Harrison's parents were:
Alvin Bemis, b. 1797 in Brattleboro, Windham County, VT. and d. Nov. 9, 1847 in Winter Quarters / Florence, Douglas County, NE. (*Just before the family reached Council Bluffs, IA., Mr. Bemis was thrown from his horse and fatally injured) &
Jerusha Guernsey, b. Jun. 11, 1799 in Brattleboro, Windham County, VT. and d. Nov. 9, 1872 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA.

Alvin Bemis and Jerusha Guernsey were marr. in about 1824 at Wardwell, Jefferson Co., NY.

Alvin & Jerusha Bemis had 7 sons and 3 daughters:
1. Amos Wilson Bemis, b. Jan. 3, 1822 in Ellisburg, Jefferson county, NY. and d. May 1, 1905 in San Bernardino, S. B., CA. Amos marr. Julia Frances McCullough.
2. Nancy Augusta Bemis, b. Jun. 14, 1829 in Ellisburg, Jefferson County, NY. and d. Jun. 15, 1908 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Nancy marr. Joseph Enclio Hancock.
3. Samuel Nines Bemis, b. Dec. 2, 1830 in Pierrepont Manor, Jefferson County, NY. and d. Aug. 14, 1868 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Samuel was killed by a grizzly bear while looking for his brother, near the Talmadge sawmill in Little Bear Valley.
4. Edwin Bemis, b. Jun. 3, 1833 in Pierrepont Manor, Jefferson County, NY. and d. Jun. 6, 1884 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Edwin marr. Mary Merchant.
5. William Wallace Bemis, b. Nov. 2, 1834 in Pierrepont Manor, Jefferson County, NY. and d. Mar. 30, 1899 of rehumatism at Oro Grande, San Bernardino County, CA. William marr. Minerva Jane Strong.
6. Clarissa/Clara Ann Bemis (twin), b. Mar. 28, 1836 in Pierrepont Manor, Jefferson County, NY. and d. Mar. 3, 1909 in Imbler, Union County, OR. Clarissa marr. Robert Foster Curtis.
7. Harrison Henry Bemis (twin), b. Mar. 28, 1836 in Pierrepont Manor, Jefferson County, NY. and d. Mar. 19, 1917 at Patton, San Bernardino County, CA.
8. Harriet Bemis, b. Apr. 3, 1838 in Kirtland, Lake County, OH. and d. Apr. 28, 1918 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Harriet marr. Richard Thomas (or Wm. Thomas) Roberds
9. Charles Franklin Bemis, b. Dec. 25, 1839 in Kirtland, Lake County, OH. and d. May 1, 1920 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Charles marr. Mary Allen.
10. Nephi Bemis, b. Apr. 25, 1842 in Kirtland, Lake County, OH. and d. Mar. 25, 1866 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. Nephi, a 24-yr.-old cowboy, was ambushed, killed and mutilated by a Piute Indian. His young widow, Ana (McGinnis) Bemis, later gave birth to a stillborn child.

On Nov. 9, 1847, Harrison's father, Alvin Bemis died. Harrison was 8 years old when he lost his father.

In the 1850 Pottawattamie county, Iowa U. S. census, 14 yr. old Harrison H. Bemith (Bemis), b. in NY., was living in District 21, Pottawattamie county, IA. with his
45 yr. old (inferred) mother, Jerncia (Jerusha) Bemith (Bemis), b. in NY.
22 yr. old (inferred) brother, Amos Wilson Bemis, b. in NY.
20 yr. old (inferred) brother, Samuel Bemith (Bemis), b. in NY.
19 yr. old (inferred) brother, Edwin Bemith (Bemis), b. in NY.
17 yr. old (inferred) brother, William Bemith (Bemis), b. in NY.
14 yr. old (inferred) sister, Clarissa Ann Bemith (Bemis), b. in NY.
12 yr. old (inferred) sister, Harriet B. Bemith (Bemis), b. in OH.
11 yr. old (inferred) brother, Charles Franklin Bemith (Bemis), b. in OH.
9 yr. old (inferred) brother, Nephi Bemith (Bemis), b. in OH.

