William Dandridge Aylett graduation record.

William Dandridge Aylett picture taken at Imperial Gallery, 724-1/2 Market Streeet, San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA,

The Stockton Daily Independent, Stockton, CA, Thursday, May 29, 1862

DEATHS

The wife of Charles FISHER, Esq., editor of the Red Bluff 'Beacon, died on the 22d.

The Sonoma County Journal, Petaluma, Sonoma Co. CA., October, 1862

C. E. FISHER, editor of the Red Bluff, 'Beacon', has returned from a visit to the Eastern States. Welcome Home, Charley!

Sacramento Daily Union, Sacramento, Sacramento Co., CA, February 12, 1864

MARRIED.

At Red Bluff, Feb. 9th, by Warren T. Sexton, CHAS. E. FISHER, late of the Red Bluff Beacon, to Miss S. BELLE WATSON.

Sacramento Daily Union, Sacramento, Sacramento Co., CA, November 23, 1869

THE COURTS.

Probate Court.

MONDAY, November 22d.

Estate and Guardianship of Sarah Elizabeth Fisher and Jessie Antoinette Fisher, minors - Charles E. Fisher appointed guardian upon filling bond in the sum of $300.

Sacramento Daily Union, Sacramento, Sacramento Co., CA, December 12, 1870

CITY INTELLIGENCE.

HOMICIDE. - About quarter past 9 o'clock last night Charles E. Fisher, business manager of the Reporter, was shot and almost instantly killed at his residence on Ninth street, near J., over Miller's stable, by Charles Dell, a step-son of L. B. Harris, and at one time a student with Dr. Thomas. It appears that Dell and a daughter of Fisher were quite fond of each other, but her father did not for some reason deem him a suitable companion for her. However this may be, Fisher on sundry occasions forbid Dell his house, and probably intimated that he would cane him if he neglected the warning, for Dell is reported to have said that if Fisher "fooled with him he would shoot him." Last evening Fenwick Fisher, brother of Charles, took Mrs. Fisher and his sister over to the Fair at Turner Hall, leaving Miss Fisher at home. Coming down directly afterward he met his brother, who presently walked home. On his arrival there he found the parlor occupied by his daughter, Dell, and a young man named Potter. It would seem that he ordered Dell to leave, and on his refusing or neglecting to do so, commenced striking him with his cane, which was one unusually heavy. Dell drew a pistol after being struck and fired three shots, one of which struck Fisher in the right breast, about two inches above and to the left of the nipple, probably severing an artery; another bullet grazed his side, breaking the flesh, and the third passed through the window. After the firing of the shots, Dell and Fisher had a slight scuffle, during which they fell over the stove, and then the former broke away, ran down the stairs and disappeared. The report of firearms soon called to the scene a number of persons, and as soon as it became evident that Fisher was mortally wounded, his wife and brother were sent for. Their grief may be imagined. Special officer Jackson, who was the first officer on the spot, obtained possession of the pistol with which the shooting was done, and soon afterwards started out to obtain assistance to find Dell. Officers Rider and Swift in due time answered his whistle, and after viewing the premises, the trio visited the residence of Harris, at Seventh and H streets, and found Dell there. He had come home bleeding profusely from wounds on his head, and also suffering from bruises on his arm, and was in a fainting condition. Restoratives were administered. A physician who was sent for speedily arrived and found that he had three or four severe cuts on the head, and that he was in such a critical condition that it would be impossible to move him, and the officers therefore decided that they could do nothing in the premises. Our reported, who visited Dell in company with the officers, was informed by him in a faint whisper that he called to see Miss Fisher that it was his last call, and that he had only come to try and explain away the misunderstanding existing. Fisher would not listen to him, but struck him four times on the head and arm with his cane, although he tried to avoid the blows. Feeling the blood running down into his eyes, he drew his pistol and told Fisher not to strike again or he would shoot him. Fisher said, "Don't you shoot," and struck again, and he then (Dell) fired and afterwards closed upon him, and they fell over the stove. Dell was certainly badly hurt by Fisher, whether before or after the shooting; it would naturally seem to have been before. The wall along the stairway by which he descended from the parlor in which the shots were fired bears marks of blood, and toward the foot of the stairs it would seem as if Dell had staggered to the door. Coroner Counts will hold an inquest upon the body at 10 o'clock this morning.

