Stephen Venard facts for kids
Steve Venard was a brave lawman from Northern California. He was known for being tough on criminals, especially "road agents" or highwaymen who robbed stagecoaches. During his career, he caught or stopped many dangerous robbers. He even took part in a famous gun duel, showing how fearless he was during the exciting time of the California Gold Rush.
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Early Life of Steve Venard
Steve Venard was born around 1823 on a farm in Lebanon, Ohio, USA. He went to school at Waynesville Academy. Later, he moved to Newport, Indiana (now called Fountain City). There, he became the first teacher at the town's school. Venard also helped people escape slavery through the Underground Railroad. Because of this, he had to leave. In March 1850, he traveled to California with 24 other people in covered wagons. They arrived in September 1850.
Steve Venard's Career as a Lawman
When Steve Venard first arrived in California, he tried to find gold. He settled in Colfax, but by December 1850, he moved to the North Fork of the American River. In 1851, he moved again, through Downieville, and then to Nevada City. He decided to make Nevada City his home. By 1853, he opened a grocery store there. In 1854, he became a partner in the Empire Mining Company.
Becoming a Deputy and Marshal
In 1855, Venard became a deputy in Nevada County. He resigned the next year. In 1857, he ran for the office of Sheriff but did not win.
In 1864, Venard was elected a part-time City Marshal in Nevada City. He also worked as a detective and a guard for Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo was a company that transported gold and money.
Stopping Stagecoach Robbers
Venard became famous for stopping stagecoach robbers. On May 15, 1866, he tracked down three Wells Fargo robbers. He found them in Myers' Ravine near the Yuba River. With four shots from his Henry rifle, he stopped all three robbers. He returned the stolen $8,000 in gold dust.
Wells Fargo offered Venard a reward. He accepted only half and shared the rest with his team. Wells Fargo also gave him a special Henry rifle with his name on it. The Governor of California, Frederick Low, made Venard a Lieutenant Colonel. This was for his "meritorious services in the field," meaning his excellent work. A newspaper called Harper's Weekly said, "No romance could depict greater bravery."
The special Henry Rifle is now in the Wells Fargo Museum in San Francisco, California.
Later Law Enforcement Work
In June 1866, Venard became a deputy sheriff in Meadow Lake City. He also became the City Marshal there. By 1869, he was officially a Deputy Sheriff. In 1871, he went to Sonoma County to investigate the Houx Gang. This group also robbed Wells Fargo stagecoaches. Venard played an important part in catching John Houx, a leader of the gang.
Venard retired from being a lawman when he got older. He also had a health problem called chronic rheumatism. In 1888, he became a partner in a mine called the Detective Mine.
Personal Life of Steve Venard
Steve Venard was almost six feet tall. He had wavy black hair and a full beard. He never married. In his free time, he enjoyed reading books at the Library Association. Venard died in 1891 in Nevada City. He passed away from kidney failure. His friends paid for his burial at Nevada City's Pioneer Cemetery because he had no money.
