, 1870

TRAGEDY IN SACRAMENTO, CAL. - In the Sacramento Union of the 15th inst. we find the particulars of a tragedy in which an intimate friend of ours in days past came to his death. The friend here alluded to was Charles E. Fisher, who, for a long time, was editor of the Red Bluff Beacon, published at Red Bluff, Tehama county, but recently business manager of the Sacramento Reporter. It would appear that a young man named Dell, and Mr. Fisher's daughter were quite fond of each other, but, for some cause, her father deemed him an unsuitable companion for his daughter, and on several occasions forbade the house. One evening, when all of the inmates were absent except Miss Fisher, Mr. Dell came to the house, and was found there when Mr. Fisher returned home. The latter ordered Dell to leave, and on his refusing or neglecting to do so commenced striking him with his cane, whish was an unusually heavy one. Dell drew a pistol after being struck, and fired three shots, one of which struck Fisher in the right breast, and another grazed his side, breaking the flesh, and the third passed through the window. After the firing of the shots, Dell and Fisher had a scuffle, during which they fell over the stove and then the former broke away, ran down stairs and disappeared. On examination, Mr. Fisher was found to be mortally wounded, and his death occurred in a short time. Dell was secured, bruised and bleeding, and on being questioned as to his reasons for shooting Fisher, said he did it in self-defence and told Fisher he would do it if he struck him again. Mr. Fisher was forty-one years old, a native of Pennsylvania and removed to California from Missouri. He was generally known as a good-natured, well meaning man.

The Idaho Statesman, Boise, Ada Co., Idaho Territory, July 1, 1873

JOHN LEMON, the excelsior manipulator of the ribbons for the Northwestern Stage Co., came in town Sunday morning, and paid his respects to this office. John drives by the side of Sam Job, from La Grande to Cayuse station, over the blue mountains. He said he tore himself away from his lady friends, and everyone else on his beat, and is going to spin around the Basin, and probably over to Owyhee, before he returns. We have endorsed his ticket of leave, giving him the liberties of all the towns during his visit, and commending him to our friends generally. If you don't believe he is a clever fellow just take a spin around with him; or get on the box and let him whirl you over and down the Blue mountains with six-in-hand, charging at the rate of two-forty a minute, and when you have landed safely in port, which you may always be sure of, you will say he is "Some Lemon's" whether or no.

The Idaho Statesman, Boise, Ada Co., Idaho Territory, January 15, 1874

JO KEENY, late division agent on the Umatilla line, has gone east, and our old friend, John Lemmon, who used to ply the whip on the Boise and Idaho City route, has been appointed to the position, and a good appointment it is too.

The Idaho Statesman, Boise, Ada Co., Idaho Territory, February 9, 1875

PROMOTED. - John Lemon, well known by many of our people as a scienced manipulator of the ribbons, has been promoted by the North-western Stage Co. to Charley Haines' place, and is now the Division Agent, and his charge of the route between this place and Kelton. He married an estimable lady last fall, and came in from Kelton, bringing Mrs. Lemon with him last Saturday. He intends, however, to return and make his home for Mrs. L. at Rock Creek, while his own time will be over the road to and from that point. The company have a faithful, energetic man in Mr. Lemon, and we wish him success in his new fields of duty. 

The Idaho Statesman, Boise, Ada Co., Idaho Territory, June 8, 1875

JOHN LEMON, the gentleman division agent on the Overland stage road is sojourning in town with his lady.

The Idaho Statesman, Boise, Ada Co., Idaho Territory, July 27, 1875

JOHN LEMON, Division Agent on the overland stage road, came into town last night. John says he will not stop here long, probably go back this morning. Of course he will not stop long - his better half is out on the road.

The Idaho Statesman, Boise, Ada Co., Idaho Territory, April 23, 1876

FORMER RESIDENT PASSES

At the examination of the Sunday school of the Episcopal church on Easter Day, the successful competitors for prizes were the Misses Ella Cartee, Mary Cartee, Lizzie Redway and Belle Lemon. All who were examined acquitted themselves well. At the close of the service the offerings of the school were presented, which amounted to $11.80. This sum is to be applied toward the purchasing of a figured window for the chancel.

