William Brown Ide
President of the Republic of California
Leader of the Bear Flag Revolt
William B. Ide (b. 1796 in Rutland, Massachusets) is one of our most illustrious and historically significant cousins. He was George A. Ide's second cousin, twice removed. We are all descended from their great grandfather Daniel (Nicholas' grandson). Click HERE to see a convergence tree between George A. and William B. Ide. Below is an overview of William B. Ide:
William Brown Ide, a carpenter and cattleman, led a wagon train from Missouri to California in 1845. He was a prominent settler in the Sacramento valley, which at that time comprised the far Northern reaches of sovereign Mexican territory. Soon after the Grigsby-Ide wagon train emigrated to California, and William B. and his family had settled near Red Bluff on the Sacramento River, the Mexican government issued a proclamation expelling all Yankee settlers. It is easy to imagine their feelings in response to this edict after having spent nearly a year traversing the continent. At dawn on June 14, 1846, a group of 33 frontiersman called the Bear Flag Party (led by Ide) attacked Mexican Governor Vallejo’s fortress at Sonoma. Before sundown, and without a shot having been fired, a hastily improvised Bear Flag (which later became the State of California’s flag) was raised and an independent republic established. Ide, the President of the new republic, immediately issued a proclamation guaranteeing everyone in the California Republic American-style “freedom in their persons, property, religion (and) social relations.” The independent California Republic would last just 26 days before the U.S. Navy raised the Stars and Stripes over Sonoma. William B. Ide accumulated land and befriended the rancheros, or Valley Indians, who referred to him as their “Great Chief” and defender against their foes the mountain Indians and grizzly bears. He was involved in the establishment of Colosi County, and held the offices of county judge, treasurer, surveyor, clerk, ex oficio, recorder, and commissioner. After a week of sickness with smallpox, and having been robbed by the man who attended him during his last days, he died on December 20, 1852 at Monroeville, at the age of 56.
There is extensive literature surrounding William B. Ide’s pivotal role in California’s history, and his story has been included in California history texts taught in public schools. It is not without controversy, especially relating to the relative importance of Ide’s role versus that of the fame-seeking and more commonly known Capt. John C. Fremont (who had hired Kit Carson to lead him to California). William B. Ide’s brother, Simeon Ide, was an illustrious printer and publisher in his own right – who wrote extensively on the subject of William B. Ide’s role in California – and tirelessly campaigned until his death to make his brother’s contribution recognized. The following biographical sketch written and published by Simeon Ide is part of the “Zamorano 80” collection comprising the most important books in California history:
[IDE, Simeon (1794-1889)]. A Biographical Sketch of the Life of William B. Ide: With a Minute and Interesting Account of One of the Largest Emigrating Companies (3000 Miles Over Land), from the East to the Pacific Coast. And What Is Claimed As the Most Authentic and Reliable Account of “The Virtual Conquest of California, in June, 1846, by the Bear Flag Party,” As Given by Its Leader, the Late Hon. William Brown Ide. [Claremont, New Hampshire]: Published for the Subscribers, [1880].
A 1969 reprint edition of this biography can be acquired online from various book dealers, and has a forward written by then-Governor Ronald Reagan.
The Ide Adobe State Historical Park still exists on the beautiful Sacramento River near Red Bluff, California. Having visited the park several times, it is easy to understand why he chose that particular location on which to stake his claim. The State Park has its own web site at http://www.ideadobe.tehama.k12.ca.us/index.html. Below is the Ide Adobe:
Below is a photograph of William B. Ide, but its veracity is reportedly not certain. However, it does bear some likeness to a photograph of his brother, Simeon Ide.
View a Convergence Tree Between George A. and William B. Ide
See Ronald Reagan tribute to William B. Ide