The Fulkerson Farm

On an elevated knoll within a mile of the corporate limits of the town of Santa Rosa, stands the substantial farm house of Richard Fulkerson. Evergreens and ornamental tress surround the house. Beyond their limit long lines of fruit tress succeed each other at regular intervals. At the time of our visit the apples had been gathered and were piled beneath the tress in ruddy heaps. Beyond, and north of the house lies the vineyard, about twenty acres of vines now burdened with their autumn products. In the orchard there are 50 varieties of apples, 25 varieties of pears, a large number of almond trees, the best of which will yield this year 40 pounds to the tree: they will average 25 pounds. There are also a number of walnut trees both native and foreign. There are nectarine, plum, apricot, olive, orange and lemon trees. There is an orchard of figs, sixty trees; the largest was planted 16 years ago and now shades a surface of 30 feet square. Its branches are bend with this year's second crop of figs. From this orchard two hundred tons of fruit will be shipped this season. Mr. Fulkerson settled here in 1855. He purchased from Carrillo that year 250 acres, buying afterwards to the extent of 1,900 acres. He now has as a homestead a tract of 800 acres. The rest of the land he has deeded to his children, two sons and three daughters, who live upon adjoining farms. Between three and four hundred acres of his home farm lies in the valley extending to the corporate limits of the town of Santa Rosa, and a mile along the Healdsburg road. The rest of the tract lies on low, rolling hills adapted to the growth of the grape.

"Plow but the furrow and the fruits arise."

A GOLDEN WEEDDING <sic>

On Wednesday of this week, the 21st last, the farm above described was the scene of one of the most pleasant and agreeable events in the history of the two well-spent and useful lives, Richard and Sallie Shepherd Fulkerson celebrated the 50th anniversary of their marriage -- their golden wedding. Four generations were present -- children, grand children and great grand children. The old couple doubtless looked back upon the past through the dim vista of fifty years, when they embarked upon the voyage of life -- the young people looked forward; together they united the past, the present, and the hopeful future. When Mr. and Mrs. Fulkerson were married, half a century ago, in Kentucky, it was then close upon the western frontier. The populous States which now stretch westward to the Pacific were unnamed and unknown. Richard Fulkerson was born February 11, 1806, in Hardy county, Kentucky. Annie Shepherd Fulkerson was born July 10, 1810. They were married October 21, 1824, and resided in Grayson county, which has segregated from Hardin, for thirty years, with short intervals spent in Indiana and Tennessee. In 1844 they removed to Davis County, Iowa, residing there until 1854, when they came with their family to California. After travelling over a greater portion of the State with his son-in-law, Thompson Mize, Mr. Fulkerson determined to settle in Sonoma county, and purchased, October 4, 1855, the place upon which he now resides.

Two hundred guests, his relatives, neighbors, and friends, took dinner at his hospitable board on Wednesday last. Before the company were seated Mr. and Mrs. Fulkerson entered. Judge Brown stepped forward and after a few appropriate remarks, he proceeded with the marriage ceremony, and the old couple renewed the vow they had taken years ago in their native State, Kentucky. The groom looked younger than many younger men: he has a ruddy completion and enjoys vigorous health. Mrs. Fulkerson was dressed in white, her head-dress was a becoming cap trimmed with white satin ribbons. We do not believe that a more youthful looking, handsomer, or happier couple ever celebrated their golden wedding. Mr. Luttrell, Mr. Neblett, Judge Brown and Willis Faught proposed or responded to toasts. A number of valuable and appropriate gifts were presented. Ernest calls for Mr. Fulkerson brought that gentleman to his feet. His remarks were apt and touching. He alluded to his start in life with his young wife, without money, influence or land. He had an honest purpose, willing heart and willing hands. His wife had been a helpmate to him. His allusions to her were so kindly and affectionate that all who heard shared the visible emotion of the speaker. Uncle Dickey might well feel proud in contrasting his start in life with his present surroundings, for from where he stood (on the porch of his residence) he could look over his orchard laden with autumn fruit, the vineyard ready for liquid harvest, and his rich valley lands beyond, altogether one of the best and most productive farms in Sonoma county. After dinner groups of gaily dressed young ladies with their smiling beaux scattered about the grounds, and children played upon the lawn. At nightfall, the music arrived,