In the 1860 U. S. census, 24 yr. old Harrison Bemis, b. in NY., was unmarried and living in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
61 yr. old (inferred) mother, Jerusha Bemis, b. in VT.
30 yr. old (inferred) brother, Sam'l Bemis, a Farmer, b. in NY.
28 yr. old unmarried (inferred) brother, Edwin Bemis, b. in NY.
26 yr. old unmarried (inferred) brother, William Bemis, b. in NY.
20 yr. old (inferred) brother, Chas Bemis, b. in OH.
18 yr. old (inferred) brother, Nephi Bemis, b. in OH.
34 yr. old brother-in-law, Foster Curtis, a Saddler, b. in Michigan
24 yr. old sister, Clarissa A Curtis, b. in NY.
and Foster & Clarissa's 11 mth. old daughter, Esthima (Esthmia) Curtis, b. in UT.
Samuel's real estate was valued at $150 and his personal estate at $700.
Edwin's personal estate was valued at $450, William's at $200 and Harrison's and Foster's at $150.

On May 25, 1866, Harrison's younger brother, Nephi, was ambushed, killed and mutilated by a Piute Indian. Harrison was 30 years old when he lost his brother, Nephi.

On Aug. 14, 1868, Harrison's brother, Samuel Bemis, was killed by a grizzly bear near Lake Arrowhead. Harrison was 32 yrs. old when he lost his brother, Samuel.

On Nov. 9, 1872, Harrison's mother, Jerusha (Guernsey) Bemis died. Harrison was 35 years old when he lost his mother.

The Daily Courier (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 8, Col. 1
Thu., Mar. 8, 1888
A FORTUNE IN A MOMENT.
Harrison Bemis Suddenly Falls Heir to a Cool $60,000.
Harrison Bemis, a well-known character of this city, a good-hearted, whole souled, unassuming man of about 45 years of age but who loves the bottle a little too much for his own good, yesterday received a letter from Oregon, stating that his uncle there had died and left him the bulk of his fortune, which would probably amount to $60,000 or more. Accompanying the letter was a check for $40,000, part of the heritage. The letter requested that Mr. Bemis leave at once for Oregon and he will probably leave today or to-morrow. Mr. Bemis has not seen this uncle for many years but he says that twenty years ago he loaned him $500, with the understanding that he needn't pay it until he could well afford to. This, Mr. Bemis thinks, is the result of that loan.

The Daily Courier (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 2, Col. 1
Sun., Mar. 25, 1888
Item from: PERNICIOUS PEOPLE
Several drunks were arrested on the streets yesterday among them, "Irish Pat" and Harrison Bemis.

The Daily Courier (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 3, Col. 2
Thu., Nov. 6, 1890
Excerpt from: A MORAL MOVE
Last evening an interesting and lively session of the Board of Trustees was held in the City Hall, attended by all the Trustees and city officials.
Trustee Kenniston moved that the Marshal be instructed to notify all parties carrying on business in the city of San Bernardino, not to sell, give or cause to be sold or given any intoxicating liquor of any description whatever, to the following persons: Harrison Bemis (and three others), the said parties being considered in the estimation of the Board habitual drunkards, under a penalty of immediate revocation of license. Seconded and carried unanimously.

The Weekly Courier (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 3, Col. 4
Sat., Jan. 24, 1891
On the War-Path.
Harrison Bemis, a well-known character about this city, took it into his head on Thursday night that he would go out and paint the town red. He got a double-barreled shotgun and started out. Harrison, as we all know, is on the "list," but, nonetheless, he got whiskey from some source, and that enthused him in his work. He meandered down D street until he came to a house near the corner of D and F streets, when he marched up to the door and poked the barrel of the gun through the panel of the door. The inmates naturally got out the back way and sent for the police. When Officer Moesser arrived on the scene, Harrison was holding the fort. He was arrested and lodged in jail. He will be tried this morning before Judge Marchant. When sober, Harrison is of a peaceable disposition, but when drunk he shows his warlike proclivities.

