FREEMAN'S CROSSING
Middle Fork of the Yuba River
October 5, 1855: "The Board of Supervisors of Nevada County elected for one year from the 1st day of October, 1855, met to-day at the Court House, and after being duly qualified entered upon the discharge of the duties of their office.
Ordered, that license be granted to Thomas Freeman to keep a toll bridge across the Middle Yuba, on condition of his filing a bond in the penal sum of $8,000, conditioned according to law. Ordered that said Freeman pay into the county treasury the sum of $20 per month, payable quarterly in advance." (Nevada Journal)
Ordered, that license be granted to Thomas Freeman to keep a toll bridge across the Middle Yuba, on condition of his filing a bond in the penal sum of $8,000, conditioned according to law. Ordered that said Freeman pay into the county treasury the sum of $20 per month, payable quarterly in advance." (Nevada Journal)
September 5, 1856: "CONSTABLE'S SALE. State of California, County of Nevada, Township of Bridgeport, ss.--By virtue of an Execution on attachment to me delivered issued from the Court of R.H. Farquhar, Esq., an acting justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, bearing date 22d August, A.D. 1856, to satisfy a judgment rendered by said Court, on the 22d day of August A.D. 1856 in favor of E. Jackson and against J. Stotten for the sum of $178.39, debt, interest, damages and costs of suit. I have taken in Execution, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash in front of the Justice's Office in the town of San Juan, on SATURDAY the6th day of Sept., A.D. 1856, between the hours of 12 o'clock, A.M. and 5 P.M. the undivided 1-4 interest of the New Bridge and Road Crossing, the middle Yuba River from San Juan to Forest city and known as Hess' new or Upper Crossing and Bridge.
Taken as the property of J. Stotten to satisfy the above demands and accruing costs this 23d day of August. G.W. Moore, Constable." (Nevada City Journal)
September 19, 1856: "NOTICE. Notice is hereby given that I will apply to the Board of Supervisors of Nevada county, on the first Monday in October next, or as soon thereafter as the application can be heard, for a license to keep a toll bridge across the Middle Yuba river, at a point known as Freeman's crossing. Thomas Freeman." (Nevada City Journal)
September 4, 1858: "NOTICE Is hereby given, that the undersigned will apply to the Board of Supervisors of Nevada county, at their regular meeting of the October term, or as soon thereafter as he can be heard, for a Renewal of his license to keep a Toll Bridge across the Middle Yuba at a point known as Freeman's Crossing. Thomas Freeman. Nevada county, Cal., Sept. 3,1858." (Hydraulic Press)
April 5, 1861: "One of the abutments of Freeman's Bridge across the Middle Yuba, is damaged. The bridge is in immediate danger." (Nevada City Journal)
May 17, 1870: "State and County taxes for 1869.
Against a house and barn on the north side of the middle Yuba river, Slate Range Township, at what is known as Freeman's crossing; also toll bridge across said river, known as Freeman's bridge, for the sum of $49.50, assessed to Thomas Freeman." (Marysville Daily Appeal)
June 19, 1883: "The middle section of the English dam, situated 43 miles northeast of this city, and lying partially in Nevada and Sierra counties, was swept away at 5 o'clock this morning. The immense body of water rushed madly down the middle Yuba river, carrying everything before it. At Graniteville the flood rose to a height of 100 feet and made its way down the canyon at the rate of ten miles an hour. The torrent reached Freeman's Crossing, 40 miles below the dam, at half past 9. The large bridge owned by Thomas Freeman was carried away shortly after the stage from this place to Camptonville had crossed over. Freeman's dwelling-house and other buildings were flooded, but none of them removed. At this point the water rose over 40 feet, and the sight presented was frightful to behold. Large trees, heavy timbers, mining cabins, wood and debris of all kinds were carried along by the rushing waters. One man named Reese is supposed to have been drowned, and it is quite possible that other lives were lost, as there were many Chinese and some white miners who live in cabins along the river bank. The English dam was built about 24 years ago, at a cost of $75,000, and was owned by the Milton Mining Company, whose entire supply of water for the summer was stored in the mammoth reservoir. The dam had a capacity of 650,000,000 cubic feet of water. The news of the disaster caused considerable excitement here." (The Record-Union)
August 21, 1883: "Thomas Freeman, whose toll bridge across the North Yuba river between San Juan and Camptonville was carried away by the flood from the English Dam, and whose property was otherwise injured, has received $5500, supposedly from the owners of the dam. Mr. Freeman says that his damages really amounted to $8,000, but that he is very well satisfied under the circumstances with what he got. --- Transcript." (Morning Union)
January 10, 1891: "License granted to Thomas Freeman to collect toll on Freeman's crossing." (Morning Union)
May 27, 1891: "Thomas Freeman, one of the oldest residents of this county, owner of the Freeman's crossing bridge on the Yuba, is in the city buying goods." (Marysville Evening Democrat)
