The following excerpts are taken from files of local newspapers and Trinity County Courthouse records.

TRINITY TIMES, May 20, 1855

"E. Clampus Vitus – a branch of this order has recently been established in this place. Many of our most prominent citizens enrolled."

"Officers elected. The regular meetings of the Order are held at their hall every Tuesday evening at 7 o’clock. By order of J. C. Burch, NGH" The officers were: J. C. Burch, NGH; J. S. Pitzer, R.P.; I. G. Messic, C.V.; F. S. Mc Kenzie, C.P.; A. Shepard, R.I.; S. L. Moore, C.H.; C. E. Williams, N.S.; H. B. Davison, N.T.; R. T. Miller, G.F.; P. W. Young, G.S.; O. H. P. Norcross, G.R.M.; G. H. Cushing, G.M.; and James Lynch, O.H.

TRINITY TIMES, February 23, 1856

"E Clampus Vitus – This order is becoming vastly popular, organizations existing in nearly every town in the State. The Weaverville organization claims to be the "Mother Lodge" of the Northern Portion of the State. Her offspring are, we are sorry to say, in a much more flourishing condition.

"Since the fire we have been minus a hall to meet in and have therefore remained in status quo. The Sons of Temperance are also without a hall. We suggest that they and the E Clampus Vitus build a hall for use of both orders."

TRINITY JOURNAL, March 1, 1856

"E Clampus Vitus – There will be a meeting of this Ancient and Honorable Order this evening at the New Building immediately below Drahmen’s Blacksmith Shop on Main Street. A full attendance is desired by order of the N.G.H."

TRINITY JOURNAL, March 15, 1856

"Weaverville – We are happy in being able to inform the Brothers that the Ancient Order of E Clampus Vitus is again in full blast. Regular meetings every Wednesday evening at ‘Henry’s’ new hall. The Sons of Temperance have removed to Henry’s new hall on Main Street and held their first meeting last evening."

THE FIRST RECORDED OFFICERS OF E CLAMPUS VITUS

IN WEAVERVILLE IN 1855

John C. Burch, N.G.H. -- Noble Grand Humbug, Lawyer and State Congressman and

Secretary of the Weaverville Shasta Wagon Road Company formed by William Spencer Lowden.

J. S. Pitzer, R.P. -- Royal Platrix  (Trinity ’72, Deadwood Precinct, 1896, listed as Jesse Pitzer Ruch. Ruchs in Hayfork in 1853.)

I.G. Messic, C.V. – Clamps Vitrix  Deputy Sheriff under Dixon during the Bridge Gulch Massacre and Sheriff of Trinity County when Dixon soon resigned and afterwards. Was a Captain in the militia during the Indian Wars in Trinity County in 1858.

F. S. McKenzie, C.P. – Clamps Petrix  Local businessman and miner. Main Gulch through town, bears his name. McKenzie listed as a butcher in Weaverville.

Shepard, R.J. --Roisterous Iscutis  Albert Shepard, with partner Bayles, built a sawmill at the junction of East and West Weaver Creeks in 1852.

S. L. Moore, C.H. (?)

E. Williams, N.S. – Noble Secretary? Lawyer and District Attorney and Justice Court Judge and City Judge when Weaverville first applied for incorporation in 1858.

H. B. Davison, N.T. – Noble Treasurer? With partner, James S. Harris, MD, had the Weaverville Drug Store building built by Wilson Bray in 18155.

R. T. Miller, G.F. (?) Gave 4^th of July address at Chaunceyville, 1856.

F. W. Young, G.S. (?) Was a pioneer from Rhode Island who came west during the Gold Rush, arriving in Trinity County in 1851. He ran the Bank Exchange and served as a Notary Public and insurance agent.

O. H. P. Norcross, G.R.N. --(Grand Noble Recorder?) Photographer in Weaverville from 1855 go 1871. During this early period also served as Justice of the Peace. In 1865 became local collector of Internal Revenue and Inspector of liquors, tobacco, and cigars.

G. H. Cushing, G.M. – (Grand Musician)

James Lynch, O.H.(?)