The Owyhee Avalance, Owyhee, Idaho Territory, November 25, 1876

Overland Road Jottings Payne's Ferry, Nov. 13

Passing over several small streams, some farming land, a great deal of good grazing country and fourteen miles of road, I arrived at Rattle Snake, or "Mountain Home" Station, run by Mrs. John Lemon, wife of the efficient Division Agent in charge of the Northwestern Stage Company's business from Boise City to Kelton. A new and commodious house has been erected and well furnished considering the country, while the table is provided with the best that can be had. This is the point at which the Rocky Bar Stage connects with the Overland and seems to be favored with a considerable amount of business.

The Idaho Statesman, Boise, Ada Co., Idaho Territory, December 30, 1876

MR. JOHN LEMON has been appointed postmaster of the new post office at Mountain Home, Alturas county.

Originating as the Rattlesnake Stage Station, Mountain Home actually owes its upbringing to the Oregon Short Line Railroad. While working to install a line in the area, OSL Railroad officials created the tent town of Tutville in 1882 to house railroad construction workers and traveling pioneers. Eventually, residential and commercial lots were sold for $25, and the new town began to prosper. At the turn of the century, the city boasted several general stores, two weekly newspapers, a school, three churches, two hotels, and an array of merchants and saloons. The city’s ideal shipping location helped secure the town’s presence on the Idaho frontier, and wool was frequently shipped from the site.

The name Tutville was eventually dropped, and the wife of first postmaster, John Lemmon, selected “Mountain Home” after the distant mountains forming the surrounding county’s northern boundary. Ironically, at an elevation of only 3,180 feet, the town isn’t even in the mountains, and the town is frequently the warmest civilized spot in the state. Although once boasting an economy based upon the shipping industry, Mountain Home’s current economy rests prominently upon Mountain Home Air Force Base.

The Idaho Statesman, Boise, Ada Co., Idaho Territory, January 23, 1877

JOHN LEMON, Division Agent on the overland stage road, is in town. He says the roads are good and everything happy in the staging business.

The Idaho Statesman, Boise, Ada Co., Idaho Territory, July 30, 1878

JOHN LEMON, Division Agent on the Overland stage road and proprietor of Mountain Home station was in town last Sunday. He reports travel improving and the road running in good shape. No sign of Indians has been seen on the road for the last six weeks.

The Idaho Tri-weekly Statesman, Boise, Ada Co., Idaho Territory, May 31, 1881

Mr. John Lemon takes the place of Ben. Hill, resigned, as Division Agent on the Umatilla stage road. John is an old hand at the business, and will put you through safe and quick, as long as good roads last.

The Idaho Tri-weekly Statesman, Boise, Ada Co., Idaho Territory, September 3, 1882

Miss Mary Anderson, daughter of Benjamin Anderson; Miss Nellie Trotter, daughter of Charles Trotter, and Miss Belle Lemon, daughter of Mrs. John Lemon, will leave Thursday for Salt Lake City at attend Rowland Hall Female Boarding school, which is under the direction of Bishop Tuttle.

The Idaho Tri-weekly Statesman, Boise, Ada Co., Idaho Territory, May 29, 1883

Miss Jessie Fisher, a step-daughter of John Lemmon, of this city, returned home on Sunday from Cold Springs, Umatilla county, where she has recently been engaged in teaching school.

The Idaho Tri-weekly Statesman, Boise, Ada Co., Idaho Territory, June 19, 1883

Miss Belle Lemmon returned home Sunday morning from Salt Lake City, where she has been attending the Rowland Hall (Episcopal) school. Miss Lemmon was accompanied by Mrs. Baraum, one of the lady teachers of the school, who is a guest of General Cartee.

The Idaho Tri-weekly Statesman, Boise, Ada Co., Idaho Territory, November 15, 1883

Mrs. John Lemmon is talking of going to Oakland, California to spend the winter with her brother.

The Idaho Tri-weekly Statesman, Boise, Ada Co., Idaho Territory, Thursday, August 9, 1883

On Tuesday morning at the residence of J. W. Lemmon, Esq., was the scene of a very quiet wedding, the contracting parties being Mr. N. C. Delano, of the firm of Delano & Clay, of Bellevue, and Miss Jessie Fisher, of Jefferson City, Missouri, who has been visiting Mrs. Lemmon for thepast year. The newly married twain took their departure about noon for Wood River, followed by the best wishes of their friends, of whom a limited number were in attendance.

The Idaho Tri-weekly Statesman, Boise, Ada Co., Idaho Territory, June 3, 1884

Mr. John Lemmon, Division Agent of the U. I. & O. Stage Line was in the city yesterday. He informs us that Mrs. Lemmon is at Wood river on her way home from California and that she will be at home in a few days.