The San Francisco Examiner, San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, Thursday, December 15, 1870

DEATH OF CHARLES E. FISHER

We are deeply pained to learn of the death of Charles E. Fisher, of the Sacramento Reporter. The particulars will be found under the telegraphic head. Mr. F. had many warm friends in this State, who will share with s in lamenting his untimely taking off. We have known the deceased for many years and can bear witness to his worth as a man and citizen. His death is a terrible blow to a dependent family who have our sincerest condolence in their severe affliction. We extract the following from the Reporter: Mr. Fisher was a native of Jefferson City (Mo.) From there he emigrated to this State in 1850. He has for several years been engaged in the newspaper publishing business, both in this State and in Oregon. He at different times filled county offices in Tehama, in which he acquitted himself with honor and to the satisfaction of the community. In Jan., 1868, Mr. Fisher, in connection with ex-Governor Bigler and H. C. Patrick, founded the Reporter, and continued as one of its proprietors until the establishment passed into the hands of the State Publishing Company, of which he was the business manager. Our deceased friend was a man of warm impulses, generous sentiments and probity of character, which qualities won for him hosts of friends here and elsewhere, who will deeply grieve over his untimely fate. Mr. Fisher was in the forty-second year of his age, and leaves a wife and three children.

Sacramento Daily Union, Sacramento, Sacramento Co., CA, December 30 or 31, 1870

CITY INTELLIGENCE.

