Medley, Joseph

Joseph Medley was born in October 1826 and lived in the Auberry Valley section for over sixty-six years, working as an early miner, cattle and hog rancher, and lumber worker. Associated closely with the local Native American community throughout his life, he spent his earnings freely during trips to Fresno before passing away decrepit and nearly blind in the county almshouse. His funeral was held on July 9, 1917, at the Auberry Grove cemetery with Rev. Hardie Connor officiating, leaving behind a son, a daughter, and four nieces and nephews.

T. J. Dunlap arrived in California around 1852 or 1853 and struck it rich alongside his cousin mining at the mouth of Kaiser Creek before selling the claim for a significant profit. He later established a ranch near Fine Gold and operated a 1870s lumber sawmill at the present site of Bass Lake, eventually entering public service as a Fresno County supervisor and deputy assessor. Passing away at age eighty-nine in the summer of 1917, Dunlap was remembered as a prominent local figure who, despite his early success, faced financial hardship in his final years.