The Idaho Tri-weekly Statesman, Boise, Ada Co., Idaho Territory, Saturday, July 26, 1884

Mrs. J. W. Lemmon and her daughter, Miss Bella Lemmon, arrived here on Thursday morning's stage from Bellevue.

The Idaho Tri-weekly Statesman, Boise, Ada Co., Idaho Territory, August 9, 1884

Mr. John Lemmon and family have become permanent residents of Weiser City. Mr. Lemmon has taken charge of the Hall House, which he will hereafter conduct as a first-class hotel.

The Idaho Tri-weekly Statesman, Boise, Ada Co., Idaho Territory, August 22, 1885

John Lemmon, an old-timer in Idaho, is now running as messenger between Boise City and Winnemucca. A better selection could not have been made.

The Idaho Statesman, Boise, Ada Co., Idaho Territory, July 17, 1886

John Lemon called at the STATESMAN office on his return from the scene of the stage robbery, in Boise county last Monday. The treasury box was found and it had been broken open with a miner's pick by breaking out a portion of the bottom, about three inches wide. The robber had cut off a number of branches of trees and set them around the pile of rocks where he stood completely hidden from view. Owing to the rocky nature of the surrounding ground no tracks could be seen, and no trace of the robbers, except the broken box and cut branches, could be discovered.

The Idaho Statesman, Boise, Ada Co., Idaho Territory, September 28, 1886

Word was received at the Stage Office yesterday that John W. Lemon was probably fatally injured by a run-away team at Sidney, Neb., a few days ago. Mr. Lemon was in the employ of Wells, Fargo & Co. and the Stage Company in Idaho for many years, and only recently was transferred to take charge of a line in Nebraska.

The Idaho Statesman, Boise, Ada Co., Idaho Territory, December 7, 1886

To our great surprise John Lemon, agent of C. O. & I. Stage Company, called on us yesterday looking quite well, fully as well as usual. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Arabella's House, 2120 Oak Street, Los Angeles

The Story of Arabella's House

Perhaps the prettiest house in University Park, this 2-story Victorian has been charming its neighbors since 1897, when Arabella Lemmon, of Kentucky, bought it from subdivider A. J. Miller. Since then, for more than a century, generations have enjoyed its artistic windows, decorative fireplaces, handsome staircase and glowing woodwork.

Today, this charming house offers six rooms plus a large living room, a remodeled kitchen and three full bathrooms with modern fixtures. Behind the scenes, a two-year renovation has added new plumbing and wiring, a laundry room and separate, central heating units for each floor.

There’s high-speed internet service in every room, and eight fully accessible parking spaces at the rear. The surrounding neighborhood is served by USC’s Department of Public Safety.

No wonder that in 2005 the ABC network chose Arabella’s House to film the reality show, “The Scholar,” in which 10 high school seniors lived in the house, attended USC for the summer and competed with each other for a full-ride scholarship.

Arabella’s house is a half-block north of the USC tram on 23rd Street, and one block from Lee’s Market and the 23rd Street Café. Arabella might be proud to know that today her house is an official, contributing structure to the University Park Historic Preservation Overlay Zone.

San Francisco Call, San Francisco, CA, Volume 87, Number 153, April 22, 1900

WARREN M. WATSON HAS RETIRED FROM BUSINESS

OAKLAND. April 21. - W. M. Watson, who has been the head of the W. M. Watson Company, one of the largest wholesale liquor firms in Oakland, has turned his company into a stock concern, and left this week for the Paris Exposition and a trip around the world, accompanied by his wife. Mr. Watson has disposed of his business to a number of his employes and his nephew. Those who now control the company are: C. T. Lemmon, Mr. Watson's nephew; J. J. Carroll of the Louvre. T. W. Sigourney, who has been the head of the store for many years; L. S. Farr, who has been the head bookkeeper, and P. O'Kane, the chief outside man of the company. Mr. Watson retains only a small Interest. W. M. Watson has 'always been one of the leaders in Oakland business circles and has been at the head and front of all moves for the benefit of the city. He will be gone abroad for more than a year.

The Los Angeles Herald, Los Angeles, CA, Sunday, March 5, 1905

Special to The Herald.

OCEAN PARK, March 4. Mrs. Belle Lemmon, president of the Village Improvement society, and one of the best known and popular women in Ocean Park, was today admitted to a health sanitarium at Glendale.

The Los Angeles Herald, Los Angeles, CA, Saturday, March 25, 1905

Special to The Herald.