EXAMINATION OF CHARLES DELL. - The examination of Charles Dell, charged with the killing of Charles E. Fisher, took place in the Sixth District Court yesterday afternoon before A. Henley, Police Judge. The interest of the public in this case was manifested by the fact that the Court-room was crowded all the afternoon. District Attorney Alexander and Deputy District Attorney Brown conducted the prosecution, and N. Greene Curtis and S. L. Denson the defense. The first witness introduced by the prosecution was Miss Sallie Fisher, daughter of the deceased, whose evidence was essentially the same as given before the Coroner's jury. J. W. Byington, John Morgan, Fred. Patton, and Oscar Marshall were introduced in an endeavor to prove that Dell had on occasions prior to the shootings threatened Fisher; they testified, however, that they had never heard him make any threats against the deceased, though the first mentioned witness had heard him use harsh language against Fenwick Fisher, brother of Chas. E. Dr. Montgomery testified as to the nature of the wounds received by the deceased, as did also James McKibben. F. R. Dray, special officer Jackson and Coroner Counts, gave evidence as to the finding of the pistol and other minor matters. At the conclusion of the Coroner's testimony, the prosecution rested. The defense first introduced E. W. Potter, who was in the room with Dell and Miss Fisher, when the shooting occurred. His statements, though somewhat more in detail, were in all important respects the same as before the Coroner, though he was somewhat closely cross-examined, Dr Thomas was next put upon the stand to testify as to the injuries which Dell received during the conflict. He stated that when he reached his house to attend him he found his vest and coat dripping with blood, and his pulse indicating that he had lost nearly if not quite all of the blood he could bear. On examining his head he found a ragged cut, about three inches long, on the left side of the crown of the head, which evidently had been made with a blunt instrument. From this wound the blood was jetting. He took instant measures to stop the flow of blood, which was proceeding from an artery. Subsequently he found that his patient had received a heavy blow on the back of the head, a little on one side, causing a lump half the size of an English walnut to form; another blow on the left forearm, which had fractured the bone but without causing displacement; also a heavy bruise and swelling on the shoulder. From the effects of the blow which severed the artery Dell would have bled to death in a very few minutes if he had not received surgical attendance. The weapon with which the blow was inflicted glanced, or else it would without doubt have fractured the skull. The defendant was put on the stand to testify in his own behalf. He appeared quite weak, had bandages about his head, and carried his left arm in a sling. His account of the matter was similar to that of Miss Fisher and Potter, and in consonance with that which he gave our reporter on the night of the shooting. It was to the effect that he and the other two occupants of the room were sitting talking, when he heard the folding doors open, and looking up saw Fisher standing between them. The latter entered, closed the doors after him, and advanced toward the defendant, inquiring "What are you doing here, sir?" He replied, "Mr. Fisher, I came here to have an interview with your daughter, so that we may have no more trouble;" Fisher, refusing to hear any explanations, raised his cane and struck Dell, who, as the blow descended, was in the act off rising from his chair; he followed up the first blow with three or four others; Dell put up his left arm to save his head, and received a hit which rendered the arm powerless; he turned and used his right arm to ward off the cane, and Fisher struck and missed; Dell felt the blood running down from his head and began to grow weak; told Fisher if he did not stop he would shoot; Fisher said, "Don't you draw a pistol on me," and struck again; Dell tried to get to the folding doors, but Fisher headed him off; fired a shot thinking he would shoot over him and intimidate him into getting out of the way; Fisher continued to strike, still being between Dell and the doors, and the second shot was fired; after the second shot Fisher struck twice; by this time they were near the stove; Fisher raised his cane in both hands, and Dell fired for the third time, and, being faint, fell, just as Fisher also went down; Dell got up and left the house as best he could; scarcely knew how he got home. On the cross-examination stated that he was positive Fisher had never ordered him not to enter his house; they had had a misunderstanding; did not send Potter up into the house to see if Fisher was there; had not a preconcerted plan of action with Potter; it was his general habit to whistle while walking; had been in the habit of carrying a pistol almost every night for two or three years. During the cross-examination, the defense expressed a willingness to narrate a conversation which Fisher and Dell had had concerning the latter's visiting the former's premises, but the prosecution did not desire to have it brought out. It was intimated, however, that Fisher's remarks had been to the effect that he did not want Dell around his house. Two or three other witnesses were examined, on the part of the defense to prove minor points, and when the defense rested Fenwick Fisher was introduced in rebuttal. The case was argued briefly and submitted. Judge Henley, after a brief review of the facts, stated that he would dismiss the defendant.

The Rockland County Journal, Nyack, Rockland Co., NY, Saturday, December 31, 1870

TRAGEDY IN SACRAMENTO, CAL. - In the Sacramento Union of the 15th inst. we find the particulars of a tragedy in which an intimate friend of ours in days past came to his death. The friend here alluded to was Charles E. Fisher, who, for a long time, was editor of the Red Bluff Beacon, published at Red Bluff, Tehama county, but recently business manager of the Sacramento Reporter. It would appear that a young man named Dell, and Mr. Fisher's daughter were quite fond of each other, but, for some cause, her father deemed him an unsuitable companion for his daughter, and on several occasions forbade the house. One evening, when all of the inmates were absent except Miss Fisher, Mr. Dell came to the house, and was found there when Mr. Fisher returned home. The latter ordered Dell to leave, and on his refusing or neglecting to do so commenced striking him with his cane, whish was an unusually heavy one. Dell drew a pistol after being struck, and fired three shots, one of which struck Fisher in the right breast, and another grazed his side, breaking the flesh, and the third passed through the window. After the firing of the shots, Dell and Fisher had a scuffle, during which they fell over the stove and then the former broke away, ran down stairs and disappeared. On examination, Mr. Fisher was found to be mortally wounded, and his death occurred in a short time. Dell was secured, bruised and bleeding, and on being questioned as to his reasons for shooting Fisher, said he did it in self-defence and told Fisher he would do it if he struck him again. Mr. Fisher was forty-one years old, a native of Pennsylvania and removed to California from Missouri. He was generally known as a good-natured, well meaning man.

