Mother Lode Claim Jump

From Jim Hildreth’s Blog

Many of us have visited Columbia State Park, or visited the Gold Country and have the historic knowledge of the Gold Rush and those who sought Gold, and know the Old Saying is a there is Gold in Them Hills. “Eureka”

Mining Camps were established from Nevada City to Mariposa and beyond. Placerville, Angels Camp, Columbia, Sonora grew overnight.

Dozens of men entered the Tuolumne County Superior Court in Sonora, without picks and shovels many with heavy leather boots, flowing beards and they wanted Justice

It seems these modern day minors were there to support their fellow miners in the injustice of a Modern Day Claim Jump

The two groups were equally divided and the Superior Court was wise’in sending this to Mediation.

Each group, chose a spokesperson and there was a Plaintiff and Defendant.

The large group settled in on the 2nd floor of the Historic Court House

In Mediation each claimed they had the right to mine the Jack Ass Hill Acreage.

Each claimed they had the “Golden Ticket” issued by the Government to make claim and enrich themselves.

The Claim Jump was a first for the Mediator and in the end after time and effort the miners thought it would be best to send it back to the court for a decision by the Judge.

So each side will present evidence for the court to review and a decision will be made on the facts.

In the 1800’s a different course would have developed among those miners and today the value of Laws and a Judicial System are in place.

As the Mediator, I enjoyed those men, the passion for Justice and I have a better understanding of the lure for Gold and Claim Jumping.

                       

Jim Hildreth

Jim W Hildreth is both a private and court appointed mediator, who's specialty is "Real Estate' Disputes. He has over 40 years of experience and is licensed as a Broker in both California & Louisiana. He is an also an "Expert Witness" in California Superior Courts. When not mediating, his… MORE >