The Daily Courier (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 2, Col. 2
Sun., Feb. 15, 1891
Excerpt from: THE PEOPLE VS. HARRISON BEMIS.
Editor Courier - Dear Sir: -Your local columns have taken much interest in advising the District Attorney as to his duty in giving the county expense in the case of Harrison Bemis. No doubt all that has been said is through sympathy for the District Attorney, and what is more considerate, this office has not been troubled for any facts in the case.
The first statement of the local scribe was "that the complaining witness in the case had been reconciled and was willing to dismiss the case, and costs would be paid. That under such conditions it was folly to put the county to costs." These may not be the exact words, but it is the sentiment.
We thought criminal cases were designed to punish offenders of the law and rid the community of dangerous men; and did not know that to soothe the complaining witness into the notion of dropping the case, made it the duty of the District Attorney to succumb, unless by permission of some local editor he by chance should be permitted to proceed. There is no question that Mr. Bemis, when drunk, went to the cabin of two poor men, bursted in the door with a double barreled shotgun, both barrels loaded, and drew the gun on the two men. Through consideration of his being drunk and the extent of penalty that may be imposed for simple assault, he was charged only with simple assault.
The witnesses did not change their story, but were converted to a willingness not to appear, and did skip the valley. After diligent search by the officers, one of the men was found and brought into Court, when the attorney for defendant found it politic to secure a change of venue, on the ground of prejudice of the Justice, though the trial was before a jury. The case was agin set down for trial, the one witness returned a day in advance of the trial, was on the ground the evening before the trial, but again came up missing when the trial came on.
If Mr. B. Was innocent, why were he and his counsel so anxious to pay costs and drop the case?
If the witness thought there was nothing in his evidence, why was he not willing to testify to the facts? If his counsel knew there was nothing in the case, why was a change of venue to a new magistrate needed when a jury stood ready to hear his defense?
If the witness had not vanished, is it likely that, with a fine varying from $1 to $500, in the discretion of the Court, would have left the county much the loser, even if you measure the safety of the community by dollars and cents?
If a mistake has been made in the prosecution of this case, I should think, if permitted to think, that it has been on the side of leniency, and in presuming it was not necessary to establish a chain-gang or a bastille to keep witnesses in attendance, nevertheless, we are grateful to have the watchful eye of the local scribe kept on the office of the District Attorney. Respectfully, T. J. Fording, District Attorney.

The Daily Courier (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 3, Col. 2
Sun., Jun. 19, 1892
Item from: Pencil Points
Harrison Bemis was arrested and jailed last night for parading the streets with a Winchester rifle when drunk.

The Weekly Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 1, Col.3
Sat., Sep. 14, 1895
Excerpt from: NO CITY LAW AGAINST HOUSES OF ILL-FAME
Ordinance No. 119 Has Been Repealed.
There is no law on the statute books of the city of San Bernardino against houses of prostitution.
This startling discovery was made yesterday morning by City Attorney
Allison, who was preparing to prosecute Harrison Bemis whose case comes up tomorrow before Recorder Haile. He is charged with violating Section 4 of Ordinance 119.
But there is no Ordinance 199. Such an ordinance did exist from September 6, 1892 until January 30, 1894. On the last named date it was repealed. No other ordinance relating to houses of prostitution was passed to take the place of the repealed ordinance. If such an ordinance exists it is not in the book of ordinances recently compiled. It is evident that some one has blundered, though who and when and why cannot be stated at this time. One thing is for certain. The test case against Bemis must be dropped so far as the city is concerned.

The Daily Times-Index (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 5, Col. 2
Wed., Feb. 12, 1896
Finally Went to Jail
Harrison Bemis tarried with the wine yesterday until he felt warlike, and in the evening sought I. R. Brunn's liquor store for an interview with James Waters. The net results of the interview aforesaid was that Bemis was struck over the head with a chair manipulated by Waters. He was considerably battered, and the wounds bled freely. He was taken away, but this morning he was still very drunk and came around again, hunting trouble. He was finally arrested and is spending the day in jail.

The Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 4, Col. 2
Thu., Aug. 25, 1898
THE OLD MAN DRUNK AGAIN
Harrison Bemis Sings the Same Old Tune to His First Street Tenants
They Call on the Police and the Irate Landlord Again Languishes in Jail
"The old man's drunk again,: was the song as Harrison Bemis sailed in on his tenants, the colored contingent who occupy his cottage at the corner of First and D streets. This was no surprise to them, as it has often happened in times past, especially when the old man about seven months ago attacked the house with a shotgun, and after splintering the door from the outside entered and fired through from the inside, blowing out a window or two.
Therefore when yesterday forenoon the landlord made the attack upon his tenants, they knew better than to make much of a resistance, but like the Spanish before the Rough Riders fled in inglorious and fearful confusion, leaving Bemis master of all he surveyed.
A call was sent up to police headquarters when Marshal Reeves and Policeman White hurried down to interview the irate Harrison, but the latter succeeded in standing them off for a few moments, until by a flank movement he was surrounded captured and placed in jail, where he will languish until sobered up enough for putting in an appearance before Recorder Faris.

The Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 1, Col. 2
Sat., Nov. 18, 1899
BEMIS DRAWS A GUN
Harrison Bemis, a well-known citizen of San Bernardino got into an argument with a lineal descendent of the original Montezumas and as the argument waxed warm, Harrison drew out a weapon proposing to annihilate his opponent, but was stopped in his good intentions and on being brought up by the police, he was allowed to go on his own bail, but the case was turned over to the District Attorney as it was too hefty for the police court, and will probably engage the attention of the Grand Jury before many moons.

