Even before he was shot, the relatives of David S. Beach assumed he would die on his journey to California in 1849. Beach survived a gun shot wound and resumed his trip to California where he found work as water agent for the North Fork Ditch. From his cabin at Rattlesnake Bar, Beach would write several letters to his cousin Amos Catlin who was the Superintendent of the North Fork Ditch in 1855. Beach’s letters show the fragility of the new 22-mile-long ditch delivering water to gold miners along the North Fork of the American River.
Amos Catlin, who had travelled to California by ship in 1849, was informed by his cousin L. R. Dickson in a September 1849 letter that their mutual cousin, David Seymour Beach, had also joined the Gold Rush.
“David Beach is, I suppose by this time, at the gold diggings – if he has not been devoured by the wolves over the Rocky Mountains.”[1]
Wolves seem not to be the predator that Beach needed to worry about. Amos received a letter from his brother William in April 1850 updating him on Beach’s journey.
“Cousin David Beach left here [Henderson, KY] in April 1849 for California with a company of young men. When, about 150 miles from Fort Laramie, he was shot by one of the company named Tibbets. He was carried to Fort Laramie and left. The surgeons said his wound was not dangerous. Since then, I have not heard from him. If you meet any person of the Henderson Co., make some inquiries as to his whereabouts….James Lynd, who you can find…in San Francisco, he can tell you about the quarrel between Beach and Tibbets”[2]
In subsequent letters, both L. R. Dickinson and William Catlin would inquire if Amos had heard anything of David Beach. Dickinson relayed in December 1850 that the last she heard, Beach might be in Sacramento.
“David Beach, with whom I believe you are not acquainted, was in Sacramento as the last account. He had been shot on the way, on that recouped from his wound and arrived at Sacramento. If he intends hunting for gold, I am afraid his success will be small, as the news from the ‘diggins’ is not very bright.“[3]
The primary object of Dickinson’s letter to Amos was to ask for help in locating Dr. John M. Vaughn, who had also traveled to California. The last word from Vaughn was that he was in Salt Lake City. Amos and his family would learn that Dr. Vaughn died in Utah.
In the spring of 1854, William Catlin wrote to his brother Amos asking if he had heard anything of Beach.
“I should like to know if you ever hear from Coz David Beach. If you know where he is let me know for I would like to hear from and write him.“[4]
Unbeknownst to William, Beach had been in communication with Amos. After having been elected the California Senate and introducing legislation to move California’s capital to Sacramento, Amos Catlin was in the newspapers on a regular basis. Beach wrote a letter to Amos on May 6, 1854, from Mormon Bar in Mariposa County.
“Dear Cousin,
I received your letter of last February and also one enclosed from my sister in New York. I wrote you an answer about the 15th of the same month and also letters to my sister in N.Y. to which I expect an answer by the 10th of this month. I have been looking for a letter from you for a long time in answer to the one that I sent to you, but as I thought that you might not have got it, I write you again the last one that I wrote you was directed to Benicia as the Legislature had not then removed to Sacramento as perhaps you have been so much engaged that you have even looked it and thought it that I had neglected to write to you.
I wrote you to send me Cousin William address so that I could write to him. I also want you to tell me if Aunt Nancy is still in Kentucky and who any news that you may have heard from home since you last wrote.
I will write you as soon as I get letters from my sister. I cannot say from home for I hardly know where my home is. I am still at the same place Mormon Bar which is a short distance from Mariposa, my health has not been very good the past winter but it is much better at present. I have been at a stove all winter, but am mining at present and intend to through the summer. Business is rather dull here at the present time and prices very bad, but the miners are generally making good wages about this vicinity. I think I have a good claim and am in hopes of doing [better] this present season.
There is nothing of interest to write you that I know of. I could get good wages as a clerk, but I had rather mine than do anything else when I am able to work. If you should more write me where to direct to you, write me soon and as often as you can for I like to hear from you. Don’t forget to write this from your
Affectionate Cousin D. Seymour Beach to A. P. Catlin“[5]
Beach never mentions in his letters if his poor health is from the gun shot wound or some other ailment. In a subsequent letter dated August 8, 1854, Beach begins with addressing the fact that Amos has not written to him. In the heat of summer, which seems to have slowed Beach down from gold mining, Beach apprises Amos of his current situation.
