Early California pioneer William B. Ide was a member of the original Bear Flag Party organized in June 1846 in Colusi County, later changed to Colusa. As the first and only president of the California Republic, he issued a historic proclamation on June 18, 1846. He also held other offices, serving with honor and distinction as Justice of the Peace at Tehama in 1846; and in Colusa County in 1851 as Deputy Clerk, Associate Justice of the Court of Sessions, and Treasurer, and as Judge in 1852.