HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 2018 SLOWhatHistory of SLO: Pioneers’ Story
WITH JOSEPH CAROTENUTI, CITY HISTORIAN/ARCHIVIST
William Lemuel Beebee
We’ve been speaking with William Lemuel Beebee. Last
time, you recalled going to Philadelphia to work in your
uncle’s office when you were only 14. Then a few years
later, you left for quite a sea voyage for an extended stay
in Chile. How long were you there?
“Thank you…for several months. I enjoyed wandering
about the country, saw a different kind of life and even
learned enough of the local lingo to travel on my own.
But there wasn’t a future for me in the beautiful country. I
felt I needed to make my own way and not depend on my
relatives in the east or Consul Morehouse.
Coming to Chile, there were a few young fellows on
board who were going on to California. I listened as they
talked about gold almost on the ground and great wealth
for anyone willing to seek adventure. I didn’t pay much
attention at the time, but, eventually, I joined the hordes
of men seeking fortune in the gold fields So, I left aboard
the Southhampton.
In August 1847, I reach California and met some other
interesting people along the way.
One was the ship’s Executive Officer, John Worden,
who wasn’t happy with his assignment. He was about 30
years old at the time and I lost track of him until many
years later when I read he was the officer in charge of
the Monitor during the Civil War. In the famous battle
with the Confederate Merrimac, while there was no clear
victor, the battle changed naval warfare.
Probably the most interesting passenger was heading
for California as part of Stevenson’s Regiment. His
name was George Brewerton and he went on to
become both a noted painter and writer of the pioneer
west.”
Sounds like you had an interesting voyage…and then
you came San Luis Obispo?
“Not directly. First, we landed in Monterey but there
was great sickness at the time. I was foolish and went
ashore anyway and became quite ill and was confined
to the ship. You can imagine at 18, I wanted to get
out and that I did. Eventually, I met a shipmate from
Panama, Joseph Ruckle, who had partnered up with
Henry Cook and found a job with them as a clerk.
That was in late ‘47 and I stayed until the next spring
when Sam Pollard and I finally came to San Luis.
Have to talked with him yet?”
Yes, he told us you opened a store together but that’s
not what you did for the rest of your life.
“Correct. I guess I enjoyed change too much as I
eventually became the County judge, owned a ranch
and had a booming lumber business with my friend,
James Cass of Cayucos, and even was president of the
town’s Board of Trustees for two years.”
Like so many other pioneers, you certainly had an
adventure arriving here. We thank you for your
reminiscences. Any recommendation for another
pioneer?
“Thank you for inviting me! If you haven’t already,
you should talk with Walter Murray.”
Contact: jacarotenuti@gmail.com Visit: www.joefromslo.com 05/2018