HISTORY OF COPPEROPOLIS
Murder in Copperopolis
George McCarty and John Gorham

The only murder in Copperopolis in the 1800’s was an act of jealously. George McCarty a prominent stock-raiser and rancher, was gunned down by John Gorham, the underground foreman at the Union mine. Seems Gorham had fallen in love with Miss Alma Cobb, a very highly esteemed young woman in Copperopolis. While she treated him in a friendly manner, she did not reciprocate his affection.

On the other hand, young George McCarty, also an admirer of Miss Cobb, was prosperous, good looking and sociable. Miss Cobb favored McCarty over Gorham.

Both men were preparing for an entertainment soon to be given by the Odd Fellows and had attended a rehearsal. Gorham left the rehearsal early, but gave no indication he was upset. He evidently went from the rehearsal to a hiding place near Miss Cobb’s home. McCarty escorted Miss Cobb home and as he was on his way back to town after saying good night, the first shot was fired near her house.

Whether any words were spoken between the two men will never be known, but the shot was plainly heard by the members of the Cobb family. McCarty tried to escape from the murderer, and ran, shouting for help, toward the center of town. Gorham closely followed his victim and shot two more times and McCarty fell dead. Within five minutes after the murder a terrific explosion was heard in an old building. Gorham had blown himself up with a stick of dynamite and his body was torn into pieces. Both men are buried in the Cemetery just a few yards from each other.

This excerpt from the History of Copperopolis courtesy of the “School Tour” notes by Linda Beck, with permission taken directly from "Tools Are On The Bar" by Charlie and Rhoda Stone.