“Dear Cousin,
It has been some months since I received a letter from you. Although I have written you two directed to Sacramento during the session of the legislature, but they must have miscarried or I have not received yours if you have written to . I am glad to hear that you are well through [Mr. Herbert] he tells me that you enquired of me and that you wished me to write you. I am still in Mariposa and [stopping] at the same place that I have been for the last year, at Mormon Bar and shall continue to do so for the present. I have also seen Mr. Henry who told me that he saw you in Sacramento. I asked him if you [stoped] in Sacramento most of the time or did you still make it your house at Mormon Island. He said he did not know but he believed that you [stoped] most of the time at Sacramento. So I hardly know which place to direct my letters. However I will try and make it find you for I want to hear from you very much and how you are getting along generally. As for myself, I am not doing much at present.
In the way of making money. Though I am doing in little in the way of mining. But I cannot work much myself. My health has been very bad for the first winter but is summer, but infirmed at present and I am in hopes as soon as the weather gets little cooler to be all right again. Since I heard from you I have received two letters from my brother, one from John and one from Andrew. Mother and all the rest were well and also one relation my father is in Harington, Ct. All the rest are in New York City. I want you to write me as soon as you receive this letter and instruct me where to direct to you whether to Sacramento or Mormon Island.
In my last letter to you I requested you to inform me of Cousin William and where to direct a letter to him. Also of Aunt Nancy and whether she is still in Ky. And also what you know of Aunt Emily and her family, and if you have any news from home and of your folks. In your last letter to me you tell me of Cousin Margaret marriage if you have news of any more let me know as for ourself, that is you and me, I think we are getting to old to marry. That is old Californians if not old in years. For if I recollect right there is not much difference in our ages. I don’t know how it is in your part of the country, but I have noticed here in some [vases] if not generally that every man’s wife is someone else’ woman. That is as far as they are anyways good looking. I do not speak of your political prospects for I do not know to what you aspire. But you may be assured of my best wishes for your success. I should like very much to come and see you but I cannot do so at the present. Don’t forget to write me as soon as you receive this from
Yours in affection, D. Seymour Beach“[6]
Cousin Dickinson was correct when she surmised that Beach’s prospects at gold mining would not be very profitable. Whether Beach’s lack of good fortune at gold mining was from his health or just a poor claim is unknown. What Amos does learn is that David Beach is interested in changing his situation. He is not interested in working in an office and prefers to be outdoors.
In 1852, Amos Catlin organized the Natoma Water Company to start constructing the Natoma Ditch water canal along the South Fork of the American. The Natoma Ditch, while it had its structural and financial issues, it was generally considered a success delivering water to gold miners. In July 1854, Amos found himself organizing the effort to construct the North Fork Ditch along the North Fork of the American River.
We don’t have any correspondence from Amos to Beach regarding any positions on the North Fork Ditch. However, recorded in the minutes of the January 15, 1855, Board of Trustees meeting for the American River Water and Mining Company (ARWMC), Amos would nominate David S. Beach to be a water collector, also known as a water agent for the North Fork Ditch. Beach’s nomination was approved and he would become an employee of the ARWMC building and operating the water canal.[7]
As Amos had finished his duties as a State Senator, he would transition to job of Superintendent of the North Fork Ditch. Beach would make his residence in a cabin at Rattlesnake Bar. Amos would split his time between Doton’s Bar, Carrolton, and Mormon Island. The most effective means of communicating was through letters that were delivered daily. One of the qualities Amos must have recognized in Beach was his ability to write a coherent letter with decent penmanship.
What emerges from the letters that exist from Beach to Amos Catlin is that the North Fork Ditch was fragile, prone to wash out, and the precarious financial situation of the water canal enterprise. Beach does his best to explain Amos, who was a lawyer and more comfortable in a courtroom, progress of the ditch construction, repairs, hydraulics of the ditch water, and the weakness of the ditch construction.
“Rattlesnake Bar, February 9th, 1855
A.P. Catlin, esq.
Dear Sir: The [berm] of this Mr. Winde has completed the work of laying their mud sill for the flume of the Slate Bar Branch. You will see if the work is done satisfactorily. He tells me that he completed the job last Friday, although he was not able to commence as soon by a few days as he expected he wishes me to say to you that he would like to put up the flume and that he will do it as [fast] and as expeditiously as possible.
