My first letter was written and not mailed for about 10 years. When I did mail it I received the most wonderful response possible!
August 21, 1990
MEMO FOR:
Santa Clara County Historical and Genealogical Society
2635 Homestead Road
Santa Clara, CA 95051
RE: Santa Clara County Clerk in 1800's, Corneille Finley, and assistant, Freeman B Smith
I would appreciate your sending me information regarding these men, if possible, or directing me in locating information concerning them.
I recently received two ledgers dating back to 1870, which are full of newspaper clippings from San Francisco, San Jose, Gilroy, Santa Clara, and other local areas.
Corneille FINLEY was my 2nd G-grandfather, and Freeman B. Smith, an uncle. Corneille's daughter, Daisy married into another prominent family in San Jose, the son of William G. Fischer, an assistant City Treasurer in San Jose.
Reading the wealth of information from these newspaper clippings has excited my interest in my family history, and I would truly appreciate any help or advice you might give me.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Laura ....
THE RESPONSE:
Santa Clara County Historical and Genealogical Society
1 September 1990
Dear Laura,
I don't usually address everyone who writes to our Society by their first name, at least the first tiime I write but, as you will see, I feel a real affinity with you! On returning from vacation and finding your letter in my mailbox at the Library, I got goose-bumps when I read it, and here's why. I have started doing some researching on my son-in-laws family and his G-G grandfather was John Hicks Adams, former sheriff of Santa Clara County, co-worker and friend of Cornelius Finley, and together on a trip to Tucson, both were murdered! I'm sure you have all the clippings related to this tragic affair in your ledgers. Anyhow, I need to know what you have, so that I can supplement it with what I can find here in the Library on Cornelius.
I'm very curious about your ledgers, just what clipping[s] are in them etc. We are continually collecting materials for our Library here and I sure hope you don't toss them out in the trash. How large are they, and could they be xeroxed so we could obtain a copy?
I was in the San Jose Library earlier today, looking for obits for another party, and came across this one (enclosed) for the father of Cornelius, quite by chance. The name Finley just seemed to jump off the screen!
I'm enclosing two other papers, one is for information on our Early Settlers file, and the other shows some of the holdings of the Library that I research. I have found several things in indexes that relate to Cornelius, but so far nothing on Freeman B. Smith but I shall continue to look. Do please let me know if you have the clippings on the murder and funerals of both men, and in the meantime, I shall go to the Library this next week to make copies of some of the items I have found that I'm sure you don't have.
Is this your first excursion into genalogy? [sic] Do you have pedigree sheets and family group sheets? It's a fascinating hobby and since I have been retired, I can work 40 or more hours a week, on either my own research, or for the Society, and have gained many friends along the way. Please let me know how I can help.
Sincerely,
Dorothy DeDontney
TRANSCRIPTION of clipping from the San Jose Daily Mercury October 19, 1873
In Cass county, Michigan, September 4th, George Finley, aged 86 years. The deceased was the father of Mr. Cornelius Finley, our esteemed county clerk. He was a pensioner of the war of 1812 and for many years had been known in Volinia Township as "the old pensioner." He was highly esteemed by all who knew him for his great intelligence and sterling worth. His son, our Finley, had not seen him for over twenty years and had made preparations for a visit home this Winter. The mother is still living, being a hale old lady of 76 years of age, and well worthy of such a husband and son. Both mother and son have our sympathy in their bereavement.
Further correspondence from Dorothy dated Friday, Oct. 5, 1990
Dear Laura
I was so happy to hear from you - I though perhaps in my enthusiasm I had scared you off! Indeed I know that you can't always get to the letters you are eager to write, as our lives are filled with so many demands. You will notice I am not writing on the Society letterhead as the relation-ship between your Cornelius and my son-in-law's John Hicks Adams was a close one, and we have moved beyond the realm of paid researcher and client. I have talked with the board members of our Society and they are in complete agreement, and feel they will benefit by the sharing of information between us. So, please write to me at my home address, since I only go to the Library once a week to pick up my mail there.
I should have told you that I have photocopies of the old newspaper articles relating to the deaths, and subsequent burials of Cornelius and John. I will see how they copy, but as they are so dark, I think in the end I will just make typewritten copies of the articles. The dark background on these old film make reading difficult, and frankly, I feel they will just fade in time. So please be patient and I will soon have a nice packet to send to you.
The information from the ledgers is interesting, and after reading thru [sic] very quickly, I have come across many other names of people I have researched. I will make it all available to the Library. However, I think I recommend you taking the time to make a copy of these ledgers, then putting them in a safe place, and not handle them anymore than you need. If you make a master set, you could then copy it over and over, to share with your family. Just take them to a good copy place, that has good equipment. I have made copies of all my own old obits, birth, marriage and death certificates and keep them in my files, and put the originals in the safe.