Daily Times-Index (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 5, Col. 2
Fri., Feb. 23, 1900
Three Houses Burned
A fire alarm from box 25, at 2:45 this afternoon, called the Fire Department and several hundred people to the corner of Mt. Vernon and Third street, where three small houses were ablaze.
The cottages were the property of Harrison Bemis, two being occupied, one by Bemis himself, and one by an Italian family. It is thought that Bemis, who was drunk as usual, went away from home and left the fire burning and that the fire started from that.
All three of the cottages were destroyed and it was only by the hard work of the Fire Department and the Santa Fe employee that others standing near were saved.

Daily Times-Index (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 8, Col. 3
Tue., Jan. 22, 1901
Old Harrison Bemis is to be sent to the asylum. This may not come as a surprise to many of the people about town, who know Bemis and the life he has led for the past few years as insanity is about the only consequence which could be expected.
Harrison Bemis was at once time an enterprising miner, and it is said that he owned mining property and real estate that reached in valuation nearly to the $100,000 mark. He took to drinking heavily, however, and is now almost entirely broken up.
Of late, he has been acting very curiously and was often found on the streets in an intoxicated and almost crazy condition.
The other night he imagined that certain fiends not entirely to his liking, were infesting the house in which he lives, so taking his rifle he proceeded to shoot up the residence and certain other houses in the immediate neighborhood.
Another curious idea that Bemis has, is that some one has placed a quantity of dynamite in his bed and he makes it a pastime trying to shoot into the bed in order to explode the dynamite.
Today he was arrested at the instigation of his neighbors and after being allowed to sober up a charge of insanity will be brought against him.

San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 3, Col. 4
Fri., Nov. 1, 1901
IS AGAIN ARRESTED
Harrison Bemis, the pioneer drunk of the city, was arrested yesterday, he having for the 999th time indulged too freely in spiritous liquors, and he is now occupying a suite of rooms in the city jail. He is used to staying there.
Harrison, when arrested, said he was out trying to raise money to pay his taxes. He said he was sorry he had been arrested, because he was sure the judge would fine him, and he said he did not like to pay fines.

San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 2, Col. 5
Thu., Jun. 12, 1902
HARRISON GOES ON A RAMPAGE
Wants to Kill Everyone From the Police Down to His Neighbors.
Harrison Bemis, who holds the record in the county for whiskey drinking, was on a rampage again last night, threatening to kill every one who came near him, and emphasizing his threats by shoving a rifle through the door of the shack he lives in.
Joseph Dustan, an aged employee of the Santa Fe company, was the man Bemis was most annoyed with and he swore by all that was bad that he would shoot Dustan's head off. Dustan did not wait for him to carry his threat into execution, but came immediately for the police.
Officers Starke and Wixom answered the call and went to First and G streets, where Bemis resides. When they arrived on the scene, Bemis was standing in his house daring anyone to come near him. The situation was rather unpleasant for the officers, and finally when Bemis came out with a 45-60 Winchester rifle in his hand and the weapon cocked, the officers made it convenient to seek shelter.
Finally Wixom succeeded in getting behind the drunken man and the two grappled. Then Starke took a hand and the gun was taken away from him.
The officers then made a search of his house and what they found was slightly appalling. Near the door was an ax, another ax lay near the bed, while on the table was a shotgun, loaded with No. 4 shot, and near it was a long-bladed butcher knife.
Bemis was lodged in the city jail. Dustan informed the officers that he would swear to a complaint charging Bemis with threatening to kill.

San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 3, Col. 3
Fri., Jun. 13, 1902
BEMIS IS GIVEN A HEAVY SENTENCE.
He Would Have Been Sent to Highland but for the Fact that the Institution is Overcrowded. - Considered Dangerous.
Harrison Bemis was arraigned before Recorder Goodlet yesterday on a charge of being drunk.
"You are accused of being drunk, Harrison," said Recorder Goodlet.
"I wasn't drunk. I just had one drink," said Harrison, but the Recorder thought different and sentenced the prisoner to spend 25 days in the City jail, or pay a fine of $50. He went to jail, but it is understood he will pay his fine to-day.
Bemis is a confirmed inebriate and an effort was made yesterday to see what could be done about sending him to the hospital for the insane. The Highland hospital is so crowded, however, that that institution will not receive confirmed drunkards as insane patients, and for this reason, Bemis was not taken before a lunacy commission. Something will be done with the man, as the police regard him as dangerous when in liquor which, by the way, is all the time.