November 10, 1896: "The Board has adjourned until next Thursday, on which day they will meet the Nevada county Supervisors at San Juan in regard to the Freeman Crossing bridge, which structure is reported to be unsafe for travel." (Marysville Evening Democrat)
November 21, 1896: "The Supervisors of Yuba and Nevada counties made an examination of the bridge at Freeman's crossing Friday and the owners were given orders to have the bridge put in good condition as soon as possible. This work will be done and it is expected that the long span will be safe to travel when the job of repairing is completed." (Marysville Evening Democrat)
September 25, 1900: "FOR SALE. -- The toll bridge and road on the Middle Yuba river, known as Freeman's Crossing, together with buildings and fixtures belonging to the same. Also 240 acres of timber and grazing land, 20 acres under cultivation.
For particulars inquire of the undersigned on the premises. B.F. Derickson, Agent Freeman's Crossing, Sept. 13th, 1900" (The Morning Union)
March 7, 1901: "B. F. Derickson, owner of the toll bridge at Freeman's Crossing was in Grass Valley yesterday." (The Morning Union)
June 22, 1901: "Superior Judge F.T. Nilon yesterday appointed Public Administrator T.J. Torpie administrator of the estate of B.F. Derrickson, deceased. The estate consists of real and personal property on the San Juan Ridge. Up to the time of his death a few weeks ago, Mr. Derrickson was the owner of the toll road and toll bridge at Freeman's Crossing on the line between Nevada and Yuba counties. It is estimated that the estate is worth about $10,000." (The Morning Union)
December 24, 1902: "BRIDGE NOTICE. Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, executor of the will of B. F. Derickson, deceased, will on January 5th, 1903. Or as soon as the matter can be heard, apply to the Board of Supervisors of Nevada county for license to take toll on the Freeman toll bridge at Freeman's Crossing, Middle Yuba River. Dated December 3d, 1902. THEODORE WAYMAN, Executor." (The Morning Union)
July 14, 1904: "The long bridge that spans the Middle Yuba river at Freeman's crossing is temporarily out of commission. While crossing the structure with his six horse team Tuesday evening Thomas Wayman has a narrow escape from going to the river bottom with his team. He just about crossed on the Yuba county side when the timbers commenced cracking and the end of the bridge sank several inches.
Mr. Wayman got his wagon and horses off the structure before any damage resulted. Yesterday the stage and all teams had to ford the river in order to cross. It is thought that it will be a matter of but a short time before the bridge will be opened to travel again, as the damage is believed to be confined entirely to the Yuba county end." (The Morning Union)
July 15, 1904: "BRIDGE BROKEN DOWN. The toll bridge at Freeman's Crossing of the middle Yuba river, four miles south of Camptonville in Yuba county, is impassable and it will be several days. While Thomas Wayman was crossing with a heavily loaded wagon and eight animals a crossbeam gave way near the south end. The stage and light rigs manage to ford the stream." (Marysville Evening Democrat)
July 8, 1905: "NOTICE TO TEAMSTERS! After July 5th. on account of repairs being made to the bridge at Freeman's Crossing, no teams will be allowed to pass between the hours of 9 and 12 in the morning and 1 to 5 in the afternoon. THEODORE WAYMAN." (The Morning Union)
August 4, 1905: "Theodore Wayman has just completed extensive improvements to the big bridge at Freeman's Crossing. The entire structure is now in fine shape and in condition to stand hard wear for several years to come. Mr. Wayman has had all new sills and new stringers placed in the structure, using heavy timber that was cut especially for the purpose." (The Morning Union)
January 10, 1906: "Toll Bridge License Granted. The application of Theodore Wayman for a renewal of license to collect tolls on the Freeman toll bridge, spanning the Middle Yuba river at Freeman's Crossing, heretofore taken under advisement came on regularly for hearing. It appearing to the satisfaction of the board that said applicant has filed his annual report of receipts and disbursements it is upon motion duly made, seconded and carried, ordered that said license issue to Theodore Wayman upon payment of a license tax in the sum of $37, and filing a bond approved by the the chairman of the board in the sum of $2,000, at the same rates as for the year 1905. viz.:
For six horses and wagon, each way........$1.50
For four horses and wagon, each way......$1.25
For each additional span, each way............ .50
For two horses and wagon, each way......... .75
For two horses and buggy, each way.......... .50
For one horse and buggy, each way........... .35
For horse and rider, each way.................... .25
For loose cattle and horses, per head, each way... .05
For hogs and sheep, per head, each way................ .03
For horse and cart, each way.................... .25 " (The Morning Union)
January 7, 1910: "The toll road tangle was untangled at yesterday's meeting of the Supervisors. The license of Theodore Wayman to collect tolls at Freeman's Crossing was renewed, but the Board cut down the prices which have caused so much general complaint.