I worked all night on the ditch. I find that you missed the water at Dotons. But we had it on again as soon as possible. Mr. Nichols has been here and said to me that they wished me to send my returns to Mormon Island. He said that they wished to open the books. There is some lumber needed her and I don’t know where to get it.
The place where the ditch broke the other night at the end of a flume will have to be continued about twelve feet before it can be made to stand any length….” [only one page of letter][8]
C. P. Nichols was one of the trustees of the ARWMC. The returns Nichol’s wanted were the water collection receipts. Unfortunately, because of high water in the river and breaks in the ditch, few water sales were being made as reported by Beach to Amos in his March 3rd letter of 1855.
“Dear Sir,
I sent my returns to you by Mr. [Beryls]. But am sorry to inform you that they contain no cash as I have had water, but one day this past week and have not collected sufficient to pay the Express. Ward has occurred mining that time. Summer has no returns to make this week, although there is sum little due. But the men that are it here been at work on the ditch and there is a balance due there. Mr. Summer went up to Coyote Bar yesterday and they told him that the water would be turned on last night, but there was some mistake about it for I have not seen it down here yet.
But he has been up again to day and they say [mrit] it will be turned on to night and no mistakes. I have just been to see him, as to the amount of damages. [Moy] are all repaired between this place and Oregon Bar that I know to be a first we got….” [only one page of letter][9]
Summer (sometimes spelled Sommer) was also a water agent for the North Fork Ditch. In addition to Beach’s duties as a water agent, he also ran errands for Superintendent Amos Catlin and provided him with intelligence. The North Fork Ditch was in competition with the Bear River and Auburn Water and Mining Company that had dropped a water ditch into the Rattlesnake Bar region. While the Bear River ditch was not as big as the North Fork Ditch, every water sale was important to keeping the North Fork Ditch afloat.
“Rattlesnake Bar, March 21st, 1855
A. P. Catlin
Dear Sir, I have just returned from doing the errand on which you sent me. I went first and saw Mr. Waterbourne. He was on the other side of the river getting the [Sevar.] He says that it is in good order and not damaged in the least and will be all that he needs in that line. I told him what your instructions were about the skiff at Auburn & C.
I then went up to the Mill and found Mr. Clark there. He seamed much pleased with your note to him reading aloud two or three times. [Other] matters of the dam should take preference of all others. He has the scanting and all the lumber that is necessary for the dam and piles and said that he would send it down the slide this evening.
They are nearly through [running] the mill. He spoke of some man that you had engaged to haul lumber and said that he wished you would send him on as he wishes to get what they had there away as soon as they could.
Waterbourne said that he wished you would send that blacksmith that you spoke of Mr. Baldwin as soon as you could as they wanted to get ready as soon as possible to go at getting out work for the dam. I told him I had two good drills here that belonged to the company and would send them to him by Summer.
I have used six head of water her today. The river raised a little at the dam to day and they think it will rise more tomorrow in consequence of the weather being warmer to day. The small ditches here are drying up all at once. Bear river has gone dry and all the poor devils here have been looking for the North Fork [plan] all day. Yours, &c D. S. Beach”[10]
What we learn from Beach’s March 21st letter is that construction work is happening on the North Fork Ditch. In particular, the dam at Tamaroo Bar was being repaired and strengthened. As we would learn, the North Fork Ditch was in a constant state of repair. When Beach uses the term ‘head’ he is referring to height or amount of water in the ditch. The head was usually represented in miner’s inches.
The integrity of the North Fork Ditch would be tested as the mining season ramped up and there was a greater demand for water. Amos was residing at Doton’s Bar where the North Fork Ditch has a small reservoir. There were times when the water level in the ditch would fall at Doton’s Bar for no apparent reason from Amos’ perspective. When low water occurred, Amos wrote to Beach for an explanation.
“Rattlesnake Bar, April 3rd, 1855
A. P. Catlin
Dear Sir, I did not get yours of yesterday until 11/2 o’clock P.M. Consequently, you will not hear from me until tomorrow morning unless I should get a chance to send this to you this evening. The reason that I did not get it is this – The canal broke about one mile below this place about 8 o’clock last night. Consequently, I was not here when the stage came in and Mr. Baldwin gave you letter to Woods and he did not give it to me until this afternoon.
