Placerville in Boise County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

Fiddlers Murdered at Ophir Creek

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 3, 2018

1. Fiddlers Murdered at Ophir Creek Marker

Inscription. On June 4, 1865 near the tollgate on the road from Placerville to Centerville, George Wilson was murdered, robbed of his gold dust and his body hidden in a prospect hole full of water. Two musicians, banjo player L. Moulton and fiddler Fred Cursons traveling from Placerville happened upon the crime in progress. Both men were shot in the back while attempting to flee the crime scene. Deputy Sheriff Maloney and his posse searched in vain for the suspects who eluded justice.
Local legend reveals those three unfortunate men and possible Owrn McCaler, who died earlier the same day was stricken by a falling tree on California Hill, where buried together in a single grave at this site. Four pine trees have grown from the corners of their gravesite to stand a silent watch over the bodies of these unfortunate men and to serve as solemn reminders of the bloodiest day in Placerville's history.

Erected 2003 by Placerville Historical Society and E Clampus Vitus, Lewis and Clark Outpost No. 1805 of Chief Truckee Chapter No. 3691.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 4, 1865.

Location. 43° 56.526′ N, 115°

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57.03′ W. Marker is in Placerville, Idaho, in Boise County. Marker can be reached from Granite Street (County Highway 343) near Mespile Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 410 Granite Street, Placerville ID 83666, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Boise Basin Mercantile Museum (approx. ¼ mile away); Henrietta Penrod Museum (approx. ¼ mile away); Snake Brigades & "Fur Deserts" (approx. 8½ miles away); The Impounded Payette (approx. 8.6 miles away); Idaho Territorial Penitentiary (approx. 9.7 miles away); Masonic Temple (approx. 9.8 miles away); Pest House and County Jail (approx. 9.8 miles away); a different marker also named Masonic Temple (approx. 9.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Placerville.

More about this marker. The marker is located in the Placerville Cemetery.

Fiddlers Murdered at Ophir Creek Marker and Grave Site image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 3, 2018

2. Fiddlers Murdered at Ophir Creek Marker and Grave Site

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 3, 2018

3. Fiddlers Murdered at Ophir Creek Marker and Grave Site

Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 20, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 479 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 20, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.