Autos will be charged only $2 instead of $5 as heretofore, while the toll on motor cycles was cut from $1 to 50 cents.
Wayman offered to sell his share of the toll road to the county for $8,000, but it is a joint affair with Yuba, as half of the bridge and most of the road is on the Yuba side. The matter may be taken up with Yuba some day.
The petition of residents of San Juan that the county buy the bridge and road was tabled, there being no funds for such a purpose." (The Sacramento Bee)
January 15, 1910: "Nevada county's Supervisors are wrestling with the problem of buying the toll road at Freeman's crossing, on the Yuba river. Petitioners have urged them to take this action." (Mariposa Gazette)
July 7, 1911: "Through the persistency of William Freeman of Penn Valley a meeting will be arranged between the Supervisors of Yuba and Nevada Counties to discuss the advisability of purchasing the toll road and bridge known as Freeman's Crossing. Freeman is not one of the owners of the bridge and road, although as the same name as the family who do own the crossing over the Middle Yuba. He says the road in the present shape costs him about $100 for toll. He and his neighbors have grown tired of paying toll. He has gone to Nevada City to try and decide upon a date for the meeting of the Supervisors of both counties." (The Sacramento Bee)
August 9, 1911: "Supervisor Mellon of Yuba county, when asked regarding the toll bridge at Freeman's crossing, stated today that he was in favor of joining with Nevada county on purchasing the bridge as he considers that roads and bridges should be a thing of the past. No action has been taken on the matter by the supervisors, with the exception of views being exchanged. The supervisors have inspected the structure and are of the opinion that it will only be a short time an expenditure of several thousand dollars would be needed for a new bridge or for repairing the same." (Sacrament Union)
October 4, 1911: "BRIDGE NOTICE. Repair work will begin on the bridge at Freeman's Crossing on Middle Yuba river, October 9, 1911. All teams and automobiles will have to ford the river above the bridge until the repair work is finished. W.H. Wayman." (Morning Union)
October 26, 1911: "The toll bridge across the Yuba river at Freeman's Crossing upon which Frank Williams and a crew of men have been working for the past few weeks, is now repaired. The structure has been strengthened a great deal and the work will place the bridge in fine condition for several years. During the two weeks the repairs have been in progress teams were obliged to ford the river. Autos could not cross, as the water was too deep, but they were pulled through by horses on various occasions." (Sacramento Union)
January 7, 1912: "When the board of supervisors issued a license to W.H. Wayman to collect toll at Freeman's Crossing for another year they reduced the tariff on automobiles from $2 to $1 each way, which will be pleasing news to the owners of machines who have occasion to visit Sierra county. Heretofore there has been no toll rate for auto trucks and this was established at $2 each way. It is possible that auto trucks will be introduced here next spring and summer for transporting freight to the upper country.
Four years ago the rate for automobiles to cross the bridge was $5 each way, which was evidently done to keep the chuck-chucks off the mountain roads. But as they have come to stay the rate has been gradually reduced until now it is one0half of what it was last year.