San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 1, last column, and P. 6, Col. 3
Sun., Mar. 26, 1905
HARRISON BEMIS ON WILD TEAR
TERRIFIES NEIGHBORHOOD AT FIRST AND G STREETS
GETS HIS ARSENAL WORKING BUT OVERPOWERED BY POLICE
Harrison Bemis last night again got on a drunk and attempted tp shoot up the town, with the usual result of landing in jail.
Bemis lives in a shack at the corner of First and G streets and maintains a small-sized arsenal, which he never forgets to get into action when he gets a "jag" on. Last night he used his shot gun and had the whole neighborhood terrified, when a call was sent to the police.
Policemen Poppet and Seccombe answered the call, with Policeman Reeves and Constable Allen getting on the ground before the trouble was over with. On the approach of the officers, Bemis got into the shanty and closed the door.
The officers forced the door open, when Bemis thrust a loaded shot gun into their faces, but was prevented from firing by the officers grabbing the gun and wrestling it from him, breaking it in two.
With the shot gun out of the way, it took but a moment to capture Bemis though he put up a hot fight. A loaded rifle and an ax were also found in the room, the rifle being brought to police headquarters.
Bemis gets on these tares periodically and on several occasions has shot up the section where he lives, and attempted to shoot the officers when they approach. The police do not know what to do with him, but are considering entering a charge of insanity against him as a protection to the neighborhood and themselves, as they fear that some time he will shoot some one when he gets on a spree.

Daily Times-Index (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 8, Col. 3
Mon., Mar. 27, 1905
Harrison Bemis was charged with disturbing the peace. He did not know whether he should plead guilty or not. He had sold a small piece of property and came along the street with the money in his pocket. He met some friends who asked him to treat, and he did treat and when they retreated they were all nearly ready for treatment. Bemis said he had got into his own house, and he did not propose to be taken therefrom. He presumed he had been making some noise, but he was in his own house, and he tried to resist officers when they sought to arrest him. The officers say that when they were called to the neighborhood of First and G streets, Bemis put up a fierce fight, all right. His case was continued until later in the day, a jury to be summoned.

Los Angeles Evening Express (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 1, Col. 2
Wed., Apr. 12, 1905
FURIOUS FIGHT WITH LUNATIC
Police Have a Desperate Encounter With Harrison Bemis, Once the Wealthiest Resident of San Bernardino
SAN BERNARDINO, Cal., April 12. - Harrison Bemis, once the wealthiest man in San Bernardino, ran amuck this morning at an early hour, wrecking his house with an ax, after which armed with a revolver, he attacked the home of a neighbor. A hurry call for police brought Officers Henderson, Poppett and Kettering to the scene and they had a furious fight before landing the lunatic in jail.
This is the second time in two weeks that Benis has displayed violence. He will be committed to the asylum. During the early days Bemis owned half of San Bernardino. He was jilted in love on the eve of marriage twenty-five years ago and ever since has been going down hill.

On May 1, 1905, Harrison's oldest brother, Amos Wilson Bemis, died after years of suffering from cancer.

Daily Times-Index (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 2, Col. 5
Thu., Dec. 21, 1905
WASN'T SURE BUT LIKELY
Harrison Henry Bemis Never Told a Lie and Was Released to Return With His Fine
"All of you stand up," said Judge Vestal.
"You are all charged with being drunk. What do you say to it. Guilty to not guilty?"
"What is your plea, Bemis?"
"You - your honor, if you please sir, my name is Harrison H. Bemis, or to be exact, you - your honor, I am called Harrison Henry Bemis, that is in fu - full, sir."
"Well, were you drunk?"
"I don't know - I don't know when I was arrested, nor who - who arrested me."
"It's very likely you were drunk, then, Harrison Henry."
Very - very possibly sir."
Following the lead of H. Henry Bemis, the three other drunks plead guilty and received the usual charge - "five bucks or five days."
When it came to settling up, Bemis was credited with but $2.
"I'll tell you what you do, chief - just give me my things and I'll go out and bring you in the $5 some time this morning. You know I'll do it, chief. I never lied to you once, did I?"
"You. Never did," replied the marshal, so Harrison H. Bemis received his papers and the $2 went out into the morning.

