The Republican journal., 1916-01-27
81. F. & A. M. Intermert in Evergreen

cemetery. .
Mr.. Raynes was born in Brewer, in
the State OF Maine, On September %,
1880, and when but boy sailed from
Belfast, Maine, on the bark Suiiote, JAN
nary &c. 1649, the first vessel that left
that State for California, after receiving
news of the discovery of gold here.
The voyage was an eventful one as the
fresh drinking water gave out and the
vessel was compelled to put into one Of
the Cape Verde Islands to replenish the
supply. In rounding" Cape Horn, in a
heavy gale, the captains son was los'
overheard. After the storm was over
sail was set for Valparaiso and thence t ,
San Franciso, where the Suliote arrived
with MIR. Raynes on board, July 10. l849
MIR. Raynes was popular singer, pos
sessed of beautiful voice full of pathos,
and was reputed at one time to be the
equal, if not the superior of any ballad
singer in the State. After his arrival in
San Francisco he sang a few times in
the old American theater, the first build
ing of the kind constructed in San Fran
cisco. and in the spring of 1850 went to
Stockton, where he remained four or five
months About this time the Gold Bluff
excitement commenced and he went to
Trinidad on the brig Wacullough, which
was wrecked during the night while an
chored in the roads, and he narrowly es-
capped drowning. He carried the first ex-
press ever brought through to the mines
from Trinidad, up the klamath River and
over the mountains to Yreka, and after
wards was member of the express firm
of Cram, Rodgers & Co. He continued
in the express business unit! the failure
NJ n p l. L i
business connections.
Later he entered into the mercantile
business with Henry Wadsworta. After
Mr.. Wadsworth retired c. H. Pyle was
admitted as partner, and eventually Mr..
Raynes became the sole proprietor of
the business and conducted the same
until failing health compelled his retire
ment.
During his early career in the express
business Mr.. Raynes had many exciting
experiences with the Indians and was
the first man to arrive at the scene of the
massacre of the whites by the Indians at
Blackburn's ferry on the klamath river
Upon his approaching the cabin where
Blackburn and his wife had barricaded
themselves Blackburn came out and said,
''Raynes, | am mighty glad to see you,
the Indians have killed them all, except
my wife and myself" Mr. Raynes i'm
mediately gave the alarm along the river
and in company with number of whites
trailed the Indians until they finally met
and defeated them.
Mr.. Raynes for twenty five years was
in the employ of the government as post
master or deputy, was school trustee for
many years, and at one time was county
treasurer of this county. He had consi-
derable dramatic ability and enjoyed
taking part in amateur performances,
playing such parts as Claude Melnotte in
the Lady of Lyons" and Shylock in the
Merchant of Venice He had kind,
sympathetic and generous nature and
was one of the highest type of the old
pioneers. He was one of the oldest and
most faithful members of the Masonic
order in the county and was member of
St. Johns Lodge No. 81, Cyrus Chapter
No. Is, Mt. Shasta Commandery, and
one of the first members of the old Coun-