Stephen Venard – Goldrush Lawman
The California Gold Rush, a period of frenzied migration and opportunity-seeking in the mid-19th century, drew countless individuals westward, each hoping to strike it rich. Amidst the chaos and burgeoning settlements, a need for law and order emerged, giving rise to a new breed of individuals: the Gold Rush lawman. Among these figures, Stephen Venard stands out as a man of courage, integrity, and unwavering dedication to justice. His life, marked by diverse experiences and a commitment to serving his community, paints a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs of enforcing the law in the Wild West. This is the story of Stephen Venard.
Born in 1824 on a humble farm near Lebanon, Ohio, Stephen Venard‘s early life was rooted in traditional values and a pursuit of knowledge. He received a quality education at Waynesville Academy, demonstrating an early aptitude for learning. Upon reaching adulthood, he ventured to Fountain City, Indiana, where he embraced the profession of teaching, imparting knowledge and shaping the minds of the next generation. This period of his life reveals a man driven by a desire to contribute positively to society and uphold strong moral principles.
Stephen Venard‘s commitment to justice extended beyond the classroom. He became actively involved in the Underground Railroad, a clandestine network dedicated to helping enslaved people escape to freedom. This courageous act, defying the prevailing social norms and risking personal safety, highlights his unwavering stance against injustice. His involvement, however, came at a price, as slave owners placed a bounty on his head, underscoring the dangerous and divisive nature of the slavery issue in pre-Civil War America.
The allure of gold and the promise of a better future soon beckoned, drawing Stephen Venard westward in 1850, amidst the peak of the California Gold Rush. Like many others, he initially tried his luck as an independent prospector, hoping to strike it rich in the goldfields. After months of arduous labor and minimal success, he made the pragmatic decision to settle in Nevada City, California. There, he found employment working for wages on another miner’s claim, showcasing his resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
The subsequent years saw Stephen Venard exploring various avenues for success in the burgeoning town of Nevada City. He ventured into the world of commerce, establishing a grocery store and a freighting business, while simultaneously continuing his mining endeavors. However, these ventures failed to provide the financial stability he sought. In 1855, he accepted a position as a deputy under Nevada County Sheriff W.W. Wright, marking his entry into the realm of law enforcement.
The following year brought about significant changes in Venard’s career. Sheriff Wright’s untimely death led to the temporary appointment of William Butterfield as his replacement. Due to existing tensions with Butterfield, Venard resigned from his position as deputy. This period also saw the arrival of Henry Plummer, a figure who would later gain notoriety as an outlaw in Montana, as the City Marshal. In 1857, Venard challenged Plummer for the position of City Marshal, but his bid was unsuccessful, allegedly due to a rigged election. This event highlights the political intrigue and potential corruption that permeated some of the Gold Rush towns.
Despite the setback, Stephen Venard remained in the area, continuing to work in the mines and occasionally serving as a Nevada City police officer. His reputation for integrity and competence gradually grew, earning him the respect of the community. In May 1864, after Henry Plummer’s departure, Venard finally achieved his ambition, becoming the Nevada City Marshal. He quickly gained a reputation for being a highly effective lawman, particularly known for his skill and accuracy with his 16-shot Henry rifle, a weapon that symbolized the evolving nature of law enforcement in the West.
The event that solidified Stephen Venard‘s legendary status occurred on May 15, 1866, when a Wells Fargo stagecoach was robbed near Nevada City. The perpetrators, identified as George Shanks, Robert Finn, and George Moore, made off with nearly $8,000 in gold dust, a significant sum at the time. A posse, comprised of county sheriffs and Nevada City officers, was swiftly formed to pursue the bandits. The posse split up, and Venard, accompanied by Deputy Sheriff Lee, tracked the fugitives to the headwaters of Myer’s Creek.
A dramatic confrontation ensued when Venard and Lee encountered the outlaws. In a display of remarkable marksmanship and unwavering resolve, Venard, using his trusted Henry rifle, killed all three bandits with only four shots. This decisive victory not only recovered the stolen gold but also cemented Venard’s reputation as a fearless and highly skilled lawman.
Upon returning the gold bullion to Wells Fargo, Venard learned that the company had offered a $3,000 reward for the capture of the bandits. In a testament to his integrity and sense of fairness, Venard refused to accept the entire amount, insisting that it be divided among the members of the posse. Ultimately, he accepted only half of the reward, further solidifying his image as a man of principle and selflessness.
The successful capture of the stagecoach robbers and the recovery of the stolen gold transformed Venard into a local celebrity. Governor Frederick Low recognized his bravery and dedication by appointing him to his staff with the rank of lieutenant colonel in the National Guard. Wells Fargo, deeply grateful for his service, presented him with a new gold-mounted Henry Rifle, a symbol of their appreciation and a lasting reminder of his heroic actions.
In June 1866, Venard accepted a position as a deputy sheriff in the nearby boomtown of Meadow Lake City, drawn by the promise of opportunity in the rapidly growing settlement. However, the gold deposits in Meadow Lake City soon dwindled, leading to its decline. Venard, ever adaptable, returned to work as a shotgun messenger for Wells Fargo, protecting express coaches during the construction of the transcontinental railroad in 1869. He served in the Mountain Division for two years, facing the challenges and dangers of securing the transportation of valuables across vast and often treacherous terrain.
By 1871, Venard was back in Nevada City, serving once again as a police officer. That same year, he played a crucial role in the capture of the notorious John Houx Gang, further demonstrating his continued commitment to law enforcement. His reputation and expertise were highly sought after, and it wasn’t long before Wells Fargo once again requested his services as a detective, as stagecoach robberies became increasingly prevalent in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties.
After many years of dedicated service to Wells Fargo and the communities he served, Stephen Venard passed away on May 20, 1891, succumbing to complications from a kidney ailment. Despite his remarkable career and contributions, he died in relative poverty, a stark reminder of the often-unrewarded sacrifices made by those who dedicated their lives to upholding the law in the Old West. His friends, recognizing his contributions and his financial hardship, organized a collection to cover the expenses of his burial in Nevada City.
Stephen Venard was remembered as a "man of modest demeanor, thoroughly temperate, of the strictest probity and not afraid of anything." His life story serves as a testament to the courage, integrity, and unwavering dedication of the Gold Rush lawmen who played a vital role in establishing order and justice in the chaotic and often lawless landscape of the American West.