Daily Times-Index (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 8, Col. 2
Fri., Dec. 29, 1905
Excerpt from: THE MISSING EIGHT
Harrison Bemis Promises to Take the New Year's Pledge and is Fined $10 to Remind Him
Harrison Henry Bemis will sign the pledge the first of the new year. It was so determined this morning in the police court.
To enable H. Henry Bemis to taper off on his Christmas drunk he was confined in the city jail last night. After having plead guilty to the charge of drunkenness, Judge Vestal asked him: "Mr. Bemis, don't you think it is time that fellows as old as you and I swore off drinking?"
"I - I do, indeed, your honor, and I propose that we stop right away."
"I'm glad to hear that. You won't take another drink, will you?"
"Well, as to that, I will tell you. I feel pretty rocky this morning your honor, and I - I will have to take just one more drink to brace me up. Then after that, I'll quit."
Mr. Bemis left $10 with the city.

San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 7, Col. 1
Sun., Jul. 3, 1910
HEADS I WIN, TAILS YOU LOSE
Harrison Bemis, eccentric pioneer, whose once great wealth has now dwindled to a paltry $15,000, consisting of a home place and several dwellings bringing in good rentals, yesterday sought from one end of San Bernardino to another for someone who would wager him $1,500 as against all his property that Jeffries will win in the big battle against the African at Reno tomorrow.
Whatever one may charge against Bemis in the way of eccentricities and an all-consuming thirst he is admitted to be shrewd as the shrewdest when it comes to a bargain, and no better illustration of this fact could be imagined than the way he went bet hunting.
"Say kid," exclaimed Bemis, accosting a well-known card sharp, "if you're game put up your money, or your mother's money. Your kind usually spend their mother's money. I'll bet my property, every foot of it, good, gilt edge real estate, none better in this old hacienda, and representing $1,000 against every hundred of your mother's money, if you'll put up $1500."
The more Bemis thought and talked of the possibilities of picking up $1500 on the bog fight, the more exasperated he was when every man accosted refused to take the African end of the bet, and when one suggested that he would bet Bemis $10,000 as against $15,000 worth of real estate that Johnson would get licked the old pioneer was insulted, and became furious.

The Evening Index (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 1, Col. 3-5
Tue., Aug. 30, 1910
PIONEER BEMIS SLAYS IN FIGHT WITH MEXICANS
ROW OVER FENCE CULMINATES IN A FIGHT AND KILLING OF JOSE MARCUS ON G STREET
A Mexican named Jose Marcus was killed on South G street shortly before 2 o'clock this afternoon by Harrison Bemis, one of the oldest and at one time one of the wealthiest men in San Bernardino.
From what could be learned from the story told by Bemis, the trouble arose over a row between two Mexican families, both tenants of Bemis. The killing was done with a shotgun fired at such close range that it burned a hole through the clothing and the skin of the left breast, the charge of shot going directly into the heart of Marcus and killing him instantly.
It seems that one of the tenants had been complaining of the Marcus family to Bemis, claiming that they persisted in trespassing on the property of the complainants. Bemis therefore determined to construct a fence between the two places, and did so, but no sooner was it constructed than it was torn down by Marcus and other members if his household. It was replaced and again torn down.
THEY QUARRELED ALL DAY
This was yesterday afternoon and all day today the Marcus family have been quarreling with their landlord about the matter. Shortly after 1:30 this afternoon while Bemis was sitting in a little house occupied by Jim and which is directly behind the Marcus house, the door was shoved open and as he went to close it he was shoved backed into the room. He again went to the door, whereupon Marcus grappled with him and a scuffle ensued in which another Mexican whose name has not been learned joined, while others ran from the Marcus house to join in the attack. Seeing that he was outnumbered Bemis broke away from Marcus and seizing his shotgun fired it directly into the heart of his assailant, killing him instantly.
This is the story told by Bemis to the officers when he was arrested and the only thing that has been discovered that makes it seem improbable is the fact that while Bemis claims that Marcus was standing directly in the doorway if the Bemis house he was lying some 15 feet away when the officers arrived, and apparently had fallen without moving from his tracks.
ANOTHER VERSION
Eye witnesses to the shooting tell an entirely different story from that told by Bemis. According to members of the Marcus household as well as of the other tenants of houses belonging to Bemis, there was a quarrel this morning during which Bemis struck Marcus in the head with a hammer. This afternoon he called to Marcus and when the latter came outside, Bemis again began the quarrel, keeping it up until Marcus stepped over to one side of the yard, when Bemis shot him, his victim falling to the ground, without taking a step. The neighbors claim that there has been no complaint about trespassing and that that part of the rumpus is simply one of the hallucinations to which Bemis is subject.
OFFICERS ARREST THE SLAYER
The news of the killing was brought to the officers by a witness of the fight, and immediately Policemen Jack Stewart and Walter Roberts, Under Sheriff Charles Ward and Deputy Sheriff George Hewing responded to the call. The policemen reached the place first and took Bemis into custody just as the others arrived. Coroner Van Wie also went with the officers and took charge of the remains of the dead man preliminary to holding the inquest.
Harrison Bemis was for years one of the wealthiest men of this city, and is a character well-known to all of the older residents of the county. However, owing to his appetite for drink his property has finally frittered away until the few small shacks he has on First street are all that he has left. These he rented to Mexicans, the rentals bringing him in sufficient for his needs. While if his story is found to be true he was probably somewhat justified in the shooting, he has for years been a source of trouble to the officers and upon two or three occasions it is claimed he has threatened to kill policemen who have had occasion to go to his house in response to complaints made by his neighbors. It is said that his residence was a small-sized arsenal and that he always seemed ready to use the guns.

