This officiating minister was in reality no more than a curate, deputy or vicegerent of the appropriator, and therefore called vicarius or vicar."
"The American Church Dictionary and Cyclopedia"
William James Miller
In those cases it was considered that the first possessor or appropriator of the claim had the better right as against all parties except the government, and that he, and persons claiming under him, were entitled to protection.
"Personal Reminiscences of Early Days in California with Other Sketches; To Which Is Added the Story of His Attempted Assassination by a Former Associate on the Supreme Bench of the State"
Stephen Field; George C. Gorham
In determining controversies between parties thus situated, this court proceeds upon the presumption of a grant from the government to the first appropriator of mines, water privileges, and the like.
"Personal Reminiscences of Early Days in California with Other Sketches; To Which Is Added the Story of His Attempted Assassination by a Former Associate on the Supreme Bench of the State"
Stephen Field; George C. Gorham