You're very young to be so interested in your family history and I think that's wonderful. I had decided in 1970 to start my research as my 5 children were grown, but my husband died of a heart attack and I had to go to work. I retired in 1985, and started digging into my roots, and it has become a full-time, wonderful occupation. I began volunteering at the Society so I could learn more about genealogy, and eventually took over the research work from a friend who thought she had done it long enough, and I am enjoying it so much. I have been corresponding with folks all over the country, and even with a lady who writes once a year from Taiwan. She teaches school there, but we keep doing her local research here. I love to get her letters, the stamps are so beautiful!
I shall put this out in the mail, but I just wanted you to know quickly that I will be preparing a packet of very interesting information. I went to the Oak Hill Cemetery and took of photos of Adams [sic] gravestone, and have looked for Cornelius the same day but did not find it. They marked the area on the map for me, but I didn't have enough time the day I was there but I'll go again.
Thanks for the Early Settler forms too. They will make a fine addition to our collection. I have about 3 more letters to get out today, and will tlry [sic] to type up the articles soon. (There [sic] were really long-winded in those early days!)
Sincerely,
Dorothy
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27 October 1990
Dear Laura,
Here is the packet I have worked up for you - this has been such fun!
A few comments: The first sheet is a listing of pioneers, and the second one is a copy of a photo of them. I have put a little yellow mark under your Cornelius and Freeman (my son-in-law's J. H. Adams is also in the photo). We have the large picture in the basement of our library and I want at some time to take individual photos of each of them, and hopefully they will turn out. They are printed in a sepia tone, and I'm not sure how well it will work, but it's sure worth a try....
Following are the newspaper articles with all the facts of the murders of Cornelius and John Adams, with a full account of the funerals. You can read thru and feel you are there.
Then is the one I love to find people listed in, the 1892 Great Register, as it is the last Voter's Register that gives physical descriptions of the men. And even more importantly, in the case of your William Fischer and Ludwig, it gives the date of their naturalization. If you don't have copies of their papers, you MUST send for them! Write to:..... [I followed Dorothy's instructions at the time, but they were not able to find the information for either William or Ludwig. I should try again. With further technology perhaps they will be able to find them now. Laura Collier August 1, 2012]
I have checked the film we have of the headstones at Oak Hill, and did NOT find listings for Magenheimer and William Fischer. I fully expected to find them, but unfortunately many of the old stones have been vandalized or just disappeared. On my next visit to Oak Hill, I'll check in the office, and have them mark a map for me, and I'll take a long look. [My husband Michael has also taken some time to look for my ancestor's headstones, but has not been able to find them, either -- Laura Collier August 1, 2012]
I will leave you now to your reading. It is so nice to know more than jsut names and dates, isn't it?
Enjoy,
Dorothy
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THE PIONEER Saturday September 14th 1878
THE ARIZONA HORROR
Details of the Killing of Captain Adams and Mr. Finley
The Weekly Star of the 5th instant, published at Tucson, Arizona, came to hand on Thursday evening. It contains all the known facts relating to the murder of Captain J. H. Adams and Cornelius Finley. The account is as follows: "The news reached Tucson on Monday night last that two murders had been committed by highwaymen near Barrel Springs, in Davidson's canyon, about thirty-five miles from town. Sherriff Shibell sent out deputies the following morning, and upon their arrival there Maj. Towler and his escort were upon the ground. Messrs. Steele, Vail and Harvey, and others. The parties killed were Mr. J. H. Adams, ex-Sheriff of Santa Clara county, California, a resident of San Jose. He was 58 years of age. Mr. Cornelius Finley was the other victim, resident of the same place, and an ex-County Clerk of that county. These gentlemen were coming from the Washington mine, in the Patagonia district, toward Tucson, and when in the canyon at the point designated, where the huge rocks come down close to the road, they were fired upon by parties concealed in the rocks. Mr. Finley was shot directly through the heart, the ball passing through and coming out on the other side of his body. He had probably made an attempt to get out of the wagon when shot, as one of his legs was caught between the spokes of the wheel, and he had died in a half bent-over position. Mr. Adams had evidently jumped from the wagon and made fight in the road. A ball entered his side, but the wound was not sufficient to cause death. Several bruises across his face and on his head would indicate that he was attacked with clubs or stones.