San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 2, Col. 5
Wed., Aug. 31, 1910
Excerpt from: MEXICAN IS SHOT DOWN IN ROW
Friends Declare that Victim of Murderous Fire Was Foully Attacked.
*The first six paragraphs describe the shooting of Jose Marquis by Harrison Bemis, 75 years old, a pioneer of the valley and for numerous years one of the characters of the town.
His (Bemis') Downfall.
His downfall dates from his being jilted by a light-hearted woman. They were engaged to be married. He fairly idolized her, and had made elaborate arrangements for the wedding, when she suddenly married another.
After that Bemis lost all interest in the world. He eschewed the company of his fellows, took to drink, and for years has been in a daily condition of inebriety. He had invested some of his wealth in land, and with a number of houses on this property has managed to retain property to the value of probably $25,000.
The autopsy developed that the load of shot had passed directly into the body, shattering the liver and other vitals. The shot, wads and powder all entered the body, a gaping hole being made by the shot. Coroner Van Wie will hold the inquest this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, at the morgue of Stephens & Son.

San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 3, Col. 3-4
Fri., Sep. 2, 1910
BEMIS FREE FROM THE LAW
Coroner's Jury Finds That He Killed Jose Marquis in Self Defense
Harrison Bemis was discharged from custody yesterday, the coroner's jury coming to the conclusion that the eccentric pioneer killed Jose Marquis in self defense, and the testimony taken yesterday fully substantiated this view of the case, Coroner Van Wie having quietly probed into the shooting himself during the early morning yesterday, and put to a test the testimony of the Mexicans, this showing a wide divergence in what did occur and what they alleged took place.
The Mexicans had testified that at the time Marquis was shot down he was from 10 to 15 feet from the Bemis house and from Bemis. Coroner Van Wie had the gun tested out in the county jail yard. A sheet was put up, and at a distance of 10 feet from the sheet the gun was fired.
Self Defense
The result was that the shot scatters out in quite a large circle, besides which there was not the first evidence of powder marks on the sheet. This test demonstrated that the deceased and Bemis were standing not 10 feet apart, but close together when the fatal shot was fired. The wound is clean cut, resembling a bullet hole made by a rifle, the man's garments ignited, and the flesh and clothing were badly powder burned.
No two statements of the Mexicans harmonize, while Walter Tompkins, the only white witness two actually see the encounter, completely swept away all doubt as to the fact that the two Mexicans had actually attacked Bemis in his own home, and he only fired, killing one of his assailants, when they were forcing the door on him.
The testimony of Tompkins opens a new feature in the case as proving that Marquis, though literally torn into atoms internally, walked fully 25 feet before he collapsed and died.