I was up nearly all night at work on the break. There were eight of us at work and all had the water on again before 3 o’clock in the morning. Therefore, I trust you got sufficient water at Doton and below that point. Although I did not run a full head of water until this morning.
The particulars of the water being turned off yesterday are these. The canal broke through a slate bank at or near Coyote Bar yesterday morning. Summers tells me that it was off half a day before he could repair the break and turn it on again from the time that it was off here until it came down again. I should judge that it must have been off up at the break which is 4 miles from this place at least 6 hours, for it made a hole in the [foreman] and in the afternoon here and therefore I lost the whole day have as the miners did not go at work again when the water came down in the afternoon at about 31/2 o’clock and I could not make a ½ day out of what time it was on in the morning.
I saw Mr. Clark and he said that he met you below Dotons and that you said had just met the water coming down. He said that it was then about 3 o’clock P.M. The head off water that you met then did not last long for this reason. It was the water that I had above the bulkhead at this place and when I found that I could not use it at this place to do any good, I sent it all below to help you keep up the water there and I was in hopes that the head of water that was turned on above would overtake it before it should fail at Dotons, but it seems that the main head was a little behind time and got down there about the time that I expected.
I can easily understand how it is that you think this matter of the water being off and on again in so short a time requires some explanation. The [solvency] of this up and down arraignment is this:
If the water of the canal is turned off 5 or 6 miles above this place when there 20 or 22 inches running in the flume and is not off over two hours before the whole head is turned on again, it would hardly be noticed here. But should it be off for six hours it would knock me out of about 4. The reason is this when a gate is closed down and the water is turned off the head of water that is running below recedes slowly. Whereas when you turn on a large head of water it runs with considerable velocity in an empty ditch. Therefore if not too far behind it would overtake the receding head or the further it had to run the nearer it would come to closing the gap.
So an illustration of this fact I will explain what happened today. Mr. Clarke left here this morning directly after breakfast on foot and said to me that he was going up the line of the ditch and that he would notice if there were any weak points as he went along and have them attended to. When he got up just above Coyote Bar he found the water just breaking through the bank of the ditch. He turned off part of the water and hurried on up the ditch. I met Mr. Miller who came down from the dam. I told him and he hurried down. This is what Summers tells me, as Clark went up the ditch ahead of Summers and he Summers did not know of the break till he got there. I found the water running out through the bank. I went up to the gate above to shut off the water. I met Miller coming down. They repaired the break and had the water on again in about tow hour. It was not very bed as the bank did not go out either a foot or 15 inches of the bottom of the ditch.
There was a perceptible variation here but it was just after 12 o’clock. I did not last over 15 minutes. I[t] would not be noticed a mile below this place. The water is never turned off to my knowledge unless it is absolutely necessary to repair the canal when the water will run on without us in case of a break.
I hope it won’t break to night for I would like to get some sleep. Yours, D. S. Beach”[11]
Beach probably provided more information about the ditch failures and hydraulics than Amos needed. Amos was very familiar with the water operations of water ditches as he was intimately involved in the construction and operation of the Natoma Ditch. Included on the April 3rd letter from Beach was a post script that mentioned their mutual familial connections.
“I am glad to hear from Bill. Wish I had some money to let you have to send to him, but I don’t know how I can help you. Why don’t Aunt Nancy let him have some, she has got plenty and would not hurt her to let him have $5,000 if she was a mind to do it. I will write to Bill as soon as I get time.”
Bill was Amos Catlin’s brother William who was living with Aunt Nancy. William was dreamer and wrote to Amos on several occasions about potential trips to California and how he would make it big in mining, land speculation, or dairy farming. Perhaps unknown to Beach was the Catlin family drama. Aunt Nancy had loaned money to Amos’ father Pierce Catlin. Pierce defaulted on the loan and Aunt Nancy had a lien on his property.
Amos had sent his father $200 in 1850 to help pay off his debts, but it seems Pierce spent the money on a different business venture. While Amos was relatively successful, he wealth was tied up in property and stocks and not necessarily easily accessible. What money he did have had been sunk into stock of the Natoma Water and Mining Company, American River Water and Mining Company, and property around Mormon Island.
In the spring of 1855, the North Fork Ditch was commanding almost all of the attention and energy of Amos and Beach.