Hefti and Steele were coming through the canyon and discovered the bodies, probably not more than half an hour after the murders were committed. Maj. Towler and his escort, coming from Tucson, arrived at Davidson's canyon probably in about two hours after the murder, as judging from the time the two victims left Crittenden it must have been about noon time when they arrived at the point where they were attacked. On Monday afternoon six Mexicans rode up to Vail and Harvey's ranch, and reported that they had seen two dead men lying in the canyon, and also that they had informed Steele and some others of the fact on their way out. Vail and Harvey started immediately for the canyon, and upon inquiry found that no such parties had been to him. It is generally believed these six Mexicans were the murderers, and it is also the general belief that they came across the country from the Santa Rita Placers for the purpose of meeting Hefti and Steele coming to Tucson with the usual supply of gold dust they are in the habit of bringing in every few days. The wagons of the two parties are somewhat similar, and may have led them to the mistake. This is all conjecture, however, but that it was the six Mexicans described as coming from the placers there is little doubt. Trailing parties were sent out in different directions. The murderers were traced up the road into the canyon, but the heavy rains had caused the road to flow a stream down the road, which destroyed all tracts.[sic] After killing the parties the wretches took the horse and mule attached to the wagon and taking all the harness off but the bridles, mounted them and rode away leaving wagon and harness in the road. The bodies were robbed of everything except clothing, how much money, if any, not being known. Watches, guns, pistols and other articles were taken, and papers from the pockets were left strewn upon the ground, but afterwards picked up by Vail and Harvey, and will be returned to the proper parties."
Subsequent information warrants the Star in making the following additional statement: "It is now a known fact that the murderers came from the Santa Rita Placers, and circumstances go to show that they had no arms when they left the Placers. The theory of the trailers is, and they are experienced men, that the two men were murdered by shots from their own guns. Probably they had stopped their wagon in the road for something, and at last [sic] one of them got out, and perhaps held a conversation with the murderers, when the latter seized the guns from the wagon and killed their men. This would do away with the theory that they were killed by mistake, as the murderers are well acquainted with Steele and Hefti."
Dispatches have been received by Mr. Sevenoakes to the effect that on Saturday last the bodies of Captain Adams and Cornelius Finley arrived at Tucson encased in zinc-lined caskets. Funeral services were held, the entire population participating, and the remains of the two murdered men were consigned to earth in the Tucson cemetery. On account of the condition of the bodies, it was not deemed advieable to have them removed to San Jose at present.
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THE PIONEER Saturday September 28th, 1878
The Murder of Adams and Finley
A letter received by judge May yesterday, says the Hollister Enterprise, dated at Tucson, Arizona, Sept. 5th, written by a party who was on the ground soon after the murder of Adams and Finley, gives many particulars concerning the affair. We have been kindly permitted the use of the letter but have not space to give it in full. We make the following extracts in substance: The writer owns mines adjoining those of which Adams and Finley had charge, and they and others had camped together since last Spring. The writer, five others and Adam and Finley had intended going in company to Tucson but the latter two got ready first and started alone. The others started the following morning, and on their second day's journey came to the spot where the murdered men lay, on or near the road. Appearances indicate that when the charge was made the horses ran several yards. Finley lay with his head on the ground and his legs in the spolkes [sic] of the wagon wheel. Adams' body was found about twenty feet from the wagon. Both men were shot in the breast, each receiving but one bullet wound.
The bodies were buried by the party, but were subsequently taken up and interred at Tucson. The general impression prevailing at the time of writing was that the deed was perpetrated by Spaniards for the purpose of robbery. A body of Spaniards had robbed several places the day previous, and a Spanish woman reports having heard the gang fixing up a plot to murder two storekeepers that were expected along the day of the murder. It is thought the robbers lay in wait in the canyon, and Adams and Finley appearing first, were taken for the storekeepers and murdered accordingly. Another opinion prevails that the killing was done
premeditatively [sic]by white men. The writer remarks that everything was excitement, and some days might possibly elapse before the true state of facts could be developed.
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THE PIONEER Saturday, October 5th, 1878
The Adams - Finley Murder
The following particulars concerning the cruel murder of ex-Sheriff J. H. Adams and ex-County Clerk Cornelius Finley were received on Friday last by letter by a gentleman in San Jose: On the evening of the 2d a Mexican went to the ranch of Vail, Harvey & Co., about fifteen miles from the canyon, and informed them that two men were lying dead in the canyon, and he supposed they had been drowned by the flood of water which had gone down the mountain the previous day, there having been heavy rains in the mountains. The Mexican also said that they had evidently been traveling in a buggy, and were going toward Tucson.