San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 8, Col. 2
Wed., Apr. 12, 1911
COURT NEWS
MENTAL WRECK DUE TO LOVE AFFAIR
Harrison Bemis, Once Wealthy Pioneer, Examined by Commission Today.
Harrison Bemis will be taken before the Superior Court this morning to be examined before a lunacy commission. The examination will be in charge of Judge Densmore of Riverside, who will sit at the inquiry in place of Judge B. F. Bledsoe. Reports from the County hospital, where Bemis has been detained under observation for some days, indicate that he is not at all improved. Even his relatives now admit that he has been mentally off for years.
Bemis was once the wealthiest man in this section. His downfall was due to a woman's fickleness. He once was passionately in love with a young woman of the town and she feigned love for him. She worked him for much finery, and on the day of the scheduled nuptials she became the wife of a man whom he had financially aided.
The incident turned Bemis against womankind and turned him even against himself, for he took to the cup, and from that date until he was taken into custody last week, he is said to not have known a sober breath.
Had Visions
For years he has lived in his little house in the southwest part of town, at times shooting up the place with his shotgun, imagining in his delirium, that enemies were surrounding him. His little home shows the evidence of this maniacal spirit. A few months ago, while laboring under hallucinations, he blew the life out of an inoffensive Mexican. A coroner's jury, composed of pioneers of the very early day variety, who had known Bemis at his best, quickly determined that the slightly pioneer acted in self-defense, and his act constituted "justifiable homicide."
Since then his periods of violence are said to have increased. Last week, as a youth was riding homeward on his bicycle, he stopped in front of the Bemis home to fix his bicycle lamp. Suddenly he became aware that some one was standing near, and he looked up to find Bemis covering him with his deadly shotgun.
"What are you doing?" exclaimed the youth in fright. No answer was obtained, and the bicycle rider mounted his machine and hurried off. He at once lodged a complaint against Bemis, charging insanity. The officers discovered that Bemis labors under the hallucination that enemies are trying to pour cyanide over him. This wild imagining has increased since Bemis was taken to the hospital.

Los Angeles Daily Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 15, Col. 3
Wed., Apr. 12, 1911
WOMAN'S DUPLICITY.
Harrison Bemis will be examined tomorrow in the Superior Court before a lunacy commission. Bemis was once the wealthiest man in this valley. He was a cattle owner and had extensive land owning.
He was engaged to marry a young woman of the town thirty years ago. She accompanied a friend to Los Angeles for a shopping excursion, with other young folks. The friend won her heart, and instead of becoming the wife of the wealthy cattleman, she married his friend. Bemis had even bought the finery in which she married his chum.
The deceit of the woman so altered the man's life that ever afterward he hated the very sight of womankind. Since then he has never drawn a sober breath. A few months ago he killed a Mexican with his shotgun, while laboring under hallucinations. The Coroner's jury was composed exclusively of aged pioneers, and naturally they freed Bemis from blame, their verdict being justifiable homicide. Last week Bemis attempted to shoot a boy. This led to his arrest. He imagines that some one is trying to pour cyanide into his bed.

Obituary - Tuesday, March 20, 1917 - Riverside Daily Press (Riverside, CA) -
Old Timer Dies at Patton
Harrison Bemis, a man of many eccentricities and for half a century a well known character of the southwest, died yesterday at Patton.
He came to San Bernardino in 1854 and was 83 years of age at the time of his death. He was a stirring figure in pioneer times, and acquired an early fortune by driving horses to Salt Lake City, where he traded for cattle, which he sold in Southern California.

San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 12, Col. 2
Tue., Mar. 20, 1917
HARRISON BEMIS PASSES AWAY AT 83
Widely-known Character of Southwest's History On Last Trail
Harrison Bemis, for half a century a character of the southwest, died yesterday at Patton. He came to San Bernardino in June, 1854 - nearly 63 years ago. He was about 83 years of age.
During the early years of his life here Bemis acquired a fortune by driving horses to Salt Lake and there trading them for cattle, which he brought to Southern California. He was a partner of Joe Brown in various ventures on the desert. He was known as a remarkable trader. At one time he had probably $50,000, the bulk of which he kept in cash in banks here.
Bemis never married. A love affair blighted his life. The girl he was to have married wedded another after the engagement had been announced, the wedding date set and the home prepared for the bridal couple. For 35 years Bemis lived an eccentric life.
Was Active Pioneer
During frontier days Bemis took an active part n the stirring times of a decade. He was about 20 years old when he came here. When he was a baby his father and mother started out of New York State, headed into the west. That was about 1837. At the Missouri River the elder Bemis died, and Mrs. Bemis, with her ten children, continued the exciting journey west.
Only two members of the family now survive, Mrs. Tom Roberds and Charles Bemis, both of this city.
Practically nothing of the Bemis fortune of the early days is left. Some property is all that forms the estate. Bemis went to Patton six or seven years ago. He shot and killed a Mexican at his home. Although the evidence indicated Bemis had a provocation and shot in self-defense, his eccentric ways had caused him to make a show of firearms numerous times before, and was committed to Patton, where he gradually failed, and toward the last had visions of the wealth of the early days. He talked of his $25,000 at the "Louie" Jacobs bank.