“Rattlesnake, April 5, 1855
A. P. Catlin
Dear Sir, I am in [kat] of [yours] of this evening. I have been up to the canal. I find that there is not an unusual head running out down to the flume below and measured it. Find that there is just 22 inches running through the flume. The water has fallen about 2 inches since dark. It will run about 20 inches in the morning. Don’t think there is any damages from the head of water that is now running. Think that the banks are sound from the first gate above here and Summer says he thinks there is no danger above with the head on that is running now.
As you have not been in the habit of noticing the ditch above your reservoir at Dotons and the water was nearly all running down today 20 or 22 inches. Looks like a pretty full ditch if it don’t run at 20 inches here. I think there is not much water. I will see Summer in the morning and tell him if run over 22 inches to turn it off to that mark.
Now that Bear River has [pegged] out these small ditches will soon get dry and I shall need more water here. I’ll say nothing to the boys here of what has happened but I think I see old [Bell] and one or two others here on the bars looking for the North Fork men as they call me [Go Chew] I am laughing now all alone by myself.
Your &c D. S. Beach”[12]
The Superintendent, water agents, and ditch tenders were learning how to run the ditch. They were all nervous about running the water to high in the ditch, which could cause a failure. However, they also needed to push through as much water as possible to make sales and pay the investors.
“Rattlesnake, April 17th, 1855
A. P. Catlin
Dear Sir, I sent my returns yesterday as I said I would by Wells Fargo Express and I don’t know the reason that you have not received them. I don’t know why Summer has not sent his. I will inform him of your wishes. I cannot tell you the reason that the gates gave out at your place to day without [indecipherable] this.
When the water was turned on last night, Summer did not turn on a very large head and I suppose when they commenced work this morning below this point that they had to lock up the gates to get a head. I heard no difficulty here as I knew there was a small head of water running and got up soon in the morning and raised the gates above the bulk head at the flume before it was time to go at work. There has been over 20 inches running below this flume since 1 o’clock P.M and I should suppose there would have been a full head running at Dotons by 6 o’clock without there was a break somewhere below this point.”[13]
The cost to maintain and repair the North Fork Ditch was larger than anticipated and the revenue from water sales was not filling the bank account fast enough. Amos was actively soliciting loans and asked Beach to contact some of the men on the northern part of ditch about loans. Beach writes Amos to apprise him of his contacts for potential loans and to explain that the Tamaroo Bar dam is leaking so much water, the ditch is running low.
“Rattlesnake, July 18th, 1855
A. P. Catlin,
Dear Sir, I rec’d yours dated at Sacramento last night and have made Mr. Colby acquainted with your proposition. He will go to San Francisco this week for the money. I will try and see [James] Hagan this week and make the proposition to him to take a note on terms at 2 ½ per ct with a request to wait at least 3 mon[ths.]
You will find on your return that the water is running [rather] [low] in the ditch. The cause is this: they cannot fill up with small rocks and dirt as part as the water falls in the river. There is so much leakage through the dam that it does not fill the ditch or flumes at the head of the work.
I understand from Summer that Miller is going to Dotons tomorrow. You will probably be able to learn something from him in regard to the matter. I should think it advisable to fill up a little faster and not let the water get down low in the ditch again.”[14]
The July letter was followed by more bad news in August from Beach.
“Rattlesnake, Monday night, August 27th, 1855
A. P. Catlin,
Dear Sir, You have probably noticed before this that the water in the ditch is getting most alarming low in part it has run only about sixteen inches in depth below this place to day.
The cause is this on account of their not filling in at the dam for some time the [dirt] that had been [put] in heretofore has nearly all washed out and the consequence is that there is no head running into the flumes.
They are at work on the apron and will not be nearly to sink it for eight or ten days to com and if the water [goes] on falling at the rate it has today, there will not be a foot of depth in the ditch tomorrow, which will be very bad on the flumes this hot weather. Miller has had to back the water up in [his] or the water is below the joint between the planks and Martineau (sometimes spelled Martino) is going to do the same with his tomorrow.
The only way that I know of to keep up the head is to fill again at the dam, which will take about a day and a half. If the water is down this way for seven or eight days the flumes will dry up.