Early the next morning Harvey and one of his men went to the canyon and found the men, one of who was C. Finley, of the Washington Mine, and the other J. H. Adams. The paymaster arrived soon after, and they found upon examination that Finley had been shot from behind, and the bullet had passed through his heart, and Adams through his body just above the heart. From the appearance of things they knew they had been shot by white men or Mexicans, as the harness had been taken from the horses without cutting, whereas the Indians of the country cut things to pieces. Harvey and his companions buried the bodies, and one of the firm came directly here and reported to the authorities, while others from the ranch started to follow this miscreants. In this they had considerable difficulty, on account of the rain that had fallen and obliterated the tracks of the murderers, but before dark they had traced them south near the Santa Rita Mountains, and next morning they met a person who informed them of having met the same tracks further south. This was proof of their having fled to Sonora. The Sheriff was promptly informed of what had taken place, but I am sorry to say that our Sheriff is not fond of active service, and excused himself because his wife was unwell. He made many promises, however, to the numerous persons who had urged his going or sending men after the murderers. Finally, the next day two men were started off, but so much time had been lost, and the men were so wretchedly mounted and armed, that it is doubtful if they find the rascals.
On Saturday evening following Mr. John Sevenoaks received a letter from a gentleman in Tucson, dated September 21st, which gave the following statements concerning events subsequent to the murder, conveying the welcome information that two at least of the murderers hat met with summary retribution. It appears that the American officers in pursuit tracked the Mexicans before referred to to Santa Cruz, a town in Sonora lying near the United States and Mexican line, where two of the desperadoes were found boasting of their crime and wearing in their belts the pistols taken from the murdered men. They evidently believed themselves to be perfectly safe, and expected the customary protection of the Mexican authorities. in this, however, they were mistaken. The pursuing officers obtained the hearty cooperation of the Mexican authorities, and after a sharp fight captured the two villians [sic]. The prisoners were then put under the guard of the Americans and kept at Santa Cruz until an additional fore could be obtained, when they were taken to Magdalena and at once conveyed before the Governor of Sonora, where they unhesitatingly confessed the crime, giving all the particulars, names, and whereabouts of the remaining three murderers then remaining at large. Thereupon Governor Marescal immediately condemned them and ordered them shot forthwith.
There seems to be little doubt of the correctness of the information, as Mr. Sevenoaks' correspondent stated that the news was brought directly from Magdalena by a man who was present during the proceedings, and it was also confirmed by a gentleman who arrived recently in San Francisco from the scene of the occurrence. There is also little doubt but the remaining criminals have also been captured, and have ere this probably shared the same fate.
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(Same Newspaper - same day)
Freeman B. Smith of this city, left yesterday for Arizona, whither he goes to take charge of the affairs of the late J. H. Adams and Cornelius Finley.
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THE PIONEER Saturday December 28th 1878
THE HONORED DEAD
Obsequies of J. H. Adams and Cornelius Finley
A Grand Outpouring of the People in Honor of Their Memory
The remains of J. H. Adams and Cornelius Finley, our murdered townsmen, were laid away in peaceful and beautiful Oak Hill Sunday, the occasion being made one for the congregation for a large proportion of the people of this county to do honor to the memory of the dead. It is rare indeed in these degenerate days to witness such a spontaneous and universal testimony of respect and love as was diplayed on this occasion, and certainly it cannot be said of those whose memories were thus honored "They have not lived in vain." for despite the Scriptural declaration "Woe unto you when all men speak well of you." men whose lives have been barren or productive of fruits are not thus mourned.
The two caskets containing the remains had been removed to City Market Hall, where the religious services were held. A large crowd gathered in the hall and the services were of the most impressive and solemn character. The two caskets were placed immediately in front of the small stage, and were literally covered with beautiful floral offerings. The exercises opened by the singing of a hymn by the Handel and Haydn Society. The impressive funeral service of the Episcopal Church was then read by Rev. G. W. Foote, and never did the beautiful form seem more solemn. At the conclusion of the service the choir sang the XXIII Psalm, afater which Rev. C. C. Stratton delivered an appropriate and eloquent address upon "Immortality." We copy from the Mercury. He said man believes himself possessed on an immortality. He does not believe that he enters the earth and passes away into everlasting oblivion. Everything in his nature corroborates the declaration of the Inspired Word, and hence the preparation which we make against the time when "this mortal shall put on mortality." There is not a gravestone or churchyard which does not proclaim this belief of men: there is not a mummy in the pits of Thebes and Egypt which does not declare a belief in the immortality of the life principal within us by thus attempting in a degree to make the cast off caskets and their mortal memory keep pace with the spirit which once animated it. Every deed of a man's life contributes to this end and the sum of his deeds either condemns him to or rewards him to immortality. I say condemned to immortality, because is it not condemnation that the name of Judas has become a hissing and a by-word in the mouths of men? Is not the name of Benedict Arnold condemned to eternal infamy? And is not the immortality of fame the reward of the good? Is it not of St. Paul and Moses, and in political life of Washington and Lafayette? And thus it is in the commercial affairs of a man. He makes a daily note of occurrences and they pass from his mind, but eventually they are brought to the ledger, and each and every one of them contribute to the final account. And so it is with the lives of men: the daily occurrences and acts pass from memory, but in the great reckoning of the sum of life they each appear bearing due weight and deciding upon which side is the balance.