Sacramento Daily Union, Sacramento, Sacramento Co., CA, January 1, 1872

PROBATE COURT.

R. C. Clark, Judge, and W. B. C. Brown, ex-officio Clerk. Following is a list of letters testamentary, of administration and guardianship granted the year past:

LETTERS OF GUARDIANSHIP.

Minors. Guardian Appointed.

Sarah E. Fisher.........George H. Winterburn, Jan. 10.

Jessie A. Fisher.........George H. Winterburn, Jan. 10.

Sacramento Daily Union, Sacramento, Sacramento Co., CA, January 23, 1872

THE COURTS.

Supreme Court.

Probate Court. - Judge R. C. CLARK presiding.

MONDAY, TUESDAY, March 5th.

Guardianship of Jessie A. Fisher, minor - George H. Winterburn, to pay $880, residue of her estate, to W. A. Gordon, her guardian in Missouri, and take his receipt therefor. Leigh Larson note: George Washington A. Gordon married Rachel Noland in 1863.

Sacramento Daily Union, Sacramento, Sacramento Co., CA, March 6, 1872

THE COURTS.

Supreme Court.

Probate Court. - Judge R. C. CLARK presiding.

MONDAY, TUESDAY, March 5th.

Guardianship of Jessie A. Fisher, minor - George H. Winterburn, guardian of the estate of said minor, having paid over to George W. A. Gordon the sum of $871.30, the amount of the estate in his hands, and filed a receipt therefor, is ordered that his letters be vacated, his sureties discharged, and the estate settled and closed. Leigh Larson note: George Washington A. Gordon had by then been married Rachel Noland, the deceased Elizabeth (Noland) Fisher's younger sister.

Thorpe Gordon

Thorpe J. Gordon was born in Cole County September 29, 1891, of a pioneer family. His father was Charles Alexander Gordon, born in what was known as the Gordon neighborhood near Scruggs Station in Cole County, died May 24, 1937 at the age of eighty-two years, the last surviving member of his generation of the Gordon family. During his active years he owned and operated a farm in the Gordon settlement near the place of his birth. He moved to Jefferson City many years prior to his death.

Charles A. Gordon was the son of William James Gordon, a native of Virginia. His mother, whose maiden name was Eliza Noland, was a sister of Martin Noland, pioneer teacher and Baptist preacher of Cole County. Thorpe Gordon's mother, whose maiden name was Georgia Ann Dickerson, was born October 22, 1864, in the old Gordon neighborhood. She was a school teacher prior to her marriage to Charles A. Gordon and died in Jefferson City December 21, 1920. Her father, Jacob Dickerson, died before her birth and she was reared by her uncle, George W. Rains, who conducted one of the largest flour mills in the county at Scruggs Station.

Thorpe J. Gordon began his career in the undertaking business in December 1910, when he was employed by the Walther-Wymore Furniture and Undertaking Company, which was owned by the late George W. Walther, and continued in that firm until 1927 when he established his own business as successor to that company. The building his company occupied was formerly the home of Major Winfield Scott Pope, a distinguished attorney of Jefferson City. This large old home was extensively remodeled as to have been virtually rebuilt around 1937.

Mr. Gordon was married to Miss Margie Irene Donaldson on December 22, 1937. Miss Donaldson's home was in Montgomery City. She was the daughter of R. H. and Mary Donaldson.

Mr. Gordon served two terms as President of the Chamber of Commerce in 1936 and 1937. He was president of the Rotary Club and served two terms as commander of Roscoe Enloe Post Number 5, American Legion. In World War I he served overseas with Company B, 337th machine gun battalion. He was a member of the Methodist Church and of the board of stewards of that church. In 1937 he was elected a member of the Jefferson City School Board.

Sara J. (Aylett) Dell death record.