They will not do anything about it at the head without your orders. If you have anything to suggest and can’t come up yourself, if you will write Martineau will take road up to the dam. It is now about 9 o’clock and the water has fallen about 3 inches since sundown. I am afraid there won’t be more than a foot of water in the ditch in the morning. I was Carrolton last night, but you had gone to Dotons. In coming back, I went about four miles on the Sacramento road before I found out where I was going thinking that I was all night but that the road was rather long did not get home until twelve o’clock, don’t think I will take that road again.”[15]
The North Fork Ditch went from the complications of summer heat, low river flow, and a leaky dam to having an abundance of water in the December of 1855.
“Rattlesnake Bar, December 10th, 1855, 3 & ½ o’clock P. M.
A. P. Catlin,
Dear Sir, I have seen yours of the 9th to Martino and take the earliest opportunity to comply with your request (as follows) why it was that the ditch was empty all day on Saturday. Below for there was a full head of water running here except during a portion of Friday night when it was turned off at the gate just below Martino’s house. It was turned off for this reason. For I went over that part of the ditch myself just before dark and during the hardest of the rain.
You are aware I believe that for some distance above Farmers Point there is some very deep cutting and high steep banks on the inner side of the ditch, which are sure to slide off during a heavy rain and fill up the ditch. So as to make it impossible for the water to run part whether the ditch is full or half full it does not matter. The more water the greater the damage that it does for it is bound to run over the bank of the ditch unless someone is at hand to turn it off as soon as the slide takes place.
Now it would be rather difficult as well as expensive to keep it from sliding but it is very easy to prevent much damage by turning off the water just at that point for there is a water gate just above it and I saved the bank of the ditch two or three times last winter at that same place during the heavy rains when the ditch was filled full for two or three hundreds yards from the dirt and rocks sliding in from above. I turned it off myself not because I was afraid of the ditch getting so full of water from the river rise or the rise in the river as to [often.]
I used no caution on that account bur for the reason that when I went over it the bank commenced sliding in several places and were all the time dropping into the ditch. It was about dark when I turned it off on Friday night and I was satisfied if it continued to rain during the night that the ditch would slide full in flume 3 and if the water was running would be sure to wash away the banks. After turning off all the water on account of the bank commencing to slide and for him to turn it on again as soon as it stopped raining hard and to turn it very early in the morning so it would not be missed below.
It stopped raining during the night and what time he it on I don’t know. It was raining here when I wanted to turn it on in the morning. Old Buck as he called found it out sometime in the night that the water was missing and came up here to my cabin and asked me if I knew where the ditch was broke. I told him that tur [we ga2]. I learned from the stage driver on Friday night that there was no water in the ditch below Dotons and when he came up in the afternoon and I asked Buck if he knew where the ditch was broke below. He said he believed somewhere above Dotons and that the water was turned off at Kelleys Ravine. I have since learned of a man that worked on the break that it was about 2 o’clock on Sunday.
Therefore taking the incidents in connection you were deprived of water on Saturday. Below that it was turned off on account of the storm is a misunderstanding. It was turned off here on account of the bank sliding and below on account of a break that the water would not run past.
For my part, I am not afraid of rain or getting a little wet. I have been in too much of it for that and I don’t think that Martino is either for I always find him about his business, rain or shine, storm or no storm. And you may rest assured that there will be no water turned off here without your order unless in a case of actual necessity. I had a pretty good time last winter of about 4 nights in a week for two months and I trust that I am in good condition for another run during the coming storms.
I am requested to say to you by Mr. A. [D.] McDonald that the note that he holds against the company became of age on the 2nd of December and that he wants the money. He wants you to write to me and let him know what arraignment you will make to pay it. I told him that I thought it would not be convenient for you to pay it before next Sunday. It should be attended to for he is and always has been one of the best customers for water on this bar. I learn from Mr. Baldwin that he sent my returns but did not send the money with them. The two last week have been the worst to collect. My sales of water of any since I have been here not much water sold to day, only three or four at work this afternoon.
Yours, D. S. Beach”[16]
If Amos had hoped his cousin David Beach would be a loyal and dedicated employee, he got his wish. Beach, while hired to be a water agent at approximately $130 per month, would also act as an around-the-clock sentry and repairman. Amos Catlin would leave his position as Superintend of the North Fork Ditch in 1856. He was devoting more of his attention to the emerging town of Folsom, litigation over the Leidesdorff land grant, railroads, and running for the California Assembly.
