To The Memory of Mike Tovey
Wells Fargo Messenger
Michael (“Mike”) Tovey, Wells Fargo Messenger was killed and DeWitt Clinton Radcliff, stage driver injured on this spot, June 15, 1893, by a lone bandit who attempted to hold up the regular six-horse stage on the old Ione - Jackson Stage Road.
A line of stages was established in 1850, running between Sacramento and Sonora via Q Ranch (near Ione) Jackson, Mokelumne Hill, Angels and Columbia. Over $256,000,000 in gold bullion is said to have been carried in the early days over this, the main artery to the “Mother Lode” and southern mines.
In memory of these and many other brave, intrepid, self-sacrificing and loyal Wells Fargo messengers and stage drivers of California, this tablet is dedicated.
Marker is on State Highway 88/104 1.6 miles west of Ridge Road (State Highway 104), on the left when traveling west.
Courtesy hmdb.org