You all remember the horror with which the news of the death of these men was received. It was murder most foul: but it is no horror that has drawn the people together today. It is no vision of murder and agony and death which brings us here, but it is a sentiment welling up in each heart of respect and love for those who have passed from our midst, and a wish to testify in some fitting way thereto. it is the final accounting which you are making them, and in this pure and noble sentiment appears the impress and influence of their lives. It is to honor their memory that we are here: it is to enbalm and make immortal the memory of two of our fellows whose lives endeared them to us and claimed our honor and respect. here is one who more than once was trusted with the execution of public business, and neither there or in private life did he ever forfeit the confidence of his fellow ctizens. here is another who at an early age was the recipient of an important private trust, and later on he was placed by our people in a public office of honor and importance. he served his country as a soldier well: and as a civilian added new luster to the fame of a noble life. Captain Adams was known to every one, and yet never have I heard upon the lips of any man or woman a single word derogatory to his character as a man and Christian.
The speaker then concluded his remarks by a touching exhortation to the bereaved friends.
As the service had already occupied a great deal of time it was thought proper to curtail the exercises and Rev. D. E. Bashnel then stepped forward and offered a short but eloquent prayer. The exercises then closed with music by the choir, and the caskets were at once placed in the hearses in waiting and the procession at once moved. As it passed down Santa Clara street there were over a thousand persons in the procession, and at every cross street it was joined by long lines of carriages which had formed there for convenience. These additions continued until Lick's place was reached., when the long double line of carriages stretched almost interminably along the road.
The Beterans [sic] of the Mexican War and also the Pioneers turned out almost to a man and the other societies from every part of the county were represented by a large number of their members. Beside the Military, Champions of the Red Cross and Druids, in full regalia, the following named lodges I. O. O. F., also in full regalia were in line, under direction of their respective oficers [sic]: Mountain View Lodge No. 244, Franco Italian Lodge No. 242, Ture Fellowship Lodge No. 238, Alemania Lodge No. 178, Santa Clara Lodge, No. 52, San Jose Lodge No. 34, Santa Clara Encampment No. 32, Gilroy Lodge, Garden city Lodge, San Jose Encampment. Patriarch J. A. Lotz, acted as Grand marshal of the procession, assisted by Patriarchs, W. L. Coombs and A. P. Murgotten.
The Pall Bearers were as follows: For Captian Adams: C. T. Settle, J. O. Stratton, Capt. Jos. Aram, Thos. Campbell, Geo. Cross, Chas. Patocchi, David Ackerman, Wm. M. Williamson. For Mr. Finley: A. G. Hinman, V. Bassignano, M. J. Ashmore, J. J. Sontheimer, J. F. Chambers, W. O. Barker, R. S. Carter, H. A. Crawford. At the cemetery an immense concourse of people was gathered which had preceded the rpocession to the grounds. Here the Odd Fellows' burial service was read by Rev. D. E. Bushnel officiating as Chaplain.
As the Brothers and Sisters of the fraternal Orders deposited their sprig of evergreen in the grave of Capt. Adams the band played a dirge, which added greatly to the solemnity of the occasion. After closing the grave the Orders again formed and proceeded to the grave of Cornelius Finley, where the same services were held. While the evergreen was being deposited the choir sang "Passing Away" in a very impressive manner, which was as beautiful as it was appropriate.
After the graves were filled up the Zouaves recognized the military services of Capt. Adams with the usual "honors of war," and as the last echo of the third volley of musketry died away the vast crowd turned homeward and in silence left the cemetery and the dead.
They are at last at rest in peace in sod they loved so well, we trust their sweet slumbers may never be broken until the day when the sea and the earth shall give up their dead and they both find that joy which passeth all conception.
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Later research uncovered the fact that both John Hicks Adams and Cornelius Finley had been appointed as United States Deputy Marshals in Arizona ten days prior to their deaths.
See
The United States Marshals of New Mexico and Arizona Territories, 1846-1912
By Larry D. Ball
See also:
