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Probably
the greatest problem that faces anyone doing a historical
column are the differences of opinion that you find while
doing your research. sometimes the writer is dependent
upon
the memory of persons who were present at the time. In other
cases, he must study yellowed newspaper clippings and
records,
some of which are not any too accurate either. In both cases,
stories can be colored or discolored by personal prejudices
and feeling of the speaker or writer. |
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As
an example, I recently attended a meeting at which four old
timers, two in their 70's and two in their 90's, almost came
to blows over a certain event. All four had been present,
but had a different story to tell. |
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To
do a job, the writer must take some facts, and leave others.
He must consider his sources and try to hit a medium. But
some times, he seems to fail. |
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The
enclosed letter from Mrs. June English, of Fresno is Interesting
because of her differences of opinion regarding certain events
that took place many years ago. We are printing it in its
entirety and hope it will be interesting to any student of
this area. |
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Dear
Mr. Klette: |
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Thank
you for sending the back issues of the JOURNAL. I'm enclosing
payment for same, plus postage. I'm sorry you didn't have
an extra copy of Chap. 1. of your story on North Fork. |
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One
of these days when you and I both have the time, I will
prove
to you that Browns was the "deadfall" and small
store as well as voting precinct of Herrick N. Brown, at
Cascadel.
He built the first store, planted the apple orchard, and
later sold it all to Charles Strivens. Strivens was the son-in-law
of William Parker, of Sycamore, on the San Joaquin. |
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Herrick
was the brother of Billy Brown and the half brother of
Walter Brown who had a saloon at
Fresno Flats. I know the source
of your information, but his is reminiscence while my material
is documentary. |
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Hugh
Graham or Grahame, of the
Mariposa Batallion, was the earliest
permanent resident of record
in the North Fork region. He, Joe Kinsman, and others had
quicksilver claims, and he evidently continued to stay there. |
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Herrick,
Walter and Billy Brown, were sons of Jerry Brown who was the
first settler on what is now known as the Wide Awake or Hildreth
Ranch. Jerry Brown sold out to Ernphrey Hildreth in 1866 or
1867. |
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As
I told you before, I do a lot research.
History is a lot of fun and
the early history of this region
is fascinating. |
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Thanks
for the information and the chuckles. |
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Sincerely, |
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Signed;
June English |
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