The San Francisco call., 1895-10-13

elected to the shrievalty and has held the
Office continuously since.
Sheriff Thorn has the reputation of being
an absolutely fearless officer when in the
discharge of his duty, and few men would
care to take the chances he has faced. The
story is often told of his arrest of Sam
Brown in 1855 to illustrate what is called
his nerve" Brown was what might be
called professional desperado," with sew
enteen murders to his credit Finally
Brown killed three men and wounded a
fourth, and escaped to place called ''the
island" on O'Nei's Greek. No one could
be found with pluck enough to follow him
and attempt his arrest, so word was sent
for Thorn. Brown had companion, and
the two were located in a cabin by Thorn.
Upon his advancing toward their cabin
they appeared at the doorway and covered
him with their revolvers, threatening in
slant death. The Sheriff advanced upon
them without an lnstant's hesitation and
commanded them to surrender, and, to his
intense surprise, they lowered their guns
and allowed themselves to be taken pris-
oners. Sam Brown gave as his reason for
not shooting, afterward, that ''it would be
a pity to kill so brave man." The Sheriff
has had many hairbreadth escapes, but
none closer than this.
John J. Snyder, District ATTORNEY. is
serving his second term and has made
many friends while filling this important
office.
A. L. Wythe is Clerk, Auditor and Re-
corder, the three offices having been con-
solidated in this county. Mr.. Wythe was
appointed in 1886 to fill the unexpired
term of J. A. Foster, was elected to sue
ceed himself and has held the office ever
since. He is a graduate of the Lincoln
Grammar School in San Francisco and is a
very popular young man, receiving large
majority at each election. Mr.. Wythe is a
Republican in politics. He is also engaged
in several mining enterprises and is an en-
thusiastic believer in the future of San
Andreas quartz mines.
William II. Steffier, the Treasurer, came
to San Andreas in 1865 and engaged in
mining and mercantile pursuits. He is
now serving his fourth consecutive term.
Henry Wesson, the Tax Collector is in
his second term. He Is native son OF the
State and county, having been born at
Mokelumne Hill. Mr.. Wesson is mem
Der of the fire company, which seems to be
considered here an honor next to an
official position.
Postmaster j. F. Treat has been resi-
dent of San Andreas since 1856. Mr..
Treat is secretary and manager OF the
Table Mountain and San Andreas Water
Company, and is in position to know the
capabilities and necessities Of this region
as regards water supply. He IS very de-
talists to the favorable opportunities here
for increasing the water supply and afford
ing electric light and power. Mr.. Treat
saws that with a comparatively small out
Law the water interests could be consoli-
dated, reservoirs constructed, and abun-
dant water obtained the year round; that
water could be brought under high pres
sure into San Andreas, insur;ng immunity
from disastrous fires and dispensing with
the fire department; that electric light
could be afforded at small cost; that power
for mines could be afforded at a nominal
cost; that the water supply for this grow
ing town could be increased and improved,
and finally the surplus used to great adj
vantage irrigating the valley lands below
Among the institutions of San Andreas
to which the citizens "point with PRIDE
is the volunteer fire company. Old "San
Andreas" has been in use for thirty years
and has saved the town two or three times
and is still "as good as new" in the estima-
ton of the boys. 1t can throw stream to
fabulous heights, and as the tallest build
ing in town is only two stories the most
timid inhabitant sleeps in peace. The
chief engineer is George 9. Graves, the
secretary G. f. Walter, and the member
ship about forty.
The Thirty. ninth District Agricultural
Association has completed half-mile
track at an expense of $1,000, with a grand
stand capable OF accommodating large
crowd. The directors are: c. w. Getchel,
r. H. Reed, E. B. Moore, c. +. Masterson,
H. Greaves, E. j. Barger, f. 0. Washburn,
I. Fuilen; secretary, Henry Wesson;
treasurer, G. NJ. Whitlock.
A. J. BROOKS.