Many auto owners who travel for pleasure have refrained from taking trips to the mountains on account of the excessive toll, but now that a fair rate has been fixed it will stimulate auto excursions into Sierra county next summer." (Morning Union)
January 12, 1913: "At last Nevada county is free of toll roads and bridges. The last of these objectionable 'traffic drawbacks' to go out of commission is the well known toll bridge at Freeman's Crossing, across the Middle Yuba river, on the dividing line between Nevada and Yuba counties. The board of supervisors yesterday refused to grant a license to collect toll on the Freeman bridge to Thomas Wayman and it is now a free road.
Arrangements were satisfactorily adjusted with Mr. Wayman whereby he will be suitably compensated for the money he has expended on the long bridge during the past few years. He will be paid the sum of $1000, in monthly installments by the Nevada County Promotion Committee, and for the amount will convey a quit-claim deed.
The news that there will be no more toll at Freeman's Crossing will be hailed with delight by the people of the whole upper country and of this city. Several times the Nevada county board of supervisors have attempted to arrange with the Yuba county board for the purchase of the road, but the supervisors of the neighboring county not see it that way, fearing that it would injure trade going to Marysville, but they will now have to keep up some ten miles of road on the Yuba county side, while Nevada county will take care of the bridge and the road on this side of the river.
The making of the Freeman toll road a free thoroughfare will have a good result and stimulate travel to Sierra and other northern counties, particularly during the summer season, and especially automobile traffic. The charge for an auto crossing the bridge each way was $2, which kept many auto tourists out of the mountains. The freighters and stage lines will also be benefited, as well as the people in general.
North San Juan will gain considerable trade from the Yuba county side through the free road. The details of the deal with Mr. Wayman will be completed during the week." (Morning Union)
August 7, 1913: "The expense of repairing the bridge of the Middle Fork of the Yuba River at Freeman's Crossing will be met jointly by the counties of Yuba and Nevada. The board of supervisors at their meeting Monday received a report from Fred H. Miller, county surveyor of Nevada county, estimating the material needed to repair the bridge and place it in safe condition for travel for a number of years more, and the board ordered Clerk Rich to notify him that Yuba county would stand one-half of the expense incurred.
The bridge has been considered unsafe for some time and following a conference between supervisors of the two counties recently it was decided to have the structure examined and an estimate made of the material required to repair it." (Marysville Evening Democrat)
August 8, 1913: "The board of supervisors of Yuba county yesterday authorized the Supervisors of Nevada county to proceed with certain repairs to the Freeman's Crossing bridge between the two counties and charge one-half the cost to Yuba county. County Surveyor Miller of Nevada county called attention to the needed work." (Morning Union)
November 15, 1917: "The bridge at Freeman's Crossing on the Middle Yuba River is loose and shaken and not safe for winter travel without attention." (The Morning Union)
January 12, 1918: "TO REPAIR BRIDGE. The long wooden bridge across the Middle Yuba river at Freeman's Crossing is to be repaired. The flooring of the old viaduct has been in poor shape for some time past, but only temporary repairs will be made, as a new bridge, further up the river, will be required for the new State highway lateral. Frank Williams will have charge of the bridge repairs." (The Morning Union)
January 12, 1918: "Frank Williams left yesterday morning for Freeman's Crossing, where he will make repairs to the bridge crossing the Middle Yuba river." (The Morning Union)
October 2, 1920: "The construction of the concrete bridge reinforced with steel being thrown across the Middle Yuba river is a work which is attracting the attention of engineers on account of the difficulty of securing a foundation for the false work and the rough country in which the work must be done." (Sacramento Union)
October 31, 1920: "Will Cunningham had a narrow escape from death when the truck he was driving for the State Highway Commission proved too heavy for the old bridge at Freeman's Crossing and went through the board floor.
Loaded with lumber, the truck passed over the center of the bridge and was nearing the Yuba County side when the stringers beneath gave way and the rear wheels began to drop.
The lumber was extending beyond the end of the truck and this caught on the part of the bridge that was holding and it saved Cunningham, the truck and the load of lumber from being precipitated to the foot of the canyon, two hundred feet below." (Sacramento Union)
November 25, 1920: "The recent storm carried away the bridge over the Yuba river that was built by the Highway Commission to take care of the travel temporarily while the new bridge was being built. The unusual high waters took the structure away and then it was necessary to fix up the old bridge and it is now being used, although no heavy loads are permitted to go over it." (Sacramento Union)