On Nov. 9, 1861, near here, six local landholders tried to evict John Balkwill, a "squatter," from land claimed by Alymer Drullard. Because Balkwill had fortified his cabin, a cannon was borrowed at night from Stockton, loaded with scrap iron, and pulled to within 250 yards of the fort. Balkwill opened fire, and the artillerymen returned four shots, all but one missing the cabin. Three posse members were slightly wounded by Balkwill, who was unhurt. The attackers were arrested, tried, and fined. Balkwill was allowed to keep the land, which he later sold back to Drullard.