David Beach continued as water agent living at Rattlesnake Bar. In 1858, F. B. French, who had been an investor in the North Fork Ditch and water agent at Doton’s Bar[17], died. It appears that Amos Catlin assisted Beach in being appointed the legal guardian of Mary E. French, daughter of F. B. French, in March of 1858.[18] One year later, Amos secured an order to have the 50 shares of the American River Water and Mining Company transferred from F. B. French to his surviving daughter in June 1859.[19]
Because of the inconsistent water sales revenue, coupled with larger than anticipated repair costs, the North Fork Ditch would lower the monthly salary of the water agents.[20] Apparently deciding that California would be his home, Beach applied and was appointed as the postmaster of the Rattlesnake Bar post office in 1858.[21] The 1860 census shows David Beach living with his wife Adrianna, their 1-month-old baby, and Mary French who was only 5 years old.[22]
The tremendous flooding events of December 1861 and January 1862 effectively dismantled the upper portion of the North Fork Ditch by destroying all of the flumes and dam. The ARWMC set out to negotiate a loan of $12,000 to put the North Fork Ditch back to working condition.[23] In the meantime, with no water to sell, several water agents and ditch tenders drifted away from region. Beach and his wife had another daughter in 1862.
David Beach would return to Mormon Bar in Mariposa County. His death was recorded on February 29, 1864, where his correspondence with Amos Catlin first commenced. Beach set out for California in 1849 in search of gold. While it is uncertain if he accumulated a significant amount of that treasure, his letters to Amos Catlin in 1855 regarding the operation of the North Fork Ditch are golden history.
[1] Letter from L. R. Dickinson, Kingston, NY, to Amos Catlin, September 20, 1849. Huntington Library, Catlin Papers Box 1, folder 5.
[2] Letter from William Catlin, Henderson, KY, to Amos Catlin, Henderson, KY, April 23, 1850. Huntington Library, Catlin Papers Box 1, folder 15.
[3] Letter from L. R. Dickinson, Williamsburg, NY, to Amos Catlin, December 24, 1850. Huntington Library, Catlin Paper Addenda Box 1, folder 13.
[4] Letter from William Catlin, New Orleans, May 11, 1854 to Amos Catlin. Huntington Library, Catlin Papers Addenda Box 1, folder 48.
[5] Letter from David S. Beach, Mormon Bar, Mariposa, CA, to Amos Catlin. Bancroft Library, Catlin Papers, C-B 626:41a
[6] Letter from David Beach, Mariposa, CA, August 8, 1854, to Amos Catlin. Huntington Library, Catlin Papers Box 2, folder 5.
[7] San Juan Water Collection, Box 2473, folder 2, California State Library.
[8] Letter from D. S. Beach to Amos Catlin. Huntington Library, Catlin Papers Box 2, folder 5.
[9] Letter from D. S. Beach to Amos Catlin. Huntington Library, Catlin Papers Box 2, folder 5.
[10]Letter from D. S. Beach to Amos Catlin. Huntington Library, Catlin Papers Box 2, folder 5.
[11]Letter from D. S. Beach to Amos Catlin. Huntington Library, Catlin Papers Box 2, folder 5.
[12]Letter from D. S. Beach to Amos Catlin. Huntington Library, Catlin Papers Box 2, folder 5.
[13]Letter from D. S. Beach to Amos Catlin. Huntington Library, Catlin Papers Box 2, folder 5.
[14]Letter from D. S. Beach to Amos Catlin. Huntington Library, Catlin Papers Box 2, folder 5.
[15]Letter from D. S. Beach to Amos Catlin. Huntington Library, Catlin Papers Box 2, folder 5.
[16]Letter from D. S. Beach to Amos Catlin, December 10, 1855. Huntington Library, Catlin Papers, HM60667
[17]Water Sales and Collection Reports of the ARWMC. Huntington Library, Catlin Papers Box 2.
[18] Placer County Probate Court, Huntington, Catlin Papers Box 3, folder 2.
[19] Huntington, Catlin Papers Box 3, folder 2
[20] Minutes of the ARWMC Board, Folsom, December 11 – 18, 1858. California State Library, San Juan Water archive, box 2473
[21] U.S., Appointments of U.S. Postmasters, 1832-1971, California, Placer County
[22] 1860 census, Placer County, Township 3, Post Office: Rattlesnake Bar.
[23] Minutes of the ARWMC Board, May 5, 1862. California State Library, San Juan Water archive, box 2473