OCEAN PARK, March 24. Mrs. Belle Lemmon, president of the Woman's Improvement society, has returned from Glendale, where she recently went for medical treatment, and is sojourning with her daughter, Mrs. C. H. Ritchie, at 156 Wadsworth avenue.

The Los Angeles Herald, Los Angeles, CA, Wednesday, December 6, 1905

BELOVED CLUBWOMAN DIES

Mrs. Arabella Lemmon, for 44 years a Resident of Southern California, Expires at Ocean Park

Special to The Herald.

OCEAN PARK, Dec. 5. - Mrs. Arabella Lemmon, a native of Butler county, Kentucky, 56 years of age, and for forty-four years past a resident of Southern California, died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. C. M. Ritchie, at 156 Wadsworth avenue, today. Mrs. Lemmon was one of the organizers and first president of the Village Improvement society and took an active part in all social enterprises of a public or philanthropic nature. Through her efforts the Church of the Good Shepherd, Episcopal, was organized. In Los Angeles Mrs. Lemmon was well known among club women and at the time of her death held membership in the Friday Morning club and the Daughters of the Confederacy. She was also a member of the board of managers of the Y. W. C. A., and vice president of St. Mary's guild of Christ church. The funeral will be held from Christ Episcopal church, Los Angeles, and interment will be in Hollywood cemetery. A son, Dr. C. F. Lemmon of Santa Barbara, and Mrs. C. H. Ritchie are the only surviving relatives.

The Los Angeles Herald, Los Angeles, CA, December 10, 1905

REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS

Arabella Lemmon to C. F. Lemmon - Lot 35, block D, Central Beach tract . . Gift

The Idaho Statesman, Boise, Ada Co., Idaho Territory, December 28, 1919

FORMER RESIDENT PASSES

Mrs. C. H. Ritchie Dies at Home in Pasadena, California.

Friends in the city have received the news of the death of Mrs. C. H. Ritchie of Pasadena, who will be remembered by pioneers of the city as Belle Lemon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Lemon. Mr. Lemon was connected with the stage line in the early days. Speaking of her death a Pasadena paper says:

Many Pasadenans will learn with keen regret of the death yesterday of Mrs. C. H. Ritchie of 2095 East Colorado street. Though prominent in women's club life of southern California, she had not taken a very active interest in that work in the short time she had lived here, and is probably best known locally because of being director of the Pasadena Food Center during the war. She gave so generously of her time and energies for wartime purposes here and as a speaker in other parts of the Southland that her health failed and for several months she has been rapidly failing. Mrs. Ritchie was more prominent in club life while living at Santa Monica and Venice than since moving to Pasadena two years ago. She was chairman of the district Federation of Women's clubs, an active member and official of the Sunshine club, was a past president of the first district of California Congress of Mothers and P. T. A. of which she was parliamentarian at the time of her death. She was a member of the Shakespeare club and active in the work of the department of science of government.

THE HISTORY OF WASHINGTON LEMMON

Written by Florence Lemmon Burningharn

Among the pioneers who came to Utah and settled in Salt Lake Valley, there were few who lived so long and participated so actively in the work of building up the state as Washington Lemmon. For almost a century he watched the United States grow from a small sparsely settled country, bounded on the East by the Atlantic Ocean and on the West by the Mississippi River, to become a large powerful nation that extended from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean on the West and from Canada to Mexico. He was born at Shelbyville, Shelby County, Kentucky, October 6, 1806 and lived there until 1812 when his father took his family and moved to Indiana. His mother died in Indiana. His father, having a family of small children to take care of, soon found himself another wife. He married Amy Rawlins, 2 April 1818 at Poali, Orange County, Indiana and later moved to Harrison County, Indiana. Washington Lemmon married Tamer Stephens August 31, 1826, Harrison County, Indiana. They were both 19 years old, They were very poor. They had only half of a bake skillet to cook with. Their first two children were born at Corydon, Harrison County, Indiana. In 1828 Washington's father moved to Adams County, Illinois and perhaps he wrote to his son or sent him word that this new country was a land of opportunity because in 1830 Washington took his family and moved to Adams County, Illinois. He acquired a farm near Quincy and worked hard to develop it into one of the best farms in that neighborhood. He lived there for twenty years and ten of his children were born there. Washington Lemmon first heard the message of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from David Evans, the late Bishop of Lehi, Utah County, Utah. His wife Tamer, was baptized by Jacob Meyers, October 1840 and Washington was baptized by David Evans, March 1841. He became a personal friend of the Prophet Joseph Smith and other leaders of the Church. He was in the Church in the early days of its existence at Nauvoo, Illinois and in Missouri. He took part in those troublesome times, building up and developing the Church, strengthening its membership and aiding in the erection of building for its work. He was a carpenter and he helped build the Nauvoo Temple. In 1844, when the Prophet Joseph Smith was killed, Washington was in Indiana preaching the gospel and campaigning for Joseph Smith to be the next president of the United States, In 1850 he moved his family to Council Bluff, Iowa, where the headquarters of the Church was at that time, it being known as Winter quarters. He spent two years there getting ready to make the trip across the plains. Washington Lemmon and his family came to Utah in the Captain Jolly Company, which was one of the 21 companies of Mormon emigrants that crossed the plains in 1852. Each company having about 50 wagons. The Jolly Company had about 340 souls. They left the Missouri River June 11, 1852 and arrived in Salt Lake Valley September 10, 1852. They crossed the plains in covered wagons. The boys, Leander and Alfred, drove the cattle and when they arrived in Utah they said, "Their feet were so tough a prickly pear could not stick in them, " When they desired butter they would put the cream in the churn and the jar of the wagon would churn the cream to butter. Washington’s oldest son, James William Lemmon, came to Utah with the Mormon Battalion. His second son, John, came with the gold rush and went to California. After the family had been in Utah several years a man came to their place and wanted a place in sleep and something to eat. The family lived on the county road and they had that kind of requests quite often. This night while they were eating the man the man said "I am you son." Tamer, his mother went over to him and turned his sleeve up and there was a scar on his arm and his mother said "Yes, you are my son John." This was a pleasant surprise for the family. The family settled on Dry Creek southeast of Sandy. In the winter Of 1833 Henry Bowden went out by Sandy looking for some of his cattle. A terrible snow storm came up and he lost his way. Washington Lemmon found him nearly froze and wandering around in the snow. He took him to his place and Henry always said, "If it had not been for Washington Lemmon he would have frozen to death. They became very good friends and both of them lived in Millcreek Ward. The career which Washington made for himself marked him as one of the most qualified pioneers who came to Utah. He saw Utah grow from a wilderness to one of the most flourishing and prosperous states in the West. He aided in bringing its agricultural resources up to the present standards. The family moved to Millcreek (it is now 4338 Highland Drive) in the spring of 1853. Washington built his own home including all the doors and the windows and many pieces of furniture. It was a large farm which was used mostly for raising grain, alfalfa and a large fruit orchard. Many of the trees he budded and developed until he had most all kinds of fruit suitable to the Utah climate. He also had good gardens and all kinds of small fruit. He raised bees and sold honey. At different times he had herds of sheep, cattle and horses. He had flocks of chickens, geese, and turkeys which all farmers had for their own use. Washington was about six feet tall and weighed about two hundred pounds. He had brown hair, a high forehead, and blue eyes, He was rail and straight, a very good looking man. He never drank intoxicating drinks or used tobacco. He rode horseback after he was ninety years old. He was a prominent worker in the Church of his choice and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all the members who knew him. He was known as a man of integrity and unrighteousness. He was counselor to Bishop Miller of Millcreek Ward 1859 - 1882 when Bishop Reuben Miller died he was ordained a High Priest the 26 March 1856 by David Pettegrew, Cottonwood organization of High Priests, Bishop Reuben Miller President. He was ordained a Patriarch 30 March 1884. He received his Patriarchal Blessing from Hyrum Smith (brother of the Prophet) and he was told he was of the tribe of Levi. He died October 2, 1902 at the age of 96 years. The funeral service was held in the Millcreek Ward House, Sunday October 5, 1902. The speakers were Apostle Hyrum M. Smith, Bishop J. C. Hamilton of Mill Creek and U. G. Miller of Murray. The remains were interred in Mill Creek Cemetery. He was survived by nine children, forty-two grand children, sixty-six great grand children, and a number of great great grand children, making five generations.

Sources of information:

1. Biographical Record of Salt Lake and Vicinity

2. Special Correspondence to Newspaper

3. Lemmon family by Francis Marion Lemmon,

4. Life of Washington by Mabel Lemmon.

The Sonoma County Journal, Petaluma, Sonoma Co. CA., October 1862

C. E. FISHER, editor of the Red Bluff, 'Beacon', has returned from a visit to the Eastern States. Welcome Home, Charley!